EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/9/2011

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Men News

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  ABA   


Pioneers announce a tryout camp / Pro Combine - by Gianni Pascucci
The St.Louis Pioneers, operated by Pioneer Sports Management & Entertainment, returns for a second season in the ABA. Finishing the 2010-11 year with a 13-3 record the organization is kicking off the summer with Pro Combines to ensure that the best talent will step on the court at tip-off in November.
The Pioneers ABA Professional Combine will be facilitated by St.Louis native, former Georgetown Hoya & NBA player, and now the Pioneers new Head Coach Jahidi White (6'9''-C-75, college: Georgetown). Jahidi has played for the Washington Wizards and the Phoenix Suns. Along with Elite skills conditioner and trainer, Walter Harris, also known as 'Coach 3' in the St.Louis basketball circuit the Pioneers look to fill the roster this year with exceptional talent.
The Pioneers will hold the summer Professional Combine on July 16, 2011 and is held at 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 in the Robert L. Edison gymnasium from 12pm to 3pm.
Please arrive early to complete registration. Or Go to www.stlpioneers.com to register online


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  ARGENTINA   


Argentinian National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Argentinian National Team 2011
#s#
Pablo Prigioni
Prigioni
Pepe Sanchez
Sanchez
Juan Pablo Figueroa
Figueroa
Manu Ginobili
Ginobili
Carlos Delfino
Delfino
#e#5
Pablo Prigioni 191-G-77 Real Madrid Spain
Pepe Sanchez 193-G-77 Estudiantes Argentina
Juan Pablo Figueroa 184-G-86 Pinheiros/Sky Brazil
Manu Ginobili 198-G-77 San Antonio S. USA
Carlos Delfino 198-G-82 Milwaukee B. USA
Pancho Jasen 199-G-78 Estudiantes Spain
Andres Nocioni 199-F-79 Philadelph.76 USA
Paolo Quinteros 186-G-79 CAI Zaragoza Spain
Leonardo Gutierrez 200-F-78 Penarol Argentina
Luis Scola 206-F/C-80 Houston R. USA
Leonardo Mainoldi 204-F-85 Fuenlabrada Spain
Federico Kammerichs 203-F/C-80 Flamengo Brazil
Juan Gutierrez 205-F/C-83 Obras Argentina
Fabricio Oberto 207-C-75 Portland TB USA
Martin Leiva 208-F/C-80 Penarol Argentina

Julio Cesar Lamas Head Coach Obras Argentina


Croatia U19 succumb to Argentina U19 in Quarter Finals - by Eurobasket News
Argentina U19-Croatia U19 81:76

Croatia U19 succumb to Argentina U19 in Quarter Finals and allowed the Latin American team to be the only non-European representative at the Semifinals of the FIBA U19 World Championship.
Argentina won the opening tip 11-4 and then increased to 21-11 after the first 10 minutes. Marcos Delia (206-C-92) made it 36:24, while Juan Giaveno scored for 46:30. Boris Barac (206-F-92) made two free throws at the end of the frame to reduce to 46:32. Croatia looked better after the break and reduced from -14 to -5. Boris Barac scored from the perimeter for 59:54 after thirty minutes. Moreover Toni Katic cut it to 61:59 and Dario Saric (207-F/C-94) scored for 73:70. Argentina meanwhile did not allow the European team to go on a lead and Juan Giaveno nailed two for 79:73 with less than a minute to go. Franco Giorgetti (202-F-92) was perfect from the free throw line at the very end to bring 81:76 win for Argentina.
Patricio Garino (196-G/F-93) chipped in 21 points for the winners and Marcos Delia notched 16. Franco Giorgetti poured in 12, whilst Carlos Paredes (196-F-92) scored 11. Dario Saric finished the game with 24 points in defeat and Boris Barac scored 22.

Argentina U19: Patricio Garino 21, Marcos Delia 16, Franco Giorgetti 12, Carlos Paredes 11
Croatia U19: Dario Saric 24, Boris Barac 22



Standings - LigaA
LigaA Standings
 1. Atenas 0-0 
 2. Boca Jrs 0-0 
 3. Club 9 0-0 
 4. Estudiantes 0-0 
 5. Gimnasia CR 0-0 
 6. La Union 0-0 
 7. Lanus 0-0 
 8. Libertad S. 0-0 
 9. Obras 0-0 
 10. Olimpico LB 0-0 
 11. Penarol 0-0 
 12. Quilmes MP 0-0 
 13. Quimsa 0-0 
 14. Regatas C. 0-0 
 15. San Mart.C. 0-0 
 16. Sionista 0-0 


Standings - TNA
TNA Standings
 1. A.Espanola 0-0 
 2. A.Italiana 0-0 
 3. Alianza Viedma 0-0 
 4. Alvear 0-0 
 5. Argentino 0-0 
 6. Atl.Echague 0-0 
 7. Banda Norte 0-0 
 8. Bragado 0-0 
 9. Ciclista 0-0 
 10. Estudian.Con. 0-0 
 11. Firmat SF 0-0 
 12. Huracan 0-0 
 13. Monte Hermoso 0-0 
 14. Obera TC 0-0 
 15. Rosario Cent. 0-0 
 16. San Mart.MJ 0-0 
 17. Sport Club 0-0 
 18. Tucuman BB 0-0 
 19. Union Progr. 0-0 
 20. Union S. 0-0 


Club 9 pens deal with Vernon Goodridge - by Eurobasket News
Club 9 brought in another import player. They agreed on terms of contract with Vernon Goodridge (206-F-84, college: La Salle). The 27-year-old forward started the previous season in Golden State Warriors. Vernon Goodridge spent only pre-season with the Warriors and then moved to the Springfield Armor in D-League. His stats read 9.0 points, 5.4 boards, 1.6 blocks per game. In February Vernon Goodridge moved to the Maine Red Claws. The forward tallied 3.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks then. Vernon Goodridge participated at Eurobasket Summer League in Las Vegas in 2010. The forward made it into All-Tournament 2nd Team. Vernon Goodridge was also named into All-Big Men Team.



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  AUSTRALIA   


NBA wrangle a nice 'break' in Kirk Penney talks - by Eurobasket News
The New Zealand Breakers are more confident of retaining the services of marquee shooting guard Kirk Penney after the American NBA lockout.

Tall Black Penney has a clause in his Breakers contract which allows him to explore opportunities in Europe until August 1 by which time he must confirm with the Australian national league champions for another season.

New Zealand Breakers chief executive Richard Clarke said they were 90 per cent certain of having Penney back on the roster for next season. Once that decision was settled the Breakers could then confirm their imported players.

Last season they had Americans power forward Gary Wilkinson and point guard Kevin Braswell who they have been in talks with.

NBA team owners and the players union was unable to reach consensus on the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement last week, which keeps all players off the court until a resolution.

With no jobs being signed in the NBA, many fringe players will now be chasing contracts for next season in Europe, making those leagues harder to get into.

Penney, who had a four-game stint with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2004, tried to break back into the NBA last season for the San Antonio Spurs after averaging 25 points a game for the Tall Blacks at the world championships in Turkey.

He left to trial at the start of the last Breakers season but was unsuccessful. Penney is in Europe at present visiting family, but Clarke said coach Andrej Lemanis was due to speak with him soon.

Meanwhile, the lockout is likely to have a silver lining for the Tall Black ahead of their Oceania Olympic qualifying series against Australia in September.

Star Australian centre Andrew Bogut, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA, is now an unlikely starter for the three-match series in Australia from September 7-11.

Because of the lockout, the players are no longer entitled to many benefits, which includes the NBA's insurance cover, which Basketball Australia would use to insure Bogut for any upcoming international commitments, including the series against New Zealand.

As a result, the sport's governing body in Australia has not been able to secure the insurance to provide the guaranteed coverage of Bogut's multi-million dollar contract.

Courtesy of www.stuff.co.nz

Serbia U19 shocked Australia U19 at the World Championship. - by Eurobasket News
Australia U19-Serbia U19 74:93

Serbia U19 edged Australia U19 at the FIBA U19 World Championship. The European team surprised the winner of Group E 93:74 and took their spot at the Semifinal.
Serbia started strong and took 22-12 after the first period.The Emus steadied in the second period, attacking the Serbians and making up some ground to go into the change rooms down by four points. The third quarter was decisive in the game. The Serbians were dominant in the all-important third period, holding the Emus to just 10 points while dropping 27 of their own. Australia won the last frame 26-24 but it was not enough to seal the win. Australia continued to fight until the final seconds but it would prove to be in vein with Aleksandar Cvetkovic putting in another stellar performance at point guard to steer Serbia to the final buzzer.
Djordje Drenovac (203-F-92, agency: Interperformances) and Mitrovic led the way with 17 points each, while Aleksandar Cvetkovic (185-PG-93) netted 15. Petar Lambic (195-G-92) followed them with 12 points in a win. Hugh Greenwood (190-G-92) finished the night with 25 points in the losing case, whilst Anthony Drmic (196-F/G-92) netted 15.

Australia U19: Hugh Greenwood 25, Anthony Drmic 15, Mitchell Creek (198-F/G-92) 11
Serbia U19: Djordje Drenovac 17, Mitrovic 17, Aleksandar Cvetkovic 15, Petar Lambic 12



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  AUSTRIA   


Filip Kramer signs with Kapfenberg - by Eurobasket News
Filip Kramer (200-F-92) signs with Kapfenberg for the next season. The 1992 year born Forward comes from Oberwart Gunners.
In 2009-2010 he joined Oberwart Gunners (A Bundesliga), played mostly for junior team. In 2010-2011 for Oberwart Gunners (A Bundesliga) he averaged 2.4ppg, 1.2rpg.
Last season he recorded 12 points twice in the season. In his top game the Oberwart Gunners blasted Worthersee 118:66 for nice 6-1 record in the league. The hosts had 8 players with double-digits in scoring in this game. Their most valuable player was Hannes Artner with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists (valuation 27), while Filip Kramer added 6 rebounds.
In 2008 Filip participated at the European Championships U16 Division B in Sarajevo (Bosnia) and in 9 games averaged 8.2ppg, 3.6rpg, 2FGP: 45.8%, 3FGP: 16.7%, FT: 54.5%. In 2010 he was already the member of National U18 team at the European Championships U18 Division B in Israel. In 8 games he improved to 6.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 28.6%.
Filip Kramer is a Austrian Bundesliga A Champion -11 and Austrian Bundesliga A Regular Season Runner-Up -11.


Slovenia U20 edged Austrian side in Zrece - by Eurobasket News
Austria U20 played another friendly game before heading to European Championship. After the clashes with the Dutch teams and Georgia, they played Slovenia last night.

Slovenia U20 edged Austrian side in Zrece in a friendly campaign between two sides. The hosts trailed after the first period but pushed the tempo later for good and won the game 88:76.
Austria U20 selection started better and took 23-19 after the first period. They even enjoyed 2-point halftime advantage as Slovenia won the second period 18-16. The second half however belonged to the home side. Slovenia won the third period 24-16 and then added 27-21 in the last quarter.
Marko Pajic (204-F-92) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Klemen Prepelic (191-G-92) nailed 13. Nikolic-Smrdelj ended up with 12 points for the winners, while Muric and Alen Omic (213-C-92) had 11 apiece.



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  BELARUS   


Ukraine U20 won the second and the third games over Belarus U20 - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U20 won the second and the third games over Belarus U20 in Kiev to show better preparation for U20 European Championship. After the first win in Game 1, Ukraine grabbed victories in another two.
In Game 2 Ukraine celebrated 98:72 victory. The hosts started confident and won the first period 26-13. Moreover they added 29-20 in the second frame and 27-23 in the third. Both squads scored 16 points each in the last period as the board showed 98:72 at the end. Vyacheslav Bobrov (202-F-92) and Oleksandr Lypovyy (199-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up with 16 points each, while Maksym Sandul (207-C-91) netted 14. Lyutich ended up with 17 points in the losing effort.
Game 3 was one of the most interesting. Trailing in the majority of the game, the hosts won 74:73. Belarus won the first period 19-16 and added massive 28-15 in the second. Ukraine however did not give up and produced 23-10 and 20-16 in the second half to seal the win.


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


Oostende Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Telenet Oostende has announced the addition of 2 players to its roster for the 2011-2012 season.
First new player is Greek forward Dusan Sakota (209-F-86). He spend the past couple of days in Oostende undergoing all sort of medical tests which he passed.
Dusan is an former teammate of ex Oostende guard Sam Van Rossom.
He spent most of his career playing in Greece for Panathinaikos and Panionios. He moved to Italy to play for Pesaro during the 2009-2010 season. In 28 games there he averaged 11.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg. Sakota was member of the U18 and U20 Greek national teams as well as the Greek military team with whom he won gold at the 2009 military WC.
He has quite a bit of experience in the Euroleague and Uleb Cup.

Second player added to the roster is Jason Rich (191-G-86), who last season played in Israel for Hapoel Jerusalem.
The former Florida State guard started his overseas career in Italy where he played for Cantu during the 2007-2008 season.
He spent the past 2 seasons in Israel. At first he played for Maccabi Haifa before moving to Hapoel Jerusalem for the 2010-2011 season.
Played 31 games in the Israeli league with averages of 13.7 ppg and 2.7 rpg. His scoring during 8 games in the EuroCup was slightly higher with 15.6 ppg.



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


Shortage of match officials haunts basketball - by Thomas Fink
NELSON DIRENG
Correspondent Thursday 7/7/2011

The shortage of professional referees and table officials continues to haunt the basketball league amid reports that players are unhappy with the level of officiating. The league chairman, Kabo Khama said there are only 10 professional referees in the country. The shortage has forced the association to use inexperienced referees. Khama is optimistic that with time, the situation will improve as there are currently many youngsters that are being groomed by professional referees.

He explained that they have organised fixtures in such a way that an inexperienced referee officiates with a seasoned one. Khama expressed disappointment with certain clubs, which fail to provide two officials per match as stipulated. This year, the BBA held a well-attended referees' clinic just before the league commenced. Unlike last year when the clinic was coordinated by locals, the BBA invited a trainer from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

Khama said they will host another referees' clinic after the first round of the league. He stated that the BBA is in the process of teaching table officials and referees ways of using the recently introduced 24-second short clock. Under the system, the referee has to alert the table official to reset the clock every 24 seconds of the game. The new system has caused a lot of confusion during games. Besides officiating problems, the league is suffering because of failure by clubs to honour fixtures.

Recently, Drillers were kicked out of the league for missing games. The BBA did not fine the club because the league is not sponsored. 'We cannot implement the fine that we introduced in our constitution two years ago because the league is not sponsored,' Khama said. He stated that BBA are sourcing sponsorship for the league and hopefully next season, they will have a financier. 'Having a sponsor would definitely improve the standard of the league as people would be playing for incentives,' he said.


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


Brazil edge Egypt in Riga - by Eurobasket News
Brazil U19 - Egypt U19 77:63

Brazil overcame Egypt today in the classification round for 9-12 place at U19 World Championship in Latvia. Brazil will now take on Latvia for the ninth overall position tomorrow. David Rossetto (180-PG-93) produced 18 points to lead the effort. Egypt will take on Canada for the 11th spot.
Egypt surged ahead early in the encounter. They recorded a 16:12 lead after ten minutes of action. Brazil however bounced back in the second term. They increased the tempo in the second period and exploded with 28 points to establish a 40:31 halftime lead. Brazil consolidated the lead in the third term. They limited Egypt to just 11 points and grabbed a 17-point lead at the final break. Egypt knocked down 21 points in the final quarter but came up short of victory at the end. Bruno Irigoyen (202-G/F-92) nailed 14 points, while Cristiano Felicio (206-C-92) contributed 10 points in the victory. Omar Mohamed (183-PG-94) answered with 18 points for Egypt. Assem Ahmed (205-C-92) accounted for 15 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

Brazil U19: David Rossetto 18, Bruno Irigoyen 14, Cristiano Felicio 10
Egypt U19: Omar Mohamed 18, Assem Ahmed 15+13 boards


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  CANADA   


Latvia prevail against Canada in Riga - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U19 - Canada U19 99:96

Latvia snapped four-game losing streak at the U19 World Championship. The hosts held off Canadian counterparts in classification round tonight. Latvia thus will take on Brazil for the ninth overall position at the tournament. Canada will face Egypt in the battle for the 11th place. Edmunds Dukulis (204-C-92, agency: Players Group) notched 23 points and 11 rebounds to lead Latvia in this one.
The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the opening quarter. Canada eked out a 24:23 lead at the first break. The North American side stepped on the gas in the second term. They erupted for 30 points and posted a 54:44 halftime lead. But Latvia turned things upside down in the third stanza. Led by Edmunds Dukulis the hosts went on a 27:15 rally to enter the fourth frame up by two points 71:69. Latvia dropped 28 points in the final quarter and hung on escape with a narrow win at the end. Kaspars Vecvagars (191-G-93) accounted for 17 points, while Davis Bertans (205-C-92) had 18 points for the home team. Kevin Pangos (186-PG-93) answered with 24 points for Canada. Dyshawn Pierre (198-F-93) topscored with 30 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

Latvia U19: Edmunds Dukulis 23+11 boards, Davis Bertans 18, Kaspars Vecvagars 17
Canada U19: Dyshawn Pierre 30+10 boards, Kevin Pangos 24


Sonny Weems signs Lithuanian contract - by Eurobasket News
Sonny Weems (6'6''-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) has joined Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania, signing a contract that will keep him in Europe all season rather than risk sitting out an entire year if the NBA lockout lasts.

Roger Montgomery, Weems' agent, said his client signed the deal Thursday without an NBA opt-out clause because he believes the league's uncertain labor situation makes it 'in our best interest to unpack our bags and stay the entire year.'

Weems played last season for Toronto and was a restricted free agent. The Raptors extended a qualifying offer, meaning they would maintain the right to match any offer by another team if he returned to the NBA.

Montgomery says Weems could play 70 games next season between the Lithuanian and Euroleague schedules, a good opportunity for a young player instead of losing the entire year if the NBA and players don't reach a deal. He didn't disclose the value of the contract.

Montgomery started looking for opportunities for his players at the urging of the union, which had been telling agents to be prepared for a long work stoppage. He quickly found a match in the Lithuanian champs, a team he described as needing 'one little boost to get over that hump' and believes the swingman is that player.

'Sonny will be able to go in and make a true impact,' Montgomery said, helping a team 'really in the middle of the pack maybe go to the top of the pack.'

Weems, who turned 25 Friday, is not the quality of Deron Williams, who Thursday was nearing a deal to join Besiktas of Turkey in September if the lockout remains. But Montgomery said Weems was the first from the NBA to agree to the deal without the option to return once the lockout ends.

That could be a while and Montgomery wasn't willing to wait.

'There's no way I'm going sit by idly and wait for David Stern to decide if he wants to be fair,' Montgomery said.

Weems averaged 9.2 points in 59 games for the Raptors last season. Because he is not currently under NBA contract, he is free to make the jump without worry of FIBA approval.

Courtesy of ESPN

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  CHINA   


What Does Yao's Retirement Mean for Shanghai? - by Arthur Volbert
With Yao Ming''s retirement from the NBA, could we see him have greater involvement in the Shanghai team that he owns?

Might Coach Bob Donewald's departure for Xinjiang be related to Yao Ming taking greater control of the team, perhaps even replacing him as coach?

Yao will certainly have greater involvement with the operations of basketball in China. It will be interesting to see how his career as a basketball executive proceeds.



Rockets center Yao Ming retires from NBA - by Eurobasket News
A sports career unlike any other is over.

Ming Yao (7'5''-C-80), who became the face of Chinas outreach to the West and the NBAs growing popularity around the globe, has informed the Rockets and NBA he would retire, several individuals told of the decision confirmed on Friday.

Yao has played in just five games the past two season and has had five consecutive seasons ended or interrupted by bone injuries, most recently a stress fracture in his left leg suffered Nov. 10 in Washington. Yahoo.com reported that Yao officially informed the NBA of his decision in the past 48 hours.

An eight-time All Star, he averaged 19.0 points and 9.3 rebounds in his career. He had said in March and again in May that he had chosen to continue his rehabilitation to attempt a comeback. A free agent, he said he wanted to play for the Rockets. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey and owner Leslie Alexander said they wanted Yao back.

Ill try continuing. Ill try continuing, Yao said. A lot will depend on this foot.

Asked if he believes he will play again, Yao said, Thats the direction.

Yao could not, however, play again with any confidence that he would avoid injuries.

'When you look at the course of Yaos career, stress fractures have been a part of his foot, Rockets team physician Walter Lowe said in December. To say he's not at a risk to continue to have stress fractures would be crazy. He is at a continued risk.'

Yao had said last off season in China that if he could not stay healthy that he would have to retire.

Limited to no more than 24 minutes per game, he played in just five games before the injury in Washington. Initially thought to be a relatively sprained ankle, a stress fracture was later found, ending Yaos season and career.

Courtesy of www.chron.com

Serbia, Russia, Lithuania, Argentina Advance to Semis, USA Loses - by Arthur Volbert
Serbia, Russia, Lithuania and Argentina advanced to the semi-finals of the FIBA U-19 Basketball World Championship. The USA lost to Russia 79-74 and did not.

Serbia defeated Australia 93-74 and showed that China's loss to Serbia was not a humiliation. The USA showed that this not-quite-best team is highly erratic and China should have done better in the fourth quarter but lost concentration, just as it did against Korea.

Lithuania defeated Poland 87-75 and Argentina defeated Croatia 81-76. In place 9-12 consolation games Latvia defeated Canada 79-76 and Brazil defeated Egypt 77-63. China's loss to Egypt was China's only true team collapse.

In tomorrow's semi-finals Serbia will play Argentina while Lithuania will play Russia. Egypt will play Canada for 11th place while Brazil plays Latvia for 9th. In the 5-8 consolation games Australia will play Croatia and Poland will play the USA.



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  CROATIA   


Croatia U19 succumb to Argentina U19 in Quarter Finals - by Eurobasket News
Argentina U19-Croatia U19 81:76

Croatia U19 succumb to Argentina U19 in Quarter Finals and allowed the Latin American team to be the only non-European representative at the Semifinals of the FIBA U19 World Championship.
Argentina won the opening tip 11-4 and then increased to 21-11 after the first 10 minutes. Marcos Delia (206-C-92) made it 36:24, while Juan Giaveno scored for 46:30. Boris Barac (206-F-92) made two free throws at the end of the frame to reduce to 46:32. Croatia looked better after the break and reduced from -14 to -5. Boris Barac scored from the perimeter for 59:54 after thirty minutes. Moreover Toni Katic cut it to 61:59 and Dario Saric (207-F/C-94) scored for 73:70. Argentina meanwhile did not allow the European team to go on a lead and Juan Giaveno nailed two for 79:73 with less than a minute to go. Franco Giorgetti (202-F-92) was perfect from the free throw line at the very end to bring 81:76 win for Argentina.
Patricio Garino (196-G/F-93) chipped in 21 points for the winners and Marcos Delia notched 16. Franco Giorgetti poured in 12, whilst Carlos Paredes (196-F-92) scored 11. Dario Saric finished the game with 24 points in defeat and Boris Barac scored 22.

Argentina U19: Patricio Garino 21, Marcos Delia 16, Franco Giorgetti 12, Carlos Paredes 11
Croatia U19: Dario Saric 24, Boris Barac 22



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  CYPRUS   


Pavels Veselovs in Keravnos Strovolou - by Chris Mammides
After the two Americans and in less than two days, the team of Keravnos Strovolou added another player in its roster, the Latvian power forward Pavels Veselovs (207-F/C-83) who was training the last couple of weeks in the Italian club Biella. The Latvian power forward is a great three point shooter but at the same time can play in the paint. He can easily play the 3-4 and 5 positions and his statistics the last season in the Latvian league were very good as he finsihed with as many as 15 points per game and 6 rebounds. Coach Giannaras with this move he basecally did his 'bim men' three, after the Cyprus international Panagiotis Trisokkas and the Czech giant Alen Cen.

The next move will be probably the third American who will be playing in the parameter too.


The Latvian Veselovs is the new player of Keravnos Strovolou - by Chris Mammides
After the two Americans and in less than two days, the team of Keravnos Strovolou added another player in its roster, the Latvian power forward Pavels Veselovs who was training the last couple of weeks in the Italian club Biella. The Latvian power forward is a great three point shooter but at the same time can play in the paint. He can easily play the 3-4 and 5 positions and his statistics the last season in the Latvian league were very good as he finsihed with as many as 15 points per game and 6 rebounds. Coach Yiannaras with this move he basecally did his 'bim men' three, after the Cyprus international Panagiotis Trisokkas and the Czech giant Ales Chan.

The next move will be probably the third American who will be playing in the parameter too.


Pavels Veselovs in Keravnos Strovolou - by Chris Mammides
After the two Americans the team of Keravnos STrovolou added another player in its roster, the Latvian power forward Pavels Veselovs who was training the last couple of weeks in the Italian club Biella. The Latvian power forward is a great three point shooter but at the same time can play in the paint. He can easily play the 3-4 and 5 positions and his statistics the last season in the LAtvian league were very good as he finsihed with as many as 15 points per game and 6 rebounds. Coach Giannaras with this move he basecally did his 'bim men' three, after the Cyprus interantional Panagiotis Trisokkas and the Czech giant Alen Cen.
The next move will be probably the third American who will be playing in the parameter too.

Louis Darby for Keravnos - by Dr. Nasios Orinos

Louis Darby (agency: Omnia Sports, www.omniasports.eu, college: Long Beach St.) Basketball profile

Height: 196cm / 65
Position: Guard
Born: Jan.25, 1984 (Northridge, California)
Team: Rovinari (Romania) (2009-11)
Nationality: USA
College: Long Beach St.
Previous teams:
Pitesti (Romania)
Carlsbad (USA-WCBL)
Wehda (Syria)

Career:


Panorama City, CA (Sylmar HS)
2003-2004: Long Beach St. (NCAA): 25 games: 6.6ppg, 2.1rpg, 15ast
2004-2005: Long Beach St. (NCAA): 14 games: 6.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 10ast, FGP: 42.1%, 3Pts: 27.3%
2005: July-August: L.A. Nike Pro City College League (Hanks Top Prospects)
2005-2006: Long Beach St. (NCAA): 29 games: 6.2ppg, 1.9rpg, FG: 46.7%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 80.2%
2006-2007: Long Beach St. (NCAA): 31 games: 5.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3Pts: 34.8%, FT: 69.5%
2007-2008: Al Wehda Damascus (Syria-D1)
2008: Carlsbad Beach Dawgs (WCBL)
2008-2009: CS Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu (Romania-Div.A): injured in March 09 and couldnt finish the season: 21 games: 16.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 72.4%
2009-2010: BCMUS Arges Pitesti (Romania-Div.A), in Dec.09 moved to CS Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu (Romania-Div.A, starting five): 15 games: 14.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 61.7%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.1%
2010-2011: CS Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu (Romania-Div.A): 30 games: 19.1ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP-2 (67.7%), 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 78.3%

Awards/Achievements:

Big West All-Freshman Team -04
Big West Tournament Finalist -06
ESPN College Slam Dunk Championships -07
Big West Regular Season Champion -07
Big West Tournament Winner -07
Romanian League All-Star Game Slam Dunk Contest Winner -11
Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Forward of the Year -11
Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 1st Team -11
Eurobasket.com Romanian League All-Imports Team -11



*****************************************************
  D-LEAGUE   


NBA announces affiliations with NBA Development League for 2011-12 season - by Eurobasket News
The National Basketball Association and the NBA Development League, the official minor league of the NBA, today announced the affiliation system for the 2011-12 season. An all-time high nine NBA teams will have single NBA D-League affiliates - more than double last season's total of four - including first-year partnerships between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Canton, the Golden State Warriors and Dakota Wizards, the New Jersey Nets and Springfield Armor and the New York Knicks and Erie BayHawks, along with the return of the Los Angeles D-Fenders, the Los Angeles Lakers' single affiliate.

For the seventh consecutive year, each NBA team has one NBA D-League team to which it may assign players. During the 2010-11 season, the NBA D-League saw all-time highs in NBA player assignments (56), individual players assigned (39) and NBA teams assigning a player (25), while last season marked the first time every NBA D-League team was assigned an NBA player.

'We're very excited that an all-time-high nine NBA teams will have exclusive, 'one-to-one' relationships with their NBA D-League affiliates this coming season,' said NBA D-League President Dan Reed. 'This clear trend of NBA teams buying into the NBA D-League is not only a testament to our past success, but also the sign of a very promising future.'

The NBA D-League will again have 16 teams playing in 2011-12, including Canton, which will play its first year in Canton, Ohio, under the ownership of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Los Angeles D-Fenders, who resume operation under the ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers after taking a one-year hiatus.

Along with Canton and the D-Fenders, the Austin Toros (San Antonio Spurs), Dakota Wizards (Golden State Warriors) and Tulsa 66ers (Oklahoma City Thunder) are fully owned and operated by their NBA affiliates. The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (Houston Rockets), Springfield Armor (New Jersey Nets) and Erie BayHawks (New York Knicks) all have 'hybrid' single-affiliation partnerships, where the NBA teams control their NBA D-League affiliates' basketball operations. Meanwhile, the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks remain solely affiliated with the Texas Legends.

Seven NBA D-League teams will each have three NBA parent teams: the Bakersfield Jam (Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors), Fort Wayne Mad Ants (Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks), Idaho Stampede (Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz), Iowa Energy (Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Hornets, Washington Wizards), Maine Red Claws (Boston Celtics, Charlotte Bobcats, Philadelphia 76ers), Reno Bighorns (Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings) and Sioux Falls Skyforce (Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic). Of those seven teams, only the Fort Wayne Mad Ants have the same three NBA affiliates as last season.

The NBA D-League continues to be a launching pad for NBA talent - 23 percent of all NBA players on 2010-11 end-of-season rosters have played in the NBA D-League, while 27 of the 60 players selected in the 2010 NBA Draft played in the NBA D-League last season.

The complete affiliation system for 2011-12 is listed below:


2011-12 NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE TEAM AFFILIATIONS

AUSTIN TOROS (TX)

San Antonio Spurs

BAKERSFIELD JAM (CA)

Los Angeles Clippers

Phoenix Suns

Toronto Raptors

CANTON (OH)

Cleveland Cavaliers

DAKOTA WIZARDS (Bismarck, ND)

Golden State Warriors

ERIE BAYHAWKS (PA)

New York Knicks

FORT WAYNE MAD ANTS (IN)

Detroit Pistons

Indiana Pacers

Milwaukee Bucks

IDAHO STAMPEDE (Boise, ID)

Denver Nuggets

Portland Trail Blazers

Utah Jazz

IOWA ENERGY (Des Moines, IA)

Chicago Bulls

New Orleans Hornets

Washington Wizards

LOS ANGELES D-FENDERS (CA)

Los Angeles Lakers

MAINE RED CLAWS (Portland, ME)

Boston Celtics

Charlotte Bobcats

Philadelphia 76ers

RENO BIGHORNS (NV)

Atlanta Hawks

Memphis Grizzlies

Sacramento Kings

RIO GRANDE VALLEY VIPERS (TX)

Houston Rockets

SIOUX FALLS SKYFORCE (SD)

Miami Heat

Minnesota Timberwolves

Orlando Magic

SPRINGFIELD ARMOR (MA)

New Jersey Nets

TEXAS LEGENDS (Frisco, TX)

Dallas Mavericks

TULSA 66ERS (OK)

Oklahoma City Thunder

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com




*****************************************************
  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Caneros are set to start - by Kerwin Abreu
Brazilian basket player Sidni De Santana will play in the LNB with the Champions Caneros de La Romana in the 2011 season begining july 12. Benzor Simmons (195-G-88) will be also with the team and will have his first international experience.

Sidao will become the first brazilian born player to play in the LNB when he makes his debut on the 12. It will be a great experience for me and I will take the advantage of it.

He played in spain with caja rioja clavijo wining the Copa Adecco Plata and making the Gold level in this prestigious european league.

Caeros are ready to start and the first game will be vs Leones of Santo Domingo.

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


Brazil edge Egypt in Riga - by Eurobasket News
Brazil U19 - Egypt U19 77:63

Brazil overcame Egypt today in the classification round for 9-12 place at U19 World Championship in Latvia. Brazil will now take on Latvia for the ninth overall position tomorrow. David Rossetto (180-PG-93) produced 18 points to lead the effort. Egypt will take on Canada for the 11th spot.
Egypt surged ahead early in the encounter. They recorded a 16:12 lead after ten minutes of action. Brazil however bounced back in the second term. They increased the tempo in the second period and exploded with 28 points to establish a 40:31 halftime lead. Brazil consolidated the lead in the third term. They limited Egypt to just 11 points and grabbed a 17-point lead at the final break. Egypt knocked down 21 points in the final quarter but came up short of victory at the end. Bruno Irigoyen (202-G/F-92) nailed 14 points, while Cristiano Felicio (206-C-92) contributed 10 points in the victory. Omar Mohamed (183-PG-94) answered with 18 points for Egypt. Assem Ahmed (205-C-92) accounted for 15 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

Brazil U19: David Rossetto 18, Bruno Irigoyen 14, Cristiano Felicio 10
Egypt U19: Omar Mohamed 18, Assem Ahmed 15+13 boards


*****************************************************
  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   


Standings
Eurobasket S.League Standings
Las Vegas
 1. Brussels 0-0 
 2. Dublin 0-0 
 3. Geneva 0-0 
 4. Lugano 0-0 
 5. Manchester 0-0 
 6. Monaco 0-0 
 7. Venice 0-0 
 8. Zurich 0-0 
Atlanta
 1. England 0-0 
 2. France 0-0 
 3. Greece 0-0 
 4. Italy 0-0 
 5. Russia 0-0 
 6. Spain 0-0 
Chicago
 1. Paris 3-0 
 2. Warsaw 2-1 
 3. Rome 2-1 
 4. London 2-2 
 5. Athens 2-2 
 6. Amsterdam 1-2 
 7. Madrid 1-2 
 8. Berlin 0-3 
New York
 1. Budapest 0-0 
 2. Helsinki 0-0 
 3. Istanbul 0-0 
 4. Kiev 0-0 
 5. Moscow 0-0 
 6. Prague 0-0 
 7. Riga 0-0 
 8. Stockholm 0-0 


*****************************************************
  EUROCHALLENGE   


Hoverla tab Igor Silkovskyy - by Eurobasket News
Hoverla strengthened their roster. They landed Igor Silkovskyy (194-G-85). The 26-year-old guard played for MBC Mykolaiv since 2004. Last season Igor Silkovskyy tallied 2.8 points per appearance. The guard was the member of Ukrainian National Team back in 2008. In 2009 Igor Silkovskyy played at World University Games in Serbia. The guard notched 0.8 points and 1.5 rebounds per appearance in Belgrade.


*****************************************************
  EUROCUP   


Spartak Saint Petersburg land Loukas Mavrokefalides - by Eurobasket News
Spartak Saint Petersburg have bolstered their frontcourt. The team has agreed on terms of contract with Loukas Mavrokefalides (207-C-84). The deal is meant for two seasons. For Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (A1) Loukas Mavrokefalides started in 2007 and in Euroleague after 10 games averaged 4.1ppg, 3.4rpg. In Greek League Regular Season his stats read 3.2ppg, 2.4rpg. In 2008-2009 the Greek Center moved to Costa Cafe Marousi (A1, starting five) and in Eurocup had 12.3ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 77.3%, while in Greek League showed 12.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 83.0%. In 2009-2010 moved back to Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece, A1) and in Euroleague after 14 games showed 5.4ppg, 2.3rpg, FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 56.0%. In Greek League after 29 games Loukas averaged 6.9ppg, 2.5rpg, FGP: 62.8%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 85.7%. Last season for Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (A1, starting five) he improved to 8.4ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 79.4% in EuroLeague and in Greek League had 9.8ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 55.2%, FT: 80.8%. Only in the last few seasons, Loukas Mavrokefalides reached Euroleague Quarterfinals -08, 11 and also reached Greek League Finalist -08, 10, 11, Greek League All-Star Game -09, 10, 11, Greek League Semifinals -09, Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League 2nd Team -09, Greek Cup Winners -10, Euroleague Finalist -10, Greek Cup Winner -10, 11, Greek National Team -10. Last season he was awarded Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Most Improved Player of the Year -11 and became Greek League Regular Season Champion -11.
In the past, Loukas Mavrokefalides played for Lottomatica Roma and Pamesa Valencia. He is a product of the PAOK Thessaloniki.


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


Bizkaia Bilbao close to landing Roger Grimau - by Eurobasket News
Bizkaia Bilbao are trying to add more experience to their roster. They are close to reaching agreement with Roger Grimau (196-G-79, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group). The sides are reportedly negotiating two-year deal. The 31-year-old guard parted ways with Regal Barcelona just several days ago. Roger Grimau tallied 4.5 points and 1.4 boards per Euroleague game last season. In ACB his stats read 5.0 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. Roger Grimau played for Regal Barcelona since 2003. Previously he had stints with Lleida and Joventut Badalona. Roger Grimau played for the Spanish National Team back in 2003. He was also the member of the Spanish B National Team in 2001.


Cholet extends deal with Randal Falker - by Eurobasket News
Cholet announced signing of a one-year contract extension with Randal Falker (201-F-85, college: S.Illinois). The player had few other options, but at the end he decided to stay with the former champions. Falker played 32 games in ProA last season with Cholet averaging 7.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 blocks. He helped them reach ProA Finals, but Nancy grabbed thriller win against Cholet to win the title. Falker also appeared 9 times in Euroleague last season adding 6.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 1.3 bpg. He joined Cholet three years ago and it was his first professional job. They won the ProA title in 2010. Randal Falker graduated at the Southern Illinois University in 2008. He had 13 ppg and 7.2 rpg for them as a senior. They reached NCAA Sweet 16 in 2007.
Cholet also extended deal with William Gradit recently.

Oleg Saltovets joins BC Donetsk - by Eurobasket News
Oleg Saltovets (202-F-77) penned new deal with BC Donetsk. The contract is meant for one season. The 34-year-old centre spent the part of the previous season in BC Donetsk on loan from BC Kyiv. He tallied 1.4 points and 1.2 rebounds per game in Superleague for the vice-champions. In BC Kyiv Oleg Saltovets notched 10.9 points, 7.6 boards, 1.3 assists and 1.1 steals per appearance. Eurobasket.com named Oleg Saltovets All-Ukrainian Superleague Most Improved Player of the Year in 2009. The centre was the member of Ukrainian National Team in 2009.


Bilbao Basket lands PG Raul Lopez - by Eurobasket News
Raul Lopez (183-G-80) is back to Spain. The experienced point guard penned a two-year deal with Bilbao Basket today. Lopez spent last two years in Russia with Khimky Moscow. He appeared 15 times for them in Euroleague last season averaging 6.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Lopez also had 5.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 2.1 apg for 39 games in Russia. In VTB United league, he added 5.6 ppg and 1.8 apg for 11 games. Khimky won the title in this competition.
Before Khimky, Raul Lopez spent three years with Real Madrid. He won the ACB and ULEB Cup title with them in 2007. In the past, Lopez also was a member of Girona, Utah Jazz and Joventut. Lopez is active member of the Spanish National Team since 2000.

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


Vincent Masingue moves to Paris-Levallois - by Eurobasket News
Paris-Levallois announced signing of Vincent Masingue (205-F/C-76) to a one-season deal. The French power forward/center arrives from Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket, where he spent last four years. He appeared 31 times for them in ProA last season averaging 6.6 points and 6 rebounds. His first season with Hyeres-Toulon was the best one for Masingue. It was in 2007/08, when Masingue exploded with 10.1 ppg, 10.5 rpg and 1.8 apg. He ended as the best ProA rebounder that year. Before Hyeres-Toulon, Vincent Masingue spent two years with ASVEL. In the past, he also played for Nancy and Pau-Orthez. Masingue started his basketball career with Levallois.
Vincent Masingue played for the French National Team from 2003 to 2006.

Cholet extends deal with Randal Falker - by Eurobasket News
Cholet announced signing of a one-year contract extension with Randal Falker (201-F-85, college: S.Illinois). The player had few other options, but at the end he decided to stay with the former champions. Falker played 32 games in ProA last season with Cholet averaging 7.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 blocks. He helped them reach ProA Finals, but Nancy grabbed thriller win against Cholet to win the title. Falker also appeared 9 times in Euroleague last season adding 6.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 1.3 bpg. He joined Cholet three years ago and it was his first professional job. They won the ProA title in 2010. Randal Falker graduated at the Southern Illinois University in 2008. He had 13 ppg and 7.2 rpg for them as a senior. They reached NCAA Sweet 16 in 2007.
Cholet also extended deal with William Gradit recently.

Lille adds Curtis Marshall - by Eurobasket News
Lille Metropole Basket signed a new player for the next season. American SG/SF Curtis Marshall (196-G/F-83, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Texas Tech) penned a one-year contract with Lille. He arrives from the Hungarian team Marso-Vagep NYKK, where he spent 2010/11. For 20 games in the league Marshall had 20.8 ppg, 7 rpg, 1.5 apg and 2.9 spg. He finished the season as second scorer and second stealer of the competition. Eurobasket awarded Marshall with All-Hungarian League Honorable Mention -11.
Before Marso-Vagep NYKK, Curtis Marshall spent one season in Argentina and Venezuela. He also played in Uruguay and Australia in the past. In Europe, Marshal played for the Latvian team Barons/LMT Riga. He graduated at the Texas Tech University in 2005.

Nantes brings in young Jeremie Douillet - by Eurobasket News
Nantes made a move for the future. The team penned a deal with 19-year-old center Jeremie Douillet (206-C-91). He left Entente Orleans 45 few days ago. Douillet played for Orleans U21 team last season. He was their member also in 2009/10.
Jeremie Douillet joined Orleans two years ago from Rouen. With Rouen, he also played for U21 team. In 2009, Douillet was a member of the French U18 NT. Nantes ended last season as No.10 in ProB with 18-16 record. It means they will compete in the same competition again.

Orleans tab Brian Greene - by Eurobasket News
Orleans have ensured the services of Brian Greene (204-F-81, college: Colorado St.) for the next season. The forward is returning to the team after two seasons in Belgium. Brian Greene played for Aalstar and Spirou Charleroi. Brian Greene tallied 9.3 points, 3.5 boards and 1.4 assists per game for Charleroi in Euroleague last season. In Belgian League the forward delivered 8.2 points, 5.1 boards, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals per appearance. Eurobasket.com named Brian Greene into Belgian League All-Imports Team in 2010. In 2008/09 season Brian Greene posted 12.4 points, 5.6 boards, 2.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game for Orleans. Brian Greene also had stints in Poland, Belgium Turkey and Germany. Brian Greene was Belgian Cup winner in 2004 and Belgian League champion in 2011. In 2009 he helped Orleans reach ProA Finals.


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


Bryan Bailey Will Play A 5th Season With The Artland Dragons - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Bryan Bailey (185-G-80, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Bucknell) one of the leagues top defenders and a guy that always gives 100% on the court will return for a 5th season to the Artland Dragons as the team gave him a one year contract. Bailey is a 31 year old 185cm combo guard from Hempstead, New York and is a true team leader both on and off the court. Possesses a diverse game, with an ability to stroke the long-range jumper, penetrate to the rim or distribute the ball .He is a fierce competitive drive rubs off on his teammates. Last season,Bailey helped lead the team to a 5th game against Bamberg in the Beko BBL semi final playoffs and played EuroChallenge Qualifying Round: 1 game: 7pts, 5reb, 3ast, 3steals; German League: 41 games: 11.5ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 77.2%. Head coach Stefan Koch continues to keep players from last season as Bailey is the 5th to stay and it is no secret that the German coach thinks highly of the American. 'Bryan showed his qualities last season. He is extremly quick played a good season and stepped up his game in the playoffs.He was able to show his fighting qualities the most out of any other player. I am happy that we could get him back since he also has a good charachter', stressed Dragons head coach Stefan Koch . Bailey had his first tour of duty with the Artland Dragons from 2004-2007. In these three years, he achieved making the German Bundesliga All-Star Game -06, German Bundesliga Cup Semifinals -06, 11,Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Defensive Team -06, 07, German Bundesliga Cup Finalist -07, and German Bundesliga Finalist. In his four years, Bailey has played a total of 144 Beko BBL games.

Source: Artland Dragons

Italy U18 starts Torneo di Reggio Calabria with the win - by Eurobasket News
Italy U18-Germany U18 72:60

Italy U18 starts Torneo di Reggio Calabria with the win over Germany U18. The hosts of the tournament overcame the German side 72:60 as France and Greece met each other in their opener.
Italy started better and reached 17-14 after the first 10 minutes. They added 22-19 at the end of the half for 6-point halftime advantage. Moreover Italy also won the third and the last periods. They needed 14-11 in the third frame and finished with 19-16 in the last stanza.
Raphael Gaspardo (202-F-93) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Matteo Chillo (202-F/C-93) netted 10. Della Valle ended up with 9, while Diego Monaldi (190-G-93) notched 8 and Marco Pascolo (198-F-93) scored 7. Dennis Schroder replied with 16 points in the losing effort and Bogdan Radosavljevic (211-C-93) nailed 12.

Italy U18: Raphael Gaspardo 20, Matteo Chillo 10, Della Valle 9, Diego Monaldi 8, Marco Pascolo 7
Germany U18: Dennis Schroeder (184-G-93) 16, Bogdan Radosavljevic 12



Phoenix Hagen Reel In Canadian Tristan Blackwood - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After weeks of hearing the rumors of a new guard coming to Phoenix Hagen, the club finally inked a deal with Tristan Blackwood (183-G-85)Blackwood is a 26 year old 183cm guard from Toronto, Canada who will start his fourth professional basketball season. Last season, he had three playing engagements starting in France with JL Bourg Basket (France-ProB), before in Dec.'10 moved to s Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-ProA): 12 games: 3.3ppg, 1.5apg, in March'11 signed at GiroLive-Ballers Osnabrueck (Germany-ProA, starting five): 5 games: 11.6ppg, 1.2rpg, 5.8apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%. Phoenix Hagen head coach Ingo Freyer gave the famous statement, if you dont succeed at first try try again a new meaning. 'Good that he decided to come play for us. We wanted to get him three years ago, but he was too expensive for us. He played very well in Holland and then had a tough season in Germany. He is a good shooter, can bring us forward on defense and has a lot of energy. He will be one of three guards for our tight rotation', stressed Phoenix Hagen head coach Ingo Freyer

Blackwood started his basketball career for Cent.Conn.St. (NCAA) in 2004 and played there until 2008. In his senior year, he played 30 games: 16.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 5.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.5%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 86.4%: Finished career at CCSU ranked sixth all-time in scoring (1,605), second in assists (506), and first in three-pointers made (328). In 2008-2009, he started his professional basketball career in Holland for where he belonged to the top of the league in assists and free throw shooting playing Aris Friesland Leeuwarden (Holland-Eredivisie): 39 games: 11.3ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-5 (4.3apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT-1 (88.2%). In 2009-2010, he remained in Holland playing for DeFriesland Aris Leeuwarden (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 25 games: 14.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT-3 (42.9%), FT: 84.2%; in Feb.'10 moved to Eiffel Towers Den Bosch (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): Dutch League: 13 games: 9.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 32.3%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 92.9%; EuroChallenge: 2 games: 13.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 5.5apg, 1.0spg. 'We know him from exhibition games from the last years and didnt lose sight of him. We have made good experience with guys that have been active in Europe. He fits into our financial ramafications and gave him a try out phase of one month', stressed Phoenix Hagen CEO Oliver Herkelmann Awards/Achievements in his career have been Canadian U18 National Team -03, Global Games U18 in Dallas -03, High School Adidas All Canadian Game -04, Canadian Young National Team Camp -04, Dallas Global Games U21 -04, Canadian U21 National Team -04, 05, Tournament of the Americas U21 in Halifax -04, World Championships U21 in Argentina -05, NEC Regular Season Runner-Up -06, NEC Tournament Semifinals -06, NEC Regular Season Champion -07, NEC Tournament Winner -07, NEC All-Tournament Team -07, All-NEC 1st Team -07, 08, All-NEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year -07, Canadian University National Team -07, World University Championships in Bangkok -07, All-NEC Defensive Player of the Year -08, and Eurobasket.com All-Dutch Eredivisie Honorable Mention -10.

Source: Phoenix Hagen

Standings - 1. Bundesliga
1.Bundesliga Standings
 1. ALBA 0-0 
 2. Art.Dragons 0-0 
 3. B.Muenchen 0-0 
 4. Bayreuth 0-0 
 5. Bremerhaven 0-0 
 6. Brose Baskets 0-0 
 7. EnBW L'burg 0-0 
 8. EWE Baskets 0-0 
 9. Fraport SKY 0-0 
 10. Goettingen 0-0 
 11. LTi 46ers 0-0 
 12. NY Phantoms 0-0 
 13. Phoenix Hagen 0-0 
 14. Ratiopharm 0-0 
 15. TBB Trier 0-0 
 16. Telekom Baskets 0-0 
 17. Walter Tigers 0-0 
 18. Wuerzburg 0-0 


Standings - ProA
ProA Standings
 1. Braves 0-0 
 2. Chemnitz 0-0 
 3. Crailsheim 0-0 
 4. Cuxhaven 0-0 
 5. Dragons 0-0 
 6. Duesseldorf 0-0 
 7. Ehingen 0-0 
 8. ETB Wohnbau 0-0 
 9. Hannover 0-0 
 10. Heidelberg 0-0 
 11. Jena 0-0 
 12. Karlsruhe 0-0 
 13. Kirchheim 0-0 
 14. Leitershofen 0-0 
 15. MBC 0-0 
 16. Osnabrueck 0-0 
 17. Webmoebel 0-0 


Standings - Pro B
ProB Standings
Group North
 1. ALBA Berlin II 0-0 
 2. Bayer Giants 0-0 
 3. Bernau 0-0 
 4. BSW Sixers 0-0 
 5. Dorsten 0-0 
 6. Herten 0-0 
 7. Leipzig 0-0 
 8. SC Rist 0-0 
 9. Schwelm 0-0 
 10. Stahnsdorf 0-0 
 11. SU Medien 0-0 
 12. Vechta 0-0 
 13. Wolfenbuettel 0-0 
 14. Wulfen 0-0 
Group South
 1. BG Illertal 0-0 
 2. Dt.Bank SKY II 0-0 
 3. Giessen 0-0 
 4. Gotha 0-0 
 5. Hanau 0-0 
 6. Konstanz 0-0 
 7. Langen 0-0 
 8. Licher Baeren 0-0 
 9. NBC 0-0 
 10. Noerdlingen 0-0 
 11. Schwenningen 0-0 
 12. TSV Troester 0-0 


A big fan of the blogging - by Corey Hassan
Whats up Eurobasket. Again I wanted to thank eurobasket for the opportunity to blog, it is definately something I enjoy doing and I also enjoy reading what other bloggers are up to and what their everyday life is like. Since I last posted I officially am done working at the gym and have been going harddd in the gym with workouts. Last week I worked Bonner Basketball Camp in concord and as always had a great time doing so. My team (Indiana State Sycamores) won our league championship!! I was proud of the young kids as they all had great attitudes and it was great being able to work with them all week. The staff of the camp is also great and we all had a great time working together and the pickup was great which featured a lot of pros and former college basketball players. I was also fortunate enough to have Tony Mure there Tony is one of the best trainers around and he would put me through great workouts during lunch and after camp. You want to see a man in freakishly good shape talk to Tony who is notoriously known for running up 5 mile mountains multiple times a week (YES I SAID 5 MILE MOUNTAINS!!). If you think thats not difficult you better check yourself before you wreck yourself. While on the subject of running up mountains, my girlfriend and I decided to do this Warrior Dash run, which is basically where you run up a mountain just pouring with mud and random obstacle courses (jumping over fire, climbing over a 20 foot wall, etc) Lets just say it sounded fun but Im about to be blunt here and it sucked! I was looking to get a great run in and I couldnt run because I literally kept slipping the whole time and faceplanting in mud. My girlfriend felt the same way and 3 days later broke out with poison ivy allllll over her leg (Thanks Warrior Dash)! Only good thing about it was we got free food and chocolate milk.
This past week my family was up Ossippee Lake in northern New Hampshire for the 4th of July Weekend. It was a great time and gave me a few days to finally rest my legs and take some time off. It was probably the last time I will be able to spend some quality time with my family and friends until Im off for Germany so I made the most of it (Including dominating Mini Golf and getting a meannnn Sun Burn.) I got back wednesday night and was back to double sessions yesterday starting with my plyometric, footwork and leg workout in the am, and than my conditioning shooting workout at night (Thanks again pops for rebounding for me for an hour and a half than watching me shoot on the gun for another half hour). I just got done with my workout today and am just restin until my summer league game tonight at 8pm. Its go hard or go home time now and am focused as can be. My new coach sent out a very inspiring email the other day that Skyler Bowlin (190-G-89, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Missouri So.) and I were talking about and now I cant wait to get over there and start winning games. Watch out for the Topstar Kangaroos in 2011-2012 we're about to make some noise!

Go Kangaroos!

Im out for now talk to you Eurobasket!

-Corey Hassan

Benjamin Lischka Moves To The Crailsheim Merlins - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Pro A team The Crailsheim Merlins have announced that Benjamin Lischka (200-G/F-89) will join the team for the upcoming season. Lischka is a 22 year old shooting guard/small forward from Giessen, Germany. He played for rival the Kirchheim Knights the last two seasons and last year played 29 games: 5.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 65.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 81.5%. 'I had two good years with Kirchheim and always enjoyed the derbies. Now I am looking forward to seeing the duels from a different side, because of the special atmosphere in the Crailsheim arena',expressed Benjamin Lischka (200-G/F-89). Lischka started his basketball career in 2005 for VfB Giessen (Regionalliga) where he played until 2007. He played for LTi Lich from 2007-2009. In his last year with TV Lich he played PRO A playing 28 games: 7.4ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 62.5%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been German U18 National Team -06,and European Championships U18 in Amaliada (Greece) -06: 4 games: 1.0ppg.

Source: Crailsheim Merlins

A2-Team edged Greece U20 again - by Eurobasket News
A2-Team -Greece U20 65:63 (17:16, 11:12, 19:11, 18:24)

A2-Team edged Greece U20 again in Germany to remain undefeated after four friendly games played with U20 teams. The second game versus Greece U20 became one of the most interesting and brought 65:63 victory.
Germany opened the game with 17-16, but Greece tied the score at the halftime. The third quarter was decisive for the hosts that erupted with 19-11 for 47:39 deficit after three quarters. Greece did their best to come closer and after 24-18 reduced just to one point, but could not win the game.
Maik Zirbes (205-C-90) paced all the winners with 14 points for the fourth straight win. Nicolai Simon (191-G-87) and Bastian Doreth (183-G-89) scored 9 each, while Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann netted 7. Spyridon Motsenigos (194-G/F-92) ended up with 16 points in defeat, while Andreas Kanonidis (198-F-91) added 13.

A2-Team: Maik Zirbes 14, Nicolai Simon 9, Bastian Doreth 9, Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann 7
Greece U20: Spyridon Motsenigos 16, Andreas Kanonidis 13



The EWE Baskets Oldenburg Haul In Ronnie Burrell - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The EWE Baskets Oldenburg have brought back Ronnie Burrell (204-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Greensboro) to the Beko BBL giving him a one year contract with an option. Burrell played in the German league from 2006-2008 for teams Rhein Energie Cologne and The Telekom Baskets Bonn. Burrell is a 27 year old 204cm forward from Montclair, New Jersey. Burrell had played for top Polish team Asseco Prokom Gdyna the last three years winning the country championship 3 years in a row and including playing 45 Euroleague games. Last season for the Polish club he played VTB League: 9 games: 8.8ppg, 5.1rpg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 78.8%; Euroleague: 9 games: 3.7ppg, 3.4rpg; Polish League: 34 games: 5.8ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 73.8%. Oldenburg head coach Predrag Krunic is happy about getting the American. 'He knows the league and internationally showed his worth the last years', stressed Predrag Krunic . EWE Baskets Oldenburg CEO Herman Schuller hopes that Burrell doesnt stay only one season. 'A good signing. We have had an eye on him for a while, but kept our distance the last years on account of his injury. Positive is that he stayed with one club for a longer period of time. I hope we can hold him longer in Oldenburg', stressed Herman Schuller.

Burrell started his basketball career at NC-Greensboro (NCAA) in 2002and played there until 2005.In his senior year, he played 30 games: 15.0ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3Pts: 20%.In 2005-2006,he started his professional basketball career in France for Levallois SCB (France-ProB): 33 games: 18.9ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 76.8%.In 2006-2007, he came to Germany and played for RheinEnergie Koeln (Germany-1.Bundesliga): Euroleague: 10 games: 13.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 50.6%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 84.6%; German League: 29 games: 8.5ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 48.7%, 3FGP: 25.0%, FT: 77.9%. In 2007-2008, he played for the Telekom Baskets Bonn (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 45 games: 12.4ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 73.3%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been All-Southern Conf. 3rd Team -04, Southern Conf. Regular Season (North Division) Runner-Up -05, Southern Conf. Tournament Finalist -05, All-Southern Conf. 2nd Team -05, German Bundesliga Cup Winner -07, German Bundesliga Semifinals -07, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Honorable Mention -08, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga, All-Defensive Team -08, German Bundesliga Finalist -08, Polish Cup Finalist -09, Polish League Regular Season Champion -09, 10, 11, Polish League Champion -09, 10, 11
Euroleague Quarterfinals -10, Eurobasket.com All-Polish League Honorable Mention -10, and Polish Cup Semifinals -11

Source: EWE Baskets Oldenburg

Ekene Ibekwe Remains With BBC Bayreuth - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
BBC Bayreuth announced Friday night that Ekene Ibekwe (206-F-85, college: Maryland) will play the upcoming season in the Bavarian city. Ebekwe is a 25 year old 206cm power forward from Carson City, California that has American and Nigerian roots. He is a long, lean dynamic post player with unlimited athletic potential a talented shooter for his size who can take the ball to the basket and score in the post, a high-flying finisher and shot blocker. Last season he split the season in Germany and Israel between the Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck playing 14 games: 8.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.2spg, 2.4bpg, FGP: 59.3%, FT: 50.0%; EuroChallenge Qualifying Round: 2 games: 8.5ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg, in Dec.'10 moved to Ironi Ashkelon (Israel-Premier League): 6 games: 6.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.5spg, FGP: 42.9%, FT: 37.5%; in Feb.'11 signed at BBC Bayreuth (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 15 games: 11.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.0apg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 57.4%, FT: 54.7%. 'Ekene was our desired player at the four position. He played great games last season and helped us on defense. He helped the team with his fighting qualities and showed his presence under the basket. His athletic game also helped our game',stressed BBC Bayreuth coach Andreas Wagner

Source: BBC Bayreuth






Patrick Flomo Signs With The s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
After playing next to the famous German river Rhein for 5 years with The Telekom Baskets Bonn, Patrick Flomo (203-F-80, college: Ohio) will move to Bavaria and play for the s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg this season who rewarded him with a three year contract. Flomo is a 30 year old 203 cm forward from Columbus Ohio with American/Liberian roots that is known as a player that brings a lot of energy, likes to crash the offensive boards and is a superb shot blocker. Last season for Bonn, Flomo had to fight injuries, but played EuroChallenge: 1 game: 3pts, 2reb, 1steal; German League: 18 games: 4.4ppg, 2.6rpg. 'We were looking for a very athletic, good rebounder, shotblocker and guy that gives energy and we found that with Patrick Flomo (203-F-80, college: Ohio). He has a lot of experience that will help this young team. We are happy to have him on board', added s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg coach John Patrick

Flomo started his basketball career at Ohio university in 1999 playing there until 2002. His teammate was Steven Esterkamp. In 2002, he started his professional basketball career for UU-Korihait (Finland-1Div): 26g 22.1ppg 15.5rpg 1.6apg 5.3bpg. In 2003-2004, he played in Holland for Eiffel Towers Nijmegen (Holland-Eredivisie): 19 games: 5,3ppg, 3,7rpg, 0,6apg, 0,9spg, 1,5bpg. In 2005-2006, he came to Germany and never left again as he played for Hertener Lowen (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 29 games: 17.0ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, 3.7bpg, 2FGP: 61.6%. He played for The Telekom baskets Bonn from 2006-2011 amassing 157 Beko BBL games,six Eurocup games and one Eurochallenge game. Awards/Achievements in his career have been All-MAC Honorable Mention -01, Finnish 1st Division Champion -03, Dutch Eredivisie Regular Season Champion -04 , Dutch Eredivisie Semifinals -04, Eurobasket.com All 2.Bundesliga Center of the Year -06, All 2.Bundesliga Defensive Player of the Year -06, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Center of the Year -06, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Defensive Player of the Year -06, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga 2nd Team -06, Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga All-Defensive Team -06, IBL Regular Season Runner-Up -06, IBL Finalist -06, German Bundesliga Finalist -08, 09, German Bundesliga Cup Finalist -09, and EuroChallenge Quarterfinals -09.

Source: s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg

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  GREECE   


Dusan Sakota heads to Belgium - by Eurobasket News
Dusan Sakota (209-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) is a new member of Base Oostende. The Serbian/Greek big guy is back on the court after abdominal injury, which forced him to miss the last season. Sakota played for Scavolini Spar Pesaro in 2009/10. He appeared 28 times with them in SerieA averaging 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals. He also added 10.4 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 12 games in EuroChallenge. Before Scavolini, he spent couple of years with Panathinaikos. Sakota was used in rotation and he won five league titles with PAO. They also were Eurileague champions in 2007 and 2009. In 2008/09, Dusan Sakota had 3.2 ppg and 1.4 rpg for 9 Euroleague games with PAO. He also added 5.2 pg and 1.5 rpg in 24 Greek league games.

Linos Chrysikopoulos free from his contract with Aris - by George Fragkos
One of the greatest talents in Greece Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos (206-F-92) is a free agent. The 18 year-old forward did not accept the new contract offer Aris Thessaloniki made him and he bought out his freedom by paying the club 1,000 Euros. This happened because of a clause on the previous contract between the player and the Greek club, according to which if Crysikopoulos paid the club this amount of money.

Obviously, this is a very bad development for Aris, as the club from Thessaloniki loses a very promising player, who they could at least sell at a high price, since he decided to leave from the team. On the contrary for other teams this is a real bargain to land such a player without spending a lot of money to buy him. So far Angelico Biella from Italy has shown interest in signing him, but there are also some rumors in Greece which say that he might stay in the A1 league and join Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus, a club that has always had him in its target.


A2-Team edged Greece U20 again - by Eurobasket News
A2-Team -Greece U20 65:63 (17:16, 11:12, 19:11, 18:24)

A2-Team edged Greece U20 again in Germany to remain undefeated after four friendly games played with U20 teams. The second game versus Greece U20 became one of the most interesting and brought 65:63 victory.
Germany opened the game with 17-16, but Greece tied the score at the halftime. The third quarter was decisive for the hosts that erupted with 19-11 for 47:39 deficit after three quarters. Greece did their best to come closer and after 24-18 reduced just to one point, but could not win the game.
Maik Zirbes (205-C-90) paced all the winners with 14 points for the fourth straight win. Nicolai Simon (191-G-87) and Bastian Doreth (183-G-89) scored 9 each, while Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann netted 7. Spyridon Motsenigos (194-G/F-92) ended up with 16 points in defeat, while Andreas Kanonidis (198-F-91) added 13.

A2-Team: Maik Zirbes 14, Nicolai Simon 9, Bastian Doreth 9, Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann 7
Greece U20: Spyridon Motsenigos 16, Andreas Kanonidis 13



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  HOLLAND   


Magixx Playing for KidsRights brings back Henry Bekkering and adds Ross Bekkering and Marcel Aarts - by Fred Roggen
Magixx Playing for KidsRights continued the building of its new squad with the addition of small forward Henry Bekkering (198-F-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: E.Washington) will return to the Magixx, the small forward had been in the team during the 2009-10 season. He arrives from Dutch Cup winner GasTerra Flames.
Magixx Playing for KidsRights announced further that forward Ross Bekkering (203-F-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) and center Marcel Aarts (213-C-83, agency: R.H.Consultancy) joins the team. Ross Bekkering arrives from Dutch Champion ZZ Leiden and Marcel Aarts comes from EiffelTowers Den Bosch.


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  ISRAEL   


Eurobasket Exclusive: Official - Romeo Travis joins Galil/Gilboa - by David Pick
According to 'Eurobasket.com' initial print earlier this week regarding the agreement on financial terms: After releasing the dominant Israeli point guard Gal Mekel to Benetton Treviso (Italy), and signing their first three free agents of the summer in the likes of Jan Martin, Nimrod Tishman and American PG Chaisson Allen, Israeli runner-up Hapoel Galil/Gilboa filled both an impressive and important piece to its roster puzzle as the team will sign today (Saturday), the Cleveland 'Fab-Five' member and University of Akron standout, forward Romeo Travis to a one year deal.

'I'm happy to be back in Israel,' Travis exclusively told 'Eurobasket' earlier today before signing the official contract papers. 'I'm joining a great organization with both great players and coaching staff. It is always a good feeling joining a new team, now in particular because I'm coming to a team that is used to winning.'

Besides Travis, Galil/Gilboa has signed Americans Courtney Fells and Chaisson Allen who are joined by Israelis Jan Martin, Nimrod Tishman, Dagan Yavzuri and Ido Kozikaro. Team captain Avishay Gordon and Guni Israeli are both expected to continue even though Israeli has offers form several other teams around the league.

The 27-year-old athlete came to Israel last season for the first time in his career as he joined Elitzur Netanya after two and a half years in Germany. Travis led his organization to the Israeli state-cup finals and to the first domestic playoff round where they fell 0:3 to Maccabi T.A.

Travis' performances didn't go unnoticed by the league members, as coach Lubin was the first to put his hands on the Akron standout. In the BSL Travis posted numbers of 14.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 block shots per game. In Netanya's EuroChallenge competition, Travis improved his numbers averaging 16 points and 7.4 rebounds in almost 30 minutes of play.



Eurobasket Exclusive: Official - Romeo Travis joins Galil/Gilboa - by David Pick
According to 'Eurobasket.com' initial print earlier this week regarding the agreement on financial terms: After releasing the dominant Israeli point guard Gal Mekel to Benetton Treviso (Italy), and signing their first three free agents of the summer in the likes of Jan Martin, Nimrod Tishman and American PG Chaisson Allen, Israeli runner-up Hapoel Galil Gilboa filled both an impressive and important piece to its roster puzzle as the team officially signed today (Saturday), the Cleveland 'Fab-Five' member and University of Akron standout, forward Romeo Travis to a one year deal.

'I'm happy to be back in Israel,' Travis exclusively told 'Eurobasket' moments before signing the official contract papers. 'I'm joining a great organization with both great players and coaching staff. It is always a good feeling joining a new team, now in particular because I'm coming to a team that is used to winning.'

Besides Travis, Galil/Gilboa has signed Americans Courtney Fells and Chaisson Allen who are joined by Israelis Jan Martin, Nimrod Tishman, Dagan Yavzuri and Ido Kozikaro. Team captain Avishay Gordon and Guni Israeli are both expected to continue even though Israeli has offers form several other teams around the league.

The 27-year-old athlete came to Israel last season for the first time in his career as he joined Elitzur Netanya after two and a half years in Germany. Travis led his organization to the Israeli state-cup finals and to the first domestic playoff round where they fell 0:3 to Maccabi T.A.

Travis' performances didn't go unnoticed by the league members, as coach Lubin was the first to put his hands on the Akron standout. In the BSL Travis posted numbers of 14.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 block shots per game. In Netanya's EuroChallenge competition, Travis improved his numbers averaging 16 points and 7.4 rebounds in almost 30 minutes of play.

Netanya add Brian Asbury - by Eurobasket News
Netanya have ensured the services of Brian Asbury (200-F-86, college: Miami, FL) for the next season. The 24-year-old forward comes from Hapoel Tel Aviv. Last season Brian Asbury tallied 27.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.0 block per game. Brian Asbury finished the season as the topscorer in National League. Brian Asbury was named All-Israeli National League Player of the Year. It was the second consecutive title for the forward. Last season Brian Asbury also grabbed the title while playing for Kiryat Tivon.


Daniel Gutt or Derrick Sharp to be Blatt and Maccabi's Asst. Coach - by David Pick
45-year-old Daniel Gutt and Israeli champions Maccabi T.A. are looking to patch things up for the upcoming season, as Head Coach David Blatt is in search of a second assistant and favors Gutt for the job over an optional Derrick Sharp. Maccabi recently reshuffled coaching staff positions, sending former Asst. Coach Avi Even to manage the organization's youth and scouting department.

'Eurobasket' recently learned that there are conflicting opinions in Nokia Arena regarding Gutt's rejoining the team, as a number of management members aren't thrilled with the idea. Chairman Shimon Mizrachi has not forgotten that Gutt was fired the last time he worked for the team and since then the relationship has been over-sensitive.

Blatt, who is related to Gutt through marriage, would like to see his brother in-law return to Maccabi and stand by him on the sidelines, however, Mizrachi prefers veteran guard Sharp for the assistant coaching position. Sharp will begin his 16th season with the yellow-and-blue and is considered a symbol of excellence and devotion amongst the fans and management. Sharp is expected to enjoy a player/coach position, available now that Even was moved. In addition, a source told 'Eurobasket' that Gutt is scheduled to call Mizrachi this Monday and schedule a meeting which was described as 'a make-up get-together, so that the two sides can sort out their differences maybe resulting in the hiring of Gutt.'

Gutt was the preliminary scouting director and assistant coach for Maccabi during the 1999-2004 and 2006-07 seasons. This past season, he was the assistant coach for Ironi Ashkelon following a few stints in Europe. If Gutt joins Maccabi's coaching staff he will reunite with Blatt's first assistant Guy Goodes, as the two worked together for the organization in the past under Head Coach Neven Spahija.

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  ITALY   


Messina set to sign two-year deal with Lakers - by Eurobasket News
The Los Angeles Lakers later on Friday will officially announce that famed Italian head coach Ettore Messina is to join Michael Brown's coaching staff.

After spending the past 22 seasons as a head coach - winning four Euroleague titles with Virtus Bologna and CSKA Moscow along the way - Messina will take on a new challenge and a new role.

'It will be an interesting time for me,' he said of his two-year deal with the Lakers, which carries a Euroleague opt-out after the first season.

'I want to take care of the technical part of the game, just like when I coached youth teams after some years when my role was recruiting players on the market.'

Because of the current NBA lockout, the 51-year-old does not yet know when he can get to work with Kobe Bryant & Co in LA.

'If the lockout is long, it will cause us some problems,' he argued.

'Teams like Dallas and San Antonio have experienced reliable systems, while our team will need to change its identity after a decade with the triple-post offense. And it would be tough to start the season after only a week of training camp.'

Courtesy of http://basketball.realgm.com

Italy U18 starts Torneo di Reggio Calabria with the win - by Eurobasket News
Italy U18-Germany U18 72:60

Italy U18 starts Torneo di Reggio Calabria with the win over Germany U18. The hosts of the tournament overcame the German side 72:60 as France and Greece met each other in their opener.
Italy started better and reached 17-14 after the first 10 minutes. They added 22-19 at the end of the half for 6-point halftime advantage. Moreover Italy also won the third and the last periods. They needed 14-11 in the third frame and finished with 19-16 in the last stanza.
Raphael Gaspardo (202-F-93) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Matteo Chillo (202-F/C-93) netted 10. Della Valle ended up with 9, while Diego Monaldi (190-G-93) notched 8 and Marco Pascolo (198-F-93) scored 7. Dennis Schroder replied with 16 points in the losing effort and Bogdan Radosavljevic (211-C-93) nailed 12.

Italy U18: Raphael Gaspardo 20, Matteo Chillo 10, Della Valle 9, Diego Monaldi 8, Marco Pascolo 7
Germany U18: Dennis Schroeder (184-G-93) 16, Bogdan Radosavljevic 12



Lithuania U20 started Torneo en Barakaldo with the win over Italy U20 - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U20-Italy U20 73:69

Lithuania U20 started Torneo en Barakaldo with the win over Italy U20. The Baltic state overcame the opponents 73:69.
Italy opened the game with 18-15 and had 2-point advantage at the halftime. Italian team grabbed 7-point deficit after 20-15 in the third period, but could not win the game. Lithuania needed 26-15 in the last 10 minutes to seal the victory.
Gilvydas Biruta (203-F-91) stepped up with 18 points for the winners and Ovidijus Varanauskas (187-G-91) netted 14. Paulius Dambrauskas (191-G-91) delivered 10, whilst Mindaugas Kupsas (215-C-91) nailed 9. Alessandro Gentile (198-G/F-92) finished the game with 16 points in the losing case, while Nicolo Melli (205-F-91), Marco Santiangeli (193-G/F-91) and Baldi Rossi posted 8 apiece.
In another game of the tournament Spain U20 victoriously opens Torneo en Barakaldo winning the first game. The home side overcame Montenegro U20 80:71 in the opener.

Lithuania U20: Gilvydas Biruta 18, Ovidijus Varanauskas 14, Paulius Dambrauskas 10, Mindaugas Kupsas 9
Italy U20: Alessandro Gentile 16, Nicolo Melli 8, Marco Santiangeli 8, Baldi Rossi 8


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  KAZAKHSTAN   


BC Astana bring in Rawle Marshall - by Eurobasket News
BC Astana continued to shape up roster for the upcoming season. The newly created team announced another loud signing. They have agreed on terms of contract with Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland). The 29-year-old guard spent the last season in Greece. He tallied 15.5 points, 3.3 boards, 1.7 steals and 1.2 assists per game in EuroCup for PAOK. In A1 League Rawle Marshall notched 16.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.4 assists per appearance. Eurobasket.com named the guard into Greek A1 League All-Imports Team. Rawle Marshall also participated at 2011 Greek All-Star Game. Previously the player had stints in Spain, France, Croatia, Russia, Serbia, D-League and NBA. The guard was also named into Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League 1st Team in 2008.


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  LATVIA   


Kaspars Kambala joins Turk Telekom - by Eurobasket News
Kaspars Kambala (206-C-78, agency: Alti Sport, college: UNLV) is a new member of Turk Telekom Ankara. The Latvian big guy penned a one-year deal with the club. Kambala arrives to Turk Telekom from Iranian Mahram. He started last season with Lukoil Akademik and in December moved to Aliaga. For 17 TBL games with Aliaga, Kambala exploded with 20.2 ppg and 7.1 rpg. Season 2009/10, Kaspars Kambala spent with Enisey Krasnoyarsk. He had 14.5 ppg and 6.1 rpg for 11 games in Russian league. Eurobasket awarded Kambala with Eurobasket.com All-Russian A Superleague Honorable Mention -10. He also got Eurobasket.com Russian A Superleague All-Bosmans Team -10.
Kaspars Kambala won Turkish league title in 2007 with Fenerbahce Ulker. He was their member from 2005 to 2007, after what he was suspended for 2 years. In the past, Kambala also played for Unics Kazan and Efes Pilsen. In 2003, Kambala was 'Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Player of the Year'.

Latvia prevail against Canada in Riga - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U19 - Canada U19 99:96

Latvia snapped four-game losing streak at the U19 World Championship. The hosts held off Canadian counterparts in classification round tonight. Latvia thus will take on Brazil for the ninth overall position at the tournament. Canada will face Egypt in the battle for the 11th place. Edmunds Dukulis (204-C-92, agency: Players Group) notched 23 points and 11 rebounds to lead Latvia in this one.
The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the opening quarter. Canada eked out a 24:23 lead at the first break. The North American side stepped on the gas in the second term. They erupted for 30 points and posted a 54:44 halftime lead. But Latvia turned things upside down in the third stanza. Led by Edmunds Dukulis the hosts went on a 27:15 rally to enter the fourth frame up by two points 71:69. Latvia dropped 28 points in the final quarter and hung on escape with a narrow win at the end. Kaspars Vecvagars (191-G-93) accounted for 17 points, while Davis Bertans (205-C-92) had 18 points for the home team. Kevin Pangos (186-PG-93) answered with 24 points for Canada. Dyshawn Pierre (198-F-93) topscored with 30 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

Latvia U19: Edmunds Dukulis 23+11 boards, Davis Bertans 18, Kaspars Vecvagars 17
Canada U19: Dyshawn Pierre 30+10 boards, Kevin Pangos 24


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  LEBANON   


Fadi el khatib Re-newed his contract with Champville for an additional 2 years. - by John Khoury
After a cold war from every Basketball Website in lebanon, the Lebanese National Team Captain, Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) re-newed his contract with his team Champville.
Friday the 8th of July and at 5:30 pm in champville stadium , Tiger Fadi Khatib signed the official contract of four years for the amount of 1 Million USD. Raising the Buy out from 200K into 400K making it impossible for other teams to pay it later on.
The Tiger Assured that Champville will be the hardest and strongest team next season, and according to our sources , champville are negotiating a fair number of lebanese players with some high level imports.

Best of Luck for our Tiger in his Old-New team.


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


Lithuania knock down Poland to enter semis - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U19 - Poland U19 87:75

Lithuania earned the spot in the U19 World Championship semifinals. They overcame Polish counterparts in the quarterfinal tonight. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) scored 26 points and grabbed impressive 24 rebounds to pace Lithuania. The Baltic team entered the game confidently. They maintained the lead and recorded a 22:15 advantage at the first break. Lithuania kept up the tempo throughout the second period. They ensured a 47:33 halftime lead. Poland tried to come back into the game in the third frame. They cut the deficit and entered the fourth frame trailing by just 7 points. But Lithuania quickly stopped the rot. They notched 23 points in the fourth frame and rallied to a comfortable win at the end. Vytenis Cizauskas (190-G-92) tallied 13 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for Lithuania. Zygimantas Skucas (200-F-92) and Edgaras Ulanovas (198-G-92) added 11 points apiece in the victory. Michal Michalak (194-G-93) responded with 29 points and 13 rebounds for Poland. Przemyslaw Karnowski (213-C-93) contributed 16 points in the losing effort.

Lithuania U19: Jonas Valanciunas 26+24 boards, Vytenis Cizauskas 13, Zygimantas Skucas 11, Edgaras Ulanovas 11
Poland U19: Michal Michalak 29+13 boards, Przemyslaw Karnowski 16

Lithuania U20 started Torneo en Barakaldo with the win over Italy U20 - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U20-Italy U20 73:69

Lithuania U20 started Torneo en Barakaldo with the win over Italy U20. The Baltic state overcame the opponents 73:69.
Italy opened the game with 18-15 and had 2-point advantage at the halftime. Italian team grabbed 7-point deficit after 20-15 in the third period, but could not win the game. Lithuania needed 26-15 in the last 10 minutes to seal the victory.
Gilvydas Biruta (203-F-91) stepped up with 18 points for the winners and Ovidijus Varanauskas (187-G-91) netted 14. Paulius Dambrauskas (191-G-91) delivered 10, whilst Mindaugas Kupsas (215-C-91) nailed 9. Alessandro Gentile (198-G/F-92) finished the game with 16 points in the losing case, while Nicolo Melli (205-F-91), Marco Santiangeli (193-G/F-91) and Baldi Rossi posted 8 apiece.
In another game of the tournament Spain U20 victoriously opens Torneo en Barakaldo winning the first game. The home side overcame Montenegro U20 80:71 in the opener.

Lithuania U20: Gilvydas Biruta 18, Ovidijus Varanauskas 14, Paulius Dambrauskas 10, Mindaugas Kupsas 9
Italy U20: Alessandro Gentile 16, Nicolo Melli 8, Marco Santiangeli 8, Baldi Rossi 8


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


Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA Awards 2011 - by Carlos Chapa
Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA 1st Team 2011
#s#
Davin White
White
Kevin Sowell
Sowell
Derek Thomas
Thomas
Brandon Brown
Brown
Ryan Moss
Moss
#e#5

Player of the Year: Davin White (186-G-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge) (186-G-81) of Cananea
Guard of the Year: Davin White (186-G-81) of Cananea
Forward of the Year: Brandon Brown (201-F-85) of Cananea
Center of the Year: Ryan Moss (200-F/C-74) of Nogales
Import Player of the Year: Davin White (186-G-81) of Cananea
Domestic Player of the Year: Erick Hare (196-G/F-79) of Durango M.
Defensive Player of the Year: Kevin Sowell (190-G-81) of Guasave
Coach of the Year: Andres Contreras of Panteras

1st Team
G: Davin White (186-81) of Cananea
G: Kevin Sowell (190-81) of Guasave
F: Derek Thomas (193-84) of Cananea
F: Brandon Brown (201-85) of Cananea
F/C: Ryan Moss (200-74) of Nogales

2nd Team
G: William Funn (188-82) of Guasave
G: Michael Gale (193-82) of Mexicali
F: Lorrenzo Wade (198-85) of Hermosillo
G: Marcus Moore (198-80) of Culiacan
C: Marquise Gray (206-86) of Hermosillo

Honorable Mention
Serge Angounou (202-F-83) of Guasave
Scott VanderMeer (213-C-86) of Mexicali
Cleotis Brown (198-G/F-77) of Tepic
Jermaine Watson (193-G-81) of Tijuana
Richard Roby (198-G-85) of Guaymas
Rasheem Barrett (196-G-87) of Guasave
Gabriel Giron (192-F-88) of Guasave
Jesus Lopez (205-F-83) of Hermosillo
Gene Shipley (206-C-79) of Tijuana
Jerome Habel (208-F-85) of Guaymas
Cyrus Tate (203-F/C-85) of Tijuana
Steve Monreal (180-G) of Hermosillo
Ira Brown (193-F-82) of Tepic

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Hector Nungaray (178-78) of Guaymas
G: Raul Navarro (192-84) of Guaymas
G/F: Erick Hare (196-79) of Durango M.
G/F: Alonso Izaguirre (200-76) of Guasave
C/F: Hugo Carrillo (205-83) of Mexicali

All-Imports Team
G: Davin White (186-81) of Cananea
G: Kevin Sowell (190-81) of Guasave
F: Derek Thomas (193-84) of Cananea
F: Brandon Brown (201-85) of Cananea
F/C: Ryan Moss (200-74) of Nogales



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


Spain U20 victoriously opens Torneo en Barakaldo - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20-Montenegro U20 80:71

Spain U20 victoriously opens Torneo en Barakaldo winning the first game. The home side overcame Montenegro U20 80:71 in the opener.
Spain started better and took 26:17 after the first 10 minutes. The guests however did not give up and were stronger in the second frame. They needed 23-20 in the frame to trail 6 points at the halftime. In the third period Spain increased to 15 points as they produced 21-12 in the third quarter. Although Montenegro won the last period 19-13, they lost the first game.
Nikola Mirotic (209-F/C-91) paced all the winners with 15 points, while Alberto Jodar (204-F/C-91), Barrera and Gil added 12 each. Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) ended up with 25 points in the losing effort, while Todorovic scored 10.
In another game of the tournament Lithuania U20 beat Italy U20 73:69.

Spain U20: Nikola Mirotic 15, Alberto Jodar 12, Barrera 12, Gil 12
Montenegro U20: Bojan Dubljevic 25, Todorovic 10 Halil Kanacevic (203-F-91) 8



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


Rockets center Yao Ming retires from NBA - by Eurobasket News
A sports career unlike any other is over.

Ming Yao (7'5''-C-80), who became the face of Chinas outreach to the West and the NBAs growing popularity around the globe, has informed the Rockets and NBA he would retire, several individuals told of the decision confirmed on Friday.

Yao has played in just five games the past two season and has had five consecutive seasons ended or interrupted by bone injuries, most recently a stress fracture in his left leg suffered Nov. 10 in Washington. Yahoo.com reported that Yao officially informed the NBA of his decision in the past 48 hours.

An eight-time All Star, he averaged 19.0 points and 9.3 rebounds in his career. He had said in March and again in May that he had chosen to continue his rehabilitation to attempt a comeback. A free agent, he said he wanted to play for the Rockets. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey and owner Leslie Alexander said they wanted Yao back.

Ill try continuing. Ill try continuing, Yao said. A lot will depend on this foot.

Asked if he believes he will play again, Yao said, Thats the direction.

Yao could not, however, play again with any confidence that he would avoid injuries.

'When you look at the course of Yaos career, stress fractures have been a part of his foot, Rockets team physician Walter Lowe said in December. To say he's not at a risk to continue to have stress fractures would be crazy. He is at a continued risk.'

Yao had said last off season in China that if he could not stay healthy that he would have to retire.

Limited to no more than 24 minutes per game, he played in just five games before the injury in Washington. Initially thought to be a relatively sprained ankle, a stress fracture was later found, ending Yaos season and career.

Courtesy of www.chron.com

Messina set to sign two-year deal with Lakers - by Eurobasket News
The Los Angeles Lakers later on Friday will officially announce that famed Italian head coach Ettore Messina is to join Michael Brown's coaching staff.

After spending the past 22 seasons as a head coach - winning four Euroleague titles with Virtus Bologna and CSKA Moscow along the way - Messina will take on a new challenge and a new role.

'It will be an interesting time for me,' he said of his two-year deal with the Lakers, which carries a Euroleague opt-out after the first season.

'I want to take care of the technical part of the game, just like when I coached youth teams after some years when my role was recruiting players on the market.'

Because of the current NBA lockout, the 51-year-old does not yet know when he can get to work with Kobe Bryant & Co in LA.

'If the lockout is long, it will cause us some problems,' he argued.

'Teams like Dallas and San Antonio have experienced reliable systems, while our team will need to change its identity after a decade with the triple-post offense. And it would be tough to start the season after only a week of training camp.'

Courtesy of http://basketball.realgm.com

Real Madrid reportedly turns down Kirilenko - by Eurobasket News
Will Andrei Kirilenko (6'9''-F-81) play overseas this season?

It's an obvious option for Kirilenko, an unrestricted free agent after playing out a six-year, $86 million contract with the Jazz.

Kirilenko has talked about playing in Russia, his homeland, or for teams in Europe.

According to Marca.com, Kirilenko recently approached Spanish League power Real Madrid about a contract, but the club balked over his $5.8 million salary request.

Kirilenko was paid $17.8 million last season, when injuries again limited his contribution to the Jazz. In 64 games, he averaged 11.7 points and 5.1 rebounds.

Kirilenko has said all along his No. 1 career choice would be re-signing with Utah. It could happen, too, if he's willing to return for considerably less than what he is used to making in the NBA.

On a team as young as the Jazz, a reasonably priced veteran like Kirilenko who knows Utah, knows coach Tyrone Corbin and knows the NBA could be valuable.

Courtesy of www.sltrib.com

Kobe willing to hear foreign offers - by Eurobasket News
From across the world, preening over the improbable signing of All-Star point guard Deron Williams (notes), Turkish basketball coach Ergin Ataman was polishing the pitch of his life.

'We want Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) now', Ataman told Yahoo! Sports by phone on Thursday.

Ataman is the coach of Besiktas of Istanbul, and his basketball club sees the NBA's owner lockout of players as a once-in-a-forever chance to transform this fledgling franchises global image. Once Besiktas was able to convince Williams to make the leap, the team is now determined to make the boldest play of all for Bryant.

Bryant is willing to listen to overseas offers, sources close to him told Yahoo! Sports on Thursday. Those could come out of Europe or the Far East, and, yes, even Istanbul, the gateway bridging Europe and Asia.

It isnt lost on Besiktas that Bryant spent much of his youth living in Italy, that his marketing machine is strong in Europe where hes afforded an unparalleled popularity among basketball stars. The organization knows this too: Turkish Airlines, who signed Bryant to a global endorsement deal this year, might want to play a part in bringing the team and star together. As Ataman said, a sponsor not the organization would be paying Williams contract. Perhaps Turkish Airlines could be Besiktas benefactor for Bryant?

For a month, Besiktas had been quietly talking with Williams representatives, and finally they closed on an agreement for the Nets guard to play in Turkey for the length of the lockout. For a franchise still smarting over last seasons failed investment with the washed-up Allen Iverson (notes), the signing of Williams alone is an immense coup for the franchise. Yet it also sets up a punchers chance to sell Bryant, the biggest basketball star in Europe, on a lockout-long odyssey with Besiktas.

[Ball Dont Lie: Deron Williams surprise deal with Turkey is risky]

The coach promises his franchise will be seeking an audience with Bryant and Bryants agent, Rob Pelinka, in the near future. To make this happen, they had better bring a thick checkbook to sign the Los Angeles Lakers star.

If Kobe doesnt want to miss a whole season if theres a lockout, and likes to live in one of Europes greatest cities, in Istanbul, and wants to play with Deron Williams, why not? Ataman said.

Bryant loves the European game, loves the culture, and is far more inclined to explore signing overseas than most of the NBAs superstars. Bryant has his arthritic knees of a soon-to-be 33-year-old body to deal with, but he planned to work hard in the gym this summer, and the fairly sparse schedule of a EuroCup League team could hold its appeal. Nevertheless, Bryant wont simply swoon over the signing of Williams, nor Atlantas Zaza Pachulia (notes).

No one should consider Williams leap of faith, nor Bryants consideration, the beginning of a movement thatll change the momentum of the NBA lockout. With a salary of approximately $200,000 per month, plus living perks, this is a plumb Euro deal for Williams. And its a rare payday overseas now. The economic climate in Europe has changed dramatically in the past two years, and there just arent enough good jobs for a mass union exodus to Europe. Overseas, franchises have learned lessons about overpaying American role players, and have mostly corrected them over time.

Williams could take a job as a fire-eater in the circus, and the New Jersey Nets probably wouldnt blink. Unless Williams somehow had a career-ending injury, the Nets would never move to void the remaining two years, $34 million on his contract. Williams plans to opt-out of his deal in the summer of 2012, and the Nets are determined to partner Williams with Orlandos Dwight Howard (notes) in free agency.

The players know this: The lockout could go the distance, eliminate the 2011-12 season, and they have to decide whether theyre willing to run the risk of their NBA teams voiding their contracts should a catastrophic injury happen there? Bryant has three years and $83 million left on his deal, but hes never been afraid to play the game, never babied his body. He still plans to play for the United States in the 2012 Olympics in London, and has considered a barnstorming tour through the Far East this summer.

We cannot give him the same money as he gets from the NBA, but if the money isnt everything in this Ataman said. Well then, who knows? Kobe Bryant is willing to listen, and Besiktas and the rest of Europe and the Far East is undoubtedly willing to sell.

Its still July, the lockout has a long way to go, but the games biggest basketball star is thinking about global possibilities. This could yet still be a wild, fascinating season wherever in the world David Sterns shunned stars are playing basketball.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Report: Indiana Pacers to hire former Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard - by Eurobasket News
The Indiana Pacers are in the process of hiring former Portland Trail Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard , Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star reports.

Pritchard, according to the Star, will work under president Larry Bird and GM David Morway. Pritchard's official title: director of player personnel, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Portland fired Pritchard, who assembled a 54-win team in his three seasons at the helm of the Blazers, on the day of the 2010 NBA Draft. His replacement, Rich Cho, has since been fired and rehired by the Charlotte Bobcats.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

76ers confirm talks, stay away from sale report - by Eurobasket News
A person familiar with the deal says the Philadelphia 76ers could be sold within the week.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the deal to sell the team to a group led by New York-based leveraged buyout specialist Joshua Harris is not yet complete.

Comcast-Spectacor, led by chairman Ed Snider, has owned the Sixers since 1996, but the group's chief operating officer confirmed Tuesday there are ongoing discussions about the team's future.

The person familiar with the deal said the Harris-led group was not the only bidder but is now the lead bidder, adding the deal has been in the works for several months.

ESPN.com, citing unidentified sources, first reported the Sixers were close to being sold to Harris. The site noted another investor included in the deal is former NBA player agent and Sacramento Kings executive Jason Levien.

The deal would need to be approved by the league's Board of Governors.

Comcast is the nation's largest pay TV provider and the majority owner of media conglomerate NBC Universal. Comcast also owns the Philadelphia 76ers and the Philadelphia Flyers and the stadium where both teams play, the Wells Fargo Center.

NBC, now controlled by Comcast, retained its hold on U.S. Olympic television rights Tuesday in a four-games deal through 2020 worth $4.38 billion.

Harris is one of three founders of Apollo Global Management, a publicly listed alternative investment manager. Harris, through an Apollo spokeswoman, declined comment.

The Associated Press left a message for Snider seeking comment.

The 76ers were valued this year by Forbes at $330 million, 17th in the NBA.

The team has won only one playoff series since losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2001 NBA finals. This year, the Sixers won 41 games and stretched the Miami Heat to a five-game playoff series in Doug Collins' first season as coach.

The Sixers routinely lag behind the Phillies, Eagles and Flyers in attendance and attention in a crowded Philadelphia market. From the first year the company owned both teams, Snider has fought the popular notion that he favored the Flyers over the Sixers. Snider founded the Flyers in the 1960s and led them to Stanley Cup championships in 1974 and 1975.

The Sixers haven't won a championship since 1983.

''I guess it's the difference of having your own baby or adopting your child,'' Snider said years ago in an interview with the AP. ''I've adopted the Sixers and I love the Sixers. I really do. But hockey, I started from scratch.''

The Sixers' ownership group has explored selling the team before. In 2006, Comcast-Spectacor hired the sports investment firm Galatioto Sports Partners to review possible sale proposals and evaluate future strategies, which could have included selling the team. Comcast-Spectacor never said which suitors were interested in buying the team, nor did they reveal a potential selling price.

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Knicks' Stoudemire not looking to play overseas: agent - by Eurobasket News
With Nets superstar Deron Williams (6'3''-PG-84, college: Illinois) breaking the ice by agreeing to terms to play in Turkey if the NBA lockout lasts for a long time, will Knicks Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) and Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) follow suit?

Highly doubtful.

Happy Walters, the agent for Stoudemire, said the Knicks power forward is not thinking along those lines.

'I don't think anyone is thinking about playing overseas at this point -- certainly not Amar'e,' he said.

Playing in Israel would be a natural for Stoudemire, who has said he has Jewish roots, owns a Star of David tattoo, is kosher and visited The Holy Land last summer.

But Stoudemire has too many insurance and injury issues to think about.

Because of his retina surgery and 2005 microfracture right knee surgery, the Knicks could not get insurance on Stoudemire's $100 million contract for a career-ending injury. That is why most NBA teams shied away from Stoudemire last July during free agency and the Suns only offered him three years guaranteed.

If Stoudemire gets hurt overseas, the Knicks assuredly would not have to pay him. Hence, Stoudemire would have to get his own expensive insurance policy to protect himself, and it would be difficult to get because of the nature of his injury.

Stoudemire and Anthony also are rehabbing injuries this summer. Stoudemire still is rehabbing his pulled back muscle, an injury that ruined the Knicks' first-round playoff series. As The Post already reported, Anthony has been rehabbing his right-elbow bursitis at the Knicks training facility and was not permitted to lift weights or shoot.

Former Knicks guard Stephon Marbury, who has been playing in China, told The Post this month he believes a flood of players will go overseas, some to China. Kobe Bryant has talked about having a barnstorming tour of China with NBA players.

The big question is whether Stoudemire will play in London for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team after the Knicks requested he withdraw from Team USA's World Championship team last August because of insurance issues.

A pool of 34 players will be considered. There is no training camp this summer. A source said Stoudemire's cause was not helped by not playing for Team USA last summer, but he will be a consideration.

Courtesy of www.nypost.com

NBA announces affiliations with NBA Development League for 2011-12 season - by Eurobasket News
The National Basketball Association and the NBA Development League, the official minor league of the NBA, today announced the affiliation system for the 2011-12 season. An all-time high nine NBA teams will have single NBA D-League affiliates - more than double last season's total of four - including first-year partnerships between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Canton, the Golden State Warriors and Dakota Wizards, the New Jersey Nets and Springfield Armor and the New York Knicks and Erie BayHawks, along with the return of the Los Angeles D-Fenders, the Los Angeles Lakers' single affiliate.

For the seventh consecutive year, each NBA team has one NBA D-League team to which it may assign players. During the 2010-11 season, the NBA D-League saw all-time highs in NBA player assignments (56), individual players assigned (39) and NBA teams assigning a player (25), while last season marked the first time every NBA D-League team was assigned an NBA player.

'We're very excited that an all-time-high nine NBA teams will have exclusive, 'one-to-one' relationships with their NBA D-League affiliates this coming season,' said NBA D-League President Dan Reed. 'This clear trend of NBA teams buying into the NBA D-League is not only a testament to our past success, but also the sign of a very promising future.'

The NBA D-League will again have 16 teams playing in 2011-12, including Canton, which will play its first year in Canton, Ohio, under the ownership of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Los Angeles D-Fenders, who resume operation under the ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers after taking a one-year hiatus.

Along with Canton and the D-Fenders, the Austin Toros (San Antonio Spurs), Dakota Wizards (Golden State Warriors) and Tulsa 66ers (Oklahoma City Thunder) are fully owned and operated by their NBA affiliates. The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (Houston Rockets), Springfield Armor (New Jersey Nets) and Erie BayHawks (New York Knicks) all have 'hybrid' single-affiliation partnerships, where the NBA teams control their NBA D-League affiliates' basketball operations. Meanwhile, the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks remain solely affiliated with the Texas Legends.

Seven NBA D-League teams will each have three NBA parent teams: the Bakersfield Jam (Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors), Fort Wayne Mad Ants (Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks), Idaho Stampede (Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz), Iowa Energy (Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Hornets, Washington Wizards), Maine Red Claws (Boston Celtics, Charlotte Bobcats, Philadelphia 76ers), Reno Bighorns (Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings) and Sioux Falls Skyforce (Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic). Of those seven teams, only the Fort Wayne Mad Ants have the same three NBA affiliates as last season.

The NBA D-League continues to be a launching pad for NBA talent - 23 percent of all NBA players on 2010-11 end-of-season rosters have played in the NBA D-League, while 27 of the 60 players selected in the 2010 NBA Draft played in the NBA D-League last season.

The complete affiliation system for 2011-12 is listed below:


2011-12 NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE TEAM AFFILIATIONS

AUSTIN TOROS (TX)

San Antonio Spurs

BAKERSFIELD JAM (CA)

Los Angeles Clippers

Phoenix Suns

Toronto Raptors

CANTON (OH)

Cleveland Cavaliers

DAKOTA WIZARDS (Bismarck, ND)

Golden State Warriors

ERIE BAYHAWKS (PA)

New York Knicks

FORT WAYNE MAD ANTS (IN)

Detroit Pistons

Indiana Pacers

Milwaukee Bucks

IDAHO STAMPEDE (Boise, ID)

Denver Nuggets

Portland Trail Blazers

Utah Jazz

IOWA ENERGY (Des Moines, IA)

Chicago Bulls

New Orleans Hornets

Washington Wizards

LOS ANGELES D-FENDERS (CA)

Los Angeles Lakers

MAINE RED CLAWS (Portland, ME)

Boston Celtics

Charlotte Bobcats

Philadelphia 76ers

RENO BIGHORNS (NV)

Atlanta Hawks

Memphis Grizzlies

Sacramento Kings

RIO GRANDE VALLEY VIPERS (TX)

Houston Rockets

SIOUX FALLS SKYFORCE (SD)

Miami Heat

Minnesota Timberwolves

Orlando Magic

SPRINGFIELD ARMOR (MA)

New Jersey Nets

TEXAS LEGENDS (Frisco, TX)

Dallas Mavericks

TULSA 66ERS (OK)

Oklahoma City Thunder

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com




Sonny Weems signs Lithuanian contract - by Eurobasket News
Sonny Weems (6'6''-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) has joined Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania, signing a contract that will keep him in Europe all season rather than risk sitting out an entire year if the NBA lockout lasts.

Roger Montgomery, Weems' agent, said his client signed the deal Thursday without an NBA opt-out clause because he believes the league's uncertain labor situation makes it 'in our best interest to unpack our bags and stay the entire year.'

Weems played last season for Toronto and was a restricted free agent. The Raptors extended a qualifying offer, meaning they would maintain the right to match any offer by another team if he returned to the NBA.

Montgomery says Weems could play 70 games next season between the Lithuanian and Euroleague schedules, a good opportunity for a young player instead of losing the entire year if the NBA and players don't reach a deal. He didn't disclose the value of the contract.

Montgomery started looking for opportunities for his players at the urging of the union, which had been telling agents to be prepared for a long work stoppage. He quickly found a match in the Lithuanian champs, a team he described as needing 'one little boost to get over that hump' and believes the swingman is that player.

'Sonny will be able to go in and make a true impact,' Montgomery said, helping a team 'really in the middle of the pack maybe go to the top of the pack.'

Weems, who turned 25 Friday, is not the quality of Deron Williams, who Thursday was nearing a deal to join Besiktas of Turkey in September if the lockout remains. But Montgomery said Weems was the first from the NBA to agree to the deal without the option to return once the lockout ends.

That could be a while and Montgomery wasn't willing to wait.

'There's no way I'm going sit by idly and wait for David Stern to decide if he wants to be fair,' Montgomery said.

Weems averaged 9.2 points in 59 games for the Raptors last season. Because he is not currently under NBA contract, he is free to make the jump without worry of FIBA approval.

Courtesy of ESPN

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


New hearing set for Oklahoma State's Williams - by Eurobasket News
A judge entered a not guilty plea and set a new court date for Oklahoma State forward Darrell Williams (6'8''-F), who faces five felony counts alleging he inappropriately touched two women at an off-campus party.

District Judge Phillip Corley granted defense attorney Willie Baker's request Friday for a transcrit of Williams' preliminary hearing to be produced for new co-counsel Cheryl Ramsey and scheduled Williams' next court date for July 22.

Corley entered a not guilty plea on Williams' behalf on four counts of rape by instrumentation and one count of sexual battery. Williams previously pleaded not guilty to four of the counts before an additional count of rape by instrumentation was added during his preliminary hearing.

Williams, who started for the Cowboys last season as a junior, has been suspended indefinitely.

Courtesy of www.csnbaltimore.com

Dougherty, former TCU head coach, dead at 50 - by Eurobasket News
Neil Dougherty, who coached the TCU basketball team for six seasons, has died. He was 50.

His death was announced Friday by the University of Kansas, where he once worked as an assistant. The school said he died Tuesday in Indianapolis.

Dougherty was most recently director of athlete and coach programs for the NCAA's iHoops program, a joint venture with the NBA and the NCAA to promote youth basketball initiatives. The iHoops web site said Dougherty died while he was running.

From 2002 to 2008, Dougherty coached TCU and had a 75-106 record.

Dougherty also held earlier assistant jobs at Drake, Vanderbilt and South Carolina.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

Georgia Tech's Brian Oliver transfers to Seton Hall - by Eurobasket News
Swingman Brian Oliver (6'6''-F-90) has transferred from Georgia Tech to Seton Hall.

Oliver, a 6-foot-6, 226-pound native of Glassboro, N.J., averaged 8.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 58 games with the Yellow Jackets. He averaged 10.5 points and 4.5 rebounds last year, as Georgia Tech finished 13-18.

A 3-point specialist, he connected on 6-of-11 shots from long range and scored a game-high 32 points in a 80-76 loss to Syracuse on Nov. 27.

As a freshman, Oliver appeared in every game for Georgia Tech and averaged nearly 20 minutes in ACC action.

Oliver played four years at William Penn High School in New Castle, Del.

The Pirates finished 13-18, as well, last season.

Courtesy of www.wrdw.com

Santa Clara extends Keating pact through '14-'15 - by Eurobasket News
Santa Clara has extended the contract of basketball coach Kerry Keating through the 2014-15 season.

Athletic director Dan Coonan announced the move Thursday.

Keating led the Broncos to the second-most wins in school history last season with 24. Santa Clara also won its first postseason tournament title taking the title in the CollegeInsider.com tournament.

Keating, a former assistant to Ben Howland at UCLA, has a 66-68 record in four seasons with the Broncos.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Trushkin knocked USA U19 out of the FIBA U19 World Championship - by Eurobasket News
Russia U19-USA U19 79:74

Vladislav Trushkin knocked USA U19 out of the FIBA U19 World Championship as Russia shocked the defending champions. The European team advanced to the Semifinals after 79:74 win.
Russia should be thankful first to Argentina that gave European team the Quarterfinal appearance. Russia started strong and surprised USA with 25-18 in the first period. Moreover after 15-12 in the second frame the underdogs enjoyed 40:30 halftime advantage. Despite having lost their 10 point deficit, Russia did not appear to be panicking as they have in games previous, appearing happy to run the shot clock down and wait for their opportunities to penetrate. USA grabbed 1 points lead after thirty minutes as they edged Russia 23-12 in the third period. The last quarter was the benefit of Trushkin that hit 14 points in the final quarter to bring the most valuable victory for his team.
Dmitry Kulagin (195-G-92) stepped up with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Vladislav Trushkin (200-F-93) netted 19. Sergey Karasev (200-F-93) ended up with 17 points and Alexander Varnakov (185-G-92) scored 11. Jeremy Lamb (195-G/F-92) ended up with 21 points, whilst Joe Jackson (182-G-92) scored 14.

Russia U19: Dmitry Kulagin 21+12 rebs, Vladislav Trushkin 19, Sergey Karasev 17, Alexander Varnakov 11
USA U19: Jeremy Lamb 21, Joe Jackson 14, Meyers Leonard (213-C-92) 13


*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND   


NBA wrangle a nice 'break' in Kirk Penney talks - by Eurobasket News
The New Zealand Breakers are more confident of retaining the services of marquee shooting guard Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin) after the American NBA lockout.

Tall Black Penney has a clause in his Breakers contract which allows him to explore opportunities in Europe until August 1 by which time he must confirm with the Australian national league champions for another season.

New Zealand Breakers chief executive Richard Clarke said they were 90 per cent certain of having Penney back on the roster for next season. Once that decision was settled the Breakers could then confirm their imported players.

Last season they had Americans power forward Gary Wilkinson and point guard Kevin Braswell who they have been in talks with.

NBA team owners and the players union was unable to reach consensus on the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement last week, which keeps all players off the court until a resolution.

With no jobs being signed in the NBA, many fringe players will now be chasing contracts for next season in Europe, making those leagues harder to get into.

Penney, who had a four-game stint with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2004, tried to break back into the NBA last season for the San Antonio Spurs after averaging 25 points a game for the Tall Blacks at the world championships in Turkey.

He left to trial at the start of the last Breakers season but was unsuccessful. Penney is in Europe at present visiting family, but Clarke said coach Andrej Lemanis was due to speak with him soon.

Meanwhile, the lockout is likely to have a silver lining for the Tall Black ahead of their Oceania Olympic qualifying series against Australia in September.

Star Australian centre Andrew Bogut, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA, is now an unlikely starter for the three-match series in Australia from September 7-11.

Because of the lockout, the players are no longer entitled to many benefits, which includes the NBA's insurance cover, which Basketball Australia would use to insure Bogut for any upcoming international commitments, including the series against New Zealand.

As a result, the sport's governing body in Australia has not been able to secure the insurance to provide the guaranteed coverage of Bogut's multi-million dollar contract.

Courtesy of www.stuff.co.nz

*****************************************************
  NIGERIA   


Ekene Ibekwe stays with BBC Bayreuth - by Eurobasket News
Ekene Ibekwe (206-F-85, college: Maryland) will play at least one more season in Germany. The Nigerian PF penned a one-year contract extension with BBC Bayreuth. He joined the club in February this year from Artland Dragons. For 15 games in German league with Bayreuth, Ibekwe averaged 11.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. It was enough for him to secure an extension. Before Bayreuth, Ibekwe played for Artland Dragons, Genc Banvit, Kepez and Selcuk. He also has experience from France and Israel.

'Ekene was our desired player at the four position. He played great games last season and helped us on defense. He helped the team with his fighting qualities and showed his presence under the basket. His athletic game also helped our game', stressed BBC Bayreuth coach Andreas Wagner.

Melilla add Chukwudinma Odiakosa - by Eurobasket News
Melilla continued to strengthen their roster. Their latest newcomer is Chukwudinma Odiakosa (203-F/C-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St.). The 25-year-old centre spent the last season with La Palma. Chukwudinma Odiakosa averaged 11.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in LEB Gold. It was the first pro season for the Nigerian player. Chukwudinma Odiakosa graduated from the Illinois State University back in 2010. He made it into All-MVC 1st Team. Chukwudinma Odiakosa was trumped All-MVC Co-Defensive Player of the Year. The centre was the member of U20 and U21 Nigerian National Teams. Chukwudinma Odiakosa participated at African Championship for Juniors in 2004 as well as U21 World Championships in Argentina.


*****************************************************
  PBL   


Premier Basketball League team coming to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre - by Eurobasket News
Professional basketball looks like it is coming back to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

On Thursday, the Premier Basketball League, based in Chicago, approved a franchise to a local ownership group headed by Joe Runco and Dr. Stanley Blondek. The team will begin play when the 2012 season opens with home games at the renovated Lackawanna College Student Union Gymnasium.

'When I was a kid, my brothers used to take me to see the Scranton Miners,' said Runco, who is the president of J.R. Runco Blacktop & Concrete Inc. and First Class Gymnastics in Jessup. 'We were discussing bringing a team back here for a while. We got in contact with the right people and we went for it.

'We are hoping it works out and people come out to see the team.'

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre joins a league that will begin its fifth season this winter and will have a regional-play model, but is restructuring its membership.

Teams that competed last season included the Rochester RazorSharks, who were the 2011 champions, the Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry from Oklahoma, the Saint John Mill Rats from Nebraska, the Kentucky Bluegrass Stallions, the Dayton Air Strikers from Ohio and two teams from Canada, the Halifax Rainmen from Nova Scotia and the Quebec Kebs.

However, several teams defected after the RazorSharks won the championship and there were officiating questions raised by the other franchises, leaving Rochester as the anchor franchise.

On its website, the PBL is billed as 'a new kind of basketball - one in which fans come first, players are accessible, pricing is affordable and international and domestic players can be followed enthusiastically from anywhere in the world, all from television and online broadcasts.'

'Dr. Blondek and Mr. Runco took the time to visit with us and discuss the PBL and its team business model,' PBL president and chief executive officer Brij Desai said in a press release. 'Scranton is an amazing town for basketball and sports in general. From community support for all of the collegiate sports, all the way to Little League baseball, we are confident that Scranton will add amazing character and value to the Premier Basketball League.'

Right now, the Scranton/Wikes-Barre team does not have a nickname, but there will be a 'name your team' contest on the team website that will launch soon at www.TeamScrantonPBL.com, according to a PBL press release.

A coach has not yet been named and how the players will be selected will be determined soon. Runco did say the players will be paid and he is excited about bringing 'Division I talent to the area.'

During the upcoming season, the PBL is expected to be broadcasting games across America on @Sports Television Network, which, on its website http://www.atsportstv.com, is an interactive network, offering viewers 24-hour programing and access to the latest in healthy lifestyle programs, sports broadcasts, instant feedback to questions regarding today's active and sports oriented lifestyle and is the home of live sporting events including Arena and Indoor Football and Mixed Martial Arts.

'This was one of many factors for us when it came to finalizing our league selection,' Dr. Blondek said in the press release.

Scranton had success hosting its other franchise, the Scranton Miners. They were a member of the American Basketball League from 1947 to 1953 with Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim being a notable player, while winning a pair of championships during that run.

The Miners returned in 1993, playing three seasons, winning the Atlantic Basketball League championship in 1994-95.

Courtesy of http://thetimes-tribune.com

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


Zastal Zielona Gora signs Piotr Stelmach - by Eurobasket News
Zastal Zielona Gora announced signing of Piotr Stelmach (205-F-84, college: Mississippi St.) for the next season. The Polish forward arrives to Zielona Gora from PBG Basket Poznan, where he spent 2010/11. He played 27 games for them in PLK registering 9.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 1 spg. From 2008 to 2010, Stelmach was a member of SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg. He had 11.4 ppg and 4 rpg for 27 games in their second season. In 2008/09, Stelmach averaged 6.4 points and 3.2 rebounds. He helped Kotwica to win the Polish Cup that year.
Piotr Stelmach is a product of the Mississippi State University, where he graduated in 2007. He had very limited playing time with his school, who reached NIT Final Four in 2007. Stelmach was part of the Polish NT camp last summer.

Lithuania knock down Poland to enter semis - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U19 - Poland U19 87:75

Lithuania earned the spot in the U19 World Championship semifinals. They overcame Polish counterparts in the quarterfinal tonight. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) scored 26 points and grabbed impressive 24 rebounds to pace Lithuania. The Baltic team entered the game confidently. They maintained the lead and recorded a 22:15 advantage at the first break. Lithuania kept up the tempo throughout the second period. They ensured a 47:33 halftime lead. Poland tried to come back into the game in the third frame. They cut the deficit and entered the fourth frame trailing by just 7 points. But Lithuania quickly stopped the rot. They notched 23 points in the fourth frame and rallied to a comfortable win at the end. Vytenis Cizauskas (190-G-92) tallied 13 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for Lithuania. Zygimantas Skucas (200-F-92) and Edgaras Ulanovas (198-G-92) added 11 points apiece in the victory. Michal Michalak (194-G-93) responded with 29 points and 13 rebounds for Poland. Przemyslaw Karnowski (213-C-93) contributed 16 points in the losing effort.

Lithuania U19: Jonas Valanciunas 26+24 boards, Vytenis Cizauskas 13, Zygimantas Skucas 11, Edgaras Ulanovas 11
Poland U19: Michal Michalak 29+13 boards, Przemyslaw Karnowski 16

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


BSN Quarterfinals: Santurce forces Game Seven against Guaynabo - by Eurobasket News
BSN QFinals, Game 6: Guaynabo - Santurce 85-96 OT (3-3)

Santurce is alive in the Quarterfinals. They celebrated 96-85 road victory last night tying the score to 3-3 in the series. Crucial Game Seven will be played at the Santurces home court on Saturday. The winner will meet Arecibo in the Semis.
The guests trailed by 5 points after three quarters before their 22-17 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 11-point victory in overtime. Cangrejeros made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. It was a good game for American forward Michael Sweetney (203-F-82, college: Georgetown) who led his team to a victory with 18 points and 7 rebounds. The former international guard Eddin 'Guayito' Santiago (185-G-79, college: Missouri So.) contributed with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. International swingman Angel Daniel Vassallo (198-G/F-86, college: Virginia Tech) replied with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds and American guard Chris Kramer (191-G-88, college: Purdue) added 22 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Mets. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.

Guaynabo: C.Kramer 22+6reb+3ast, A.Daniel Vassallo 16+13reb+3ast, C.Escalera 13+3reb+1ast, S.Pruitt 11+10reb+2ast, R.Dalmau 9+1reb+1ast, A.Luis Figueroa 8+4reb+1ast
Santurce: M.Sweetney 18+7reb+2ast, R.Sanchez 16+4reb+3ast, W.Hodge 16+3reb+2ast, E.'Guayito' Santiago 14+6reb+6ast, L.Villafane 9+2reb, R.Chaney 8+6reb+1ast

Stats Leaders - BSN
Points Per Game
 Angel Daniel VASSALLO
  Guaynabo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 22.5
 1. Vassallo, Guaynabo22.5 
 2. Ramos, Quebradillas22.3 
 3. Johnson, Humacao21.2 
 4. Dalmau, Bayamon20.8 
 5. Villegas, Coamo19.1 
 6. Ayuso, Arecibo18.3 
 7. Harris, San German18.3 
 8. Randolph, Isabela18.0 
 9. Carmona, Mayaguez17.0 
 10. Clinch, Isabela16.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Shavlik RANDOLPH
  Isabela
  (208-F-83)
  Avg: 12.3
 1. Randolph, Isabela12.3 
 2. Harris, San German12.3 
 3. Narvaez, Coamo11.6 
 4. Pruitt, Guaynabo11.5 
 5. Ramos, Quebradillas10.5 
 6. Lloreda, San G.10.0 
 7. Sweetney, Santurce9.1 
 8. Clemente, Mayaguez9.1 
 9. Rickert, Bayamon8.7 
 10. Johnson, Humacao8.5 
Assists Per Game
 Daniel BROWN
  Quebradillas
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Brown, Quebradillas5.9 
 2. Rivera, San German5.5 
 3. Dalmau, Bayamon5.5 
 4. Clinch, Isabela4.5 
 5. Clemente, Humacao4.4 
 6. Rivera, Mayaguez4.2 
 7. Bruton, Quebradill.4.1 
 8. Apodaca, Quebradil.4.1 
 9. Copeland, San G.3.8 
 10. Hinson, Isabela3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Darnell HINSON
  Isabela
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Hinson, Isabela1.8 
 2. Rivera, Mayaguez1.6 
 3. Clinch, Isabela1.5 
 4. Hodge, Santurce1.4 
 5. Chaney, Santurce1.3 
 6. Mojica, Bayamon1.3 
 7. Dalmau, Bayamon1.2 
 8. Berdiel, Humacao1.2 
 9. Robinson, Mayaguez1.2 
 10. Santiago, Santur.1.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Kleon PENN
  Humacao
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Penn, Humacao2.6 
 2. Santiago, Arecibo2.0 
 3. Sanchez, Santurce1.9 
 4. Aubry, Arecibo1.7 
 5. Lee, Bayamon1.6 
 6. Randolph, Isabela1.4 
 7. Harris, San German1.4 
 8. Ramos, Quebradillas1.2 
 9. Freije, Coamo1.1 
 10. Robinson, Mayagu.1.0 


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


Trushkin knocked USA U19 out of the FIBA U19 World Championship - by Eurobasket News
Russia U19-USA U19 79:74

Vladislav Trushkin knocked USA U19 out of the FIBA U19 World Championship as Russia shocked the defending champions. The European team advanced to the Semifinals after 79:74 win.
Russia should be thankful first to Argentina that gave European team the Quarterfinal appearance. Russia started strong and surprised USA with 25-18 in the first period. Moreover after 15-12 in the second frame the underdogs enjoyed 40:30 halftime advantage. Despite having lost their 10 point deficit, Russia did not appear to be panicking as they have in games previous, appearing happy to run the shot clock down and wait for their opportunities to penetrate. USA grabbed 1 points lead after thirty minutes as they edged Russia 23-12 in the third period. The last quarter was the benefit of Trushkin that hit 14 points in the final quarter to bring the most valuable victory for his team.
Dmitry Kulagin (195-G-92) stepped up with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Vladislav Trushkin (200-F-93) netted 19. Sergey Karasev (200-F-93) ended up with 17 points and Alexander Varnakov (185-G-92) scored 11. Jeremy Lamb (195-G/F-92) ended up with 21 points, whilst Joe Jackson (182-G-92) scored 14.

Russia U19: Dmitry Kulagin 21+12 rebs, Vladislav Trushkin 19, Sergey Karasev 17, Alexander Varnakov 11
USA U19: Jeremy Lamb 21, Joe Jackson 14, Meyers Leonard (213-C-92) 13


Spartak Saint Petersburg land Loukas Mavrokefalides - by Eurobasket News
Spartak Saint Petersburg have bolstered their frontcourt. The team has agreed on terms of contract with Loukas Mavrokefalides (207-C-84). The deal is meant for two seasons. For Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (A1) Loukas Mavrokefalides started in 2007 and in Euroleague after 10 games averaged 4.1ppg, 3.4rpg. In Greek League Regular Season his stats read 3.2ppg, 2.4rpg. In 2008-2009 the Greek Center moved to Costa Cafe Marousi (A1, starting five) and in Eurocup had 12.3ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 77.3%, while in Greek League showed 12.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 83.0%. In 2009-2010 moved back to Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece, A1) and in Euroleague after 14 games showed 5.4ppg, 2.3rpg, FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 56.0%. In Greek League after 29 games Loukas averaged 6.9ppg, 2.5rpg, FGP: 62.8%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 85.7%. Last season for Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (A1, starting five) he improved to 8.4ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 79.4% in EuroLeague and in Greek League had 9.8ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 55.2%, FT: 80.8%. Only in the last few seasons, Loukas Mavrokefalides reached Euroleague Quarterfinals -08, 11 and also reached Greek League Finalist -08, 10, 11, Greek League All-Star Game -09, 10, 11, Greek League Semifinals -09, Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League 2nd Team -09, Greek Cup Winners -10, Euroleague Finalist -10, Greek Cup Winner -10, 11, Greek National Team -10. Last season he was awarded Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Most Improved Player of the Year -11 and became Greek League Regular Season Champion -11.
In the past, Loukas Mavrokefalides played for Lottomatica Roma and Pamesa Valencia. He is a product of the PAOK Thessaloniki.


*****************************************************
  SEBL   


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


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


Serbia U19 shocked Australia U19 at the World Championship. - by Eurobasket News
Australia U19-Serbia U19 74:93

Serbia U19 edged Australia U19 at the FIBA U19 World Championship. The European team surprised the winner of Group E 93:74 and took their spot at the Semifinal.
Serbia started strong and took 22-12 after the first period.The Emus steadied in the second period, attacking the Serbians and making up some ground to go into the change rooms down by four points. The third quarter was decisive in the game. The Serbians were dominant in the all-important third period, holding the Emus to just 10 points while dropping 27 of their own. Australia won the last frame 26-24 but it was not enough to seal the win. Australia continued to fight until the final seconds but it would prove to be in vein with Aleksandar Cvetkovic putting in another stellar performance at point guard to steer Serbia to the final buzzer.
Djordje Drenovac (203-F-92, agency: Interperformances) and Mitrovic led the way with 17 points each, while Aleksandar Cvetkovic (185-PG-93) netted 15. Petar Lambic (195-G-92) followed them with 12 points in a win. Hugh Greenwood (190-G-92) finished the night with 25 points in the losing case, whilst Anthony Drmic (196-F/G-92) netted 15.

Australia U19: Hugh Greenwood 25, Anthony Drmic 15, Mitchell Creek (198-F/G-92) 11
Serbia U19: Djordje Drenovac 17, Mitrovic 17, Aleksandar Cvetkovic 15, Petar Lambic 12



Dusan Sakota heads to Belgium - by Eurobasket News
Dusan Sakota (209-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) is a new member of Base Oostende. The Serbian/Greek big guy is back on the court after abdominal injury, which forced him to miss the last season. Sakota played for Scavolini Spar Pesaro in 2009/10. He appeared 28 times with them in SerieA averaging 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals. He also added 10.4 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 12 games in EuroChallenge. Before Scavolini, he spent couple of years with Panathinaikos. Sakota was used in rotation and he won five league titles with PAO. They also were Eurileague champions in 2007 and 2009. In 2008/09, Dusan Sakota had 3.2 ppg and 1.4 rpg for 9 Euroleague games with PAO. He also added 5.2 pg and 1.5 rpg in 24 Greek league games.

Mile Ilic join Serbian National team - by Zoran Popovic
After few injured players and their cancelations head coach of Serbian National team Dusan Ivkovic invite FMP center Mile Ilic (215-C-84, agency: Beo Basket). Mile Ilic was member of Serbia and Montenegro National team on World Championship in Japan 2006. This season Mile Ilic played for FMP Zeleznik and on 42 games average scored 10.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists. During the career Mile Ilic played for FMP Zeleznik, drafted in second round as 43 pick from New Jersey Nets, loaned to Colorado 14ers (D-League). After he came back in Europe Ilic played for Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu, Bilbao Basket, Cajasol Sevilla, Metalac Valjevo and FMP Zeleznik. With FMP Zeleznik Mile Ilic won Yugoslavian National cup 2003 and Adriatic league 2004 and 2006.

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


Matjaz Smodis returns home, considering Krka or Olimpia - by Eurobasket News
Matjaz Smodis returns home and thinking of joining Krka or Olimpia for the next season. The Slovenian player comes back from Russia where he played for CSKA.

CSKA released Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) in late June. He joined the squad early in 2005 and was a great player in all the seasons. This year he averaged 9.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 78.6% in VTB-League and had 6.8ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 35.1%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 70.0% in EuroLeague. In Russian League his stats read 7.6ppg, 2.9rpg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 77.8%.
Matjaz Smodis recorded 17 points three times last season, two in VTB-League and one in the PBL. At the Regular Season Round 8 BC Nizhny Novgorod was crushed at home by CSKA Moscow 95-60. CSKA Moscow led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. CSKA Moscow outrebounded BC Nizhny Novgorod 38-23 including 24 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was Slovenian forward Matjaz Matjaz Smodis who scored 17 points and 6 rebounds.
In VTB -League Russian leader CSKA Moscow delivered the sixth victory beating Ukrainian Dnipro 74-65 early in January. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Dnipro won third quarter 19-18. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Slovenian forward Matjaz Smodis fired a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds for the winners.



Slovenia U20 edged Austrian side in Zrece - by Eurobasket News
Austria U20 played another friendly game before heading to European Championship. After the clashes with the Dutch teams and Georgia, they played Slovenia last night.

Slovenia U20 edged Austrian side in Zrece in a friendly campaign between two sides. The hosts trailed after the first period but pushed the tempo later for good and won the game 88:76.
Austria U20 selection started better and took 23-19 after the first period. They even enjoyed 2-point halftime advantage as Slovenia won the second period 18-16. The second half however belonged to the home side. Slovenia won the third period 24-16 and then added 27-21 in the last quarter.
Marko Pajic (204-F-92) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Klemen Prepelic (191-G-92) nailed 13. Nikolic-Smrdelj ended up with 12 points for the winners, while Muric and Alen Omic (213-C-92) had 11 apiece.



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


Bilbao Basket lands PG Raul Lopez - by Eurobasket News
Raul Lopez (183-G-80) is back to Spain. The experienced point guard penned a two-year deal with Bilbao Basket today. Lopez spent last two years in Russia with Khimky Moscow. He appeared 15 times for them in Euroleague last season averaging 6.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Lopez also had 5.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 2.1 apg for 39 games in Russia. In VTB United league, he added 5.6 ppg and 1.8 apg for 11 games. Khimky won the title in this competition.
Before Khimky, Raul Lopez spent three years with Real Madrid. He won the ACB and ULEB Cup title with them in 2007. In the past, Lopez also was a member of Girona, Utah Jazz and Joventut. Lopez is active member of the Spanish National Team since 2000.

Spain U20 victoriously opens Torneo en Barakaldo - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20-Montenegro U20 80:71

Spain U20 victoriously opens Torneo en Barakaldo winning the first game. The home side overcame Montenegro U20 80:71 in the opener.
Spain started better and took 26:17 after the first 10 minutes. The guests however did not give up and were stronger in the second frame. They needed 23-20 in the frame to trail 6 points at the halftime. In the third period Spain increased to 15 points as they produced 21-12 in the third quarter. Although Montenegro won the last period 19-13, they lost the first game.
Nikola Mirotic (209-F/C-91) paced all the winners with 15 points, while Alberto Jodar (204-F/C-91), Barrera and Gil added 12 each. Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) ended up with 25 points in the losing effort, while Todorovic scored 10.
In another game of the tournament Lithuania U20 beat Italy U20 73:69.

Spain U20: Nikola Mirotic 15, Alberto Jodar 12, Barrera 12, Gil 12
Montenegro U20: Bojan Dubljevic 25, Todorovic 10 Halil Kanacevic (203-F-91) 8



Melilla add Chukwudinma Odiakosa - by Eurobasket News
Melilla continued to strengthen their roster. Their latest newcomer is Chukwudinma Odiakosa (203-F/C-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St.). The 25-year-old centre spent the last season with La Palma. Chukwudinma Odiakosa averaged 11.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in LEB Gold. It was the first pro season for the Nigerian player. Chukwudinma Odiakosa graduated from the Illinois State University back in 2010. He made it into All-MVC 1st Team. Chukwudinma Odiakosa was trumped All-MVC Co-Defensive Player of the Year. The centre was the member of U20 and U21 Nigerian National Teams. Chukwudinma Odiakosa participated at African Championship for Juniors in 2004 as well as U21 World Championships in Argentina.


Bizkaia Bilbao close to landing Roger Grimau - by Eurobasket News
Bizkaia Bilbao are trying to add more experience to their roster. They are close to reaching agreement with Roger Grimau (196-G-79, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group). The sides are reportedly negotiating two-year deal. The 31-year-old guard parted ways with Regal Barcelona just several days ago. Roger Grimau tallied 4.5 points and 1.4 boards per Euroleague game last season. In ACB his stats read 5.0 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. Roger Grimau played for Regal Barcelona since 2003. Previously he had stints with Lleida and Joventut Badalona. Roger Grimau played for the Spanish National Team back in 2003. He was also the member of the Spanish B National Team in 2001.


Real Madrid reportedly turns down Kirilenko - by Eurobasket News
Will Andrei Kirilenko (6'9''-F-81) play overseas this season?

It's an obvious option for Kirilenko, an unrestricted free agent after playing out a six-year, $86 million contract with the Jazz.

Kirilenko has talked about playing in Russia, his homeland, or for teams in Europe.

According to Marca.com, Kirilenko recently approached Spanish League power Real Madrid about a contract, but the club balked over his $5.8 million salary request.

Kirilenko was paid $17.8 million last season, when injuries again limited his contribution to the Jazz. In 64 games, he averaged 11.7 points and 5.1 rebounds.

Kirilenko has said all along his No. 1 career choice would be re-signing with Utah. It could happen, too, if he's willing to return for considerably less than what he is used to making in the NBA.

On a team as young as the Jazz, a reasonably priced veteran like Kirilenko who knows Utah, knows coach Tyrone Corbin and knows the NBA could be valuable.

Courtesy of www.sltrib.com

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


Standings - Basketligan
Basketligan Standings
 1. 08 0-0 
 2. Boras 0-0 
 3. Eco Orebro 0-0 
 4. Jamtland 0-0 
 5. LF Basket 0-0 
 6. Norrkoping 0-0 
 7. Sodertalje 0-0 
 8. Solna 0-0 
 9. Sundsvall 0-0 
 10. Uppsala 0-0 


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


Mehmet Ozdogan stay in Ankara - by Eurobasket News
Mehmet Ozdogan stay in Ankara for his third season. After two successful years the Turkish Forward and Optimum TED Kolejliler Ankara agreed on another contract.
In 2006-2007 Mehmet joined Cukurova University (TB2L) and in 2007-2008 moved to Ankara Basket (TB2L, starting five). In 22 games he averaged 15.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP:57.1%, 3PT:33.3%, FT:66.7%. In 2008-2009 for Ankara Basket (TB2L, starting five) showed 12.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 74.2%. In 2009-2010 moved to Optimum TED Kolejliler Ankara (TB2L, starting five) and in the first season averaged 9.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 73.3%. In 2010-2011 for Optimum TED Kolejliler Ankara (TB2L) improved to 10.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 88.9%.
Mehmet Ozdogan recorded 25 points at the Regular Season Round 17 when Optimum TED destroyed Beykoz 120-50. Optimum TED dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Beykoz's 28. They outrebounded Beykoz 46-20 including a 33-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Optimum TED looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Mehmet Ozdogan scored 5/11 three pointers and added 1 rebound and 1 assist.


Optimum TED adds Mehmet Ozdogan - by Eurobasket News
Optimum TED Ankara Kolejliler is very active these days. The latest news is that Optimum TED extended deal with Mehmet Ozdogan (197-F-87) for another season. Ozdogan joined the club in 2009 from Ankara Basket. He appeared 21 times in TB2L last season registering 10 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 1.2 apg. In 2009/10, Mehmet Ozdogan collected 9.9 ppg and 2.4 rpg in 24 games.
Earlier this week Optimum TED Kolejliler Ankara announced signing of one-year contract extensions with Mehmet Nezih (206-C-80) and Burak Erol (196-G-88).
Mehmet Nezih joined the squad last summer from Tofas Bursa. He played 26 games in TB2L registering 9 ppg and 4.5 rpg. Optimum TED Kolejliler Ankara won TB2L Group B last season. Nezih was TB2L champion with the same team in 2008. He was their member from 2003 to 2008. In the meantime, Nezih spent two years with Tofas.
Burak Erol arrived to Optimum TED Kolejliler Ankara in 2009 from Ankara Basket. He had 5.8 ppg and 4.5 rpg for 26 games last season. In 2009/10, Erol averaged 6.9 points and 4.7 rebounds.

Kaspars Kambala joins Turk Telekom - by Eurobasket News
Kaspars Kambala (206-C-78, agency: Alti Sport, college: UNLV) is a new member of Turk Telekom Ankara. The Latvian big guy penned a one-year deal with the club. Kambala arrives to Turk Telekom from Iranian Mahram. He started last season with Lukoil Akademik and in December moved to Aliaga. For 17 TBL games with Aliaga, Kambala exploded with 20.2 ppg and 7.1 rpg. Season 2009/10, Kaspars Kambala spent with Enisey Krasnoyarsk. He had 14.5 ppg and 6.1 rpg for 11 games in Russian league. Eurobasket awarded Kambala with Eurobasket.com All-Russian A Superleague Honorable Mention -10. He also got Eurobasket.com Russian A Superleague All-Bosmans Team -10.
Kaspars Kambala won Turkish league title in 2007 with Fenerbahce Ulker. He was their member from 2005 to 2007, after what he was suspended for 2 years. In the past, Kambala also played for Unics Kazan and Efes Pilsen. In 2003, Kambala was 'Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Player of the Year'.

*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


U17 Centrobasket Championship for Men - by David Edole
San Juan, Puerto Rico- In a draw that happened this week, the Groups that will compete in the U17 Centrobasket Championship were defined. The Championship will be played in the Fernando 'Rube' Hernndez Coliseum in Gurabo, Puerto Rico.

The groups were selected under the conduction of FIBA Americas' Technical Director, Mr. Anibal Garca.

The groups are:

Group A:
1- USVI
2- Puerto Rico
3- DOM
4- BVI

Group B:
1- Belize
2- Mexico
3- Panama
4- Bahamas

The schedule for the first round tournament is the following:

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

14:00 Bahamas vs. Belize
16:00 Dominican Republic vs. Virgin Islands
18:00 Panama vs. Mexico
20:30 Puerto Rico vs. British Virgin Islands

Thursday, August 4, 2011

14:00 Mexico vs. Bahamas
16:00 British Virgin Islands vs. Dominican Republic
18:00 Belize vs. Panama
20:00 Virgin Islands vs. Puerto Rico

Friday, August 5, 2011.

14:00 Belize vs. Mexico
16:00 British Virgin Islands vs. Virgin Islands
18:00 Panama vs. Bahamas
20:00 Puerto Rico vs. Dominican Republic

Stats for the Championship will be available live online at www.fibaamericas.com


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


Hoverla tab Igor Silkovskyy - by Eurobasket News
Hoverla strengthened their roster. They landed Igor Silkovskyy (194-G-85). The 26-year-old guard played for MBC Mykolaiv since 2004. Last season Igor Silkovskyy tallied 2.8 points per appearance. The guard was the member of Ukrainian National Team back in 2008. In 2009 Igor Silkovskyy played at World University Games in Serbia. The guard notched 0.8 points and 1.5 rebounds per appearance in Belgrade.


Oleg Saltovets joins BC Donetsk - by Eurobasket News
Oleg Saltovets (202-F-77) penned new deal with BC Donetsk. The contract is meant for one season. The 34-year-old centre spent the part of the previous season in BC Donetsk on loan from BC Kyiv. He tallied 1.4 points and 1.2 rebounds per game in Superleague for the vice-champions. In BC Kyiv Oleg Saltovets notched 10.9 points, 7.6 boards, 1.3 assists and 1.1 steals per appearance. Eurobasket.com named Oleg Saltovets All-Ukrainian Superleague Most Improved Player of the Year in 2009. The centre was the member of Ukrainian National Team in 2009.


Ukraine U20 won the second and the third games over Belarus U20 - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U20 won the second and the third games over Belarus U20 in Kiev to show better preparation for U20 European Championship. After the first win in Game 1, Ukraine grabbed victories in another two.
In Game 2 Ukraine celebrated 98:72 victory. The hosts started confident and won the first period 26-13. Moreover they added 29-20 in the second frame and 27-23 in the third. Both squads scored 16 points each in the last period as the board showed 98:72 at the end. Vyacheslav Bobrov (202-F-92) and Oleksandr Lypovyy (199-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up with 16 points each, while Maksym Sandul (207-C-91) netted 14. Lyutich ended up with 17 points in the losing effort.
Game 3 was one of the most interesting. Trailing in the majority of the game, the hosts won 74:73. Belarus won the first period 19-16 and added massive 28-15 in the second. Ukraine however did not give up and produced 23-10 and 20-16 in the second half to seal the win.


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


Back In The Wolves' Pack - by Paul Nilsen
Worcester Wolves have announced the return of two of last season's squad, 6 foot 5 inch English guard Callum Jones (193-G-85, college: Pace), and 6 foot 8 inch Lithuanian Aleksas Zimnickas (203-F-83, college: Hartford)

Jones averaged 6 points and 2 assists in his first year at the Wolves, but this was from limited court time as he generally only played back up minutes coming off the bench.

Wolves Director of Basketball Paul James is now looking for an increased contribution from the 25 year old guard:

'Callum showed some good bursts of form when called upon. This year now that he has completed his Masters degree at the University of Worcester, he will be able to concentrate totally on his game. Callum will get the opportunity of greater time on court, and it will now be up to him to justify those minutes, as it is for every player on the team.'

Zimnickas comes back to the Wolves after a hard-working first year where he accumulated 6 points and 3 rebounds per game.

James is particularly pleased about the work ethic of the 27 year old power forward:

'Alex is not afraid to get his hands dirty. He gives us size close to the basket, and will graft for the team. I'm sure with the experience of last season behind him, we will see improved numbers from Alex.'

James also revealed that more signings are imminent:

'The last few weeks have been pretty intense as I have considered the direction I want to take with this year's side. We now have Callum and Alex alongside David Watts as players coming back to Worcester. Other players have been offered contracts, but now is the time for me to make some hard decisions.'


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


LPB Finals: Marinos take 2-1 lead against Cocodrilos - by Eurobasket News
LPB Finals, Game 3: Marinos - Cocodrilos 86-78

Third game of the LPB Finals was played last night. Marinos was too strong for Cocodrilos celebrating 86-78 victory. It means that Marinos took 2-1 lead in the Finals series. Smith Donta (201-G-83, college: SE Illinois JC) was a key player for the hosts scoring 26 points. Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) and Robert Battle (204-C-81, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Drexel) added 12 points each. In the loosing squad, Carl Elliott (193-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) shined with 23 points. Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) and Juan Herrera (197-F-81) had 14 and 12 pts respectively. Fourth game is scheduled for Saturday and Marinos will be the host again.
Marinos took 1-0 lead in the series and Cocodrilos replied with 83-77 victory in Game Two. Jack Michael Martinez stepped up for the hosts in that meeting with double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds. Carl Elliott secured a great help adding 21 points, while Luis Bethelmi added 12 points and 5 boards.

Marinos: Smith Donta 26, Oscar Torres 12, Robert Battle 12
Cocodrilos: Carl Elliott 23, Jack Michael Martinez 14, Juan Herrera 12

*****************************************************
  VTB UNITED LEAGUE   


BC Astana bring in Rawle Marshall - by Eurobasket News
BC Astana continued to shape up roster for the upcoming season. The newly created team announced another loud signing. They have agreed on terms of contract with Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland). The 29-year-old guard spent the last season in Greece. He tallied 15.5 points, 3.3 boards, 1.7 steals and 1.2 assists per game in EuroCup for PAOK. In A1 League Rawle Marshall notched 16.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.4 assists per appearance. Eurobasket.com named the guard into Greek A1 League All-Imports Team. Rawle Marshall also participated at 2011 Greek All-Star Game. Previously the player had stints in Spain, France, Croatia, Russia, Serbia, D-League and NBA. The guard was also named into Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League 1st Team in 2008.


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


Shocking Quarterfinals: All the low-ranked teams advanced to the semis - by Eurobasket News
Australia - Serbia 74-93
Serbia U19 edged Australia U19 at the FIBA U19 World Championship. The European team surprised the winner of Group E 93:74 and took their spot at the Semifinal. Serbia started strong and took 22-12 after the first period.The Emus steadied in the second period, attacking the Serbians and making up some ground to go into the change rooms down by four points. The third quarter was decisive in the game. The Serbians were dominant in the all-important third period, holding the Emus to just 10 points while dropping 27 of their own. Australia won the last frame 26-24 but it was not enough to seal the win. Australia continued to fight until the final seconds but it would prove to be in vein with Aleksandar Cvetkovic (185-PG-93) putting in another stellar performance at point guard to steer Serbia to the final buzzer. Djordje Drenovac (203-F-92, agency: Interperformances) and Mitrovic led the way with 17 points each, while Aleksandar Cvetkovic netted 15. Petar Lambic followed them with 12 points in a win. Hugh Greenwood (190-G-92) finished the night with 25 points in the losing case, whilst Anthony Drmic netted 15.

Poland - Lithuania 75-87
Lithuania earned the spot in the U19 World Championship semifinals. They overcame Polish counterparts in the quarterfinal tonight. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) scored 26 points and grabbed impressive 24 rebounds to pace Lithuania. The Baltic team entered the game confidently. They maintained the lead and recorded a 22:15 advantage at the first break. Lithuania kept up the tempo throughout the second period. They ensured a 47:33 halftime lead. Poland tried to come back into the game in the third frame. They cut the deficit and entered the fourth frame trailing by just 7 points. But Lithuania quickly stopped the rot. They notched 23 points in the fourth frame and rallied to a comfortable win at the end. Vytenis Cizauskas (190-G-92) tallied 13 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for Lithuania. Zygimantas Skucas (200-F-92) and Edgaras Ulanovas (198-G-92) added 11 points apiece in the victory. Michal Michalak responded with 29 points and 13 rebounds for Poland. Przemyslaw Karnowski contributed 16 points in the losing effort.

Russia - USA 79-74
Trushkin knocked USA U19 out of the FIBA U19 World Championship as Russia shocked the defending champions. The European team advanced to the Semifinals after 79:74 win. Russia should be thankful first to Argentina that gave European team the Quarterfinal appearance. Russia started strong and surprised USA with 25-18 in the first period. Moreover after 15-12 in the second frame the underdogs enjoyed 40:30 halftime advantage. Despite having lost their 10 point deficit, Russia did not appear to be panicking as they have in games previous, appearing happy to run the shot clock down and wait for their opportunities to penetrate. USA grabbed 1 points lead after thirty minutes as they edged Russia 23-12 in the third period. The last quarter was the benefit of Trushkin that hit 14 points in the final quarter to bring the most valuable victory for his team. Kulagin Dmitry stepped up with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Vladislav Trushkin (200-F-93) netted 19. Sergey Karasev (200-F-93) ended up with 17 points and Alexander Varnakov (185-G-92) scored 11. Lamb Jeremy ended up with 21 points, whilst Jackson Joe scored 14.

Argentina - Croatia 81-76
Croatia U19 succumb to Argentina U19 in Quarter Finals and allowed the Latin American team to be the only non-European representative at the Semifinals of the FIBA U19 World Championship. Argentina won the opening tip 11-4 and then increased to 21-11 after the first 10 minutes. Marcos Delia made it 36:24, while Juan Giaveno scored for 46:30. Boris Barac (206-F-92) made two free throws at the end of the frame to reduce to 46:32. Croatia looked better after the break and reduced from -14 to -5. Boris Barac scored from the perimeter for 59:54 after thirty minutes. Moreover Toni Katic cut it to 61:59 and Dario Saric scored for 73:70. Argentina meanwhile did not allow the European team to go on a lead and Juan Giaveno nailed two for 79:73 with less than a minute to go. Franco Giorgetti (202-F-92) was perfect from the free throw line at the very end to bring 81:76 win for Argentina. Patricio Garino chipped in 21 points for the winners and Marcos Delia notched 16. Franco Giorgetti poured in 12, whilst Carlos Paredes scored 11. Dario Saric finished the game with 24 points in defeat and Boris Barac scored 22.

Group 9-12 places
Brazil - Egypt 77-63
Brazil overcame Egypt today in the classification round for 9-12 place at U19 World Championship in Latvia. Brazil will now take on Latvia for the ninth overall position tomorrow. David Rossetto produced 18 points to lead the effort. Egypt will take on Canada for the 11th spot. Egypt surged ahead early in the encounter. They recorded a 16:12 lead after ten minutes of action. Brazil however bounced back in the second term. They increased the tempo in the second period and exploded with 28 points to establish a 40:31 halftime lead. Brazil consolidated the lead in the third term. They limited Egypt to just 11 points and grabbed a 17-point lead at the final break. Egypt knocked down 21 points in the final quarter but came up short of victory at the end. Bruno Irigoyen nailed 14 points, while Cristiano Felicio (206-C-92) contributed 10 points in the victory. Omar Mohamed (183-PG-94) answered with 18 points for Egypt. Assem Ahmed (205-C-92) accounted for 15 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

Latvia - Canada 99-96
Latvia snapped four-game losing streak at the U19 World Championship. The hosts held off Canadian counterparts in classification round tonight. Latvia thus will take on Brazil for the ninth overall position at the tournament. Canada will face Egypt in the battle for the 11th place. Edmunds Dukulis (204-C-92, agency: Players Group) notched 23 points and 11 rebounds to lead Latvia in this one. The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the opening quarter. Canada eked out a 24:23 lead at the first break. The North American side stepped on the gas in the second term. They erupted for 30 points and posted a 54:44 halftime lead. But Latvia turned things upside down in the third stanza. Led by Edmunds Dukulis the hosts went on a 27:15 rally to enter the fourth frame up by two points 71:69. Latvia dropped 28 points in the final quarter and hung on escape with a narrow win at the end. Kaspars Vecvagars accounted for 17 points, while Davis Bertans had 18 points for the home team. Kevin Pangos (186-PG-93) answered with 24 points for Canada. Dyshawn Pierre (198-F-93) topscored with 30 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.



Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Jonas VALANCIUNAS
  LTU
  (210-C-92)
  Avg: 21.4
 1. Valanciunas, LTU21.4 
 2. Barac, CRO18.9 
 3. Lamb, USA18.6 
 4. Ahmed, EGY18.4 
 5. Saric, CRO17.8 
 6. Michalak, POL17.3 
 7. Drmic, AUS16.6 
 8. Vecvagars, LAT16.6 
 9. Cvetkovic, SRB16.3 
 10. Mohamed, EGY16.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jonas VALANCIUNAS
  LTU
  (210-C-92)
  Avg: 14.9
 1. Valanciunas, LTU14.9 
 2. Ahmed, EGY12.1 
 3. Saric, CRO10.8 
 4. Dukulis, LAT10.0 
 5. Nogueira, BRA8.6 
 6. M''Rad, TUN8.0 
 7. Mitchell, USA7.9 
 8. Barac, CRO7.7 
 9. Pierre, CAN7.6 
 10. Zhai, CHN7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Grzegorz GROCHOWSKI
  (176-PG-93)
  Avg: 5.4
 1. Grochowski, POL5.4 
 2. Kim, KOR5.4 
 3. Cizauskas, LTU5.2 
 4. Hossam, EGY5.0 
 5. Katic, CRO4.5 
 6. Neto, BRA4.1 
 7. Vecvagars, LAT4.1 
 8. Chen, TAI4.0 
 9. Ahmed, EGY3.7 
 10. Jackson, USA3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Jeremy LAMB
  (195-G/F-92)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Lamb, USA2.4 
 2. Pangos, CAN2.3 
 3. Ahmed, EGY2.3 
 4. Chen, TAI2.2 
 5. Moon, KOR2.2 
 6. Creek, AUS1.9 
 7. Giaveno, ARG1.9 
 8. Zhai, CHN1.8 
 9. Cizauskas, LTU1.8 
 10. Abada, TUN1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Jonas VALANCIUNAS
  LTU
  (210-C-92)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Valanciunas, LTU3.7 
 2. Nogueira, BRA3.0 
 3. Karnowski, POL1.9 
 4. Mitchell, USA1.7 
 5. Niedzwiedzki, POL1.4 
 6. Delia, ARG1.3 
 7. Lee, KOR1.3 
 8. Jankovic, CAN1.3 
 9. Mockevicius, LTU1.3 
 10. Felicio, BRA1.1 




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

Women News

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


Samantha Norwood re-signs with West Coast Waves - by Eurobasket News
The Alcohol. Think Again West Coast Waves added further strength to their 2011/12 campaign today, re-signing power forward Samantha Norwood (188-F/C-89, college: Stony Brook) for the upcoming season.

The West Australian local returns to the side after a breakout performance in 2010/11 which saw her average 8.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, after returning to Australia from a stint at US College Stony Brook University.

Norwoods return to the Waves roster is an exciting signing for the team, as her work ethic and strong inside game will be crucial for the teams push towards finals this season.

On her signing, Norwood says: Im very excited about the upcoming season. Weve had a good break to rest up and come back fresh so Im looking forward to getting into practice.

I cant wait to start playing with Rohanee. Like Tully she will just bring so much experience to the team. Its such a great opportunity to get to play with someone like Rohanee who has achieved so much in their career.

We improved so much last year, with majority of the team coming back and a few new additions hopefully we can continue from where we left off last season.

Head Coach David Herbert says of Norwoods signing: Sam is exactly the kind of player we need on the team. She epitomises hard work and her subsequent improvement is just rewards.

Sams form in the SBL this season has been outstanding and with continued hard work, Sam will only continue her rapid growth as a player.

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

Australian Womens Uni Games team defeated by Japan - by Eurobasket News
The Australian Womens University Games team have been defeated by the visiting senior national womens team of Japan in their encounter tonight at the AIS Arena.

Australia went down 78-66 in a friendly match as part of their preparation camp for the upcoming 26th Summer Universiade (World University Games) in China from 11-23 August, 2011.
Despite holding a three point edge after one quarter, and strong all-round performances from Cayla Francis (192-C-89) (13 points), Abby Bishop (12 points, 7 rebounds) and Marianna Tolo (196-C-89) (10 points, 9 rebounds) the Australians could not curb the hot shooting Japanese.

The second term saw Japan outscore the Australians 26-18 to take a five point halftime lead. Australia struggled to score in the third term also, held to 14 points, while Japan continued to extend their lead, leading by double figures for much of the quarter.

The Japanese team were full of confidence after two impressive victories against Australias U19 team, the Gems, earlier in the week and it appeared they would also run away with this game.

However, amazingly Australia fought back to cut the deficit to only three points with under four minutes of play remaining in the final term, behind the exciting play of Stephanie Cumming (178-G-90), Marianna Tolo and Cayla Francis.

Japan steadied in the final few minutes and secured their victory with a 9-0 run in the final few minutes.

The two teams face off again on Saturday night, click here to follow the game.



Japan 78 (Yuko Oga (170-G-82) 18, Nagi 14, Takada 12) defeated Australian University Games team 66 (Francis 13, Bishop 12, Tolo 10)

Quarter by quarter

1st Quarter: 16 19

2nd Quarter: 32 27 (26 18)

3rd Quarter: 51 41 (19 14)

4th Quarter: 78 66 (17 15)
Courtesy of: www.basketball.net.au

Olympian Jenni Screen signs with the Adelaide Lightning - by Eurobasket News
The Adelaide Lightning have landed another prize WNBL recruit announcing the signing of Beijing Olympian and 2006 FIBA World Champion Jennifer Screen (180-G-82) to their roster for season 2011/12.

Screen will make her return to the WNBL for the first time since 2006, joining the already formidable Lightning front-line recruits in Australian Opals Suzy Batkovic and Abby Bishop.

The 180cm forward spent 2002-2006 playing for Adelaide in the WNBL, before heading to Europe where she has spent time playing in Italy. 29-year-old Screen now joins newly appointed head coach Peter Buckle in an almost totally revamped Lightning team.

Screen told Boti Nagy of the Adelaide Advertiser that she was excited about returning to the WNBL.

'I've had six years in Europe and wanted a season at home,' she said.

'The league seems to be quite strong and I wanted to be part of Lightning again. There's no other team I'd want to play for and I'll put my heart and soul into Adelaide.'

Screen dealt with an injured knee in her most recent European season and said she was pleased to have the opportunity now to heal her body in preparation for the WNBL season.

'I've been getting my body right,' she told the Adelaide Advertiser.

'The seasons overseas have taken their toll and the knee hasn't been 100 per cent. I had to have surgery to have some cartilage removed.

Adelaide have also secured the coveted signature of former Townsville guard Amy Lewis, another player who has followed head coach Peter Buckle to the Lightning.

Lewis played in all 22 games for the Fire last season and was the teams second leading scorer averaging 13.1 points per game.

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

*****************************************************
  BELARUS - Women  


U20 Holland cruises past U20 Belarus 75-42 - by Eurobasket News
U20 Belarus - U20 Holland 42-75

Holland demonstrated wonderful performance in Day One of the U20 EuroBasket. Holand trashed Belarus 75-42 for 1-0 score in Preliminary Group C. Participants of the same pool are also France and Italy. Maxime Essenstam (189-C-93) shined for Holland in this meeting with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Chatilla Van Grinsven (187-F-89) had double-double of 14 points and 17 rebounds, while Tessel van Dongen (175-PG-91) added 12 pts. Nadzeya Bohdan (187-C-93) had 13 points and 5 rebounds on the other side. Maryia Papova (186-F-94) (8 rebs) and Maryia Filonchyk (189-C/F-92) (7 rebs) scored 8 points each.
Holland dominated in the entire game. They won every single quarter, starting with 12-19 in Q1. Until the half time Holland was up by 10 and they jumped to plus 16 with 10:00 to go. That was not all as Maxime Essenstam and her teammates blasted Belarus with 7-24 in the last ten minutes for the final 42-75 win.
Holland will meet Italy in Day Two. Belarus will play against France.

Belarus: Nadzeya Bohdan 13+5 boards, Maryia Papova 8+8 boards, Maryia Filonchyk 8+7 boards
Holland: Maxime Essenstam 16+7 boards, Chatilla Van Grinsven 14+17 boards, Tessel van Dongen 12

*****************************************************
  BOTSWANA - Women  


Panthers test leaders in basketball league - by Thomas Fink
MOGOMOTSI BUZWANI
Correspondent Friday 24 June 2011

FRANCISTOWN: On-form leaders, BDF V face a stern test this evening when they take on impressive debutants, Panthers at the University of Botswana (UB) Courts in the women basketball league. BDF V have collected maximum points from the four games they have played so far.

Their main challengers for the title are defending champions Police and Panthers. Police gave BDF V easy points recently when they failed to dress up in time for the came. The two sides are still favourites for a 1-2 finish and another match-up in the National Championships, though Panthers might spoil the party for Police if they continue to slip-up.

In mid-table, seasoned campaigners NIIT Ravens should be too good for Relics and newcomers Splinters. They have however already lost a crucial game against the Relics who are rebuilding after losing a good number of their players to Panthers. The NIIT girls are fourth with five points. Debutantes Splinters are struggling in their debut season and are yet to win a match.

Botswana Basketball Association (BBA) chairperson Kabo Khama has said that instead of four rounds, the women's league will have only two with each side playing five games. 'The ladies league has six teams this year compared to four last year. The first round will end on July 9. We will then break for four weeks and start the second round end of August,' he explained. Khama said the mid season break will be the transfer window. 'We may see players transferring and new players coming through.

Teams are expected to strengthen and Relics who are now affiliated to UB will be expecting to receive new players with the UB reopening in August. The second round promises to be as exciting as ever,' he promised.


*****************************************************
  CANADA - Women  


Volcanoes owner in final stages of buying IBL - by Eurobasket News
Bryan Hunter likes owning the Vancouver Volcanoes so much that he bought the whole league.

Hunter, the coach and majority owner of the International Basketball League champions, is in the final stages of purchasing the semi-pro league.

Its going to be a revenue-share model, so I dont know what the final number is going to be, Hunter said about the purchase price. Its going to be about $200,000.

On Sunday, the Volcanoes won their first IBL championship, bringing a close to the leagues ninth season. That same day, Hunter said, he reached an agreement to purchase the league from founder Mikal Duilio.

The paperwork has not been finalized, but an agreement has been reached, Hunter said. Probably in the next four weeks, everything will be finalized.

The IBL this year included 10 full franchises and five branding teams that played a partial schedule and might seek inclusion in the league.

Of the 10 full-time teams, six were based along the I-5 corridor, including clubs in Portland, Olympia and Bellingham, as well as Vancouver.

Duilio said: It is time today for the IBL to take the next phase forward, focusing a bit on revenues and televising games. Bryan Hunter , in my opinion, will be able to navigate the league forward into that next phase.

The Volcanoes in recent years have provided telecasts of home games for local cable-access channels.

TV is a very large goal, Hunter said. We have a six-camera crew, HD cameras at all of our games, to show that it can work. We will be exploring those possibilities throughout the offseason.

Hunter, who owns Portland-based Exitexchange, an Internet advertising company, said he will continue to own the Volcanoes. He hasnt decided whether his duties as league owner will allow him to continue coaching the club.

Hunter also said the league will be based in Vancouver, and that he will create a new position for a commissioner who is not affiliated with any particular franchise.

I want to try to grow the league, he said. I dont believe that semi-pro has to have negative connotation a lot of people put on it.

Courtesy of www.columbian.com

*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Katarina Flasarova signs with Goettingen - by Eurobasket News
Katarina Flasarova (171-G-85) signs with Goettingen for the next season. The team already announced Jennifer Kerns (Headcoach), Mara Munder (170-G-92) (SG), Nekane Krumm (178-F-88) (SG/F), Bettina Bode (193-C-80) (C), Klaudia Grudzien (183-F-90) (F), Ofa Tulikihihifo (180-G/F-84, college: Cal.St. Northridge) (F), Katarina Flasarova (PG).
In 2005-2006 the Guard from Czech Republic started for Valosun KP Brno (1Liga) and averaged 5.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 38.5%, 3FGP: 19.0%, FT: 79.2%. In 2006-2007 she moved to BBV Leipzig Eagles (Germany-DBBL, starting five) and in 2007-2008 for BBV Leipzig Eagles (Germany-DBBL, starting five) averaged 16.1ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.5apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 76.3%. In 2008-2009 moved to Herner TC (Germany-DBBL, starting five) and after 25 games had 9.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 81.0%. In 2009-2010 played for BBV Leipzig Eagles (Germany-DBBL, starting five) showing 10.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 20.7%, FT: 73.8%. The last season Katarina Flasarova played for BC Wildcats Wolfenbuettel (Germany-DBBL, starting five) and in 24 games averaged 10.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT-2 (91.5%).
At the Regular Season Round 18 Katarina Flasarova recorded 26 points when Wolfenbuettel beat Chemnitz 75-73. The hosts were ahead by 3 points but lost the second period ending it with a 3-point deficit before their 23-18 run, which allowed them to win the game. Czech guard Katarina Flasarova notched 26 points and 6 assists to lead the effort and American forward Carla Bartee supported her with 17 points and 10 rebounds.



*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE - Women  


Rivas Ecopolis lands Essence Carson - by Eurobasket News
Essence Carson (183-G-86, college: Rutgers) is a new member of Rivas Ecopolis. The American guard signed a one-year deal with her new club. Carson heads to Spain from the WNBA team New York Liberty, where she currently plays. She appeared 9 times for them so far averaging 14.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Essence Carson spent last season with SEAT Lami in Hungary. She exploded with 17.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.4 apg and 2.2 spg for them. Eurobasket awarded Carson with Eurobasket.com EuroCup All-Imports Team -11. In EuroCup, Carson added 19.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 2.2 apg for 9 games. In the past, she also played for Umana Reyer Venezia, Bourges, and TTT Riga. Essence Carson is a product of the Rutgers University, where she graduated in 2008.

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


W-Standings - Group A
Standings
Group A
1. Poland2-0
2. Serbia1-1
3. Ukraine1-1
4. Germany0-2
Group B
1. Russia2-0
2. Turkey1-1
3. Lithuania1-1
4. Romania0-2
Group C
1. France2-0
2. Italy1-1
3. Holland1-1
4. Belarus0-2
Group D
1. Spain2-0
2. Slovakia1-1
3. U.Kingdom1-1
4. Latvia0-2


Standings Div.B (Women) - by Eurobasket News
Standings Div.B
Group A
1. Portugal1-0
2. Hungary1-0
3. Sweden0-0
4. FYR Macedo.0-1
5. Bulgaria0-1
Group B
1. Greece1-0
2. Israel1-0
3. Czech Rep.1-0
4. Estonia0-1
5. Austria0-1
6. Belgium0-1


*****************************************************
  FIBA AMERICAS - Women  


Standings
Standings
Group A
1. Argentina0-0
2. Chile0-0
3. Colombia0-0
4. Cuba0-0
5. P.Rico0-0
Group B
1. Brazil0-0
2. Canada0-0
3. Jamaica0-0
4. Mexico0-0
5. Paraguay0-0


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


U20 France grabs 60-58 thriller win against U20 Italy - by Eurobasket News
U20 Italy - U20 France 58-60

Very exciting game was played between Italy and France in Day One of the U20 EuroBasket in Novi Sad. France grabbed 58-60 thriller win for 1-0 score in Preliminary Group C. Participants of this group are also Holland and Belarus. Kelly Corre (180-F-91) stepped up for the winners with double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Touty Gandega (170-G-91) also scored 14 points, while Ondaye-Akoa Elenga (186-F-91) added 9 points and 7 boards. Alessandra Tava (184-F/C-91) had 19 points and 6 rebounds in defeat. Federica Nannucci (170-G-91) stopped to 10 pts.
First quarter was totally leveled and it ended with 14-14 tie. Kelly Corre and her teammates made 13-17 in Q2, but Italy replied with 16-12 after the breather. Teams started from zero again, but France shined when it matter most and thanks to Corre managed to grab this victory.
France will play against Belarus in Day Two. Italy will meet Holland.

Italy: Alessandra Tava 19+6 boards, Federica Nannucci 10,
France: Kelly Corre 14+11 boards, Touty Gandega 14, Ondaye-Akoa Elenga 9+7 boards

*****************************************************
  GERMANY - Women  


Katarina Flasarova signs with Goettingen - by Eurobasket News
Katarina Flasarova (171-G-85) signs with Goettingen for the next season. The team already announced Jennifer Kerns (Headcoach), Mara Munder (170-G-92) (SG), Nekane Krumm (178-F-88) (SG/F), Bettina Bode (193-C-80) (C), Klaudia Grudzien (183-F-90) (F), Ofa Tulikihihifo (180-G/F-84, college: Cal.St. Northridge) (F), Katarina Flasarova (PG).
In 2005-2006 the Guard from Czech Republic started for Valosun KP Brno (1Liga) and averaged 5.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 38.5%, 3FGP: 19.0%, FT: 79.2%. In 2006-2007 she moved to BBV Leipzig Eagles (Germany-DBBL, starting five) and in 2007-2008 for BBV Leipzig Eagles (Germany-DBBL, starting five) averaged 16.1ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.5apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 76.3%. In 2008-2009 moved to Herner TC (Germany-DBBL, starting five) and after 25 games had 9.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 81.0%. In 2009-2010 played for BBV Leipzig Eagles (Germany-DBBL, starting five) showing 10.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 20.7%, FT: 73.8%. The last season Katarina Flasarova played for BC Wildcats Wolfenbuettel (Germany-DBBL, starting five) and in 24 games averaged 10.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT-2 (91.5%).
At the Regular Season Round 18 Katarina Flasarova recorded 26 points when Wolfenbuettel beat Chemnitz 75-73. The hosts were ahead by 3 points but lost the second period ending it with a 3-point deficit before their 23-18 run, which allowed them to win the game. Czech guard Katarina Flasarova notched 26 points and 6 assists to lead the effort and American forward Carla Bartee supported her with 17 points and 10 rebounds.



U20 Poland blasts U20 Germany 86-46 in Novi Sad - by Eurobasket News
U20 Poland - U20 Germany 86-46

Poland had a wonderful Day One of the U20 EuroBasket in Novi Sad. They blasted Germany 86-46 for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group A. Participants of the same pool are also Ukraine and host Serbia. Malgorzata Misiuk (184-F-91) stepped up for the winners with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Paulina Kuras (170-G-92) had 11 points and 6 boards, while Agnieszka Sniezek (176-G-91) also added 11 pts in this win. On the other side, Germany got 19 points from Finja Schaake (179-G/F-92). Sonja Greinacher (188-F/C-92) followed her with 11.
Poland dominated in this game from the very beginning. They exploded with 22-8 in the first ten minutes and continued with 24-9 in the second period. At that time it was already clear who the winner of the game will be. Germany made 14-22 in Q3, but Poland smashed them in the last ten minutes 26-7 for the final 86-46 victory.
In Day Two, Poland will meet Serbia. Germany will take on Ukraine.

Poland: Malgorzata Misiuk 16+6 boards, Paulina Kuras 11+6 boards, Agnieszka Sniezek 11
Germany: Finja Schaake 19, Sonja Greinacher 11

*****************************************************
  HOLLAND - Women  


U20 Holland cruises past U20 Belarus 75-42 - by Eurobasket News
U20 Belarus - U20 Holland 42-75

Holland demonstrated wonderful performance in Day One of the U20 EuroBasket. Holand trashed Belarus 75-42 for 1-0 score in Preliminary Group C. Participants of the same pool are also France and Italy. Maxime Essenstam (189-C-93) shined for Holland in this meeting with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Chatilla Van Grinsven (187-F-89) had double-double of 14 points and 17 rebounds, while Tessel van Dongen (175-PG-91) added 12 pts. Nadzeya Bohdan (187-C-93) had 13 points and 5 rebounds on the other side. Maryia Papova (186-F-94) (8 rebs) and Maryia Filonchyk (189-C/F-92) (7 rebs) scored 8 points each.
Holland dominated in the entire game. They won every single quarter, starting with 12-19 in Q1. Until the half time Holland was up by 10 and they jumped to plus 16 with 10:00 to go. That was not all as Maxime Essenstam and her teammates blasted Belarus with 7-24 in the last ten minutes for the final 42-75 win.
Holland will meet Italy in Day Two. Belarus will play against France.

Belarus: Nadzeya Bohdan 13+5 boards, Maryia Papova 8+8 boards, Maryia Filonchyk 8+7 boards
Holland: Maxime Essenstam 16+7 boards, Chatilla Van Grinsven 14+17 boards, Tessel van Dongen 12

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


U20 France grabs 60-58 thriller win against U20 Italy - by Eurobasket News
U20 Italy - U20 France 58-60

Very exciting game was played between Italy and France in Day One of the U20 EuroBasket in Novi Sad. France grabbed 58-60 thriller win for 1-0 score in Preliminary Group C. Participants of this group are also Holland and Belarus. Kelly Corre (180-F-91) stepped up for the winners with double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Touty Gandega (170-G-91) also scored 14 points, while Ondaye-Akoa Elenga (186-F-91) added 9 points and 7 boards. Alessandra Tava (184-F/C-91) had 19 points and 6 rebounds in defeat. Federica Nannucci (170-G-91) stopped to 10 pts.
First quarter was totally leveled and it ended with 14-14 tie. Kelly Corre and her teammates made 13-17 in Q2, but Italy replied with 16-12 after the breather. Teams started from zero again, but France shined when it matter most and thanks to Corre managed to grab this victory.
France will play against Belarus in Day Two. Italy will meet Holland.

Italy: Alessandra Tava 19+6 boards, Federica Nannucci 10,
France: Kelly Corre 14+11 boards, Touty Gandega 14, Ondaye-Akoa Elenga 9+7 boards

Slovenia U19 outscored Italy U19 in Cavalese - by Eurobasket News
Italy U19 -Slovenia U19 52:54

Slovenia U19 outscored Italy U19 in Cavalese in the first friendly game of the preparation for World Championship. The Slovenian side grabbed 54:52 in Game 1 as the teams will have another scrimmage tomorrow.
The hosts started better and took 15-12 advantage after the first period. Both squads nailed 16 points each in the second frame as the board showed 3-point halftime advantage. In the second half Slovenia however dominated the court. They reduced to just one point after 12-10 win in the third period and won the game due to 14-11 in the last stanza.
Nika Baric (169-G-92) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Tjasa Gortnar (185-F-92) netted 15. Tina Jakovina (182-G-92) ended up with 9, while Tjasa Unverdorben (175-F-93) notched 6. Giovanna Pertile (177-G-92) replied with 18 points in the losing effort, Alessandra Formica (189-F/C-93) had 8 and Dotto scored 7.
U19 World Championship for Women Draw will take place in Chile from July 21 through 31.

Italy U19: Giovanna Pertile 18, Alessandra Formica 8, Dotto 7
Slovenia U19: Nika Baric 16, Tjasa Gortnar 15, Tina Jakovina 9, Tjasa Unverdorben 6


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


Australian Womens Uni Games team defeated by Japan - by Eurobasket News
The Australian Womens University Games team have been defeated by the visiting senior national womens team of Japan in their encounter tonight at the AIS Arena.

Australia went down 78-66 in a friendly match as part of their preparation camp for the upcoming 26th Summer Universiade (World University Games) in China from 11-23 August, 2011.
Despite holding a three point edge after one quarter, and strong all-round performances from Cayla Francis (192-C-89) (13 points), Abby Bishop (12 points, 7 rebounds) and Marianna Tolo (196-C-89) (10 points, 9 rebounds) the Australians could not curb the hot shooting Japanese.

The second term saw Japan outscore the Australians 26-18 to take a five point halftime lead. Australia struggled to score in the third term also, held to 14 points, while Japan continued to extend their lead, leading by double figures for much of the quarter.

The Japanese team were full of confidence after two impressive victories against Australias U19 team, the Gems, earlier in the week and it appeared they would also run away with this game.

However, amazingly Australia fought back to cut the deficit to only three points with under four minutes of play remaining in the final term, behind the exciting play of Stephanie Cumming (178-G-90), Marianna Tolo and Cayla Francis.

Japan steadied in the final few minutes and secured their victory with a 9-0 run in the final few minutes.

The two teams face off again on Saturday night, click here to follow the game.



Japan 78 (Yuko Oga (170-G-82) 18, Nagi 14, Takada 12) defeated Australian University Games team 66 (Francis 13, Bishop 12, Tolo 10)

Quarter by quarter

1st Quarter: 16 19

2nd Quarter: 32 27 (26 18)

3rd Quarter: 51 41 (19 14)

4th Quarter: 78 66 (17 15)
Courtesy of: www.basketball.net.au

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


U20 Spain cruises to first win in Novi Sad - by Eurobasket News
U20 Latvia - U20 Spain 46-67

Spain had no troubles to win their first game at the U20 EuroBasket 2011 in Novi Sad, Serbia. Spain was too strong for Latvia handing them 67-46 loss. They are placed to Preliminary Group D, together with Slovakia and United Kingdom. Mireia Vila (183-F-91) was on fire in victory scoring 21 points. Vega Gimeno Martinez (183-F-91, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Robert Morris) followed her with 12 pts, while Vanessa Ble (190-C/F-91) added double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds. In Latvia, Liga Surkusa (194-C-91) delivered 11 points. Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) had 10 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists, while Anete Kirsteine (178-F/G-92) stopped to 10 pts.
Spain was way better team from the early beginning. They made excellent 5-19 in the first quarter and managed to keep plus 13 until the half time. In third quarter Spain blasted Latvia 24-11 and it was already clear who the winner of the game will be. Spain slowed down after that and Latvia cut the margin for 5 points.
In Day Two, Spain will play against Slovakia. Latvia will meet UK.

Latvia: Liga Surkusa 11, Sabine Niedola 10+15 boards+5 as, Anete Kirsteine 10
Spain: Mireia Vila 21, Vega Gimeno Martinez 12, Vanessa Ble 10+12 boards

*****************************************************
  LEBANON - Women  


Brittany Denson joins the Lebanese Women National Team - by Asia-Basket Lebanon
The Lebanese Women National Team is continuing its preparations for the FIBA Asia Championship which will be held in Omura-Nagasaki in Japan from 21 till 28 of August 2011.
The Lebanese National Team who qualified to Level A as being the only WABA team to be in the Level A in Asia in the History of the FIBA Asia Women Championships is working to have another good performance like they had in the previous championship in India 2009, the target is to remain in the Level A and why not to finish 4th.
For this reason the coaching staff worked to recruit a new nationalized player after the retirement of the team star from 2009 Chantelle Anderson , the team agreed to bring on Brittany Denson (191-C-87, college: S.Florida) to be the team Nationalized player. She will join the team very soon. The team misses from the 2009 team 2key player Cherine Cherif who finished as the best rebounder of the championship and Nour Choucair , both are in the period of rehab from ACL injuries.
DENSON played in Poland for the past 2 seasons , and was picked the best defensive player of the Polish League last season. She will bring big intensity to the team due to her athletic abilities.
Lebanon will have a very strong game in the opener of the Championship against Japan.


*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA - Women  


U20 Russia too much for U20 Lithuania 67-55 - by Eurobasket News
U20 Russia - U20 Lithuania 67-55

U20 EuroBasket 2011 started in Novi Sad and Russia won in their first game. Russia was too strong for Lithuania celebrating 67-55 win. They are placed to Preliminary Group B, together with Turkey and Romania. Viktoria Medvedeva (185-C/F-91) exploded with double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Yana Panevina (168-G-91) scored 12 and Veronika Dorosheva (193-F-91) added 11 points, plus 6 rebounds. Gintare Mazionyte (186-F/C-91) scored 15 points on the other side. Monika Grigalauskyte (187-F-92) shined with 13 points and 15 boards, while Inesa Visgaudaite (172-PG-91) stopped to 11 pts.
Lithuania had nice first quarter winning it 9-15. However, it was all from them in this meeting. Russia was better in the second period 19-15 and they totally took control on Lithuania after the beater (21-13, Q3). Last ten minutes also belonged to Russia, who celebrated 67-55 victory at the end.
In Day Two, Russia will meet Romania. Lithuania will take on Turkey.

Russia: Viktoria Medvedeva 22+10 boards, Yana Panevina 12, Veronika Dorosheva 11+6 boards
Lithuania: Gintare Mazionyte 15, Monika Grigalauskyte 13+15 boards, Inesa Visgaudaite 11

*****************************************************
  NCAA1 - Women  


Maya Moore meets her former UConn teammates - by Eurobasket News
On Saturday in Minnesota, the Connecticut Sun will face one of the league's most intriguing teams this season when they play the Minnesota Lynx at the Target Center.

UConn rookie Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut), the four-time All-American, was the first overall pick by the Lynx and she has worked herself into the system.

This will be Moore's first pro game against her former UConn teammates, Renee Montgomery, Tina Charles and Kalana Greene. The four combined to play in three Final Fours and win two national championships.

'It's going to be very nice to see Maya,' Greene said. 'She's getting used to things now. But you wait and see as the season moves along. She is going to start climbing. It's a learning curve for everyone in this league. It is hard, especially at her position [small forward] where the best players in the world play.'

Moore, UConn's career scoring leader, is averaging 13.2 points and 28.4 minutes. But her shooting percentages are significantly lower than they were in college; Moore is 40.7 from the field, 28.6 from three.

'They look for her [to score],' Sun coach Mike Thibault said. 'And she understands she is playing with many great options. Lindsay Whalen [the point guard] has the toughest job on the team. She has to decide who to give the ball to.'

Courtesy of http://blogs.courant.com

*****************************************************
  POLAND - Women  


Lider Pruszkw signed Laurie Koehn - by Lukasz Lukaszewski
Matizol Lider Pruszkow added new player to their roster. Club signed the best scorer in the entire league from the last season Laurie Koehn (173-G-82, college: Kansas St.). She is known as very good long distance shooter She made 99 three points shots in the last season from 251 attempts. Laurie Koehn is a seventh player in this club roster for the next season.

Laurie Koehn is well experienced players. She started her career in Kansas St. University in NCAA. She is still second all-time scorer in Kansas HS history.
Her coach from University Deb Patterson said about Laurie Koehn: 'Laurie is the best three-point shooter in the country. With Laurie Koehn, you get the very best there is in this
game. I can honestly say it's a privilege to walk into a gym with someone with the heart, intensity and skill she brings to the floor. She's one-of-a-kind in how quickly she can get her
three-point shot off and with what range she brings to the floor with that shot. There has never been a more committed, intense or harder worker in Kansas State women's
basketball than Laurie Koehn. She is the epitome of a top-notch person, student and athlete.'

After graduated University She had been playing for Washington Mystics in WNBA for 4 seasons (2005-2008). She was not playing much, but she won the long distance shot competition during WNBA All-Star Game. Overseas she had experience from UK (Rhonnda Rebels Tylorstown), Turkey (Pankup Ted Kayseri Kolejspor ) and France (Valenciennes USVO). In the UK she played in the EuroCup. When she was in France (2007/2008) Laurie Koehn had an opportunity to play in the Euroleague. In that season She made 7,2 points per game in Euroleague and 7,4 points in French league. Last season (2010/2011) Laurie Koehn spent in Poland , in Utex Row Rybnik. She averaged 17,3 points (the best score in the whole league) and 3,4 rebound. She was playing in the PLKK All-Star Game, during that weekend she also won the long distance shot competition. Her previous club - Utex Row Rybnik ended on 12th position in the league. Matizol Lider Pruszkow was 7 places better.



Matizol Lider Pruszkow roster for the next season: Coach Arkadiusz Koniecki, Paulina Antczak (182-F-90), Alicja Bednarek (170-G-83), Aleksandra Chomac (191-C-85, agency: Data Plus Group), Katarzyna Cymmer (172-G-89), Anna Pietrzak (167-PG-87), Anna Wielebnowska (188-C-78), Laurie Koehn



U20 Poland blasts U20 Germany 86-46 in Novi Sad - by Eurobasket News
U20 Poland - U20 Germany 86-46

Poland had a wonderful Day One of the U20 EuroBasket in Novi Sad. They blasted Germany 86-46 for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group A. Participants of the same pool are also Ukraine and host Serbia. Malgorzata Misiuk (184-F-91) stepped up for the winners with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Paulina Kuras (170-G-92) had 11 points and 6 boards, while Agnieszka Sniezek (176-G-91) also added 11 pts in this win. On the other side, Germany got 19 points from Finja Schaake (179-G/F-92). Sonja Greinacher (188-F/C-92) followed her with 11.
Poland dominated in this game from the very beginning. They exploded with 22-8 in the first ten minutes and continued with 24-9 in the second period. At that time it was already clear who the winner of the game will be. Germany made 14-22 in Q3, but Poland smashed them in the last ten minutes 26-7 for the final 86-46 victory.
In Day Two, Poland will meet Serbia. Germany will take on Ukraine.

Poland: Malgorzata Misiuk 16+6 boards, Paulina Kuras 11+6 boards, Agnieszka Sniezek 11
Germany: Finja Schaake 19, Sonja Greinacher 11

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


U20 Russia too much for U20 Lithuania 67-55 - by Eurobasket News
U20 Russia - U20 Lithuania 67-55

U20 EuroBasket 2011 started in Novi Sad and Russia won in their first game. Russia was too strong for Lithuania celebrating 67-55 win. They are placed to Preliminary Group B, together with Turkey and Romania. Viktoria Medvedeva (185-C/F-91) exploded with double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Yana Panevina (168-G-91) scored 12 and Veronika Dorosheva (193-F-91) added 11 points, plus 6 rebounds. Gintare Mazionyte (186-F/C-91) scored 15 points on the other side. Monika Grigalauskyte (187-F-92) shined with 13 points and 15 boards, while Inesa Visgaudaite (172-PG-91) stopped to 11 pts.
Lithuania had nice first quarter winning it 9-15. However, it was all from them in this meeting. Russia was better in the second period 19-15 and they totally took control on Lithuania after the beater (21-13, Q3). Last ten minutes also belonged to Russia, who celebrated 67-55 victory at the end.
In Day Two, Russia will meet Romania. Lithuania will take on Turkey.

Russia: Viktoria Medvedeva 22+10 boards, Yana Panevina 12, Veronika Dorosheva 11+6 boards
Lithuania: Gintare Mazionyte 15, Monika Grigalauskyte 13+15 boards, Inesa Visgaudaite 11

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  SERBIA - Women  


U20 Serbia has joyful Day One in Novi Sad - by Eurobasket News
U20 Ukraine - U20 Serbia 51-81

Serbia exploded in Day One of the U20 EuroBasket 2011. The host of this event smashed Ukraine 81-51 for 1-0 score in Group A. Except of these two teams, participants of the same pool are also Poland and Germany. Sara Krnjic (193-C-91) was the best player in victory with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Maja Vucurovic (188-F-91) (6 rebs) and Jelena Prvulovic (177-G-91) added 10 points each. In Ukraine, Olesia Malashenko (189-F-91, agency: LBM Management) was better than the others with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Alina Iagupova (181-G-92, agency: LBM Management) stopped to 12 pts.
Serbia won every single quarter in this game. They started with 14-20 in the first period and jumped to 27-41 until the halftime. Nothing has changed after that as Serbia was the team which dominated on the floor. They made 12-19 in Q3 and finally ended this game with 12-21 for 30-point win.
In Day Two, Serbia will play against Poland. Ukraine will meet Germany and it will be their chance for the first win.

Ukraine: Olesia Malashenko 19+7 boards, Alina Iagupova 12
Serbia: Sara Krnjic 16+9 boards, Maja Vucurovic 10+6 boards, Jelena Prvulovic

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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


U20 Slovakia beats U20 UK in low-scoring game, 39-38 - by Eurobasket News
U20 Slovakia - U20 United Kingdom 39-38

Slovakia was better than United Kingdom 39-38 in low-scoring game in Novi Sad. It was a Day One of the U20 EuroBasket 2011. Both teams are together with Latvia and Spain placed to Preliminary Group D. Martina Kissova (185-F-93) came up with 11 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Angelika Slamova (172-G-94) had 7 points and 6 boards, and Angelika Oravcova (175-G-92) stopped to 6 pts. In UK, Ella Clark (190-F-92) collected 9 points and 7 boards. Temitope Fagbenle (191-F-92) was close to double-double as she had 8 pts and 11 rebounds.
Slovakia took 14-10 lead in the first period and managed to keep it until the halftime (24-14). Third quarter belonged to UK and it was clear it will be a low-scoring meeting until the end. Slovakia was up 35-31 early in the fourth quarter, but amid poor shooting and plenty of turnovers, Britain came back with a lay-up from Temitope Fagbenle and a three-pointer from Renee Busch that made it 36-35. Lucia Stanekova restored Slovakia's lead, but only until Ella Clark's jump-shot with 3:15 to go made it 38-37. Both teams missed few times after that and Palenikova scored on a fast break to snatch the win for Slovakia. In Day Two, Slovakia will meet Spain. UK will play against Latvia.

Slovakia: Martina Kissova 11+8 boards, Angelika Slamova 7+6 boards, Angelika Oravcova 6
United Kingdom: Ella Clark 9+7 boards, Temitope Fagbenle 8+11 boards

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  SLOVENIA - Women  


Slovenia U19 outscored Italy U19 in Cavalese - by Eurobasket News
Italy U19 -Slovenia U19 52:54

Slovenia U19 outscored Italy U19 in Cavalese in the first friendly game of the preparation for World Championship. The Slovenian side grabbed 54:52 in Game 1 as the teams will have another scrimmage tomorrow.
The hosts started better and took 15-12 advantage after the first period. Both squads nailed 16 points each in the second frame as the board showed 3-point halftime advantage. In the second half Slovenia however dominated the court. They reduced to just one point after 12-10 win in the third period and won the game due to 14-11 in the last stanza.
Nika Baric (169-G-92) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Tjasa Gortnar (185-F-92) netted 15. Tina Jakovina (182-G-92) ended up with 9, while Tjasa Unverdorben (175-F-93) notched 6. Giovanna Pertile (177-G-92) replied with 18 points in the losing effort, Alessandra Formica (189-F/C-93) had 8 and Dotto scored 7.
U19 World Championship for Women Draw will take place in Chile from July 21 through 31.

Italy U19: Giovanna Pertile 18, Alessandra Formica 8, Dotto 7
Slovenia U19: Nika Baric 16, Tjasa Gortnar 15, Tina Jakovina 9, Tjasa Unverdorben 6


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  SPAIN - Women  


Rivas Ecopolis lands Essence Carson - by Eurobasket News
Essence Carson (183-G-86, college: Rutgers) is a new member of Rivas Ecopolis. The American guard signed a one-year deal with her new club. Carson heads to Spain from the WNBA team New York Liberty, where she currently plays. She appeared 9 times for them so far averaging 14.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Essence Carson spent last season with SEAT Lami in Hungary. She exploded with 17.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.4 apg and 2.2 spg for them. Eurobasket awarded Carson with Eurobasket.com EuroCup All-Imports Team -11. In EuroCup, Carson added 19.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 2.2 apg for 9 games. In the past, she also played for Umana Reyer Venezia, Bourges, and TTT Riga. Essence Carson is a product of the Rutgers University, where she graduated in 2008.

Mariona Ortiz signs with Caja Rural Zamarat - by Eurobasket News
Mariona Ortiz (183-G-92) signs with Caja Rural Zamarat for 2011/2012 season. The The Spanish 1992 Guard comes from Girona.
In 2009-2010 Mariona Ortiz started for Platges de Mataro (LF2, starting five) and in 27 games averaged 11.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 3.9apg, 2.2spg, 2FGP: 48%, 3PT: 35%, FT: 66%. In 2010-2011 moved to Argon Uni Girona (LFB) and 24 games showed 1.9ppg, 1.5rpg.
Ortiz was a member of the Spanish U16 National Team -08 and at the European Championships U16 Division A in Katowice (Poland) -08 showed 7.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.8apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 28.6%. Later she became the Spanish U18 National Team -09-10 and at the European Championships U18 in Sodertalje (Sweden) became the Champion. After 9 games she had 6.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.4apg, 1.7spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT-3 (52.9%), FT: 46.2%. At the European Championships U18 for Women in Slovak Republic she won Silver and after 9 games averaged 6.6ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.8apg, Steals-4 (2.7spg), FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 75.0%.
Mariona Ortiz was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U18 Best Defensive Player -10 and Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U18 1st Team -10. This year she is Spanish U20 National Team -11.


Katie Gearlds agreed terms with ORION GDKO - by Eurobasket News
Katie Gearlds (186-G/F-84, college: Purdue) agreed terms with ORION GDKO for 2011/2012 season. The American Shooting Guard / Small Forward started in 2005-2006 for Purdue (NCAA) and in the first year averaged high 15.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.6apg, 1.0spg, FG: 43.5%, 3PT: 37.3%. In 2006-2007 for Purdue (NCAA) she improved to 19.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3Pts: 38.9%, FT: 89.5%. In 2007 was Drafted by Seattle Storm (WNBA,1rd (7)) and in 2007 for Seattle Storm (WNBA) showed 33 games: 4.0ppg, 1.6rpg. In 2007-2008 moved to Kosit 2013 Kosice (Slovakia-Extraliga, starting five) and debuted in Euroleague. In 10 games her stats read 8.2ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 34.2%, 3PT: 43.6%, FT: 71.4%, then moved to Athinaikos (Greece-A1) and had 16.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 66.0%. In 2008 appeared for Seattle Storm (WNBA) and after 34 games showed 5.0ppg, 1.3rpg; Play-Offs: 3 games: 2.0ppg. In 2008-2009 continued for Athinaikos (Greece-A1) as in EuroCup her stats read 14.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 44.6%, FT: 84.2%. In Greek League after 22 games she averaged 10.9ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 85.0%. In 2009-2010 Katie Gearlds moved to FEA Neas Halkidonas (Greece-A1, starting five) and had 16.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.3apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 81.0%.


U20 Spain cruises to first win in Novi Sad - by Eurobasket News
U20 Latvia - U20 Spain 46-67

Spain had no troubles to win their first game at the U20 EuroBasket 2011 in Novi Sad, Serbia. Spain was too strong for Latvia handing them 67-46 loss. They are placed to Preliminary Group D, together with Slovakia and United Kingdom. Mireia Vila (183-F-91) was on fire in victory scoring 21 points. Vega Gimeno Martinez (183-F-91, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Robert Morris) followed her with 12 pts, while Vanessa Ble (190-C/F-91) added double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds. In Latvia, Liga Surkusa (194-C-91) delivered 11 points. Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) had 10 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists, while Anete Kirsteine (178-F/G-92) stopped to 10 pts.
Spain was way better team from the early beginning. They made excellent 5-19 in the first quarter and managed to keep plus 13 until the half time. In third quarter Spain blasted Latvia 24-11 and it was already clear who the winner of the game will be. Spain slowed down after that and Latvia cut the margin for 5 points.
In Day Two, Spain will play against Slovakia. Latvia will meet UK.

Latvia: Liga Surkusa 11, Sabine Niedola 10+15 boards+5 as, Anete Kirsteine 10
Spain: Mireia Vila 21, Vega Gimeno Martinez 12, Vanessa Ble 10+12 boards

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  SWEDEN - Women  


Kvarnby signs Cecilia Mattsson for 2011/12 - by Eurobasket News
Cecilia Mattsson (184-F-83) is a new member of Kvarnby Basket. The Swedish forward penned a one-year deal with her new club. Mattsson is back to Sweden after few years. Most recently she played for BC Wildcats Wolfenbuettel in Germany. It was in 2009/10 season, when Mattsson averaged 2.1 points and 2.3 rebounds for 20 DBBL games. She played for the same team in 2008/09 as well. However, Mattsson appeared just 6 times that season registering 2.5 ppg and 3.3 rpg. Before the Wildcats, she was a member of BC Wolfenbuettel. In Sweden, Cecilia Mattsson played for Sundsvall Dambasket. She was their member in 2006/07.

Standings - Damligan
Damligan Standings
 1. 08 0-0 
 2. Brahe 0-0 
 3. Eos 0-0 
 4. Kvarnby 0-0 
 5. Lulea BBK 0-0 
 6. Mark Basket 0-0 
 7. Norrkoping 0-0 
 8. Sallen 0-0 
 9. Solna Vikings 0-0 
 10. Telge 0-0 
 11. Umea 0-0 
 12. Visby 0-0 


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  UKRAINE - Women  


U20 Serbia has joyful Day One in Novi Sad - by Eurobasket News
U20 Ukraine - U20 Serbia 51-81

Serbia exploded in Day One of the U20 EuroBasket 2011. The host of this event smashed Ukraine 81-51 for 1-0 score in Group A. Except of these two teams, participants of the same pool are also Poland and Germany. Sara Krnjic (193-C-91) was the best player in victory with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Maja Vucurovic (188-F-91) (6 rebs) and Jelena Prvulovic (177-G-91) added 10 points each. In Ukraine, Olesia Malashenko (189-F-91, agency: LBM Management) was better than the others with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Alina Iagupova (181-G-92, agency: LBM Management) stopped to 12 pts.
Serbia won every single quarter in this game. They started with 14-20 in the first period and jumped to 27-41 until the halftime. Nothing has changed after that as Serbia was the team which dominated on the floor. They made 12-19 in Q3 and finally ended this game with 12-21 for 30-point win.
In Day Two, Serbia will play against Poland. Ukraine will meet Germany and it will be their chance for the first win.

Ukraine: Olesia Malashenko 19+7 boards, Alina Iagupova 12
Serbia: Sara Krnjic 16+9 boards, Maja Vucurovic 10+6 boards, Jelena Prvulovic

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  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


U20 Slovakia beats U20 UK in low-scoring game, 39-38 - by Eurobasket News
U20 Slovakia - U20 United Kingdom 39-38

Slovakia was better than United Kingdom 39-38 in low-scoring game in Novi Sad. It was a Day One of the U20 EuroBasket 2011. Both teams are together with Latvia and Spain placed to Preliminary Group D. Martina Kissova (185-F-93) came up with 11 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Angelika Slamova (172-G-94) had 7 points and 6 boards, and Angelika Oravcova (175-G-92) stopped to 6 pts. In UK, Ella Clark (190-F-92) collected 9 points and 7 boards. Temitope Fagbenle (191-F-92) was close to double-double as she had 8 pts and 11 rebounds.
Slovakia took 14-10 lead in the first period and managed to keep it until the halftime (24-14). Third quarter belonged to UK and it was clear it will be a low-scoring meeting until the end. Slovakia was up 35-31 early in the fourth quarter, but amid poor shooting and plenty of turnovers, Britain came back with a lay-up from Temitope Fagbenle and a three-pointer from Renee Busch that made it 36-35. Lucia Stanekova restored Slovakia's lead, but only until Ella Clark's jump-shot with 3:15 to go made it 38-37. Both teams missed few times after that and Palenikova scored on a fast break to snatch the win for Slovakia. In Day Two, Slovakia will meet Spain. UK will play against Latvia.

Slovakia: Martina Kissova 11+8 boards, Angelika Slamova 7+6 boards, Angelika Oravcova 6
United Kingdom: Ella Clark 9+7 boards, Temitope Fagbenle 8+11 boards

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  WNBA - Women  


Record crowd attending Chicago Sky game July 13 - by Eurobasket News
The Chicago Sky has been drawing fans in record numbers so far in 2011, and Wednesday, July 13, when the Sky hosts the Tulsa Shock, is expected to nearly double the team's all-time single game attendance mark.

The team's fan base is growing quickly in its second year at Allstate Arena. After six games this season the Sky has averaged 4,712 fans compared to 3,787 in 2010, an increase of 24.4%.

Wednesday, July 13, the Sky's annual Camp Day, will draw thousands of kids from all over the Chicagoland community in addition to the loyal Sky followers. As of today, 12,500 people are expected to attend the game, which would shatter the team's single game attendance record of 6,950 set last season.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Sun guard the leader from long range - by Eurobasket News
The top 3-point shooter in the WNBA this season is a member of the Connecticut Sun, but its not Kara Lawson (5'8''-G-81, college: Tennessee).

You would expect Lawson to shoot 67 percent from beyond the arc. You might not get the same feeling about Kalana Greene.

Greene expressed surprise when informed that she is tops in the league (8-of-12). The former UConn player has not exactly been known as a long-range shooter in her career, although she has got progressively better.

When she was a freshman with the Huskies, she made just 12.5 percent (2-of-24). By the time she was a senior, she sank 11-of-24 3-pointers (46 percent).

Last year, with the New York Liberty, she was 7-for-21. She already has eclipsed that number for the Sun.

I probably jinxed myself (during practice Wednesday). I shot terribly, but thats why this is practice, Greene said. I dont shoot shots when I dont think that I can make them. I take the ones I know I can make.

Greenes success often comes early. Four of her 3-pointers have been made in the first 512 minutes of games, and six of eight have come in the first half.

Perhaps defenses havent exactly spent a lot of time worrying about the 5-foot-10-inch wing player.

I dont think when youre doing a scouting report on us that (Greene) will be on top of the scouting report on who to stop, Connecticut coach Mike Thibault said. When you focus on stopping Tina (Charles), Renee (Montgomery), Asjha (Jones) and Kara someones going to be open. She knows that she wont be a 15-point-per-game scorer, but if she makes the open ones and keeps everyone honest, that helps Tina and Asjha in the post get better looks. Its harder to double team.

Thibault said Greene has improved through hard work and better timing.

She takes shots that are in rhythm, which helps, Thibault said. I think there are some people who are bad 3-point shooters percentage-wise in our league because they take ones that are a little bit tougher.

Courtesy of www.norwichbulletin.com