EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/3/2011

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Men News

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  ACPBL   


Miles Injury - by Justin Moore
Beltway Bombers took a hard hit during the off season with Steven Miles (6'2''-G-81, college: American) tearing his achilles tendon during a summer league game last month. Steven has been in the pro ranks for the past 5 years with stints in ireland and in the eba with the Alexandria Avengers and this past two seasons with the bombers in the ACPBLfor one .Steve notified me that he will be back in april but it will be hard to tell ' I took a shot next thing i know it was like someone kicked me said miles steve was playing in one of alexandria's top summer leagues the Gum springs league we wish steve a speedy recovery!!!!!!!!!.

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  AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Madagascar names twelve for Indian Ocean Islands Games - by Kristian Santiago
National-team head coach Angel Manzano selected the following twelve players for the upcoming Indian Ocean Islands Games ('JIOI 2011'), which will be starting on Friday, 5th of August in the Seychelles.

1 - Franco Andrianjafy (1,73m) Ascut

2 - Eric Rakotondrasolo (178-PG) (1,80m) Lorient (FRA)

3 - Andry Rakotoarisoa (1,78m) Dream Team

4 - Charles Rabekoto (185-G) (1,79m) Mayotte (FRA)

5 - Thierry Ndrianiombonana (1,80m) Fanatic

6 - Guillaume Randrianandrasana (1,86m) Ascut

7 - Bina Razafimasay (1,88m) Ascut

8 - Charles Ramsdell (208-F/C-85, agency: Court Side, college: Tulsa) (2,08m) Avila (ESP)

9 - Jaofeno Djianfary (187-G/F-79) (1,92m) Ascut

10 - Ahmed Zaiad (1,95m) Ascum

11 - Davy Velondrisiky (1,97m) Ascum

12 - Naguib Kilobo (2,00m)





Group A : Reunion (champion), Comores, Mayotte and Mauritius
Group B : Seychelles, Maldives and Madagascar



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  ANGOLA   


Australia open win count at Boris Stankovic Cup - by Eurobasket News
Australia - Angola 76:68

Australia registered their first win at the Boris Stankovic Cup in China. They held off Angola to improve at 1-1 record. Peter Crawford (193-G-79) and Jesse Wagstaff (203-F-86, college: Metro St.) knocked down 12 points each to pace the Boomers.
Australia recorded a 22:18 lead after ten minutes. The Boomers opened up a double-digit lead 28:18 early in the second term. The Aussies established a 35:22 halftime advantage. Australia maintained the lead throughout the third term. They ensured a 59:44 lead with one quarter remaining. Angola did not surrender as they opened the fourth quarter on an 8:0 run to narrow the gap. Angola got within five points but the Boomers reacted with a tougher defence in the final minutes stealing the victory at the end. Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) provided 10 points in the win. Eduardo Mingas (200-F-79) responded with 19 points for Angola. Carlos Morais (190-G-85) and Kikas Gomes (200-C/F-80, college: Valparaiso) had 10 points each in the loss.

Australia: Peter Crawford 12, Jesse Wagstaff 12, Mark Worthington 10
Angola: Eduardo Mingas 19, Carlos Morais 10, Kikas Gomes 10


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  ARMENIA   


U16: Armenia achieved a historical win to advance to the Qualifying Round in Division B - by Eurobasket News
Armenia U16-Switzerland U16 81:63

Armenia achieved a historical win to advance to the Qualifying Round in Division B of the U16 European Championship. The underdogs won over Switzerland 81:63 as three teams in the group finished with 3-2 records. Due to the better difference in the game between each other, Armenia left Sweden and Switzerland out of the Final Eight.
Armenia opened the game with 22:16 and Arkadiy Mkrtychyan (95) made two free throws for 24:19. He brought his team 36:24 midway through the second period and scored for 40:28. Bozic closed the first half at 40:29 as Switzerland could not match with the opponents. Armenia added 25-14 in the third period for 65:43, while Switzerland won the last stanza 20-16.
Arkadiy Mkrtychyan and Andrey Konstantinov (95) poured in 20 points each and added 21 rebounds together. Sergei Pogosyan (95) posted 11, while Sergey Polukhin (95) followed them with 8. Mathias Tolusso (186-G-95) delivered 15 points for the Swiss side and Arnaud Cotture (200-F/C-95) netted 12.

Armenia U16: Arkadiy Mkrtychyan 20+13 rebs, Andrey Konstantinov 20, Sergei Pogosyan 11, Sergey Polukhin 8
Switzerland U16: Mathias Tolusso 15, Arnaud Cotture 12, Randon Gruninger (190-F-95) 11+11 rebs


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  AUSTRALIA   


Australia open win count at Boris Stankovic Cup - by Eurobasket News
Australia - Angola 76:68

Australia registered their first win at the Boris Stankovic Cup in China. They held off Angola to improve at 1-1 record. Peter Crawford (193-G-79) and Jesse Wagstaff (203-F-86, college: Metro St.) knocked down 12 points each to pace the Boomers.
Australia recorded a 22:18 lead after ten minutes. The Boomers opened up a double-digit lead 28:18 early in the second term. The Aussies established a 35:22 halftime advantage. Australia maintained the lead throughout the third term. They ensured a 59:44 lead with one quarter remaining. Angola did not surrender as they opened the fourth quarter on an 8:0 run to narrow the gap. Angola got within five points but the Boomers reacted with a tougher defence in the final minutes stealing the victory at the end. Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) provided 10 points in the win. Eduardo Mingas (200-F-79) responded with 19 points for Angola. Carlos Morais (190-G-85) and Kikas Gomes (200-C/F-80, college: Valparaiso) had 10 points each in the loss.

Australia: Peter Crawford 12, Jesse Wagstaff 12, Mark Worthington 10
Angola: Eduardo Mingas 19, Carlos Morais 10, Kikas Gomes 10


Mottram amongst 36ers triallists - by Eurobasket News
Adelaide 36ers head coach Marty Clarke will be trialling players for the teams tenth local contracted roster spot this week, with confirmed attendees including former Sixer Neil Mottram (205-F-81).

Mottram played with the Sixers during the 2007/08 NBL season, and also played with the Melbourne Tigers and Perth Wildcats. In 156 NBL games, Mottram has averaged 6.2 points and 4.2 rebounds.

Interstate and overseas players who will be joining Mottram at the 36ers training sessions include current Kilsyth and former Melbourne Tigers centre Tim Lange, Usef Qaafow (ex- Melbourne Tigers development player), Kilsyth forward Aryn McMillan, Ballarat centre Cameron McCallum, Alex VanRenen (Knox point guard), Tiri Masunda of Hobart (point guard), Dandenong shooting guard Ben Louis and Brooke Ruscoe, a guard from New Zealand.

Current 36ers development players Tom Daly and Jan Warbout will also participate along with locals Peter Hooley from South Adelaide and Brandon Brine from North Adelaide.

South Australian Boomers star Brad Newley, who is home from his European commitments, will also join the 36ers for the practices as he prepares for Australias Olympic Qualification series against New Zealand in September.

We are holding training camps which will include several players invited in to tryout for our last remaining Australian player spot, said Clarke. There is no doubt that these guys will be giving it their all and this will lift those players already signed. We will have a few bigs coming in along with point guards and shooting guards, including guys from interstate and NZ.

Currently contracted Sixers players Adam Ballinger, Daniel Johnson, Mitch Creek, Nathan Crosswell, Nathan Herbert and Darren Ng will all also be on court as Adelaide prepares for their pre-season schedule, which will be announced shortly.

Courtesy of NBL (www.nbl.com.au)

Breakers confirm Wilkinson to return - by Eurobasket News
American centre Gary Wilkinson (206-F-82, college: Utah St.) is set to return for the iiNet National Basketball League champion New Zealand Breakers.

Breakers CEO Richard Clarke announced on Radio Sport this afternoon that the 2.04m big man would return to Atlas Place for another season, pending NBL approval on the contract. It is reported to be a two-year deal.

The news comes hot on the heels of star shooting guard Kirk Penney announcing on Saturday that he had exercised an out-clause to play for Fuenlabrada in the Spanish ACB league.

'Kirk gave us a heads-up about a week out that the Spanish thing was going to come off. So we were able to run two recruitment models over that time - the one where Kirk still here and the one where he wasn't,' Clarke said.

'On Saturday when he told us that he was definitely going we were able to action the second of those plans and what we've been able to do is Gary Wilkinson, who we wanted but was out of our range, we were able to go back to him with a revised offer and he's accepted.

'It still needs approval from the NBL but the big guy will be back this season, which should be exciting for fans because he was a real favourite.'

Wilkinson was an influential part in the Breakers' run to their first championship, averaging 15.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in 32 games, while shooting 53.8 percent from the field. Wilkinson was an All-NBL First Team selection, alongside Penney.

Last season's other import, guard Kevin Braswell, is unlikely to be back, Clarke said.

'We need two more guys. We need one more local to replace Kirk and we have another import spot. And that import will be a point guard,' Clarke said.

'Kevin's issue is complicated because of his Achilles injury, all our medical teams that are working with him are saying he won't be back fully on court until mid-November, which is six weeks after we start playing, a situation that's going to work.

'We're looking at import point guards and there will be another New Zealander to join the roster and we just need to look at who is the best player to take up that spot, and guys like Leon Henry are definitely in the mix for that spot.'

Courtesy of NBL (www.nbl.com.au)

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  AUSTRIA   


U16: Guimaraes leads Portugal over Austria - by Eurobasket News
Portugal U16-Austria U16 76:40

Portugal won over Austria in their last game of the Preliminary Round at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team overcame the opponents 76:40 and will play for the 9-16 places. Austria meanwhile remained winless at the tournament and will play for 17-22 places.
Portugal had an easy start and produced 23:10 in the first 10 minutes. Joao Guimaraes (196-C-95) and Joao Moreira (195-C-95) opened the second frame with 27:10 and Joao Moreira delivered two fro 40:20. Portugal decided not to slow down and continued their dominance in the court. They won the third period 14-11 and finished the game with 22-7 in the last quarter. Amiel made the last two free throws for the final result in the game.
Joao Guimaraes stepped up with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Joao Moreira and Isaias Insaly (197-F/C-95) added 11 apiece. Marvin Ogunsipe (193-F-96) and Stefan Neudecker (190-G/F-95) delivered 7 points each in the losing effort.

Portugal U16: Joao Guimaraes 16+10 rebs, Joao Moreira 11, Isaias Insaly 11
Austria U16: Marvin Ogunsipe 7, Stefan Neudecker 7


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  BAHRAIN   


Malabes signs with Muharraq Club - by Patrick Salomon
BAHRAIN national team player Bader Abdulla Malabes will be playing with Muharraq Club in the upcoming 2011-'12 season of the Bahrain Basketball Association (BBA).

Malabes signed a one-year contract with the team late on Sunday night, Muharraq official Hussain Al Durazi confirmed.

Malabes will be leaving long-time club Manama, which is a surprise move by the versatile wing.

Al Durazi said that, as of Monday night, Malabes was the only major addition the team was looking to make this off-season.

'We've had our eye on Bader for a while, and we're pleased that we have been able to come to a deal with him,' said Al Durazi. 'As of now, we are not looking to sign any more players, except for our professional.'

Muharraq were league runners-up this past season, losing narrowly to 'Cinderella team' Al Hala in an exciting three-game clash for the championship. Manama, on the other hand, won last season's Bahrain Cup, with Malabes playing a key role in their success.

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  BALKAN LEAGUE   


Timisoara signs PF Robert Sarovic - by Eurobasket News
Robert Sarovic (205-F-78) is a new member of Timisoara. The Serbian/German power forward penned a deal for the next season. Timisoara will compete in Romanian and Balkan league. Sarovic heads to his new club from Mlekarna Miltra Novy Jicin, where he spent last four years. He played 29 games in Czech NBL last season averaging 12.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists. A year before that he had 13.9 ppg and 5.6 rpg. Sarovic exploded in his first season with Novy Jicin. It was in 2007/08, when Sarovic had 16.8 ppg and 6.6 rpg. In the past, Robert Sarovic was a member of Paris Basket Racing and Greek Egaleo. He also has experience from Lausanne Morges, Bremerhaven, Dusseldorf and Eintracht Frankfurt. In 2008, Robert Sarovic was named Eurobasket.com Czech Rep. League Best Bosman A of the Year -08. He participated twice at the NBL All-Star Game.

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  BELGIUM   


Gent Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Busy days lately for the Ethias league teams getting ready for the 2011-2012 season.
Today it is Optima Gent who announced the addition of La'Shard Anderson (185-G) to their roster.
Anderson played his final college year at Boise State this past season. In 35 games for Boise State he averaged 15.1 ppg and 4.7 apg.
This eaned him All WAC 1st team honors as well as WAC All tournament team.
The team is negotiating with another player and hopes to be able to announce his arrival shortly.

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  BOSNIA   


Igokea keeps Milan Dozet - by Eurobasket News
Igokea signed one-year contract extension with forward Milan Dozet (203-G/F-79, agency: Alti Sport). The 31-year-old Serbian joined Igokea last summer from APOEL Nicosia. He played 26 games in Adriatic league registering 8.6 points and 2.2 rebounds. Dozet also added 7 ppg and 2 rpg for 13 games in Bosnia. Igokea reached Bosnian league Finals, but failed against Siroki. In 2009/10, Milan Dozet paced APOEL Nicosia to Cypriot league title. He averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists that season. Dozet also added 9.2 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 19 games in EuroChallenge. In 2008/09, Dozet also played on Cyprus. He was a member of AEL Limassol at that time and they won the Cup together. In the past, Milan Dozet played for Panellinios, Kyiv, Vojvodina, Crvena Zvezda, Sloga and Partizan.

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  BRAZIL   


Romania edged Brazil Universiade team in Munster - by Eurobasket News
Romania -Brazil Universiade team 77:72

Romania edged Brazil Universiade team in Munster at the International Tournament with 4 teams. Romania needed 77:72 victory to start with the first success.
Romania started strong and reached 14:10 after the first 10 minutes. Brazil trailed in the whole half and after 7-0 run at the end of it reduced to 36:30. Romania enjoyed 44:34 midway through the third quarter and had 59:51 after thirty minutes. The European team held off the opponents and won their opener. Andrei Capusan (201-F-83, agency: Court Side, college: Lafayette) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Tudor Dumitrescu (195-G-79) netted 17. Ionut Dragusin (221-C-85) and Mihai Silvasan (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) posted 9 apiece, while Paul Chetreanu (190-G-85) notched 8.
Germany A 2 Team beat Japan Universiade team in Munster at the start of the Nation Cup with 4 teams participating. In Day 2 Romania will face Germany, while Brazil will take on Japan.



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  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Under-17 Basketball Team Off To Puerto Rico Tournament - by David Edole
BVIBF
For the past months players under the age of 17 have been attending tryouts and practices to make the final 12 for the VI Under 17 national team which will attend the Centro Basket Under 17 tournament to be held in Puerto Rico from August 3 to 7.

After weeks of practices several players from different areas in the VI made the full 24 man roster of which 12 are active and 12 are reserves. The active players are slated to travel while the 12 reserves remain ready in the event of that a player needs replacement for any reason.

The team coached by Brian 'Bash' Brewley departed the territory on Monday, August 1 via the RT ferry terminal on their way to St. Thomas en route to Puerto Rico. The local team is grouped in A with USVI, Dominican Republic and Host Puerto Rico. In Group B there is Belize, Mexico, Panama and Bahamas.

The VI is expected to encounter stiff resistance as the competition is expected to be very tight at the tournament. This is the highest level that a Jr. National team has ever competed in since FIBA took full governance of Basketball. The previous Jr. Team that travelled placed 3rd at the CBC Championships in 2007 in Antigua.

Two of the teams faced at that tournament were USVI and Bahamas who took the other two medals are also present at the Centrobasket tournament.

The VI team will look to avenge their losses to both teams in the CBC tournament once they face them at Centro Basket.

The team plays Puerto Rico on August 3 at 8:30pm then on August 4 they play Dominican Republic at 4:00pm, and on August 5 they go against the USVI at 4:00pm. The Games will be held at the Fernando 'Rube' Hernndez Coliseum in Gurabo, Puerto Rico.

As with all FIBA sanctioned competitions at the end of the preliminary matches the medal rounds and reclassification rounds are played on the two days following the initial matches. The team is scheduled to return to the territory on the August 8, 2011.

The team includes Shakiel Humphrey, Darren Watson, Shamoi George, JVerne Findlay, Ashield Frett, Reavaun Garraway, Ryan Alfred, Deondre Rymer, Asheed Barzey, Kaleem Scatliffe, Charlesworh Georges Jr. and Ashan Beazer.

RTW Assists

In a continued effort to support the community, the youths and sports in general Road Town Wholesale has done their bid to assist in the players competing in the 2011 Centrobasket tournament in Puerto Rico. They generously donated 2 cases of Gatorade powdered mix for the young men to utilize. The popular sports drink provides much needed replenishment of lost energy while working out and practicing and is a great help to the team.

The Manager, Coaching Staff and players expressed their appreciation to Mrs. Carol-ann Simmonds for her assistance in arranging logistics, RTW for their contribution to the teams preparation and the management of BVI Spring for their constant support of the national teams in providing water for practice and scrimmages.

The team also thanked the parents who allowed their sons to participate in this endeavor the management and coaches would like to applaud you and implore you to continue to encourage your sons to strive forward. Fans are also being thanked for following the teams performance in the tournament and will be rooting for them the entire way.

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  BULGARIA   


U16: Luka Savic lifts Montenegro over Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U16 - Bulgaria U16 81:68

Montenegro held off Bulgaria in classification round Group G at U16 European Championship. The victory propelled Montenegro to 1-1 record. Luka Savic (199-F-95) stepped up with 22 points to lead the winners. Bulgaria slipped at 0-2 record after the loss.
The teams traded baskets throughout the opening quarter. Montenegro posted a 20:18 lead ten minutes into the game. The teams went neck and neck throughout the second period. Montenegro registered a 35:33 lead at the interval. Luka Savic, Mijatovic and Petar Dubljevic (189-G-95) gave Montenegro a 57:45 lead late in the third quarter. They entered the final frame up by 11 points 62:51. The margin just kept on growing in the final quarter as Montenegro rallied to a confident win at the end. Petar Dubljevic notched 13 points, while Stanko Latkovic (184-G-95) and Luka Djurovic (199-F-95) accounted for 12 points apiece in the win. Vassil Stoimenov (198-F-95) responded with 19 points for Bulgaria. Aleksandar Vezenkov (204-F-95) had 18 points and 11 rebounds in defeat.

Montenegro U16: Luka Savic 22, Petar Dubljevic 13, Stanko Latkovic 12, Luka Djurovic 12
Bulgaria U16: Vassil Stoimenov 19, Aleksandar Vezenkov 18+11 boards


Balkan keeps Lubomir Lilov, returns Kiril Raykov - by Eurobasket News
Balkan Botevgrad announced that Lubomir Lilov (198-F-87) and Kiril Raykov (196-F-87) will play for the club next season.
Lubomir Lilov is a product of Balkan, where he started as teenager. He played 28 games in NBL last season averaging 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2 assists. He also added 11.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 2 apg for 7 games in Balkan league. Lilov is a member of Balkan since 2006. He also played for them until 2004. In the meantime, Lilov spent some time with Lukoil Akademik. He played for U20, U18 and U16 Bulgarian NT in the past.
Kiril Raykov is also product of Balkan. He played couple of years for them and started last season with Balkan as well. He had 3.6 ppg and 2 rpg in NBL, plus 3.6 ppg and 1.4 rpg for 5 games in BIBL. In January, Raykov moved to Chernomorets Burgas. There he added 10.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for 11 games.

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  CHILE   


Libsur 2nd stage continue this weekend - by Cristian Quiroga
After the break produced by U19w World Championship played in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas, Libsur are ready to continue this weekend, starting the second stage in which the best teams of North and South Groups will determine which of them will play Final Four on September.
Qualified teams are: Deportes Victoria, A.B.Temuco, Deportivo Valdivia, ABA Ancud, Deportes Castro and Universidad de Los Lagos.
The games to play next weekend are:
Saturday, August 6th
A.B. Temuco - Deportes Victoria
Deportivo Valdivia - Deportes Castro
Universidad de Los Lagos - ABA Ancud
Sunday, August 7th
Deportivo Valdivia - Deportes Victoria

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  CHINA   


China Loses to Russia 67-52 - by Arthur Volbert
Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) played 15 minutes today in his first appearance for China this year in the Boris Stankovic Cup, but China nevertheless lost to Russia 67-52,

Liu Wei, Sun Yue and Wang Shipeng also made appearances of about 25 minutes. But this game appeared to be just as much for practice as yesterday's game. Wang Zhizhi, Zhou Peng and Zhu Fangyu were still absent. China trailed 23-14 after one quarter and 38-24 at the half but both teams played evenly in the second half. Apparently this is the Russian team that will play in the World University Games.

Wang Shipeng led the scoring for China with 17 points and Sun Yue scored 12. Yi, appearing rusty, hit 2 of 10 shots and scored 6 points. He grabbed 4 rebounds. Su Wei had 9 points and 9 rebounds and cemented his position as China's backup center. Zhang Zhaoxu had 3 points and 3 rebounds in 15 minutes and may not make the final team. But none of the other candidates for the final three spots on the team distinguished themselves today. Yi Li was scoreless in 24 minutes, missing all 6 of his shots. Yu Shulong was the only one who scored -- getting two points on free throws, but with no assists and 3 turnovers in 17 minutes.

Australia defeated Angola 76-68 in the other game.


Russia post second straight win at Boris Stankovic Cup - by Eurobasket News
Russia - China 67:52

Russia (University National Team) recorded the second consecutive win at the Boris Stankovic Cup. They overcame hosting China tonight. Andrey Mateyunas (180-G-88) and Igor Smygin (197-G/F-87, agency: Alti Sport, college: Surgut-2) scored 14 points each to pace the winners.
Russia dominated right from the start. They knocked down 23 points to post a 9-point lead at the first break. Russia kept their opponents at bay throughout the second frame. The visitors earned a 38:24 halftime advantage. China tried to change the complexion of the game in the third period. They cut the deficit to 13 points with ten minutes remaining. Russia however picked up the tempo in the fourth quarter and rallied to the victory at the end. Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87) provided 10 points and 9 rebounds in the win. Wang ShiPeng (197-G/F-83) responded with 17 points for China. Yue Sun (206-G/F-85) finished with 12 points in defeat.

Russia: Andrey Mateyunas 14, Igor Smygin 14, Anatoly Kashirov 10
China: Wang ShiPeng 17, Yue Sun 12


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  CROATIA   


U16: Croatia topple Latvia - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U16 - Latvia U16 69:56

Croatia extended their perfect run at U16 European Championship. They overcame Latvia for the fifth straight win at the tournament. Marko Arapovic (206-C-96) scored 15 points to pace the winners. Croatia improved at 4-0 record, while Latvia fell at 1-3 in Group F.
Croatia capped the opening period with a 12:2 run to build a 21:13 lead. Zgancec opened a double-digit lead for Croatia early in the second quarter. But Latvia managed to cut the deficit at 4-point mark at the interval 29:33. Latvia went on a 6:0 run at the start of the second half to spur in front. But the Croats finished the period on a strong run to establish a 54:45 lead with one quarter remaining. Tomislav Gabric (201-G-95) and Bosnjak boosted the margin to 14-point mark early in the fourth frame and Croatia never looked back en route to the victory. Paolo Marinelli (184-G-95) delivered 13 points, while Tomislav Gabric had 10 points and 12 rebounds in the win. Davis Geks (183-G-95) answered with 16 points for Latvia. Armands Ginters (194-F-95) netted 12 points in the loss.

Croatia U16: Marko Arapovic 15, Paolo Marinelli 13, Tomislav Gabric 10+12 boards
Latvia U16: Davis Geks 16, Armands Ginters 12


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  CUBA   


Tenerife extends Georvys Elias and Nicholas Moore - by Eurobasket News
Tenerife announced signing of a one-year contract extension with Georvys Elias (199-F-81) and Nicholas Moore (186-PG-80, college: Toledo).
Georvys Elias joined the club last summer from Magec Tias Lanzarote. He played 31 games in EBA collecting 16.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.4 apg and 1.6 spg. He helped Tenerife win the regular season in EBA, Group B. Elias played for the Cuban National team at the CBC Championships in Tortilla two years ago. He helped them win the Bronze at this event with 10 ppg and 6 rpg. Elias also helped Cuba win the Gold at CARICOM Championships 2004. With Ciego de Avila, Elias was Cuban LSB champion in 2009.
Nicholas Moore had 10.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 2.6 apg for Tenerife last season. Before that, he played for Optica Correa Tacoronte, Ourense, Rosalia and Caja Rioja.
Tenerife will compete in LEB Silver next season.

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  CYPRUS   


U16: Netherlands clinched Elite Eight appearance in Division B - by Eurobasket News
Cyprus U16- Netherlands U16 50:79

Netherlands clinched Elite Eight appearance in Division B after the win over Cyprus 79:50. The Dutch team finished second in Group B of the U16 European Championship. It was enough to advance to the Qualifying Round with 4-1 record. Cyprus meanwhile dropped to 1-4 record and will play for 17-22 places.
Netherlands just needed the victory to finish second in the group. They opened the game with 21-11 and never looked behind after. Theokleous reduced to 25:20, but those points were the last for Cyprus in the second quarter that remained scoreless for more than 7 minutes. Brunink closed a 17-0 run for 42:20 at the halftime. Markou broke the silence for the opponents and Miso Vukcevic (185-F-95) scored for 59:37. The Dutch team added 20-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Bas Veenstra (204-F-95) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Pim De Vries (195-F-95) added 12 points and 11 boards. Miso Vukcevic replied with 13 points in the losing case and Petros Papamichael (190-F-95) notched 11.

Cyprus U16: Miso Vukcevic 13, Petros Papamichael 11
Netherlands U16: Bas Veenstra 18+10 rebs, Pim De Vries 12+11 rebs


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


U16: Peterka leads the hosts over the Russian representatives - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U16-Russia U16 80:75

Martin Peterka (199-F-95) leads the hosts over the Russian representatives at the U16 European Championship in Division A. Czech Republic won over Russia 80:75 for 3-1 record, while Russia fell at 1-3.
Vasily Martynov (185-PG-95) opened the game from the perimeter, but Czech Republic won the rest of the period and took 15:11 after 10 minutes. Jiri Soula (187-G-95) scored for 26:18 and Rubes brought double digit lead. Pavel Sizov (198-F-95) however scored 11 points in a row for Russia to give them 42:40 advantage at the halftime. After 21-14 in the third period, the hosts took 61:56 after thirty minutes and managed to save 5-point deficit.
Martin Peterka exploded with 26 points and 17 rebounds, while Jiri Soula posted 17. Prokop Slanina (204-C-95) netted 13, whilst Radovan Kouril (182-PG-95) added 11. Pavel Sizov replied with 25 points in the losing effort, whilst Vasily Martynov posted 19.

Czech Republic U16: Martin Peterka 26+17 rebs, Jiri Soula 17, Prokop Slanina 13, Radovan Kouril 11
Russia U16: Pavel Sizov 25, Vasily Martynov 19, Alexander Gankevich (197-F-95) 13


Preliminary BC Kolin Roster Takes Shape with Mix of Old and New - by Surujh Roopnarine
With eight returning players and the promotion of three juniors the majority of BC Kolin's 2011-12 roster seems very stable. That is until you consider that last season's starting backcourt of NBL leading scorer Terry Smith and point guard Brad Jones will not be back. Smith, who led the league in scoring at 17.4ppg last season has taken his talents to Switzerland where he will suit up for BBC Monthey. Jones, who was third in the league in assists (3.8apg) and teamed with Smith the last two seasons will also not return. The man brought in to stabilize and lead the backcourt is a name familiar with fans of the club, veteran guard Rashaan Ames (184-G-78, college: Shaw). Ames is coming off of a season spent in Hungary, but was with Kolin during the 2008-09 season when he averaged 14.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting 46.6% from the field and 33.3% from three in 35 games. Over a span of five seasons in the NBL with Pardubice, Prostejov and Kolin the former Shaw University (NCAA2) star has averaged 17.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.9 assists in 161 games. Along with returning American Richard Field (196-F-83, college: Mercyhurst) and veteran center David Machac (204-F-80), they will form the core of Kolin's 2011-12 squad.

BC Kolin 2011-12 Preliminary Roster
Stanislav Zuzak (206-F/C-80, college: Cal-Irvine) - #4
Michal Hubalek (195-G-87) - #5
Jan Lapacek - #6
Rashaan Ames - #7
Filip Adamec - #8
Krystof Nemcok - #9
Jakub Nemecek (195-F-89) - #10
David Machac - #11
Jiri Jelinek (203-F-87) - #22
Uros Benacek (205-C-92) - #33
Pavel Hemmy (191-G-87) - #25
Richard Field - #54

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  D-LEAGUE   


D-League's Texas Legends chasing Bruce Pearl for Head Coach job, says report - by Eurobasket News
The Texas Legends, the D-League affiliate of the NBA champion Dallas Mavericks, are making a push for former Tennessee Volunteers head coach Bruce Pearl , reports ESPN's Marc Stein.

Pearl was fired by Tennessee in March after the NCAA had alerted the university of violations by the coach, including that Pearl lied to NCAA investigators. It's unclear whether the NCAA will prevent Pearl, 51, from holding a Division-I job for any amount of time, but certainly universities are unlikely to bring Pearl in.

Enter the NBA, or more specifically the D-League, which has before been a landing spot for disgraced NCAA coaches. Quin Snyder landed as the head coach of the D-League's Austin Toros for three seasons following his resignation under fire at Missouri; he is now an assistant under Mike Brown with the Los Angeles Lakers.

After Kelvin Sampson was fired by Indiana University and slapped with a five-year show cause order by the NCAA over recruiting violations, he worked for the San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks and now the Houston Rockets. He was considered an early candidate for the Detroit Pistons head coach job that eventually went to Lawrence Frank.

Pearl will meet with Legends officials this week, Stein reports. Nancy Lieberman, who coached the Legends last season, has moved into the team's front office.

Courtesy of www.sbnation.com

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  EUROLEAGUE   


Printezis extends with Olympiakos - by Giorgos Diploidis
Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) extended with Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus for one more year. After the departure of two Greek forwards- Centers, Mavrokefalides and Bourousis it was decided one to stay and it was Printezis.

The player has moved back to the team of Pireus last April after sparing two seasons in the Spanish side (Unicaja). After signing the new contract he is expected to take more minutes from his coach as Matt Nielsen who was also a power forward went to Khimki.

VEF Riga extends Sandis Valters - by Eurobasket News
VEF Riga announced signing of a one-year contract extension with Sandis Valters (193-G-78). The experienced point guard helped the squad win Latvian league title last season. He had 13.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg and 2.3 apg in 18 games. Eurobasket awarded Valters with All-Latvian League Player of the Year -11. VEF Riga also reached Baltic league Finals last season. There, Valters averaged 10.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 2.1 apg for 22 games. He also added 11.5 ppg and 1.5 apg in VTB league, plus 9.2 ppg and 2 apg in EuroCup. Sandis Valters joined VEF Riga in January of 2010. He also was one of their leading players that season. In the past, Valters played for ASK Riga, Azovmash, Anwil and Wuerzburg. He also has experience from Trier, Skonto Riga and Broceni. Valters won five Latvian league titles in his career. He played for the Latvian NT from 1998 until 2007.

Lottomatica Roma announce Clay Tucker and Uros Slokar - by Eurobasket News
Lottomatica Roma have announced the signing of Clay Tucker (195-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) and Uros Slokar (210-F/C-83).
Clay Tucker comes from Real Madrid. The guard tallied 8.7 points, 2.3 boards and 1.7 assists per game in Euroleague. In Spanish League Clay Tucker posted 8.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per appearance. Previously the guard had stints in Sweden, WBA, ABA, Greece, Poland, D-League, France, Italy, Russia, Ukraine and Spain.
Uros Slokar played for Manresa last season. The Slovenian centre notched 10.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals per appearance. Uros Slokar participated at 2010 World Championship with Slovenia. He tallied 7.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in Turkey. The centre had spells in Italy, Slovenia, Russia and NBA before moving to Spain.


Boni Ndong stays with Barca - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca announced signing of a one-year deal with Boniface Ndong (213-C-77). It will be third straight season with Barca for the Senegalese center. In the latest one he had 6.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for 20 Euroleague games. Ndong also added 6 ppg and 3.8 rpg in 41 Spanish league games. Barca won the ACB title and Copa del Rey. In 2009/10, Boniface Ndong helped Barca to win the Euroleague title. He had 8.9 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 20 games that season. In Spain, Ndong added 6.5 ppg and 3.8 rpg. Before Barca, Boniface Ndong spent two and a half years with Unicaja Malaga. He also has experience from Spartak St Petersburg, Los Angeles Clippers and Dijon. Boniface Ndong played for the Senegalese National Team at the AfroBasket 2009 in Libya. He shined with 19 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 1.6 bpg for 7 games at this event. In 2005, he was named Africabasket.com AllAfrican Championships Best Center.

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Joakim Noah set to join up with France team - by Eurobasket News
Injured Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Florida) should be ready to join his France teammates later this week, the French Basketball Federation said.

Noah has been having treatment in Los Angeles on his right ankle. The French team's osteopath and the Bulls' physiotherapist are said to be happy that Noah's injury has responded well to treatment.

'After seeing the conclusions from the two specialists, the franchise (Chicago Bulls) doctor should give his accord for Joakim Noah to return to the France team, without having to go to Chicago,' the FFBB said Monday on its website.

France is training in Pau this week ahead of the European Championship. France will play Latvia on Aug. 31.

'There's been good progress, and Joakim seems to have recovered well from the little problem he had,' France team director Patrick Beesley said. 'I am optimistic that he will be in Pau by the end of the week.'

France will play Spain in a friendly match on Monday.

Noah, who sprained his right ankle playing for the Bulls in March, was also limited by a thumb injury last season. He averaged 11.7 points and 10.4 rebounds in 48 games while helping the Bulls to an NBA-best 62 wins.

Courtesy of www.chron.com

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16   


Division A. Qualifying Round Day 2 in Pardubice and Hradec Kralove - by Eurobasket News
Group E
Czech Republic - Russia 80-75
Peterka leads the hosts over the Russian representatives at the U16 European Championship in Division A. Czech Republic won over Russia 80:75 for 3-1 record, while Russia fell at 1-3. Alexander Martynov (195-G-95) opened the game from the perimeter, but Czech Republic won the rest of the period and took 15:11 after 10 minutes. Jiri Soula (187-G-95) scored for 26:18 and Rubes brought double digit lead. Pavel Sizov (198-F-95) however scored 11 points in a row for Russia to give them 42:40 advantage at the halftime. After 21-14 in the third period, the hosts took 61:56 after thirty minutes and managed to save 5-point deficit. Peterka exploded with 26 points and 17 rebounds, while Jiri Soula posted 17. Prokop Slanina (204-C-95) netted 13, whilst Radovan Kouril (182-PG-95) added 11. Pavel Sizov replied with 25 points in the losing effort, whilst Alexander Martynov posted 19.

Spain - Germany 54-42
Spain posted the fourth straight win at the U16 European Championship. They thumped German counterparts to gain 3-1 record in Group E. Agusti Sans (195-F-95) came up with 12 points to lead the effort. Germany suffered the first defeat at the tournament and fell at 3-1 record in the standings. Spain opened the game on an 8:2 run. They stayed in front to ensure a 15:9 lead at the first break. Germany managed to get within two points late in the half. They trailed by four 26:30 at the interval. Spain stretched the gap back to 12 points in the third quarter. They eventually posted a 47:31 lead with one quarter remaining. Germany limited their opponents to just 7 points in the fourth period but scored 11 which was too little to threaten the deficit. Alberto Martin (174-G-95) knocked down 11 points in the victory. Ismet Akpinar (188-PG-95) responded with 12 points for Germany. Janis Stielow (192-G-95) and Stefan Ilzhofer (198-F-95) netted 6 points apiece in the loss.

Greece - Serbia 74-82
Serbia prevailed against Greece at Qualifying Round of U16 European Championship. The victory carried Serbia at 2-2 record in the standings. Nikola Rebic (186-PG-95) and Brano Djukanovic (193-G-95) knocked down 16 points to lead the charge. Greece fell at 0-4 record after the loss. Serbia jumped in front early in the game but Greece responded with an 8:0 run midway through the period to take a 14:9 lead. Serbia trailed by two points at the first break 14:16. The Serbian team used a 9:1 run midway through the second stanza to grab a 34:24 advantage. They clinched a 42:33 halftime lead. Greece stayed within striking distance throughout the third frame. They levelled things up at 54 before Serbia eked out a 59:56 lead with one quarter remaining. The Hellenes drew things level at 74 with just over a minute remaining. But Nikola Rebic answered with a three-pointer triggering an 8:0 run that sealed the win for Serbia. Dorde Kaplanovic (204-F-95) and Djoko Salic (208-C-95) provided 11 points each in the victory. Michail Liapis (188-G-95) responded with 18 points for Greece. Georgios Papadionysioy (185-PG-95) finished with 13 points in defeat.

Group F
Ukraine - Italy 45-68
Italy registered the first win at the U16 European Championship Qualifying Round. They breezed past Ukraine for 1-3 record in Group F. Lorenzo Baldasso (190-G-95) and Federico Di Prampero (188-PG-95) scored 16 points each to lead the effort. Ukraine suffered the second loss in a row and fell at 0-4 record. Italy secured a 13:7 lead after ten minutes of action. Ukraine opened the second term with seven points in a row to surge ahead but Italy reacted with a 12:0 run to regain control. The Azzurri entered the second half up by 7 points 25:18. Italy used a 7:0 run midway through the third frame to post a 38:24 lead. The Azzurri claimed a 49:30 lead with one quarter remaining. They never looked back afterward coasting to the victory at the end. Alessandro Maccaferri (175-PG-95) delivered 14 points in the win. Anton Dziuba (201-F-95) responded with 11 points for Ukraine. Stanislav Kudrya (186-PG-95) had 8 points in the loss.

France - Turkey 51-44
France registered the second straight win at the U16 European Championship Qualifying Round. They held off Turkey in the battle of defences to improve at 4-0 record on top of Group F. Turkey slipped at 2-2 record after the loss. The lead changed hands throughout intense first frame. Rigot gave Les Bleus a narrow 16:15 lead ten minutes into the game. Turkey went on a 9:0 run midway through the second term to take a 24:18 lead. They arrived at halftime up by 5 points 27:22. Birsen opened a double-digit lead for the Turkish team midway through the third quarter. But France managed to deny the deficit as the teams entered the fourth period tied at 38. The teams stayed close early in the fourth term but eventually Les Bleus crowned the regulation with nine points in a row to snatch victory at the end. Olivier Yao-Delon (193-G-95) delivered 16 points for Les Bleus. Damien Inglis (198-F-95) added 12 points and 8 rebounds in the victory. Cedi Osman (195-PG-95) responded with 12 points for Turkey. Ayberk Guleryuz (206-C-95) had 11 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.

Latvia - Croatia 56-69
Croatia extended their perfect run at U16 European Championship. They overcame Latvia for the fifth straight win at the tournament. Marko Arapovic (206-C-96) scored 15 points to pace the winners. Croatia improved at 4-0 record, while Latvia fell at 1-3 in Group F. Croatia capped the opening period with a 12:2 run to build a 21:13 lead. Zgancec opened a double-digit lead for Croatia early in the second quarter. But Latvia managed to cut the deficit at 4-point mark at the interval 29:33. Latvia went on a 6:0 run at the start of the second half to spur in front. But the Croats finished the period on a strong run to establish a 54:45 lead with one quarter remaining. Tomislav Gabric (201-G-95) and Bosnjak boosted the margin to 14-point mark early in the fourth frame and Croatia never looked back en route to the victory. Paolo Marinelli delivered 13 points, while Tomislav Gabric had 10 points and 12 rebounds in the win. Davis Geks answered with 16 points for Latvia. Armands Ginters netted 12 points in the loss.

Group G
Bulgaria - Montenegro 68-81
Montenegro held off Bulgaria in classification round Group G at U16 European Championship. The victory propelled Montenegro to 1-1 record. Luka Savic (199-F-95) stepped up with 22 points to lead the winners. Bulgaria slipped at 0-2 record after the loss. The teams traded baskets throughout the opening quarter. Montenegro posted a 20:18 lead ten minutes into the game. The teams went neck and neck throughout the second period. Montenegro registered a 35:33 lead at the interval. Luka Savic, Mijatovic and Petar Dubljevic gave Montenegro a 57:45 lead late in the third quarter. They entered the final frame up by 11 points 62:51. The margin just kept on growing in the final quarter as Montenegro rallied to a confident win at the end. Petar Dubljevic notched 13 points, while Stanko Latkovic (184-G-95) and Luka Djurovic (199-F-95) accounted for 12 points apiece in the win. Vassil Stoimenov (198-F-95) responded with 19 points for Bulgaria. Aleksandar Vezenkov (204-F-95) had 18 points and 11 rebounds in defeat.

Lithuania - Poland 85-78
Lithuania recorded the second straight win at the U16 European Championship. They outscored Poland for 2-0 record in classification round Group G. Edvinas Seskus (191-F-95) stepped up with 18 points and 10 assists for the winners. Poland fell at 1-1 record after the loss. Lithuania earned an 18:11 lead midway through the opening period. But Poland capped the period with 5 points in a row to narrow the deficit. Poland went on a 9:0 run in the second frame to surge ahead. They maintained the lead recording a 45:38 halftime advantage. Lithuania needed a 10:0 rally to post a 61:57 lead midway through the third term. The Baltic team arrived at the final intermission up by three points 65:62. Lithuania kept the pressure on Poland. Karolis Razukas (198-F-95) and Mykolaitis bolstered the margin to 7 points with just over two minutes to go and Lithuania ran for the victory. Paulius Valinskas (185-G-95) nailed 14 points, while Karolis Razukas added 12 points in the win. Mikolaj Witlinski (201-F-95) responded with 35 points and 13 rebounds for Poland. Damian Jeszke (200-F-95) had 15 points in the losing effort.



M-Standings - Group A
Standings
Group E
1. Czech Rep.3-1
2. Spain3-1
3. Germany3-1
4. Serbia2-2
5. Russia1-3
6. Greece0-4
Group F
1. Croatia4-0
2. France4-0
3. Turkey2-2
4. Italy1-3
5. Latvia1-3
6. Ukraine0-4
Group G (Places 13-16)
1. Lithuania2-0
2. Montenegro.1-1
3. Poland1-1
4. Bulgaria0-2


Stats Leaders - Group B
Points Per Game
 Antreas CHRISTODOULOU
  CYP
  (193-G-95)
  Avg: 22
 1. Christodoulo., CYP22.0 
 2. Hakanson, SWE21.4 
 3. Grun, LUX20.5 
 4. Sharon, ISR18.5 
 5. Baluch, SVK17.0 
 6. Rebec, SLO16.8 
 7. Konstantinov, ARM16.6 
 8. Veenstra, NED16.4 
 9. Hortoglu, ROM16.0 
 10. Buza, BIH15.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Vlad COBZARU
  (203-C-95)
  Avg: 13.3
 1. Cobzaru, ROM13.3 
 2. Darakhvelidz., GEO11.3 
 3. Insaly, POR10.6 
 4. Okoroh, ENG10.0 
 5. Ciordas, ROM9.8 
 6. Sulejmanovic, FIN9.4 
 7. Ritlop, SLO9.4 
 8. Carroll, IRL8.8 
 9. Nacevski, MKD8.8 
 10. Radivoevich, ARM8.8 
Assists Per Game
 Vladimir NEMCOK
  (178-PG-95)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Nemcok, SVK5.5 
 2. Sharon, ISR5.3 
 3. Zanzuri, ISR4.5 
 4. Perl, HUN4.0 
 5. Mehic, SUI4.0 
 6. Nikolic, SLO3.8 
 7. Polukhin, ARM3.6 
 8. Soluade, ENG3.5 
 9. Abuladze, GEO3.3 
 10. Lecomte, BEL3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Ludvig HAKANSON
  (187-PG-96)
  Avg: 4.4
 1. Hakanson, SWE4.4 
 2. Soluade, ENG4.0 
 3. Papacostas, CYP3.3 
 4. Christodoulo., CYP3.0 
 5. Ieronymidis, CYP3.0 
 6. Nemcok, SVK2.8 
 7. Zahiragic, BIH2.5 
 8. Liluashvili, GEO2.5 
 9. Lecomte, BEL2.5 
 10. Ciordas, ROM2.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Kingsley OKOROH
  (212-C-95)
  Avg: 5
 1. Okoroh, ENG5.0 
 2. Puluzashvili, GEO4.0 
 3. Mladenovski, MKD2.8 
 4. Cotture, SUI2.4 
 5. Cobzaru, ROM2.0 
 6. Goloman, HUN2.0 
 7. Ritlop, SLO1.6 
 8. Vliet, BEL1.5 
 9. Michelsen, FIN1.4 
 10. Gamreklidze, GEO1.3 


Stats Leaders - Group A
Points Per Game
 Aleksandar VEZENKOV
  (204-F-95)
  Avg: 25
 1. Vezenkov, BUL25.0 
 2. Seskus, LTU19.0 
 3. Kouril, CZE17.8 
 4. Peterka, CZE17.6 
 5. Sizov, RUS17.4 
 6. Fedorchenko, RUS16.8 
 7. Witlinski, POL16.8 
 8. Hezonja, CRO16.6 
 9. Djurovic, MNT16.2 
 10. Akpinar, GER15.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Martin PETERKA
  (199-F-95)
  Avg: 13.8
 1. Peterka, CZE13.8 
 2. Vezenkov, BUL10.2 
 3. Seskus, LTU10.2 
 4. Diop, ESP9.2 
 5. Witlinski, POL8.8 
 6. Inglis, FRA8.4 
 7. Jeszke, POL8.4 
 8. Zganec, CRO8.4 
 9. Ristic, SRB8.2 
 10. Birsen, TUR8.2 
Assists Per Game
 Radovan KOURIL
  (182-PG-95)
  Avg: 7
 1. Kouril, CZE7.0 
 2. Martin, ESP5.8 
 3. Ozmizrak, TUR4.6 
 4. Maccaferri, ITA4.6 
 5. Rebic, SRB4.6 
 6. Zywert, POL4.0 
 7. Boyarkin, UKR3.8 
 8. Plavnieks, LAT3.8 
 9. Seskus, LTU3.4 
 10. Djurovic, MNT3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Alberto MARTIN
  (174-G-95)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Martin, ESP3.6 
 2. Ozmizrak, TUR2.8 
 3. Boyarkin, UKR2.6 
 4. Sanli, TUR2.5 
 5. Liapis, GRE2.5 
 6. Taylor, GER2.4 
 7. Sans, ESP2.4 
 8. Hezonja, CRO2.4 
 9. Maccaferri, ITA2.2 
 10. Vezenkov, BUL2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Ilimane DIOP
  (210-C-95)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Diop, ESP2.8 
 2. Vezenkov, BUL2.0 
 3. Inglis, FRA1.4 
 4. Benvenuti, ITA1.4 
 5. Stoimenov, BUL1.4 
 6. Draskovic, MNT1.2 
 7. Prokopenko, UKR1.2 
 8. Spyropoulos, GRE1.2 
 9. Razukas, LTU1.0 
 10. Slanina, CZE0.8 


Division B. Results and Stats from Day 5 in Strumica - by Eurobasket News
Group A
FYR Macedonia - Luxembourg 68-70
Luxembourg surprised the hosts to finish the Preliminary Round of the U16 European Championship in Strumica with 2-2 record. Luxembourg won over F.Y.R. of Macedonia 70:68 and will play for 9-16 places in the tournament. Luxembourg fell at 0-4 and will head for the Classification Round for 17-22 places. Luxembourg opened the game with 20:18 after the first period, but the hosts won the half. A 23-20 surge in the second period gave them 44:43 halftime advantage. Moreover after 10-7 in the third quarter the board showed 54:50 for F.Y.R. of Macedonia. Wilson tied the game at 64:64 with 2 minutes in the game, while Trajkovski gave the hosts 68:67 lead. Wilson's three pointer in the end of the game sealed the victory for the guests. Thomas Grun (194-G/F-95) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Schmit added 18. Martin Krstevski (183-PG-95) collected 26 points and 10 rebounds for the home side. Nacevski followed him with 15 points and Ljubomir Mladenovski (207-C-95) notched 13.

Romania - Georgia 64-47
Romania squeezes into the Elite Eight of the U16 European Championship in Strumica with 2-2 record. The team needed 64:47 victory over Georgia to grab the last ticket from A. Romania needed a confident win to seal the place at the Qualifying Round. They opened the game with 15-11 and added massive 21-7 in the second frame. Pogacean closed the half at 36:18 to bring the Romania team 18-point advantage before the big break. Cobzaru increased to 46:20, while Archili Puluzashvili (200-C-95) reduced to 50:34 after thirty minutes. Due to 14-13 in the last frame Romania won the game and advanced to the next stage. Andrei Ciordas (203-C-95) erupted with 29 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and Cobzaru had 16 points and 14 boards. Mehmet Hortoglu (194-F-95) scored 12 and Pogacean delivered 3. Archili Puluzashvili finished the night with 12 points and Bolkvadze posted 8.

Group B
Portugal - Austria 76-40
Portugal won over Austria in their last game of the Preliminary Round at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team overcame the opponents 76:40 and will play for the 9-16 places. Austria meanwhile remained winless at the tournament and will play for 17-22 places. Portugal had an easy start and produced 23:10 in the first 10 minutes. Joao Guimaraes (196-C-95) and Moreira opened the second frame with 27:10 and Moreira delivered two fro 40:20. Portugal decided not to slow down and continued their dominance in the court. They won the third period 14-11 and finished the game with 22-7 in the last quarter. Francisco Amiel (186-PG-96) made the last two free throws for the final result in the game. Joao Guimaraes stepped up with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Moreira and Insaly added 11 apiece. Marvin Ogunsipe (193-F-96) and Stefan Neudecker (190-G/F-95) delivered 7 points each in the losing effort.

Finland - Slovenia 76-83
Slovenia wins Group B in Strumica, bring perfect record to the Qualifying Round of the U16 European Championship in Division B. Slovenia won over Finland 83:76 as the latter fell at 2-3 record and will play at the Classification Round for lower places. Both teams nailed 15 points each in the opening period, while the Scandinavian team took control in the second frame. Michelsen opened it from the perimeter and Ozan Odabasi (196-C-95) scored for 29:19. After 22-14 in it, Emir Sulejmanovic (203-C/F-95) made it 39:31 at the end of the second quarter. The second half however fully belonged to the Slovenia team that tied the game first at 55:55 when Matic Rebec (179-PG-95) made a three. Moreover he also gave his team 1-point lead entering the last stanza. In the fourth period Slovenia added 27-21 margin to remain undefeated. Matic Rebec led the way with 24 points and Nikolic netted 14. Abram posted 12, while Jure Ritlop (202-F-95) added 10 points and 10 caroms. Ozan Odabasi ended up with 15 points in the losing effort, while Michelsen and Emir Sulejmanovic nailed 13 points apiece.

Cyprus - Holland 50-79
Netherlands clinched Elite Eight appearance in Division B after the win over Cyprus 79:50. The Dutch team finished second in Group B of the U16 European Championship. It was enough to advance to the Qualifying Round with 4-1 record. Cyprus meanwhile dropped to 1-4 record and will play for 17-22 places. Netherlands just needed the victory to finish second in the group. They opened the game with 21-11 and never looked behind after. Glafkos Theokleous (170-PG-96) reduced to 25:20, but those points were the last for Cyprus in the second quarter that remained scoreless for more than 7 minutes. Yannick Brunink (185-PG-95) closed a 17-0 run for 42:20 at the halftime. Markou broke the silence for the opponents and Miso Vukcevic (185-F-95) scored for 59:37. The Dutch team added 20-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory. Bas Veenstra (204-F-95) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Pim de Vries added 12 points and 11 boards. Miso Vukcevic replied with 13 points in the losing case and Papamichael notched 11.

Group C
Armenia - Switzerland 81-63
Armenia achieved a historical win to advance to the Qualifying Round in Division B of the U16 European Championship. The underdogs won over Switzerland 81:63 as three teams in the group finished with 3-2 records. Due to the better difference in the game between each other, Armenia left Sweden and Switzerland out of the Final Eight. Armenia opened the game with 22:16 and Arkadiy Mkrtychyan (95) made two free throws for 24:19. He brought his team 36:24 midway through the second period and scored for 40:28. Bozic closed the first half at 40:29 as Switzerland could not match with the opponents. Armenia added 25-14 in the third period for 65:43, while Switzerland won the last stanza 20-16. Arkadiy Mkrtychyan and Andrey Konstantinov (95) poured in 20 points each and added 21 rebounds together. Sergei Pogosyan (95) posted 11, while Polukhin followed them with 8. Tolusso delivered 15 points for the Swiss side and Cotture netted 12.

Sweden - Hungary 66-72
Hungary wins Group C of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team improved to 5-0 record after 72:66 over Sweden that could not make it to the Qualifying Round with 3-2 record. Armenia took their spot as they won over Switzerland 81:63. The latter and Sweden will play at the Classification Round for 9-16 places. Sweden started with 15:9 and looked better in the first half. They added 19-17 in the second period for 34:26 halftime advantage. Sogolj brought 42:32 and it seemed the victory was not too far from the Scandinavian team, but they could not celebrate it. Hungary reduced to 54:53 at the end of the third period and were too good at the last stanza. Papp gave the lead at 66:64 and then Zoltan Perl (189-G-95) delivered the last 6 points for the winners. Zoltan Perl kept Hungary undefeated with 20 points and Vrana posted 14. Janos Velkey (193-G-95) nailed 11, while Goloman added 9. Hakanson ended up with 17 points in the losing case and Valter Lindstrom (180-PG-95) as well as Granat had 12 apiece.

Slovakia - Ireland 50-73
Ireland hammer Slovak Republic in the game between two teams that did not celebrate the victories before facing each other at the U16 European Championship in Division B. Ireland needed 73:50 for the initial win in Group C as both teams will play in the Classification Round for 17-22 places. Ireland surprised the opponents with 7-0 run in the opening tip and John Carroll (198-F-95) scored for 14:2. McDonnell delivered two at the end of the period for 23:5. In the second period Slovak Republic needed 16-10 to reduce the gap to 33:21 at the halftime. Ireland however pushed the tempo for good in the third quarter and reached the comfortable victory. They erupted with 27-16 in the third for 60:37 and Patrick Lyons (187-G-95) scored for 73:48 at the end. Milan Vago (202-C-95) closed the game with a hook shot for the final result. John Carroll paced all the winners with 30 points and Quinn scored 10. Baluch brought 15 points for Slovakia and Nemcok netted 7.

Group D
Belgium - Israel 70-80
Israel made it to the Qualifying Round in Strumica at the U16 European Championship. Israel needed 80:70 over Belgium to take their spot in the Elite Eight. Israel grabbed 25:16 after the first period as Roy Ayalon (190-G-95) made the last five points in the quarter. Belgium won the second frame 15-12 as Lecomte sent the teams to the lockers for 37:31. Mathijs Gijbels (200-F-95) reduced to 51:49, but Israel did not allow Belgium to tie the game. Sror closed the third quarter at 58:53 and then Israel won the last period 22-17 for the final success. Naor Sharon (191-PG-95) and Daniel closed a 5-0 run at the very end to bring the victory for Israel. Naor Sharon paced all the winners with 24 points and Zalmanson netted15. Zuckerman posted 11, while Roy Ayalon scored 9. Lecomte replied with 20 points in the losing effort as Belgiun finished the group on the third place with 2-2 record. Romain Boxus (194-F-96) scored 18 and Mathijs Gijbels chipped in 14.

Bosnia - Estonia 92-65
Bosnia and Herzegovina wins Group D in Division B at the U16 European Championship with 4-0 record. The favorites of the group needed 92:65 over Estonia to advance to the Qualifying Round with the perfect record. Estonia dropped to 1-3 and will play for 9-16 places. Bosnia proved their dominance in the opening period and grabbed 24:11 after the first period. They added 26-18 in the second frame for 50:29 when Adi Zahiragic (185-PG-95) closed the half from the lay-up. Bosnia won also the third and the last stanzas and made it with the same score. Bosnia needed 21-18 in each period for the final 27-point advantage. Buza led the way with 14 points and Milenko Predic (198-F-96) netted 13. Ivkovic posted 12, while Adi Zahiragic added 8. Koort ended up with 14 points in the losing effort and Egert Haller (188-G-95) scored 11.

<<>><<>>

*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18   


Stats Leader
Points Per Game
 Chris NDOW
  (195-F/G-93)
  Avg: 23
 1. Ndow, NOR23.0 
 2. Bojanovsky, SVK22.0 
 3. Ivanov, BUL18.3 
 4. Solomon, ISR17.5 
 5. Borg, SWE17.0 
 6. Ivanovic, MNT16.8 
 7. Olah, ROM16.7 
 8. N''Dumba-C., SUI15.7 
 9. Reinholt, DEN15.5 
 10. Polfer, LUX14.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Clint N''DUMBA-CAPELA
  SUI
  (202-F-94)
  Avg: 15.7
 1. N''Dumba-C., SUI15.7 
 2. Olah, ROM14.0 
 3. Bojanovsky, SVK13.3 
 4. Burjanadze, GEO11.7 
 5. Filip, ROM10.3 
 6. Magarity, SWE9.0 
 7. Larsen, DEN8.8 
 8. Mollekens, BEL8.3 
 9. Solomon, ISR8.3 
 10. Eliasson, SWE8.1 
Assists Per Game
 Simon KRAJCOVIC
  (185-G-94)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Krajcovic, SVK7.4 
 2. Cristiean, ROM5.7 
 3. Kasalica, MNT4.8 
 4. Ventura, POR4.7 
 5. Karamfilov, BUL4.4 
 6. Ivanovic, MNT4.0 
 7. Maayan, ISR4.0 
 8. Person, SWE3.9 
 9. Spencer, ENG3.7 
 10. Filip, ROM3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Simon KRAJCOVIC
  (185-G-94)
  Avg: 5.6
 1. Krajcovic, SVK5.6 
 2. Laane, EST3.8 
 3. Wilk, AUT3.0 
 4. Borg, SWE3.0 
 5. Jakab, HUN3.0 
 6. Ndow, NOR2.7 
 7. Ivanovic, MNT2.6 
 8. Gvozden, AUT2.4 
 9. Reinholt, DEN2.4 
 10. Menco, ISR2.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Boris BOJANOVSKY
  SVK
  (215-C-93)
  Avg: 4.2
 1. Bojanovsky, SVK4.2 
 2. Magarity, SWE3.9 
 3. Olah, ROM2.9 
 4. N''Dumba-C., SUI2.4 
 5. Kok, NED2.1 
 6. Larsen, DEN1.9 
 7. Graham, ENG1.6 
 8. Dimitrov, BUL1.3 
 9. Pavic, MNT1.3 
 10. Kolb, AUT1.1 


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


U16: Slovenia wins Group B in Strumica, bring perfect record to the Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News
Finland U16-Slovenia U16 76:83

Slovenia wins Group B in Strumica, bring perfect record to the Qualifying Round of the U16 European Championship in Division B. Slovenia won over Finland 83:76 as the latter fell at 2-3 record and will play at the Classification Round for lower places.
Both teams nailed 15 points each in the opening period, while the Scandinavian team took control in the second frame. Oskar Michelsen (197-F-95) opened it from the perimeter and Ozan Odabasi (196-C-95) scored for 29:19. After 22-14 in it, Emir Sulejmanovic (203-C/F-95) made it 39:31 at the end of the second quarter. The second half however fully belonged to the Slovenia team that tied the game first at 55:55 when Matic Rebec (179-PG-95) made a three. Moreover he also gave his team 1-point lead entering the last stanza. In the fourth period Slovenia added 27-21 margin to remain undefeated.
Matic Rebec led the way with 24 points and Aleksej Nikolic (185-PG-95) netted 14. Blaz Abram (184-PG-95) posted 12, while Jure Ritlop (202-F-95) added 10 points and 10 caroms. Ozan Odabasi ended up with 15 points in the losing effort, while Oskar Michelsen and Emir Sulejmanovic nailed 13 points apiece.

Finland U16: Ozan Odabasi 15, Oskar Michelsen 13, Emir Sulejmanovic 13+12 rebs
Slovenia U16: Matic Rebec 24, Aleksej Nikolic 14, Blaz Abram 12, Jure Ritlop 10+10 rebs


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


U16: France top Turkey in Pardubice - by Eurobasket News
France U16 - Turkey U16 51:44

France registered the second straight win at the U16 European Championship Qualifying Round. They held off Turkey in the battle of defences to improve at 4-0 record on top of Group F. Turkey slipped at 2-2 record after the loss.
The lead changed hands throughout intense first frame. Rigot gave Les Bleus a narrow 16:15 lead ten minutes into the game. Turkey went on a 9:0 run midway through the second term to take a 24:18 lead. They arrived at halftime up by 5 points 27:22. Birsen opened a double-digit lead for the Turkish team midway through the third quarter. But France managed to deny the deficit as the teams entered the fourth period tied at 38. The teams stayed close early in the fourth term but eventually Les Bleus crowned the regulation with nine points in a row to snatch victory at the end. Olivier Yao-Delon (193-G-95) delivered 16 points for Les Bleus. Damien Inglis (198-F-95) added 12 points and 8 rebounds in the victory. Cedi Osman (195-PG-95) responded with 12 points for Turkey. Ayberk Guleryuz (206-C-95) had 11 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.

France U16: Olivier Yao-Delon 16, Damien Inglis 12, Lucas Paoletti (202-F-95) 7
Turkey U16: Cedi Osman 12, Ayberk Guleryuz 11


Sluc Nancy Basket Pro sign Nicolas Batum - by Eurobasket Center
Sluc Nancy Basket Pro officialy signed 23-year old international forward Nicolas Batum (201-F-88). Batum played most recently at Portland Trail Blazers (NBA). Nicolas will stay in France until NBA lockout ends. Then he will have to move back to Portland. Batum has played three seasons in the NBA. While playing in 86 games last season his stats were: 12.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.5apg.


Joakim Noah will be fit for Eurobasket - by Alain Bernard
Chicago Bulls Center - Joakim Noah (211-F/C-85, college: Florida) will play for the French national team in Eurobasket 2011 next month in Lithuania.
The staff of the french national team were in good mood last night as the doctors confirmed that he will be fit to play for the Blues.
The manager of the French team,Patrick Beesley confirmed last night: ' Joakim seems to have recovered from the small problem that he had. The assessment was done on Monday was positive, A report from the two specialists, the doctor of Chicago Bulls confirmed that he can return to French team.'
Le Blues will begin a Training camp in Pau Today and Noah should participate in it as returned from the United states as he had a treatment on his right ankle.

Pau-Orthez extends Teddy Gipson - by Eurobasket News
Pau-Orthez announced signing of a one-year contract extension with Teddy Gipson (193-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Arkansas). It will be his third straight season with the club. In the latest one Gipson had 13.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 5.9 apg and 1.3 spg for 15 games in ProA. He finished as the best assistant of the competition. In 2009/10, Gipson averaged 16.3 points, 4 rebounds and 5.5 assists in ProB. He helped Pau-Orthez to win the ProB title and of course promotion to ProA. Teddy Gipson was named Eurobasket.com All-French ProB Player of the Year -10. Before Pau-Orthez, Gipson spent four years with Amsterdam and one with Padeborn Basket. With Amsterdam he won three Dutch league titles and two Cups. With Padeborn in Germany he had 14.6 ppg, 4 rpg and 3.6 apg in 2006/07 season. Gipson is a product of University of Arkansas.

*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA   


U16: Luxembourg surprised the hosts to finish the Preliminary Round - by Eurobasket News
F.Y.R. of Macedonia U16- Luxembourg U16 68:70

Luxembourg surprised the hosts to finish the Preliminary Round of the U16 European Championship in Strumica with 2-2 record. Luxembourg won over F.Y.R. of Macedonia 70:68 and will play for 9-16 places in the tournament. Luxembourg fell at 0-4 and will head for the Classification Round for 17-22 places.
Luxembourg opened the game with 20:18 after the first period, but the hosts won the half. A 23-20 surge in the second period gave them 44:43 halftime advantage. Moreover after 10-7 in the third quarter the board showed 54:50 for F.Y.R. of Macedonia. Wilson tied the game at 64:64 with 2 minutes in the game, while Trajkovski gave the hosts 68:67 lead. Wilsons three pointer in the end of the game sealed the victory for the guests.
Thomas Grun (194-G/F-95) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Tim Schmit (193-F-95) added 18. Martin Krstevski (183-PG-95) collected 26 points and 10 rebounds for the home side. Daniel Nacevski (191-F-95) followed him with 15 points and Ljubomir Mladenovski (207-C-95) notched 13.

F.Y.R. of Macedonia U16: Martin Krstevski 26+10 rebs, Daniel Nacevski 15, Ljubomir Mladenovski 13
Luxembourg U16: Thomas Grun 19, Tim Schmit 18



*****************************************************
  GEORGIA   


Army Sport Klub signs center Joakim Kjellbom - by Eurobasket News
Joakim Kjellbom (213-C/F-79, college: N.Arizona) will continue his career in Georgia. The Swedish big guy signed a one-year deal with the Georgian reigning champion Army Sport Klub. He spent last three seasons with the Norrkoping Dolphins. In the latest one Kjellbom shined with 15.3 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 1.9 bpg in 14 games in EuroChallenge. He was named Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge 2nd Team -11. In Swedish league Kjellbom added 14.9 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 1.8 bpg in 48 games. There he was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan 2nd team -11. Norrkoping also competed in Baltic league, were Joakim Kjellbom collected 14.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 1.6 bpg for 20 games. He received Eurobasket.com All-Baltic League Honorable Mention -11. In 2010, Kjellbom was Eurobasket.com All-Baltic League (Challenge Cup) Player of the Year -10. He paced Norrkoping to Challenge Cup title that year. In the past, Joakim Kjellbom played for Sundsvall Dragons.

U16: Romania squeeze into the Elite Eight - by Eurobasket News
Romania U16-Georgia U16 64:47

Romania squeezes into the Elite Eight of the U16 European Championship in Strumica with 2-2 record. The team needed 64:47 victory over Georgia to grab the last ticket from A.
Romania needed a confident win to seal the place at the Qualifying Round. They opened the game with 15-11 and added massive 21-7 in the second frame. Bogdan Pogacean (197-C-95) closed the half at 36:18 to bring the Romania team 18-point advantage before the big break. Vlad Cobzaru (203-C-95) increased to 46:20, while Archili Puluzashvili (200-C-95) reduced to 50:34 after thirty minutes. Due to 14-13 in the last frame Romania won the game and advanced to the next stage.
Andrei Ciordas (203-C-95) erupted with 29 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and Vlad Cobzaru had 16 points and 14 boards. Mehmet Hortoglu (194-F-95) scored 12 and Bogdan Pogacean delivered 3. Archili Puluzashvili finished the night with 12 points and Aleksandre Bolkvadze (194-F-95) posted 8.

Romania U16: Andrei Ciordas 29+10 rebs, Vlad Cobzaru 16+14 rebs, Mehmet Hortoglu 12, Bogdan Pogacean 3
Georgia U16: Archili Puluzashvili 12, Aleksandre Bolkvadze 8


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


BG Dorsten Sign Big German Talent Deon Mcduffie - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
DAlready as a 16 year old Deon McDuffie (188-G-93) was playing in the German Pro B and now at 18, he will continue to play in the PRO B with BG Dorsten. Mcduffie is a 185cm70 kilo guard that has played 37 PRO B games and comes from Augsburg, Bavaria. Last season the German played for BG Illertal/Weissenhorn (ProB, starting five): 21 games: 9.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 68.8%. Last season, he also played in the NBBL for the basketball academy Ulm averaging 15,0ppg, 5,0rpg and 4,3apg. He started his basketball career in 2007 for TSV Troester II Breitengussbach (Regionalliga): 3 games: 6.3ppg. In 2008-2009, he played for the Brose Baskets Bamberg junior team. In 2009-2010, he played for TSV Troester Breitenguessbach (ProB) 16 games: 3.4ppg

Source: BG Dorsten

U16: Spain gaining speed in Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News
Spain U16 - Germany U16 54:42

Spain posted the fourth straight win at the U16 European Championship. They thumped German counterparts to gain 3-1 record in Group E. Agusti Sans (195-F-95) came up with 12 points to lead the effort. Germany suffered the first defeat at the tournament and fell at 3-1 record in the standings.
Spain opened the game on an 8:2 run. They stayed in front to ensure a 15:9 lead at the first break. Germany managed to get within two points late in the half. They trailed by four 26:30 at the interval. Spain stretched the gap back to 12 points in the third quarter. They eventually posted a 47:31 lead with one quarter remaining. Germany limited their opponents to just 7 points in the fourth period but scored 11 which was too little to threaten the deficit. Alberto Martin (174-G-95) knocked down 11 points in the victory. Ismet Akpinar (188-PG-95) responded with 12 points for Germany. Janis Stielow (192-G-95) and Stefan Ilzhofer (198-F-95) netted 6 points apiece in the loss.

Spain U16: Agusti Sans 12, Alberto Martin 11, Ilimane Diop (210-C-95) 8
Germany U16: Ismet Akpinar 12, Janis Stielow 6, Stefan Ilzhofer 6


BG Goettingen Gets Some Samba Flair From Brasil With Roberto Mafra - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
BG Goettingen have come to term with Roberto Mafra (206-F/C-85, college: San Diego) and he is the 7th new player for the 2010 Eurochallenge winner. Mafra is a 25 year old 205cm power forward/center that was born in the beautiful coastal city of Recife, Brasil. The last team that Mafra played for was Paulistano/Amil Sao Paolo (NBB). He played for Southeastern CC (JUCO) from 2006-2008 before transfereing to San Diego (NCAA) and in his senior year, he played 32 games: 8.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 49.3%, FT: 72.8%. 'Roberto Mafra is a player that fits well to our style. The quick changing from defense to offense is his strength. He can play around and awaxy from the basket.. He has good technical skills and has a fine understanding of the game', stressed BG Goettingen head coach Stefan Mienack . Awards/Achievements in his career have been Brazilian University National Team -05, 09, World University Games in Izmir -05,and World University Games in Belgrade (Serbia) -09: 5 games: 8.4ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 65.5%.

Source: BG Goettingen

Edmunds Tukiss Joins The Soba Dragons Rhondorf - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Soba Dragons Rhondorf announced today that Edmunds Tukiss (200-F/C-89) will join the squad for the upcoming season. Tukiss is a 22 year old 200cm power forward/center from Latvia.He is the third new player for the Dragons and his role will be to come from the bench. Last season, he played for Latvijas Universitate (LBL, starting five): 17 games: 9.1ppg, 2.2rpg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 75.0%, left in Jan.'11. Turkiss is not unknown to the region, because he reached 2006 the school final in Berlin with the Hagerhof team. In 2006-2007, he went back hometo play for : Ridzene 89 Barons (LBAL). In 2007-2008, he played for LU/Ridzene (LBL): 20 games: 7.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 2FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 54.0%, also played at Barons Ridzene 89 (LBAL): 6 games 20.8ppg 6.8rpg 2.0apg 1.5spg.In 2008-2009, he played for BA Riga (LBL-D2) and played also at VEF Riga (LBL).In 2009-2010, he played for Liepajas Lauvas (LBL): 9 games: 2.4ppg, 1.2rpg.

Source: Soba Dragons Rhondorf

Germany A 2 Team beat Japan Universiade team in Munster - by Eurobasket News
Germany A 2 Team-Japan Universiade team 77:71 (20:10, 22:20, 17:23, 17:18)

Germany A 2 Team beat Japan Universiade team in Munster at the start of the Nation Cup with 4 teams participating. The hosts won 77:71 in the opener, while Romania overcame Brazil in another game.
Germany started with 20:10 although they trailed 8:9 in the opening tip. The hosts improved to 35:24 midway through the second period and Oskar Fassler (198-G-88) brought 40:30. Andreas Seiferth (206-F/C-89) closed the half at 42:30 as Germany won the second period 22-20. Japan looked better in the second half and responded with two victories in the third and the last quarters. Japan needed 23-17 in the third period for 59:53. Moreover they won the last period 18-17 to cut the deficit to 6 points at the end.
Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87) paced all the winners with 15 points and Andreas Seiferth as well as Nicolai Simon (191-G-87) had 11 points each. Oskar Fassler followed them with 9 points in the winning effort.


Agnis Cavars headed to Duesseldorf - by Moritz Korff
The Gloria Giants Duesseldorf appear to be ready to get the 2011-12 Pro A season underway. Headcoach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances) added another internationally experienced player in Agnis Cavars (198-F-86). The Latvian wing has reportedly inked a contract with the Giants and will bring perimeter shooting abilities as well as a fierce rebounding presence to the city of Duesseldorf.
Cavars participated in several international tournaments with the Latvian junior national teams through the years, including the 2005 and 2006 U20 European Championships. Apart from that his life as a professional basketball player mostly took place in his native Latvia thus far. The 25-year-old played in the first Latvian division for several years, most recently as a member of the BK Barons Riga. He won the 2010 LBL championship with Riga and was selected for the 2011 LBL Allstar Game. Following the 2010-11 season, in which he averaged 11.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per contest through 36 games, Cavars got Eurobasket.com All-LBL Honorable Mention recognition.

The Mitteldeutscher BC Bring In Robert Huelsewede - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Mitteldeutscher BC have announced a new signing for the upcoming PRO A season with Robert Huelsewede (198-F-90) who brings Beko BBL experience to Weiseenfels and is the third young German to arrive and will wear #12. Huelsewede is a 21 year old 198cm forward that played last season for the Cuxhaven BasCats (ProA, starting five): 22 games: 4.4ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.7apg, also a license to play for Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (1.Bundesliga). 'Robert is a young and talented player with a good work ethic. Our goal with him is for him to develop by good training and competition so that he will give us good minutes in the right situations. I am convined that Robert will help us this season', stressed MBC head coach Silvano Poropat (agency: FCM ). Huelsewede started his basketball career in 2005 with the Schroeno Paderborn Baskets - junior team where he played until 2007. he then played for the TSVE Dolphins Bielefeld (Pro B): 24 games: 6.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 64.8%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 70.2% in 2007 and in 2008 played Regionaliga for them. In 2009-2010, he returned back to the Paderborn Baskets (1.Bundesliga): 19 games: 2.4ppg, also played at Paderborn Baskets II (2.Regionalliga). 'I am looking forward to playing for such an ambitious team. We will reach a lot and I am ready to practice and give all I have. I know Aaron Cook (186-G-83, college: Hartford) and Marcus Smallwood (198-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: N.Illinois) from Cuxhaven and am looking forward to seeing them again', added Robert Huelsewede (198-F-90). Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been German U16 National Team -06, European Championships U16 in Jaen (Spain) -06: 8 games: 16.1ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.0apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 51.6%, 3FGP: 31.6%, FT: 69%, German U18 National Team -08, Albert Schweitzer International Tournament in Mannheim (Unofficial World Championships U18) -08, Adidas World Junior Tournament in Douai (France) -08, German U20 National Team -10, and European Championships U20 in Croatia -10: 8 games: 2.5ppg, 1.8rpg.

Source: Mitteldeutscher BC

Dante Williams Signs With The Schwelmer Baskets - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The Schwelmer Baskets of the German PRO B have announced the arrival of Dante Williams (185-G-87). Williams is a 24 year old 187cm guard that also will be inserted on the wing position. He will be starting his professional basketball career in Germany coming from the Saginaw Valley (NCAA2).Williams is known as a good shooter that was able to always improve his stats at university and in his last year shot 43% from downtown and 88% from the free throw line. 'Dante Williams (185-G-87) is a very good shooter that can score very well from outside and from the middle distance. He is also a great free throw shooter and has all the qualties that I was searching for. He is a guy that can create his own shot without problems, but also has an eye for his teammates. It is a risk that he didntplay the last two years, but he continued to work on his game and played in some tournaments. It will be important that he gets game experience quickly.His effort to improve his game is good', stressed Schwelmer Baskets head coach Raefel Wilder.

Source: Schwelmer Baskets

*****************************************************
  GHANA   


THE NATIONAL UNITY GAMES-MEN - by Charis BX

It all happened at the University of Ghana, Legon basketball courts. The following regions were represented by basketball team: The Greater Accra region, Ashanti region, Western region, Central region, Upper East region, Volta region and Northern region.
The services were not left out and they were also represented by the following teams: Police team, Fire service team, Prisons team, Armed Forces and the CEPS team.
All the teams were keen on winning the much coveted gold medal and brought their best to represent them. But from the first jump ball, Greater Accra and CEPS showed signs of taking medals with these teams scoring all the teams they met. Volta region also displayed some beautiful talent but it was not enough to help them qualify for the quarter final round. Upper East and the Ashanti region lost all their games and were the first to go out.
The next to follow were Central region, Western region, Northern and Volta region and the Fire service.
It was no surprise that the service teams excelled because they are well established teams with the CEPS teams winning the Greater Accra Basketball league many times so there was no way the regions who came together only for the Unity games were going to win - but Greater Accra proved that wrong. The final game was supposed to be between Greater Accra and CEPS because CEPS scored the Police team in the quarter final round and Greater Accra region scored the Prisons service.
But a protest was raised by the Police team against the CEPS team hence they were disqualified so the Police team qualified to the final round.
The third place match was also never played so Prisons were automatically bronze medallists.
It was a fiercely contested title with the Greater Accra region emerging as winners of the Gold medal, the Police service the Silver medallists and the Bronze medal was taken by the Prisons service.
In all, the games were successful after all the minor problems and we would like to congratulate the government of Ghana and hope they organise more of such events to discover talents for the nation and advance basketball in the country.


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


Printezis extends with Olympiakos - by Giorgos Diploidis
Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) extended with Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus for one more year. After the departure of two Greek forwards- Centers, Mavrokefalides and Bourousis it was decided one to stay and it was Printezis.

The player has moved back to the team of Pireus last April after sparing two seasons in the Spanish side (Unicaja). After signing the new contract he is expected to take more minutes from his coach as Matt Nielsen who was also a power forward went to Khimki.

U16: Serbia frustrate Greece in Group E - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U16 - Greece U16 82:74

Serbia prevailed against Greece at Qualifying Round of U16 European Championship. The victory carried Serbia at 2-2 record in the standings. Nikola Rebic (186-PG-95) and Brano Djukanovic (193-G-95) knocked down 16 points to lead the charge. Greece fell at 0-4 record after the loss.
Serbia jumped in front early in the game but Greece responded with an 8:0 run midway through the period to take a 14:9 lead. Serbia trailed by two points at the first break 14:16. The Serbian team used a 9:1 run midway through the second stanza to grab a 34:24 advantage. They clinched a 42:33 halftime lead. Greece stayed within striking distance throughout the third frame. They levelled things up at 54 before Serbia eked out a 59:56 lead with one quarter remaining. The Hellenes drew things level at 74 with just over a minute remaining. But Nikola Rebic answered with a three-pointer triggering an 8:0 run that sealed the win for Serbia. Dorde Kaplanovic (204-F-95) and Djoko Salic (208-C-95) provided 11 points each in the victory. Michail Liapis (188-G-95) responded with 18 points for Greece. Georgios Papadionysioy (185-PG-95) finished with 13 points in defeat.

Serbia U16: Nikola Rebic 16, Brano Djukanovic 16, Dorde Kaplanovic 11, Djoko Salic 11
Greece U16: Michail Liapis 18, Georgios Papadionysioy 13


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


U16: Netherlands clinched Elite Eight appearance in Division B - by Eurobasket News
Cyprus U16- Netherlands U16 50:79

Netherlands clinched Elite Eight appearance in Division B after the win over Cyprus 79:50. The Dutch team finished second in Group B of the U16 European Championship. It was enough to advance to the Qualifying Round with 4-1 record. Cyprus meanwhile dropped to 1-4 record and will play for 17-22 places.
Netherlands just needed the victory to finish second in the group. They opened the game with 21-11 and never looked behind after. Theokleous reduced to 25:20, but those points were the last for Cyprus in the second quarter that remained scoreless for more than 7 minutes. Brunink closed a 17-0 run for 42:20 at the halftime. Markou broke the silence for the opponents and Miso Vukcevic (185-F-95) scored for 59:37. The Dutch team added 20-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Bas Veenstra (204-F-95) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Pim De Vries (195-F-95) added 12 points and 11 boards. Miso Vukcevic replied with 13 points in the losing case and Petros Papamichael (190-F-95) notched 11.

Cyprus U16: Miso Vukcevic 13, Petros Papamichael 11
Netherlands U16: Bas Veenstra 18+10 rebs, Pim De Vries 12+11 rebs


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


U16: Hungary wins Group C of the U16 European Championship in Division B, left Sweden out of the next stage - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U16-Hungary U16 66:72

Hungary wins Group C of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team improved to 5-0 record after 72:66 over Sweden that could not make it to the Qualifying Round with 3-2 record. Armenia took their spot as they won over Switzerland 81:63. The latter and Sweden will play at the Classification Round for 9-16 places.
Sweden started with 15:9 and looked better in the first half. They added 19-17 in the second period for 34:26 halftime advantage. Sogolj brought 42:32 and it seemed the victory was not too far from the Scandinavian team, but they could not celebrate it. Hungary reduced to 54:53 at the end of the third period and were too good at the last stanza. Papp gave the lead at 66:64 and then Zoltan Perl (189-G-95) delivered the last 6 points for the winners.
Zoltan Perl kept Hungary undefeated with 20 points and Eric Vrana (189-G-95) posted 14. Janos Velkey (193-G-95) nailed 11, while Gyorgy Goloman (204-F/C-96) added 9. Ludvig Hakanson (187-PG-96) ended up with 17 points in the losing case and Valter Lindstrom (180-PG-95) as well as Lars Granat (181-PG-95) had 12 apiece.

Sweden U16: Ludvig Hakanson 17, Valter Lindstrom 12, Lars Granat 12
Hungary U16: Zoltan Perl 20, Eric Vrana 14, Janos Velkey 11, Gyorgy Goloman 9


*****************************************************
  IRAN   


Iranian-American players,Yes Or Not - by Kazem Ghayem
since 2 years ago Iranian teams start to search and find Iranian players whom live in other countries like USA and Canada and etc... even iranian Basketball federation made and invitation for all iranian players all over the world to come and help iranian NT team. at that time Benny Koochoie (190-G-86, college: Cal.St.-Stanislaus) and Erfan Nasajpour (177-G-84) from USA and Canada joined to Saba and Zob Ahan in iranian league and the played good in the league. but they never invited to the NT training camp even at the firs call. Benny and Erfan was in petrochimi team last season and they made a good work there,but for unknown reason they did not invited to the NT team again,is it NT coach decision or any other reason involved we don't know but we know that this players and some more guys like them in the other countries are iranian like all other iranian players whom live inside the country they have iranian passport and they have right to play in iran league as an iranian and also they deserve to invite to the NT team at least at the first call.

*****************************************************
  IRELAND   


U16: Ireland hammer Slovak Republic - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic U16-Ireland U16 50:73

Ireland hammer Slovak Republic in the game between two teams that did not celebrate the victories before facing each other at the U16 European Championship in Division B. Ireland needed 73:50 for the initial win in Group C as both teams will play in the Classification Round for 17-22 places.
Ireland surprised the opponents with 7-0 run in the opening tip and John Carroll (198-F-95) scored for 14:2. McDonnell delivered two at the end of the period for 23:5. In the second period Slovak Republic needed 16-10 to reduce the gap to 33:21 at the halftime. Ireland however pushed the tempo for good in the third quarter and reached the comfortable victory. They erupted with 27-16 in the third for 60:37 and Lyons scored for 73:48 at the end. Vago closed the game with a hook shot for the final result.
John Carroll paced all the winners with 30 points and Conor Quinn (187-G-95) scored 10. Matej Baluch (192-F-95) brought 15 points for Slovakia and Vladimir Nemcok (178-PG-95) netted 7.

Slovak Republic U16: Matej Baluch 15, Vladimir Nemcok 7
Ireland U16: John Carroll 30, Conor Quinn 10


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


Jordan Farmar close to an agreement with Maccabi Haifa - by David Pick
Updated: August 2, 2011, 17:39 PM

Exclusive: With all the hype around Kobe Bryant taking his talents to Turkey or China, the latest buzz in European hoops comes from Israel.

Maccabi Tel Aviv is without a doubt Israel's power house team and one of Europe's most recognized organizations, however, Maccabi Haifa's American Owner Jeffrey Rosen is pushing his talented and Americanized club in astonishing fashion. After signing American Jeremy Tyler in 2009 creating massive talks throughout the American basketball world, Rosen is now working on his second project, adding the former two-time NBA champion guard Jordan Farmar, as the two sides are already in advanced negotiations and close to reaching an agreement.

'We've been in serious talks with Jordan Farmar, who has expressed great interest to play for Maccabi Haifa,' American businessman and Maccabi Haifa owner Jeffrey Rosen told 'Eurobasket'. 'We believe we are close to an agreement, but we have a few more hurdles to overcome to make it happen. We would love to have Jordan join Maccabi Haifa during the NBA lockout and we find his aspirations to play in Israel to be inspirational,' Added Rosen.

Sources with information of the negotiations told 'Eurobasket' that Haifa is negotiating with the American point guard to join the team as an Israeli player, rather a foreigner. Farmar will have to complete the traditional 'Aliya' requirements that are the basic tenet of the Zionist Israeli ideology.

Last season Farmar joined the New Jersey Nets earning a reported $3,750,000 in each season of his three-year deal. The talented UCLA graduate played 73 games in his first season playing in Jersey, posting averages of 9.6ppg, 2.4rpg and 5.0apg.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

Braxton Dupree inks deal in Israel - by Greg
Braxton Dupree (203-F-89, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Towson) has signed a 3-year contract with Maccabi Ashdod of Israels Premier League. The rookie big man will be on loan this season to Ironi Nes-Ziona Kfar Saba in the National League. Dupree will look to continue his development under Nes Zionas impressive young coach Nadav Zilbershtein who is also the coach of the Israeli U18 National Team. The Head Coach of Maccabi Ashdod, Ofer Berkovich, serves as the Sports Director of Nes Ziona so the club will be closely monitoring Braxtons progress as he prepares himself for the Premier League.

Dupree is coming off a successful season at Towson University in which he averaged 12.0 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 1.3 bpg. He led his club in both rebounding (ranked 6th overall in the CAA) and blocked shots. Dupree transferred to Towson from Maryland University after the 2008-09 season. As a high school senior at Calvert Hall High School in Baltimore, Braxton was ranked among the top 15 centers in the country by both Rivals.com and Scouts.com.

Youngster Amit Simhon sings a two-year deal in Ashkelon - by David Pick
Updated: August 2, 2011, 10:14 AM

Young Israeli talent Amit Simhon officially signed today (Tuesday) a two-year deal with the southern Israeli team Elitzur Ashkelon. Simhon's break through year came in 2009 when he played in the second division for Maccabi Hod-Hasharon and was undoubtedly one the best Israeli players, scoring almost 20 points and grabbing 5.3 boards a game.

Last season Oded Katash recognized the talented youngster and signed a massive long future contract with Hapoel Jerusalem, however, after 14 games and 0.9ppg, Simhon moved to Elitzur Netanya where he finished the year with disappointing numbers of 1.5ppg in 11 games.

In Ashkelon Simhon will join his recent coach Erik Alfasi. The 22-year-old guard is currently playing in the Israeli summer league with the Israeli U25 NT team, and after two dominating games where they smashed their opponents by 40 points, Simhon dropped 17 and 13 points respectively.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

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


Tezenis Verona signs Diego Banti - by Eurobasket News
Diego Banti (204-F/C-83, agency: Interperformances) will continue his career in Tezenis Verona. The Italian big guy signed a one-year deal with his new club. Banti spent last season with Assigeco BPL Lodi. He appeared 30 times for them in LegaDue averaging 6.4 points and 2.9 rebounds. From 2008 until the last summer Banti was a member of MiroRadici Finance Vigevano. He helped them win promotion from A dilettanti to LegaDue in their first season together. At that time Banti had 7.2 ppg and 4.9 rpg. He had slightly better numbers in 2009/10 for 35 LegaDue games. In the past, Diego Banti played for Modena and Prima Veroli. He helped Prima Veroli to reach B1 Finals in 2007.

Mario West is newcomer in Tezenis Verona - by Eurobasket News
Tezenis Verona stayed active on transfer market. They bolstered their backcourt. Verona agreed on terms of contract with Mario West (196-G-84, college: Georgia Tech). The 27-year-old guard started the previous season in the Maine Red Claws. He tallied 13.7 points, 5.3 boards, 2.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game in D-League. In April Mario West moved to the New Jersey Nets. His stats read 3.7 points, 1.8 boards, 1.7 assists and 1.2 steals per six NBA appearances. Mario West made it into Gatorade D-League All-Defensive 2nd Team. Previously he played for the Atlanta Hawks. Mario West participated at ESPN College Slam Dunk Championship back in 2007.


Lottomatica Roma announce Clay Tucker and Uros Slokar - by Eurobasket News
Lottomatica Roma have announced the signing of Clay Tucker (195-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) and Uros Slokar (210-F/C-83).
Clay Tucker comes from Real Madrid. The guard tallied 8.7 points, 2.3 boards and 1.7 assists per game in Euroleague. In Spanish League Clay Tucker posted 8.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per appearance. Previously the guard had stints in Sweden, WBA, ABA, Greece, Poland, D-League, France, Italy, Russia, Ukraine and Spain.
Uros Slokar played for Manresa last season. The Slovenian centre notched 10.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals per appearance. Uros Slokar participated at 2010 World Championship with Slovenia. He tallied 7.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in Turkey. The centre had spells in Italy, Slovenia, Russia and NBA before moving to Spain.


U16: Italy cruise past Ukraine - by Eurobasket News
Italy U16 - Ukraine U16 68:45

Italy registered the first win at the U16 European Championship Qualifying Round. They breezed past Ukraine for 1-3 record in Group F. Lorenzo Baldasso (190-G-95) and Federico Di Prampero (188-PG-95) scored 16 points each to lead the effort. Ukraine suffered the second loss in a row and fell at 0-4 record.
Italy secured a 13:7 lead after ten minutes of action. Ukraine opened the second term with seven points in a row to surge ahead but Italy reacted with a 12:0 run to regain control. The Azzurri entered the second half up by 7 points 25:18. Italy used a 7:0 run midway through the third frame to post a 38:24 lead. The Azzurri claimed a 49:30 lead with one quarter remaining. They never looked back afterward coasting to the victory at the end. Alessandro Maccaferri (175-PG-95) delivered 14 points in the win. Anton Dziuba (201-F-95) responded with 11 points for Ukraine. Stanislav Kudrya (186-PG-95) had 8 points in the loss.

Italy U16: Lorenzo Baldasso 16, Federico Di Prampero 16, Alessandro Maccaferri 14
Ukraine U16: Anton Dziuba 11, Stanislav Kudrya 8


*****************************************************
  JAPAN   


Germany A 2 Team beat Japan Universiade team in Munster - by Eurobasket News
Germany A 2 Team-Japan Universiade team 77:71 (20:10, 22:20, 17:23, 17:18)

Germany A 2 Team beat Japan Universiade team in Munster at the start of the Nation Cup with 4 teams participating. The hosts won 77:71 in the opener, while Romania overcame Brazil in another game.
Germany started with 20:10 although they trailed 8:9 in the opening tip. The hosts improved to 35:24 midway through the second period and Oskar Fassler (198-G-88) brought 40:30. Andreas Seiferth (206-F/C-89) closed the half at 42:30 as Germany won the second period 22-20. Japan looked better in the second half and responded with two victories in the third and the last quarters. Japan needed 23-17 in the third period for 59:53. Moreover they won the last period 18-17 to cut the deficit to 6 points at the end.
Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87) paced all the winners with 15 points and Andreas Seiferth as well as Nicolai Simon (191-G-87) had 11 points each. Oskar Fassler followed them with 9 points in the winning effort.


*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


U16: Croatia topple Latvia - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U16 - Latvia U16 69:56

Croatia extended their perfect run at U16 European Championship. They overcame Latvia for the fifth straight win at the tournament. Marko Arapovic (206-C-96) scored 15 points to pace the winners. Croatia improved at 4-0 record, while Latvia fell at 1-3 in Group F.
Croatia capped the opening period with a 12:2 run to build a 21:13 lead. Zgancec opened a double-digit lead for Croatia early in the second quarter. But Latvia managed to cut the deficit at 4-point mark at the interval 29:33. Latvia went on a 6:0 run at the start of the second half to spur in front. But the Croats finished the period on a strong run to establish a 54:45 lead with one quarter remaining. Tomislav Gabric (201-G-95) and Bosnjak boosted the margin to 14-point mark early in the fourth frame and Croatia never looked back en route to the victory. Paolo Marinelli (184-G-95) delivered 13 points, while Tomislav Gabric had 10 points and 12 rebounds in the win. Davis Geks (183-G-95) answered with 16 points for Latvia. Armands Ginters (194-F-95) netted 12 points in the loss.

Croatia U16: Marko Arapovic 15, Paolo Marinelli 13, Tomislav Gabric 10+12 boards
Latvia U16: Davis Geks 16, Armands Ginters 12


VEF Riga extends Sandis Valters - by Eurobasket News
VEF Riga announced signing of a one-year contract extension with Sandis Valters (193-G-78). The experienced point guard helped the squad win Latvian league title last season. He had 13.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg and 2.3 apg in 18 games. Eurobasket awarded Valters with All-Latvian League Player of the Year -11. VEF Riga also reached Baltic league Finals last season. There, Valters averaged 10.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 2.1 apg for 22 games. He also added 11.5 ppg and 1.5 apg in VTB league, plus 9.2 ppg and 2 apg in EuroCup. Sandis Valters joined VEF Riga in January of 2010. He also was one of their leading players that season. In the past, Valters played for ASK Riga, Azovmash, Anwil and Wuerzburg. He also has experience from Trier, Skonto Riga and Broceni. Valters won five Latvian league titles in his career. He played for the Latvian NT from 1998 until 2007.

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


U16: Lithuania overcome Poland for second win in a row - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U16 - Poland U16 85:78

Lithuania recorded the second straight win at the U16 European Championship. They outscored Poland for 2-0 record in classification round Group G. Edvinas Seskus (191-F-95) stepped up with 18 points and 10 assists for the winners. Poland fell at 1-1 record after the loss.
Lithuania earned an 18:11 lead midway through the opening period. But Poland capped the period with 5 points in a row to narrow the deficit. Poland went on a 9:0 run in the second frame to surge ahead. They maintained the lead recording a 45:38 halftime advantage. Lithuania needed a 10:0 rally to post a 61:57 lead midway through the third term. The Baltic team arrived at the final intermission up by three points 65:62. Lithuania kept the pressure on Poland. Karolis Razukas (198-F-95) and Mykolaitis bolstered the margin to 7 points with just over two minutes to go and Lithuania ran for the victory. Paulius Valinskas (185-G-95) nailed 14 points, while Karolis Razukas added 12 points in the win. Witlinksi responded with 35 points and 13 rebounds for Poland. Damian Jeszke (200-F-95) had 15 points in the losing effort.

Lithuania U16: Edvinas Seskus 18+10 assists, Paulius Valinskas 14, Karolis Razukas 12
Poland U16: Mikolaj Witlinski (201-F-95) 35+13 boards, Damian Jeszke 15


Siauliai add Marius Prekevicius - by Eurobasket News
Marius Prekevicius (196-F-84, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Florida) will continue his career in Siauliai. The guard has agreed on terms of one-year contract with the team. Last season Marius Prekevicius spent with Juventus. He posted 10.3 points, 2.7 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game in LKL. In Baltic League the guard tallied 11.7 points, 3.3 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals per appearance. Previously Marius Prekevicius had stints in Poland, Greece and Ukraine. He is not new to Siauliai. The guard played for the team back in 2006/07 and 2009/10 seasons. Marius Prekevicius was the member of Lithuanian University National Team in 2007. He also played for the National Team at 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.


*****************************************************
  LUXEMBOURG   


U16: Luxembourg surprised the hosts to finish the Preliminary Round - by Eurobasket News
F.Y.R. of Macedonia U16- Luxembourg U16 68:70

Luxembourg surprised the hosts to finish the Preliminary Round of the U16 European Championship in Strumica with 2-2 record. Luxembourg won over F.Y.R. of Macedonia 70:68 and will play for 9-16 places in the tournament. Luxembourg fell at 0-4 and will head for the Classification Round for 17-22 places.
Luxembourg opened the game with 20:18 after the first period, but the hosts won the half. A 23-20 surge in the second period gave them 44:43 halftime advantage. Moreover after 10-7 in the third quarter the board showed 54:50 for F.Y.R. of Macedonia. Wilson tied the game at 64:64 with 2 minutes in the game, while Trajkovski gave the hosts 68:67 lead. Wilsons three pointer in the end of the game sealed the victory for the guests.
Thomas Grun (194-G/F-95) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Tim Schmit (193-F-95) added 18. Martin Krstevski (183-PG-95) collected 26 points and 10 rebounds for the home side. Daniel Nacevski (191-F-95) followed him with 15 points and Ljubomir Mladenovski (207-C-95) notched 13.

F.Y.R. of Macedonia U16: Martin Krstevski 26+10 rebs, Daniel Nacevski 15, Ljubomir Mladenovski 13
Luxembourg U16: Thomas Grun 19, Tim Schmit 18



*****************************************************
  MADAGASCAR   


Madagascar names twelve for Indian Ocean Islands Games - by Kristian Santiago
National-team head coach Angel Manzano selected the following twelve players for the upcoming Indian Ocean Islands Games ('JIOI 2011'), which will be starting on Friday, 5th of August in the Seychelles.

1 - Franco Andrianjafy (1,73m) Ascut

2 - Eric Rakotondrasolo (178-PG) (1,80m) Lorient (FRA)

3 - Andry Rakotoarisoa (1,78m) Dream Team

4 - Charles Rabekoto (185-G) (1,79m) Mayotte (FRA)

5 - Thierry Ndrianiombonana (1,80m) Fanatic

6 - Guillaume Randrianandrasana (1,86m) Ascut

7 - Bina Razafimasay (1,88m) Ascut

8 - Charles Ramsdell (208-F/C-85, agency: Court Side, college: Tulsa) (2,08m) Avila (ESP)

9 - Jaofeno Djianfary (187-G/F-79) (1,92m) Ascut

10 - Ahmed Zaiad (1,95m) Ascum

11 - Davy Velondrisiky (1,97m) Ascum

12 - Naguib Kilobo (2,00m)





Group A : Reunion (champion), Comores, Mayotte and Mauritius
Group B : Seychelles, Maldives and Madagascar



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

  MEXICO   


Standings - Lower Leagues
CIBANE Regular Season Standings
 1. Durango M. 18-2 
 2. Fresnillo M. 15-5 
 3. UAZ Tuzos 12-8 
 4. Saltillo Caktus 7-13 
 5. Apodaca G. 5-15 
 6. P.Negras A. 3-17 


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


U16: Luka Savic lifts Montenegro over Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U16 - Bulgaria U16 81:68

Montenegro held off Bulgaria in classification round Group G at U16 European Championship. The victory propelled Montenegro to 1-1 record. Luka Savic (199-F-95) stepped up with 22 points to lead the winners. Bulgaria slipped at 0-2 record after the loss.
The teams traded baskets throughout the opening quarter. Montenegro posted a 20:18 lead ten minutes into the game. The teams went neck and neck throughout the second period. Montenegro registered a 35:33 lead at the interval. Luka Savic, Mijatovic and Petar Dubljevic (189-G-95) gave Montenegro a 57:45 lead late in the third quarter. They entered the final frame up by 11 points 62:51. The margin just kept on growing in the final quarter as Montenegro rallied to a confident win at the end. Petar Dubljevic notched 13 points, while Stanko Latkovic (184-G-95) and Luka Djurovic (199-F-95) accounted for 12 points apiece in the win. Vassil Stoimenov (198-F-95) responded with 19 points for Bulgaria. Aleksandar Vezenkov (204-F-95) had 18 points and 11 rebounds in defeat.

Montenegro U16: Luka Savic 22, Petar Dubljevic 13, Stanko Latkovic 12, Luka Djurovic 12
Bulgaria U16: Vassil Stoimenov 19, Aleksandar Vezenkov 18+11 boards


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


New Orleans Hornets hire veteran assistant Dave Hanners - by Eurobasket News
New Orleans Hornets Coach Monty Williams has hired Dave Hanners to join his staff as an assistant, the team announced Tuesday morning.

Hanners is a longtime assistant of former NBA head coach Larry Brown, working on his staffs with the Charlotte Bobcats, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers.

Hanners replaces former Hornets assistant Michael Malone, who accepted an assistant job with the Golden State Warriors in June. Prior to his NBA career, Hanners spent 11 seasons on the University of North Carolina basketball staff under Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith and Bill Guthridge.

During his tenure at North Carolina (1989-2000), the Tar Heels played in six Final Fours, won an NCAA title in 1993 and captured four Atlantic Coast Conference championships while compiling a 292-92 record (.760).

Courtesy of www.nola.com

Detroit Pistons to introduce new head coach Lawrence Frank on Wednesday - by Eurobasket News
Early Wednesday afternoon, the Detroit Pistons will introduce Lawrence Frank as their new head coach.

As Vincent Goodwell of the Detroit News reports, Detroit native Steve Smith said Pistons coach Lawrence Frank s first order of business is to wipe away the bad taste from the past two seasons. The best course of action is he has to come in with a clean slate, said Smith, an analyst for NBA TV who played 14 seasons in the NBA. He has to give those guys a clean slate, too. Whenever the NBA lockout ends, Smith said Frank will have to address the team, collectively and individually, to let them know what happened in the past wont be held against them, but a repeat wont be tolerated. Some of the problems youve heard about you do address, Smith said. You listen and you dont interject.

Itll be a difficult job for Frank, as the team is in transition and in need of a serious rebuild. They were led last season by guard Rodney Stuckey (15.5 points, 5.2 assists per game), forward Tayshaun Prince (14.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg), and guard Richard Hamilton (14.1 ppg, 3.1 apg). Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva also contributed in the scoring department.

One of the lone bright spots for the Pistons last season was the play of center Greg Monroe, who has been steadily improving. Hes still not a real building block, however. He may develop into one in the near future, but for now hes merely a supporting player.

But the journey for Frank begins Wednesday at noon in Michigan. And when the NBA lockout ends, his real test begins.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Kevin Durant Rucker Park performance: NBA star scores 66 points - by Eurobasket News
Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) already had the respect of everybody in the NBA and now he's added a little bit of street cred to his resume.

On Monday night, Kevin Durant put on quite a show for the fans in attendance at the streetball mecca in Harlem known as Rucker Park.

Durant, the two-time defending NBA scoring champion, dazzled the crowd with a barrage of cross-overs and long range shots during an Entertainer's Basketball Classic game.

According to ESPN, Durant fell two points shy of the EBC record for points in a game.

Despite the possibility that there will not be an NBA season this year, Durant has apparently been doing plenty to keep busy basketball-wise during the off-season. In June, he threw down a fantastic dunk during a summer league game and last month, he teamed up with James Harden for an incredible alley-oop in an exhibition.

Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

Nets' Jordan Farmar in negotiations with Israeli team - by Eurobasket News
Nets backup point guard Jordan Farmar (6'2''-PG-86, college: UCLA) is in talks with Israeli team Maccabi Haifa, according to team owner Jeffrey Rosen, a New Jersey native who grew up in West Orange.

'We've been in serious talks with Jordan Farmar, who has expressed great interest to play for Maccabi Haifa,' Rosen said in an e-mail press release. 'We believe we are close to an agreement, but we have a few more hurdles to overcome to make it happen. We would love to have Jordan Farmar join Maccabi Haifa during the NBA lockout and we find his aspirations to play in Israel to be inspirational.'

The Nets played Maccabi Haifa in a preseason game last October at Prudential Center. Maccabi Haifa is also the team that signed American high schooler Jeremy Tyler after his junior year at San Diego High School. That famously did not turn out well for the club or Tyler, who washed out of Israel, then played one season in Japan before being taken in the second round of the 2011 NBA draft by the Charlotte Bobcats and then sent to the Golden State Warriors.

Farmar, 24, is Jewish, and initially, it was believed he would not count as a foreign import player if he played for a team in Israel. However, that is not the case. Farmar would have to apply for Israeli citizenship in order to be counted as an Israeli on the roster, so the team is negotiating with him as an American. Teams in Israel are allowed to dress no more than four import players per game.

In his first season with the Nets in 2010-11, he averaged a career-high 9.6 points and a career-high 5.0 assists per game. He also started a career-best 18 games on the season.

Farmar, who was believed to be negotiating with more than one team in Israel --- Maccabi Tel Aviv was thought to also be trying to sign him --- would be the second locked out Nets player to sign to play overseas. Starting point guard Deron Williams signed a deal earlier this summer to play in Turkey, for Besiktas.

Courtesy of www.nj.com

NBA stars mull playing overseas - by Eurobasket News
NBA players Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette), Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) and Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest) will consider all options if there is no resolution to the NBA lockout.

The three wrapped their weeklong promotional tour of China, where they have been monitoring news from home about the NBA's labor impasse.

Last week, Paul and Anthony said in Hong Kong they would consider moving to China, where there is a huge NBA following.

'As far as coming over here, we've always said this whole trip that our options are open,' the 27-year-old Anthony said Tuesday after playing Chinese teenagers at a promotional event. 'Hopefully, we won't have to take that route -- coming over here. Hopefully, we have a season, but who knows, we shall see.'

Owners and players are still far apart in negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement to replace the one that expired June 30. There is concern that regular-season games could be lost to a work stoppage for the second time in league history.

All three players are members of the U.S. team that won the 2008 Olympic gold medal in Beijing. The 26-year-old Paul said they had a lot of fun on their China tour.

'We will be back soon I hope,' the New Orleans Hornets point guard said.

In Beijing, the three coached and played alongside under-19 and under-21 teams in front of an audience of about 1,700.

Gao Yuan, who played with the three NBAers on Monday at another sponsored event, said he wouldn't like to see them come to China as professional players.

'If they played in China, the game wouldn't be as exciting as the NBA,' the 24-year-old Gao said. 'I love the atmosphere of the NBA, the feeling you get when you watch it.'

Another fan, Li Hua, said he would like to see them come to play for Chinese teams.

'We can go and watch them,' the 29-year-old Li said. 'We wouldn't just see them on TV, we would see them live.'

Courtesy of ESPN

NBA files federal lawsuit, unfair labor practice charge against players' union - by Eurobasket News
One day after NBA Commissioner David Stern essentially doubted that the players were negotiating in good faith, the league backed up that contention with a one-two punch, filing two claims against the Players' Assn.

The first was an unfair labor practice charge before the National Labor Relations Board, and the second, an antitrust lawsuit in federal district court in New York, an often NBA-friendly venue.

These claims were filed in an effort to eliminate the use of impermissible pressure tactics by the union which are impeding the parties ability to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement, said Adam Silver, NBA Deputy Commissioner and chief operating officer.

For the parties to reach agreement on a new CBA, the union must commit to the collective bargaining process fully and in good faith.

Additionally, the statement from the NBA said that the federal lawsuit was seeking to establish that the lockout does not violate federal antitrust laws and if the players' association 'decertification' were to be found lawful, all existing player contracts would become void and unenforceable.

'By making the first move, NBA now has home [federal] court advantage,' said Gabe Feldman, associate professor and the director of Tulane's sports law program, on his twitter feed. 'NY is in Second Circuit. Second Circuit has been very favorable to NBA in previous antitrust litigation with the players.'

In May, the players' union filed its own unfair labor practices charge with the NLRB.

The NBAs legal salvos came less than a day after the owners and union had their first negotiating session since the lockout started, which resulted in no movement by either side.

The NBA locked out its players on July 1 after the previous labor deal expired. The NBA says 23 of its 30 teams are unprofitable and wants to significantly cut the players 57% share of basketball revenue in the last contract. The players' union contends the league's financial problems are not significant and has offered to cut the players' share of revenue to 54.3%. Stern dismissed that offer as 'modest.'

Courtesy of www.latimes.com

Joakim Noah set to join up with France team - by Eurobasket News
Injured Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Florida) should be ready to join his France teammates later this week, the French Basketball Federation said.

Noah has been having treatment in Los Angeles on his right ankle. The French team's osteopath and the Bulls' physiotherapist are said to be happy that Noah's injury has responded well to treatment.

'After seeing the conclusions from the two specialists, the franchise (Chicago Bulls) doctor should give his accord for Joakim Noah to return to the France team, without having to go to Chicago,' the FFBB said Monday on its website.

France is training in Pau this week ahead of the European Championship. France will play Latvia on Aug. 31.

'There's been good progress, and Joakim seems to have recovered well from the little problem he had,' France team director Patrick Beesley said. 'I am optimistic that he will be in Pau by the end of the week.'

France will play Spain in a friendly match on Monday.

Noah, who sprained his right ankle playing for the Bulls in March, was also limited by a thumb injury last season. He averaged 11.7 points and 10.4 rebounds in 48 games while helping the Bulls to an NBA-best 62 wins.

Courtesy of www.chron.com

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


Blue roundup: Jabari Parker 'serious' about BYU - by Eurobasket News
Jabari Parker (95) is regarded as one of the top high school basketball players in the country, and he is a top prospect in the Class of 2013.

Parker, who is a member of the LDS Church, recently told National Hoops Report that his interest in BYU is 'pretty serious.'

They keep on recruiting me and Im showing interest in them, too,' Parker said. 'I dont have any favorites, but they are in there.

Among the other schools recruiting Parker include Duke, Michigan State, Illinois, Washington and Kansas.

Writes Bobby Bancroft, 'As is the case with every five-star player, Parker has plenty of potential destinations at the next level and is quite busy dealing with all of those suitors in the month of July. From the sound of things, the Chicago native is taking things in stride and moving at his own pace.'

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has reportedly compared Parker to Kobe Bryant and Grant Hill.

Meanwhile, former BYU quarterback John Beck has begun his battle to become the Washington Redskins starter. Beck is the starter according to the depth chart, though coach Mike Shanahan likely won't name a starter until after the end of the preseason.

Courtesy of www.deseretnews.com

D-League's Texas Legends chasing Bruce Pearl for Head Coach job, says report - by Eurobasket News
The Texas Legends, the D-League affiliate of the NBA champion Dallas Mavericks, are making a push for former Tennessee Volunteers head coach Bruce Pearl , reports ESPN's Marc Stein.

Pearl was fired by Tennessee in March after the NCAA had alerted the university of violations by the coach, including that Pearl lied to NCAA investigators. It's unclear whether the NCAA will prevent Pearl, 51, from holding a Division-I job for any amount of time, but certainly universities are unlikely to bring Pearl in.

Enter the NBA, or more specifically the D-League, which has before been a landing spot for disgraced NCAA coaches. Quin Snyder landed as the head coach of the D-League's Austin Toros for three seasons following his resignation under fire at Missouri; he is now an assistant under Mike Brown with the Los Angeles Lakers.

After Kelvin Sampson was fired by Indiana University and slapped with a five-year show cause order by the NCAA over recruiting violations, he worked for the San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks and now the Houston Rockets. He was considered an early candidate for the Detroit Pistons head coach job that eventually went to Lawrence Frank.

Pearl will meet with Legends officials this week, Stein reports. Nancy Lieberman, who coached the Legends last season, has moved into the team's front office.

Courtesy of www.sbnation.com

Rotnei Clarke set to transfer to Butler - by Eurobasket News
Rotnei Clarke (6'0''-G-89), one of the nation's best shooting guards, will transfer from Arkansas to Butler.

His father confirmed the decision in a text message Monday night. CBSsports.com first reported the move.

It's a major recruiting win for the Bulldogs, who have lost the national championship game each of the past two seasons.

Clarke averaged 15.2 points for Arkansas last season and shot well from 3-point range.

He chose Butler over Oklahoma.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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


Breakers confirm Wilkinson to return - by Eurobasket News
American centre Gary Wilkinson (206-F-82, college: Utah St.) is set to return for the iiNet National Basketball League champion New Zealand Breakers.

Breakers CEO Richard Clarke announced on Radio Sport this afternoon that the 2.04m big man would return to Atlas Place for another season, pending NBL approval on the contract. It is reported to be a two-year deal.

The news comes hot on the heels of star shooting guard Kirk Penney announcing on Saturday that he had exercised an out-clause to play for Fuenlabrada in the Spanish ACB league.

'Kirk gave us a heads-up about a week out that the Spanish thing was going to come off. So we were able to run two recruitment models over that time - the one where Kirk still here and the one where he wasn't,' Clarke said.

'On Saturday when he told us that he was definitely going we were able to action the second of those plans and what we've been able to do is Gary Wilkinson, who we wanted but was out of our range, we were able to go back to him with a revised offer and he's accepted.

'It still needs approval from the NBL but the big guy will be back this season, which should be exciting for fans because he was a real favourite.'

Wilkinson was an influential part in the Breakers' run to their first championship, averaging 15.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in 32 games, while shooting 53.8 percent from the field. Wilkinson was an All-NBL First Team selection, alongside Penney.

Last season's other import, guard Kevin Braswell, is unlikely to be back, Clarke said.

'We need two more guys. We need one more local to replace Kirk and we have another import spot. And that import will be a point guard,' Clarke said.

'Kevin's issue is complicated because of his Achilles injury, all our medical teams that are working with him are saying he won't be back fully on court until mid-November, which is six weeks after we start playing, a situation that's going to work.

'We're looking at import point guards and there will be another New Zealander to join the roster and we just need to look at who is the best player to take up that spot, and guys like Leon Henry are definitely in the mix for that spot.'

Courtesy of NBL (www.nbl.com.au)

*****************************************************
  PERU   


Standings - Superior
Superior Standings
 1. Real Club 20-2 
 2. Regatas 20-2 
 3. Escuela Fap 18-5 
 4. Inmaculada 13-9 
 5. El Bosque 13-10 
 6. Centro Naval 10-13 
 7. Ejercito 8-15 
 8. San Augustin 6-16 
 9. San Marcos 3-19 
 10. Universitario 1-21 


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


LKS Sphinx Petrolinvest Lodz sign Kirk Archibeque - by Eurobasket Center
LKS Sphinx Petrolinvest Lodz signed 27-year old American center Kirk Archibeque (205-C-84, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Fort Lewis). Archibeque played most recently at SKS Polpharma-Pakmet Starogard Gd. (PLK). While playing 26 games for Polpharma last season his stats were: 9.1ppg and 6.2rpg. With Polpharma Kirk won Polish Cup title. Before came to Poland, Archibeque has played in Slovakia (Astrum Levice). He will be second American player in LKS so far. A couple days ago LKS signed Jermaine Mallet for the upcoming season.

Newcomers in Slask Wroclaw - by Greg
WKS Slask Wroclaw strenghtened their roster by adding two more players: Aleksandar Mladenovic (207-F/C-84, agency: BeoExcell) and Pawel Buczak (206-C-88).
Mladenovic came from Romania, where he played for BC Mures Targu-Mures. While playing in 31 games in Romanian League his stats were: 16.7ppg, 6.9rpg and 1.4bpg (5th best shoot blocker in the league). BC Targu-Mures also played in Balkan League. He was the best scorer (21.0ppg) and shoot blocker (2.1bpg), also 2nd best rebounder (8.3rpg) in the League. Mladenovic was named Eurobasket.com All-Balkan League Center and Defensive Player of the Year.
Slask Wroclaw also landed for a try-out Pawel Buczak. The Polish-American center spent his college career with Princeton. After the try-out coach Miodrag Rajkovic will decide if Buczak will find his place in the roster for upcoming season.

U16: Lithuania overcome Poland for second win in a row - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U16 - Poland U16 85:78

Lithuania recorded the second straight win at the U16 European Championship. They outscored Poland for 2-0 record in classification round Group G. Edvinas Seskus (191-F-95) stepped up with 18 points and 10 assists for the winners. Poland fell at 1-1 record after the loss.
Lithuania earned an 18:11 lead midway through the opening period. But Poland capped the period with 5 points in a row to narrow the deficit. Poland went on a 9:0 run in the second frame to surge ahead. They maintained the lead recording a 45:38 halftime advantage. Lithuania needed a 10:0 rally to post a 61:57 lead midway through the third term. The Baltic team arrived at the final intermission up by three points 65:62. Lithuania kept the pressure on Poland. Karolis Razukas (198-F-95) and Mykolaitis bolstered the margin to 7 points with just over two minutes to go and Lithuania ran for the victory. Paulius Valinskas (185-G-95) nailed 14 points, while Karolis Razukas added 12 points in the win. Witlinksi responded with 35 points and 13 rebounds for Poland. Damian Jeszke (200-F-95) had 15 points in the losing effort.

Lithuania U16: Edvinas Seskus 18+10 assists, Paulius Valinskas 14, Karolis Razukas 12
Poland U16: Mikolaj Witlinski (201-F-95) 35+13 boards, Damian Jeszke 15


*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL   


U16: Guimaraes leads Portugal over Austria - by Eurobasket News
Portugal U16-Austria U16 76:40

Portugal won over Austria in their last game of the Preliminary Round at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team overcame the opponents 76:40 and will play for the 9-16 places. Austria meanwhile remained winless at the tournament and will play for 17-22 places.
Portugal had an easy start and produced 23:10 in the first 10 minutes. Joao Guimaraes (196-C-95) and Joao Moreira (195-C-95) opened the second frame with 27:10 and Joao Moreira delivered two fro 40:20. Portugal decided not to slow down and continued their dominance in the court. They won the third period 14-11 and finished the game with 22-7 in the last quarter. Amiel made the last two free throws for the final result in the game.
Joao Guimaraes stepped up with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Joao Moreira and Isaias Insaly (197-F/C-95) added 11 apiece. Marvin Ogunsipe (193-F-96) and Stefan Neudecker (190-G/F-95) delivered 7 points each in the losing effort.

Portugal U16: Joao Guimaraes 16+10 rebs, Joao Moreira 11, Isaias Insaly 11
Austria U16: Marvin Ogunsipe 7, Stefan Neudecker 7


Antonio Tavares leaves Benfica - by Bruno Baltazar
Antonio Tavares (183-G-75) leaves Benfica after 9 years with the team and tremendous sucess as a player and lots of trophies as a team player for the team he loves!
He was the team captain ,he is still one of the players more used in the portuguese national team and hes shape is a top shape even with his age.
Tremendous experience the shooter has his main weapon as a ofensive player and comanding the team as a guard ,now the question is raised ,will he retire or will he continue in another team?
If he retires will leave basketball when he is top shape and very surpring if he does that as he is still a example to the younger players,inside and outside the basketball arena.

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


Stats Leaders - BSN
Points Per Game
 Angel Daniel VASSALLO
  Guaynabo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 22.2
 1. Vassallo, Guaynabo22.2 
 2. Ramos, Quebradillas21.8 
 3. Johnson, Humacao21.2 
 4. Dalmau, Bayamon20.5 
 5. Ayuso, Arecibo19.6 
 6. Villegas, Coamo19.1 
 7. Harris, San German18.3 
 8. Randolph, Isabela18.0 
 9. Washington, Quebra.17.2 
 10. Carmona, Mayaguez17.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Mike HARRIS
  San German
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 12.3
 1. Harris, San German12.3 
 2. Randolph, Isabela12.3 
 3. Narvaez, Coamo11.6 
 4. Pruitt, Guaynabo11.3 
 5. Ramos, Quebradillas10.4 
 6. Lloreda, San G.10.0 
 7. Tucker, Quebradill.9.4 
 8. Clemente, Mayaguez9.1 
 9. Sweetney, Santurce9.1 
 10. Johnson, Humacao8.5 
Assists Per Game
 Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Arecibo
  (182-PG-81)
  Avg: 6.2
 1. Rodriguez, Arecibo6.2 
 2. Brown, Quebradillas5.9 
 3. Rivera, San German5.5 
 4. Dalmau, Bayamon5.4 
 5. Clinch, Isabela4.5 
 6. Clemente, Humacao4.4 
 7. Washington, Quebra.4.2 
 8. Guzman, Guaynabo4.2 
 9. Rivera, Mayaguez4.2 
 10. Bruton, Quebradil.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Darius WASHINGTON
  Quebra.
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Washington, Quebra.2.1 
 2. Rodriguez, Arecibo1.8 
 3. Hinson, Isabela1.8 
 4. Rivera, Mayaguez1.6 
 5. Clinch, Isabela1.5 
 6. Hodge, Santurce1.4 
 7. Mojica, Bayamon1.4 
 8. Chaney, Santurce1.3 
 9. Santiago, Santurce1.3 
 10. Carmona, Mayaguez1.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Kleon PENN
  Humacao
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Penn, Humacao2.6 
 2. Sanchez, Santurce1.9 
 3. Santiago, Arecibo1.8 
 4. Lee, Bayamon1.6 
 5. Aubry, Arecibo1.5 
 6. Harris, San German1.4 
 7. Randolph, Isabela1.4 
 8. Freije, Coamo1.1 
 9. Shannon, Bayamon1.0 
 10. Robinson, Mayagu.1.0 


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


Romania edged Brazil Universiade team in Munster - by Eurobasket News
Romania -Brazil Universiade team 77:72

Romania edged Brazil Universiade team in Munster at the International Tournament with 4 teams. Romania needed 77:72 victory to start with the first success.
Romania started strong and reached 14:10 after the first 10 minutes. Brazil trailed in the whole half and after 7-0 run at the end of it reduced to 36:30. Romania enjoyed 44:34 midway through the third quarter and had 59:51 after thirty minutes. The European team held off the opponents and won their opener. Andrei Capusan (201-F-83, agency: Court Side, college: Lafayette) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Tudor Dumitrescu (195-G-79) netted 17. Ionut Dragusin (221-C-85) and Mihai Silvasan (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) posted 9 apiece, while Paul Chetreanu (190-G-85) notched 8.
Germany A 2 Team beat Japan Universiade team in Munster at the start of the Nation Cup with 4 teams participating. In Day 2 Romania will face Germany, while Brazil will take on Japan.



U16: Romania squeeze into the Elite Eight - by Eurobasket News
Romania U16-Georgia U16 64:47

Romania squeezes into the Elite Eight of the U16 European Championship in Strumica with 2-2 record. The team needed 64:47 victory over Georgia to grab the last ticket from A.
Romania needed a confident win to seal the place at the Qualifying Round. They opened the game with 15-11 and added massive 21-7 in the second frame. Bogdan Pogacean (197-C-95) closed the half at 36:18 to bring the Romania team 18-point advantage before the big break. Vlad Cobzaru (203-C-95) increased to 46:20, while Archili Puluzashvili (200-C-95) reduced to 50:34 after thirty minutes. Due to 14-13 in the last frame Romania won the game and advanced to the next stage.
Andrei Ciordas (203-C-95) erupted with 29 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and Vlad Cobzaru had 16 points and 14 boards. Mehmet Hortoglu (194-F-95) scored 12 and Bogdan Pogacean delivered 3. Archili Puluzashvili finished the night with 12 points and Aleksandre Bolkvadze (194-F-95) posted 8.

Romania U16: Andrei Ciordas 29+10 rebs, Vlad Cobzaru 16+14 rebs, Mehmet Hortoglu 12, Bogdan Pogacean 3
Georgia U16: Archili Puluzashvili 12, Aleksandre Bolkvadze 8


Timisoara signs PF Robert Sarovic - by Eurobasket News
Robert Sarovic (205-F-78) is a new member of Timisoara. The Serbian/German power forward penned a deal for the next season. Timisoara will compete in Romanian and Balkan league. Sarovic heads to his new club from Mlekarna Miltra Novy Jicin, where he spent last four years. He played 29 games in Czech NBL last season averaging 12.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists. A year before that he had 13.9 ppg and 5.6 rpg. Sarovic exploded in his first season with Novy Jicin. It was in 2007/08, when Sarovic had 16.8 ppg and 6.6 rpg. In the past, Robert Sarovic was a member of Paris Basket Racing and Greek Egaleo. He also has experience from Lausanne Morges, Bremerhaven, Dusseldorf and Eintracht Frankfurt. In 2008, Robert Sarovic was named Eurobasket.com Czech Rep. League Best Bosman A of the Year -08. He participated twice at the NBL All-Star Game.

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


Russia post second straight win at Boris Stankovic Cup - by Eurobasket News
Russia - China 67:52

Russia (University National Team) recorded the second consecutive win at the Boris Stankovic Cup. They overcame hosting China tonight. Andrey Mateyunas (180-G-88) and Igor Smygin (197-G/F-87, agency: Alti Sport, college: Surgut-2) scored 14 points each to pace the winners.
Russia dominated right from the start. They knocked down 23 points to post a 9-point lead at the first break. Russia kept their opponents at bay throughout the second frame. The visitors earned a 38:24 halftime advantage. China tried to change the complexion of the game in the third period. They cut the deficit to 13 points with ten minutes remaining. Russia however picked up the tempo in the fourth quarter and rallied to the victory at the end. Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87) provided 10 points and 9 rebounds in the win. Wang ShiPeng (197-G/F-83) responded with 17 points for China. Yue Sun (206-G/F-85) finished with 12 points in defeat.

Russia: Andrey Mateyunas 14, Igor Smygin 14, Anatoly Kashirov 10
China: Wang ShiPeng 17, Yue Sun 12


U16: Peterka leads the hosts over the Russian representatives - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U16-Russia U16 80:75

Martin Peterka (199-F-95) leads the hosts over the Russian representatives at the U16 European Championship in Division A. Czech Republic won over Russia 80:75 for 3-1 record, while Russia fell at 1-3.
Vasily Martynov (185-PG-95) opened the game from the perimeter, but Czech Republic won the rest of the period and took 15:11 after 10 minutes. Jiri Soula (187-G-95) scored for 26:18 and Rubes brought double digit lead. Pavel Sizov (198-F-95) however scored 11 points in a row for Russia to give them 42:40 advantage at the halftime. After 21-14 in the third period, the hosts took 61:56 after thirty minutes and managed to save 5-point deficit.
Martin Peterka exploded with 26 points and 17 rebounds, while Jiri Soula posted 17. Prokop Slanina (204-C-95) netted 13, whilst Radovan Kouril (182-PG-95) added 11. Pavel Sizov replied with 25 points in the losing effort, whilst Vasily Martynov posted 19.

Czech Republic U16: Martin Peterka 26+17 rebs, Jiri Soula 17, Prokop Slanina 13, Radovan Kouril 11
Russia U16: Pavel Sizov 25, Vasily Martynov 19, Alexander Gankevich (197-F-95) 13


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


Igokea keeps Milan Dozet - by Eurobasket News
Igokea signed one-year contract extension with forward Milan Dozet (203-G/F-79, agency: Alti Sport). The 31-year-old Serbian joined Igokea last summer from APOEL Nicosia. He played 26 games in Adriatic league registering 8.6 points and 2.2 rebounds. Dozet also added 7 ppg and 2 rpg for 13 games in Bosnia. Igokea reached Bosnian league Finals, but failed against Siroki. In 2009/10, Milan Dozet paced APOEL Nicosia to Cypriot league title. He averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists that season. Dozet also added 9.2 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 19 games in EuroChallenge. In 2008/09, Dozet also played on Cyprus. He was a member of AEL Limassol at that time and they won the Cup together. In the past, Milan Dozet played for Panellinios, Kyiv, Vojvodina, Crvena Zvezda, Sloga and Partizan.

U16: Serbia frustrate Greece in Group E - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U16 - Greece U16 82:74

Serbia prevailed against Greece at Qualifying Round of U16 European Championship. The victory carried Serbia at 2-2 record in the standings. Nikola Rebic (186-PG-95) and Brano Djukanovic (193-G-95) knocked down 16 points to lead the charge. Greece fell at 0-4 record after the loss.
Serbia jumped in front early in the game but Greece responded with an 8:0 run midway through the period to take a 14:9 lead. Serbia trailed by two points at the first break 14:16. The Serbian team used a 9:1 run midway through the second stanza to grab a 34:24 advantage. They clinched a 42:33 halftime lead. Greece stayed within striking distance throughout the third frame. They levelled things up at 54 before Serbia eked out a 59:56 lead with one quarter remaining. The Hellenes drew things level at 74 with just over a minute remaining. But Nikola Rebic answered with a three-pointer triggering an 8:0 run that sealed the win for Serbia. Dorde Kaplanovic (204-F-95) and Djoko Salic (208-C-95) provided 11 points each in the victory. Michail Liapis (188-G-95) responded with 18 points for Greece. Georgios Papadionysioy (185-PG-95) finished with 13 points in defeat.

Serbia U16: Nikola Rebic 16, Brano Djukanovic 16, Dorde Kaplanovic 11, Djoko Salic 11
Greece U16: Michail Liapis 18, Georgios Papadionysioy 13


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


U16: Ireland hammer Slovak Republic - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic U16-Ireland U16 50:73

Ireland hammer Slovak Republic in the game between two teams that did not celebrate the victories before facing each other at the U16 European Championship in Division B. Ireland needed 73:50 for the initial win in Group C as both teams will play in the Classification Round for 17-22 places.
Ireland surprised the opponents with 7-0 run in the opening tip and John Carroll (198-F-95) scored for 14:2. McDonnell delivered two at the end of the period for 23:5. In the second period Slovak Republic needed 16-10 to reduce the gap to 33:21 at the halftime. Ireland however pushed the tempo for good in the third quarter and reached the comfortable victory. They erupted with 27-16 in the third for 60:37 and Lyons scored for 73:48 at the end. Vago closed the game with a hook shot for the final result.
John Carroll paced all the winners with 30 points and Conor Quinn (187-G-95) scored 10. Matej Baluch (192-F-95) brought 15 points for Slovakia and Vladimir Nemcok (178-PG-95) netted 7.

Slovak Republic U16: Matej Baluch 15, Vladimir Nemcok 7
Ireland U16: John Carroll 30, Conor Quinn 10


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


U16: Slovenia wins Group B in Strumica, bring perfect record to the Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News
Finland U16-Slovenia U16 76:83

Slovenia wins Group B in Strumica, bring perfect record to the Qualifying Round of the U16 European Championship in Division B. Slovenia won over Finland 83:76 as the latter fell at 2-3 record and will play at the Classification Round for lower places.
Both teams nailed 15 points each in the opening period, while the Scandinavian team took control in the second frame. Oskar Michelsen (197-F-95) opened it from the perimeter and Ozan Odabasi (196-C-95) scored for 29:19. After 22-14 in it, Emir Sulejmanovic (203-C/F-95) made it 39:31 at the end of the second quarter. The second half however fully belonged to the Slovenia team that tied the game first at 55:55 when Matic Rebec (179-PG-95) made a three. Moreover he also gave his team 1-point lead entering the last stanza. In the fourth period Slovenia added 27-21 margin to remain undefeated.
Matic Rebec led the way with 24 points and Aleksej Nikolic (185-PG-95) netted 14. Blaz Abram (184-PG-95) posted 12, while Jure Ritlop (202-F-95) added 10 points and 10 caroms. Ozan Odabasi ended up with 15 points in the losing effort, while Oskar Michelsen and Emir Sulejmanovic nailed 13 points apiece.

Finland U16: Ozan Odabasi 15, Oskar Michelsen 13, Emir Sulejmanovic 13+12 rebs
Slovenia U16: Matic Rebec 24, Aleksej Nikolic 14, Blaz Abram 12, Jure Ritlop 10+10 rebs


*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA   


Interview - 10 Questions with Wonju Promy's Rod Benson - by Jeff Liebsch
Rod Benson (208-F/C-84, college: California) is returning to Dongbu Promy this season, and he's looking to bring a title this time, after they fell two games short last year. In this recent interview, he talks about last season, what he's been doing this offseason, and life as a controversial basketball blogger.

1. How would you rate the competitiveness of the KBL?

The KBL is a pretty competitive league. The top Koreans and Americans play a huge role against one another and it's a very smart league all around. It's not a place for dummies.

2. How disappointed were you to lose in the finals last year?

As a competitor, I want to win every game. I've been to a few championship games in my time as a pro and that was the first time I lost. Back to the drawing board.

3. What are your goals for the upcoming season?

I'd be happy with the exact same season as last year, just with 2 more wins in April.

4. How do you think the league will be different with only 1 foreign player per team?

There will be more Korean players who have to play in critical situations. Foul trouble is also going to be a big factor in wins and losses.

5. Besides yourself, who are the best players in the league?

All the foreigners are really good players. The Koreans like Kim Joo Song, Jarrod Stevenson, Greg Stevenson, and Ha Seung Jin are the ones who will determine the top teams.

6. What have you been doing in the offseason?

I was injured for the first 2 months of the offseason, so I didn't do much. I rested and recovered. Now I'm back training and getting in shape. Off the court, I've been cultivating my clothing line, and my two websites: boomthoshop.com and swagbomb.com.

7. Your blog toomuchrodbenson.com has been criticized by some people as 'breaking the locker room code.' What are your thoughts on that and are you going to be blogging again this season?

That's interesting as I don't think I've ever written anything my teammates didn't approve of first. Otherwise, I'd have trouble finding any sort of team chemistry. As it stands, I've always been well liked and on winning teams. That doesn't exactly add up. That said, I'm more interesting in my new site which is more photo and video based -- less long blogs and whatnot.

8. How did the 'Boom Tho' Movement get started?

It started with a stupid saying in college that led to an even dumber music video, that eventually became my tag line on the path to the NBA. Today it's a clothing line and lifestyle brand centered around fun, hype, and swag.

9. Do you think they'll be an NBA season this year?

I do, but I'm an optimist. I think it will be a shortened season, the Heat will win, and people will criticize LeBron for 'choosing' to win this season.

10. Do you hope to make it back to play in the NBA someday?

I do indeed. I'm always getting better, and there's nothing like playing ball in the USA. Nobody wants to say they spent their 20's alone in Korea.

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


Boni Ndong stays with Barca - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca announced signing of a one-year deal with Boniface Ndong (213-C-77). It will be third straight season with Barca for the Senegalese center. In the latest one he had 6.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for 20 Euroleague games. Ndong also added 6 ppg and 3.8 rpg in 41 Spanish league games. Barca won the ACB title and Copa del Rey. In 2009/10, Boniface Ndong helped Barca to win the Euroleague title. He had 8.9 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 20 games that season. In Spain, Ndong added 6.5 ppg and 3.8 rpg. Before Barca, Boniface Ndong spent two and a half years with Unicaja Malaga. He also has experience from Spartak St Petersburg, Los Angeles Clippers and Dijon. Boniface Ndong played for the Senegalese National Team at the AfroBasket 2009 in Libya. He shined with 19 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 1.6 bpg for 7 games at this event. In 2005, he was named Africabasket.com AllAfrican Championships Best Center.

Porfirio Fisac takes over Fuenlabrada - by Eurobasket News
Porfirio Fisac is the new Head Coach of Fuenlabrada. The Spanish specialist is hired for the next two years. He arrives to Fuenla from Valladolid, where he worked last three seasons. He took them over in 2008 and led the team to LEB Gold title. Of course Valladolid won the promotion for ACB and Fisac was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold Coach of the Year -09. In 2009/10, they had no troubles to survive in ACB. Last season, Valladolid ended as No.9. They were very close to reach the Playoffs. Before Valladolid, Porfirio Fisac worked three years with Bruesa. He helped them win LEB1 title in 2006. A year before that, Bruesa reached LEB2 Finals and was promoted to LEB1. Fisac also has experience from Ciudad Algeciras Cepsa and Tarragona.

Tenerife extends Georvys Elias and Nicholas Moore - by Eurobasket News
Tenerife announced signing of a one-year contract extension with Georvys Elias (199-F-81) and Nicholas Moore (186-PG-80, college: Toledo).
Georvys Elias joined the club last summer from Magec Tias Lanzarote. He played 31 games in EBA collecting 16.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.4 apg and 1.6 spg. He helped Tenerife win the regular season in EBA, Group B. Elias played for the Cuban National team at the CBC Championships in Tortilla two years ago. He helped them win the Bronze at this event with 10 ppg and 6 rpg. Elias also helped Cuba win the Gold at CARICOM Championships 2004. With Ciego de Avila, Elias was Cuban LSB champion in 2009.
Nicholas Moore had 10.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 2.6 apg for Tenerife last season. Before that, he played for Optica Correa Tacoronte, Ourense, Rosalia and Caja Rioja.
Tenerife will compete in LEB Silver next season.

U16: Spain gaining speed in Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News
Spain U16 - Germany U16 54:42

Spain posted the fourth straight win at the U16 European Championship. They thumped German counterparts to gain 3-1 record in Group E. Agusti Sans (195-F-95) came up with 12 points to lead the effort. Germany suffered the first defeat at the tournament and fell at 3-1 record in the standings.
Spain opened the game on an 8:2 run. They stayed in front to ensure a 15:9 lead at the first break. Germany managed to get within two points late in the half. They trailed by four 26:30 at the interval. Spain stretched the gap back to 12 points in the third quarter. They eventually posted a 47:31 lead with one quarter remaining. Germany limited their opponents to just 7 points in the fourth period but scored 11 which was too little to threaten the deficit. Alberto Martin (174-G-95) knocked down 11 points in the victory. Ismet Akpinar (188-PG-95) responded with 12 points for Germany. Janis Stielow (192-G-95) and Stefan Ilzhofer (198-F-95) netted 6 points apiece in the loss.

Spain U16: Agusti Sans 12, Alberto Martin 11, Ilimane Diop (210-C-95) 8
Germany U16: Ismet Akpinar 12, Janis Stielow 6, Stefan Ilzhofer 6


Coach Pepu Hernandez returns to Estudiantes - by Eurobasket News
Jose Vicente Hernandez is back to Estudiantes. Pepu took over the team as a Head Coach and will lead them for the next two years. Hernadez worked as HC of Estudiantes from 1994 until 2005. He also was their Assistant Coach in the past. With the Students, Hernandez reached ACB Finals in 2004. He was named Eurobasket All-Spanish ACB Coach of the Year -04. In 2003 and 2004, Estudiantes played in the ULEB Cup Semifinals. In 2000, they won the Copa del Rey. Last year and a half Hernadez worked as HC of DKV Joventut. Jose Vicente Hernandez was Head Coach of the Spanish National Team in 2006 and 2007. They won the Gold at the FIBA World Championship 2006 in Japan. A year later Spain won the Silver at the EuroBasket 2007.

Sant Josep Girona returns Xavi Guirao - by Eurobasket News
Xavier Guirao (190-G-87) is back to Sant Josep Girona after two years. The Spanish guard is ready to make debut in LEB Gold. He signed a one-year deal with his new/old club. Guirao spent last two years with AD Tarragona. He appeared 37 times in LEB Silver last season averaging 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.6 steals. Eurobasket awarded Guirao with All-Spanish LEB Silver 3rd Team -11. He helped Tarragona reach the LEB Silver Semifinals. In their first season together, Guirao had 9.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 1.1 apg for 25 games. As mentioned above, Xavier Guirao played for Sant Josep Girona in 2008/09 season. He had 8.7 ppg and 3.1 rpg for 30 games. At that time Girona competed in LEB Bronze.

Jose Amador is back to Mallorca - by Eurobasket News
Mallorca announced signing of Jose Amador (210-F/C-83, agency: Duran International) for the next season. It means that the Spanish big guy is back to Mallorca after one year. He spent it with Leche Rio Bregan Lugo. Amador played 41 games in LEB Gold collecting 5.2 ppg and 2.5 rpg. He helped Breogan reach the LEB Gold Semifinals. Jose Amador played for Mallorca in 2009/10 season. He was one of their better players with 9.6 ppg and 3.8 rpg in 34 games. Before that, he spent one year with CB Vic. Amador spent second half of the 2007/08 season also with Vic and helped them win the LEB Silver title. He had 10 ppg and 4.1 rpg for 22 games. Amador has experience from Bruesa, Cantabria Lobos, Pamesa Castellon, Pamesa Valencia and Gandia.

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  SWEDEN   


Army Sport Klub signs center Joakim Kjellbom - by Eurobasket News
Joakim Kjellbom (213-C/F-79, college: N.Arizona) will continue his career in Georgia. The Swedish big guy signed a one-year deal with the Georgian reigning champion Army Sport Klub. He spent last three seasons with the Norrkoping Dolphins. In the latest one Kjellbom shined with 15.3 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 1.9 bpg in 14 games in EuroChallenge. He was named Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge 2nd Team -11. In Swedish league Kjellbom added 14.9 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 1.8 bpg in 48 games. There he was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan 2nd team -11. Norrkoping also competed in Baltic league, were Joakim Kjellbom collected 14.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 1.6 bpg for 20 games. He received Eurobasket.com All-Baltic League Honorable Mention -11. In 2010, Kjellbom was Eurobasket.com All-Baltic League (Challenge Cup) Player of the Year -10. He paced Norrkoping to Challenge Cup title that year. In the past, Joakim Kjellbom played for Sundsvall Dragons.

U16: Hungary wins Group C of the U16 European Championship in Division B, left Sweden out of the next stage - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U16-Hungary U16 66:72

Hungary wins Group C of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team improved to 5-0 record after 72:66 over Sweden that could not make it to the Qualifying Round with 3-2 record. Armenia took their spot as they won over Switzerland 81:63. The latter and Sweden will play at the Classification Round for 9-16 places.
Sweden started with 15:9 and looked better in the first half. They added 19-17 in the second period for 34:26 halftime advantage. Sogolj brought 42:32 and it seemed the victory was not too far from the Scandinavian team, but they could not celebrate it. Hungary reduced to 54:53 at the end of the third period and were too good at the last stanza. Papp gave the lead at 66:64 and then Zoltan Perl (189-G-95) delivered the last 6 points for the winners.
Zoltan Perl kept Hungary undefeated with 20 points and Eric Vrana (189-G-95) posted 14. Janos Velkey (193-G-95) nailed 11, while Gyorgy Goloman (204-F/C-96) added 9. Ludvig Hakanson (187-PG-96) ended up with 17 points in the losing case and Valter Lindstrom (180-PG-95) as well as Lars Granat (181-PG-95) had 12 apiece.

Sweden U16: Ludvig Hakanson 17, Valter Lindstrom 12, Lars Granat 12
Hungary U16: Zoltan Perl 20, Eric Vrana 14, Janos Velkey 11, Gyorgy Goloman 9


*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


U16: Armenia achieved a historical win to advance to the Qualifying Round in Division B - by Eurobasket News
Armenia U16-Switzerland U16 81:63

Armenia achieved a historical win to advance to the Qualifying Round in Division B of the U16 European Championship. The underdogs won over Switzerland 81:63 as three teams in the group finished with 3-2 records. Due to the better difference in the game between each other, Armenia left Sweden and Switzerland out of the Final Eight.
Armenia opened the game with 22:16 and Arkadiy Mkrtychyan (95) made two free throws for 24:19. He brought his team 36:24 midway through the second period and scored for 40:28. Bozic closed the first half at 40:29 as Switzerland could not match with the opponents. Armenia added 25-14 in the third period for 65:43, while Switzerland won the last stanza 20-16.
Arkadiy Mkrtychyan and Andrey Konstantinov (95) poured in 20 points each and added 21 rebounds together. Sergei Pogosyan (95) posted 11, while Sergey Polukhin (95) followed them with 8. Mathias Tolusso (186-G-95) delivered 15 points for the Swiss side and Arnaud Cotture (200-F/C-95) netted 12.

Armenia U16: Arkadiy Mkrtychyan 20+13 rebs, Andrey Konstantinov 20, Sergei Pogosyan 11, Sergey Polukhin 8
Switzerland U16: Mathias Tolusso 15, Arnaud Cotture 12, Randon Gruninger (190-F-95) 11+11 rebs


BBC Monthey signs Jeremy Price, completes roster - by Eurobasket News
BBC Monthey completed their roster for the upcoming season. Their latest addition to the squad is American rookie Jeremy Price (203-F-88, agency: Strategic Sports). The 23-year-old forward signed a one-year deal with the club. He graduated few months ago at the University of Georgia. There he had 9.3 ppg and 5 rpg for 33 games as a senior. In 2009/10, Price had 7.2 ppg and 4 rpg. As a freshman, Price helped Georgia to win the SEC Tournament. In was in 2007/08, when Price averaged 8.1 points and 4.4 rebounds in 34 games. He was named SEC All-Freshman Team -08. Below is the complete BBC Monthey roster for the next season.


BBC Monthey roster 2011/12

Ian Boylan (USA)
Martin Mihajlovic (CRO/SLO)
Jeremy Price (USA)
Therry Smith (USA)
Jonathan Dubas (CH)
Stephane Grau (CH)
Michael Jacobsen (CH)
Chris Lhermite (CH)
Gardner Louissant (CH)
Steeve Louissaint (CH)
Mladen Lukic (CH)
Johan Pottier (CH)

Head coach: Peter Aleksic
Assistant coach: Antoine Mantey



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  TURKEY   


Antalya signs former NT player Valentin Pastal - by Eurobasket News
Valentin Pastal (204-F-84) signed a deal with Antalya for the next season. The Turkish power forward spent the last one with Mersin, but struggled to get minutes. He appeared only ten times in TBL averaging less than a point. From 2007 until the last summer Pastal was a member of Karsiyaka. In their last season together he had 1.8 ppg and 1.4 rpg for 25 TBL games. He had better digits in the first two years. In 2006/07, Valentin Pastal played for Beykoz and before that he spent one year with Galatasaray. From 2002 to 2005, Pastal was a member of Efes Pilsen. With them he won two TBL titles. In 2004 and 2005, Valentin Pastal played for the Turkish National Team.

Galatasaray Medical Park extends Haluk Yildirim - by Baha Kurtulus
Galatasaray Medical Park officially announced signing of one-year contract extension with Haluk Yildirim (200-F-72, agency: 1x1 Sports).
One of the legendary players of Turkish Basketball Haluk Yildirim extended their contract at least one year. He played Ulker, Turk Telekom, Besiktas and Galatasaray respectively.
In 2011 he was selected in All-Star for the tenth times and named as 'Star Of Stars'

He played 39 games in Turkish league registering 4.8 points and 2.3 rebounds. Haluk also added 2.0 ppg and 3.1 rpg for 13 games in Eurocup.



Banvit signs deal with Clifford Hammonds - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Clifford Hammonds (191-G-85, college: Clemson) became a new member of Banvit. The American guard penned a one-year deal with his new club. He heads to Banvit from ASVEL, where he spent last season. He appeared 35 times in ProA averaging 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Hammonds also added 11.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 4 apg for 6 EuroCup games. In Euroleague Qualifying Round, Hammonds collected 9.3 ppg, 2 rpg, 4.8 apg and 1.8 spg. Before ASVEL, Clifford Hammonds spent one year with Peristeri Athens. He had 12.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 3.7 apg for 26 games in Greek league. Hammonds already played in Turkey as a member of Darussafaka and Efes Pilsen. He is a product of the Clemson University, where he graduated three years ago.

Tenis E.Dagcilik Istanbul adds Davis to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Tenis E.Dagcilik Istanbul (TB2L) added to their roster 22-year old American forward Tony Davis (206-F-89, college: Newberry, agency: Diamond Sportsman Agency). Davis played most recently at Team Sevilla (Eurobasket) in the U.S. While playing 3 games for Sevilla last season he recorded 12.7ppg and 7.7rpg.

By Eurobasket Data Center

U16: France top Turkey in Pardubice - by Eurobasket News
France U16 - Turkey U16 51:44

France registered the second straight win at the U16 European Championship Qualifying Round. They held off Turkey in the battle of defences to improve at 4-0 record on top of Group F. Turkey slipped at 2-2 record after the loss.
The lead changed hands throughout intense first frame. Rigot gave Les Bleus a narrow 16:15 lead ten minutes into the game. Turkey went on a 9:0 run midway through the second term to take a 24:18 lead. They arrived at halftime up by 5 points 27:22. Birsen opened a double-digit lead for the Turkish team midway through the third quarter. But France managed to deny the deficit as the teams entered the fourth period tied at 38. The teams stayed close early in the fourth term but eventually Les Bleus crowned the regulation with nine points in a row to snatch victory at the end. Olivier Yao-Delon (193-G-95) delivered 16 points for Les Bleus. Damien Inglis (198-F-95) added 12 points and 8 rebounds in the victory. Cedi Osman (195-PG-95) responded with 12 points for Turkey. Ayberk Guleryuz (206-C-95) had 11 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.

France U16: Olivier Yao-Delon 16, Damien Inglis 12, Lucas Paoletti (202-F-95) 7
Turkey U16: Cedi Osman 12, Ayberk Guleryuz 11


Christopher Hayes joins Istanbulspor - by Eurobasket Center
Istanbulspor (TB2L) agreed terms with 24-year old American forward Christopher Hayes (206-F-87, college: Detroit Mercy, agency: Diamond Sportsman Agency). Hayes played most recently at Centro Juventud Sionista de Parana (Argentina). While playing 20 games for Sionista last season he recorded 17.1ppg (3rd best in the league), 6.0rpg and 2.4spg. Hayes played also pro basketball in Argentina and Uruguay.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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  UKRAINE   


Mykolaiv signs Andrii Horbatiuk and Vladimir Mayorov - by Eurobasket News
MBK Mykolaiv re-signs Andrei Korochkin (194-G-82), signs Andrii Horbatiuk (185-G-91) (Azovmash) and Vladimir Mayorov (195-G-89) (Lokomotiv Vitebsk) for the next season. The team started to announced the players after a long time of silence.
Andrei Korochkin was the member of MBC Mykolaiv squad past season. The guard posted 7.2 points, 1.4 boards and 1.3 assists per game. He got seriously injured after 15 games played and missed the reminder of the season. He agreed previously with Donetsk however both sides agreed on his new contract.
Andrii Horbatiuk is a 1991 year born Guard. He was a Ukrainian U16 National Team member in 2007 and this year belongs to Ukrainian U20 National Team.
Vladimir Mayorov is a Ukrainian Guard who played last year for Lokomotiv KiS Vitebsk (Belarus-Premier League). He reached Belarusian League Semifinals and participated at the Belarusian League All-Star Game.


U16: Italy cruise past Ukraine - by Eurobasket News
Italy U16 - Ukraine U16 68:45

Italy registered the first win at the U16 European Championship Qualifying Round. They breezed past Ukraine for 1-3 record in Group F. Lorenzo Baldasso (190-G-95) and Federico Di Prampero (188-PG-95) scored 16 points each to lead the effort. Ukraine suffered the second loss in a row and fell at 0-4 record.
Italy secured a 13:7 lead after ten minutes of action. Ukraine opened the second term with seven points in a row to surge ahead but Italy reacted with a 12:0 run to regain control. The Azzurri entered the second half up by 7 points 25:18. Italy used a 7:0 run midway through the third frame to post a 38:24 lead. The Azzurri claimed a 49:30 lead with one quarter remaining. They never looked back afterward coasting to the victory at the end. Alessandro Maccaferri (175-PG-95) delivered 14 points in the win. Anton Dziuba (201-F-95) responded with 11 points for Ukraine. Stanislav Kudrya (186-PG-95) had 8 points in the loss.

Italy U16: Lorenzo Baldasso 16, Federico Di Prampero 16, Alessandro Maccaferri 14
Ukraine U16: Anton Dziuba 11, Stanislav Kudrya 8


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  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES   


UAE National Team 2011 - by Karol
UAE National Team 2011
#s#
Salem Mubarak
Mubarak
Khalifa Salem
Salem
Omar Khalid
Khalid
Rashed Al Zaabi
Al Zaabi
Malallah Banihammad
Banihammad
#e#5
4 Mohamed Al Braiki 190-G-91
5 Salem Mubarak 195-F-82 Sharjah United Arab Emirates
6 Ibrahim AHMAD
7 Talal ALNUAIMI
8 Husain AHMED
9 Khalifa Salem 175-G-91
10 Omar Khalid 190-F-91 Sharjah United Arab Emirates
11 Rashed Al Zaabi 188-G-88 Al Shabab United Arab Emirates
12 Qais OMAR
13 Malallah Banihammad 200-F-83 Sharjah United Arab Emirates
14 Ali Al Hattawi 200-C-79 Al Shabab United Arab Emirates
15 Jasem Abdalla 202-C-88 Sharjah United Arab Emirates
16 Ibrahim AlSari 185-G-80 An Nasr United Arab Emirates
17 Rashid Alali 200-C-90
18 Hamad Yaqoub 175-PG-89 Sharjah United Arab Emirates
19 Mohamed Aljunaibi 205-C-91

Zoran Zubcevic Head Coach Al Kuwait Kuwait


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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Fernandez Signs For Wolves - by Paul Nilsen
Worcester Wolves have signed 23 year old small forward Carlos Fernandez (201-G) to their 2011 roster, while at the same time seeking to add a new power forward to the squad.

6 foot 6 inch Fernandez played last season at Leon in the highly-rated second tier of the Spanish League, the LEB Gold, having graduated from Illinois Tech in America. He will study at the University of Worcester whilst looking to contribute to Wolves Coach Paul James new look line up.

James talked about the new signing: 'Carlos only got limited minutes last year at Leon due to the calibre of player he was playing behind. However you cannot doubt the quality of the competition he has been involved in, and I know he is going to be a good addition to the team. There will be a chance for him to earn greater minutes in the BBL, and use the experience he has gained from the LEB Gold.'

James confirmed that he is looking for another player at the forward position: 'The way the new squad is panning out is great, but my plans still include a spot for a power forward. I have already had a few thoughts about possible signings who could make a difference, but am open to being contacted by any player who thinks they could have an impact at the position.'


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  VTB UNITED LEAGUE   


Siauliai add Marius Prekevicius - by Eurobasket News
Marius Prekevicius (196-F-84, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Florida) will continue his career in Siauliai. The guard has agreed on terms of one-year contract with the team. Last season Marius Prekevicius spent with Juventus. He posted 10.3 points, 2.7 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game in LKL. In Baltic League the guard tallied 11.7 points, 3.3 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals per appearance. Previously Marius Prekevicius had stints in Poland, Greece and Ukraine. He is not new to Siauliai. The guard played for the team back in 2006/07 and 2009/10 seasons. Marius Prekevicius was the member of Lithuanian University National Team in 2007. He also played for the National Team at 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.




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Women News

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  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Stafford set to build on big winter - by Eurobasket News
Southern Design Sydney Uni Flames guard Natalie Stafford (173-G-76) is set to build on a busy winter of basketball as she commences preparations for the 2011/2012 WNBL season.
The versatile guard has had a hectic off-season as a member of the Great Britain national team and has spent much of the winter months playing and training in the northern hemisphere.

Stafford was one of the best performed players as the GB team made its first forray into the strong EuroBasket Championships in Poland as part of preparations for the 2012 London Olympics.

Coached by Bulleen mentor Tom Maher, the Great Britain team produced more than solid results against some of the heavyweights of European basketball, with Stafford playing a leadership role with the young team.

We caught up with Nat to talk about the Great Britain team and the Sydney Uni Flames.

Natalie, you recently returned from representing Great Britain at EuroBasket? Who were some of the teams that impressed you in the tournament?

I was impressed with Czech Republic although they didn't finish as well as I thought they would. Turkey punched above their weight.

Great Britain had some solid results at the tournament? How are you feeling about the teams chances as the focus turns to the Olympics next year?

The tournament was very positive. We competed with all the teams we played which I think not many people expected. I think once our fitness improves we will be much better as we will be able to last the whole game and hopefully finish the games with winning results. We are a gritty team and underdogs so I think we will make other teams uneasy next year.

It has been a busy off-season for you, how are you fitting back into the Flames pre-season?

Been working hard on my weights and running. I need some muscles! I haven't started on court yet as my mind and body definitely needs rest in that department.

Last season was your first back in the WNBL for eight or nine years. What were some of the major differences between your last stint in the league?

In regards to offensive threats I think most teams have a lot of people who can hurt you. It might be one person one game and someone else the next. Also everyone is younger and fitter - or am I just a lot older?

Alicia Poto returns to the Flames this season after a successful stint in Europe, adding real depth to the guard rotation. How do you think the somewhat new look team will go in what looms as a very competitive league?

I am personally very excited to have Alicia back with the Flames. She's not only a fantastic basketball player but she is also a born leader which is something the Flames really needed this year - a general, someone who is going to fire us up and get us going. Really confident with our new look team. We really have some depth this year which is going to make practice a lot more competitive and will hold is in good stead throughout the season.

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

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  CANADA - Women  


Canada Junior Women Capture 5th place with big win over France - by John Gary
courtsey basketball canada Nirra Fields scored a game high 18 points and came up with five steals to lead the Canadian Junior Womens National Team to a fifth place finish at the FIBA U19 World Championchip for Women by defeating France 70-52 on Sunday. Michelle Plaufee scored 14 points for Canada and Karissa Williams had 11. Adja Knteh led France with 14 points while Clarine Djaldi -Taledi recored a double double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Despite losing to Spain in the quaterfinals and missing a chance to compete for a medal, JWNT head coach RICH Chambers was proud of the way CAnada recovered to finish fiifth.

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  DR CONGO - Women  


Betty Kalanga signs in Romania - by Eurobasket News
Betty Kalanga (189-F/C-87, agency: LBM Management) signs in Romania with well-known CSM Targoviste. Betty Kalanga is a DR Congolese player who played mostly in Africa. In 2001-2005 she played for Basket Club Lupopo (D1) and then in 2005-2007 appeared for Basket Club Radi. In 2009 moved to Abidijan Basketball Club (Ivory Coast-D1, starting five) and the last season played for CSFB (Tunisia-D1).

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  GERMANY - Women  


Renata Adamczyk joins TV Saarlouis Royals - by Marsha Owusu Gyamfi

The TV Saarlouis Royals continue filling their roster. With the 22-year guard and wing player Renata Adamczyk (175-G) another top player comesto the Saarland.

The 1.77 meter tall Canadian with a Polish passport so far played at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario (Canada), where she led the team as captain for four years.

Saarlouis' head coach Rene Spandauw is satisfied because they f finally founded the variable Adamczyk, who will fit in the team. Even though she will enter into training two weeks later, there is still enough time to integrate her into the team. '



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  GHANA - Women  


THE NATIONAL UNITY GAMES FEMALES - by Charis BX

The women were not left out of the basketball event during the National Unity Games this year organised at the University of Ghana, Legon basketball court. The teams that took part were the Greater Accra region, Ashanti region, Central region, Volta region, Armed Forces, Police team, Prisons team, Northern region, and the CEPS team.
The teams were divided into 2 groups: Group A made up of 5 teams Greater Accra, CEPS, Ashanti, Armed Forces and Volta region and Group B made up of Police, Northern region, Prisons and Central region. It was a round robin play with 4 teams qualifying from each group to the quarter final round. For Group B everyone qualified but Group A the Ashanti region could not qualify for the next round because they lost all their games. The other teams qualified with CEPS and Police leading their groups.
The quarter final round saw Greater Accra, Police, CEPS and Prisons qualify. Police met CEPS and Greater Accra met Prisons. Greater Accra defeated Prisons to qualify to the finals and Police scored CEPS to move to the finals.
CEPS scored Prisons to win the Bronze medal and Police scored Greater Accra to win the Gold medal.

THE NATIONAL UNITY GAMES FEMALES - by Charis BX

The women were not left out of the basketball events during the national unity games this year organised at the University of Ghana, Legon basketball court. The teams that took part were the Greater Accra region, Ashanti region, Central region, Volta region, Armed Forces, Police team, Prisons team, Northern region, and the CEPS team.
The teams were divided into 2 groups: Group A made up of 5 teams Greater Accra, CEPS, Ashanti, Armed Forces and Volta region and Group B made up of Police, Northern region, Prisons and Central region. It was a round robin play with 4 teams qualifying from each group to the quarter final round. For Group B everyone qualified but Group A the Ashanti region could not qualify for the next round because they lost all their games. The other teams qualified with CEPS and Police leading their groups.
The quarter final round saw Greater Accra, Police, CEPS and Prisons qualify. Police met CEPS and Greater Accra met Prisons. Greater Accra defeated Prisons to qualify to the finals and Police scored CEPS to move to the finals.
CEPS scored Prisons to win the Bronze medal and Police scored Greater Accra to win the Gold medal.





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  INDIA - Women  


Taiwan ease past India at William Jones Cup - by Eurobasket News
Taiwan - India 94:49

Taiwan National Team posted the second win in a row at the William Jones Cup. They fired past India to remain on top of the ladder at 2-0 record. Liu Chun-Yi (180-F/C-81) stepped up with 19 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds to lead the effort. India fell at 0-2 record after the defeat.
Taiwan started the game aggressively and ensured a 20:12 lead after ten minutes. They dominated in the second quarter as well. The hosts piled up a 49:30 halftime buffer. Taiwan increased the tempo in the third quarter. They knocked down 24 points to ensure a 33-point lead with one quarter to go. Taiwan never slowed down driving to a comfortable win at the end. Chiang Feng-Chun (184-F-81) delivered 16 points, while Lan Hao-Yu (171-F-83) netted 13 points in the victory. Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) responded with 17 points for India. Anitha Pauldurai (170-G-85) delivered 10 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds in defeat.

Taiwan: Liu Chun-Yi 19, Chiang Feng-Chun 16, Lan Hao-Yu 13
India: Geethu Anna Jose 17, Anitha Pauldurai 10


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  ITALY - Women  


Codroipo holds the International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Codroipo holds the International Tournament for four U18 teams. Spain won over Russia, Sweden and Italy to win the title.
Russia U18 opened their campaign with 67:35 win over Italy U18. The guests started with 16:8 in the opening period and enjoyed 29:14 at the halftime. Russia led 46:22 after thirty minutes and reached the easy win in the opener. Ciah paced all the winners with 10 points and Kiseleva as well as Zamaraeva netted 9 apiece. DellOlio and Caterina Dotto (168-G-93) ended up with 7 points each for the home side.
In Day 2 Sweden U18 overcame Italy U18 88:62. Sweden started with 20:12 and then had 39:33 at the halftime. Italy did not come closer and lost the game. Alice Nystrom top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Fontalne and Zahui posted 14 points each. Caterina Dotto ended up with 16 points in defeat and Francesca Melchiori (170-G-93) scored 10.
In Day 3 Spain U18 rolled over Italy U18 74:40. The guests started with 19-6 and had 29:23 at the halftime. The last quarter became decisive in the game as Spain won 32-6. Vilaro stepped up with 18 points and Liobet netted 14. Francesca Melchiori replied with 8 points in the losing effort.






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  NIGERIA - Women  


Caja Rural signs Yinka Olorunnife - by Eurobasket News
Yinka Olorunnife (182-C-90, college: Idaho) is a new member of Zamarat Caja Rural. The Nigerian/Canadian center signed a one-year deal with the Spanish outfit. It will be her first season as a pro. Olorunnife graduated few months ago at the University of Idaho. She was one of the best players in her school averaging 14.7 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.6 steals as a senior. In 2009/10, Yinka Olorunnife also had pretty good numbers. For 27 games she collected 11.3 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 1.3 spg. She was named WAC All-Tournament Team -10. Olorunnife helped Idaho to reach WAC Tournament Semifinals. In 2008, she was named WAC All-Freshman Team.

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  ROMANIA - Women  


CSM Targoviste presents the players for 2011/2012 season - by Eurobasket News
CSM Targoviste presents the players for 2011/2012 season as the team is now definite for the next season in the league and national Cup.
Florina Diaconu (176-G-82), Paula Cristina Ciocan (183-G-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: S.Carolina) , Alexandra Uiuiu (180-F-89), Anca Sipos (185-F/C-85), Andreea Hutanu (188-C-88), Georgiana Rus (189-F-87),Olena Samburska (172-G-89, agency: LBM Management), Olena Zherzherunova (191-F-78, agency: LBM Management), Betty Kalanga (189-F/C-87, agency: LBM Management) and Chrissy Givens (180-F-85, college: Middle Tenn.St.).
Betty Kalanga is a DR Congolese player who played mostly in Africa. In 2001-2005 she played for Basket Club Lupopo (D1) and then in 2005-2007 appeared for Basket Club Radi. In 2009 moved to Abidijan Basketball Club (Ivory Coast-D1, starting five) and the last season played for CSFB (Tunisia-D1).
Recently CSM Targoviste signed National Team player Alexandra Uiuiu. Uiuiu spent last season with CSU Alba Iulia. She played 18 games in D1 averaging 9.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 steals. Uiuiu already was a member of Targoviste. She played for them in 2009/10 season registering 4.7 ppg and 2.7 rpg for 3 EuroCup games. In the past, Uiuiu also was a member of ICIM Arad, UBBC APOsport Herzogenburg and Magic Sibiu.
Olena Samburska and Olena Zherzherunova are Ukrainian representatives, while Chrissy Givens is an American player.


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  RUSSIA - Women  


Russia gets ready for U18 European Championship - by Eurobasket News
Russia U18 comes back from Italy from the Torneo Internazionale di Codroipo.
Russia U18 opened their campaign with 67:35 win over Italy U18. The guests started with 16:8 in the opening period and enjoyed 29:14 at the halftime. Russia led 46:22 after thirty minutes and reached the easy win in the opener. Ciah paced all the winners with 10 points and Kiseleva as well as Zamaraeva netted 9 apiece. DellOlio and Caterina Dotto (168-G-93) ended up with 7 points each for the home side.
Spain U18 reached the second win at the tournament beating Russia U18 57:51. Spain started the game with 19:16 and added 16-10 in the second frame. Russia bounced back with 17-11 in the third period, but lost the last stanza 8-11. De Alfredo paced all the winners with 13 points and Barcelo posted 9. Razeva posted 17 points in defeat and Zamaraeva scored 14.
Sweden U18 grabbed the thriller win over Russia U18 58:57. The Scandinavian team opened the game with 18-14 and had 2-point halftime advantage. Russian team won the third period 21-12, but lost the game due to 11-19 in the last period. Amanda Zahui (191-C-93) and Alice Nystrom poured in 13 points each to lead the charge, while Josefin Vesterberg (190-F-93) added 11.





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  SOUTH KOREA - Women  


Taiwan University National Team earn second straight win at William Jones Cup - by Eurobasket News
Taiwan University NT - South Korea 52:43

Taiwan University National Team earned the second consecutive win at the annual William Jones Cup invitational tournament. They shot down South Korea for 2-0 record on top of the ladder. Chen Yu-Chun (176-F-87) stepped up with 17 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort. South Korea fell at 0-1 record after the loss.
South Korea jumped to an early lead. They posted a 16:12 lead after ten minutes of action. The hosts however limited South Korea to only 6 points in the second quarter posting a comfortable 29:22 halftime lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter. Taiwan ensured a 7-point lead with one quarter remaining. The home team outscored South Korea in the final frame and clinched the victory at the end. Huang Fan-Shan (173-G-87) delivered 11 points and 9 rebounds, while Huang Ping-Jen (178-F-89) added 8 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Park Tae-Eun (170-G-87) answered with 11 points for South Korea. Lee Seon-Hwa (181-C-88) and Hong Boram (178-F-88) notched 10 points apiece in the loss.

Taiwan University NT: Chen Yu-Chun 17, Huang Fan-Shan 11, Huang Ping-Jen 8+10 boards
South Korea: Park Tae-Eun 11, Lee Seon-Hwa 10, Hong Boram 10


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  SPAIN - Women  


Spain U18 wins Torneo Internazionale di Codroipo - by Eurobasket News
Spain U18 wins Torneo Internazionale di Codroipo with 4 participating teams. Spain won over Russia, Sweden and Italy to win the title.
Spain U18 opened the campaign with the win over Sweden U18 68:58. Trailing 1 points at the halftime, Spain needed 23-17 in the third period and 20-15 in the last to seal the victory. For Sweden Amanda Zahui (191-C-93) chipped in 14 points and Allis Nystrom (183-F-93) added 10.
Spain U18 reached the second win at the tournament beating Russia U18 57:51. Spain started the game with 19:16 and added 16-10 in the second frame. Russia bounced back with 17-11 in the third period, but lost the last stanza 8-11. De Alfredo paced all the winners with 13 points and Barcelo posted 9. Razeva posted 17 points in defeat and Zamaraeva scored 14.
In Day 3 Spain U18 rolled over Italy U18 74:40. The guests started with 19-6 and had 29:23 at the halftime. The last quarter became decisive in the game as Spain won 32-6. Andrea Vilaro (178-F-93) stepped up with 18 points and Liobet netted 14. Francesca Melchiori (170-G-93) replied with 8 points in the losing effort.


Caja Rural signs Yinka Olorunnife - by Eurobasket News
Yinka Olorunnife (182-C-90, college: Idaho) is a new member of Zamarat Caja Rural. The Nigerian/Canadian center signed a one-year deal with the Spanish outfit. It will be her first season as a pro. Olorunnife graduated few months ago at the University of Idaho. She was one of the best players in her school averaging 14.7 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.6 steals as a senior. In 2009/10, Yinka Olorunnife also had pretty good numbers. For 27 games she collected 11.3 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 1.3 spg. She was named WAC All-Tournament Team -10. Olorunnife helped Idaho to reach WAC Tournament Semifinals. In 2008, she was named WAC All-Freshman Team.

Girona adds Marta Claret and Olga Ruano - by Eurobasket News
Girona announced signing of two new players. Marta Claret (185-C-92) and Olga Ruano (191-C-88) penned a one-year deal with the club.
Marta Claret heads to Girona from Platges de Mataro, where she spent last two years. Claret played for the Spanish U19 National Team which won the Silver at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile few days ago. She averaged 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in four games at this event. Last summer, she helped U18 Spain to win the Silver at the U18 EuroBasket in Slovakia. Claret averaged 7.3 points and 3.4 rebounds for 8 games there.
Olga Ruano also played for Platges de Mataro last season. Before that she spent three years with Femeni Sant Adria. Ruano also has experience from Barcelona juniors.

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  SWEDEN - Women  


Umea Comets adds Kristina Nybom - by Eurobasket News
Umea Comets are very active this summer. After signing of Devan Lisson (183-G-88) and Jessica Nilsson (184-F-89), the team added another player for the next season. Guard Kristina Nybom (172-G-89) penned a one-year deal with the Comets today. She arrives from Marbo Basket, where she spent last couple of seasons. In the latest one Nybom averaged 7.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists. She helped Marbo reach the Playoff Semifinals. Season 2009/10 was event better for Kristina Nybom. She had 11.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 1.9 apg for 22 games at that time. Kristina Nybom is active member of the Swedish National Team. Her new team Umea Comets finished 2010/11 as No.11 in Damligan.

Sweden U18 finished second in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Sweden U18 finished second in Italy at the Torneo Internazionale di Codroipo.
Spain U18 opened the campaign with the win over Sweden U18 68:58. Trailing 1 points at the halftime, Spain needed 23-17 in the third period and 20-15 in the last to seal the victory. For Sweden Amanda Zahui (191-C-93) chipped in 14 points and Allis Nystrom (183-F-93) added 10.
In Day 2 Sweden U18 overcame Italy U18 88:62. Sweden started with 20:12 and then had 39:33 at the halftime. Italy did not come closer and lost the game. Alice Allis Nystrom top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Fontalne and Zahui posted 14 points each. Dotto C ended up with 16 points in defeat and Melchiori scored 10.
Sweden U18 grabbed the thriller win over Russia U18 58:57. The Scandinavian team opened the game with 18-14 and had 2-point halftime advantage. Russian team won the third period 21-12, but lost the game due to 11-19 in the last period. Amanda Zahui and Allis Nystrom poured in 13 points each to lead the charge, while Josefin Vesterberg (190-F-93) added 11.





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  TAIWAN - Women  


Taiwan ease past India at William Jones Cup - by Eurobasket News
Taiwan - India 94:49

Taiwan National Team posted the second win in a row at the William Jones Cup. They fired past India to remain on top of the ladder at 2-0 record. Liu Chun-Yi (180-F/C-81) stepped up with 19 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds to lead the effort. India fell at 0-2 record after the defeat.
Taiwan started the game aggressively and ensured a 20:12 lead after ten minutes. They dominated in the second quarter as well. The hosts piled up a 49:30 halftime buffer. Taiwan increased the tempo in the third quarter. They knocked down 24 points to ensure a 33-point lead with one quarter to go. Taiwan never slowed down driving to a comfortable win at the end. Chiang Feng-Chun (184-F-81) delivered 16 points, while Lan Hao-Yu (171-F-83) netted 13 points in the victory. Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) responded with 17 points for India. Anitha Pauldurai (170-G-85) delivered 10 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds in defeat.

Taiwan: Liu Chun-Yi 19, Chiang Feng-Chun 16, Lan Hao-Yu 13
India: Geethu Anna Jose 17, Anitha Pauldurai 10


Taiwan University National Team earn second straight win at William Jones Cup - by Eurobasket News
Taiwan University NT - South Korea 52:43

Taiwan University National Team earned the second consecutive win at the annual William Jones Cup invitational tournament. They shot down South Korea for 2-0 record on top of the ladder. Chen Yu-Chun (176-F-87) stepped up with 17 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort. South Korea fell at 0-1 record after the loss.
South Korea jumped to an early lead. They posted a 16:12 lead after ten minutes of action. The hosts however limited South Korea to only 6 points in the second quarter posting a comfortable 29:22 halftime lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter. Taiwan ensured a 7-point lead with one quarter remaining. The home team outscored South Korea in the final frame and clinched the victory at the end. Huang Fan-Shan (173-G-87) delivered 11 points and 9 rebounds, while Huang Ping-Jen (178-F-89) added 8 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Park Tae-Eun (170-G-87) answered with 11 points for South Korea. Lee Seon-Hwa (181-C-88) and Hong Boram (178-F-88) notched 10 points apiece in the loss.

Taiwan University NT: Chen Yu-Chun 17, Huang Fan-Shan 11, Huang Ping-Jen 8+10 boards
South Korea: Park Tae-Eun 11, Lee Seon-Hwa 10, Hong Boram 10


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  TURKEY - Women  


Galatasaray signs prospect Ayse Cora - by Eurobasket News
Ayse Cora (175-G/F-93) is a new member of Galatasaray. The 18-year-old shooting guard/small forward spent last three seasons with Besiktas. She struggled to get minutes there averaging 2.2 points and 1.2 rebounds for 5 games in TKBL. Ayse Cora played for the Turkish U20 National Team this summer. He shined with 12.6 ppg, 6 rpg and 2.8 apg for 8 games at the European Championships U20 in Serbia. Last summer, Cora played for U18 and U17 Turkey. At U18 EuroBasket in Slovakia she had 6.9 ppg and 2.9 rpg. Cora also played at the U17 World Championship in France. At this event she averaged 11.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals. In the past, she also was a member of U16 Turkey.

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  USBA - Women  


WUSBA is full steam ahead for inaugural basketball season - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (August 2, 2011) ----There will be professional women's basketball this fall. The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA), a new professional basketball league, will be dribbling onto the hardwood on September 1, 2011, with its concentration of teams in the southeast United States.

The newly organized WUSBA will begin play with sixteen franchises. The league is scheduled to begin its inaugural season this coming fall.

The newly formed league plans to operate four divisions. Each division will house four teams. Each team will play a twenty six game schedule. Home arena sites have already been approved and an approved schedule is complete. 'The WUSBA is set and ready to roll,' said WUSBA president and C.E.O. Duane Jenkins.

'The league had plans to initiate a women's league to play in the summer, however some of the gymnasiums contracted by the league did not have central air conditioning and with the absence of abundance of professional womens basketball in the United States, we felt to activate the WUSBA in the fall is a better and safer fit,' said WUSBA president Duane Jenkins. 'We believe they can use the WUSBA to provide an additional place for players to the showcase their skills and to earn a reasonable living while playing.'

The WUSBA, based in Atlanta, Georgia has begun marketing itself as the right balance between the NCAA and the various professional leagues and teams around Europe . Women, who wish to continue their professional career, now have an additional organized league to play within the United States.

'We're ready to put a good product on the floor and make it affordable for the fans,' said Jenkins, a businessman from Atlanta. Women play on a very high level, and their opportunities here in the states are limited, the WUSBA will provide competitive league play and top quality entertainment for the fans.'

As a way to attract fans, Jenkins said the WUSBA plans a multitude of value-added activities for families, such as the WUSBA Season Ticket Extravaganza and the Single Ticket Extravaganza. 'These promotions are a joint promotion with our sponsors and advertisers. 'We really want to make this a total entertainment package for the families in our communities,' Jenkins said.

'The WUSBA is a great basketball program, and we feel like we could be a real benefit to female basketball players, said Mr. Jenkins 'We will be a good fit to assist them continue their careers.'

So far we have had positive response from a great many people, particularly on the upper level of womens basketball and we have seen a lot of response from European basketball players inquiring to be placed on a team.

This new organization has vowed to bring competitive basketball to each city. 'The basketball size and three point line will be standard for all teams,' Jenkins said. 'Plenty of talented players come from the college ranks. ' 'We want to be a reliable league for women's basketball, the same way the AFL was to the NFL, before the merge was developed, at this point we do not have the backing of other professional leagues, but who knows what the future holds.'

Many American players choose to go overseas in September of each year to take advantage the good salaries and competitive play of European professional leagues. 'Most of them don't have anywhere else to play here in the states, this will give players a place to play while there at home,' Jenkins said. He added that he is confident Southeastern United States sports fans will turn out to see the new WUSBA this coming season. People support women's basketball as much as they do the men, what we've done is given the game of basketball more variety.

The teams will be split into the following divisions:

The Appalachian Division consists of, the West Virginia Capitals, the Chattanooga Royal, the Knoxville Reign and the Nashville Thunder;

The Atlantic Division will be comprised of the Charleston Cadets, the Richmond Colonials, the Savannah Seahawks and the Jacksonville Surf.

The Southern Division is the Atlanta Platinum, the Birmingham Starz, the Macon Storm and the Montgomery Spirit

The Piedmont Division will field the Charlotte Blue Wave, the Columbia Breeze, the Augusta Raging River and the Winston Salem Cardinals.

Jenkins noted, 'The WUSBA teams will have an advantage over other leagues in that they are the only women's minor league in the states to play in the fall and since we pay our players compensation, this places us in a great position, to us that's a great place to be.'

He also noted that the investors and the sponsors unanimously supported this move into women's professional basketball. 'The WUSBA give us an unfettered involvement in professional basketball. We are confident our investments in the world of basketball are now safe.'

The players receive a compensation package of $350.00 per week, a daily meal at Golden Corral Buffet Restaurants, housing and commissions on sponsorship sales.

Everyone we spoke to about the WUSBA, agreed with us, the timing is perfect and all of the venues we approached to rent their arena gave us 100% of their support,' said Jenkins.

The league will sponsor an Open House, Open Tryout and Job Fair on August 20, 2011. The public is invited to meet the team. Free refreshments and entertainment will be supplied by the WUSBA.


WUSBA will host Open House and Job Fair in each team city; August 20 and August 27, 2011 - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (August 2, 2011) ---The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) announced today that the league will play host to an Open House and a Job Fair in each individual team city to August 20 and August 27, 2011. The Open Houses will take place at the home gymnasiums of each individual team. Each team will conduct a job fair, at the same time, in an effort to fill position with individual teams.

The league was to begin its first season with a summer schedule, however some of the gymnasiums were found not to have central air conditioning. Potential injury to basketball players and other liability issues prompted the league to play in the fall. 'Some of the arenas we wish to rent are older buildings, asking a college if their gymnasium had central air in the gym, didn't even cross my mind', said Duane Jenkins WUSBA president and C.E.O.' 'Besides we now have an opportunity to employ basketball players who could not get jobs in Europe this fall, this seems to be very popular with the players we spoke with about our decision'.

Churches, civic groups and fans of each team are invited to come and get autographs, take pictures with the teams and get to know the players who will be representing each individual city. A special invitation has been extended to the Boys and Girls Clubs as well as Big Brothers and Big Sisters organizations. 'We are also extending a very special invitation to children in the foster care system in each city.'

The Open Houses will take place from 10:30 am to 6 pm. Refreshments such as hot dogs, soft drinks, chips and other snacks being provided free of charge by Coca-Cola or Pepsi-Cola. Each soft drink company has contractual agreements in place at the college or university under agreement with the WUSBA. Randstad Employment Solutions, Inc. will conduct the interview process.

Jenkins states, 'This is an opportunity for us to get to know our supporters and fans in each city. We want our fans to be able to have autographs signed and quite simply, fans will be able to talk to the players on a more personal level. We will conduct a job fair on these dates to fulfill positions with the teams.' The league will employ 20 to 30 people at each home game.

Each local team will conduct interviews for game day staff as well as the introduction of the basketball team, the coaching staff, dance team and mascots.

The league will make season ticket packages available. The open house will mark the continued availability of the 2011 WUSBA Season Ticket Extravaganza. This season ticket promotion is sponsored by the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., along with the advertisers and sponsors of the WUSBA. The league has set aside 1500 single season tickets for this promotion. 'This collaborated effort includes the WUSBA, the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., and many of the leagues partners, sponsors and advertisers,' said Jenkins.

The league has set the price of $85.00 per season ticket and comes with admission to all thirteen home games and as an extra added bonus each season ticket comes with an additional thirteen free single game tickets; this includes admittance to all home playoff games. As a bonus, fans receive priority seating, complimentary concessions, a free game day program and one 8 x11 full color photograph with the basketball team or the dance team. (The total number of admittance per season ticket is 21, which breaks down to $3.25 per admittance)

According to the league, each season ticket holder will be automatically included in a raffle sponsored by the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc. 'We're very excited about this promotion. Not only do fans get a chance to see high quality basketball at affordable prices, but there is the chance to win a new car, go on a seafarer excursion or to go on a Disney World vacation.''

The prize list is as follows:

* Grand Prize: 2011 Honda Accord LX Four Door Automobile
(one automobile will be given away in each WUSBA city, 16 total league wide),

* 2nd Prize: Disney World Family Vacation
(Family of four, rt airfare on Delta Airlines, transfers to and from the airport, daily Disney World Park passes, meals and lodging at a Disney World theme park hotel included, two given away in each WUSBA team city, 32 total league wide),

* 3rd prize: The Seafarer Odyssey
( Trip for two to Miami, Florida, round trip airfare on Air Tran, two round trip cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, overnight stay at Holiday Inn Intercontinental Hotel, one day car rental from Enterprise, dinner for two at Outback Steak House and breakfast for two at International House of Pancakes, two given away in each WUSBA team city, total league wide.)

* 4th Prize: The Schwinn Bicycle Explosion
(Six mens, six womans, six boys and six girls ten speed bicycles, 24 given away at each WUSBA team city, 384 total league wide)

* 5th Prize: The Outback Steak House Family Feast
(A $60.00 gift card, 25 given away in each WUSBA team city, 400 total league wide)

*6th Prize: The Great Kroger Gasoline Fill-up Extravaganza (A $40.00 gift card, 25 given away in each WUSBA city, 400 total league wide)

* 7th Prize: Russell Athletic Team Polo Shirts
(25 shirts will be given away in each WUSBA team city, 400 total league wide)

All drawings for this promotion will be held at halftime of the teams home season opener. 'As far as we know this one of the biggest and most extravagant season ticket promotion in the history of sports.' said Jenkins. Fans can visit our website for rules and disclaimers about the raffle and the Women's United States Basketball Association. 'We plan to begin our first season with a bang. All of our games will be geared toward top notched basketball competition, family fun and entertainment surrounded in a faith based environment, our goal is to offer each community a great experience', proclaimed Mr. Jenkins. For more information, call the WUSBA league office at (404) 428-3411.

About the Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) --- The WUSBA is a professional women's basketball league. The league was founded in January 2010. The league is headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. The WUSBA will show case players, coaches and dance team members to each local community. The league's inaugural season begins on September 1, 2011 with the regular season ending on November 4, 2011. Each team will play a twenty six game schedule, which will include 13 home games and 13 away games. The league will host a mid season All Star Game and a season ending Championship play-off series. The WUSBA will accept eligible collegiate players, dance team members, game day staff and mascots from the NCAA. League advises college students to seek advice from family, coach or friends before contacting the WUSBA. The league age limit for basketball players is 20 years old or older.

About the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., --- The WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit company; the company was founded in January 2010. Approval for nonprofit status has been applied for and approval will be awarded. The WUSBA Youth Outreach gives aid to people in the community in need, regardless of race, gender, religion, age or any other positions of a persons life. Programs offered by the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc

2011 WUSBA Season Ticket Extravaganza Rules and Disclaimer:
Purchase of a season ticket to any 2011 WUSBA team necessary to be included in the raffle drawing. The WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc. is the sponsor of this promotion. This promotion is open to all residents of West Virginia, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia and North Carolina who purchase a season ticket during this promotion. Promotion ends September 1, 2011 at 12 noon. WUSBA employees, family member of WUSBA employees, team members, Season Ticket Extravaganza sponsors, their employees and their families are ineligible to participate in this promotion. Participants must be at least 18 years old to participate in this promotion. One entry in raffle per season ticket purchased. No other restrictions apply. No substitution of prizes. Prizes are not refundable or transferable. Prize winners are responsible for all taxes and /or gratuity associated with prizes won in this promotion. Odds of winning any prize in this promotion will be determined in direct relation of the number of season tickets sold during this promotion. (Example: 2000 season tickets sold per WUSBA team season, Grand Prize winning odds are 2000 to 1, 2nd prize winning odds are 1000 to 1, 3rd Prize winning odds are 1000 to 1, 4th Prize winning odds are 83 to 1. The 5th, 6th and 7th prizes winning odds are 80 to 1. The WUSBA has set aside 2000 season tickets per WUSBA team city to be sold, a total 28,000 league wide. Odds of winning a prize in this promotion are derived on a per city basis only. If two season tickets are purchased by the same individual for the 2011 basketball season and before 12 noon on September 1, 2011 the odds will increase to give the ticket holder double the chance of winning a prize. This promotion is a WUSBA Youth Outreach sponsored event. The WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., is a 501 (c) (3) Not for Profit Company. Single ticket purchases are not included in this promotion. 2nd and 3rd Prize winners must make travel reservation through the WUSBA. Travel blackout periods may affect certain travel dates. Grand Prize winners have a choice of color. There is no time limit for any of the travel prizes, gift card or any other prize in this promotion.


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  WILLIAM JONES CUP - Women  


Standing
Standings
1. Taiwan2-0
2. Taiwan B2-1
3. Japan1-1
4. India1-2
5. S.Korea0-2


Results and Stats from Day 2 in New Taipei City - by Eurobasket News
Taiwan - India 94:49
Taiwan National Team posted the second win in a row at the William Jones Cup. They fired past India to remain on top of the ladder at 2-0 record. Liu Chun-Yi (180-F/C-81) stepped up with 19 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds to lead the effort. India fell at 0-2 record after the defeat.
Taiwan started the game aggressively and ensured a 20:12 lead after ten minutes. They dominated in the second quarter as well. The hosts piled up a 49:30 halftime buffer. Taiwan increased the tempo in the third quarter. They knocked down 24 points to ensure a 33-point lead with one quarter to go. Taiwan never slowed down driving to a comfortable win at the end. Chiang Feng-Chun (184-F-81) delivered 16 points, while Lan Hao-Yu (171-F-83) netted 13 points in the victory. Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) responded with 17 points for India. Anitha Pauldurai (170-G-85) delivered 10 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds in defeat.

Taiwan: Liu Chun-Yi 19, Chiang Feng-Chun 16, Lan Hao-Yu 13
India: Geethu Anna Jose 17, Anitha Pauldurai 10

Taiwan University NT - South Korea 52:43
Taiwan University National Team earned the second consecutive win at the annual William Jones Cup invitational tournament. They shot down South Korea for 2-0 record on top of the ladder. Chen Yu-Chun (176-F-87) stepped up with 17 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort. South Korea fell at 0-1 record after the loss.
South Korea jumped to an early lead. They posted a 16:12 lead after ten minutes of action. The hosts however limited South Korea to only 6 points in the second quarter posting a comfortable 29:22 halftime lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter. Taiwan ensured a 7-point lead with one quarter remaining. The home team outscored South Korea in the final frame and clinched the victory at the end. Huang Fan-Shan (173-G-87) (173-G-87) delivered 11 points and 9 rebounds, while Huang Ping-Jen (178-F-89) added 8 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Park Tae-Eun (170-G-87) answered with 11 points for South Korea. Lee Seon-Hwa (181-C-88) and Hong Boram (178-F-88) notched 10 points apiece in the loss.

Taiwan University NT: Chen Yu-Chun 17, Huang Fan-Shan 11, Huang Ping-Jen 8+10 boards
South Korea: Park Tae-Eun 11, Lee Seon-Hwa 10, Hong Boram 10


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  WNBA - Women  


McCoughtry, Augustus pick up WNBA monthly honors - by Eurobasket News
Atlanta's Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) and Minnesota's Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) were named the WNBA's Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month for games played in July.

McCoughtry led the WNBA in scoring (25.1 ppg) and ranked second in steals (2.7 spg) while helping the Dream to a 5-3 record for the month. To end the month of July, McCoughtry scored at least 30 points in three of the Dream's last five games.

While leading the Lynx to a league best 7-1 record for July and 13-4 record overall, Augustus managed to rank third overall in scoring (19.0 ppg) and score at least 20 points four times. The Lynx are currently on a six-game winning steak as they sit atop the WNBA standings.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Maya Moore tabbed as WNBA's top rookie for July - by Eurobasket News
Minnesota Lynx forward Maya Moore has been named the WNBA Rookie of the Month for games played in July.

The former UConn star led all rookies in scoring (13.0 ppg), steals (1.6 spg) and minutes (29.4 mpg), and ranked second in rebounds (4.4 rpg) and assists (3.6 apg).

For the month of July, Moore is among the top 20 players in the league for points and assists. She scored double digits five times, helping the Lynx to a league best 7-1 record for the month.

The first overall pick in the 2011 draft, Moore is averaging over 13 points and four rebounds per game during her rookie campaign.

Courtesy of www.kare11.com

Seattle Storm adds Allie Quigley - by Eurobasket News
The Seattle Storm announced today that Allie Quigley (5'11''-G-86, college: De Paul) has signed a seven-day contract and has been added to the roster, effective July 31. Rookie Krystal Thomas (6'5''-C-89, college: Duke), who was on a seven-day contract with the team, will not return. The roster now stands at 11 players.

This will mark the fourth WNBA season for Quigley, who played collegiate basketball at DePaul and was drafted by the Storm in the second round of the 2008 WNBA Draft. A 5-10 guard, she began her career with Phoenix in 2008 and 2009. She played three games for Indiana in 2010 before joining San Antonio, where she saw action in four games for the Silver Stars.

The Storm, 10-8, is at home for two games this week. Seattle hosts San Antonio at 7:00 p.m., Tues., Aug. 2 for Breast Health Awareness Night. The team will face Connecticut at 7:00 p.m., Fri., Aug. 5 when it hosts its annual Women of Inspiration Night, honoring four accomplished women from the Seattle community.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

McCoughtry, Hammon earn WNBA Player of the Week honors - by Eurobasket News
Atlanta Dream forward Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) and San Antonio Silver Stars guard Becky Hammon (5'6''-G-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Colorado St.) have been named the WNBA's Eastern and Western Conference players of the week, respectively, for the games played through July 31.

McCoughtry earned her second straight player of the week award after leading the league in scoring with 31.7 points per game. She also averaged 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals.

Hammon's week was highlighted by a season-high 33 points and seven assists in Thursday's 102-91 win over Phoenix.

Other candidates for the weekly honors included Chicago's Sylvia Fowles, Connecticut's Tina Charles, Minnesota's Lindsay Whalen, Phoenix's Diana Taurasi, Seattle's Sue Bird and Washington's Crystal Langhorne.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com