Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/24/2011

Copyright � 1997-2011 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com

Men News

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

AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

26th Afrobasket: Nigeria land Quarter-Final ticket, beat Chad 84-46 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Nigeria became the first country to reach the final eight of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men with an 84-46 points victory over Chad in the round of eight final Tuesday afternoon at the Palais des Sports Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The Coach Ayo Bakare tutored Nigerian side had adopted a moderate approach to the game winning the first two quarters by 23-09 and 22-04 for a half-time scores of 45-13 points but decide to slow down thus allowing the Chadian to pick the third quarter by 12-16 points but rally back to take the fourth and final quarter by 27-17 points for a final scores of 84-46 points.

Nigeria Ime Udoka led the Nigerian side with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, Derrick Obasohan added 12 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists while forward Ejike Ugboaja had a double double figure of 10 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists to earn Nigeria a quarter-final ticket.

Nigeria will battle the winner of the eight final round game between Central Africa Republic and Egypt in the quarter-final on Thursday.

26th Afrobasket: Cameroon lands in Q/Finals triumph over Togo 85-52 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Cameroon Tuesday joined Nigeria in the quarter-final of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men after seeing off Togo by 85-52 points in the second eight final round at the Palais des Sports, Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The Lions picked the first three quarters by 22-13, 16-08 and 34-16 points losing the last quarter by 13-15 points.

Parfait Bitee led other players on the court with 16 points and 7 assists, forward Gaston Essengue and Franck Ndongo added 13 points and 4 rebounds each.

26th Afrobasket: Angola survive Mozambique scare won 82-71 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Defending champion of the FIBA Africa Championship for Men Angola Tuesday were made to sweat by fellow FIBA Africa Zone-6 side Mozambique in the days last second round game winning to win the game by 82-71 points.

The champion picked the first three quarters by 21-15, 18-17, 25-20 but lost the last quarter by 18-19 points to the determined Mozambican side who finished third from group-A in a pairing many gave the Coach Joseba Garcia no chance.

Angola guard Carlos Morais led the floor with 25 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists with reigning championship most valuable player, Joaquim Gomes posted his best game since the championship began with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks.

Angola will now keep a quarter-final date with Cameroon on Thursday in what promise to be an explosive game giving the pedegree of the Lions who yet to drop a game in the championship.

26th Afrobasket: Second round begins today - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Four games are on the bill in the first of the eight final round at the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men at the Palais des Sports Antananarivo, Madagascar.

In the first game slated for 12H30 group-A leader Nigeria will take on fourth place side from group-B Chad, though book makers tip Nigeria to overrun the less experience Chad but at this stage of the competition caution is the watch-word for all team as there will no second opportunity.

Group-C leader Cameroon stake it pride against Togo fourth in group-D at 15H30, Coach Lazare Adingono surely knows the importance of the stage as the Lions cannot afford to underrate the Hawks from Togo.

After placing second in group-D, Central Africa Republic battle five-time champion, Egypt at 17H30 in the race for a quarter-final ticket, the FIBA Africa Zone-4 side will guide its loin against the Pharoahs who were third in group-C.

And the last game for the day will see defending champion Angola who dismissed Morocco in both sides last group-B game Monday night to finish second from the group go up against third from group-A Mozambique in FIBA Africa Zone-6 affairs.

Preliminary Round is over, Day Six review with stats - by Eurobasket News

Group B

Senegal - Chad 92-54
Papa Diasse (212-F-87, college: SMU) was at his best Monday as he led Senegal offense against Chad in their last group-B game of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men at the Palais des Sports Antananarivo, Madagascar. The 2.12 metre tall centre notch up a double double figure of 31 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists to give Senegal a 92-54 points victory to maintain a clean slate. Dia was joined by the duo of Mouhammad Faye (208-F-85, college: SMU) and Mohamed Diop (198-F-81) on the scorer sheet with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Senegal will take on host Madagascar in the next round of the championship on Tuesday. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

Morocco - Angola 61-75
Morocco Monday lost to defending champion of the FIBA Africa Championship for Men by 61-75 points and finished in group-B will therefore confront Mali in the eight final round on Wednesday. Morocco took the first quarter by 16-15 points but were beaten to the game in the remaining three quarters by the ten-time champion of Africa biggest basketball competition by 16-24, 18-22 and 11-14 points for a final scores of 61-75 points. Angola guard Armando Costa (192-G-83) led evry one on court with 21 points, 4 assists and 2 rebound with Felizardo Ambrosio (201-F-87) adding 16 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists as Angola finish the preliminary series in second place and will confront Mozambique Tuesday night. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

Group D

Central Africa - Tunisia 52-65
Central Africa Repulic Monday failed to stop 2009 third place team, Tunisia in the battle for the top seed of group-D losing by 52-65 points of the 26th Afrobasket. The FIBA Africa Zone-4 nation lost in the first and last quarters by 13-22 and 16-23 points but manage to win by a slim margin in the second and third quarters by 14-12 and 09-08 points in a keenly contested battle of supremacy. Tunisia veteran Radhouane led his team with 14 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists while the duo of Mourad El-Mabrouk and Marouan Kechrid added 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 13 points and 4 assists respectively with Central Africa Michael Mokongo (180-PG-86) leading the floor with 26 points. Wih the results Central Africa thus end the first round series in second position as Tunisia finished first, Central Africa will now keep a date with Egypt in the eight round finals on Tuesday while Tunisia battle South Africa on Wednesday. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

Rwanda - Togo 87-67
Rwanda Monday finish third in group-C with an 87-67 points victory over Togo in both sides last group game at the Palais des Sports, Antananarivo, Madagascar. Rwanda open the game with a 27-08 and 24-10 points advantage in the first and second quarters but Togo stage a late come-back from the beginning of the third quarter forcing Rwanda to commit mistake though the insurgence was late to save them from defeat but Rwanda lost both quarters by 21-23 and 15-26 points. Herbert Gasana led the floor with 19 points, 9 assists, 2 rebound and 2 steal, forward Robert Thomson (208-C-82, college: Fairfield) contributed 18 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assist and 2 steal with Bradley Cameron grabbing a double double of 13 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals to earn Rwanda its first win of the championship. Rwanda will battle Cote dIvoire Wednesday in the eight final round at 15H00. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

Standings

Standings

Group A
1. Nigeria		3-0
2. Mali		2-1
3. Mozambique		1-2
4. Madagascar		0-3
Group B
1. Senegal		3-0
2. Angola		2-1
3. Morocco		1-2
4. Chad		0-3
Group C
1. Cameroon		3-0
2. Ivory Coast		1-2
3. Egypt		1-2
4. S.Africa		1-2
Group D
1. Tunisia		3-0
2. C.Africa		2-1
3. Rwanda		1-2
4. Togo		0-3

ANGOLA

26th Afrobasket: Angola survive Mozambique scare won 82-71 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Defending champion of the FIBA Africa Championship for Men Angola Tuesday were made to sweat by fellow FIBA Africa Zone-6 side Mozambique in the days last second round game winning to win the game by 82-71 points.

The champion picked the first three quarters by 21-15, 18-17, 25-20 but lost the last quarter by 18-19 points to the determined Mozambican side who finished third from group-A in a pairing many gave the Coach Joseba Garcia no chance.

Angola guard Carlos Morais led the floor with 25 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists with reigning championship most valuable player, Joaquim Gomes posted his best game since the championship began with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks.

Angola will now keep a quarter-final date with Cameroon on Thursday in what promise to be an explosive game giving the pedegree of the Lions who yet to drop a game in the championship.

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

ARGENTINA

Bennerman leaves Quimsa - by Facundo Iatzky
Guard Cameron Bennerman (193-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) decided to part away with Quimsa for personal reasons. The player did not feel in a good condition and decided to return to USA to join his family in a hard time. Managers of the team are already looking for a replacement in the same position. Quimsa continue training for the upcoming season under the look of coach Romano. Before the beginning of Liga A, quimsa will play a friendly tournament in Rio Tercero.

Liga A 2011/12 rosters: Lanus - by Facundo Iatzky
Nicolas Laprovittola (191-G-90)
Mariano Byro (195-G-82)
Adrian Boccia (196-G/F-82)
Juan Pablo Cantero (184-G-82)
Diego Guaita (204-C-83)
Facundo Giorgi (203-F-85, college: FIU)
Terrell Taylor (203-C-81, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Virginia Tech)
Jamaal Levy (206-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest)
Bruno Zanotti (197-F-82, college: Merrimack)
Sebastian Orresta (188-G)
German Fernandez (199-G/F-91)
Matias Cuello (191-G-91)
Gonzalo Sotelo (199-F)
Guido Mariani (191-F)

Argentina edge Venezuela in Oscar Moglia Cup opener - by Eurobasket News
Argentina - Venezuela 71:57

Argentina celebrated the first win at the Oscar Moglia Cup in Montevideo. They fired past Venezuela in the opener. Nicolas Romano (197-F/C-87) scored 17 points to pace the winners.
The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the first half. They were tied at 16 after ten minutes of action. Things hardly changed in the second period. The teams exchanged baskets and entered the second half knotted up at 28. Argentina pulled in front in the third term. They opened a 6-point advantage at the final break 49:43. Argentina cleared off in the final quarter. They opened a double-digit lead and raced to the victory at the end. Marcos Mata (202-F-86) finished with 12 points, while Marcos D'Elia (207-C-92) added 10 points for the winners. Heissler Guillent (186-G-86, agency: Paris Global Sports) responded with 16 points for Venezuela. Greivis Vasquez (198-PG-87, college: Maryland) netted 10 points in the loss.

Argentina: Nicolas Romano 17, Marcos Mata 12, Marcos D'Elia 10
Venezuela: Heissler Guillent 16, Greivis Vasquez 10

Liga A 2011/12 rosters: La union Formosa - by Facundo Iatzky
Gabriel Mikulas (201-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: E.Carolina)
Ariel Pau (186-G-84)
Ruben Wolkowyski (207-C-73)
Anibal Marin (199-G/F-82)
Daniel Farabello (194-G-73)
Lucas Perez (184-G-87)
Javier Caceres (201-F-85)
Gregory Lewis (198-F-78, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Winthrop)
Ian Young (191-PG-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Auburn)
Sergio Mora (185-G-93)
Nicolas Galmarini (183-G)
Fabio Fernandez (197-F/C-92)
Daniel Sosa (198-C)

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

AUSTRIA

Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions sign couple of imports - by Stefan Prager
The Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions signed a couple of new import players today. Guard Adam Leonard (185-G-87, agency: Interperformances) and forward Tiras Wade (200-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: La-Lafayette) will replace Kevin Houston, who has retired from basketball, and last seasons ABL MVP Fabricio Vay.
Leonard signed his first professional contract. He's coming from Missouri State where he played the last two seasons of his collegiate career before starting at Eastern Kentucky. Last season Leonard appeared in all 35 games as a starter for the Bears averaging a bit more than 10 points per contest while shooting over 37% from beyond the arc. Leonard was selected as All MVC Newcomer of the year in 2010. In 2011 he reached the MVC tournament finals and was selected to the All MVC tournament team.
Forward Tiras Wade (200-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: La-Lafayette) last played in Lebanon for Anibal Zahle. Wade is known as a globetrotter having played in Italy, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, the Domenican Republic, Korea, Hungary and many more. The 29 year old forward won the Spanish LEB Gold in 2008. He started his basketball career at Eastern Tennessee State before moving to Louisana - LaFayette. Last season Wade played just one game for Zahle scoring 19 points and grabbing 4 rebounds. The year before he started in Hungary before going to South Korea where he suffered a season ending injury.

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

BOSNIA

Bosna ASA BHT signs Edin Alispahic - by Eurobasket News
Edin Alispahic (208-F/C-88) is a new member of Bosna ASA BHT. The 23-year-old power forward/center penned a deal for the next season. Alispahic heads to Bosna from LOGO Grosuplje, where he spent 2010/11. He had 9.9 ppg and 3 rpg for 12 games in Slovenian second division. Before Grosuplje, Alispahic spent one year with Alpos Sentjur. They competed in Telemach league, where Alispahic had 4.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg for 38 games. From 2006 to 2009 he played for Zlatorog Lasko. However, injuries prevented Alispahic to show his full potential with Zlatorog. Edin Alispahic played for the Slovenian U18 and U20 National Team in the past. He had 88.8 ppg and 6.3 rpg for 6 games at the European Championships U20 in Riga (Latvia) -08.

Germany rally past Bosnia and Herzegovina in friendly - by Eurobasket News
Germany - Bosnia and Herzegovina 86:64

Germany celebrated a comfortable win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in friendly clash. Robin Benzing (208-F-89) stepped up with 19 points to lead the effort.
Germany led from start to finish. They posted a 22:14 lead after ten minutes of action. The margin soon grew at double digits. Germany built a comfortable 48:35 halftime advantage. Robin Benzing and Nowitzki stretched the margin to 19-point mark at the start of the third term. The German team arrived at the final intermission up by 20 points 66:46. Germany stayed well in control throughout the final stanza and rallied to the victory at the end. Tim Ohlbrecht (211-C/F-88) posted 13 points, while Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) added 12 points in the winning effort. Sasa Vasiljevic (183-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 13 points for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) had 12 points, while Goran Ikonic (196-G-80, agency: Beo Basket) netted 11 points in the loss.

Germany: Robin Benzing 19, Tim Ohlbrecht 13, Chris Kaman 12, Lucca Staiger 11
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sasa Vasiljevic 13, Mirza Teletovic 12, Goran Ikonic 11

Igokea signs power forward Marko Brkic - by Eurobasket News
Igokea announced important signing today. The Bosnian outfit penned a one-year deal with power forward Marko Brkic (206-F/C-82, agency: Beo Basket). The 28-year-old Serbian heads to Igokea from PGE Turow Zgorzelec. He appeared 36 times for them in PLK last season averaging 9.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals. Brkic helped Turow to reach PLK Finals. Turow also was runner-up in regular season. Marko Brkic played for Radnicki Kragujevac in 2009/10. He shined with 12.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 2.3 apg for 21 games in Adriatic league. He also added 9.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 1.5 apg for 16 games in Serbia. Before Radnicki, Brkic spent one year with Anwil and one with Polpak Swecie. He participated at the Polish league All-Star Game in 2009 and this year as well. Brkic already played for Igokea in the past. He was their member in 2006/07 and they won Bosnian Cup together.

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

CAMEROON

26th Afrobasket: Cameroon lands in Q/Finals triumph over Togo 85-52 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Cameroon Tuesday joined Nigeria in the quarter-final of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men after seeing off Togo by 85-52 points in the second eight final round at the Palais des Sports, Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The Lions picked the first three quarters by 22-13, 16-08 and 34-16 points losing the last quarter by 13-15 points.

Parfait Bitee led other players on the court with 16 points and 7 assists, forward Gaston Essengue and Franck Ndongo added 13 points and 4 rebounds each.

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

CANADA

21 players drafted in the inaugual NBL-Canada 2011 Draft - by Gianni Pascucci
Last night more than 6,000 unique visitors from more than 90 different countries around the world logged on to watch the inaugural National Basketball League of Canada draft.
The 2011 draft was a historic evening, we are truly overwhelmed by the support weve received here at home and all over the world, said National Basketball League of Canadas President & CEO, Andre Levingston . Wed like to congratulate the 21 players who were selected last evening, and look forward to seeing them at the training camps this fall.
The draft included three rounds, and each of the NBL Canadas seven teams selected one player per round. The first round was for free agent players, while the second and third were reserved for Canadian players only.
Each of the 21 players selected in the draft will report to their teams training camp in early October, where they will vie for a final spot on the 12-man roster. Under the leagues rules, each team is required to carry at least two Canadian players on their roster at all times.
The full list of selected players in the 2011 NBL draft can be found down.
The NBL Canada will begin its inaugural season on October 29 when Moncton visits Quebec City. For more information about the National Basketball League of Canada please visit www.nblcanada.ca or www.lnbcanada.ca

2011 National Basketball League of Canada Draft Selections

FIRST ROUND
Oshawa Morgan Lewis 64 210 lbs, University of Findlay
PEI Justin Garris, 63 200 lbs, Ashland University
London Tryone Levett, 65 220 lbs, Alabama State
Moncton Darrell Wonge, 67 215 lbs, Winston-Salem State
Saint John Jerome Brown , 64 205 lbs, Panola College
Halifax Danny Friend, 67 215 lbs, Limestone College
Quebec Tristan Martin , 63 192 lbs, University of Houston

SECOND ROUND
Oshawa Kevin Francis, 68 220, Cleveland State
PEI Chris Cayole, 68 210, St. Michaels College
London Isaac Kuon, 64 186, University of Windsor
Moncton Kevin Loiselle, 66 220, Maine Fort Kent University
Saint John Sherton Sanderson, 511 165, Markham, Ontario
Halifax Papa Oppong, 64 185, Eastern Kentucky
Quebec Sherone Edwards, 64 215, UPEI

THIRD ROUND
Oshawa Blain Labranche, 65 195, UBC
PEI Tyrone Mattison, 60195, Long Island University
London Nicholas Lother, 511 175, University of Winnipeg
Moncton Akeem Sween, 64 195, Humber College
Saint John Kevin Massiah 65 215, Wisconsin
Halifax Jerrell Thompson, 510 185, Sacred Heart University
Quebec Eugene Kotorabai, 65 225, Long Island University

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

CENTRAL AFRICA

26th Afrobasket: Central Africa stop Egypt ambition 71-66 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Central Africa Republic Tuesday join the likes of Nigeria and Cameroon in the quarter-final of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men with a 71-66 points victory over Egypt.

Central Africa powered on by guard Michael Mokongo who netted 15 points, 4 assist and 3 rebounds won the first and third quarters by 18-12 and 19-13 points but gave up the second and fourth quarters by 16-17 and 18-24 points to put paid to the ambition of the Egyptian from advancing to the quarter-finals.

Mokongo was joined on the score sheet by the duo of Lionel Bomayako and Guy Kodjo-Sitchi with 12 points each with Regis Kounjia grabbing 17 rebounds for the FIBA Africa Zone-4 side.

Tunisia too much for Central Africa, 65-52 - by Eurobasket News
Central Africa - Tunisia 52-65
Central Africa Repulic Monday failed to stop 2009 third place team, Tunisia in the battle for the top seed of group-D losing by 52-65 points of the 26th Afrobasket. The FIBA Africa Zone-4 nation lost in the first and last quarters by 13-22 and 16-23 points but manage to win by a slim margin in the second and third quarters by 14-12 and 09-08 points in a keenly contested battle of supremacy. Tunisia veteran Radhouane Slimane (205-C-80) led his team with 14 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists while the duo of Mourad El-Mabrouk and Marouana Kechrid (178-PG-81) added 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 13 points and 4 assists respectively with Central Africa Michael Mokongo (180-PG-86) leading the floor with 26 points. Wih the results Central Africa thus end the first round series in second position as Tunisia finished first, Central Africa will now keep a date with Egypt in the eight round finals on Tuesday while Tunisia battle South Africa on Wednesday. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

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

CHAD

Senegal blasts Chad 92-54 - by Eurobasket News
Senegal - Chad 92-54
Papa Diasse (212-F-87, college: SMU) was at his best Monday as he led Senegal offense against Chad in their last group-B game of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men at the Palais des Sports Antananarivo, Madagascar. The 2.12 metre tall centre notch up a double double figure of 31 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists to give Senegal a 92-54 points victory to maintain a clean slate. Dia was joined by the duo of Mouhammad Faye (208-F-85, college: SMU) and Mohamed Diop (198-F-81) on the scorer sheet with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Senegal will take on host Madagascar in the next round of the championship on Tuesday. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

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

CHINA

NBL: Jiangsu wins the Final opener - by Eurobasket News
Whampoa - Jiangsu 101-104

Whampoa trailed by 14 points after 3 quarters before a 31-20 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 101-104 at the end of the game. Jiangsu forced 25 Whampoa turnovers and outrebounded them 33-22 including 16 on the offensive glass. U.S. Virgin Isl.-Antiguan guard Julius Hodge (201-83, college: N.Carolina St.) stepped up and scored 30 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and Hunter chipped in 18 points and 7 rebounds. Jiangsu's coach WanJun Cui used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side forward Ning Yu (198-82) responded with 31 points and American forward Alan Wiggins (206-85, college: USF) scored 16 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Four Jiangsu and five Whampoa players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Whampoa: Y.Ning 31+1reb+2ast, J.Lei 22+1reb+1ast, W.Alan 16+9reb+1ast, W.SongWei 11+3reb+1ast, H.Eric 10+2reb+3ast, W.Jing 5+2reb+2ast
Jiangsu: H.Julius 30+9reb+5ast, Hunter 18+7reb, Z.YanXi 15+6reb+1ast, F.Xin 12+1reb+3ast, S.XianLing 9+1reb+1ast, N.QingQing 6+2reb+1ast

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

COLOMBIA

FEDERATION CUP 2011 SET TO START ON SEPT 19 - by Victor Garcia
In the middle of July the Colombian National Federation , released a schedule for the 2011 FCB Cup including the seven teams that played in the 2010 edition and the new team Guerreros de Bogota, the primary schedule was to start on August 22, but entering August most of the teams did found a sponsorship yet and the Federation made a first delay of the Cup and set the new date to September 9, for this second date the Federation included San Andres instead of Cangrejeros who quits because did not found a sponsor.
In the middle of August, Piratas and San Andres asked for a new delay, and now the official date of start is set for the September 19.
The teams confirmed for the season are:
Bucaros :Is already the first team with a complete roster with the signings of David Harrison (2010 top Scorer), Diego Guevara and Juan Herrera as imports, Luis Julio and Cesar Oso Silva as dual citizenship players, Hebert Bayona, JC Otero, David Reyes, John Hernandez and Edgar Pimienta as Colombians.
Arrieros: The Champion is ready to sign its big trio again , Stalin Ortiz, Heissler Guillent and Alejandro Flores, Norbey Aragon, has confirmed also his agreement with the team and some rumors links Francisco Sanabria with Arrieros for this year, that will move to Itagui this year, to get its sponsors.
Guerreros: The new team arrives with a strong plan, for this cup will have Colombians Gianluca Bacci , Emiro Romero, John rat Perez, Rafael Gomez and Julian Pineda as Colombians.
Piratas: The black and white team is still trying to close an agreement with a major sponsor.
Patriotas: Just confirms that will play but with a limited budget.
Islanders: The San Andres teams will be back, but still needs to confirm part of its sponsorship, SOPESA will be the major sponsor.
Norte: Also confirms its intention to play, Edgar Moreno, Eleuterio Renteria, Jose Baquero and Henry Ordonez will be back in the team.
Indervalle: The Cali team will have a young roster and the savior coaching of Guillermo Moreno.

For the 2011 Cup, the Federation allows three imports per team and two dual citizenship players, but also one U-20 Player should be part of the roster.

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

CROATIA

Armin Mazic pens deal with Vanoli Cremona - by Eurobasket News
Armin Mazic (198-F/G-93) pens deal with Vanoli Cremona for the upcoming season. The Croatian 1993 player remains in Italy.
Last season Armin Mazic and his U19 Benetton became the new champion of Italy. They outplayed Virtus Siena 72-66 in the Big Final to win the title. Benetton celebrated in this game thanks to impressive last quarter. As mentioned above, Benetton players exploded when it mattered most and finished the game with excellent 31-13 run for the final 72:66 victory. Alesandro Zanelli was the leading scorer in victory with 18 points and Dino Repesa added three less than him. Armin Mazic and Pavlin Ivanov also shined netting 14 points each.
In 2007-2009 Armin Mazic played for Junior Casale Monferrato junior team and in 2009 was tested by Caja Laboral Vitoria (Spain-ACB). In 2009-2010 moved to Benetton Treviso junior team and in 2010-2011 remained with the team.
He also participated at the Torneo Citta di Roma International Junior Tournament -11 and is a member of the Croatian U18 National Team -11. At the European Championships U18 in Wroclaw (Poland) in 8 games he averaged 1.9ppg.

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

CUBA

Uruguay nip Cuba in Montevideo - by Eurobasket News
Uruguay - Cuba 67:65

Uruguay celebrated the first win at the Oscar Moglia Cup. They held off Cuba in the first game in Montevideo. Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83, agency: Players Group) scored 17 points to lead the effort.
Uruguay who played without Leandro Garcia Morales got to a sloppy start. Cuba accounted for 28 points in the opening quarter to take a 9-point lead. Uruguay stopped the bleeding in the second term. The hosts trimmed the deficit to just three points at halftime 37:40. Cuba kept composure and rallied to a narrow 54:53 lead with ten minutes to go. The home team pulled in front late in regulation and Mauricio Aguiar went deadly from the stripe in the dying seconds to seal the victory for Uruguay. Fernando Martinez (170-G-79) and Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) provided 13 points each in the winning effort. Orestes Torres (202-C-87) answered with 16 points for Cuba. Juan Pineiro (193-G-90) delivered 13 points in the loss.

Uruguay: Mauricio Aguiar 17, Fernando Martinez 13, Esteban Batista 13
Cuba: Orestes Torres 16, Juan Pineiro 13

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

DENMARK

Horsens bring in Joe Zeglinski - by Eurobasket News
Joe Zeglinski (182-G-87, agency: Interperformances) will start his pro career in Denmark. The 24-year-old guard has agreed on terms of contract with Horsens. Joe Zeglinski graduated from University of Hartford this year. He averaged 14.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game in his senior season. Joe Zeglinski made it into All-AEC 2nd Team for the second season in a row. The guard participated at Imola Summer League Open.

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

EL SALVADOR

Liga Premier Standings

Liga Premier Standings

1. Denver		19-1
2. ITCA		16-4
3. ExSAL ST		14-6
4. Halcones		14-6
5. Delgadense		14-6
6. San Marcos		8-12
7. Exbau		7-13
8. Biomedical		7-13
9. Quezaltepeque		6-14
10. Felinos		4-16
11. Santa Tecla		2-18

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

ESTONIA

Pavel Ulyanko joins Kalev/Cramo - by Janar
BC Kalev/Cramo has completed the roster for the upcoming season. As their last addition, the Estonian champions signed Belarus NT player Pavel Ulyanko (204-F/C-79). The big forward will replace Rait Keerles. Ulyanko played in the Ukraine Superleague for 4 last seasons and is the top scorer of the Belarus National Team in the Eurobasket division B games - having averaged 13.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in 7 games.
Besides Ulyanko, BC Kalev/Cramo has signed two foreign players for the upcoming season - Bulgarian NT member Nikolay Varbanov (209-C-85, agency: Interperformances) and Senegalese Bamba Fall (216-C-86, college: SMU)l. Former Latvian NT star Armands Skele (192-G-83) is also in the team.

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

EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE

ESL 2011 Spotlight Player of the Day Eric Dawson - by Darryl Reshaw
Eric Dawson (208-F-84, college: Midwestern St.) was the best and most talented player at the ESL 2011 Las Vegas event this summer.
Eric is a very skilled player that can score in a variety of positions.
He can shoot the three point shot from the perimeter, he has an excellent post up game and his mid range game in nice.
Eric is also a very good defender and rebounder with his 69' frame.
He can defend multiple positions which makes him a complete player.
What was impressive about Eric's game in Las Vegas is that he could really handle the ball like a guard and could create off the dribble and was an excellent passer for a big guy.
Robert Conley (198-G/F-77, college: Clayton St.) a former Euroleague player with experience in ACB Spain, Greece and Italy A1 who is the ESL scouting director said this kid is a Euroleague talented player with NBA talent.
The ESL knows Eric has a lot of talent and will be a surprise in all top leagues in Europe.
In the top Asian Leagues Eric has been featured as 4/5 inside player and won the KBL championship in South Korea in 2010-11 season.
However the kid is a point forward and has amazing ball handling and shooting skills for a player his size.
In Europe with the right coach that will play him at the 4/3 position which is his natural skill level then he is a NBA or Euroleague type of player.
Any team in Greece, Italy, Spain, Israel, Turkey and France Pro A looking for a diamond in the rough that is flying under the radar this is your guy.
In the KBL in South Korea all imports make $25k per month but this guy is worth more than that in Europe playing in the right league and right position.
Eric is still available and is looking to play for a high level team in Europe.
For more information please contact marketing@eurobasket.com and the ESL will direct you to his agent representative which is Union Sports.

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

EUROCHALLENGE

EUROCUP

EUROLEAGUE

Caja Laboral officially lands NBA player Reggie Williams - by Eurobasket News
Caja Laboral officially announced signing of Reggie Williams (196-G/F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: VMI) for the next season. According to Adrian Wojarowski, the American player will earn $1.5 million during his campaign in Spain. The deal includes a $1 million buyout if lockout ends and Williams decides to return to the NBA this season. Under the NBA's previous collective bargaining agreement, NBA teams could contribute up to $500,000 to buy out a player's overseas contract. The guard, who is restricted free agent, played 80 games for the Golden State Warriors last season averaging 9.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists. In 2009/10, Reggie Williams exploded with 15.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 2.8 apg in 24 NBA games with the Warriors. He joined them in March of 2010. Before that, Williams had 26.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 3.2 apg for 31 games with D-League team Sioux Falls SkyForce. He was named USBasket.com All-D-League 1st Team -10 and participated at D-League All-Star games that season. Reggie Williams already played in Europe in the past. He was a member of French Dijon in 2008/09 season.

Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius brings trio from Perlas - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius build the roster for 2011/2012 season and brought three players from Perlas.
Paulius Dambrauskas (191-G-91) comes from Perlas as in 2009-2010 he appeared for the team and in Baltic League averaged 7.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 7.1%, FT: 88.2%. In Lithuanian League after 23 games his stats read 6.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 75.7%. Last year he had 4.1ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.2apg in Baltic League and in Lithuanian League after 26 games showed 3.2ppg, 1.1apg.
Dovydas Redikas (193-G-92) played for Perlas Vilnius (LKL) last season and in Baltic League after 20 games showed 6.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 77.8%. In Lithuanian League his stats read 5.7ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 65.4%.
Arvydas Siksnius (196-F-87, college: Weatherford JC) also comes from Perlas. He started 2010-2011 season with Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (LKL) but in January was loaned to Perlas Vilnius (LKL, starting five). In Lithuanian League after 12 games he averaged 11.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 65.8%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 71.4%, while in Baltic League showed 10.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 74.1%.
Steponas Babrauskas (197-G/F-84) will remain for his fourth season with the team. Last season he averaged i7.8ppg, 1.3rpg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 83.3% in Baltic League and in VTB League after 9 games had 9.7ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 52.0%, FT: 85.7%. In Euroleague after 13 games his stats read 2.6ppg, 1.0rpg, while in Lithuanian League he showed 6.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 72.3%.
Simas Buterlevicius (200-F-89) will also enter his 4th season . In 2010-2011 for Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius his stats read: VTB League: 5 games: 2.8ppg, 1.6rpg; Euroleague: 2 games: 0pts; Lithuanian League: 21 games: 4.8ppg, 1.0rpg.

2011/2012 Roster:
Paulius Dambrauskas, Steponas Babrauskas, Tyrese Rice (185-PG-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.), Lawrence Roberts (205-F/C-82, college: Mississippi St.), Arvydas Siksnius, Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85), Vilmantas Dilys (208-F-87, agency: Interperformances), Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Beo Basket), Simas Buterlevicius, Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92), Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket), Brad Newley (201-F-85, agency: Beo Basket), Arturas Jomantas (200-G/F-85), Dovydas Redikas and Mindaugas Katelynas (205-F-83, college: Chattanooga).

Union Olimpija gets bigger with Boris Rothbart - by Eurobasket News
Boris Rothbart (217-C-86) is a new member of Union Olimpija. The 25-year-old big guy penned a deal for the next season. Rothbart spent the last one with Maccabi Haifa. He appeared 14 times in EuroChallenge with them averaging 9.7 points and 5.3 rebounds. Rothbart also added 5.5 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 30 games in Premier league. Before Maccabi Haifa, Boris Rothbart spent one season with Elitzur Maccabi Netanya. With them he had 4.8 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 26 games. He also has experience from Ironi Nahariya, Borac Nektar Banja Luka, Hapoel Galil Elyon and Paris Basket Racing. Boris Rothbart played for the Israeli National Team in 2010. He appeared once during the Qualifications to European Championships 2011. In the past, he played for Israeli B, University and U20 NT.

Latest Euroleague signings - by Eurobasket News
Banvit announced signing of a two-year deal with Turkish big guy Cemal Nalga (213-C-87, agency: Beo Basket). The 23-year-old Nalga heads to Banvit from Lietuvos Rytas, where he spent last season. He appeared 14 times in Euroleague with them averaging 5.6 points and 3.2 rebounds. Rytas reached Top16 and was very close to Quarterfinals. In Lithuanian league, Nalga added 2.8 ppg and 2.1 rpg. He also had 3.9 ppg and 3.8 rpg for 9 games in VTB league. Cemal Nalga split 2009/10 season between Galatasaray and ALBA Berlin. He helped ALBA to reach the EuroCup Finals. Nalga spent almost four years with Galata and before that played for Tuborg. He also was a member of the Turkish National team in 2008 and 2009.

Lazaros Papadopoulos (210-C-80) will finally be the center for that Dusan Ivkovic was looking for Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus. The Greek player will replace Ioannis Bourousis who decided to leave the Greek team for Italy and Armany Milano. Papadopoulos the last 1.5 year in Greece was at PAOK then he decided to go at Russia in BC Khimky Moscow Region. The team of Piraeus will be his fourth team in Greece (Iraklis, Panathinaikos, PAOK). In The Russian league had 4.2 ppg and 4.3 rppg in 25 matches. *by Giorgos Diploidis

Buducnost announced signing of a one-year deal with Nikola Vucevic (208-F-90, college: USC). The Montenegrin big guy heads to Buducnost for his first professional season. He graduated at the University of Southern California few months ago. Vucevic had 17.1 ppg, 10.3 rpg and 1.6 apf for his school as a senior. He was selected as 16th overall pick by Philadelphia 76ers at the latest NBA Draft. Nikola Vucevic is active member of the Montenegrin National Team. He will play for them at the EuroBasket in Lithuania. In the past, Vucevic was a member of U20 Montenegro. He shined at the European Championships U20 in Rhodos two years ago. For 8 games at this event Vucevic exploded with 15.5 ppg, 10.8 rpg and 1.9 bpg. Before his move to the USA, Vucevic played for Mornar Bar.

Nymburk bolstered their frontcourt as they agreed on terms of contract with Drew Naymick (211-C-85, agency: Warren Sports International). Drew spent last pre-season with the Los Angeles Lakers after signing his contract with them in the Summer. After preseason, Drew was then on to the Bakersfield Jam where he was one the best centers of the D-League. Drew averaged a 14.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.2 blocks the last 2 months of the D-League season and overall was 8.6 points, 7.6 boards, 2.2 blocks per D-League game. Previously two seasons Drew had played for Caceres in Spain and SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg of Poland. While in Poland Drew was named the All-Polish League Center of the Year in 2009. Drew Naymick played for legendary coach Tom Izzo at Michigan State University where he helped them reach the NCAA Tournament Final Four in 2005 and also earned his degree in Finance.

Buducnost announced signing of a three-year contract extension with Vladimir Mihailovic (193-G-90). It means that the promising guard will stay with the Montenegrin powerhouse until the end of the 2013/14 season. Mihailovic joined Buducnost last year from Mornar Bar. He appeared 23 times in Adriatic league averaging 5.6 points and 1.4 rebounds. Mihailovic also added 2.5 ppg for two games in Euroleague Qualifying Round. Before Buducnost, he played several years for Mornar Bar. Vladimir Mihailovic is active member of the Montenegrin National Team. He appeared 7 times for them in Qualifications to European Championships 2011 averaging less than point. Mihailovic played for U20 and U18 Montenegro in the past. Last summer he was one of the best players at the European Championships U20 in Croatia. He shined with 16.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 2.6 apg for 9 games at this event.

Partizan Belgrade officially returned their former player Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket). The Serbian powerhouse and NBA center signed a deal until the end of the lockout when Pekovic will have to rejoin Minnesota Timberwolves. Nikola Pekovic played 65 games for the Wolves last season averaging 5.5 points and 3 rebounds. It was his rookie NBA year. Before that, he spent two years with Panathinaikos Athens helping them win two Greek league titles. They also were Euroleague champions in 2009 and that same year PAO won the Greek Cup as well. From 2005 to 2008, Nikola Pekovic played for Partizan. He exploded in their last season together and was the best Euroleague center with 16.4 ppg and 6.9 rpg. Pekovic was also named Eurobasket.com All-Europe Center of the Year 2008 and 2009. Nikola Pekovic will join Partizan after EuroBasket in Lithuania.

Asseco Prokom land Alonzo Gee - by Eurobasket News
Alonzo Gee (198-G-87, college: Alabama) is moving to Poland. The 24-year-old guard has agreed on terms of contract with Asseco Prokom. Alonzo Gee started the previous season with the San Antonio Spurs. He averaged 0.7 points and 1.0 rebound per game. In November the guard moved to the Washington Wizards. There his stats read 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per appearance. Finally Alonzo Gee turned out in the Cleveland Cavaliers. He averaged 7.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game there. Alonzo Gee started his pro career in D-League. He notched 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.2 assists per game for the Austin Toros. The guard was trumped D-League Rookie of the Year in 2010.

FC Barcelona Regal invests in Eriksson - by Eurobasket News
One of the most promising shooting guards in Europe joined a Turkish Airlines Euroleague powerhouse when FC Barcelona Regal announced the signing of Marcus Eriksson (196-G/F-93) to a four-year deal on Wednesday. Barcelona keeps an option to extend his contract until the end of the 2016-17 season. Eriksson (1.96 meters, 17 years old) arrives from Assignia Manresa, where he made his Spanish League debut this season at age 16 - the sixth youngest player to do so. He started his career with KFUM Uppsala in his native Sweden before joining Manresa. Eriksson was chosen as the 2010 Torneig de Basquet Junior Ciutat de LHospitalet's MVP after averaging 18.4 points on 48.6% three-point shooting and 5.2 rebounds in five games to lead Manresa to the semifinals. His best game - 25 points and 8 rebounds - came in a losing effort against Barcelona in the semifinals. Eriksson has also been a member of the Swedish under-16 and under-18 national teams.

Courtesy of Euroleague

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

FINLAND

1.DIVISION: YMCA Oulu inked with Brian Moultrie - by Rauno Hurmalainen
1. Division newcomer YMCA Oulu has signed with American Forward Brian Moultrie (198-F-87). Moultrie comes from Armstrong Atlantic State U. (NCAA2), where he played two seasons 2007-09 averaging 12,4 ppg - 6,7 rpg as a Senior. Promising Finnish young man Joonas Caven (210-C/F-93) instead moves to Spain, where famous Joventut Badalona coaches want to teach Caven how to play basketball and become a player into international level. Caven visited in Spain in May and has now decided to join Joventut Badalona roster for several years. Caven has been on Finland NT (U16 and U18) roster 48 times. Last season Caven played four games on Top level in Finnish League averaging 3,5 ppg - 1,5 rpg on Pyrinto (Tampere) roster.

KORISLIIGA: Justin Howard next to Finland - by Rauno Hurmalainen
American Center Justin Howard (208-C-81, college: Mercer) and Korihait (Uusikaupunki) have signed a contract for coming 2011-12 season. Howard has played pro basketball in seven (7!) different countries by now:Mexico, Argentina, Chile, France, Syria, Germany and Spain. Last two seasons Howard has played in LEB-Silver League in Spain. Howard averaged last season 10,5 ppg - 6,9 rpg on BC River Andorra roster. Korihait has signed earlier with Americans Shawn Vanzant (182-G, college: Butler) and Nigel Moore (195-F/G-81, college: Alabama A&M).

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

FRANCE

Steed Tchicamboud replaces Antoine Diot in French NT - by Arnaud Valadon
Steed Tchicamboud (193-G-81) has been called by Vincent Collet and his staff because of Antoine Diot's injury. The Point Guard averaged 8 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 4.1 apg this season with Elan Chalons. Tchicamboud hasn't played in the French National Team since 2008 with Michel Gomez as headcoach. The 30-years-old guard will join the squad tomorrow and should be able to play next Friday against Belgium. Tchicamboud confirms the information on his twitter @steed18.

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

GEORGIA

Pachulia erupted with 42 points to lead Georgian National team over Latvia - by Eurobasket News
Latvia-Georgia 79:83

Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) erupted with 42 points to lead Georgian National team over Latvia in Riga. The NBA star was unstoppable in an 83:79 win in a friendly game.
More than 2200 spectators in Arena Riga saw a comfortable lead for the home side after the first period. Latvia dominated the court and had 20:13 at the end of the frame. Moreover they added 24-21 in the second period and enjoyed 44:34 at the halftime. They did not expect such a great game from Zaza Pachulia. The latter brought his side to 4 points after 25-19 in the third quarter. Georgia won the last stanza 24-16 and upset Latvia.
Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86) scored 13 points and Nikoloz Tskitishvili (212-C/F-83) nailed 9. Janis Blums (190-G-82) ended up with 25 points in the losing effort, whilst Janis Strelnieks (191-G-89) notched 16. Rihards Kuksiks (198-G/F-88) delivered 12 for the home side and Dairis Bertans (192-G/F-89) added 9.

Latvia: Janis Blums 25, Janis Strelnieks 16, Rihards Kuksiks 12, Dairis Bertans 9
Georgia: Zaza Pachulia 42, Manuchar Markoishvili 13, Nikoloz Tskitishvili 9

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

GERMANY

Aaron Cook (MBC) I Am In Love With The Full Court Bounce Pass - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Aaron Cook (186-G-83, college: Hartford) is a 27 year old 183cm guard from Randallstown, Maryland. He will be starting his first season in the German PRO A for the Mitteldeutscher BC. He played at Hartford (NCAA) from 2002-2006. He played a total of 114 NCAA games and in his senior year played 28 games: 16.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.6spg, FG: 41.9%, 3PT: 39%, FT: 76.6%. In 2006-2007, he started his professional basketball career in the States for the Butte Daredevils (CBA) 35 games: 13.7ppg, 3.5rpg, Assists-2 (6.4apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 71.6%. In 2007-2008, he moved to Europe to play for Atlas Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski (Poland-DBE, starting five): 10 games: 5.5ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.1apg, FGP-3 (64.7%), 3PT: 44.0%, in Dec.'08 moved to Gothia Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) 18 games: 12.0ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.9apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 59.1%. In 2008-2009, he played for the Vermont Frost Heaves (PBL, starting five): 17 games: 10.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 73.5%. Last season, he played for the Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA, starting five): 15 games: 17.2ppg, 4.9rpg, Assists-1 (6.6apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 73.0%.He spoke to Eurobasket about basketballand MBC.

You will be starting your 6th professional basketball season. How was the signing process this season? The market has gotten alot tougher in last years. Did you have many more offers than just MBC?

The signing process i thought went well for me. I am happy with the outcome. I had drew some BBL attention but didnt receive any offers

You had a stellar season with Cuxhaven avergaing 17.2ppg, 4.9rpg, Assists-1 (6.6apg), 1.6spg. Are you a bit dissappointed that you didnt get a chance by a beko BBl team in Germany?

Yes I was a little disappointed. But I cant control how the market works. I can only continue to work hard and try to take full advantage of every situation that is presented to me.

What was the main reason for you signing with the Mitteldeutscher BC? What convinced you that this was the right team?

I know that MBC has a history of being a competitive BBL organization that is looking to move up right away. And I ve also heard some good things about the organizations professionalism and Coaching staff. So I thought it could possibly be a good situation for me.

Besides helping MBC move up what are your personal goals? You had a great season last year any pressure of improving those stats?

To be honest my personal goals is simply to improve my game. As long as I feel that I am a better player than last season that is all that really matters to me. And as far as stats are concerned I dont feel any pressure to improve them. I dont think this will be a situation like last season where I am depended upon so heavily.

What do you know about the career of coach Silvano Poropat? What is your first impression of him?

My first impression of Coah Poropat was that he is passionate about winning ball games.

How excited are you about playing with Darius Hargrove? He has a lot of European experience and you guys should make a devestating guard duo on the floor?

I am very excited to play with Darius Hargrove. I ve heard good things about him and I am looking forward to teaming up with him.

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

A strength in my game that I think can go unnoticed at times is my defense. I really take pride on that end of the court but at times I think it can get over looked.

You are known for your assist talent. If you could prepare the perfect assist dish, how would that food dish combined with the perfect pass look like? lol

The perfect assist scenario would be me catching an outlet pass from my big man and with out taking any dribbles throw a full court bounce pass. Ever since I saw Magic throw the full court bounce pass Ive been in love with it. Just throwing a full court bouce pass for a dunk

On what things do you still need to work on your game which you will be doing in the gym?

When working out I try to cover every aspect of being a point guard. But lately I have been focusing on pulling up when getting into the lane.

You played last season at Cuxhaven with young German Anthony Canty. How far can Canty get as a professional? What importnat tips did you give him?

I think Tony has a bright future. He has a really high basketball IQ and understands how to play the game. The only advice that I had for Tony throughout the season was to get into the weight room and just simply to work hard and take full advantage of every situation.

Who won a one on one in practice last season you or Jackson Capel? How would you beat him?

Me and Jackson never played a game of one on one last season but I will say that he beat me in a number of shooting games. lol

This will be your second season in germany. What do you like most about the country Germany?

Schnitzel. Had it for the first time last season. Feel in Love with it. Also like the fan support. The Germans are really serious about their basketball.

You played 4 years at Hartford. What is your sweetest memory on the court at Hartford?

My sweetest moment at Hartford was when I scored 40 pts. I never made it to the tourney so I would have to say that

Who was the toughest competitor that you faced in the NCAA that is in the NBA now? How did you play against him?

I would have to say Rodney Brewer. His length caused me problems. I didnt play as well as I know I was capable of

What is your opinion of Ron Artest changing his name to World Peace?

Haha. If thats how he feels at the moment and its positive, Im all for it.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw.

Pinnapple Express.

Thanks Aaron for the chat.

Johnnie Gilbert (NBC) Fails Medical Checkup - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
With The PRO A season coming closer and closer and teams starting to build an early team chemsitry in training camp, the last thing a team needs is a failed medical checkup, but that is exactly what NBC witnessed as experienced American Johnnie Gilbert (203-F-82, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Oklahoma) didnt pass the medical check. Gilbert who played for the Mitteldeutscher BC the last three years amassing a total of 69 games (39 Beko BBL games/30 PRO A games) in Germany with the 2004 Fiba cup winner has returned back to the States. 29 year old Gilbert had been plagued by injuries the last two years and last season played 19 games: 5.2ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 43.0%, FT: 53.4%, but for the big man that reached the NCAA final 4 in 2002 with Oklahoma, not passing the medical check is something that no one expected. 'This is very bitter for Johnnie as player and father, but also for us. The whole team wishes him the best with his injury. We will try our best the next days to get the best possible replacement which wont be easy', added NBC head coach Derrick taylor.

Source: NBC

Iserlohn Kangaroos bring in Lithuanian forward to replace Kandi Mukole - by Moritz Korff
Coach Matthias Grothe and Manager Michael Dahmen of the Iserlohn Kangaroos (1. Regionalliga West) reacted quickly to the departure of Kandi Mukole (203-F, college: Howard) by signing Vytautas Nedzinskas (196-G/F-87) from Lithuania.
Mukole accepted an offer to play for a club in Morocco and forced the Kangaroos to look for another new player. They picked the 24-year-old wing from Marijampole, who played for second division side Silute in his native Lithuania during this past season. Nedzinskas, a former Lithuanian U16 national team player, saw action in 40 games and averaged 13.9 points, 8.5 boards and 3 assists for Silute.

Germany rally past Bosnia and Herzegovina in friendly - by Eurobasket News
Germany - Bosnia and Herzegovina 86:64

Germany celebrated a comfortable win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in friendly clash. Robin Benzing (208-F-89) stepped up with 19 points to lead the effort.
Germany led from start to finish. They posted a 22:14 lead after ten minutes of action. The margin soon grew at double digits. Germany built a comfortable 48:35 halftime advantage. Robin Benzing and Nowitzki stretched the margin to 19-point mark at the start of the third term. The German team arrived at the final intermission up by 20 points 66:46. Germany stayed well in control throughout the final stanza and rallied to the victory at the end. Tim Ohlbrecht (211-C/F-88) posted 13 points, while Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) added 12 points in the winning effort. Sasa Vasiljevic (183-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 13 points for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) had 12 points, while Goran Ikonic (196-G-80, agency: Beo Basket) netted 11 points in the loss.

Germany: Robin Benzing 19, Tim Ohlbrecht 13, Chris Kaman 12, Lucca Staiger 11
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sasa Vasiljevic 13, Mirza Teletovic 12, Goran Ikonic 11

BBC Bayreuth Give Kelvin Torbert Tryout Period - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
BBC Bayreuth has announced today that they have brought in experienced Kelvin Torbert (193-G-83, college: Michigan St.) for a 4 week tryout period. Torbert is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Flint,Michigan. Last season, he played for Iraklis Thessaloniki (Greece-A1, starting five), in Oct.'10 left the team, in Nov.'10 moved to Ural Ekaterinburg (Russia-Superleague, starting five): 31 games: 12.5ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 76.2%. There is a specific reason why the Bavarian club has chosen not to sign the American right away, but give him this tryout session. Important is that BBC Bayreuth has a potential player that could join the team. 'We have found a player that could fill our wing position. Now all we have to do is get the needed financial means. We have chosen this 4 week tryout phase to generate the financialmans. We are hoping on the support of our partners and potential sponsors', stressed BBC Bayreuthmanager Uli Eichbaum.

Torbert started his basketball career at the well known school Michigan St. (NCAA) where he played from 2001-2005. In his senior year, heplayed 33 games: 9.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3FGP: 34.5%. In his 6 year basketball career, he has played 3 years in belgium, 2 yearsin France and a year in Greece. In 2005-2006, he started his basketball career with JL Bourg Basket (France-ProA, starting five): 33 games: 11.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 78.4%. In 2006-2007, he played for Euphony Bree (Belgium-D1): 36 games: Score-5 (15.9ppg), 3.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 58.0%. In 2007-2008, he played for Paris-Levallois (France-ProA, starting five): 30 games: 7.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 77.4%. In 2008-2009, he played for Dexia Mons-Hainaut (Belgium-D1): EuroChallenge: 12 games: 14.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 83.3%; Belgian League: 32 games: 13.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 48.6%, FT: 79.0%. He stayed another year in Belgium in 2009-2010 for : Dexia Mons-Hainaut (Belgium-D1, starting five): EuroChallenge: 4 games: 9.5ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 23.5%; Belgian League: 32 games: 13.1ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 86.4%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been HS 2001 Sporting News Player of the Year, HS 2001 Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year, HS 2001 USA Today First-Team All-American, HS State of Michigans Mr. Basketball in 2001
HS 2001 Parade Magazine All-American, HS 2001 McDonalds All-American, NCAA Elite Eight -03, Big 10 Conf. Tournament Semifinals -04, 05, All-Big 10 Conf. Honorable Mention -04, Big Ten Regular Season Runner-Up -05, NCAA Tournament Final Four -05, French LNB All-Star Game -06, French La Semaine des AS Cup Finalist -06
Belgian League Finalist -07, 09, Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League 2nd Team -07, Eurobasket.com Belgian League All-Imports 2nd Team -07, Belgian League Regular Season Runner-Up -09, Belgian Cup Semifinals -10, Russian B Superleague Semifinals -11, and Eurobasket.com All-Russian B Superleague 2nd Team -11

Source: BBC Bayreuth

Sheard and Gayle on their way back to Wolfenbuettel - by Moritz Korff
SG Wolfenbuettel (1. Regionalliga) has boosted its roster for the upcoming campaign with the addition of two import players, newsclick.de reported. Both Solomon Sheard (204-C/F-79, college: Paul Quinn) and Michael Gayle (175-G-84) are familiar faces to Wolfenbuettel fans as they played for Herzoege Wolfenbuettel in the Pro B some years ago. Sheard spent this past season with 2. Regionalliga side Hannover Korbjaeger. The center from Paulsboro, New Jersey played 17 games for the Hannover team, averaging 16.2 points per contest.
Gayle returns to Wolfenbuettel from his native England. He comes off a stint with EBL's Coventry Crusaders.

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

GREECE

Nikos Linardos returns to Marousi as head coach - by George Fragkos
Nikos Linardos has once again returned to Marousi BC the team that he has spent the most years of his career, but this time he will not be just the first assistant but the head coach of the team. After Vangelis Alexandris's decision to leave the club from Athens and move to Aris, Marousi approached Linardos and they offered him the job everyone in the team appreciated the work he has done during his previous spells at the club. The Greek coach accepted the offer and this means that for at least the following season he will be in charge of the team. Alongside him, there will be two experienced assistants who have also been head coaches in the past, Vagelis Magiras and Nicos Linoxilakis .

This is not the first time that Linardos takes the responsibility to guide a team. He has also been the head coach of Marousi back in 2001 and of APOEL, Apollon Limassol and Panionios. While he was in APOEL he achieved to win the Cypriot Cup, while the following year he has finalist with Apollon Limassol.

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

HOLLAND

Jason Dourisseau, "I take pride in trying to stop my man on defense" - by Fred Roggen
I finally spoke with the 'MVP' of last season, GasTerra Flames Jason Dourisseau (196-G-83, college: Nebraska) a day ago. We talked in this interview about last season, his toughts about a complete new team , the upcoming season and his third year in Groningen.
He came to Groningen as a pure 'employee', but now Jason Dourisseau has become 'one of us', the fans are in love with him, and serenade him, singing 'MVP'.
The last two seasons Jason has won everything with the Flames such as a Championship and a Dutch Cup, was named MVP and Defensive player of the year of the DBL.

Last season was somewhat bittersweet for you: GasTerra Flames didn't get the title it wanted, but you were chosen as MVP of the league. What kind of lasting impact did that remarkable season have for you?
Last year was bittersweet, you're right. It was very hard to lose game 7 of the finals, especially the way we lost. It was a great game to play in, but probably the hardest loss I've ever experienced. Winning the MVP was a great honor, but I wouldve much rather had the championship. However, it felt good knowing that I had the respect of my peers in this league. That's probably the biggest thing I took away from it.

Jason, you extended your contract with the Flames until 2012. Have you found a home with GasTerra Flames?
I love it here in Groningen, but you never know what the future holds. I take things one season at a time.

What do you like in Groningen?
I love everything in Groningen. The city is great. The people are very nice here. But the number one thing I love about this place is the fans and playing in front of them. They love basketball here, and if you play hard for them, they show you a lot of love.

And what you dont like about Groningen?
There really isn't too much not to like. Traffic can be a bit hectic sometimes, but other than that, its pretty cool.

Back to basketball. This summer brought multiple changes to the team. How was the period of adaption between newcomers, holdovers and the coach?
We have a had a lot of changes, and we're adjusting to each other now. We have a new system to learn with the exception of Avis and Sergio, as they've played in this system before, but everyone is working hard so we can gel as fast as possible.

What are the main differences for you in the new GasTerra Flames under Hakim Salem, a coach you knew from competing against his team last year?
The main difference so far under Hakim is philosophies, especially offensively. Other than that, both coaches I've had here are very intense and demanding, which I think is important to the success of any team. Hakim did a great job last year in Amsterdam, and I'm excited to play for him.

You are one of the leaders on this Flames team. Are you guys comfortable looking ahead this year and saying the goal is the Playoff Finals?
I think every team starts the year off with that goal. But to answer your question, yes, the playoff finals is where we want to be. We know it won't be easy, but we feel like we have enough to reach the final, and hopefully win it this year.

Would reaching the Playoff Finals, which would be Flames third one in a row, be enough?
Like I said earlier, our goal is to win it. That's what we are competing for.

Jason, what in your playing philosophy makes you such a great defender?
I take pride in trying to stop my man on defense. It was instilled in me by my college coach. I have good length and I'm pretty quick on my feet for someone my size, so that allows me to guard multiple positions on the floor.

Whats the biggest asset that you add to this Flames squad?
I think the biggest asset I will bring to this year's squad is defense and versatility. Being able to play and guard multiple positions should help us out a lot.

GasTerra Flames always aims for the top. What teams do you expect will be challenging yours for the Dutch Championship?
I think a there will be a lot of good teams this year judging from the rosters of the league, and it's hard to exclude anybody, but if I had to guess, I would say eiffel will be right there. They have a good mix of experience and youth. And obviously the defending champions Leiden will be right there as well.

The Flames fans are really into basketball. How can you characterize them?
One word: AWESOME!

Well, to finish this, what are your goals as a player in the next years?
My goals are pretty simple. I want to bring another championship back to Groningen, get out of the first round of eurocup this year, and for the future, be the best player I can be every year I step on the court.

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

IBL

Lloyd Johnson signs overseas - by Eurobasket News
The Albany Legends professional basketball franchise has announced tonight that Lloyd Johnson (5'11''-G), reserve point guard, has acquired an overseas contract to play basketball this fall. Johnson, the team's sixth man and back-up point guard, led all players on the Legends roster with 20.2 ppg in the 2011 season.

Johnson secured a contract with U.S. Basket Lucera in Italy. The team plays in the Italian C-League, a developmental league for upper-level teams. 'Lloyd will do well in this (Italian) league, and will likely vie for the league lead in scoring come winter.' Legends Coach Ben Smith beamed. 'It was a goal for us to bring Lloyd forward this season into a situation that would be a good fit for him to flourish, and I am happy to say that he got himself a shot.'

Johnson, the team's reserve point guard, excited crowds with his ever-present offense and his flair for the dramatic. He led the team in back-court steals, and was also known throughout the season for his individual scoring runs of 8-12 points that he could drum up at any time. Johnson even added a 40-foot buzzer-beater to his resume in Edmonton on June 25th of this past season.

'It feels good to see the hard work finally start to pay off. It's been a long time, and a tough road that I had to take to get here... but I see this as a stepping stone for me.' Johnson said in an interview Saturday night. 'I would like to use basketball as a vehicle to make sure that my family and myself will be set in the future. My motivation is my daughter, and with her behind me, and continuing to work for her, I feel as though I can do good things.'

Johnson joins a growing list of signings coming from the Legends' 2011 roster, including EJ Gallup (Germany), Deandre Thomas (Thailand), and Will Harris (Denmark). Several of the other players on the roster are currently in conversation with teams abroad as well. 'It's kind of a whirlwind time for us right now as an organization, ' Smith added. 'As great news as it is for these guys recently, we'd like to have 100% of our employees moving up the ladder this fall. We will continue to work for them all, it's just the name of the game.'

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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

INDONESIA

Standings - IBL

NBL Standings

1. Pelita Jaya		24-3
2. Satria Muda		24-3
3. ASPAC		20-7
4. CLS		19-8
5. Garuda		17-10
6. Stadium Jak.		12-5
7. Muba Hangtuah		9-18
8. Bima Sakti		6-21
9. Citra Satria		2-25
10. Angsapura		2-25

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Chandra, PJE 14.0
2 Sudiadnyana, GFB 13.9
3 Ferdiansyah, STD 13.1
4 Setyawan, MHT 13.0
5 Prawiro, ASP 12.6

Rebounds Per Game

1 Heryadi, MHT 9.7
2 Gunawan, SMB 8.0
3 Thoyib, ASP 7.3
4 Gunawan, SMB 7.1
5 Wuwungan, SWS 7.1

Assists Per Game

1 Achmad, SMB 4.3
2 Hadi, BSC 3.6
2 Sartika, BSM 3.6
4 Yunarto, MHT 3.1
5 Muharri, CLS 2.9

Steals Per Game

1 Muharri, CLS 3.1
2 Nugroho, PJE 2.3
3 Gerungan, ASP 2.2
4 Sartika, BSM 2.2
5 Achmad, SMB 2.1

Blocks Per Game

1 Negara, BSC 2.3
2 Ruslan, STD 2.2
3 Thoyib, ASP 2.0
4 Wuwungan, SWS 1.2
5 Arizki, ASP 1.0

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

ITALY

JAPAN

Akita Northern Happinets bring in Michael Gardener - by Eurobasket News
Michael Gardener (182-G-81, college: SE Louisiana) will continue his career in Japan. He has agreed on terms of contract with Akita Northern Happinets. Michael Gardener spent the previous season in Germany. The 29-year-old guard tallied 16.0 points, 4.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game for Cuxhaven BasCats in ProA League. Michael Gardener is not new to Japan. He played for Rizing Fukuoka, Hamamatsu Phoenix and Takamatsu Five Arrows in 2007/10 seasons. Asia-Basket.com named Michael Gardener All-Japanese BJ League Guard of the Year in 2009. He also earned All-Japanese BJ League Honourable Mention in 2010. Michael Gardener had stints in Colombia, Mexico and New Zealand. He was named into Australiabasket.com All-New Zealand NBL 2nd Team in 2005.

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

LATVIA

LITHUANIA

Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius brings trio from Perlas - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius build the roster for 2011/2012 season and brought three players from Perlas.
Paulius Dambrauskas (191-G-91) comes from Perlas as in 2009-2010 he appeared for the team and in Baltic League averaged 7.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 7.1%, FT: 88.2%. In Lithuanian League after 23 games his stats read 6.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 75.7%. Last year he had 4.1ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.2apg in Baltic League and in Lithuanian League after 26 games showed 3.2ppg, 1.1apg.
Dovydas Redikas (193-G-92) played for Perlas Vilnius (LKL) last season and in Baltic League after 20 games showed 6.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 77.8%. In Lithuanian League his stats read 5.7ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 65.4%.
Arvydas Siksnius (196-F-87, college: Weatherford JC) also comes from Perlas. He started 2010-2011 season with Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (LKL) but in January was loaned to Perlas Vilnius (LKL, starting five). In Lithuanian League after 12 games he averaged 11.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 65.8%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 71.4%, while in Baltic League showed 10.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 74.1%.
Steponas Babrauskas (197-G/F-84) will remain for his fourth season with the team. Last season he averaged i7.8ppg, 1.3rpg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 83.3% in Baltic League and in VTB League after 9 games had 9.7ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 52.0%, FT: 85.7%. In Euroleague after 13 games his stats read 2.6ppg, 1.0rpg, while in Lithuanian League he showed 6.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 72.3%.
Simas Buterlevicius (200-F-89) will also enter his 4th season . In 2010-2011 for Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius his stats read: VTB League: 5 games: 2.8ppg, 1.6rpg; Euroleague: 2 games: 0pts; Lithuanian League: 21 games: 4.8ppg, 1.0rpg.

2011/2012 Roster:
Paulius Dambrauskas, Steponas Babrauskas, Tyrese Rice (185-PG-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.), Lawrence Roberts (205-F/C-82, college: Mississippi St.), Arvydas Siksnius, Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85), Vilmantas Dilys (208-F-87, agency: Interperformances), Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Beo Basket), Simas Buterlevicius, Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92), Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket), Brad Newley (201-F-85, agency: Beo Basket), Arturas Jomantas (200-G/F-85), Dovydas Redikas and Mindaugas Katelynas (205-F-83, college: Chattanooga).

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

MADAGASCAR

26th Afrobasket: Second round begins today - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Four games are on the bill in the first of the eight final round at the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men at the Palais des Sports Antananarivo, Madagascar.

In the first game slated for 12H30 group-A leader Nigeria will take on fourth place side from group-B Chad, though book makers tip Nigeria to overrun the less experience Chad but at this stage of the competition caution is the watch-word for all team as there will no second opportunity.

Group-C leader Cameroon stake it pride against Togo fourth in group-D at 15H30, Coach Lazare Adingono surely knows the importance of the stage as the Lions cannot afford to underrate the Hawks from Togo.

After placing second in group-D, Central Africa Republic battle five-time champion, Egypt at 17H30 in the race for a quarter-final ticket, the FIBA Africa Zone-4 side will guide its loin against the Pharoahs who were third in group-C.

And the last game for the day will see defending champion Angola who dismissed Morocco in both sides last group-B game Monday night to finish second from the group go up against third from group-A Mozambique in FIBA Africa Zone-6 affairs.

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

MARCHAND CUP

Standings

1. Brazil		0-0
2. Canada		0-0
3. Dominican R.		0-0
4. P.Rico		0-0

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

MONTENEGRO

NT player Suad Sehovic signs in Ukraine - by Eurobasket News
Suad Sehovic (197-G/F-87) moves to Eastern Europe. The Montenegrin National Team member signed a deal with Ukrainian champions Budivelnyk. They supposed to participate in Euroleague Qualifications, but at the end club decided to withdraw from this competition.. Suad Sehovic started the previous season in Union Olimpija. He got seriously injured in October and missed the bigger part of the season. After recovery Sehovic inked deal with Bosna Sarajevo. He averaged 5.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game in Bosnian D1 League. Eurobasket.com named Sehovic All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League Forward of the Year back in 2009. He made it into All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League 2nd Team in 2010. In Qualifications to European Championships 2011 Sehovic had 4.8 ppg and 3.9 rpg for 10 games. Suad Sehovic participated at Montenegrin B National Team Tour of China earlier this summer. The player is originally from Bijelo Polje.

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

MOROCCO

Morocco fails against Angola 61-75 - by Eurobasket News
Morocco - Angola 61-75
Morocco Monday lost to defending champion of the FIBA Africa Championship for Men by 61-75 points and finished in group-B will therefore confront Mali in the eight final round on Wednesday. Morocco took the first quarter by 16-15 points but were beaten to the game in the remaining three quarters by the ten-time champion of Africa biggest basketball competition by 16-24, 18-22 and 11-14 points for a final scores of 61-75 points. Angola guard Armando Costa (192-G-83) led evry one on court with 21 points, 4 assists and 2 rebound with Felizardo Ambrosio (201-F-87) adding 16 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists as Angola finish the preliminary series in second place and will confront Mozambique Tuesday night. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

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

NBA

Alicante brings in rookie Kyle Singler - by Eurobasket News
Kyle Singler (203-F-88) will unexpectedly start his professional career in Spain. The American forward agreed a deal with Alicante, where he will play until the end of the NBA lockout. Singler is a product of Duke University, where he graduated few months ago. He shined with 16.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 1.6 apg for 37 games as a senior. At the latest NBA Draft Single was selected in the second round by Detroit Pistons. Kyle Singler won the NCAA title with Duke in 2009/10. He was one of their best players with 17.7 ppg, 7 rpg and 2.4 apg in 40 games. For his performance Singler was awarded with NCAA All-Tournament Team -10. Duke won ACC Tournament three times in the last four years and Singler was named to 1st Team twice. This year Duke reached NCAA Sweet 16.

University of Memphis hires Luke Walton as Assitant Coach - by Eurobasket News
According to Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports the University of Memphis has hired Los Angeles Lakers forward Luke Walton (6'8''-F-80, college: Arizona) as an assistant coach during the NBA lockout.

Walton, who was selected by the Lakers as the 32nd overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, has played for the Lakers his entire career. He helped the Lakers earn two NBA championships in 2009 and 2010, and is the son of legendary NBA center Bill Walton.

Perhaps the most notable moment from Waltons career was back in 2006. Walton won a key jump ball for the Lakers that led to a game winning shot from Kobe Bryant to take a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference Quarter-Finals against the Phoenix Suns.

Courtesy of www.lakersnation.com

Kevin Durant (44 pts), Washington win city battle - by Eurobasket News
Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) scored 44 points to lead Washington's Goodman League to a thrilling 135-134 victory over the Drew League from Los Angeles on Saturday night.

Locked-out NBA stars from both cities played in the game on the campus of Trinity University. The stands were packed beyond the listed 1,500 seat capacity and the crowd watched local hero Durant walk away with the game's Most Valuable Player honors.

The overflow crowd ringed the court while scores of local and national media lined the track above the court, basking in the hardwood contest for coastal supremacy, one that was more intense than even the players anticipated.

'Yeah, it was,' said Durant, who sank a pair of throws with 21 seconds to put Goodman up one point, then blocked his Oklahoma City Thunder teammate James Harden's baseline jumper at the buzzer. 'It was fun though. We hadn't played together or anything, but in the end we came together.'

The most anticipated game of the summer, one trying to answer that age old question of which city balls best, might be the last time for a while this many NBA players take to the same court at the same time.

The Goodman side let a 16-point, third-quarter lead slip away and Harden's late 3-pointer tied the game at 133. The lefty guard then sank one of two free throws with 29 seconds left to put Drew up one, before Durant reclaimed the lead.

On the final possession, Brandon Jennings was matched up against former No. 1 pick John Wall of the Wizards, who scored six of the Goodman League's final 10 points and dove head first into a group of photographers while going for a loose ball after sinking a jumper for that late three-point edge.

Jennings, who led Drew with 34 points, settled for a long shot that missed. The rebound was corralled by Harden, who scored 29, along the left baseline with Durant in pursuit.

Harden's game face was showing behind his full beard before the game, intensity that was not surprising considering the Los Angeles players paid their way to travel East.

He said the battle to show which city has the best talent was 'why we set this whole thing up. Both teams are going to play hard.'

Though his Thunder teammate was in the next stall of lockers over, Harden made it clear they were not teammates on this day.

'I don't want to hear nothing about that Kevin Durant or Thunder up,' he said. 'We're enemies.'

That was obvious in the final seconds as Durant swarmed Harden, forcing a double clutch shot that never reached its target as the long limbed forward from the D.C. suburbs got a piece of it.

'It was a good battle, it was back and forth,' said Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson, another D.C. area native. 'The L.A. team came back, made a game of it. In the end KD made the free throws and made the right plays. So did John Wall.'

The dunking started off the opening tip and never let up, though defensive intensity existed throughout. Washington Wizards center JaVale McGee won the initial jump ball and then flushed home an alley-oop for the Drew squad. Moments later his NBA teammate Wall set up Durant for a high-rising dunk.

'Whenever you team up with the leading scorer in the NBA, it's always going to be easy to find assists,' said Wall, who finished with 28 points.

San Antonio Spurs guard Gary Neal and Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins were among the nine NBA players on the court late in the game, both playing for the Goodman League. McGee and Toronto Raptors forward DeMar DeRozan joined Jennings and Harden along with NBA veteran Marcus Banks.

NBA players have been a part of summer league action for years, from the asphalt court in D.C's Barry Farms to the indoor gym at the Drew League. This offseason the participation has been greater then in past years because of the work stoppage.

'I would say so, a lot more guys are playing in the summer leagues, a lot veteran guys as well,' Harden said. 'It's a good thing to get everyone on the court at the same time.'

Wall has been a staple on the summer league and exhibition game circuit this summer, far more he said than if the offseason was of the normal kind. Happy to play in these games, sure, but Wall expressed his frustration over the labor standoff and for a very pure reason.

'Everybody thinks it's all about the money,' he said. 'It's not about the money. I just want to play basketball, I love to play basketball.'

That was evident from both the right and left coasters Saturday night, all of whom represented their leagues well. Right now, that's about all they can do.

Courtesy of ESPN

Kevin Durant close to completing movie deal - by Eurobasket News
Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) may soon become the next NBA star to try his hand at being a movie star.

The Oklahoma City Thunder forward is close to finalizing a deal with Warner Bros. to star in a feature-length motion picture, The Oklahoman reported Sunday night.

Production on the film, which the newspaper reported will have a basketball theme, is scheduled to begin in mid-September. The film will be shot on location in Oklahoma City or Baton Rouge, La., The Oklahoman reported, citing anonymous sources.

Neither Durant nor his representatives could be reached for comment, according to The Oklahomans report.

NBA training camps are scheduled to begin in late September, but an on-time start is not expected because of the ongoing lockout of players.

The Oklahoman speculated that most of Durant's scenes could be wrapped up before the season, depending on when his scenes are shot and when the lockout ends.

The list of pro players whove hit the big screen is a long one, highlighted by Julius Erving, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Shaquille ONeal and Ray Allen.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

Caja Laboral officially lands NBA player Reggie Williams - by Eurobasket News
Caja Laboral officially announced signing of Reggie Williams (196-G/F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: VMI) for the next season. According to Adrian Wojarowski, the American player will earn $1.5 million during his campaign in Spain. The deal includes a $1 million buyout if lockout ends and Williams decides to return to the NBA this season. Under the NBA's previous collective bargaining agreement, NBA teams could contribute up to $500,000 to buy out a player's overseas contract. The guard, who is restricted free agent, played 80 games for the Golden State Warriors last season averaging 9.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists. In 2009/10, Reggie Williams exploded with 15.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 2.8 apg in 24 NBA games with the Warriors. He joined them in March of 2010. Before that, Williams had 26.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 3.2 apg for 31 games with D-League team Sioux Falls SkyForce. He was named USBasket.com All-D-League 1st Team -10 and participated at D-League All-Star games that season. Reggie Williams already played in Europe in the past. He was a member of French Dijon in 2008/09 season.

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

NCAA1

Interim UConn AD emphasizes NCAA compliance - by Eurobasket News
Newly appointed interim University of Connecticut athletic director Paul Pendergast said Monday that relationships with boosters and staff and ensuring compliance with NCAA rules will be his priorities as he takes over for Jeff Hathaway.

In an appearance with UConn President Susan Herbst, Pendergast addressed the media for the first time at The Burton Football Complex.

Pendergast reiterated the four areas of focus for the athletic department - already mentioned by Herbst - as compliance, academic achievement, fundraising and athletic success.

In addition Pendergast focused particularly on relationships with employees and donors.

'It starts with trust, it starts with number one do they trust me,' Pendergast said about UConn athletics employees.

He held a similar tone when speaking about donor relationships.

'It's about relationships and it's about friendships it's not just about necessarily donors and employees,' he said.

Pendergast was picked Sunday to replace Hathaway, who left his job under pressure on Friday. UConn had many athletic successes under Hathaway but also had compliance issues and a rocky relationship with some donors.

Pendergast also said Monday he is considering new initiatives for the athletic department including a ticketing price system that scales prices according to the demand for a game.

'I think there's consideration that should be given towards if we've got a high level opponent coming in and those seats are very, very valued seats that we price it accordingly,' Pendergast said.

A long-awaited new practice facility for the basketball team couldn't come soon enough, he said.

Herbst has said Pendergast, a former associate athletics director, will serve on an interim basis until further notice. Pendergast is currently president of the Saint Francis Foundation and senior vice president of development for Saint Francis hospital.

He begins handling the school's athletics on Sept. 19 with an annual salary of $325,000. She is unsure of when a search for a permanent athletic director will begin.

When asked if he was considering trying to hold the position full time, Pendergast said he was.

'I think I have to act that way,' he said, 'I don't think its necessarily just putting your finger in a dike and just holding it.'

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Penn State gets S. Miss. transfer D.J. Newbill - by Eurobasket News
New Penn State coach Patrick Chambers has picked up his first major player in Happy Valley, with former Southern Mississippi guard Devonte Newbill (6'4''-G-92) deciding to transfer to the Nittany Lions.

Devonte Newbill must sit out this season and will have three years of eligibility left starting in 2012. Penn State said Newbill completed his transfer paperwork and began attending classes Monday.

Devonte Newbill averaged 9.2 points and 6.2 rebounds as a freshman last season for the Golden Eagles. The Philadelphia native was the 2010 Pennsylvania Class AA player of the year as a senior at Stawberry Mansion High.

Chambers took over as coach in June, two weeks after Ed DeChellis resigned to take the same position at Navy.

Courtesy of www.csnbaltimore.com

University of Memphis hires Luke Walton as Assitant Coach - by Eurobasket News
According to Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports the University of Memphis has hired Los Angeles Lakers forward Luke Walton (6'8''-F-80, college: Arizona) as an assistant coach during the NBA lockout.

Walton, who was selected by the Lakers as the 32nd overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, has played for the Lakers his entire career. He helped the Lakers earn two NBA championships in 2009 and 2010, and is the son of legendary NBA center Bill Walton.

Perhaps the most notable moment from Waltons career was back in 2006. Walton won a key jump ball for the Lakers that led to a game winning shot from Kobe Bryant to take a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference Quarter-Finals against the Phoenix Suns.

Courtesy of www.lakersnation.com

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

NCAA2

Tony Davis heads to Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Another NCAA2 player got his first professional deal this week. Tony Davis (6'9''-F-89, agency: Diamond Sportsman Agency, college: Newberry) signed contract with Turkish team Istanbul Tenis Eskrim Dagcilik, which competes in TB2L. Davis graduated few months ago at the Newberry College. He was one of their best players as a senior averaging 15.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. Davis transferred to Newberry in 2009 from the University of Central Florida. He spent three years there. During the summer Tony Davis played at the Eurobasket Summer League in Cologne. He appeared 3 times in this tournament collecting 12.7 ppg and 7.7 rpg. He helped his team Sevilla to reach the Finals. Participation at the Eurobasket Summer League helped Davis to get his first pro deal.

Neven Zeravica gets pro deal in Croatia - by Eurobasket News
Croatian team Jolly JBS announced signing of Neven Zeravica (205-C-88) and Luka Katura (194-G-89) for the next season.
Neven Zeravica heads to Jolly JBS from the West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he graduated few months ago. They competed in NCAA2. Zeravica moved overseas in 2007 from Skola Kosarke Osijek. He spent one year with Citadel and three with WVW College. Zeravica helped WVW to reach WVIAC Tournament Semifinals this year.
Luka Katura arrives to Jolly JBS from Rudes Zagreb. They competed in A2 league last season. Before Rudes, Katur played for Velika Gorica and Zabok. He also played for Cibona juniors in the past.

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

NIGERIA

Lan Mobel ISB signs Olasumbo Atoyebi - by Eurobasket News
Lan Mobel ISB announced signing of a one-year deal with Olasumbo Atoyebi (203-C/F-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Elon). It will be first time for the Nigerian player in LEB Silver. He spent last season in EBA league with Marin PeixeGalego. He exploded there with 15.7 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.4 apg and 1 bpg. Marin PeixeGalego was Spanish EBA Group A-B regular season runner-up. Olasumbo Atoyebi played in Qatar in 2009/10 season. He was a member of Al Arabi Club averaging 22.3 ppg, 13 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.8 bpg and 2.1 spg. It was his first season as a pro. Olasumbo Atoyebi graduated at the Elon University in 2009. He had 13.9 ppg and 6 rpg for them in 30 games as a senior.

26th Afrobasket: Nigeria land Quarter-Final ticket, beat Chad 84-46 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Nigeria became the first country to reach the final eight of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men with an 84-46 points victory over Chad in the round of eight final Tuesday afternoon at the Palais des Sports Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The Coach Ayo Bakare tutored Nigerian side had adopted a moderate approach to the game winning the first two quarters by 23-09 and 22-04 for a half-time scores of 45-13 points but decide to slow down thus allowing the Chadian to pick the third quarter by 12-16 points but rally back to take the fourth and final quarter by 27-17 points for a final scores of 84-46 points.

Nigeria Ime Udoka led the Nigerian side with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, Derrick Obasohan added 12 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists while forward Ejike Ugboaja had a double double figure of 10 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists to earn Nigeria a quarter-final ticket.

Nigeria will battle the winner of the eight final round game between Central Africa Republic and Egypt in the quarter-final on Thursday.

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

NORWAY

Peter Bullock joins Froya - by Eurobasket News
Peter Bullock (198-F/C-82, college: Alaska-Anch.) will play for Froya in the next season. The 28-year-old centre spent the last season in Gimle. He averaged 21.7 points, 13.3 boards, 4.3 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Eurobasket.com named Peter Bullock All-Norwegian BLNO Centre of the Year. He also made into Norwegian BLNO All-Imports Team. Peter Bullock arrived in Norway back in 2004. He played for Ulriken before joining Gimle in 2009.

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

PALESTINE

Orthodox Beit Jala Champs of the 5th Orthodox Tournament in Jordan - by Tamara Awartani
Orthodox Beit Jala players came back with the cup & gold medals after beating Orthodox Amman - Jordan who took 2nd place after beating Orthodox Ramallah.

This 5th Orthodox tournament took place in Amman with 5 teams taking part: Orthodox Amman - Jordan, Orthodox Beit Jala, Orthodox Beit Sahour, Orthodox Bethlehem, Orthodox Ramallah.

The tournament was exciting, great to watch and competative till the last second.

Players that stood out in the tournament:

Nicola Fadayel, Shadi Bahnan, Kamal Mukarker from Beit Jala
Ibrahim Habash (93), Oday Hilal, Maher Kassiss, George Zelfo from Beit Sahour
Ammar Jalayta, Ibrahim Zaibak, Isma'el Hamad, Nadeem Abd AlMuhsan from Ramallah
Firas Freij, Saleem Sakakini, Hanna Sahwani from Bethlehem

The 6th edition of this tournament will take place in Bethlehem.

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

PERU

Standings - Superior

Superior Standings

1. Regatas		23-2
2. Real Club		22-3
3. Escuela Fap		19-6
4. El Bosque		17-10
5. Inmaculada		15-11
6. Centro Naval		11-15
7. Ejercito		11-16
8. San Augustin		8-20
9. San Marcos		3-23
10. Universitario		1-24

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

POLAND

Aleksander Lichodzijewski agreed terms with PBG Basket - by Eurobasket News
Aleksander Lichodzijewski (202-C-84) agreed terms with PBG Basket for 2011/2012 season. The 202cm Center comes from ISS Sportino Inowroclaw.
In the start of his career he played for Gent United (D2), Power Wevelgem (D1), Sanex Antwerp Giants. Before going to Poland, Aleksander played for three season with Antwerp Giants. In his first one he averaged 6.9ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 56.0%. In 2010-2011 joined ISS Sportino Inowroclaw (Poland-1Liga, starting five) and in 28 games had 15.6ppg, Reb-2 (9.2rpg), 1.5apg, 1.4spg, Blocks-4 (1.3bpg), FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 63.3%.
Last season in Round 20 Polish-Belgian center Aleksander Lichodzijewski put on an extraordinary performance for ISS Sportino Inowroclaw, receiving a Eurobasket.com 1Liga Player of the Week award. The 26-year old player had a double-double of 18 points and 16 rebounds, while his team edged out Znicz Basket in overtime 73-71.

Michal Sokolowski signs with Anwil - by Eurobasket News
Michal Sokolowski (196-G-92) signs with Anwil for the upcoming season. The Polish Guard comes from Znicz Basket Pruszkow where he played in the last two seasons.
The 1992 year born player started his career in 2009-2010 for MKS Znicz Basket Pruszkow junior team. In 2010-2011 for MKS Znicz Basket Pruszkow (1Liga) in 12 games he averaged 6.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 60.9%.Two years ago he participated at the European Championships U18 Division B in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and won Silver with Poland. In 8 games his stats read 5.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 64.7%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 62.5%. Last year he played at the European Championships U18 in Vilnius (Lithuania) and in 9 games improved to 9.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 68.2%.
This summer Michal Sokolowski participated at the European Championships U20 Division B in Sarajevo (Bosnia) and in 9 games had 11.7ppg, Reb-3 (11.2rpg), 2.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 79.5%.
He recorded 20 points when Poland edged Israel 100:94. Zyskowski and Sokolowski led the way with 20 points each, while Wierzbicki netted 19.

Asseco Prokom land Alonzo Gee - by Eurobasket News
Alonzo Gee (198-G-87, college: Alabama) is moving to Poland. The 24-year-old guard has agreed on terms of contract with Asseco Prokom. Alonzo Gee started the previous season with the San Antonio Spurs. He averaged 0.7 points and 1.0 rebound per game. In November the guard moved to the Washington Wizards. There his stats read 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per appearance. Finally Alonzo Gee turned out in the Cleveland Cavaliers. He averaged 7.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game there. Alonzo Gee started his pro career in D-League. He notched 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.2 assists per game for the Austin Toros. The guard was trumped D-League Rookie of the Year in 2010.

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

PORTUGAL

Benfica sign Ted Scott - by Eurobasket News
Benfica announced the signing of Ted Scott (188-G-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: W.Virginia St.). The 26-year-old guard spent the previous two seasons in Poland. He played for ISS Sportino and SKK Kotwica. Last season Ted Scott shone in the PLK. He tallied 25.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game for SKK Kotwica. Ted Scott thus became the top scorer in the Polish League. Eurobasket.com named Ted Scott into All-Polish League 2nd Team. He also participated at PLK All-Star Game. Ted Scott is the West Virginia State graduate. He made it into NCAA D2 All-America Atlantic District 1st Team in 2009. The guard was also named into NCAA D2 All-America 2nd Team.

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

RUSSIA

Enisey keep Baxter Lonny - by Eurobasket News
Enisey keep Lonny Baxter (204-C-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) for the upcoming season. The American Center remains with the team for another year.
In 2010 Enisey bolstered their frontcourt. They added Lonny Baxter to the roster. The 32-year-old centre played for Besiktas two years ago. Lonny Baxter tallied 11.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per EuroCup game. In TBL his stats read 17.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists. Lonny Baxter used to play in Montepaschi Siena, Joventut, Panionios, the Washington Wizards and the Chicago Bulls.
Enisey also will keep Konstantin Babynin (192-G-88), Andrei Komarovskiy (196-G-85) and Pavel Gromyko (198-F-89). Three Russian players showed their best in the last season to remain with the squad.

Roster 2011/2012
Jasmin Hukic (204-G/F-79, agency: Beo Basket), Lonny Baxter, Elmedin Kikanovic (210-C-88, agency: Beo Basket), Iliya Syrovatko (193-G-88), Vyacheslav Zaytsev (191-G-89, agency: Alti Sport), Sergey Toporov (197-F-81), Andrey Trushkin (206-C/F-81), Konstantin Babynin, Andrei Komarovskiy and Pavel Gromyko.

Spartak Primorie continues the preparation in Croatia - by Eurobasket News
Spartak Primorie Vladivostok started preparation for 2011/2012 season.
After adding five players for the upcoming season, the team resigned few more. It became known that Evgeni Baburin (193-G-87), Viktor Uskov (182-G-86), Aleksei Goliakhov (190-G-84), Sergey Karaulov (214-C-82, agency: Alti Sport), Aleksandr Savenkov (205-F-82), Ivan Pavlov (201-C-89) and Aleksandr Pavlov (202-F-86, agency: RIZO) wil, stay with the squad.
Sergey Karaulov is Uzbekistani-Russian Center that will help now new Jeleel Akindele (216-C-83, college: Chicago St.). The season 2010-2011 Karaulov started for Krasnie Krilya Samara (Russia-PBL) and in Russian League after 5 games averaged 2.0ppg, 1.8rpg. Later he moved to Spartak Primorie Vladivostok (Russia-Superleague, starting five) and in 10 games averaged 8.7ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 50.7%, FT: 73.9%.
Last season Spartak-Primorie won SuperLeague title as they swept the series over Universitet Surgut 2-0. The latter was handed a pity 67-82 home loss and lost the Final Play-offs in Surgut.

Roster 2011/2012
Torey Thomas (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross), Jeleel Akindele, Denis Polokhin (195-G-90), Konstantin Nesterov (205-F/C-81, college: VCU), Dmitry Gordeev (198-F-89), Gannadi Zelenskiy (187-G-82, agency: RIZO), Evgeni Baburin, Viktor Uskov, Aleksei Goliakhov, Sergey Karaulov, Aleksandr Savenkov, Ivan Pavlov and Aleksandr Pavlov.

Artem Zabelin and Lokomotiv Kuban part ways - by Eurobasket News
Artem Zabelin (215-F/C-88) and Lokomotiv Kuban part ways as the player will not continue with the squad. It was announced earlier that Artem Zabelin has found the new team after he left CSKA. Artem Zablein joined CSKA Moscow (A Superleague) in 2007. Last season the centre notched 3.8 points, 2.2 boards and 1.2 blocks per game in VTB League. In PBL Artem Zabelin averaged 4.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per appearance. He also played for CSKA Moscow U23 team. Before joining CSKA Artem Zabelin had stints with Avtodor Saratov and Dynamo Saint Petersburg. Artem Zabelin used to play for Russian U18 and U20 National Teams. He participated at 2006 and 2008 European Championships.
In his top game Artem Zabelin scored 12 points at the Regular Season Round 11 when CSKA beat Enisey 81-58. The game was mostly controlled by CSKA Moscow. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was better in third quarter 22-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. CSKA Moscow made 19-of-24 charity shots (79.2 percent) during the game. They also forced 23 Enisey Krasnoyarsk turnovers.

Krasnie Krilya tab Aaron Miles - by Eurobasket News
Krasnie Krilya bolstered their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Aaron Miles (186-G-83, college: Kansas). The guard has already joined the team on their training camp in Italy. Last season Aaron Miles spent in D-League. He tallied 15.3 points, 8.7 assists, 4.1 boards and 2.5 steals per game. Previously Aaron Miles had stints in Greece, Spain, France, D-League and NBA. The guard earned Eurobasket.com ProA and A1 Leagues Honourable Mentions in 2007 and 2009 respectively.

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

SERBIA

Igokea signs power forward Marko Brkic - by Eurobasket News
Igokea announced important signing today. The Bosnian outfit penned a one-year deal with power forward Marko Brkic (206-F/C-82, agency: Beo Basket). The 28-year-old Serbian heads to Igokea from PGE Turow Zgorzelec. He appeared 36 times for them in PLK last season averaging 9.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals. Brkic helped Turow to reach PLK Finals. Turow also was runner-up in regular season. Marko Brkic played for Radnicki Kragujevac in 2009/10. He shined with 12.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 2.3 apg for 21 games in Adriatic league. He also added 9.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 1.5 apg for 16 games in Serbia. Before Radnicki, Brkic spent one year with Anwil and one with Polpak Swecie. He participated at the Polish league All-Star Game in 2009 and this year as well. Brkic already played for Igokea in the past. He was their member in 2006/07 and they won Bosnian Cup together.

Stevan Tapuskovic signs in Slovenia - by Eurobasket News
Stevan Tapuskovic (209-F/G-89) will continue his career in Slovenia. The 22-year-old Serbian signed a deal with Maribor for the next season. He spent the last one with Superfund BP Beograd. They competed in A League, where Tapuskovic had 11.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 1.2 apg for 21 games. Before Superfund, Stevan Tapuskovic spent one year in Germany. He was a member of LTi Giessen 46ers. For 21 games with them he had 4.9 ppg and 1.4 rpg. Tapuskovic is a product of Partizan Belgrade, where he started as a teenager. He played for them until 2009. In the past, Tapukovic also played for Serbian U18 National Team. The won the Gold together at European Championships U18 in Madrid. For 6 games at that event Tapuskovic had 6.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg.

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

SLOVENIA

Union Olimpija gets bigger with Boris Rothbart - by Eurobasket News
Boris Rothbart (217-C-86) is a new member of Union Olimpija. The 25-year-old big guy penned a deal for the next season. Rothbart spent the last one with Maccabi Haifa. He appeared 14 times in EuroChallenge with them averaging 9.7 points and 5.3 rebounds. Rothbart also added 5.5 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 30 games in Premier league. Before Maccabi Haifa, Boris Rothbart spent one season with Elitzur Maccabi Netanya. With them he had 4.8 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 26 games. He also has experience from Ironi Nahariya, Borac Nektar Banja Luka, Hapoel Galil Elyon and Paris Basket Racing. Boris Rothbart played for the Israeli National Team in 2010. He appeared once during the Qualifications to European Championships 2011. In the past, he played for Israeli B, University and U20 NT.

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

SOUTH KOREA

Rules for Naturalized Korean Free Agency in 2012 Unveiled - by Kevin Campigotto
One interesting news story hanging over this season is that it will be the final season for the original big three naturalized Koreans, Tony Akins (180-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Georgia Tech), Greg Stevenson (198-F-78, agency: SportsTalent, college: Richmond) and Eric Sandrin (206-F/C-78, college: Seattle Pacific) before they become free agents. Some have likened their impending free-agency to the NBA off-season that saw the Lebron-Wade-Bosh Heat formed. Stevenson has led domestic players in scoring and finished second overall in scoring last season. Akins was selected first by KCC despite them coming off a championship season and has been a pivotal part of the two KBL championships won by the club in the past three years.

The issue of naturalized Koreans has been a prickly one for the league because it has created a situation where half the teams in the league have a major advantage. After the first naturalized draft three years ago others were held but only one player of note, Jarod Stevenson, was drafted. Last years draft featured only three players, none of whom were drafted. Teams with a naturalized Korean, who are usually more athletic than their Korean counterparts, have a huge advantage, especially in this season where teams will only have one foreigner. Where those three players choose to sign next summer will have major implications in the league.

The free agency of these players will not follow normal free-agency protocol. Following this coming season only teams who have not already had a naturalized Korean on their roster will be eligible to sign them. These teams are: Wonju Dongbu, Ulsan Mobis, Seoul SK, Goyang Orions, Anyang KGC, and Busan KT. In 2009 Busan and Anyang applied to have a naturalized Korean on their teams but were unsuccessful. Now, because of that failed attempt they will be given a lower opportunity to sign a free agent naturalized Korean than the other eligible teams. This will come in being placed lowest on order of teams applying for one of the free agents.

If teams want one of the players they must apply to the league. Teams will submit a ranking of two players that they wish to sign and how much money they will offer each player. If a team is the only team that ranks a player first, they will automatically be given that player. However, if multiple teams rank a player as their first choice, the team who offers the highest amount will be given priority to negotiate with that player. This system leads to one where teams may need to plan strategically. For example, Tony Akins was the number one pick in the original draft, has led his team to two championships, can score from anywhere on the court and take any player off the dribble so he will almost certainly be ranked first by multiple teams. Therefore, a team may think it wiser to rank a lesser player first and thereby guarantee themselves that player.

The new contracts for these players will be for three years and if for some reason a player is not selected by any team they will have the opportunity to negotiate with their original team. If they also fail to successfully negotiate a new contract with their original team, they can negotiate with all ten teams in the league. There is almost no chance of this happening.

The free agency compensation for naturalized Koreans will also differ from that of normal player. Normally if a Korean player changes teams through free agency and their new salary is in the top 30 in the league, their new team has to pay their old team compensation in the form of cash or players. However, the naturalized Koreans will be exempt from these rules. Teams who sign them will not have to compensate the team they are leaving. Teams who do sign one of the three naturalized Koreans will not receive a first round draft pick in the 2012 KBL draft.

Soure: Jumpball, With Translation assistance by Seri Baek

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

SPAIN

FC Barcelona Regal invests in Eriksson - by Eurobasket News
One of the most promising shooting guards in Europe joined a Turkish Airlines Euroleague powerhouse when FC Barcelona Regal announced the signing of Marcus Eriksson (196-G/F-93) to a four-year deal on Wednesday. Barcelona keeps an option to extend his contract until the end of the 2016-17 season. Eriksson (1.96 meters, 17 years old) arrives from Assignia Manresa, where he made his Spanish League debut this season at age 16 - the sixth youngest player to do so. He started his career with KFUM Uppsala in his native Sweden before joining Manresa. Eriksson was chosen as the 2010 Torneig de Basquet Junior Ciutat de LHospitalet's MVP after averaging 18.4 points on 48.6% three-point shooting and 5.2 rebounds in five games to lead Manresa to the semifinals. His best game - 25 points and 8 rebounds - came in a losing effort against Barcelona in the semifinals. Eriksson has also been a member of the Swedish under-16 and under-18 national teams.

Courtesy of Euroleague

Alicante brings in rookie Kyle Singler - by Eurobasket News
Kyle Singler (203-F-88) will unexpectedly start his professional career in Spain. The American forward agreed a deal with Alicante, where he will play until the end of the NBA lockout. Singler is a product of Duke University, where he graduated few months ago. He shined with 16.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 1.6 apg for 37 games as a senior. At the latest NBA Draft Single was selected in the second round by Detroit Pistons. Kyle Singler won the NCAA title with Duke in 2009/10. He was one of their best players with 17.7 ppg, 7 rpg and 2.4 apg in 40 games. For his performance Singler was awarded with NCAA All-Tournament Team -10. Duke won ACC Tournament three times in the last four years and Singler was named to 1st Team twice. This year Duke reached NCAA Sweet 16.

Chris Lofton is back to Estudiantes - by Eurobasket News
Asefa Estudiantes announced signing of a one-year deal with their former player Chris Lofton (188-G-86, college: Tennessee). It means that the American scoring machine is back to Estu after one season. He spent in NBA D-League and Russia. Lofton started last season with Iowa Energy. He appeared 34 times with them averaging 15.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.1 steals. In March this year he signed a deal with Lokomotiv Kuban. There Lofton had just 3.3 ppg for 6 Russian league games. They parted ways in May. Chris Lofton started 2009/10 season with Caja Laboral and in December of 2009 he moved to Estudiantes. With them he had 12.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 1.1 apg for 22 games in ACB. Lofton also had experience from Turkish Mersin, where he exploded with 20.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 2 apg.

Lan Mobel ISB signs Olasumbo Atoyebi - by Eurobasket News
Lan Mobel ISB announced signing of a one-year deal with Olasumbo Atoyebi (203-C/F-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Elon). It will be first time for the Nigerian player in LEB Silver. He spent last season in EBA league with Marin PeixeGalego. He exploded there with 15.7 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.4 apg and 1 bpg. Marin PeixeGalego was Spanish EBA Group A-B regular season runner-up. Olasumbo Atoyebi played in Qatar in 2009/10 season. He was a member of Al Arabi Club averaging 22.3 ppg, 13 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.8 bpg and 2.1 spg. It was his first season as a pro. Olasumbo Atoyebi graduated at the Elon University in 2009. He had 13.9 ppg and 6 rpg for them in 30 games as a senior.

Joventut bring in Latavious Williams - by Eurobasket News
Latavious Williams (202-F-91) will spend the next season in Spain. The forward has agreed on terms of contract with Joventut. Latavious Williams spent the last season in D-League. He played for the Tulsa 66ers averaging 13.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Latavious Williams was drafted by the Tulsa 66ers back in 2009 right after graduating from Christian Life Centre High School in Humble, Texas.

Reggie Williams lands in Spain! - by Eurobasket Center
According to Adrian Wojarowski, Golden State Warriors free-agent Reggie Williams (196-G/F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: VMI) has signed a one-year contract with Caja Laboral Vitoria. American player will earn $1.5 milion during his campaign in Spain. The deal includes a $1 milion byout if lockout ends and Williams decides to return to the NBA this season. Under the NBA's previous collective bargaining agreement, NBA teams could contribute up to $500,000 to buy out a player's overseas contract. The guard, who is restricted free agent, while playing 80 games last season was averaging 9.2ppg and 2.7rpg.

Lan Mobel ISB also adds Marcos Casado - by Eurobasket News
Lan Mobel ISB added another player to their roster for the upcoming season. After Nigerian Olasumbo Atoyebi (203-C/F-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Elon), the LEB Silver team brought in Marcos Casado (183-G-83). The Spanish point guard heads to his new club from Adreilu Santurtzi, where he spent last four seasons. He appeared 27 times for them in the latest one averaging 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Casado had almost the same numbers in 2009/10. In these two years Lan Mobel ISB competed in LEB Silver. Marcos Casado helped Santurzi to win promotion from EBA to LEB Silver in 2009. He exploded with 15.3 ppg 2.9 rpg and 3.4 apg that year. For his performance Casado was named EBA Final Four MVP and Santurzi reached Finals. In the past, Casado also played for Urdaneta and La Salle Bilbao.

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

TOGO

Another loss for Togo in Antananarivo - by Eurobasket News
Rwanda - Togo 87-67
Rwanda Monday finish third in group-C with an 87-67 points victory over Togo in both sides last group game at the Palais des Sports, Antananarivo, Madagascar. Rwanda open the game with a 27-08 and 24-10 points advantage in the first and second quarters but Togo stage a late come-back from the beginning of the third quarter forcing Rwanda to commit mistake though the insurgence was late to save them from defeat but Rwanda lost both quarters by 21-23 and 15-26 points. Kenneth Gasana (197-F-84) led the floor with 19 points, 9 assists, 2 rebound and 2 steal, forward Robert Thomson (208-C-82, college: Fairfield) contributed 18 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assist and 2 steal with Cameroun Bradley (198-F-91) grabbing a double double of 13 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals to earn Rwanda its first win of the championship. Rwanda will battle Cote dIvoire Wednesday in the eight final round at 15H00. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

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

TURKEY

In the Beko Super Cup in Germany, Turkey managed to win only one of the three games and finished third. - by Pervin Elgin
In the Beko Super Cup in Germany, Turkey managed to win only one of the three games and finished third.

In the first round, on friday, Turkey was beaten by Greece 62-38. Greece took a quick 13-3 lead and finished the first period 21-8 ahead. Turkey didnt stand a chance in the remainder of the game and managed to score only 38 points against the strong Greek defence. In the fourth quarter, Turkey scored only 2 points.

In the second round, on saturday, Turkey defeated Belgium, who had lost their first game against Germany, with 66-60. Turkey lead at halftime 36-28, but the Belgians countered in the third, finishing the period with a 47-51 lead. In the fourth period, a 19-9 run by Turkey secured the win. Greece defeated Germany and took the lead in the league.

In the third round, on Sunday, Greece defeated Belgium easily, leaving Turkey and Germany to battle for second place. After a 24-29 halftime lead for Turkey, Germany played a strong third and fourth period and defeated Turkey 64-52.

Istanbul Buyukehir Belediye signs Umutcan Ozyildirim - by Eurobasket News
Umutcan Ozyildirim (196-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports) is a new member of Istanbul Buyukehir Belediye. The Turkish guard penned a deal for the next season. Ozyildirim heads to IBB from Bornova, where he spent last three years. Ozyildirim appeared 24 times in TBL last season averaging 2.5 points and 1 rebound. In 2009/10 he had 3.9 ppg and 1.5 rpg for 26 games. Ozyildirim helped Bornova to win promotion from TB2L to TBL in 2008/09. Bornova reached TB2L Finals and Ozyildirim helped them with 9.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.1 apg. Before Bornova, Umutcan Ozyildirim spent one year with Eyupspor. In the past he played for Besiktas more than seven years. They reached TBL Finals together in 2005. That same year Besiktas played in FIBA Europe League Quarterfinals.

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

UKRAINE

Azovmash recruit Oleksiy Pecherov - by Eurobasket News
Azovmash shook the market with a loud signing. They agreed on terms of contract with Ukrainian international Oleksiy Pecherov. The deal is meant for two seasons. Oleksiy Pecherov spent the last season in Italy. The centre played for Armani Jeans Milano. He tallied 11.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 block per game in Euroleague. In SeriaA Oleksiy Pecherov notched 7.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per appearance. Previously the centre spent three seasons in the NBA. He had stints with the Washington Wizards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Ukraine Oleksiy Pecherov used to play for Politekhnik Kharkiv and BC Kyiv.

Andriy Lebedintsev joins Ferro-ZNTU - by Eurobasket News
Ferro-ZNTU strengthened their backcourt. They signed a deal with Andriy Lebedintsev (187-PG-91). The guard is coming back to Ukraine after two seasons in Slovenia. Andriy Lebedintsev spent two seasons with Mercator Skofja Loka on loan from Union Olimpija. Last season the point guard notched 7.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in Slovenian League. He also participated at 2011 Slovenian All-Star Game. This year Andriy Lebedintsev played for Ukraine at U20 European Championship. He tallied 9.8 points, 4.9 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game in Spain. In Ukraine Andriy Lebedintsev had stints with BC Kyiv and BC Odessa. He played for Ukrainian U16, U18, U19, U20 and U21 National Teams.

DniproAzot re-sign Michael Fraser - by Eurobasket News
DniproAzot re-signed Michael Fraser (203-C/F-84, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma Baptist). The sides have agreed on terms of contract extension for one season. Michael Fraser started the previous season in Al Kuwait. In October the centre moved to Gravelines in France. He tallied 1.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game in ProA. In EuroChallenge his stats read 4.3 points and 2.0 rebounds. In December Michael Fraser moved to Ukraine to join DniproAzot. His stats read 14.5 points, 10.9 rebounds per appearance in Superleague. The centre earned Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague Honourable Mention. He also participated at Superleague All-Star Game. Previously Michael Fraser played for Hoverla Ivano-Frankivsk. He made it into Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague 1st Team in 2010.

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

URUGUAY

VENEZUELA

Argentina edge Venezuela in Oscar Moglia Cup opener - by Eurobasket News
Argentina - Venezuela 71:57

Argentina celebrated the first win at the Oscar Moglia Cup in Montevideo. They fired past Venezuela in the opener. Nicolas Romano (197-F/C-87) scored 17 points to pace the winners.
The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the first half. They were tied at 16 after ten minutes of action. Things hardly changed in the second period. The teams exchanged baskets and entered the second half knotted up at 28. Argentina pulled in front in the third term. They opened a 6-point advantage at the final break 49:43. Argentina cleared off in the final quarter. They opened a double-digit lead and raced to the victory at the end. Marcos Mata (202-F-86) finished with 12 points, while Marcos D'Elia (207-C-92) added 10 points for the winners. Heissler Guillent (186-G-86, agency: Paris Global Sports) responded with 16 points for Venezuela. Greivis Vasquez (198-PG-87, college: Maryland) netted 10 points in the loss.

Argentina: Nicolas Romano 17, Marcos Mata 12, Marcos D'Elia 10
Venezuela: Heissler Guillent 16, Greivis Vasquez 10

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

Women News

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

ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women

Taipei cruise past Lebanon, one step in semifinals - by Maarouf Mawloud
Chinese Taipeis 83-55 win against Lebanon on Tuesday virtually put the East Asian team along with their fellow regional trio China, Japan and Korea in the semifinals of the 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women.

Now, only the two unlikeliest events of the form and fame that of India beating Japan and Lebanon winning against Korea both on Wednesday can cause any change in the semifinal line-up, which incidentally has remained the same for the last 27 years.

Both Lebanon and India have lost all their three games so far, and either will need an out-of-the-world performance to upset the progress of the East Asian foursome.

Taipei began scoring the first eight points of the game and never looked back.

Chiang Feng-chun (pic above) was the leader of their scoring with 19 points as coach Chang Hui-Yin gave all her players a feel of the court each of them for at least five minutes and 11 of them scored.

Young Rebecca Akl (169-F-92) did the Akl family name proud leading the Lebanon scoring with 21 points.

Well any win is a good win in this kind of a competition, Chang Hui-Yin said.

It is very easy to lose focus when you play these so-called easy teams. No team is easy when they get on to the court. You still have to work to win, she said.

Standings

Group A
1. S.Korea		3-0
2. China		2-1
3. Taiwan		2-1
4. Japan		2-1
5. India		0-3
6. Lebanon		0-3
Group B
1. Indonesia		2-1
2. Kazakhstan.		2-1
3. Malaysia		2-1
4. Uzbekistan.		2-1
5. Singapore		1-2
6. Sri Lanka		0-3

24th Asia Championship. Day 3 in Omura - by Eurobasket News
LEVEL 1

South Korea-Japan 66:59

South Korea won the thriller and the top game of the third day at the 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women in Japan. The top team beat the home side 66:59 to take 3-0 record in Leven I. Japan meanwhile suffered their first loss and dropped to 2-1.
Japan forged themselves ahead with a 16-0 spree that ran across the first quarter break, and barring the sporadic lapses in their defense were well set for the win. Yuko Oga (170-G-82) made it 20:6 and Sachiko ISHIKAWA scored for 25:13. South Korea managed to win the second period and reduced to 10 points at the halftime. Sachiko ISHIKAWA brought plus 14 in the third period, however South Korea cut it to 5 at the end of it. Kim Danbi (180-F-90) later tied it all at 51:51 and South Korea pushed the tempo for good. Choi Youn Ah (170-G-85) (170-G-85) made the final result in the game as her side won the third game in a row.
Kim Danbi stepped up with 24 points and Choi Youn Ah posted 14. Ha Eun Joo (200-C-83) ended up with 11 points to keep her team undefeated. Yuko Oga produced 15 points in the losing effort and Maki Takada (183-C-89) added 9.

Chinese Taipei-Lebanon 83:55

Chinese Taipei edged Lebanon and advanced to the semis of the 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women in Japan. The team needed 83:55 over the opponents for 2-1 record, while Lebanon remained winless.
Chinese Taipei started the game with 8 consecutive points and never looked behind in the game. Chiang Feng-Chun (184-F-81) closed the first period at 24:12 and Wan-Ting LI improved to 30:14. After 16-13 in the frame, Chinese Taipei enjoyed 40:25 at the halftime. They decided not to slow down and won both periods in the second half. In the third quarter they produced 22-13 and had 62:38 after thirty minutes. Another 21-17 in the last period brought them the final victory and the ticket to the Semifinals.
Chiang Feng-Chun stepped up with 19 points for the winners and Lin Chi-Wen (186-C-83) had 15. Wan-Ting LI and Liu Chun-Yi (180-F/C-81) followed them with 10 points apiece. Rebecca Akl (169-F-92) scored 21 points in defeat and Brittany Denson (192-C-87, college: S.Florida) delivered 13.

China-India 87:38

China improved to 2-1 record in Level I at the 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women in Japan. The team easily overcame India 87:38 in the start of Day 3.
India surprised the favorites in the first period and led several times in the game. Both teams finished with 12 points on the board, while China pushed the tempo later in the half. Yanyan JI sent the squads to the lockers at 28:18. The third period was decisive in the court as China erupted with 32-8 for 34-point advantage. Nuo XU made two free throws to start the last period and Wei Wei brought 70:33. She was also the last to score for the Chinese team, while Sonika OHLYAN brought the last points for India.
Wei Wei paced all the winners with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Guan Xin (196-C-87) netted 14. Chen Nan (197-C-83) posted 11 and Lijie MIAO added 10. Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) answered with 12 points in defeat and Anitha Pauldurai (170-G-85) added 8.

LEVEL2

Singapore - Sri Lanka 70:59

Singapore opened win count at Asia Championship in Japan. They toppled Sri Lanka to improve to 1-2 record. Ang Juliana (168-F-87) stepped up with 16 points to pace the winners. Sri Lanka suffered the third loss in a row at the tournament.
Sri Lanka got to a slightly better start. They registered an 18:16 lead ten minutes into the game. The teams stayed close throughout the second period. Sri Lanka managed to secure a 2-point lead at halftime 30:28. Singapore turned things around right after the big break. They ignited an 18:6 run to build a 47:38 lead at the final intermission. Sri Lanka got back within five points midway through the final period but Sunarko Cynthia (163-PG-89) and Koh helped Singapore to the victory at the end. Tan Sarah (173-F-91) finished with 12 points, while Sunarko Cynthia added 11 points for the winners. Inoka Juwan Pedige (82) responded with 19 points for Sri Lanka. Premila Beruwalage (81) chipped in 15 points in the loss.

Kazakhstan - Uzbekistan 62:61

Kazakhstan earned the second win at the Asia Championship in Japan. They snatched a narrow win over Uzbekistan to catch up their opponents at 2-1 record in the ladder. Annan Kucheryavykh (177-G-74) drained a late triple to propel Kazakhstan to the victory in this one.
Kazakhstan aggressively started the game. They ensured an 18:11 lead after ten minutes of action. The Kazakh team maintained the lead throughout the second frame. They arrived at the interval up by 8 points 30:22. Things hardly changed in the third stanza. The teams traded baskets as Kazakhstan entered the final quarter up by 8 points 43:35. Uzbekistan tipped off the fourth stanza on an 8:0 run to level things up. Soon Ekaterina Obechkina (182-F-85), Guzal Burieva (89) and Irina Polunina (176-G-79) gave the Uzbek team a 56:51 lead. They were up by five points with just over a minutes to go when Korotkaya connected from beyond the arc to narrow the deficit. Then Annan Kucheryavykh took the floor as her late triple sealed the victory for Kazakhstan. Zalina Kurazova (184-F-85) accounted for 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Anastassiya Alishauskaite (170-G-88) added 15 points in the victory. Yelena Khusnitdinova (85) answered with game-high 25 points for Uzbekistan. Guzal Burieva finished with 18 points in defeat.

Indonesia - Malaysia 74:66

Indonesia revived their Level I promotion ambitions at Asia Championship in Omura. They handed Malaysia the first loss at the tournament and caught up with those in the ladder. Wulan Ningrum (174-G/F-85) stepped up with 23 points to pace the winners.
Indonesia fired 31 points in the opening quarter to clear off. They established a 15-point lead at the first break. Malaysia stopped the rot adjusting defensively. They limited their opponents to just 10 points in the second stanza and cut the deficit to 14 points at halftime 27:41. Malaysia increased the tempo in the third term. They narrowed the deficit to just 8 points with one quarter remaining. Woon Yuen Teo (165-G-85) put Malaysia within five points midway through the final stanza. However Indonesia quickly boosted the gap to 13 points and hung on to escape with a difficult win at the end. Gabriel Sophia (180-C-91) posted 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Jacklien Ibo (175-F-90) provided 14 points in the victory. Woon Yuen Teo and Suik May Kew (172-F-82) answered with 13 points each for Malaysia. Hui Pin Pang (176-90) netted 10 points in the loss.

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

AUSTRALIA - Women

Standings - WNBL

WNBL Standings

1. Adelaide		0-0
2. AIS		0-0
3. Bendigo S.		0-0
4. Bulleen B.		0-0
5. Canberra C.		0-0
6. Dandenong R.		0-0
7. Logan T.		0-0
8. Sydney UF		0-0
9. Townsville F.		0-0
10. Waves		0-0

Captain Veal re-signs with the Logan Thunder - by Eurobasket News
BDS Logan Thunder have today announced that their captain and triple club-MVP player Kristen Veal (176-G-81) has committed to the club for a further 24 months.

One of the initial players signed in their inaugural season, the BDS Logan Thunder have today confirmed that captain Kristen Veal will stay on at the club.

One of the most decorated players in the WNBL the courageous Veal, fresh from representing Australia in the recent international series against the Chinese National Team, is looking forward to again taking a young Thunder outfit to the finals.

Head Coach Olaf Lange was also pleased with the news.

We are excited to announce the re-signing of our point guard and leader, Kristen Veal.

We are extremely glad to have her again at the helm of our team for the next couple of years, as she embodies what our program stands for heart and hard work!

After starting her WNBL career at the AIS, Kristen was selected 13th pick in the 2001 WNBA draft by Phoenix and played with the Mercury in 2001/02 - at the same time becoming the youngest player to play in the league.

Since returning to the WNBL not only is she a multiple title winner (4 championships) but individually has racked up awards including All Star 5 selections and multiple league assist stats. Confirming that she is still a force in the WNBL, Kristen capped off a fine 2010/11 season by leading the league in both assists per game (5.8) and steals per game (2.5).

Kristen is definitely a player you can build a franchise around, said club chairman Brendt Munro.

She continually demonstrates her leadership abilities on and off the court which is evidenced by the popularity that she has with all of our fans, sponsors and team-mates.

We certainly welcome her decision to stay with the Thunder and look forward to many more years of watching one of the countrys premier players on our court.

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

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

AUSTRIA - Women

Flying Foxes add Nikol Soulis - by Eurobasket News
Flying Foxes have strengthened their frontcourt. They landed Nikol Soulis (188-F-85, college: Wisc.-Green Bay). She spent the last season in Greece. The forward played for Athinaikos. Her stats read 4.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in Greek League. Nikol Soulis appeared in just one EuroCup game scoring 10 points. Nikol Soulis graduated from Wisconsin-Green Bay in 2007. She was Horizon League Tournament MVP the same year. The forward moved to Europe and played for Athinaikos for four seasons. Nikol Soulis is the member of Greek National Team. She averaged 2.3 points per game at 2010 World Championship in Czech Republic.

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

BELGIUM - Women

The Boston College Earns A 70-57 Win Over Leper - by Eurobasket News
Women's Basketballl Earns A 70-57 Win Over Leper
Katie Zenevitch (6'3''-F/C) led the Eagles with 16 points.

Bruges, Brussels - The Boston College women's basketball team defeated the Blue Cats Leper A team, 70-57, at the Stad Leper Sportscentrum on Tuesday, August 16. The Eagles were led by sophomore Katie Zenevitch with 16 points, six rebounds and four steals, while sophomore Tessah Holt (5'5''-G) added 12 points and four assists. Sophomore Kristen Doherty had eight points and four steals and Korina Chapman added six points and nine rebounds.

The Eagles led by two after one quarter behind four points from Doherty. Defensive pressure by the Eagles in the second quarter helped the lead grow to 40-25. In the second half, Leper began to drain a number of shots from beyond the arc but the inside game of Zenevitch and Chapman took over. The two combined for 15 points and eight boards in the second half.

BC is now 1-2 on the European tour and head to Paris today. BC will play the final game on Thursday.

Final Day In Bruges:
The Eagles enjoyed their final day in this wonderful small city walking the streets with their favorite guide Albe. After a 25 minute tour, Albe let the team off on a street filled with lace, clothing and chocolate shops so they could investigate the city for an hour on their own. After a little shopping by the girls, the team had a very nice pregame meal at a family owned restaurant just steps away from the hotel - Oud Huis de Peellaert. The meal of chicken, pasta, salad and bread was prepared at Brugs Kieksken Memline. At 1:15 p.m. the team left for the entertaining bus ride through the narrow streets of Bruges to the Sportcentrum. If you want to get attention in Bruges, ride a huge bus through the narrow streets and watch all the locals yell at you because you should not be parked on the side of the road or weaving through the streets. After the game the girls went out to eat dinner, shop and find a place to taste the delicious Belgium Waffles with chocolate.
Courtesy of: bceagles.cstv.com

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

BULGARIA - Women

Rilski Sportist add Mihaela Dilova and Maria Ranguelova - by Eurobasket News
Rilski Sportist add Mihaela Dilova (176-G-90) and Maria Ranguelova (186-F/C-90) for the upcoming season.
Mihaela Dilova is a Bulgarian Guard who started first for NSA Sofia (A2). In 2006-2007 she played for NSA Delta (A1) and in 10 games averaged 2.2ppg. In 2007-2008 for NSA Delta (A1) she improved to 5.1ppg, 1.2rpg, 2FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 75.0%. In the last season for SA Delta Sofia (A1) after 24 games her stats read 7.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 39.8%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 70.2%/ In 2009-2010 moved to Slavia Sofia (NBL) and in 26 games averaged 5.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 90.9%. The last season for Slavia Sofia (NBL, starting five) she showed 4.4ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg.
Maria Ranguelova started in 2006-2007 for Levski Spartak Sofia (A1)and in 2007-2008 moved to NSA Delta (A1, starting five). The last season she also played for Slavia Sofia (NBL, starting five) and in 22 games averaged 6.2ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT-1 (60.0%), FT: 56.3%.

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

CANADA - Women

Rhona McKenzie signs in Switzerland - by Eurobasket News
Rhona McKenzie (183-F-76, agency: LBM Management) will continue her career in Switzerland. The Canadian/Jamaican forward penned a one-year deal with Riva Basket. McKenzie heads to her new club from DBC Houthalen, where she played last season. Actually she played in Belgium just in the first part of 2010/11 averaging 7 points, 13.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals for 7 games. Rhona McKenzie is not a new face in Switzerland. She won the Swiss title and Cup in 2010 with Sdent Sierre Basket. They were LNA champions in 2009 as well. That year McKenzie was named Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA 2nd Team -09. She had 14.3 ppg, 11.2 rpg and 2.6 spg for 21 games in LNA. In the past, Rhona McKenzie played in Holland and Luxembourg.

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

CHINA - Women

China improved to 2-1 record in Level I - by Eurobasket News
China-India 87:38

China improved to 2-1 record in Level I at the 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women in Japan. The team easily overcame India 87:38 in the start of Day 3.
India surprised the favorites in the first period and led several times in the game. Both teams finished with 12 points on the board, while China pushed the tempo later in the half. Yanyan JI sent the squads to the lockers at 28:18. The third period was decisive in the court as China erupted with 32-8 for 34-point advantage. Nuo XU made two free throws to start the last period and Wei Wei brought 70:33. She was also the last to score for the Chinese team, while Sonika OHLYAN brought the last points for India.
Wei Wei paced all the winners with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Guan Xin (196-C-87) netted 14. Chen Nan (197-C-83) posted 11 and Lijie MIAO added 10. Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) answered with 12 points in defeat and Anitha Pauldurai (170-G-85) added 8.

China: Wei Wei 15+12 rebs, Guan Xin 14, Chen Nan 11, Lijie MIAO 10
India: Geethu Anna Jose 12, Anitha Pauldurai 8

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

CROATIA - Women

Saint-Amand signs Croatian center Petra Stampalija - by Eurobasket News
Petra Stampalija (190-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) is a new member of the French team Saint-Amand. The Croatian center penned a one-year deal with Saint-Amand, who will compete in LFB next season. Stampalija is not a new face in France as she played for Clermont in the past. It was from 2004 to 2006. Petra Stampalija spent last season with Sibenik Jolly JBS. She had 10.3 ppg and 5.9 rpg for them in 19 Adriatic league games. She also added 10 ppg and 5 rpg in four EuroCup games. Stampalija helped Sibenik to win Adriatic league title and was named Eurobasket.com All-WABA Honorable Mention -11. Before Jolly JBS Sibenik, Petra Stampalija spent on year with Spanish Girona and one with Perfumerias. She also has experience from Poland and Italy. Stampalija played for the Croatian National Team from 2005 until the last summer.

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

CZECH REPUBLIC - Women

Anni Makitalo joins Trutnov - by Eurobasket News
Anni Makitalo (175-F-91) joins Trutnov for 2011/2012 season. The Finnish University National Team player just participated at the Summer Games in China.
Anni Makitalo appeared in 2007-2008 for Espoo Team (D1) and in averaged 2008-2009 1.7ppg, 1.1rpg. In 2009-2010 for Espoo Team (D1) after 26 games she improved to 6.0ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 39.7%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 70.6%. The last season her stats read 25 games: 4.6ppg, 1.9rpg
Last season she participated at the Qualifications to European Championships 2011 and in 3 games showed 3.7ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.0spg. Few days ago Anni Makitalo was a member of the Finnish University National Team. In her top game Finland posted the second win at World University Games in China. They narrowly defeated Lithuania to improve at 2-1 record in Group A. Finland stretched the gap at 12-point mark midway through the fourth period and withheld a furious comeback effort from Lithuania to celebrate victory at the end. Anni Makitalo had 3 points and 2 assists for her side.

Slovanka MB add Hrabakova, Kohoutova and Mergancova - by Eurobasket News
Slovanka MB add Katarina Hrabakova (177-F-86), Zuzana Kohoutova (190-C-86) and Iva Mergancova (175-F-88) for the upcoming season.
Katarina Hrabakova played for Valosun KP Brno in 2009 (Czech Rep.-ZBL) and in 12 games averaged 4.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.1apg. Then moved to BK Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary (Czech Rep.-ZBL, starting five) and in 15 games showed 5.3ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.0%, FT: 67.9%.
In 2010-2011 she moved to BK Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary (Czech Rep.-ZBL, starting five) and in 26 games showed 9.7ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 67.1%.
Zuzana Kohoutova started for Sparta Praha (D1) early in 2004 and in 2008-2009 averaged 7.8ppg, 7.1rpg, 2FGP: 55.1%, FT: 44.4%. In signed at Sokol VCP Hradec Kralove (ZBL) and in 16 games: had 3.6ppg, 4.7rpg. The last season she appeared for
Sparta Praha (1Liga, starting five).
Iva Mergancova is a 1988 year born Forward. In 2010-2011 she played for BK Pliska Studanka Pardubice (ZBL).

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

EUROLEAGUE - Women

Candice Dupree sign with Spartak Moscow Region - by Eurobasket News
Candice Dupree (188-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) sign with Spartak Moscow Region for 2011/2012 season.
In 2010-2011 Candice Dupree played for Dobri Anjeli Kosice (Slovakia-Extraliga, starting five) and in Euroleague after 13 games averaged 15.4ppg, Reb-4 (10.2rpg), 2.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.6%, FT: 80.0%. Right now the player is with Phoenix Mercury (WNBA, starting five).
Candice Dupree played 34 games for Detroit Sky last summer in WNBA averaging impressive 15.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 2.2 apg. He ended it as the 12th leading scorer and fifth in rebounding. Dupree participated on WNBA All-Star game last season.
Candice Dupree already has experience from Europe, as she played last 2 seasons in Polish Wisla Can-Pack Crackow.
Spartak Moscow Region also confirmed Marina Kuzina (194-C-85), Eugeniya Belyakova (182-G-86), Jelena Milovanovic (190-F-89), Nika Baric (169-PG-92), Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Irina Osipova (196-C/F-81), Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) and Marina Karpunina (178-G-84).

Nadezhda Orenburg brings Rebekkah Brunson and Natalia Zhedik - by Eurobasket News
Nadezhda Orenburg announced 2011/2012 roster that will play in Russian League and Euroleague.
Rebekkah Brunson (191-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) will arrive from Minnesota where she is currently playing for the Lynx. In 2010-2011 she played for Ros Casares Valencia (Spain-LFB, starting five) and in Euroleague averaged 15.5ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 38.9%, FT: 69.2%. In Spanish League after 27 games she became the second top-scorer with 16.6ppg, Reb-1 (8.7rpg), 1.4spg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 68.8%.
Natalia Zhedik (182-G-88) arrived from Dynamo Moscow. In the last season she averaged 4.4ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg in EuroCup and in Russian League after 23 games had 8.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 89.5%.
The roster for 2011/2012 season: Burik Tatyana, Natalia Zhedik, Elena Berseneva (172-G-80), Olga Ovcharenko (184-F-79), Katerina Snytsina (188-F-85), Oksana Zakalyuzhnaya (197-C-77), Anastasiya Veremeenko (192-C-87), Liudmila Sapova (185-F/C-84) and Rebekkah Brunson.

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

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16 - Women

Div B. - by Greg

Points Per Game

Borislava HRISTOVA
(180-F-96)
Avg: 25

1. Hristova, BUL	25.0
2. Stach, GER	18.1
3. Rouault, GER	16.9
4. Preetzmann, DEN	16.6
5. Belickaite, LTU	16.0
6. Ferreira, POR	15.3
7. Soeiro, POR	14.6
8. Kraujunaite, LTU	14.1
9. Laksa, LAT	13.9
10. Skorbatyuk, UKR	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Noemie ROUAULT
(180-F-95)
Avg: 15.4

1. Rouault, GER	15.4
2. Antonyuk, UKR	12.7
3. Kasemagi, EST	11.3
4. Green, ENG	10.5
5. Monakana, ENG	10.1
6. Batrakova, UKR	10.1
7. Lisec, SLO	9.6
8. Putramentait., LTU	8.7
9. Preetzmann, DEN	8.1
10. Hristova, BUL	7.8

Assists Per Game

Emma lina STACH
(175-PG-96)
Avg: 3.9

1. Stach, GER	3.9
2. Soeiro, POR	3.6
3. Aha, GER	3.3
4. Sirsinaityte, LTU	3.2
5. Kraujunaite, LTU	2.7
6. Potocnik, SLO	2.7
7. Belickaite, LTU	2.6
8. Bravo-H., ENG	2.5
9. McDerment, ENG	2.5
10. Joseph, ENG	2.4

Steals Per Game

Cristina GAVRILA
(172-G-95)
Avg: 4.4

1. Gavrila, ROM	4.4
2. Belickaite, LTU	4.0
3. Soeiro, POR	4.0
4. Mollerup, DEN	3.1
5. Hristova, BUL	3.1
6. Crowley, IRL	3.1
7. Sirsinaityte, LTU	3.0
8. Ferreira, POR	3.0
9. Bravo-H., ENG	2.9
10. Joseph, ENG	2.8

Blocks Per Game

Bianca BLANARU
(193-C-95)
Avg: 3.6

1. Blanaru, ROM	3.6
2. Batrakova, UKR	2.3
3. Avram, ROM	2.1
4. Antonyuk, UKR	1.6
5. Hoeier, DEN	1.5
6. Miscenko, LAT	1.5
7. Zali, SUI	1.5
8. Mizgeryte, LTU	1.3
9. Skorbatyuk, UKR	1.0
10. Lesek, SLO	0.9

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

FINLAND - Women

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

FRANCE - Women

The Boston College Falls to France, 74-67 - by Eurobasket News
Women's Basketball Falls to France, 74-67
Katie Zenevitch (6'3''-F/C) had 16 points and eight boards in the loss.

Freshman Deidre Smith and Katie Zenevitch prior to the game vs. La Harve in Paris, France on Thursday afternoon.

The Boston College women's basketball team lost to La Harve of France, 74-67, at the Halle G. Carpentier Sportscentrum on Thursday afternoon. The Eagles finished a four-game European Tour with a 1-3 record.

BC was led by Katie Zenevitch with 16 points and eight rebounds while Shayra Brown (5'9''-G) and Korina Chapman (5'11''-F) added eight points apiece.

The French team led throughout the game until the Eagles tied the game on a steal by Alyssa Fressle which led to a lay-up by Chapman with just under four minutes to play. After two foul shots by Le Harve BC tied the game, 61-61, on a jumper in the lane by Kristen Doherty (5'11''-G/F) (seven points, three steals).

Le Harve slowly pulled away as BC missed two jumpers and turned the ball over twice. Le Harve hit two foul shots and a running lay-up to seal the win. After the first quarter BC was down, 15-10, behind four points from Brown. The second quarter Le Harve pulled away, 31-23 as they hit a three-pointer before the buzzer.

The third quarter BC started to chip away with pressure defense and converted a number of three-point plays. A three-pointer by Korina Chapman gave the Eagles it's only lead of the game, 36-33 with seven minutes to play in the third quarter. Le Harve hit a jumper and a driving three-point play in the final minute to take a 50-46 lead after three.

Game Notes:
BC started Shayra Brown, Kristen Doherty, Tessah Holt (5'5''-G), Katie Zenevitch and Korina Chapman ... The Eagles took a 45 minute walk this morning with Albe. He took the team through the Luxemboug Gardens prior to pregame meal at a local restaurant ... The Eagles plan to visit the Louvre on the final day in Paris ... Freshman Joy Caracciolo had four points off the bench.
Courtesy of: bceagles.cstv.com

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

HOLLAND - Women

Women's Basketball Suffers 67-65 Loss to The Netherlands - by Eurobasket News
Korina Chapman (5'11''-F) notches a double-double (13 pts., 11 rebs.) in loss.

Amsterdam, Netherlands - In the second game of the EuroJam Tournament in Amsterdam, the Netherlands handed Boston College women's basketball team a 67-65 loss at the Topsportcentrum Almere on Saturday.

The Eagles were led by Tessah Holt with 18 points, while sophomore Korina Chapman notched a double-double (13 points and 11 rebounds). Katie Zenevitch (6'3''-F/C) finished with 10 points, while Alyssa Fressle added nine points.

The Netherlands was lded by Rachel Roubehie-Fissa with 19 points (4-for-8 from the 3-point line), while Fieke Ligthart added 13. Marious Nieuwveen added 11 points and seven boards.

Boston College led 16-14 after one quarter behind four points from Katie Zenevitch and Korina Chapman. The Eagles shot 42.9 percent from the floor and had seven rebounds to the Netherlands five.

The second quarter BC played its best basketball of the tournament going on a 16-2 run to finish the half and give the Eagles a 31-24 lead. Tessah Holt had eight points while Chapman had nine.

At the half BC shot 34 percent from the floor while the Netherlands shot 38 percent. Both teams had 16 rebounds.

The Eagles lead was cut to just three after the third quarter, 50-47. Holt kept BC ahead with six points in the quarter. The lead slipped away from BC with under four minutes to play in the fourth quarter. The Netherlands hit seven straight free throws to take a 62-60 lead.

BC gained the lead back on a inside move from Alyssa Fressle. The Netherlands went ahead on a long three from Rachel Roubehie-Fissa with 1:38 to play. BC countered with a jumper in the lane from Kristen Doherty. Fieke Ligthart hit the winning jumper with under a minute to play for a Netherlands win.

Game Notes:
The Eagles outrebounded the Netherlands, 34-32 ... BC shot just 50 percent from the free throw line (15-for-30) ... Freshman Victoria Lesko earned the start as did Tessah Holt ... Kristen Doherty had six points, two steals and a block in the game ... The Eagles started the day with an hour walking tour around the city. The team enjoyed a pregame meal of salad, pasta and a hamburger at the Hard Rock Caf. BC will be up early on Monday, August 15, and head to Bruges in Belgium. The Eagles will tour the city and play the Bluecats Leper on Tuesday, August 16 ... To follow the game action and other trip details go to Twitter at bc_wbb. Fans can also follow Assistant Coach Geoff Lanier at CoachGeoff and Head Coach Sylvia Crawley at BC_CoachCrawley. There will also be daily updates and photo galleries on the BC women's basketball webpage at www.bceagles.com.

Courtesy of: bceagles.cstv.com

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

ICELAND - Women

Njardvik land Salbjorg Saevarsdottir - by Eurobasket News
Njardvik added size to their frontcourt. They signed deal with Salbjorg Saevarsdottir (184-C-91). The 20-year-old centre is coming from Hamar. Last season she tallied 0.9 points and 1.9 rebounds per game in Express League. Salbjorg Saevarsdottir played for Icelandic U16 National Team back in 2006.

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

INDIA - Women

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

INDONESIA - Women

Indonesia prevail against Malaysia in Japan - by Eurobasket News
Indonesia - Malaysia 74:66

Indonesia revived their Level I promotion ambitions at Asia Championship in Omura. They handed Malaysia the first loss at the tournament and caught up with those in the ladder. Wulan Ningrum (174-G/F-85) stepped up with 23 points to pace the winners.
Indonesia fired 31 points in the opening quarter to clear off. They established a 15-point lead at the first break. Malaysia stopped the rot adjusting defensively. They limited their opponents to just 10 points in the second stanza and cut the deficit to 14 points at halftime 27:41. Malaysia increased the tempo in the third term. They narrowed the deficit to just 8 points with one quarter remaining. Woon Yuen Teo (165-G-85) put Malaysia within five points midway through the final stanza. However Indonesia quickly boosted the gap to 13 points and hung on to escape with a difficult win at the end. Gabriel Sophia (180-C-91) posted 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Jacklien Ibo (175-F-90) provided 14 points in the victory. Woon Yuen Teo and Suik May Kew (172-F-82) answered with 13 points each for Malaysia. Hui Pin Pang (176-90) netted 10 points in the loss.

Indonesia: Wulan Ningrum 23, Gabriel Sophia 14+14 boards, Jacklien Ibo 14
Malaysia: Woon Yuen Teo 13, Suik May Kew 13

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

JAMAICA - Women

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

JAPAN - Women

South Korea handed the hosts their first loss - by Eurobasket News
South Korea-Japan 66:59

South Korea won the thriller and the top game of the third day at the 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women in Japan. The top team beat the home side 66:59 to take 3-0 record in Leven I. Japan meanwhile suffered their first loss and dropped to 2-1.
Japan forged themselves ahead with a 16-0 spree that ran across the first quarter break, and barring the sporadic lapses in their defense were well set for the win. Yuko Oga (170-G-82) made it 20:6 and Sachiko ISHIKAWA scored for 25:13. South Korea managed to win the second period and reduced to 10 points at the halftime. Sachiko ISHIKAWA brought plus 14 in the third period, however South Korea cut it to 5 at the end of it. Kim Danbi (180-F-90) later tied it all at 51:51 and South Korea pushed the tempo for good. Choi Youn Ah (170-G-85) made the final result in the game as her side won the third game in a row.
Kim Danbi stepped up with 24 points and Choi Youn Ah posted 14. Ha Eun Joo (200-C-83) ended up with 11 points to keep her team undefeated. Yuko Oga produced 15 points in the losing effort and Maki Takada (183-C-89) added 9.

South Korea: Kim Danbi 24, Choi Youn Ah 14, Ha Eun Joo 11
Japan: Yuko Oga 15, Maki Takada 9

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

KAZAKHSTAN - Women

Kazakhstan squeeze past Uzbekistan in Omura - by Eurobasket News
Kazakhstan - Uzbekistan 62:61

Kazakhstan earned the second win at the Asia Championship in Japan. They snatched a narrow win over Uzbekistan to catch up their opponents at 2-1 record in the ladder. Annan Kucheryavykh (177-G-74) drained a late triple to propel Kazakhstan to the victory in this one.
Kazakhstan aggressively started the game. They ensured an 18:11 lead after ten minutes of action. The Kazakh team maintained the lead throughout the second frame. They arrived at the interval up by 8 points 30:22. Things hardly changed in the third stanza. The teams traded baskets as Kazakhstan entered the final quarter up by 8 points 43:35. Uzbekistan tipped off the fourth stanza on an 8:0 run to level things up. Soon Ekaterina Obechkina (182-F-85), Guzal Burieva (89) and Irina Polunina (176-G-79) gave the Uzbek team a 56:51 lead. They were up by five points with just over a minutes to go when Korotkaya connected from beyond the arc to narrow the deficit. Then Annan Kucheryavykh took the floor as her late triple sealed the victory for Kazakhstan. Zalina Kurazova (184-F-85) accounted for 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Anastassiya Alishauskaite (170-G-88) added 15 points in the victory. Yelena Khusnitdinova (85) answered with game-high 25 points for Uzbekistan. Guzal Burieva finished with 18 points in defeat.

Kazakhstan: Zalina Kurazova 16+13 boards, Anastassiya Alishauskaite 15, Tamara Seregina (182-F-90) 9
Uzbekistan: Yelena Khusnitdinova 25, Guzal Burieva 18

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

LATVIA - Women

Fenerbahce officially signs Elina Babkina and Zana Tamane - by Eurobasket News
Latvians Elina Babkina (173-G-89, agency: LBM Management) and Zane Tamane (200-C-83, college: W.Illinois) officially became new members of Fenerbahce Istanbul.
Elina Babkina joined Fener from the Polish team Lotos Gdynia. She appeared 9 times with them in Euroleague last season averaging 13.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4 assists. Babkina also added 12.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 3.5 apg for 33 games in PLKK. For her performance Babkina was named Eurobasket.com Euroleague All-Europeans Team -11. She was also awarded with Eurobasket.com Polish PLKK All-Bosmans Team -11.
Zane Tamane arrives to Fener from MKB Euroleasing Sopron. She exploded with 14.9 ppg and 8 rpg for 32 games in Hungary. In Euroleague, Tamane added 11.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg. She led the Sopron team to Hungarian league title and was named Eurobasket.com All-Hungarian League Center of the Year -11.
Both players are active members of the Latvian National Team.

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

LEBANON - Women

Sam hoskin is the official Nationalized player for the Lebanese National Team. - by John Khoury
After 2 months of negotiations with too many players, The Lebanese Federation finally agreed with Sam Hoskin (206-F/C-79, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: De Paul)
Champville showed interest in Sam few days ago, before the first contact between the two, and after things went well, the federation and its coach , Ghassan Sarkis decided to move forward with nationalizing Sam Hoskin .

Yesterday around 9 pm, Sam's agent sent both contracts signed.
It's now official, Sam Hoskin is the national team's nationalized player, and champville second import for the 2011-2012 season.

best of luck for Sam and the National team

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

MALAYSIA - Women

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

NCAA1 - Women

Shannon McCallum gets pro deal in Switzerland - by Eurobasket News
Shannon McCallum (5'10''-G-87, college: Charlotte) is set to start her professional basketball career. The American guard penned a one-year deal with Swiss team Riva Basket. McCallum graduated at the University of Charlotte few months ago. She appeared 37 times for her school as a senior averaging 13 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists. She helped Charlotte to reach NIT Final Four. Shannon McCallum was also very productive as a junior. In 2009/10 season she had 14.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.8 apg and 2.6 spg. Slightly lower numbers she had in her second year with Charlotte. They won the Atlantic 10 Tournament in 2009. Shannon McCallum was named Atlantic 10 Sixth Man of the Year -09 and Atlantic 10 All-Tournament Team -09 that year.

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

POLAND - Women

Lotos bring Kinga Bandyk, keep Ewelina Gala - by Eurobasket News
Lotos bring Kinga Bandyk (186-F/C-92), keep Ewelina Gala (186-F-90) for the next season. The team already started the preparation for the upcoming season.
Kinga Bandyk is a Polish Power Forward who comes from Arcus SMS PZKosz Lomianki. The 1992 year born player started there in 2009-2010: Arcus SMS PZKosz Lomianki (1Liga, starting five) and played for two seasons.
Last year she participated at the European Championships U18 for Women in Slovak Republic. In 8 games she averaged 7.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 71.4%.
Ewelina Gala appeared for Lotos Gdynia only in pre season last year. In 2006-2007 she played for Polfa Pabianice (PLKK) and in 11 games averaged 2.1ppg, 1.6rpg. In 2008-2009 moved to MMKS Energa Katarzynki Torun (PLKK) and after 17 games showed 3.0ppg, 2.7rpg. The season 2009-2010 Gala started for Energa Torun (PLKK) but in Jan.'10 moved to Lotos Gdynia.

Stefanie Murphy will appear for Lider Pruszkow - by Eurobasket News
Stefanie Murphy (193-F, college: Boston Coll.) will appear for Lider Pruszkow to became the second foreigner for the team. The American Forward will join Koehn Laurie who signed with the team earlier.
On April 2011 Connecticut Sun announced the signing of forward Stefanie Murphy to a training camp contract.
Stefanie Murphy is the second leading rebounder in womens Boston College basketball team history, after pulling in 937 boards over the course of 132 games played at BC. This past season-her senior year-was certainly her best as she saw career highs in points per game 15.8, as well as rebounds per game 8.2.
Stefanie Murphy earned the Team Co-Weight Room MVP along with teammate Jaclyn Thoman as given by Strength and Conditioning Coach Thomas Shruhan. She set a new single season career-high with 63 assists .Moreover she has hit 20 three-pointers, a new single season career-high.
In 2009-10 she was named an All-ACC honorable mention. With the eight rebounds, she joined the 500-point and 500-rebound Club in BC's program.

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

RUSSIA - Women

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

SINGAPORE - Women

Singapore post first win in Omura - by Eurobasket News
Singapore - Sri Lanka 70:59

Singapore opened win count at Asia Championship in Japan. They toppled Sri Lanka to improve to 1-2 record. Ang Juliana (168-F-87) stepped up with 16 points to pace the winners. Sri Lanka suffered the third loss in a row at the tournament.
Sri Lanka got to a slightly better start. They registered an 18:16 lead ten minutes into the game. The teams stayed close throughout the second period. Sri Lanka managed to secure a 2-point lead at halftime 30:28. Singapore turned things around right after the big break. They ignited an 18:6 run to build a 47:38 lead at the final intermission. Sri Lanka got back within five points midway through the final period but Sunarko Cynthia (163-PG-89) and Koh helped Singapore to the victory at the end. Tan Sarah (173-F-91) finished with 12 points, while Sunarko Cynthia added 11 points for the winners. Inoka Juwan Pedige (82) responded with 19 points for Sri Lanka. Premila Beruwalage (81) chipped in 15 points in the loss.

Singapore: Ang Juliana 16, Tan Sarah 12, Sunarko Cynthia 11
Sri Lanka: Inoka Juwan Pedige 19, Premila Beruwalage 15

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

SLOVAKIA - Women

Anna Jurcenkova remains with Dobri Anjeli Kosice - by Eurobasket News
Anna Jurcenkova (195-C-85) remains with Dobri Anjeli Kosice for the upcoming season. It was announced in May that Lupa Promotion Novi Zagreb reached an agreement with Slovakian national team member, however the deal did not come true.
For Dobri Anjeli Kosice, where she averaged 12.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.6 steals in 34 Slovakian League games and 2.8 points and 1.9 rebounds in 12 games of 2010-11 Euroleague.
Anna Jurcenkova appeared in Kosice in 2004-2005 and played for Delta Kosice (Extraliga). In Euroleague after 8 games she debuted with 1.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 0.4apg, 0.4bpg. The team had changed the names, while the player remained with the squad.
For the National team she recorded 10 points at the Preliminary Round Day 1 when Russia had to work very hard to beat Slovakia in Bydgoszcz. In EuroLeague Qualifying Round Round 2 she posted 8 points when Good Angels Kosice edged USO Mondeville in Round 2 to tie both records at 1-1. Dupree paced all the winners with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Houston netted 19. Zirkova delivered 11, whilst Jurcenkova and Kupcikova notched 8 apiece. Sharp responded with 12 points in defeat and Pagnier scored 11.

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

SOUTH KOREA - Women

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

SPAIN - Women

Navarra keeps Head Coach Cesar Ruperez - by Eurobasket News
Cesar Ruperez will stay with UNB Obenasa Navarra for at least one more season. The Spanish outfit announced signing of one-year contract extension with their Head Coach. Ruperez took over Navarra in 2009. They competed in LF2 at that time and Ruperez led the team to first place in Group B. That was enough for the promotion from LF2 to LFB. Last season, Navarra finished as No.13 in the league. They survived and will compete in LFB next season as well. Cesar Ruperez won U20 EuroBasket Gold this summer with U20 Spanish National Team. He works as Assistant Coach there. Last summer, U20 Spain won the Silver at the European Championships U20 in Liepaja (Latvia).

Las Gaunas also adds Iratxe Cabrera and Miriam Goyache - by Eurobasket News
Las Gaunas added two more players for the next season. After Eva Yepes (82), the Spanish outfit signed deals with Iratxe Cabrera (89) and Miriam Goyache. Both players sign contracts for the next season.
Iratxe Cabrera most recently played for Space Tanit Eivissa. It was in 2009/10 and she had very limited playing time with the club. The same situation was with ASAC Comunicaciones Adba in 2008/09. There Cabrera had 1.9 ppg and 1.5 rpg for 30 games. Both teams competed in LF2.
Miriam Goyache has experience from Obenasa Navarra, where she played back in 2007/08 season. For 13 games in LF2 Goyache averaged 3.7 points and 2.5 rebounds.
Las Gaunas will compete in LF2 next season.

Las Gaunas signs Eva Yepes - by Eurobasket News
Eva Yepes (82) is a new member of Las Gaunas. The 29-year-old player signed a deal for the next season. Las Gaunas will compete in LF2. Yepes most recently played for Space Tanit Eivissa. It was in 2009/10 season, where Yepes averaged 6.3 points and 3.1 rebounds. Before Space Tanit Eivissa, she spent two seasons with Viladecans. In their second year together Yepes had 7 ppg and 2.7 rpg for 28 games in LF2. She had slightly better digits in 2007/08. Eva Yepes also has experience from EBE Promociones P.D.V. Santa Eulalia. She had 2.1 ppg for them in 19 LFB games on season 2006/07.

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

SRI LANKA - Women

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

TAIWAN - Women

Chinese Taipei edged Lebanon and advanced to the semis - by Eurobasket News
Chinese Taipei-Lebanon 83:55

Chinese Taipei edged Lebanon and advanced to the semis of the 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women in Japan. The team needed 83:55 over the opponents for 2-1 record, while Lebanon remained winless.
Chinese Taipei started the game with 8 consecutive points and never looked behind in the game. Chiang Feng-Chun (184-F-81) closed the first period at 24:12 and Wan-Ting LI improved to 30:14. After 16-13 in the frame, Chinese Taipei enjoyed 40:25 at the halftime. They decided not to slow down and won both periods in the second half. In the third quarter they produced 22-13 and had 62:38 after thirty minutes. Another 21-17 in the last period brought them the final victory and the ticket to the Semifinals.
Chiang Feng-Chun stepped up with 19 points for the winners and Lin Chi-Wen (186-C-83) had 15. Wan-Ting LI and Liu Chun-Yi (180-F/C-81) followed them with 10 points apiece. Rebecca Akl (169-F-92) scored 21 points in defeat and Brittany Denson (192-C-87, college: S.Florida) delivered 13.

Chinese Taipei: Chiang Feng-Chun 19, Lin Chi-Wen 15, Wan-Ting LI 10, Liu Chun-Yi 10
Lebanon: Rebecca Akl 21, Brittany Denson 13

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

TURKEY - Women

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

UZBEKISTAN - Women

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

WNBA - Women

McCoughtry and Parker named Players of the Week - by Eurobasket News
A pair of former No. 1 overall draft picks and Rookie of the Year award winners - Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) of the Atlanta Dream and Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) of the Los Angeles Sparks - were named the WNBA's Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, August 15 through Sunday, August 21.

McCoughtry's 23.7 points per game ranked second in both the WNBA and the Eastern Conference as the surging Dream, winner of 10 of its last 14 games, posted a 2-1 mark on the week. Within the conference, the 2009 Rookie of the Year also ranked third in blocks (1.3 bpg), fourth in assists (4.3 apg), fifth in rebounds (8.3 rpg) and tied for fifth in steals (2.33 spg).

For the season, McCoughtry ranks second in the league in scoring (20.4 ppg) behind Phoenix's Diana Taurasi (21.0 ppg). Her 5.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per contest are 11th and 12th best, respectively, in the Eastern Conference.

The University of Louisville product and Baltimore native put together her best outing of the week in a 94-88 win over the Connecticut Sun on Aug. 19, when she recorded a double-double with 26 points and a season-high 12 rebounds. She sent the game into overtime when she blocked a shot by Allison Hightower on the final play of regulation and then scored a pair of key baskets in the extra period. Three days earlier, in a 84-79 road victory over Los Angeles, she scored 23 points and contributed five assists. McCoughtry closed out the week with 22 points, nine rebounds and four assists in a loss at Connecticut.

The Player of the Week award is the third of the year for McCoughtry and the fifth of her career.

Parker, meanwhile, earned the honor for the first time this year and the fifth time in her four WNBA seasons.

For Parker, the 2008 league MVP and Rookie of the Year, the Player of the Week award capped a solid return to action after she was sidelined for 15 games due to a knee injury.

The Sparks' center/forward tied for second in the Western Conference in scoring with 18.5 ppg while helping Los Angeles to a 2-2 mark on the week. She also ranked third in field goal percentage (.565 on 26 of 46 shooting), tied for third in three-point shooting (.667 on 8 of 12 from beyond the arc), was fourth in rebounding (8.3 rpg), and ranked among the conference leaders in minutes, averaging 32.8 mpg.

In her return to the court, the University of Tennessee product and Naperville, IL native recorded her fifth double-double of the season (15 points, 10 rebounds) in a narrow loss to the Dream. She then tallied 18 points, six boards and five assists in a 75-70 win over the East-leading Indiana Fever and another 18 points and 8 rebounds in a loss at Minnesota. Parker closed out her week by leading the Sparks past the Tulsa Shock, 73-67, with a game-high 23 points, nine rebounds and two steals.

Other candidates for WNBA Players of the Week were Chicago's Sylvia Fowles, Indiana's Tamika Catchings, New York's Cappie Pondexter, Phoenix's Penny Taylor, Seattle's Sue Bird and Washington's Crystal Langhorne.

2011 WNBA PLAYER OF THE WEEK WINNERS

Week East Player Team West Player Team

6/12/2011 Katie Douglas Indiana Fever Rebekkah Brunson Minnesota Lynx

6/20/2011 Tina Charles Connecticut Sun Candice Dupree Phoenix Mercury

6/27/2011 Cappie Pondexter New York Liberty Penny Taylor Phoenix Mercury

7/05/2011 Tina Charles Connecticut Sun Swin Cash Seattle Storm

7/11/2011 Cappie Pondexter New York Liberty Sue Bird Seattle Storm

7/18/2011 Sylvia Fowles Chicago Sky Rebekkah Brunson Minnesota Lynx

7/25/2011 Angel McCoughtry Atlanta Dream Seimone Augustus Minnesota Lynx

8/1/2011 Angel McCoughtry Atlanta Dream Becky Hammon San Antonio Silver Stars

8/8/2011 Tina Charles Connecticut Sun Seimone Augustus Minnesota Lynx

8/15/2011 Sylvia Fowles Chicago Sky Diana Taurasi Phoenix Mercury

8/21/2011 Angel McCoughtry Atlanta Dream Candace Parker Los Angeles Sparks

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com