EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/4/2011

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Men News

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  AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Afrobasket 2011: Nigeria Popoola 19 other refs make FIBA Africa list - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Nigeria FIBA graded referee Babatunde Popoola has been listed by Africa basketball ruling body FIBA Africa alonghside 19 other international referees for the 26th edition of the FIBA Africa Championship for Men (African Cup of Nations) holding in Antananarivo, Madagascar from August 17 through 28.

Of the twenty referees listed for the 2011 Afrobasket fifteen are accompany referees while five are neutral referees.

Popoola was listed as the Nigeria senior national team, DTigers accompanying referee, other accompany referees listed for the biggest Africa basketball show-piece are; Anthony Razafindrakoto of Madagascar; Julio Carlos Angola; Ben Ali Cisse Cote DIvoire; Arnaud Kom Njilo Cameroon; Steve Koukou-Te-Ngbandi Central Africa; Ahmed Medhat El-Falaky Egypt; Chlif Abdelliah Morocco; Moussa Toure Mali; Abreu Muhimua Mozambique; Didier Shema-Maboko Rwanda; Antonn Gomm Stacy - South Africa; Alioune Fall Senegal; Nourou Djeri Togo and Haykel Ksontini of Tunisia.

The five neutral referees which includes two European and three from Africa are Anastasios Piloidis from Greece; Matej Boltauzer from Slovenia; Vitalis Gode from Kenya; Leslie Cherubin from Mauritius and Nachid Messaoudi from Algeria complete the list.

Four match commissioners will be on duty for the championship which will produce Africa sole representative to the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Match Commissioners includes the Head of FIBA Africa Technical Commission Raouf Menjour of Tunisia; FIBA Africa Head of Competition Amara Conde Fod of Guinea President of FIBA Africa Zone-6 Anibal Manave from Mozambique and Alain Ramanarivo from Madagascar.

One of the continent brightest match commissioner and instructor Joseph Amon of Cote DIvoire will act as the referees supervisor during the championship, FIBA Africa Secretariat head of technical department Julien Farran is the championship technical delegate from the Secretariat, Dr. Aboukacar Gueye is the head of medical corp while Arnaud Sevaux is the statistician supervisor.

A pre-competition clinic for all the Referees and Match Commissioners of the competition will be held on 16th August 2011 in Antananarivo Madagascar. The official FIBA physical Fitness test will also be held during the clinic as the referees and match commissioners are expected to arrive Madagascar by the 15th of August.

The Championship will be officiated according to the FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2010, Referees Manual, Two and three Person Officiating.

The quarter-finals through the grand finale will be officiated according to the Three-Person Officiating. All the nominated Referees are expected to be very familiar with the official Three-Person Officiating.

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  ANGOLA   


Boris Stankovic Cup. Angola hold off Russia to enter title game - by Eurobasket News
Angola - Russia 60:53

Angola recorded the second win at the Boris Stankovic Cup invitational tournament in China. They toppled Russia (University National Team) to set up championship clash with Australia. Russia finished third at 2-1 record. Kikas Gomes (200-C/F-80, college: Valparaiso) knocked down 10 points to lead the African powerhouse.
Russia got to a slightly better start. They posted a 14:12 lead after ten minutes. But Angola managed to deny the deficit drawing things level at 31 at halftime. Angola pulled in front in the third period. The African team ensured a 5-point lead with one quarter remaining. Angola held Russia to 11 points in the fourth period and raced to the victory at the end. Simao Santos (198-F-79) finished with 9 points, while Domingos Bonifacio (189-G-84) added 8 in the victory. Petr Gubanov (207-C-87) responded with game-high 15 points for Russia. Igor Smygin (197-G/F-87, agency: Alti Sport, college: Surgut-2) netted 11 points in defeat.

Angola: Kikas Gomes 10, Simao Santos 9, Domingos Bonifacio 8
Russia: Petr Gubanov 15, Igor Smygin 11


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  AUSTRALIA   


Boris Stankovic Cup. Australia overcome China to reach Final - by Eurobasket News
Australia - China 69:62

Australia recorded the second straight win at the Boris Stankovic Cup invitational tournament in China. They overcame the hosts to clinch the place in the title game. Matthew Dellavedova (193-G-90) stepped up with 18 points to pace the Boomers. Australia will now take on Angola for the title. China on the other hand suffered the third straight loss at the tournament.
China opened the game with 10 points in a row but the Boomers quickly recovered. They levelled things up at 15 after ten minutes. The Aussies limited the hosts to just 13 points in the second quarter to take a 6-point halftime lead 34:28. Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) and Shipeng erased the deficit early in the second half. The hosts arrived at the final break leading by a single point 45:44. The Boomers however regained the lead in the fourth period. The visitors grabbed a 65:60 lead after a three-pointer from Matthew Dellavedova and hung on to win the game at the end. Stephen Weigh (198-G/F-87) provided 14 points for the winners. Jianlian Yi and Wang ShiPeng (197-G/F-83) responded with 16 points each for China.

Australia: Matthew Dellavedova 18, Stephen Weigh 14
China: Jianlian Yi 16, Wang ShiPeng 16


Sixers sign John Williamson - by Eurobasket News
The Adelaide 36ers have announced their second import signing - John Williamson (198-C-86, college: Cincinnati), a player deemed to be a crucial addition to the team for their 2011/12 iiNet NBL season.

Formerly of Cincinnati University, with professional stints in Poland, France and the Phillippines, the 25-year-old, 199cm Williamson also played for Honka in Finland as well as the well known VTB League.

Having averaged 17 points per game, the fifth highest in the league, with the second highest rebounds at 8.6 and a fourth ranking in steals at 1.9, Williamson was named in the VTB Leagues All Imports Team.

In Finland, he averaged 19 points per game at an impressive 61%, and was named in the All Finnish First Team.

Head coach, Marty Clarke said that Williamson is an uncompromising competitor with outstanding statistics.

John is known as a fierce and uncompromising competitor and is a power forward. He has outstanding statistics and extensive experience in Europe, Clarke said. We have spoken to many people about Johns abilities and there is only praise for his determination and skills. We are thrilled he has agreed to join the 36ers next month.

From Columbus, Ohio, Williamson said, that it is a thrill to have signed with the Adelaide side and he looked forward to joining his teammates in September.

It has been great dealing with the 36ers club and now I am getting ready to come to Australia and join the team. I have heard great things about the NBL and how supportive the fans are in Adelaide so I cant wait to show them what I can do,' Williamson said.

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

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  AUSTRIA   


U16: The hosts recorded the first win over Austria - by Eurobasket News
Austria U16- F.Y.R. of Macedonia U16 54:55

The hosts recorded the first win over Austria at the Classification Round for 17-22 places at the U16 European Championship in Division B. F.Y.R. of Macedonia grabbed 55:54 over Austria in Group I and tomorrow will face Cyprus.
Both teams entered the game winless and only hoped for the game between each other. F.Y.R. of Macedonia took 19:15 after the first period and could save only 1 point at the halftime. Bernleithner however reduced to 28:29 and Neudecker brought 34:31 early in the third. Florian Pelc (168-PG-95) scored for 45:37, while Martin Krstevski (183-PG-95) closed the third period at 45:41. The run continued until the start of the fourth period and Gavrilovski tied it all at 45:45. Florian Pelc scored for 54:53 with 30 seconds in the game, but Trajkovski brought the necessary win for the home side.
Ljubomir Mladenovski (207-C-95) paced all the winners with 17 points and 10 rebounds for the initial success. Martin Krstevski nailed 14 and Daniel Nacevski (191-F-95) had 9 points and 11 rebounds. Marko Soldo (190-G-95) produced 20 points in the losing case and Florian Pelc scored 10.

Austria U16: Marko Soldo 20, Florian Pelc 10
F.Y.R. of Macedonia U16: Ljubomir Mladenovski 17+10 rebs, Martin Krstevski 14, Daniel Nacevski 9+11 rebs


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  BELIZE   


Belize Attends Centro Basket U-17 Championship in Puerto Rico !!! - by David Magana
On Monday August 1st, the National U 17 basketball team left for Puerto Rico to participate in the Centro Basket U 17 Championship tournament. The delegation includes Coach Matthew Smiling , Coach Fred Gabourel , and Coach Bernie Tarr. Eight countries will be participating in this tournament.

The tournament is divided into two groups. Group A consists of Puerto Rico, US Virgin Island, British Virgin Island and Dominican Republic. Group B consists of Belize, Bahamas, Mexico and Panama. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi final round.

The teams that place first and second in the tournament will qualify for the FIBA Americas U 18 Tournament to be held August of 2012.

The participation of the national team was made possible through the sponsorship of the Government of Belize and the Social Security Board.

The national team players are listed below with the High School they attend.
Belizes schedule of games is as follows:

Wednesday August 3rd Belize vs. Bahamas @ 11 am
Thursday August 4th Belize vs. Panama @ 4 pm
Friday August 5th Belize vs. Mexico @2 pm

Alejandro Baptist - Nazarene High School
Jashield Blades - Tampa
Bryton Codd
Devin Daly- St. Johns College
Lincey Lopez- Sadie Vernon High School
Uhuru Mckoy- St. Johns College
Tariq Middleton- St. Johns College
Kyle Middleton - St. Johns College
Tree-vanne Moses- Lancaster High School
Winston Reynolds- Canaan High School
Akeem Watters - Belmopan Comprehensive
Brian White -Wesley College

Press release
BBF
http://bbfbelize.org

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  BRAZIL   


Carlos Cobos joins Granada - by Eurobasket News
Carlos Cobos (193-G-88) will play next season for Granada. The Brazilian guard started 2010/11 with Unicaja Malaga, but most of the year he spent with Clinicas Rincon. He appeared just three times with Malaga in total. With Clinicas Rincon he had 8 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 2.2 apg for 32 games in LEB Gold. He played for the same team also from 2008 to 2010. In their second season together Cobos had 5.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 1.8 apg in 34 games. He had lower digits in 2008/09. In the past, Carlos Cobos also played for Unicaja second team. They competed in EBA. Cobos was a member of the Brazilian NT last year. In 2008, he reached LEB Silver Semifinals with Clinicas Rincon. He played just few games for them that year.

Roberto Mafra heads to Germany - by Eurobasket News
Roberto Mafra (206-F/C-85, college: San Diego) will continue his career in Germany. The Brazilian big guy penned a one-year deal with BG Gottingen. Mafra spent last season with Paulistano/Amil Sao Paolo, but did not appear in any official game. He graduated at the University of San Diego two years ago. For 32 games as a senior Mafra averaged 8.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. As a junior he had 5 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 32 games. Roberto Mafra transferred to San Diego from the Southeastern CC in 2008. He spent two years with Southeastern. In 2005 and 2009, Roberto Mafra played for the Brazilian University National Team. At the World University Games in Belgrade he had 8.4 ppg and 2.6 rpg for five games.

Brazil Universiade Team won over Japan Universiade Team in Germany - by Eurobasket News
Brazil Universiade Team 2011- Japan Universiade Team 2011 100:84

Brazil Universiade Team won over Japan Universiade Team 100:84 in Day 2 of the International Tournament in Germany. The Latin American team improved to 1-1 record and will face Germany in the last day of the competition.
Hironori Watanabe (180-G-88) gave Japan 19:7 lead in the middle of the first period as the Asian team won the opening quarter 27:24. Goncalves scored for 35:30 and Hironori Watanabe sent the teams to the lockers at 50:50. Brazil took control of the court in the third period and erupted with 27-13 for the big lead. Bramorski Medeiros closed the third period at 77:63 when it became clear about the winner. Another 23-21 in the last period brought the necessary win for Brazil.
Mello stepped up with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Lucas Riva Amarente Nogueira netted 15. Scott Machado (185-G) notched 12 and George Frederico Torres Homem Chaia scored 11. Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) replied with 21 points in the losing effort and Hironori Watanabe posted 18.

Brazil Universiade Team 2011: Mello 18+12 rebs, Lucas Nogueira (213-C-92) 15, Scott Machado 12, George Chaia 11
Japan Universiade Team 2011: Kosuke Kanamaru 21, Hironori Watanabe 18


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  BULGARIA   


U16: Lithuania edge Bulgaria for third straight win - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U16 - Bulgaria U16 92:77

Lithuania recorded the third straight win at the U16 European Championship classification round. They overcame Bulgaria to stay undefeated in Group G. Edvinas Seskus (191-F-95) knocked down 25 points to lead the effort.
Lithuania ensured a 23:18 lead after ten minutes. Lithuania used a 9:2 run midway through the second term to record a 32:22 advantage. The Baltic team posted a 50:35 halftime lead. Lithuania kept their opponents at bay throughout the third term. They registered a 73:53 lead with one quarter remaining. Bulgaria never rebounded in the fourth term suffering the third loss in a row in Group G. Paulius Zalys (198-F-95) delivered 14 points, while Paulius Valinskas (185-G-95) added 13 points in the victory. Aleksandar Vezenkov (204-F-95) responded with 36 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists for Bulgaria. Lyuboslav Mihaylov (191-G-95) contributed 12 points in defeat.

Lithuania U16: Edvinas Seskus 25, Paulius Zalys 14, Paulius Valinskas 13
Bulgaria U16: Aleksandar Vezenkov 36, Lyuboslav Mihaylov 12



Nikolay Varbanov moves to Estonian BC Kalev - by Maria Mitzova
Bulgaria NT center forward Nikolay Varbanov (209-C-85, agency: Interperformances) signed one-year deal with Estonian champion BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn.
Last season Varbanov was undisputed number one on his position in the Bulgarian League, leading his BC Yambol to the bronze medals in the championship. The year before he was champion of Bulgaria with Lukoil Akademic, and his career started in Levski.
Varbanov is excited with the opportunity to play in the Estonian League as well in VTB League and Baltic League.
This summer Nikolay Varbanov is preparing with the National Team for the upcoming European championship in Lithuania. He has been a member of the NT for many years.


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  CANADA   


NBL Canada makes first hire - by Eurobasket News
The National Basketball League of Canada has its first official employee.

Although the fledgling pro basketball circuit does not yet have a commissioner or any other high-ranking personnel, it announced yesterday the hiring of Mike Homsy as director of officiating.

Given the history of NBL Canada's three founding teams, the Halifax Rainmen, Saint John Mill Rats and Quebec Kebs, the move isnt a shock. All three dropped out of the Premier Basketball League in April because of perceived bias in officiating.

The backbone of a league is its officials and weve done our homework, said interim league president Andre Levingston. Because of some of the nonsense that happened in our previous league, we want to make sure we never have that problem again.

Homsy, from Kirkland, Que., has been a FIBA-certified official for 15 years and refereed at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens. He spent the past two seasons officiating in the PBL.

Levingston said Homsy will attend as many games as possible and will be required to review all games on tape. His job is to maintain a high level of professionalism and integrity among officials, Levingston said. If we talked to 10 people, nine of them said Mike Homsy, he said of the hiring process. Hes always been a standup guy, a class act, and we wanted to get him on board as soon as possible.

Homsy will hire officials over the next few weeks and bring them together for the NBL Canada draft combine on Aug. 20 and 21 in Toronto.

Courtesy of www.metronews.ca

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  CHINA   


Standings - NBL
NBL Standings
 1. Changan Group 12-5 
 2. Whampoa 11-6 
 3. Sichuan 10-7 
 4. Jiangsu 10-7 
 5. ShenYang 9-8 
 6. Guangzhou FM 8-9 
 7. Ningxia Hanas 8-9 
 8. Hebei 7-10 
 9. Heilongjiang 7-10 
 10. Hangzhou 3-14 


Boris Stankovic Cup. Australia overcome China to reach Final - by Eurobasket News
Australia - China 69:62

Australia recorded the second straight win at the Boris Stankovic Cup invitational tournament in China. They overcame the hosts to clinch the place in the title game. Matthew Dellavedova (193-G-90) stepped up with 18 points to pace the Boomers. Australia will now take on Angola for the title. China on the other hand suffered the third straight loss at the tournament.
China opened the game with 10 points in a row but the Boomers quickly recovered. They levelled things up at 15 after ten minutes. The Aussies limited the hosts to just 13 points in the second quarter to take a 6-point halftime lead 34:28. Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) and Shipeng erased the deficit early in the second half. The hosts arrived at the final break leading by a single point 45:44. The Boomers however regained the lead in the fourth period. The visitors grabbed a 65:60 lead after a three-pointer from Matthew Dellavedova and hung on to win the game at the end. Stephen Weigh (198-G/F-87) provided 14 points for the winners. Jianlian Yi and Wang ShiPeng (197-G/F-83) responded with 16 points each for China.

Australia: Matthew Dellavedova 18, Stephen Weigh 14
China: Jianlian Yi 16, Wang ShiPeng 16


Vincent Hunter joins Jiangsu - by Eurobasket News
Hunter Vincent (208-F-84, college: Arkansas) joins Jiangsu and already debuted for the team at the Regular Season Round 17. Fourth ranked Jiangsu (10-7) played at the court of 7th ranked Ningxia Hanas (8-9). Jiangsu defeated Ningxia Hanas 94-82. The game was mostly controlled by Jiangsu. Ningxia Hanas was better in third quarter 26-24. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Jiangsu dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Ningxia Hanas' 44. Hunter Vincent stepped up with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 14 rebounds for the winners and American guard Justin Johnson chipped in 23 points and 8 rebounds. Nigerian forward Ndudi Ebi responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 18 rebounds and guard Yansong Ma (185-88) scored 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Jiangsu and five Ningxia Hanas players scored in double figures. Jiangsu moved-up to third place, which they share with Sichuan.
In 2010-2011 Hunter Vincent played for Ferro-ZNTU Zaporozhye (Ukraine-Superleague) and in EuroChallenge Qualifying Round averaged 13.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg. In Ukrainian League after 56 games his stats read 12.5ppg, 6.3rpg, Blocks-3 (1.4bpg), FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 65.1%.



China Loses to Australia 69-62 - by Arthur Volbert
China lost to Australia today 69-62, its third straight loss in the Stankovic Cup.

Yi Jianlian played 30 minutes with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists. Wang ShiPeng (197-G/F-83) had 16 points and 4 rebounds in 32 minutes. No one else was in double figures and Wang Zhizhi, Zhu Fangyu, Ding Jinhui and Zhou Peng were still absent. The rest of the team shot a collective 9 for 36. Yi Li had an acceptable game with 6 points and 3 rebounds, hitting 3 of 6 shots in 26 minutes. Sun Yue had 6 points on 2 of 12 shooting. Liu Wei had 6 points, hitting 2 of 7, Su Wei, in 24 minutes, missed both shots he took though he did grab 5 rebounds.

If the missing players, with various injuries, do not rejoin the team, and the current players continue their listless performances, China could easily lose in the Asian Championship.

In today's other game, Angola defeated Russia 60-53.



NBL Round 17: Top-ranked Changan Group wins another game - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in NBL.

NBL top team - Changan Group (12-5) added another victory to their record on Tuesday. This time they beat eighth ranked Heilongjiang (7-10) 89-82. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Heilongjiang. Heilongjiang trailed by 11 points at halftime and as many as 22 after three quarters before a 32-17 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 82-89 at the end of the game. Changan Group forced 21 Heilongjiang turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Heilongjiang's players. American center Darnell Cox (211-85, college: Miss.Valley St., agency: Court Side) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 15 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Nick Stallings (190-83, college: Centenary) contributed with 19 points and 8 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. Nigerian center Benson Egemonye (207-83, college: Niagara) answered with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 16 rebounds for Heilongjiang. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Changan Group have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. They maintain first place with 12-5 record. Heilongjiang at the other side keeps the eighth position with ten games lost. They share it with Hebei. Changan Group are looking forward to face Jiangsu (#4) in the next round. Heilongjiang will play against the league's second-placed Whampoa (#2) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
The game in was also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked Jiangsu (10-7) played at the court of 7th ranked Ningxia Hanas (8-9). Jiangsu defeated Ningxia Hanas 94-82. stepped up with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 14 rebounds for the winners and Justin Johnson chipped in 23 points and 8 rebounds. Nigerian forward Ndudi Ebi (206-84, college: Arizona) responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 18 rebounds. Jiangsu moved-up to third place, which they share with Sichuan. Ningxia Hanas at the other side dropped to the sixth position with nine games lost. They share it with Guangzhou FM. Jiangsu will play against league's leader Changan Group in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ningxia Hanas will play against Guangzhou FM (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between second ranked Whampoa (11-6) and 5th ranked ShenYang (9-8) on Tuesday ended with biggest points difference. Whampoa outscored guests from 106-84. Alan Wiggins nailed a double-double by scoring 46 points (!!!), 20 rebounds and 6 assists for the winning side. Whampoa's coach XuLin Wang felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Peng Yao came up with 18 points and 9 rebounds for ShenYang in the defeat. Whampoa maintains second place with 11-6 record behind leader Changan Group. ShenYang lost their seventh game in a row. They keep the fifth position with eight games lost. Whampoa will meet at home Heilongjiang (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. ShenYang will play against Hebei (#8) and hope to secure a win.

In the last two games of round 17 Guangzhou FM was beaten by Sichuan on the road 102-96. Bottom-ranked Hangzhou lost to Hebei on its own court 112-123.

Sichuan - Guangzhou FM 102-96

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Sichuan (10-7) beat at home 6th ranked Guangzhou FM (8-9) 102-96 on Tuesday. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Guangzhou FM won third quarter 22-21. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American guard T.J. Bannister (180-84, college: Liberty) nailed 19 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists for the winning side and his fellow American import forward Alexander McLean (203-85, agency: Strategic Sports) accounted for 15 points and 13 rebounds. Sichuan's coach Joseph Stiebing used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Palestinian center Sani Sakakini (204-88) came up with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 18 rebounds and American forward Jartavious Henderson (203-87, college: Memphis) added 12 points and 12 rebounds respectively for Guangzhou FM in the defeat. Four Sichuan and five Guangzhou FM players scored in double figures. Sichuan maintains third place with 10-7 record having just two points less than leader Changan Group, which they share with Jiangsu. Loser Guangzhou FM keeps the sixth position with nine games lost. They share it with Ningxia Hanas. Sichuan will meet bottom-ranked Hangzhou (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Guangzhou FM will play against Ningxia Hanas (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Guangzhou FM: S.Sani 28+18reb, Z.XiaoMing 20+2reb+1ast, Y.Liang 14+5reb, H.Jartavious 12+12reb, S.TianGang 11+3reb+1ast, Z.HongWei 6+3reb+2ast
Sichuan: C.Ma 24+3reb, B.T.J. 19+9reb+9ast, J.QiZhen 18+4reb, M.Alexander 15+13reb, M.Long 8+1reb, Y.ZhaoLei 7+3reb+1ast
gschID: 129392


Whampoa - ShenYang 106-84

The game between second ranked Whampoa (11-6) and 5th ranked ShenYang (9-8) on Tuesday ended with biggest points difference. Whampoa outscored guests from 106-84. The game without a history. Whampoa led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to ShenYang's 42. They outrebounded ShenYang 48-31 including a 36-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Whampoa looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. American forward Alan Wiggins (206-85, college: USF) nailed a double-double by scoring 46 points (!!!), 20 rebounds and 6 assists for the winning side and his fellow American import swingman Michael Joiner (200-81, college: Florida St.) accounted for 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Whampoa's coach XuLin Wang felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Forward Peng Yao (205-86) came up with 18 points and 9 rebounds and center XiaoDong Chen (207-86) added 16 points and 7 rebounds respectively for ShenYang in the defeat. Four Whampoa and five ShenYang players scored in double figures. Whampoa maintains second place with 11-6 record behind leader Changan Group. ShenYang lost their seventh game in a row. They keep the fifth position with eight games lost. Whampoa will meet at home Heilongjiang (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. ShenYang will play against Hebei (#8) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
ShenYang: Y.Peng 18+9reb+3ast, C.XiaoDong 16+7reb, C.DeAngelo 15+6reb+1ast, Z.JunXiong 13+1reb+1ast, A.Corey 12+1reb+6ast, D.ChengLong 10+6reb+4ast
Whampoa: W.Alan 46+20reb+6ast, Y.Ning 18+4reb+3ast, J.Lei 16+4reb+1ast, J.Michael 15+11reb+4ast, Y.ZhiYong 8+1reb+1ast, W.Jing 3+3reb+2ast
gschID: 129389


Changan Group - Heilongjiang 89-82

NBL top team - Changan Group (12-5) added another victory to their record on Tuesday. This time they beat eighth ranked Heilongjiang (7-10) 89-82. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Heilongjiang. Heilongjiang trailed by 11 points at halftime and as many as 22 after three quarters before a 32-17 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 82-89 at the end of the game. Changan Group forced 21 Heilongjiang turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Heilongjiang's players. American center Darnell Cox (211-85, college: Miss.Valley St., agency: Court Side) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 15 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Nick Stallings (190-83, college: Centenary) contributed with 19 points and 8 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. Stallings is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Changan Group players scored in double figures. Nigerian center Benson Egemonye (207-83, college: Niagara) answered with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 16 rebounds and center Gang Yu (208-92) added 20 points and 11 rebounds in the effort for Heilongjiang. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Changan Group have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. They maintain first place with 12-5 record. Heilongjiang at the other side keeps the eighth position with ten games lost. They share it with Hebei. Changan Group are looking forward to face Jiangsu (#4) in the next round. Heilongjiang will play against the league's second-placed Whampoa (#2) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Heilongjiang: Y.Gang 20+11reb, P.Courtney 19+2reb+4ast, E.Benson 19+16reb, L.Naiyuan 6+6reb, B.Xiaohui 6+3reb+1ast, J.Ming 3
Changan Group: C.Darnell 19+15reb+1ast, S.Nick 19+3reb+8ast, J.JunQi 11+3reb, R.XiaTi 10+5reb+2ast, L.Peng 9+7reb+3ast, S.Jian 8+1reb+2ast
gschID: 129390


Hangzhou - Hebei 112-123

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 10th ranked Hangzhou's (3-14) home loss to ninth ranked Hebei (7-10) 112-123 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by Hebei. Hangzhou managed to win second period 36-29. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American players dominated the game. Forward Christopher Lawson (193-83, college: Houston) nailed a double-double by scoring 31 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side and forward Anthony Vereen (201-86, college: Texas Arlington) accounted for 21 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Dante Milligan (206-84, college: Massachusetts, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) came up with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 17 rebounds and forward Austen Powers (203-87, college: Seattle, agency: Tank Sports) added 27 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Hangzhou in the defeat. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Hebei moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Heilongjiang. Hangzhou lost their fourth game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with 14 games lost. Hebei will meet higher ranked ShenYang (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hangzhou will play against Sichuan (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hangzhou: M.Dante 28+17reb+3ast, P.Austen 27+7reb, Y.Carrian 19+2reb+2ast, L.Wei 17+2reb+4ast, Z.Honglin 12+3reb+3ast, J.Jin 5+1reb
Hebei: L.Christopher 31+12reb+5ast, J.Nan 23+2reb+1ast, V.Anthony 21+11reb+2ast, Z.GuoDong 20+9reb+1ast, Z.ZhenHu 13+4reb+4ast, C.Zhixin 12+7reb+1ast
gschID: 129391


Ningxia Hanas - Jiangsu 82-94

The game in was also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked Jiangsu (10-7) played at the court of 7th ranked Ningxia Hanas (8-9). Jiangsu defeated Ningxia Hanas 94-82. The game was mostly controlled by Jiangsu. Ningxia Hanas was better in third quarter 26-24. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Jiangsu dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Ningxia Hanas' 44. Hunter stepped up with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 14 rebounds for the winners and American guard Justin Johnson (198-86, college: Iowa) chipped in 23 points and 8 rebounds. Nigerian forward Ndudi Ebi (206-84, college: Arizona) responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 18 rebounds and guard Yansong Ma (185-88) scored 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Jiangsu and five Ningxia Hanas players scored in double figures. Jiangsu moved-up to third place, which they share with Sichuan. Ningxia Hanas at the other side dropped to the sixth position with nine games lost. They share it with Guangzhou FM. Jiangsu will play against league's leader Changan Group in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ningxia Hanas will play against Guangzhou FM (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ningxia Hanas: E.Ndudi 26+18reb, W.Sze 13+5reb+2ast, Y.Kaifu 12+2reb, M.Yansong 12+6reb+5ast, X.Zhongjie 10+2reb+2ast, H.Ramon 7+5reb
Jiangsu: Hunter 26+14reb+1ast, J.Justin 23+8reb+3ast, F.Hui 13+8reb, W.YanQing 12+3reb, S.XianLing 7+1reb+3ast, W.DaPeng 5+2reb+1ast
gschID: 129388




*****************************************************
  CROATIA   


Svjetlost signs Filip Basljan and Ivan Papac - by Eurobasket News
Svjetlost Slavonski Brod announced signing of two new players. After hiring of Head Coach Mladen Erjavec, the team brought in Filip Basljan (196-F-84) and Ivan Papac (207-F/C-87).
Filip Basljan arrives to Svjetlost from Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje. He won the championship title and Cup with them last season, but had very limited playing time. Basljan started 2010/11 with Dubrava and in December moved to Zagreb. With Dubrava he had 14.7 ppg, 5 rpg and 2.2 apg for 6 games in A1. Basljan also played for Zagreb from 2007 to 2010. Before that, he was a member of Cedevita.
Ivan Papac spent last two seasons with Liege. In the latest one he had 1.2 pp and 1.4 rpg for 20 games in Belgian league. In the past, Papac played for Zagreb and Zadar.

U16: Croatia sneak past France to win Group F - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U16 - France U16 68:60

Croatia recorded the sixth straight win at the U16 European Championship. They held off France to clinch the top position in Group F. Mario Hezonja (200-F-95) stepped up with 22 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. France slipped at 4-1 record after the defeat and occupied the second place in the group.
Croatia started the game with aggressive defence. They held France to just 5 points posting an 8-point lead ten minutes into the game. But Les Bleus rebounded in the second quarter. They adjusted offence scoring 25 points and drawing things level at 30. France pulled ahead early in the third quarter. But the Croats capped the period with a 9:2 run to eke out a 46:42 lead. France used a 6:0 run at the start of the final frame to regain control. Mario Hezonja knocked down 6 points in an 8:2 rally from Croatia as they pulled ahead 63:58 with just over two minutes remaining. Ponters dragged Les Bleus closer but Mario Hezonja responded with five points in a row as Croatia sealed the victory. Ivan Bender (201-C-95) delivered 9 points for Croatia. Marko Arapovic (206-C-96) netted 7 points in the loss. Paul Rigot (199-F-95) answered with 18 points for France. Damien Inglis (198-F-95) had 10 points in the losing effort.

Croatia U16: Mario Hezonja 22, Ivan Bender 9, Marko Arapovic 7
France U16: Paul Rigot 18, Damien Inglis 10


*****************************************************
  CYPRUS   


U16 Men's European Championship - Another poor tournament for Cyprus NT! - by Chris Mammides
A disappointing tournament for the Cyprus NT U16 is taking place in Strumica of Skopjie where in the 28th of July the European championship U16 of the second division begun and will be officially over in the next four days.

The Cyprus NT of U16, with Head Coaches Michalis Tsaggaridis and Giorgos Papares showed in another crucial tournament that the future of the sport in the island of Cyprus is facing serious problems and its quite pity as the talent of the young boys has nothing to be jealous of as most of the other NTs are no better than the Cyprus one but they are more organized, more focused and they are doing more systematic and correct job in terms of the specific ages and not only.
Being said that the Cyprus Basketball federation is to be blamed totally as the clubs even though do get their stake of responsibility by simply not counting at all the young local boys in their club duties, the Cyprus Federation is doing nothing to change the specific culture, not only that but after the U16 NT there is no other NT but the one of Mens that is simply meaning that most of the talents are vanishing through time as if they are not playing in their clubs and if they are not playing in the various NTs (U17, U18, U19, U20 and U21) then there is no reason for them to exist, thats why the youngest player of the Mens NT is Razis who is now 22 while the next younger player is Theocharidis who is currently 26!.

Now, in regards to the Cyprus NT U16, the funniest of all and at the same time ironic is the fact that the top performer of the Cyprus NT in Strumica is not playing basketball in the island as he left Cyprus and he is currently playing in the Greek league and in particular with Mas Mantoulidis one of the best Basketball academies in Greece. Antreas Christodoulou (193-G-95) joined Mas Mantoulidis in Thessaloniki one year ago.

The great disappointment also comes from the fact that countries such as Armenia, Georgia, Luxemburg and Estonia consider being if not weakest at the same level with the Cyprus NT the previous years, now these teams have been improved and reached the level of many other National groups while Cyprus succeeded heavy loses like the one over Portugal with 32 points, the other one against Netherlands with 29 points and the one against Slovenia with 21 points.
The Cyprus NT scored in some quarters as low as 5, 6 and 8 points, and more particularly over Slovenia in the first quarter scored just five points!, against Portugal in the last quarter the team scored six points and against Finland (in the most decent defeat) the team scored in the second quarter just eight points!!
One may wonder, are these results realistic? Meaning that the difference between the National teams being so chaotic at the young age of 15 and 16 years of age? The answer is definitely NOT!!

There are many questions arise after these tournaments results Some of them are the following:

1. Why the Cyprus Basketball federation is not doing anything in regards to the future of the sport in the island by changing the rules and regulations in regards to the local players in their clubs?
2. Why the Cyprus Basketball Federation is not developing and evolving the other National teams like the U17, U18, U19, U20 and U21 or at least half of them?
3. Furthermore, there was a budget spent on friendly games in Bulgaria where the U16 went 8 days before the specific European tournament to play against the Bulgarian NT which belongs in the first Division and against the teams of Balkan and Lukoil Academica, in all four games the difference between the teams was huge as the Cyprus NT lost against the strong team of the Bulgarian NT with 37 and 26 points respectively while against the two weakest teams of Lucoil and Balkan won quite easily with 12 and 31 points respectively, was this trip really worth it?
4. Wasn't it better to play against teams of the same division to count its forces with more and bigger effect?

Of course there are many other questions which Eurobasket.com every season is asking but never receives any replies, furthermore the total ellipsis of scouters in the island is also an obvious part which is not helping the sport at all.

Lastly, is worthless to dream of something better for Basketball in Cyprus unless dramatic changes take place and initiatives from the Cyprus Federation before is too late, from a conversation had with a person who is in charge of one of the biggest Academies I have been told that there is a lot of talent in the ages of 13 and 14, lets hope that things will take place very soon so as for these players to be a part of the rejuvenation of the sport in the island.




All the transfer news until August 1st, 2011 - by Chris Mammides
Slowly-Slowly the teams are preparing for the coming season with InterCollege Etha Engomis, Keravnos Strovolou and AEK Larnacas being the fastest in compare with their opponents, while some other teams such as Pizza Express Primetel Apollon Apollon and ENAD being the slowest in the race for the best feasible roster with the less money.
In more Analysis the teams (one by one) performed the following signings until the first day of August:
InterCollege Etha Engomis The team of Head Coach Konstantinidis has finished all the necessary transfers and is ready since the 20th of July with its new members waiting for the season to start. The new members of the team are Mark Dawson the ex power forward of Ilysiakos of Coach Flevarakis who is actually replacing the ex captain of the team Anthony King who terminated his tour in Cyprus league after two consecutive and very successful seasons under Ethas jersey. At the same time the Engomis team added Joshua Jackson, Shawn Ray and kept Ken Tutt and the key bosman of the team, Massamba, Dabkus and Cup while the experienced small forward Alexis Georgiadis added to become just the 2nd Cypriot other than Giorgos Anastasiadis. In the team of course the champions in the division of U20, Riginos Kassinopoulos, Christos Panagiotou, Costas Papakonstantinou, Dimitris Aristotelous, Nikolas Kostantinou, and Neofytos Handriotis is expected to gain some minutes in the court.
B.M.C. AEK Larnacas The team of Head Coach Nikolas Papadopoulos is nearly ending its roster as after the signing of the American forward Omar Bartlett and the American guard / forward Charron Fisher and the already signed members Jo-Jo Garcia, Cyrille Maccanda, Marko Kandic, and the local players, Charis Fantousis, Iakovos Panteli, Nikolaos Stylianou and the youngsters Roberdo Mantovani, and Giorgos Giorgallidis is actually looking for a point guard from the States to fulfill the roster and be ready on time for the new league.
Keravnos Strovolou Coach Panagiotis Yiannaras performed a total make-over of the Strovolos team as it kept only the two Cypriots Panagiotis Trisokkas and Andreas Pilavas while Vassilis Kounnas agreed to continue his career in A2 team of Lavrio which wanted him since last season. The new players of the team are the American trio of Darby, Hatcher and Moore who play in the positions of shooting guard and small forward, the Bosman duet in the positions of Power forward and center, Pavels Veselovs and Ales Chan while another two players have been added in the positions of the small forward and power forward posts as the Finnish (the first ever in Cyprus league) Samuel Haanpa and the Serb Strahinja Dragisevic were added to cover as backups the specific positions. Lastly, the veteran player Vladimir Zaric and the last seasons MVP of the team Sasa Djordjevic were added simply to empower the positions of guard.
Cytavision Apoel Nicosia The team of Coach Christos Stylianides is among the slow teams in the sign ups of players for the new seasons, as the only players that the team is having in its roster are Christodoulos Kaskiris, Giorgos Neofytou, the American center Jerom Beasly and the well known from the Greek league Vukasin Mandic. While in the team is expected to do some internal upgrading as the youngsters of the U16 team and members of the Cyprus NT Miso Vuskevic, and Christofer Dugan are expected to be seen a bit different from the head coach and maybe to be offered some minutes in the court.
Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD Agios Dometios Head Coach Argyrou kept from last seasons roster the Georgian small forward Niko Chkhatarashvili and the Cypriots Elhadjj, Stelios Filippou, Aleksandar Matic, Dimitris Ioannou, Marios Kyriakidis and Nikos Masias. There are rumors that in the roster there are another two Serbians but never been presented officially.
Proteas Danoi AEL the Limassol team of the Cyprus trio in the coaching position, Markos Asonitis, Spirou and Evzonas have already renewed the Cyprus international players, Palalas, Kounounis, Liatsos and the youngsters Christos Loizidis who came back from the Greek league, Marios Georgiou, Georgios Stylianou, while very close are the Cyprus Internationals Iraklis Pittakas, Grigoris Pantouris and the Serbian power forward Stephan Milosevic of last seasons. At the same time the first position of the American player has been captured by the top scorer of the Slovakian league Adam McCoy a real basketball scoring engine.
Pizza Express Primetel Apollon the only Cyprus team with a non Cypriot Head Coach as the Latvian Igor Migliniecks will lead the team has done not many moves as currently the team has only at this stage the talented Cypriots who won the championship of U20 last season and the cup this season, some of them are Vanios Antonov, Rafael Gilmore, Dimitris Stavrou, Stefanos Iliadis and Fedros Charalampous. The first player to sign in the Limassol team is the ex AEKs player Jordan Collins (208-F-82, college: N.Carolina St.), other than that there are no official news in regards to players and any other transfers for the Limasol team, some behind the scene news brings the team already to sign most of its players but wants no presentations at this stage.
Achilleas Kaimakliou the team of Head Coach Yiangoulis and his team made no big steps since the end of the league as at this stage they only have in their roster the Cypriot players Giorgos Theocharides, Andreas & Kyriakos Pantziaros, Alexandros Ionov and Andreas Andreou. There are no more official news from the team about players and signings for the coming season.
Omonoia The only team that has no head coach yet as Head Coach Kiriakos Adamou is not for sure the head coach and the team announced that at the beginning of August the official announcement will take place. In the team belong the twin brothers Christos and Stefanos Varnava, Giorgos Frangeskou and Giorgos Konstantinou while the team has an open line with the Lithuanian Linas juknevicius , the Serbian Miroslav Cubrilo and Sasa Avalic. No other news are available for the Nicosia team.


*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC   


U16: Czech Republic tame Germany in Pardubice - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U16 - Germany U16 78:72

Czech Republic earned the second straight win at the U16 European Championship Qualifying Round. They prevailed against Germany to improve at 4-1 record in Group E. Radovan Kouril (182-PG-95) notched 19 points and 7 assists to pace the winners. Germany in the meantime suffered the second straight loss. They fell at 3-2 record in the third position in the ladder.
Czech Republic fired 29 points in the starting quarter to take a 4-point lead at the break. The hosts maintained the lead throughout the second term. They arrived at halftime up by six points 47:41. Czech Republic did not allow German counterparts any closer in the third frame. The Czech team posted a 62:54 lead with ten minutes remaining. Germany got within just two points 70:72 with under three minutes remaining. But Prokop Slanina (204-C-95) and Radovan Kouril scored next five points and Czech Republic ran away for the victory. Jiri Soula (187-G-95) produced 16 points, 6 boards and 6 steals, while Prokop Slanina had 14 points in defeat. David Taylor (188-PG-95) knocked down 17 points for Germany. Maximilian Ugrai (196-F-95) netted 13 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Czech Republic U16: Radovan Kouril 19, Jiri Soula 16, Prokop Slanina 14
Germany U16: David Taylor 17, Maximilian Ugrai 13


Former D-League Guard Jamar Smith Inks Deal with BK Prostejov of Czech Republic - by Surujh Roopnarine
Jamar Smith (191-G-87, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: S.Indiana), the former University of Illinois guard who resurrected his career at Southern Indiana and spent last season with the Maine Red Claws of the NBA D-League, has inked his first European contract with BK Prostejov of the Czech Republic. The 24-year old Smith began last season in training camp with the Boston Celtics before heading to Maine where he had a very impressive rookie season, culminating in his being named to the All-NBA Development League Rookie Second Team. Smith started 45 of 48 games played, averaging 13.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 49.7% from the field and 43.2% from three. Primarily a scorer in college, Smith possesses a very refined three-point shot, as evidence by his NCAA career 43.1% three-point percentage (293-680). However during his first pro season in Maine he spent the majority of the time at point where he acquitted himself very nicely. After the D-League season, the Peoria, IL native spent some time in Venezuela with Guaiqueries de Margarita before coming back state-side to compete in NBA workouts prior to the lockout. At 6-3, Smith will come into head Coach Zbynek Cholevas revamped lineup as the projected starting shooting guard, but due to his heady ball-handling skills and perceptive court vision, expect him to see lots of time with the ball in his hands orchestrating the offense.

*****************************************************
  DENMARK   


U16: Slovak Republic won the game over Denmark at the Classification Round for 17-22 places - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic U16-Denmark U16 72:70

Slovak Republic won the game over Denmark at the Classification Round for 17-22 places at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team tied at 1-1 record after 72:70 win, while Denmark will face Ireland tomorrow.
Slovak Republic started the game with 21:15 but allowed the opponents to close the period at 5-0. Petersen tied the game at 27:27 and Baluch gave his side 31:28. Rasmus Hansen (203-C/F-95) closed the half from the free throw line to send both sides to the lockers at 32:31. The battle continued in the court and were tied at 44:44 with a minute in the third. Boris Belavy (197-F-95) gave Slovak Republic 55:46 and Vladimir Nemcok (178-PG-95) scored for 63:55. Denmark tried hard to catch up with the opponents but could cut it to 2 points.
Vladimir Nemcok erupted with 29 points for the winners and Boris Belavy netted 12. Marek Bojkovsky (189-F-95) scored 10, while Tomas Cibak (180-PG-95) posted 7. Rasmus Hansen ended up with 22 points in defeat and Jonas Lund (190-F-95) had 21.

Slovak Republic U16: Vladimir Nemcok 29, Boris Belavy 12, Marek Bojkovsky 10, Tomas Cibak 7
Denmark U16: Rasmus Hansen 22, Jonas Lund 21


Falcon land Pape Ba - by Eurobasket News
Falcon strengthened their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Pape Ba (207-F/C-80, college: Bethune-Cookman). The 31-year-old Senegalese centre is not new to Denmark. He has been playing in the country since 2005. Last season Pape Ba spent with Vaerlose. His stats read 13.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per appearance. The centre earned Eurobasket.com All-Danish Ligaen Honourable Mention.



Will Harris joins Horsens - by Eurobasket News
Horsens landed the second import player for the next season. They agreed on terms of contract with Will Harris (198-F-86, college: Albany). The 24-year-old forward has graduated from the University at Albany in 2010. Will Harris tallied 12.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game in his senior season. The forward started his pro career in the IBL. He played for the Albay Legends in 2011 season. Will Harris averaged 11.5 points per appearance.



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


Mario West heads to Italy - by Eurobasket News
NBA guard Mario West (6'5''-G-84, college: Georgia Tech) will continue his career overseas. The 27-year-old player signed a deal with the Italian team Tezenis Verona. It will be his first time in Europe. West finished last season with the New Jersey Nets. He had 3.7 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.7 apg and 1.2 spg for 6 games with them. West also appeared 42 times for the Main Red Claws averaging 13.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists. He was named Gatorade D-League All-Defensive 2nd Team -11. In 2009 and 2010, Mario West reached NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals with the Atlanta Hawks. He appeared 84 times in two years, but had limited playing time. He was their member also in 2007/08. That was the rookie season for West, who graduated at the Georgia Tech University in 2007.

Former D-League Guard Jamar Smith Inks Deal with BK Prostejov of Czech Republic - by Surujh Roopnarine
Jamar Smith (191-G-87, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: S.Indiana), the former University of Illinois guard who resurrected his career at Southern Indiana and spent last season with the Maine Red Claws of the NBA D-League, has inked his first European contract with BK Prostejov of the Czech Republic. The 24-year old Smith began last season in training camp with the Boston Celtics before heading to Maine where he had a very impressive rookie season, culminating in his being named to the All-NBA Development League Rookie Second Team. Smith started 45 of 48 games played, averaging 13.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 49.7% from the field and 43.2% from three. Primarily a scorer in college, Smith possesses a very refined three-point shot, as evidence by his NCAA career 43.1% three-point percentage (293-680). However during his first pro season in Maine he spent the majority of the time at point where he acquitted himself very nicely. After the D-League season, the Peoria, IL native spent some time in Venezuela with Guaiqueries de Margarita before coming back state-side to compete in NBA workouts prior to the lockout. At 6-3, Smith will come into head Coach Zbynek Cholevas revamped lineup as the projected starting shooting guard, but due to his heady ball-handling skills and perceptive court vision, expect him to see lots of time with the ball in his hands orchestrating the offense.

Ex-Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl to visit, consider Legends job - by Eurobasket News
Bruce Pearl is an unemployed basketball coach, and Friscos Texas Legends are an NBA D-League team without a coach.

After what Legends owner Donnie Nelson termed some real constructive dialogue, Pearl agreed to come to North Texas on Thursday and tour the Legends and Mavericks facilities.

Pearl, 51, was fired in March after six seasons at Tennessee, with a 145-61 record that was clouded by NCAA investigations and sanctions on Pearl. As Pearl awaits NCAA word of how long he might be barred from college coaching, the Legends seem a logical avenue back to basketball.

Were hoping to knock his socks off, Nelson said Tuesday. We are hopeful and optimistic that hell like our situation and our city.

Nelson, of course, doubles as the Mavericks president of basketball operations. The NBA is in a lockout and could well have a delayed start of the 2011-2012 season, but no matter, the D-Leagues 11th season will commence in November.

The Legends have been without a head coach for two weeks. Nancy Lieberman, who coached the franchises inaugural 2010-2011 season, is now the assistant general manager.

Hiring the quotable and somewhat controversial Pearl would bring media and fan attention to the Legends franchise, which finished 24-26 last season. Nelson said several Legends players phoned or came by the teams facility Tuesday, excited after learning of the franchises interest in Pearl.

Hes a winner, Nelson said. I just love winners. If you look at his program, what he did at Tennessee, every program that hes touched, hes turned that thing into a winner.

It appears the job is Pearls, but he might not make a decision during this visit. He reportedly has offers to do TV analyst work, plus hes awaiting closure in the NCAA matter.

On Sept. 10, 2010, he admitted making inappropriate recruitment contacts and providing false information during an NCAA investigation. Tennessee reduced his salary and suspended him for eight games. It fired him after the season after learning of additional violations.

Courtesy of www.dallasnews.com

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


Calipari, Dominican Republic team begin practice - by Eurobasket News
Al Horford never thought he'd spend a month training with the Dominican Republic national team in the middle of Kentucky.

But because Kentucky's John Calipari is coaching the Dominican Republic's national team in the upcoming 2011 FIBA Americas Tournament, the squad is training at the Wildcats' practice facility in Lexington.

'I never expected this, I got to tell you,' said Horford, who played his college ball at Florida. 'I tweeted the other day that I was going to be here and I didn't get very warm comments on it. (Gator fans) didn't like that too much. It has nothing to do with that, though. I'm happy to be here and happy to train here.'

The team began training in Lexington on Sunday for the 10-team tournament which runs from Aug. 30 to Sept. 11 in Mar del Plata, Argentina. The winner earns an automatic bid to play in the 2012 Olympics.

The Dominican Republic national team has never played in Olympics.

'I think they've been to one qualifying tournament one time, in 1977, and they call those guys The Immortals,' Calipari said. 'We're underdogs, but that's what makes it unique and fun. This is a group that's hungry to win.'

Calipari's roster includes three NBA players: Horford of the Atlanta Hawks, Charlie Villanueva of the Detroit Pistons and Francisco Garcia of the Sacramento Kings. The team also includes former Louisville guard Edgar Sosa, who hit a 25-footer to beat rival Kentucky in 2010.

'I've been trying my best to stay at the hotel. I haven't left the hotel too much,' Sosa quipped.

Calipari said he was initially approached to serve as a consultant to young coaches in the Dominican Republic, similar to a program in which he participated in with Chinese basketball coaches. But then he was told that part of the commitment would include coaching the national team.

Calipari agreed on the condition that the team could prepare for the FIBA Americas Tournament in Lexington. Part of the appeal to coaching the team, he said, is the educational benefit.

'Baseball is triple-A, double-A, single-A. Basketball is you either go to a club team or you're going to college,' Calipari said. 'The players on this team that have done well, all went to college. Maybe we can encourage sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders that your avenue to play basketball is education.'

Playing for the national team not only gives the players a chance to represent their country, but Villanueva said he was just glad to have a place to work out since NBA team facilities are closed to players during the lockout.

It also offers a chance to focus on the national team's tournament without the NBA preseason immediately looming, Villanueva said. He said he was prepared for no NBA preseason at all.

'It's going to be a battle. It's going to be a war, but we're not going to give in,' he said. 'Whatever happens, happens. I'm just taking it a day at a time. We'll have a better idea come September or when the end of August comes around.

'I'm prepared for it,' he said. 'I think the union did a great job of educating us on the potential lockout. I think it helped a lot of players, if not all of them. I was prepared for it two years ago. Nothing different for me.'

Before the FIBA Americas Tournament, the Dominican Republic national team is scheduled to play an exhibition in Lexington's Rupp Arena on Aug. 15 against a group of Kentucky alumni currently playing in the NBA. The Kentucky alumni scheduled to play include Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics, John Wall of the Washington Wizards and Tayshaun Prince of the Pistons.

Horford said the team is looking forward to the exhibition not as a showcase, but as a chance to improve before the tournament.

The team will stay in Lexington until it heads to Argentina for the tournament.

'I don't know if Joakim (Noah) knows that the practices are being held out here,' Horford said of his college teammate who enjoyed prodding the rival Wildcats. 'I don't know how he'd feel about that.'

Courtesy of www.abc12.com

Standings - District National
LNB Standings
North Division
 1. Reales 6-3 
 2. Metros 3-4 
 3. Indios SF 3-5 
 4. Huracanes 3-5 
South Division
 1. Leones SD 8-0 
 2. Cocolos 4-3 
 3. Titanes 2-5 
 4. Caneros 2-6 


*****************************************************
  ESTONIA   


Late surge brought Estonia the win over the Swiss side - by Eurobasket News
Switzerland U16-Estonia U16 74:90

Switzerland and Estonia are tied at 1-1 record after the game with each other at the Classification Round for 9-16 places at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Baltic side won 90:74 as the teams will finish the Classification Round tomorrow.
Switzerland surprised the opponents with 24:18 in the opening period and enjoyed 6-point halftime advantage. Mathias Tolusso (186-G-95) made two free throws for 50:44, but they could not win the game. Estonia won the third period 16-13 and reduced to 3 points after thirty minutes. Saimon Sutt (195-G/F-95) tied the game at 64:64, while Estonia erupted with the massive surge at the end of the game. A 30-14 in the last stanza brought the first victory for Estonia at the Classification Round.
Rain Koort (194-G/F-95) led the way with 29 points and Sten Olmre (189-G-95) followed him with 19. Saimon Sutt nailed 11, while Egert Haller (188-G-95) posted 9. Mathias Tolusso replied with 15 points in the losing effort and Mario Raemy (180-G-95) notched 14.

Switzerland U16: Mathias Tolusso 15, Mario Raemy 14 Luka Mandic (195-F-96) 12
Estonia U16: Rain Koort 29, Sten Olmre 19, Saimon Sutt 11, Egert Haller 9



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


ESL Hosuton Game Reports - Day 1 - by Darryl Reshaw
Game 1: Beijing 92 Buenos Aires 83

The first day of the ESL Houston Event featured a lot of interesting talent.
The game went back and forth as the players showed a lot of intensity and the play got very aggressive.
Beijng ended up defeating Buenos Aires 92 -83 in overtime.
Gregory Howard (193-G, college: Walsh, OH) led all scorers in the game with 24 points s he nailed four 3pt shots in the game showing his smooth deep range.
Marcus Thompson (193-G/F-84) scored 15 points and pulled 6 rebounds for the Beijing team.

Buenos Aires was led by a remarkable rebounding performance from Jamil Terrell who scored 9 pts and grabbed an impressive 20 rebounds in this contest.

Joseph Polite (200-F/C-84, college: SE Louisiana) had an outstanding game as he scored 21 points and 10 rebounds showing a nice all around game.
He is a very good athlete and has a nice inside and outside game.

Brandon Smalls (196-G/F-86, college: S.Carolina St.) played very well for Buenos Aires scoring 14 points and Floyd McClain chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds.

Game 2: Dubai 101 Tokyo 90

The dual from Texas Tech showed why they averaged double figures in the Big 12.
Brad Reese (198-F-88, agency: TM Sports, college: Texas Tech) and David Tairu (191-G-86, agency: TM Sports, college: Texas Tech) put on a show in the second day at the GYM in Houston Texas.

Dubai defeated Tokyo in a high scoring contest that was controlled from start to finish by Tem Dubai.
Brad Reese (198-F-88, agency: TM Sports, college: Texas Tech) scored 21 points and 8 rebounds showing off his fluid smooth stroke and his natural scoring ability.
He has a great size for a wing player and has nice moves and athleticism.
His former Texas Tech teammate David Tairu (191-G-86, agency: TM Sports, college: Texas Tech) scored 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
Davis is a phenomenal athletic who features a great mid-range jump shot and a nice head fakes that have defenders fouling him all day.
Timir Patel (211-F/C, college: Houston Baptist) the former Houston Baptist power forward had a nice game adding 11 points and 8 rebounds.
Tim has an impressive shooting stroke for a big man.
Rickey Huckaby (188-G-83, college: Tex.A&M-Kingsv.) the sensational guard from the Tokyo team scored 20 points and dished out 6 assists in the contest.
This kid can break any player down with his supreme quickness and crazy ball handling skills.
In addition, Ricky is a freaky athlete who can jump over power forwards and a normal point guard has no chance to contain this gifted player.
Lorenzo Davis (208-C-82, college: Mountain St.) the inside player for Tokyo had a monster game scoring 17 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
He is a poor man version of Dwight Howard and resembles the NBA superstar in his facial features.
Lorenzo is an intense athletic big man who can play in entry level leagues in Europe and has upside due to his size.
Ed Horton (193-G-85, college: Murray St.) played well in this game adding 14 points and 7 assists for the losing side.

Game 3: Rio de Janeiro 74 Okinawa 71
This game was a thrilling contest that went down to the final possession as Rio de Janeiro defeated Okinawa 74-71.
Kris Richard (195-G-90, college: Tulane) led the winners with 24 points,7 rebounds, 5 assists and several steals.
This kid was the surprise of the ESL Houston event in the first day.
He had every scout in the building asking about his background.
The 6'4' point guard who played out of position at Tulane University showed a remarkable all around PG game.
He has great ball handling skills and made great decisions all game long. He is super athletic and can play defense, rebound and shoot the ball extremely well.
Chris Jordan (187-G, college: St.Augustine) (195-F-82, college: Sam Houston St.) played extremely well for the winning side scoring 18 points showing his nice 3pt range.
Stephen Briggs (206-F-84, college: Robert Morris) played well on the inside for the winners scoring 6 points but pulled down 10 rebounds.
Gentry Lewis (206-F/C-81, college: Philander Smith) scored 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the losing team showing his pro experience and quality all around play.
Johnnie Jackson (201-F-84, college: Ohio) added 12 points and 5 rebounds for the Okinawa team in a quality performance.
Jonathan Dupre (203-F-88, college: Pepperdine) also scored 12 points and pulled 7 rebounds and dished out 4 assists in a quality showing.
Mike Singletary (198-F-88, college: Texas Tech) the third player from the Texas Tech team participating in the ESL Houston event had a fine all around performance scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
Joshua Walker (193-F-84, college: S.Wesleyan) also added 10 points for the Okinawa team in this highly competitive contest.

Game 4: Mexico City 132 Taipei 123

This was the highest scoring game in ESL history as both teams featured knock down shooters and very talented scorers.
This game was an offensive explosion as both teams shot the lights out and defensive schemes went out the window.
Mexico City at the end had too much talent and scored almost on every possession as they defeated Taipei 132-123.
Michael Sloan (196-G/F-84, college: Clayton St.) the UBA scoring sensation led Mexico City with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.
Mike is a highly talented big guard who is a great all around scorer with a deadly jump shot. He is athletic and can finish around the basket.
Craig Blackmon (193-PG, college: Houston) also had an outstanding game scoring 21 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists demonstrating his nice all around game.
He can shoot and really pass the basketball and he creates well off the dribble.
Coy Custer (210-C-88, college: Lamar) the big guy from Lamar University put on a quality display scoring 16 points and notching 11 rebounds.
Coy has great fundamentals and footwork for a big guy.
He is very smart and knows how to play the game featuring a nice mid range jump shot in his arsenal.
The explosive Chris Gaines (193-F-85, college: Prairie View A&M) hit some nice down town shots and took the ball to the basket at will while scoring 16 points for Mexico City.
Aramie Brooks (203-F/C-87, college: Northwestern St.) was outstanding for the Taipei team as he scored 22 points and grabbed 5 rebounds.
This forward has a nice inside and outside game for his size and can play in a lot of markets in Europe.
Matt Neaville (183-PG, college: Union, TN) scored 19 points and had 7 assists showing off his professional experience.
Matt is a crafty point guard with a pure shot. He is probably the best shooter in the event.
Edward Johnson (203-F/C-82, college: Tex.A&M-Kingsv.) had a monster game scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds with 5 blocked shots.
He was a force to be reckoned with for the Taipei Team.
Stephan Martin (182-PG-88, college: McNeese St.), Alain Muteba (193-G-87, college: Edinboro), Joseph Powell (178-PG-85, college: William Penn), Leon Sewell (193-F-85, college: Bethel (TN)) and James Morman (196-F, college: E.Texas Baptist) all chipped in quality double figure scoring for the losing side.

ESL New York - Day 1 - by Eurobasket
Game 1: Helsinki 87 Budapest 84

This was a very competitive contest featuring two quality teams.
However Helsinki was too strong in the end and squeaked out an 87-84 win.
This game went down to the final minutes as both teams battled like a heavyweight fight.
Raymond Wright the former ESL New York All Tourney selection had an outstanding game scoring 16 points and grabbing 9 rebounds.
The kid is a terrific player with inside and outside skills. He is a definite pro prospect.
Chad Tomko of Helsinki had a nice floor game as he chipped in 11 points and 8 assists for the winning team.
Chad Gray, John Williams, Dijuan Harris and AnJuan Wilderness all chipped in double figure scoring as Helsinki was the better team on the day.
Jared Cunningham the NAIA All American led Budapest with 19 points hitting deep balls all over the court.
He is highly skilled and has a quality all around game.
Kevin Francis played well and scored 13 points and 4 rebounds in the contest
John Winchester also played well for Budapest and scored 11 points and Hosni Ali put in 11 points as well showing off his slashing abilities.

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Game 2: Istanbul 97 Kiev 83

Istanbul overwhelmed Kiev 97-83 in a contest they controlled from the beginning.
Rasson Young the athletic big guard was dynamic as he scored 19pts and 5rbs for the winners.
Nick King and Cordell Hall chipped in 14 pts each as both guys played well in the first day of the event.
Michael Davis the big man from Seton Hall was solid with 11 pts and 5rbs for the winning team
Adrian Mastin and John Salter both scored 11 and 10 points respectively for the Istanbul side.
Brian Addison the highly skilled forward was awesome in this contest as he scored 26 pts and 11 rbs.
He is a point forward with a great mid range game.
He is athletic and runs the floor like a deer and sometimes he leads the break using his nice ball handling skills.
The kid has a nice game and was a big surprise to the ESL scouts.
Douglas Child was solid in this game for the losing side adding 15 points and showing quality skills.

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Game 3: Moscow 99 Prague 81

This game was like a track meet as both teams ran up and down the court with a fast break mission.
At the end of the day the Moscow team had better athletes and better scorers as they defeated Prague 99-81
Norman Carter had a great game scoring 19pts and 6rbs for the winning side.
Tony Townsend also played well adding 16 points to the victory for the Moscow team.
Kareem Brown played well for Moscow adding a respectful 15 points for the winner.
Micah Brand the international veteran who played in the JBL in Japan added 12 points and 6 rebounds for Moscow.
Charles Gamble added 15 points for Prague rumbling over weaker defenders as he attacked the basket aggressively.
Elyon Bush had an outstanding game scoring 15 points in an efficient manner.
Robert Wright also played well adding 12 points for the loosing side.

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Game 4: Riga 93 Stockholm 91

Riga stormed out to a big lead but ended up in a dog fight defeating Stockholm 93-91.
Riga came out in the first half and built a 18 point lead but got very relaxed and let Stockholm back in the game.
The game got very interesting towards the end of the contest but Riga barely hung on to the close victory.
The very talented guard Joshua Brown from Townson played well as he torched up Stockholm for 19pts, 8rbs and 6ast.
Yima Chia Kur the former ESL New York MVP played well adding 16 points and 3 rebounds.
Jazwyn Cowan played extremely well on both ends of the court for the Riga team and added 14 points and 8 rebounds.
Stockholm was led by the 2010-11 Juco Player of the Year Brandon Stevens who scored 21 points and 5 rebounds in the loss.
The super athletic big man Travis George added 17 points and 6 rebounds in the contest for Stockholm.


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  EUROLEAGUE   


VEF Riga signs Curtis Millage - by Eurobasket News
Curtis Millage (185-G-81, college: Arizona St.) is a new member of the reigning Latvian champion VEF Riga. The American guard signed a one-year deal with his new club. Millage spent last season with Khimik-OPZ Yuzny. He played 48 games in Ukrainian league averaging 14.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.4 steals. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague Honorable Mention -11. Millage also was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague Defensive Player of the Year -11. Khimk competed in EuroChallenge, where Millage registered 13.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 5.9 apg and 2.9 steals. He earned Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge Honorable Mention -11. Season 2009/10, Curtis Millage split between Union Olimpija and Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket. Before that he was a member of Enisey Krasnoyarsk. Millage is not a new face in Latvia as he played for ASK Riga from 2006 to 2008. They won the Latvian league title in 2007 and Millage was named Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League Player of the Year.

Jordan Farmar officially joins Maccabi T.A. - by David Pick
Updated: August 3, 2011, 19:24 PM

Maccabi Tel Aviv officially announced this evening (Wednesday) the signing of American point guard Jordan Farmar who has agreed to a deal during the lockout.

Yesterday, Farmar was negotiating with both Maccabi Haifa and Tel Aviv, but he's chosen to sign with the Euroleague team instead. Farmar has gone on record numerously saying that he would 'definitely' consider playing in the Israeli league if the lockout extends. M.T.A's Head Coach David Blatt, made it clear to the media that the Israeli organization will not sign players who may return to the NBA once the lockout is over, however, it seems like the organization is willing to make an exception for the Jewish star.

If the NBA lockout is still in session come November 10th, Farmar will face former Lakers championship teammate Sacha Vujacic and Turkish Anadolu Effes in Euroleague first round competition. Maccabi will continue building it's roster and look to add another player preferably in the guard position.

Haifa owner Jeffrey Rosen told 'Eurobasket' yesterday that Farmar is 'close to an agreement,' yet, today it was revealed that the two time NBA champ prefers Tel Aviv.
Farmar signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the Nets in July 2010 and averaged 9.6 points and 5.0 assists in 73 games in his first season in New Jersey.

Among the various congratulations Farmar received from fellow NBA players, the New York Knicks' sharp shooter Roger Mason who played in Israel in 2005, gave Farmar a good luck tweet on Twitter, 'Congrats to my boy Jordan Farmar for signing with Maccabi Tel Aviv! Israel is a beautiful place!'

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

Howard: Olympiacos is a very important step in my career - by Kostas Papadopoulos
Matt Howard (203-F, college: Butler), the new player of Olympiacos, came in Greece on Monday morning in order to pass the physical tests and thus formally conclude his transfer to Olympiacos.
The 22 year old American forward made also his first statements on Greek soil: The basketball we play in colleges resembles the European style of play, so I dont think Im going to have any problems adjusting. Im coming to a new country and I want to get to know a new culture, new food and of course, help the Olympiacos team to win its goals. Im looking forward to meeting a respectable coach such as Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ). I have heard many good things about him Matt Howard commented and added: My game resembles that of Matt Bonner of the San Antonio Spurs, hes a very good player and I wish to come to his level of play. He also has a very good middle range shot, such as I do. I got much better in that aspect during last season.
Matt Howard also spoke about the other two Americans Olympiacos has signed: I know Im going to be playing together with Kalin Lucas (185-G-89, college: Michigan St.) and Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86). I played with Kyle Hines in try out in San Antonio. I know Kalin Lucas, we are not best buddies, but I know his potential and then went on talking about the reds: Ive watched Olympiacos games and I have learned a lot about the team through the Internet. I know a lot about the team and I know its one of the top teams in Europe. Im happy to have come, this is a very important step in my career.

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Omar Cook joined up with Montenegro's preparations for the EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News
Omar-Sharif Cook (186-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) joined up with Montenegro's preparations for the EuroBasket. The naturalized USA-Montenegrin Guard will be one of the key players for the team in Lithuania.
Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated FYR Macedonia in the final game of the EuroBasket Qualifying Round for both teams. It was however a different outcome for the teams at the end. FYR Macedonia occupied the second place in Group B ladder and punched the ticket to EuroBasket. Bosnia and Herzegovina finished just in the fourth spot in the ladder.
Only last year with Valencia B.C. Omar-Sharif Cook became Spanish ACB Supercup Finalist -11, Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) Semifinals -11, Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Honorable Mention -11, Eurobasket.com Euroleague All-Defensive Team -11, Euroleague Quarterfinals -11, Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB Defensive Player of the Year -11 and Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB 3rd Team -11.
The next season Omar-Sharif Cook will play for Olimpia Milano. In 2008-2009 for 750,000 Omar joined Unicaja Malaga (Spain-ACB, starting five) and in Spanish League averaged 6.1ppg, 1.5rpg, 4.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 73.1%. In Euroleague after 16 games his stats read 5.6ppg, 1.9rpg, Assists-2 (5.1apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 32.1%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 75.0%. In 2009-2010 for Unicaja Malaga (Spain-ACB, starting five) in Spanish League he improved to 8.6ppg, 1.4rpg, Assists-1 (5.7apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 85.1% and in Euroleague showed 9.7ppg, 1.8rpg, Assists-1 (5.9apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 79.4%. Last season Omar moved to Valencia B.C. (Spain-ACB, starting five) and in Spanish League had 6.4ppg, 2.4rpg, Assists-2 (5.4apg), Steals-1 (2.2spg), FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 81.0%. In Euroleague after 21 games his stats read 8.0ppg, 2.4rpg, Assists-2 (5.6apg), Steals-4 (1.8spg), FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 79.1%.
He recorded 20 points last season at the Euroleague Quarter-Finals Round 2 when Power Electronics Valencia beat Real in Madrid 75-81 tying the score to 1-1 in the Euroleague Quarterfinals. Omar-Sharif Cook exploded for the guests with 20 points and 6 assists for 33 minutes. He made of all his five attempts for 3-pts reaching valuation 25 (MVP).



Spanoulis and Schortsanitis knocked out of Eurobasket - by Eurobasket News
Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) and Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) knocked out of Eurobasket and will not help Greece.
Vassilis Spanoulis is a player of Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus. In the last four seasons he played for Panathinaikos Athens (A1, starting five) and Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (A1, starting five). Last season in Greek League he averaged 10.6ppg, 1.5rpg, Assists-2 (5.2apg), FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 78.4% and in Euroleague after 20 games his stats read 14.2ppg, 1.8rpg, Assists-5 (4.3apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 85.2%. The Olympiacos man has suffered an adductor problem and requires surgery that will sideline him for two months.
Sofoklis Schortsanitis also played for Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (A1) since 2006 but the last season was in Israel with Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv (Israel-Premier League, starting five). In Euroleague after 22 games he averaged 12.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 58.1%, FT: 62.5%, while in Israeli League had 11.8ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP-2 (70.7%), FT: 55.9%. His departure from the Greece NT had already been rumoured weeks ago, until the player gave an interview saying he was always in the team's service. He decided to quit anyway, adding his name to a long list of absentees for the Greeks.


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16   


M-Standings - Group A
Standings
Group E
1. Czech Rep.4-1
2. Spain4-1
3. Germany3-2
4. Russia2-3
5. Serbia2-3
6. Greece0-5
Group F
1. Croatia5-0
2. France4-1
3. Turkey3-2
4. Latvia2-3
5. Italy1-4
6. Ukraine0-5
Group G (Places 13-16)
1. Lithuania3-0
2. Poland2-1
3. Montenegro.1-2
4. Bulgaria0-3


M-Standings - Group B
Standings Div.B
Group E
1. U.Kingdom2-0
2. Slovenia2-0
3. Holland0-2
4. Romania0-2
Group F
1. Bosnia1-0
2. Hungary1-1
3. Israel1-1
4. Armenia0-1
Group G (Places 9-16)
1. Portugal2-0
2. Finland1-1
3. Georgia1-1
4. Luxembourg0-2
Group H (Places 9-16)
1. Belgium1-0
2. Estonia1-1
3. Switzerland1-1
4. Sweden0-1
Group I (Places 17-22)
1. Cyprus1-0
2. FYR Macedon.1-0
3. Austria0-2
Group J (Places 17-22)
1. Ireland1-0
2. Slovakia1-1
3. Denmark0-1


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, LUX17.6 
 4. Sharon, ISR17.6 
 5. Konstantinov, ARM16.6 
 6. Buza, BIH15.8 
 7. Hansen, DEN15.6 
 8. Rebec, SLO15.5 
 9. Lund, DEN15.3 
 10. Hortoglu, ROM15.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Vlad COBZARU
  (203-C-95)
  Avg: 11.2
 1. Cobzaru, ROM11.2 
 2. Insaly, POR10.5 
 3. Okoroh, ENG9.8 
 4. Darakhvelidz., GEO9.8 
 5. Ritlop, SLO9.8 
 6. Nacevski, MKD9.2 
 7. Carroll, IRL8.8 
 8. Sulejmanovic, FIN8.8 
 9. Radivoevich, ARM8.8 
 10. Mladenovski, MKD8.4 
Assists Per Game
 Vladimir NEMCOK
  (178-PG-95)
  Avg: 5.8
 1. Nemcok, SVK5.8 
 2. Sharon, ISR5.8 
 3. Soluade, ENG5.0 
 4. Zanzuri, ISR4.6 
 5. Nikolic, SLO4.2 
 6. Polukhin, ARM3.6 
 7. Olmre, EST3.6 
 8. Perl, HUN3.4 
 9. Mehic, SUI3.4 
 10. Zahiragic, BIH3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Ludvig HAKANSON
  (187-PG-96)
  Avg: 4.4
 1. Hakanson, SWE4.4 
 2. Soluade, ENG4.0 
 3. Papacostas, CYP3.3 
 4. Ieronymidis, CYP3.0 
 5. Christodoulo., CYP3.0 
 6. Nacevski, MKD3.0 
 7. Nemcok, SVK2.8 
 8. Zahiragic, BIH2.5 
 9. Lecomte, BEL2.5 
 10. Olmre, EST2.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Archili PULUZASHVILI
  (200-C-95)
  Avg: 4.6
 1. Puluzashvili, GEO4.6 
 2. Okoroh, ENG4.4 
 3. Mladenovski, MKD2.8 
 4. Cotture, SUI2.0 
 5. Cobzaru, ROM1.8 
 6. Goloman, HUN1.7 
 7. Vliet, BEL1.5 
 8. Michelsen, FIN1.5 
 9. Ritlop, SLO1.5 
 10. Buza, BIH1.3 


Stats Leaders - Group A
Points Per Game
 Aleksandar VEZENKOV
  (204-F-95)
  Avg: 26.8
 1. Vezenkov, BUL26.8 
 2. Seskus, LTU20.0 
 3. Sizov, RUS18.3 
 4. Kouril, CZE18.0 
 5. Peterka, CZE17.7 
 6. Fedorchenko, RUS17.7 
 7. Hezonja, CRO17.5 
 8. Witlinski, POL16.7 
 9. Djurovic, MNT16.0 
 10. Maccaferri, ITA15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Martin PETERKA
  (199-F-95)
  Avg: 13.2
 1. Peterka, CZE13.2 
 2. Witlinski, POL10.7 
 3. Seskus, LTU9.7 
 4. Vezenkov, BUL9.5 
 5. Diop, ESP8.5 
 6. Savic, MNT8.3 
 7. Inglis, FRA8.2 
 8. Jeszke, POL8.2 
 9. Hezonja, CRO8.0 
 10. Ristic, SRB7.7 
Assists Per Game
 Radovan KOURIL
  (182-PG-95)
  Avg: 7
 1. Kouril, CZE7.0 
 2. Martin, ESP5.3 
 3. Ozmizrak, TUR4.7 
 4. Rebic, SRB4.5 
 5. Maccaferri, ITA4.3 
 6. Plavnieks, LAT3.8 
 7. Zywert, POL3.8 
 8. Seskus, LTU3.5 
 9. Djurovic, MNT3.5 
 10. Jurgutis, LTU3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Alberto MARTIN
  (174-G-95)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Martin, ESP3.2 
 2. Boyarkin, UKR3.0 
 3. Vezenkov, BUL2.5 
 4. Sanli, TUR2.5 
 5. Soula, CZE2.5 
 6. Ozmizrak, TUR2.3 
 7. Liapis, GRE2.3 
 8. Taylor, GER2.2 
 9. Seskus, LTU2.2 
 10. Sans, ESP2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Ilimane DIOP
  (210-C-95)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Diop, ESP3.2 
 2. Vezenkov, BUL1.8 
 3. Stoimenov, BUL1.5 
 4. Benvenuti, ITA1.3 
 5. Inglis, FRA1.3 
 6. Spyropoulos, GRE1.2 
 7. Draskovic, MNT1.0 
 8. Prokopenko, UKR1.0 
 9. Razukas, LTU0.8 
 10. Charalampopo., GRE0.8 


Division B. Qualifying Round Day 1 in Strumica - by Eurobasket News
Group E
Romania - Slovenia 49-75
Slovenia cruised past Romania at the Qualifying Round of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team won 75:49 and advanced to the Semifinals in Strumica. Tomorrow Slovenia and England will fight for the top place in the group. Romania meanwhile dropped at 0-2 record and will play for the third place in the group with Netherlands. Slovenia needed a strong first period to take control for the whole game. Matic Rebec (179-PG-95) scored for 22:11 and Zatezic brought 38:17 at the halftime. Romania bounced back with 20-16 in the third frame as Lander reduced to 54:37 at the end of thirty minutes. Due to 21-12 Slovenia won the game and improved to 2-0 record. Jure Ritlop (202-F-95) led the way with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Kokol netted 15. Matic Rebec posted 9, while Zatezic added 8. Mehmet Hortoglu (194-F-95) finished the game with 11 points and Cobzaru notched 8.

United Kingdom - Holland 79-58
England started the Qualifying Round with the victory over Netherlands and already advanced to the Semifinals in Strumica. The British side needed 79:58 and improved to 2-0 record. The Dutch team dropped to 0-2 and will play with Romania for the third place in Group E. England was the favorite of the game and proved their superiority from the very beginning. Nelson scored for 19:10 and Kingsley Okoroh (212-C-95) brought 24:17. England added 20-15 in the second period for 39:27 at the halftime. England looked better also in the second half and won the third and the last periods. Morayoninuoluwa Soluade (194-G-95) and Rosenmuller closed the third period at 58:43, while England added 21-15 in the last stanza. Hogervorst was the last to score in the game for the final result. Tyrell Isaacs (G-95) top-scored for the winners with 18 points, while Round netted 14. Nelson and Kingsley Okoroh notched 12 points each, while Morayoninuoluwa Soluade recorded a triple double with 11 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.

Group F
Hungary - Israel 68-82
Israel beat Hungary at the Qualifying Round of the U16 European Championship in Division B. Both teams are tied at 1-1 record on Group F after 82:68 victory of the Israeli team. Israel started strong and reached 28:21 at the end of the first period. Daniel scored for 37:25 and Idan Zalmanson (205-F-95) scored two free throws for 43:28. Israel won the second period 15-12 as Vrana closed the half at 43:23. The third quarter proved the superiority of the Israeli team that had 22-8 in the quarter and increased to 65:41. Hungary won the last stanza 27-17 to cut the deficit to 14 points. Idan Zalmanson paced all the winners with 19 points and Naor Sharon (191-PG-95) notched 14. Yochai Zuckerman (183-G-95) and Segev followed them with 12 points each. Gyorgy Goloman (204-F/C-96) delivered 14 points and Perl scored 12 points in defeat. Boinitzer ended up with 10 points, while Papp added 8.

Group G
Luxembourg - Finland 63-67
Finland won the first game of the Classification Round for 9-16 places at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Scandinavian team improved to 1-1 record after tough 67:63 victory. Finland started the game with 17:14 as Emir Sulejmanovic (203-C/F-95) closed the period with a lay-up. Luxembourg reduced the game to 2 points at the halftime as Timothy Kauffmann (191-F-96) sent the teams to the lockers at 36:34. Finland grabbed 4-points lead at the end of the third period and managed to keep the victory. Timothy Kauffmann however gave Luxembourg 56:51, but Odabasi closed an 8-0 run for 59:56. Ville Hanninen (192-G-95) nailed three at the end of the game for the final success. Mikkonen and Odabasi top-scored for the winners with 11 points each, while Ville Hanninen netted 10. Schmit netted 18 points in defeat and Philippe Gutenkauf (181-PG-95) scored 17.

Georgia - Portugal 52-67
Portugal became the leader of the Group G of the Classification Round for 9-16 places at the U16 European Championship in Division B. Portugal improved to 2-0 record after 67:52 victory over Georgia that fell at 1-1 record. Portugal and Georgia brought 1-0 record to the Classification Round and fought for the second win. Portugal started with 21:14 and had 37:31 at the halftime. Gameiro nailed three for 46:33 and Marques posted for 51:41. The latter also closed the third period at 56:43 as Portugal added 19-12 in the frame. The winners also produced 11-9 in the last stanza to seal the win. Tomorrow Portugal will face Luxembourg, while Finland will take on Georgia. Gameiro stepped up with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Marques and Isaias Insaly (197-F/C-95) added 14 points each. Joao Guimaraes (196-C-95) followed them with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Group H
Switzerland - Estonia 74-90
Switzerland and Estonia are tied at 1-1 record after the game with each other at the Classification Round for 9-16 places at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Baltic side won 90:74 as the teams will finish the Classification Round tomorrow. Switzerland surprised the opponents with 24:18 in the opening period and enjoyed 6-point halftime advantage. Tolusso made two free throws for 50:44, but they could not win the game. Estonia won the third period 16-13 and reduced to 3 points after thirty minutes. Saimon Sutt (195-G/F-95) tied the game at 64:64, while Estonia erupted with the massive surge at the end of the game. A 30-14 in the last stanza brought the first victory for Estonia at the Classification Round. Rain Koort (194-G/F-95) led the way with 29 points and Olmre followed him with 19. Saimon Sutt nailed 11, while Egert Haller (188-G-95) posted 9. Tolusso replied with 15 points in the losing effort and Mario Raemy (180-G-95) notched 14.

Group I
Austria - FYR Macedonia 54-55
The hosts recorded the first win over Austria at the Classification Round for 17-22 places at the U16 European Championship in Division B. F.Y.R. of Macedonia grabbed 55:54 over Austria in Group I and tomorrow will face Cyprus. Both teams entered the game winless and only hoped for the game between each other. F.Y.R. of Macedonia took 19:15 after the first period and could save only 1 point at the halftime. Bernleithner however reduced to 28:29 and Neudecker brought 34:31 early in the third. Pelc scored for 45:37, while Martin Krstevski (183-PG-95) closed the third period at 45:41. The run continued until the start of the fourth period and Kristijan Gavrilovski (186-G-95) tied it all at 45:45. Pelc scored for 54:53 with 30 seconds in the game, but Stefan Trajkovski (186-G-95) brought the necessary win for the home side. Mladenovski paced all the winners with 17 points and 10 rebounds for the initial success. Martin Krstevski nailed 14 and Nacevski had 9 points and 11 rebounds. Soldo produced 20 points in the losing case and Pelc scored 10.

Group J
Slovakia - Denmark 72-70
Slovak Republic won the game over Denmark at the Classification Round for 17-22 places at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team tied at 1-1 record after 72:70 win, while Denmark will face Ireland tomorrow. Slovak Republic started the game with 21:15 but allowed the opponents to close the period at 5-0. Petersen tied the game at 27:27 and Baluch gave his side 31:28. Rasmus Hansen (203-C/F-95) closed the half from the free throw line to send both sides to the lockers at 32:31. The battle continued in the court and were tied at 44:44 with a minute in the third. Boris Belavy (197-F-95) gave Slovak Republic 55:46 and Nemcok scored for 63:55. Denmark tried hard to catch up with the opponents but could cut it to 2 points. Nemcok erupted with 29 points for the winners and Boris Belavy netted 12. Marek Bojkovsky (189-F-95) scored 10, while Cibak posted 7. Rasmus Hansen ended up with 22 points in defeat and Lund had 21.



Qualifying Round ends in Pardubice and Hradec Kralove - by Eurobasket News
Group E
Russia - Greece 81-70
Russia improved at 2-3 record in Group G of classification round at U16 European Championship. They outscored Greece to stay hopeful about quarterfinal appearance. Greece suffered the third loss in a row to fell at 0-5 record. Russia led throughout the opening period. However they claimed jus a one-point advantage at the first break 18:17. Pavel Sizov (198-F-95) gave Russia a double-digit lead midway through the second frame. They arrived at halftime up by 6 points 39:33. Russia used a 10:2 run in the third period to boost the gap at 15-point mark. The Hellenes faced a 10-point deficit at the final break 48:58. Greece could not threaten the margin in the final period. Russia stayed comfortable in front rolling to the victory at the end. Pavel Sizov came up with 23 points for Russia. Viacheslav Fedorchenko (188-G-95) added 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in the victory. Georgios Diamantakos (210-C-95) responded with 14 points for Greece. Michail Liapis (188-G-95) had 12 points in defeat.

Germany - Czech Republic 72-78
Czech Republic earned the second straight win at the U16 European Championship Qualifying Round. They prevailed against Germany to improve at 4-1 record in Group E. Radovan Kouril (182-PG-95) notched 19 points and 7 assists to pace the winners. Germany in the meantime suffered the second straight loss. They fell at 3-2 record in the third position in the ladder. Czech Republic fired 29 points in the starting quarter to take a 4-point lead at the break. The hosts maintained the lead throughout the second term. They arrived at halftime up by six points 47:41. Czech Republic did not allow German counterparts any closer in the third frame. The Czech team posted a 62:54 lead with ten minutes remaining. Germany got within just two points 70:72 with under three minutes remaining. But Prokop Slanina (204-C-95) and Radovan Kouril scored next five points and Czech Republic ran away for the victory. Jiri Soula (187-G-95) produced 16 points, 6 boards and 6 steals, while Prokop Slanina had 14 points in defeat. David Taylor (188-PG-95) knocked down 17 points for Germany. Maximilian Ugrai (196-F-95) netted 13 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Serbia - Spain 72-74
Spain wrapped up their Qualifying Round at U16 European Championship campaign with win. They outscored Serbia for 4-1 record in Group E. Spain thus ensured the second-place finish in the pool. Serbia fell at 2-3 record and appeared in the fifth position in the ladder narrowly missing the quarterfinal stage. Agusti Sans (195-F-95) stepped up with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. The lead changed hands throughout the opening quarter before Spain grabbed a 21:17 advantage. Spain stayed in charge throughout the second term but Serbia would not go away. The Balkan team trailed by just a single point 31:32 at halftime. Brano Djukanovic (193-G-95) and Tejic put the Serbian team in front early in the third term. But eventually Spain recovered posting a 48:46 lead with ten minutes remaining. Spain used an 11:2 run to open an 8-point lead with under two minutes remaining. However Nikola Rebic (186-PG-95), Brano Djukanovic and Marko Guduric (193-G-95) made it 72:73 with 10 seconds to go. Agusti Sans hit just one free throw after being fouled but a three-pointer from Brano Djukanovic rimmed out sealing the win for Spain. Ferran Ventura (178-PG-95) knocked down 15 points, while Javier De La Blanca (197-F-95) contributed 13 points in the victory. Brano Djukanovic responded with 17 points for Serbia. Nikola Rebic and Marko Guduric had 12 points apiece in defeat.

Group F
Turkey - Ukraine 71-51
Turkey wrapped up U16 European Championship Qualifying Round with victory. They coasted past Ukraine to grab 3-2 record in Group F. Deniz Kruszynski (191-PG-95) scored 19 points to pace the winners as they clinched the third spot in the ladder. Ukraine suffered the third loss in a row to fell at 0-5 record at the bottom of the standings. Anton Dziuba (201-F-95) opened the game with a three-pointer but Turkey quickly surged ahead. They ensured a 20:11 lead after ten minutes. Turkey limited Ukraine to just six points in the second term to stretch their lead to 19 points at halftime 36:17. Turkey kept their opponents at bay throughout the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 14 points 53:39. Ukraine opened the final period with five points in a row to narrow the deficit. But Turkey reacted with a 12:1 run of their own to clear off for good. Ayberk Guleryuz (206-C-95) netted 14 points, while Adnan Mustafa (188-G-95) had 10 points in the win. Anton Dziuba responded with 11 points for Ukraine. Oleksandr Biella (200-C-95) and Yevgen Sakhniuk netted 7 points each in the loss.

Italy - Latvia 66-76
Latvia caught the last train into U16 European Championship playoffs. They outlasted Italy in crucial game to clinch the fourth place in Group F. Davis Geks (183-G-95) unloaded 25 points in the victory. Latvia stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. The Baltic team erupted for 31 points in the starting frame to ensure a 10-point lead. The Azzurri narrowed the deficit at 8-point mark at halftime. Italy got even closer in the third term. They narrowed the margin at just 6 points with one quarter remaining 54:60. However Latvia struck when it mattered the most. Davis Geks triggered an 11:0 run that put Latvia up by 12 points 74:62 and they never looked back en route to the win. Rolands Smits (201-C-95) delivered 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Armands Ginters (194-F-95) and Kristaps Gluditis (188-PG-95) added 10 points each in the win. Alessandro Maccaferri (175-PG-95) responded with 25 points for Italy. Federico Di Pramero accounted for 19 points in the loss.

Group G
Poland - Montenegro 67-55
Poland posted the second victory in U16 European Championship classification round. They held off Montenegro to improve at 2-1 record in Group G. Mikolaj Witlinski (201-F-95) tallied 16 points and 20 rebounds in the win. Montenegro fell at 1-2 record. The teams stayed close throughout the first half. Poland enjoyed a 16:14 lead after ten minutes. Montenegro stayed close cutting the deficit at just a single point 32:33 at halftime. Poland opened the second half with nine consecutive points to clear off. They established a 54:44 advantage with one quarter remaining. Poland did not allow their opponents closer than 10 points throughout the final term rallying to a comfortable win at the end. Adam Mazur (188-G-95) posted 15 points, while Szymon Michalik (195-F-95) notched 11 points in the victory. Luka Savic (199-F-95) and Luka Djurovic (199-F-95) responded with 15 points each for Montenegro.

Lithuania - Bulgaria 92-77
Lithuania recorded the third straight win at the U16 European Championship classification round. They overcame Bulgaria to stay undefeated in Group G. Edvinas Seskus (191-F-95) knocked down 25 points to lead the effort. Lithuania ensured a 23:18 lead after ten minutes. Lithuania used a 9:2 run midway through the second term to record a 32:22 advantage. The Baltic team posted a 50:35 halftime lead. Lithuania kept their opponents at bay throughout the third term. They registered a 73:53 lead with one quarter remaining. Bulgaria never rebounded in the fourth term suffering the third loss in a row in Group G. Paulius Zalys (198-F-95) delivered 14 points, while Paulius Valinskas (185-G-95) added 13 points in the victory. Aleksandar Vezenkov (204-F-95) responded with 36 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists for Bulgaria. Lyuboslav Mihaylov (191-G-95) contributed 12 points in defeat.



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  FINLAND   


U16: Finland won the first game of the Classification Round for 9-16 places - by Eurobasket News
Luxembourg U16- Finland U16 63:67

Finland won the first game of the Classification Round for 9-16 places at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Scandinavian team improved to 1-1 record after tough 67:63 victory.
Finland started the game with 17:14 as Sulejmanovic closed the period with a lay-up. Luxembourg reduced the game to 2 points at the halftime as Kauffmann sent the teams to the lockers at 36:34. Finland grabbed 4-points lead at the end of the third period and managed to keep the victory. Kauffmann however gave Luxembourg 56:51, but Ozan Odabasi (196-C-95) closed an 8-0 run for 59:56. Ville Hanninen (192-G-95) nailed three at the end of the game for the final success.
Miikka Mikkonen (192-F-95) and Ozan Odabasi top-scored for the winners with 11 points each, while Ville Hanninen netted 10. Tim Schmit (193-F-95) netted 18 points in defeat and Philippe Gutenkauf (181-PG-95) scored 17. Tomorrow Portugal will face Luxembourg, while Finland will take on Georgia.

Luxembourg U16: Tim Schmit 18, Philippe Gutenkauf 17
Finland U16: Miikka Mikkonen 11, Ozan Odabasi 11, Ville Hanninen 10



KORISLIIGA: Kouvot roster ready - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Kouvot (Kouvola) roster is about ready for the new 2011-12 season. Team Kouvot signed the third foreigner player as Nigerian Center Ike Okoye (206-F) inked with the Finnish team. Earlier Kouvot has already signed with American Guard Josh Gonner (188-G-82, college: S.Carolina) and American Forward Isaac Wells (203-F-85, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Arkansas St.). Okoye graduated from Boise State University in the spring 2010 (average 12,9 ppg, 7,9 rpg, 1,4 bpg) and played last season in three European countries (Poland, Holland and Romania).

Lionel Green is a newcomer at Kaarinan Ura Basket - by Eurobasket Center
Kaarinan Ura Basket (1st Division) strengthened their roster with addition of 27-year old American swingman Lionel Green (196-G/F-84). Green played most recently at Southern University - New Orleans (NAIA) in the U.S. It will be his first year in professional basketball. He missed the last season and had one year break from professional basketball While playing 27 games for SUNO two seasons ago his stats were: 18.4ppg, 5apg and 7rpg.


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  FRANCE   


U16: Croatia sneak past France to win Group F - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U16 - France U16 68:60

Croatia recorded the sixth straight win at the U16 European Championship. They held off France to clinch the top position in Group F. Mario Hezonja (200-F-95) stepped up with 22 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. France slipped at 4-1 record after the defeat and occupied the second place in the group.
Croatia started the game with aggressive defence. They held France to just 5 points posting an 8-point lead ten minutes into the game. But Les Bleus rebounded in the second quarter. They adjusted offence scoring 25 points and drawing things level at 30. France pulled ahead early in the third quarter. But the Croats capped the period with a 9:2 run to eke out a 46:42 lead. France used a 6:0 run at the start of the final frame to regain control. Mario Hezonja knocked down 6 points in an 8:2 rally from Croatia as they pulled ahead 63:58 with just over two minutes remaining. Ponters dragged Les Bleus closer but Mario Hezonja responded with five points in a row as Croatia sealed the victory. Ivan Bender (201-C-95) delivered 9 points for Croatia. Marko Arapovic (206-C-96) netted 7 points in the loss. Paul Rigot (199-F-95) answered with 18 points for France. Damien Inglis (198-F-95) had 10 points in the losing effort.

Croatia U16: Mario Hezonja 22, Ivan Bender 9, Marko Arapovic 7
France U16: Paul Rigot 18, Damien Inglis 10


Le Mans lands Taylor Rochestie - by Eurobasket News
Le Mans announced signing of a one-year deal with Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.). The American point guard heads to France from ALBA Berlin, where he finished last season. He played 27 games in Germany averaging 8.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists. Rochestie helped ALBA to reach the German league Finals. Taylor Rochestie started last season in Turkey as a member of Galatasaray. He appeared 16 times for them in TBL registering 7.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 3.1 apg. He also added 6 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 2.5 apg for 11 EuroCup games. Season 2009/10, Taylor Rochestie spent with MEG Goettingen. He exploded with 15.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 3.2 apg for 38 games in Germany. In EuroChallenge his numbers were 14.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.7 apg. It was the first professional season for Rochestie, who graduated at the Washington State University two years ago.

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  FYR MACEDONIA   


Omar Cook joined up with Montenegro's preparations for the EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News
Omar-Sharif Cook (186-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) joined up with Montenegro's preparations for the EuroBasket. The naturalized USA-Montenegrin Guard will be one of the key players for the team in Lithuania.
Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated FYR Macedonia in the final game of the EuroBasket Qualifying Round for both teams. It was however a different outcome for the teams at the end. FYR Macedonia occupied the second place in Group B ladder and punched the ticket to EuroBasket. Bosnia and Herzegovina finished just in the fourth spot in the ladder.
Only last year with Valencia B.C. Omar-Sharif Cook became Spanish ACB Supercup Finalist -11, Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) Semifinals -11, Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague Honorable Mention -11, Eurobasket.com Euroleague All-Defensive Team -11, Euroleague Quarterfinals -11, Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB Defensive Player of the Year -11 and Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB 3rd Team -11.
The next season Omar-Sharif Cook will play for Olimpia Milano. In 2008-2009 for 750,000 Omar joined Unicaja Malaga (Spain-ACB, starting five) and in Spanish League averaged 6.1ppg, 1.5rpg, 4.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 73.1%. In Euroleague after 16 games his stats read 5.6ppg, 1.9rpg, Assists-2 (5.1apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 32.1%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 75.0%. In 2009-2010 for Unicaja Malaga (Spain-ACB, starting five) in Spanish League he improved to 8.6ppg, 1.4rpg, Assists-1 (5.7apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 85.1% and in Euroleague showed 9.7ppg, 1.8rpg, Assists-1 (5.9apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 79.4%. Last season Omar moved to Valencia B.C. (Spain-ACB, starting five) and in Spanish League had 6.4ppg, 2.4rpg, Assists-2 (5.4apg), Steals-1 (2.2spg), FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 81.0%. In Euroleague after 21 games his stats read 8.0ppg, 2.4rpg, Assists-2 (5.6apg), Steals-4 (1.8spg), FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 79.1%.
He recorded 20 points last season at the Euroleague Quarter-Finals Round 2 when Power Electronics Valencia beat Real in Madrid 75-81 tying the score to 1-1 in the Euroleague Quarterfinals. Omar-Sharif Cook exploded for the guests with 20 points and 6 assists for 33 minutes. He made of all his five attempts for 3-pts reaching valuation 25 (MVP).



U16: The hosts recorded the first win over Austria - by Eurobasket News
Austria U16- F.Y.R. of Macedonia U16 54:55

The hosts recorded the first win over Austria at the Classification Round for 17-22 places at the U16 European Championship in Division B. F.Y.R. of Macedonia grabbed 55:54 over Austria in Group I and tomorrow will face Cyprus.
Both teams entered the game winless and only hoped for the game between each other. F.Y.R. of Macedonia took 19:15 after the first period and could save only 1 point at the halftime. Bernleithner however reduced to 28:29 and Neudecker brought 34:31 early in the third. Florian Pelc (168-PG-95) scored for 45:37, while Martin Krstevski (183-PG-95) closed the third period at 45:41. The run continued until the start of the fourth period and Gavrilovski tied it all at 45:45. Florian Pelc scored for 54:53 with 30 seconds in the game, but Trajkovski brought the necessary win for the home side.
Ljubomir Mladenovski (207-C-95) paced all the winners with 17 points and 10 rebounds for the initial success. Martin Krstevski nailed 14 and Daniel Nacevski (191-F-95) had 9 points and 11 rebounds. Marko Soldo (190-G-95) produced 20 points in the losing case and Florian Pelc scored 10.

Austria U16: Marko Soldo 20, Florian Pelc 10
F.Y.R. of Macedonia U16: Ljubomir Mladenovski 17+10 rebs, Martin Krstevski 14, Daniel Nacevski 9+11 rebs


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  GEORGIA   


U16: Portugal became the leader of the Group G - by Eurobasket News
Georgia U16-Portugal U16 52:67

Portugal became the leader of the Group G of the Classification Round for 9-16 places at the U16 European Championship in Division B. Portugal improved to 2-0 record after 67:52 victory over Georgia that fell at 1-1 record.
Portugal and Georgia brought 1-0 record to the Classification Round and fought for the second win. Portugal started with 21:14 and had 37:31 at the halftime. Diogo Gameiro (184-G-95) nailed three for 46:33 and Pedro Marques (181-PG-95) posted for 51:41. The latter also closed the third period at 56:43 as Portugal added 19-12 in the frame. The winners also produced 11-9 in the last stanza to seal the win.
Diogo Gameiro stepped up with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Pedro Marques and Isaias Insaly (197-F/C-95) added 14 points each. Joao Guimaraes (196-C-95) followed them with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Tomorrow Portugal will face Luxembourg, while Finland will take on Georgia.

Georgia U16: Ucha Gamreklidze (200-C-95) 15, Aleksandre Bolkvadze (194-F-95) 13
Portugal U16: Diogo Gameiro 17+13 rebs, Pedro Marques 14, Isaias Insaly 14+10 rebs, Joao Guimaraes 11+10 rebs


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  GERMANY   


U16: Czech Republic tame Germany in Pardubice - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U16 - Germany U16 78:72

Czech Republic earned the second straight win at the U16 European Championship Qualifying Round. They prevailed against Germany to improve at 4-1 record in Group E. Radovan Kouril (182-PG-95) notched 19 points and 7 assists to pace the winners. Germany in the meantime suffered the second straight loss. They fell at 3-2 record in the third position in the ladder.
Czech Republic fired 29 points in the starting quarter to take a 4-point lead at the break. The hosts maintained the lead throughout the second term. They arrived at halftime up by six points 47:41. Czech Republic did not allow German counterparts any closer in the third frame. The Czech team posted a 62:54 lead with ten minutes remaining. Germany got within just two points 70:72 with under three minutes remaining. But Prokop Slanina (204-C-95) and Radovan Kouril scored next five points and Czech Republic ran away for the victory. Jiri Soula (187-G-95) produced 16 points, 6 boards and 6 steals, while Prokop Slanina had 14 points in defeat. David Taylor (188-PG-95) knocked down 17 points for Germany. Maximilian Ugrai (196-F-95) netted 13 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Czech Republic U16: Radovan Kouril 19, Jiri Soula 16, Prokop Slanina 14
Germany U16: David Taylor 17, Maximilian Ugrai 13


Germany A2 Team won the second game at the Basketball-Nation-Cup in Munster - by Eurobasket News
Germany A2 Team-Romania 62:60

Germany A2 Team won the second game at the Basketball-Nation-Cup in Munster. The hosts of the campaign won over Romania 62:60.
Both teams nailed 17 points each in the opening period and then the hosts pushed the tempo in the end of the half. Germany needed 22-14 in the second frame for 39:31 halftime advantage. In the third quarter Romania limited Germany to just 6 points and reduced to 45:44 after thirty minutes of the game. Ionut Dragusin (221-C-85) replied for 56:54 and Mihai Silvasan (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) nailed three for 60:57. Bastian Doreth (183-G-89) and Mihai Silvasan however delivered the final victory for Germany.
Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87) top-scored for the winners with13 points and Oskar Fassler (198-G-88) netted 10. Nicolai Simon (191-G-87), Akeem Vargas (191-G-90, college: Iowa Lakes CC) and Bastian Bastian Doreth posted 7 points each. Mihai Silvasan replied with 33 points in the losing effort and Ionut Dragusin added 9.

Germany A2 Team: Johannes Lischka 13, Oskar Fassler 10, Nicolai Simon 7, Akeem Vargas 7, Bastian Doreth 7
Romania: Mihai Silvasan 33, Ionut Dragusin 9


Tyler Kepkay Stays With Science City Jena - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Science City Jena announced today that scoring machine Tyler Kepkay (183-G-87, college: Utah) will remain another season there. Kepkay is a 23 year old 183cm guard from Vancouver, Canada that will be starting his third professional basketball season. Last season Kepkay started the season in the Beko BBL with LTi Giessen 46ers (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 15 games: 3.5ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.0apg; in Feb.'11 signed at Science City Jena (Germany-ProA, starting five): 8 games: 13.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 90.0%. 'I am happy to have recieved an absolute leader on the court that always gives everything and is never happy with the second best result for the team and himself', stressed Science City Jena head coach Georg Eichler . Kepkay already made a name for himself as a rookie in the German PRO A in 2009 playing for ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen (Germany-ProA, starting five): 26 games: Score-1 (21.5ppg), 4.7rpg, 4.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT-2 (89.8%).Kepkay started his basketball career in 2005 at the College of E. Utah (JUCO): and in his second year played 28 games: 27.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 47.4%, FT: 88.2%. He then transfered to Utah (NCAA) and in his senior year played 34 games: 10.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 40.9%, 3Pts: 34.6%, FT: 84.5%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been HS: league championship and a third-place finish at the Provincial Tournament, JUCO: First-Team Junior College All-America honors -07, MWC Tournament Semifinals -08, Canadian National Team -08-09, MWC Tournament Winner -09, MWC Regular Season Co-Champion -09, All-MWC Honorable Mention -09, Marchand Cup -09: 2 games: 1.5ppg, 3PT: 100.0%, FIBA Americas in San Juan (Puerto Rico) -09 (Semifinals): 10 games: 4.0ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, and Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro A Honorable Mention -10

Source: Science City Jena

German Regionalliga Transfer News - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The German Regionaliga team NOMA Iserlohn Kangaroos have announced the arrival of Kandi Mukole (203-F). Mukole is a 25 year old 201cm, 98 kilo power forward that has the Belgium/Congo citzenship. This will be his second professioonal basketball season after playing for second division Belgium team BC Carnires. He played at Howard university from 2006-2010 and in his senior year played 32 games: 3.4ppg, 2.4rpg. 'Kandi Mukole (203-F) fits perfect to us. In the try out one could see that he is a team orientated player with a lot of potential', stressed NOMA Iserlohn Kangaroos team manager Michael Dahmen. Before going to Howard, he went to the States and played high school basketball for Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy where he avergaed 26ppg, 16,0rpg and 5,5bpg in his his senior year.He also has played for the U-18 and U-20 team for Belgium

The Wiha Panthers VS have announced the signing of Ronny Weihmann (186-G-82, college: Emmanuel, GA) Weihmann is a 29 year old 186cm combo guard that was born in Rodenbach, Germany who can play both guard positions and has played college ball in the States. Last season, he played for TuS Red Devils Bramsche (Regionalliga). He started his basketball career in 2003 for Dubuque (NCAA2): 25 games: 4.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.3apg. He then returned back to Germany to play for Baskets 98 Voelklingen (Regionalliga) from 2004-2006 playing 18 games. He then went back to the States to play for Emmanuel (GA) (NAIA) from 2006-2008 where he played a total of 71 games. He then came back to Germany to play for the BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Regionalliga) in 2008 playing 24 games: 13.0ppg. In 2009-2010, he played for the BSW Sixers (Regionalliga): 6 games: 1.3ppg , in Feb.'10 moved to USC Leipzig (Regionalliga): 11 games: 2.8ppg .

The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg Release Patrick Flomo and Tim Burnette - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Shortly before the start of training camp,s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg fans got a shock as the club announced the termination of the contracts of Americans Patrick Flomo (203-F-80, college: Ohio) and Timothy Burnette (188-G-82, college: Tarleton St.). Flomo had played for the Telekom Baskets Bonn for many years and was looking for a new challenge under head coach John Patrick and Timothy Burnette had helped the team move up to the Beko BBL and was getting ready for a second tour of duty in the highest german league after having played for The Walter Tigers Tuebingen some years ago. 'Both players didnt pass our medical checks, so we didnt have any other choice but to terminate the contracts. We wanted to plan long term with both players, but under the circumstances isnt possible',stated s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg head coach John Patrick . The club is now looking for replacements and hope to have them on board by the time training camp starts on August 20th.

Source: s.Oliver Baskets

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  GREECE   


U16: Russia prevail against Greece - by Eurobasket News
Russia U16 - Greece 81:70

Russia improved at 2-3 record in Group G of classification round at U16 European Championship. They outscored Greece to stay hopeful about quarterfinal appearance. Greece suffered the third loss in a row to fell at 0-5 record.
Russia led throughout the opening period. However they claimed jus a one-point advantage at the first break 18:17. Pavel Sizov (198-F-95) gave Russia a double-digit lead midway through the second frame. They arrived at halftime up by 6 points 39:33. Russia used a 10:2 run in the third period to boost the gap at 15-point mark. The Hellenes faced a 10-point deficit at the final break 48:58. Greece could not threaten the margin in the final period. Russia stayed comfortable in front rolling to the victory at the end. Pavel Sizov came up with 23 points for Russia. Viacheslav Fedorchenko (188-G-95) added 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in the victory. Georgios Diamantakos (210-C-95) responded with 14 points for Greece. Michail Liapis (188-G-95) had 12 points in defeat.

Russia U16: Pavel Sizov 23, Viacheslav Fedorchenko 22, Alexander Martynov (195-G-95) 16
Greece U16: Georgios Diamantakos 14, Michail Liapis 12


Howard: Olympiacos is a very important step in my career - by Kostas Papadopoulos
Matt Howard (203-F, college: Butler), the new player of Olympiacos, came in Greece on Monday morning in order to pass the physical tests and thus formally conclude his transfer to Olympiacos.
The 22 year old American forward made also his first statements on Greek soil: The basketball we play in colleges resembles the European style of play, so I dont think Im going to have any problems adjusting. Im coming to a new country and I want to get to know a new culture, new food and of course, help the Olympiacos team to win its goals. Im looking forward to meeting a respectable coach such as Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ). I have heard many good things about him Matt Howard commented and added: My game resembles that of Matt Bonner of the San Antonio Spurs, hes a very good player and I wish to come to his level of play. He also has a very good middle range shot, such as I do. I got much better in that aspect during last season.
Matt Howard also spoke about the other two Americans Olympiacos has signed: I know Im going to be playing together with Kalin Lucas (185-G-89, college: Michigan St.) and Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86). I played with Kyle Hines in try out in San Antonio. I know Kalin Lucas, we are not best buddies, but I know his potential and then went on talking about the reds: Ive watched Olympiacos games and I have learned a lot about the team through the Internet. I know a lot about the team and I know its one of the top teams in Europe. Im happy to have come, this is a very important step in my career.

Spanoulis and Schortsanitis knocked out of Eurobasket - by Eurobasket News
Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) and Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) knocked out of Eurobasket and will not help Greece.
Vassilis Spanoulis is a player of Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus. In the last four seasons he played for Panathinaikos Athens (A1, starting five) and Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (A1, starting five). Last season in Greek League he averaged 10.6ppg, 1.5rpg, Assists-2 (5.2apg), FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 78.4% and in Euroleague after 20 games his stats read 14.2ppg, 1.8rpg, Assists-5 (4.3apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 85.2%. The Olympiacos man has suffered an adductor problem and requires surgery that will sideline him for two months.
Sofoklis Schortsanitis also played for Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (A1) since 2006 but the last season was in Israel with Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv (Israel-Premier League, starting five). In Euroleague after 22 games he averaged 12.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 58.1%, FT: 62.5%, while in Israeli League had 11.8ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP-2 (70.7%), FT: 55.9%. His departure from the Greece NT had already been rumoured weeks ago, until the player gave an interview saying he was always in the team's service. He decided to quit anyway, adding his name to a long list of absentees for the Greeks.


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  HOLLAND   


U16: England started the Qualifying Round with the victory over Netherlands and already advanced to the Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
England U16-Netherlands U16 79:58

England started the Qualifying Samuel Round (G-95) with the victory over Netherlands and already advanced to the Semifinals in Strumica. The British side needed 79:58 and improved to 2-0 record. The Dutch team dropped to 0-2 and will play with Romania for the third place in Group E.
England was the favorite of the game and proved their superiority from the very beginning. Luke Nelson (185-PG-95) scored for 19:10 and Kingsley Okoroh (212-C-95) brought 24:17. England added 20-15 in the second period for 39:27 at the halftime. England looked better also in the second half and won the third and the last periods. Morayoninuoluwa Soluade (194-G-95) and Rosenmuller closed the third period at 58:43, while England added 21-15 in the last stanza. Hogervorst was the last to score in the game for the final result.
Tyrell Isaacs (G-95) top-scored for the winners with 18 points, while Samuel Round netted 14. Luke Nelson and Kingsley Okoroh notched 12 points each, while Morayoninuoluwa Soluade recorded a triple double with 11 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.

England U16: Tyrell Isaacs 18, Samuel Round 14, Luke Nelson 12, Kingsley Okoroh 12, Morayoninuoluwa Soluade 11+11 ats+10 rebs
Netherlands U16: Pim De Vries (195-F-95) 16, Jaron Dijkhuizen (195-F-95) 10


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  HUNGARY   


U16: Zalmanson leads Israel over Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Hungary U16- Israel U16 68:82

Israel beat Hungary at the Qualifying Round of the U16 European Championship in Division B. Both teams are tied at 1-1 record on Group F after 82:68 victory of the Israeli team.
Israel started strong and reached 28:21 at the end of the first period. Daniel scored for 37:25 and Idan Zalmanson (205-F-95) scored two free throws for 43:28. Israel won the second period 15-12 as Vrana closed the half at 43:23. The third quarter proved the superiority of the Israeli team that had 22-8 in the quarter and increased to 65:41. Hungary won the last stanza 27-17 to cut the deficit to 14 points.
Idan Zalmanson paced all the winners with 19 points and Naor Sharon (191-PG-95) notched 14. Yochai Zuckerman (183-G-95) and Itay Segev (195-F-95) followed them with 12 points each. Gyorgy Goloman (204-F/C-96) delivered 14 points and Zoltan Perl (189-G-95) scored 12 points in defeat. David Boinitzer (196-F-95) ended up with 10 points, while Peter Papp (191-G/F-95) added 8.

Hungary U16: Gyorgy Goloman 14, Zoltan Perl 12, David Boinitzer 10, Peter Papp 8
Israel U16: Idan Zalmanson 19, Naor Sharon 14, Yochai Zuckerman 12, Itay Segev 12


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  ICELAND   


Jon Stefansson joins CAI Zaragoza - by Eurobasket News
CAI Zaragoza announced signing of Jon Stefansson (196-G-82) to a one-year deal. The Icelandic guard spent last two seasons with Granada. In the latest one he had 10.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 1.6 apg for 27 games in ACB. Stefansson has almost the same digits in 2009/10. Before Granada, Jon Stefansson played for Benetton Treviso. He joined them in April of 2009 averaging 6.5 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists for six games. That season he paced KR Reykjavik to Icelandic league title. For 29 games in Express league Stefansson had 18.5 ppg, 4 rpg and 5.6 apg. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Icelandic League Player of the Year -09. He got the same award in 2002. Before Reykjavik, Jon Stefansson played for Lottomatica Roma, Valencia, Napoli, Dynamo St Petersburg and Trier. He won the Italian Cup with Napoli in 2006. A year before that Stefansson won the FIBA Europe League with the Dynamo.

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  ISRAEL   


Jordan Farmar officially joins Maccabi T.A. - by David Pick
Updated: August 3, 2011, 19:24 PM

Maccabi Tel Aviv officially announced this evening (Wednesday) the signing of American point guard Jordan Farmar who has agreed to a deal during the lockout.

Yesterday, Farmar was negotiating with both Maccabi Haifa and Tel Aviv, but he's chosen to sign with the Euroleague team instead. Farmar has gone on record numerously saying that he would 'definitely' consider playing in the Israeli league if the lockout extends. M.T.A's Head Coach David Blatt, made it clear to the media that the Israeli organization will not sign players who may return to the NBA once the lockout is over, however, it seems like the organization is willing to make an exception for the Jewish star.

If the NBA lockout is still in session come November 10th, Farmar will face former Lakers championship teammate Sacha Vujacic and Turkish Anadolu Effes in Euroleague first round competition. Maccabi will continue building it's roster and look to add another player preferably in the guard position.

Haifa owner Jeffrey Rosen told 'Eurobasket' yesterday that Farmar is 'close to an agreement,' yet, today it was revealed that the two time NBA champ prefers Tel Aviv.
Farmar signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the Nets in July 2010 and averaged 9.6 points and 5.0 assists in 73 games in his first season in New Jersey.

Among the various congratulations Farmar received from fellow NBA players, the New York Knicks' sharp shooter Roger Mason who played in Israel in 2005, gave Farmar a good luck tweet on Twitter, 'Congrats to my boy Jordan Farmar for signing with Maccabi Tel Aviv! Israel is a beautiful place!'

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

U16: Zalmanson leads Israel over Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Hungary U16- Israel U16 68:82

Israel beat Hungary at the Qualifying Round of the U16 European Championship in Division B. Both teams are tied at 1-1 record on Group F after 82:68 victory of the Israeli team.
Israel started strong and reached 28:21 at the end of the first period. Daniel scored for 37:25 and Idan Zalmanson (205-F-95) scored two free throws for 43:28. Israel won the second period 15-12 as Vrana closed the half at 43:23. The third quarter proved the superiority of the Israeli team that had 22-8 in the quarter and increased to 65:41. Hungary won the last stanza 27-17 to cut the deficit to 14 points.
Idan Zalmanson paced all the winners with 19 points and Naor Sharon (191-PG-95) notched 14. Yochai Zuckerman (183-G-95) and Itay Segev (195-F-95) followed them with 12 points each. Gyorgy Goloman (204-F/C-96) delivered 14 points and Zoltan Perl (189-G-95) scored 12 points in defeat. David Boinitzer (196-F-95) ended up with 10 points, while Peter Papp (191-G/F-95) added 8.

Hungary U16: Gyorgy Goloman 14, Zoltan Perl 12, David Boinitzer 10, Peter Papp 8
Israel U16: Idan Zalmanson 19, Naor Sharon 14, Yochai Zuckerman 12, Itay Segev 12


Exclusive: Joe Crawford lands in Israel - by David Pick
Updated: August 4, 2011, 00:03 AM

The former McDonalds All-American and 2008 Los Angeles Lakers' 58th overall draft pick, Joe Crawford signed a one year deal with Israeli Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion.

In college, the explosive guard formed a deadly backcourt force alongside Rajon Rondo and Ramal Bradley (who will begin his second season in Israel with Maccabi Ashdod). In addition, Crawford will not be a stranger to Israeli league, this because of his close friendship with Frank Robinson who recently hooped in Israel for Maccabi Haifa. The two played together for the D-Leagues LA D-Fenders.

'I've heard a lot of great things about Israel,' an excited Crawford told 'Eurobasket', adding: 'Joining Rishon is a step in the right direction for my career. I know a few things about some of the teams and different players which is an advantage. Ramal and I are good friends from when we were in college. He has nothing but good things to say about the league and the country. Even though ill be playing against him, having someone I know in the same country definitely helps. Frank Robinson said Israel is a beautiful place with a lot of tradition and culture, and I'm happy to be apart of it all.'

Playing for the Wildcats, Crawford became the 54th player to score 1,000 career points and is the 19th all-time leading scorer at UK with 1,448 points. The 25-year-old shooting guard played for both LA's Lakers and D-Fenders before heading East to join the New York Knicks. After failing to exceed expectations, the talented Crawford returned West and joined Robinson and the D-Fenders, posting averages of 17.8ppg, 3.1rpg and 3.1apg gratifying him with the 2009 All-D-League Honorable Mention award.

Last season began promising for the Detroit Michigan native; however, after a short pre-season stint with the Sacramento Kings, Crawford bounced around trying to find the perfect situation resulting in China where he played 15 games and posted 15.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.

Crawford will be Rishon's fourth and final foreign signing after inking Americans Derwin Kitchen, Adrian Uter and Brandon Bowman.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

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  ITALY   


U16: Latvia beat Italy to advance into quarterfinals in Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U16 - Italy U16 76:66

Latvia caught the last train into U16 European Championship playoffs. They outlasted Italy in crucial game to clinch the fourth place in Group F. Davis Geks (183-G-95) unloaded 25 points in the victory.
Latvia stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. The Baltic team erupted for 31 points in the starting frame to ensure a 10-point lead. The Azzurri narrowed the deficit at 8-point mark at halftime. Italy got even closer in the third term. They narrowed the margin at just 6 points with one quarter remaining 54:60. However Latvia struck when it mattered the most. Davis Geks triggered an 11:0 run that put Latvia up by 12 points 74:62 and they never looked back en route to the win. Rolands Smits (201-C-95) delivered 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Armands Ginters (194-F-95) and Kristaps Gluditis (188-PG-95) added 10 points each in the win. Alessandro Maccaferri (175-PG-95) responded with 25 points for Italy. Federico Di Pramero accounted for 19 points in the loss.

Latvia U16: Davis Geks 25, Rolands Smits 18+11 boards, Armands Ginters 10, Kristaps Gluditis 10
Italy U16: Alessandro Maccaferri 25, Federico Di Prampero (188-PG-95) 19


Nika Metreveli signs a deal with Dinamo Sassari - by Giulio Signorini
Nika Metreveli (212-C/F-91, agency: Interperformances) land to Dinamo Ford Sassari on loan from Mens Sana Basket Siena. The news is reported by interperformances agency of the player who change his profile.
The promising Georgian player with Italian passport spent his last season with Immobiliare Spiga Rimini in LegaDue averaging little less than 2 points and 2 rebounds in 8 minutes on the ground during regular season. During playoffs in 5 games he improved his stats with 4 points in 10 minutes on the ground. He is considered one of the most interesting european nba draft prospects and had already played with national team (senior, under 16, under 18 and under 20).

Cimberio Varese brings in Gabriele Ganeto - by Eurobasket News
Gabriele Ganeto (200-G/F-87) is a new member of Cimberio Varese. The Italian G/SF penned a one-year deal with his new club. He heads to Varese from Armani Jeans Milano, where he spent last season. Ganete appeared 16 times in SerieA averaging 1.9 points. He did not play in any of the Euroleague games last season. From 2008 until the last summer Ganeto played for MiroRadici Finance Vigevano. He helped them win promotion from A dilettanti to LegaDue in their first season together. In 2009/10, Gabriele Ganeto had 11.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 1.8 spg in LegaDue. In the past, he played for Ticino and Junior Casale Monferrato. He also has experience from Biella.

Karon Bradley joins Bennet Cantu - by Greg
Bennet Cantu signs for two months deal, american point-guard Karon Bradley (182-G-84, college: Wichita St.). Bradley comes from Lille Metropole Basket Clubs, french league ProB. In France scored 9.2 ppg, adding 2.4 assist per appearance. Previously the point-guard played in Switzerland with Rhone Herens Basket Basket and Msg Grand Saconnex Basket. GM, Bruno Arrigoni, said: 'Karon has great skills and application. Hes going to help us in preseason, replacing our players involved in european championships'

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  JAPAN   


Brazil Universiade Team won over Japan Universiade Team in Germany - by Eurobasket News
Brazil Universiade Team 2011- Japan Universiade Team 2011 100:84

Brazil Universiade Team won over Japan Universiade Team 100:84 in Day 2 of the International Tournament in Germany. The Latin American team improved to 1-1 record and will face Germany in the last day of the competition.
Hironori Watanabe (180-G-88) gave Japan 19:7 lead in the middle of the first period as the Asian team won the opening quarter 27:24. Goncalves scored for 35:30 and Hironori Watanabe sent the teams to the lockers at 50:50. Brazil took control of the court in the third period and erupted with 27-13 for the big lead. Bramorski Medeiros closed the third period at 77:63 when it became clear about the winner. Another 23-21 in the last period brought the necessary win for Brazil.
Mello stepped up with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Lucas Riva Amarente Nogueira netted 15. Scott Machado (185-G) notched 12 and George Frederico Torres Homem Chaia scored 11. Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) replied with 21 points in the losing effort and Hironori Watanabe posted 18.

Brazil Universiade Team 2011: Mello 18+12 rebs, Lucas Nogueira (213-C-92) 15, Scott Machado 12, George Chaia 11
Japan Universiade Team 2011: Kosuke Kanamaru 21, Hironori Watanabe 18


Yokohama B-Corsairs add three players - by Eurobasket News
BJ League expansion team Yokohama B-Corsairs have landed three players. They signed one-year contracts with Osamu Kimura (185-G-82), Satoshi Hisayama and Taketo Aoki (193-F-74).
Osamu Kimura spent the last two seasons with the Tokyo Apache. Last season the 29-year-old guard averaged 1.6 points per game.
Satoshi Hisayama played in JBL2 in the last season.
Taketo Aoki spent the last season with the Oita Heat Devils. His stats read 1.0 points per game. Previously the forward had stints with Niigata Albirex, Tokyo Apache and Ryukyu Golden Kings.



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  LATVIA   


Girona signs Rolands Freimanis - by Eurobasket News
Girona announced signing of Rolands Freimanis (207-C/F-88, agency: Players Group) for the next season. The Latvian big guy heads to Girona from Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa, where he finished 2010/11. Freimanis joined the club in April averaging 4.5 points and 1.8 rebounds in four Spanish league games (ACB). He started last season with LEB Gold team Huesca. With them Freimains had 9.8 ppg and 4.4 rpg for 33 games. Rolands Freimanis played for Qalat Caja Sol Sevilla in 2009/10. He shined with 14.6 ppg and 6.7 rpg for 16 games in LEB Gold. Eurobasket awarded him with Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver Bosman Player of the Year -10. In the past, Freimanis spent few years with ASK Riga. He played for U20, U18 and U16 Latvia, as well as for the Latvian senior National Team.

VEF Riga signs Curtis Millage - by Eurobasket News
Curtis Millage (185-G-81, college: Arizona St.) is a new member of the reigning Latvian champion VEF Riga. The American guard signed a one-year deal with his new club. Millage spent last season with Khimik-OPZ Yuzny. He played 48 games in Ukrainian league averaging 14.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.4 steals. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague Honorable Mention -11. Millage also was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague Defensive Player of the Year -11. Khimk competed in EuroChallenge, where Millage registered 13.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 5.9 apg and 2.9 steals. He earned Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge Honorable Mention -11. Season 2009/10, Curtis Millage split between Union Olimpija and Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket. Before that he was a member of Enisey Krasnoyarsk. Millage is not a new face in Latvia as he played for ASK Riga from 2006 to 2008. They won the Latvian league title in 2007 and Millage was named Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League Player of the Year.

U16: Latvia beat Italy to advance into quarterfinals in Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U16 - Italy U16 76:66

Latvia caught the last train into U16 European Championship playoffs. They outlasted Italy in crucial game to clinch the fourth place in Group F. Davis Geks (183-G-95) unloaded 25 points in the victory.
Latvia stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. The Baltic team erupted for 31 points in the starting frame to ensure a 10-point lead. The Azzurri narrowed the deficit at 8-point mark at halftime. Italy got even closer in the third term. They narrowed the margin at just 6 points with one quarter remaining 54:60. However Latvia struck when it mattered the most. Davis Geks triggered an 11:0 run that put Latvia up by 12 points 74:62 and they never looked back en route to the win. Rolands Smits (201-C-95) delivered 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Armands Ginters (194-F-95) and Kristaps Gluditis (188-PG-95) added 10 points each in the win. Alessandro Maccaferri (175-PG-95) responded with 25 points for Italy. Federico Di Pramero accounted for 19 points in the loss.

Latvia U16: Davis Geks 25, Rolands Smits 18+11 boards, Armands Ginters 10, Kristaps Gluditis 10
Italy U16: Alessandro Maccaferri 25, Federico Di Prampero (188-PG-95) 19


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  LEBANON   


Champville promises a title next year - by John Khoury
As Expexted, 2011-2012 Off season turned to be the most exciting Off season in many years.
After Re-newing for Captain Fadi Khatib (199-F-79), Champville Decided to Sign Mohammad Ibrahim (86), Hussein El Khatib and Elie Estephane (195-G/F-86, college: Alabama So. CC).
Mohammad ibrahim showed a very high level in WABA with Riyadi and an impressive Performance with the NATIONAL TEAM in jordan, which made Coach ghassan Sarkis Finalize the deal before coming back to beirut.
Hussein el Khatib an ex-champville player, coming back from injury to prove himself again, but this time with a team competing on the title , Arab cup and ASIA cup.
As for Elie stephan, after having a very good season with Sagesse and a very promising one with the NATIONAL TEAM, he deicded to come back to the club he shinned with.

On the other hand, Thiago Makluf (210-C-87) arrived on saturday to join Champville for try outs.
Thiago's status is not yet known, waiting for both Coach Sarkiss and Coach khalil to take the final decision .

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  LITHUANIA   


U16: Lithuania edge Bulgaria for third straight win - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U16 - Bulgaria U16 92:77

Lithuania recorded the third straight win at the U16 European Championship classification round. They overcame Bulgaria to stay undefeated in Group G. Edvinas Seskus (191-F-95) knocked down 25 points to lead the effort.
Lithuania ensured a 23:18 lead after ten minutes. Lithuania used a 9:2 run midway through the second term to record a 32:22 advantage. The Baltic team posted a 50:35 halftime lead. Lithuania kept their opponents at bay throughout the third term. They registered a 73:53 lead with one quarter remaining. Bulgaria never rebounded in the fourth term suffering the third loss in a row in Group G. Paulius Zalys (198-F-95) delivered 14 points, while Paulius Valinskas (185-G-95) added 13 points in the victory. Aleksandar Vezenkov (204-F-95) responded with 36 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists for Bulgaria. Lyuboslav Mihaylov (191-G-95) contributed 12 points in defeat.

Lithuania U16: Edvinas Seskus 25, Paulius Zalys 14, Paulius Valinskas 13
Bulgaria U16: Aleksandar Vezenkov 36, Lyuboslav Mihaylov 12



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  LUXEMBOURG   


U16: Finland won the first game of the Classification Round for 9-16 places - by Eurobasket News
Luxembourg U16- Finland U16 63:67

Finland won the first game of the Classification Round for 9-16 places at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Scandinavian team improved to 1-1 record after tough 67:63 victory.
Finland started the game with 17:14 as Sulejmanovic closed the period with a lay-up. Luxembourg reduced the game to 2 points at the halftime as Kauffmann sent the teams to the lockers at 36:34. Finland grabbed 4-points lead at the end of the third period and managed to keep the victory. Kauffmann however gave Luxembourg 56:51, but Ozan Odabasi (196-C-95) closed an 8-0 run for 59:56. Ville Hanninen (192-G-95) nailed three at the end of the game for the final success.
Miikka Mikkonen (192-F-95) and Ozan Odabasi top-scored for the winners with 11 points each, while Ville Hanninen netted 10. Tim Schmit (193-F-95) netted 18 points in defeat and Philippe Gutenkauf (181-PG-95) scored 17. Tomorrow Portugal will face Luxembourg, while Finland will take on Georgia.

Luxembourg U16: Tim Schmit 18, Philippe Gutenkauf 17
Finland U16: Miikka Mikkonen 11, Ozan Odabasi 11, Ville Hanninen 10



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  MEXICO   


Preliminary Mexican National Team to face Japan - by Carlos Chapa
A preliminary Mexican National Team will receive the Japanese National Team for two games, that will serve the purpose of choosing the best players towards the 2011 Pan-American Games, hosted by Mexico.

The first test for the Tri will take place today in Torreon, a city well known by Francisco Luna, member of this preliminary roster, former player of Algodoneros de la Comarca and currently the second best Mexican scorer in the CIBANE league (with Aguilas de Piedras Negras). The second contest will be held next Friday in Monterrey, Adrian De Leon (Torreon native), Andre Joseph Tyronzic (former Algodonero), Alonso Izaguirre, and Michael Strobbe (former Algodonero) who all play for Fuerza Regia will represent Monterrey as well as Leonardo Limon who plays for Centro de Estudios Universitarios. The Mexican National Team will be coached by LaSelle Taylor, Hector Santos who recently resigned from the University National Team- will serve as assistant.

Full Mexican roster:
Francisco Luna
Marco Valenzuela
Isaac Gutierrez
Adrian De Leon
Alonso Izaguirre
Enrique Zuniga
Andre Joseph Tyronzic
Alejandro Aguirre
Fernando Benitez
Michael Strobbe
Brandon Heredia
Leonardo Limon


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  MOLDOVA   


U-18 European Championship, Division C - by Huge
July 19, 2011
San Marino - Moldova. 69-62.
After a very good prepartion camp for one month in Moldova U-18 team came with one goal - gold medal. It is always very hard to play the first game, since it kind of gives you the flow of the tournament and every team wants to win the first game. But playing the host country during the first game is always hard.
It was a good game, and to be honest, the whole tournament, for Salopa who scored 16 points and had 7 rebounds per night. Daniel Marcenco (197-C-93) with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks and Emil Ostafiiciuc (C-94) with 12 points, 15 rebounds, 7 of the being offencive, 2 blocks added to the 62 points scored for Moldova. It was not a great field goals percentage, only 43,6%, but San Marino had even less 30,1. So what was the problem in the loss of Moldova team? And the answer is turnovers. 27 turnovers in 40 minutes of the game. This is too much. It was big dissapointment for Moldova team and coaches in special. But the greatest dissapointmen has not come yet.

July 20, 2011
Moldova - Gibraltar. 73-31.
It was an easy evening for Moldova team who smashed Gibraltar team. The interesting moment here is that all Moldova players were on the field and scored. Salopa scored the most 15 points, 6 rebounds. It is necessary to remark Marcenco with 11 poitns and 10 rebounds, 6 being offencive, and Vazdauntanu with 9 rebounds and 8 points. Nothing more to say about this game. It was clear that the next game will be decicive.

July 21, 2011
Wales - Moldova. 74-72.
The biggest dissapointment game of the tournament for Moldova. After winning first 3 quarters and leading by 13 points (48-61), Moldova lost 20-11 and lost the whole game by just 2 points. What a disaster, that caused the final game. But let's go step by step.

Moldova started very well, being very motivated for the win. But the lead after first quarter was not big, just 3 points. After scoring 20 points and allowing to score Wales only 13 points, the lead was already 10 points. It was a great game for Daniel Marcenco, who was the king under the basket. An impressive 16 rebounds, 8 offensive, 18 points and 6 blocks. Very good game for Salopa, who scored 23 points during the night, adding to his statistics 7 rebounds, 5 steals AND 8 turnovers.

Needed result was so close, but lack of experience and emotional control played it bad role, which caused only a third place for Moldovan team in overall clasification. Golden game was so close, but game is over after 40 minutes of play and not 30, what a big price for such lesson.

July 23, 2011
Moldova - Andorra. 74-63.
Not a easy game, but after such a loss and one day of rest Moldova needed a win. And they got it. It is good to mention that 5 players on the team scored double scores. Salopa again scoring the most, 15 points, with an inpressive 83,3% from the field and 100% from the free through line, Levitschii and Ostafiiciuc rebounding the most, 9 rebounds each.

Congratulations with the bronze medal to the whole team of players and coaches. Also needed to mention that 2 players from Moldova team made it to All Star tournament team. Salopa and Daniel Marcenco joined MVP from San Marino, Julian Gualtieri and 2 players from Wales, Jacob Lloyd and Sumiullah Khan.



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  MONTENEGRO   


U16: Poland outscore Montenegro for second win in Group G - by Eurobasket News
Poland U16 - Montenegro U16 67:55

Poland posted the second victory in U16 European Championship classification round. They held off Montenegro to improve at 2-1 record in Group G. Mikolaj Witlinski (201-F-95) tallied 16 points and 20 rebounds in the win. Montenegro fell at 1-2 record.
The teams stayed close throughout the first half. Poland enjoyed a 16:14 lead after ten minutes. Montenegro stayed close cutting the deficit at just a single point 32:33 at halftime. Poland opened the second half with nine consecutive points to clear off. They established a 54:44 advantage with one quarter remaining. Poland did not allow their opponents closer than 10 points throughout the final term rallying to a comfortable win at the end. Adam Mazur (188-G-95) posted 15 points, while Szymon Michalik (195-F-95) notched 11 points in the victory. Luka Savic (199-F-95) and Luka Djurovic (199-F-95) responded with 15 points each for Montenegro.

Poland U16: Mikolaj Witlinski 16+20 boards, Adam Mazur 15, Szymon Michalik 11
Montenegro U16: Luka Savic 15+11 boards, Luka Djurovic 15



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  MOROCCO   


Byron Mulkey signs with Moroccan champion - by Greg
Byron Mulkey (182-G-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Buffalo) has signed for the 2011-2012 season with the historic Moroccan club, As de Sale. Located on the coast in the country's capital of Rabat, A.S.Sale has won back-to-back Moroccan D1 championships and won the league's mid-season Throne Cup 5 of the past 7 years. Last season, the club had a very impressive second-place finish in the high-profile Arab Club Championships against teams such as Lebanon's Al Riyadi and Champville - two of the most successful and lucrative organizations in the region. A.S.Sale will return to the FIBA African Champions Cup where it finished 3rd last season and looks to overtake 4-time defending champion De Agosto Luanda of Angola.

'It's very exciting', said Mulkey. 'I'm looking forward to the whole experience, on and off the court.'

Byron finished up his career at the University of Buffalo strong. As a senior, he was named an All-MAC selection and named MAC Player of the Week twice. He provided much-needed leadership to a young squad, averaging 13.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, and 4.5 apg. Also an outstanding defensive guard, Byron ranked 11th overall in the NCAA in steals at 2.5 spg.

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  NBA   


Mario West heads to Italy - by Eurobasket News
NBA guard Mario West (6'5''-G-84, college: Georgia Tech) will continue his career overseas. The 27-year-old player signed a deal with the Italian team Tezenis Verona. It will be his first time in Europe. West finished last season with the New Jersey Nets. He had 3.7 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.7 apg and 1.2 spg for 6 games with them. West also appeared 42 times for the Main Red Claws averaging 13.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists. He was named Gatorade D-League All-Defensive 2nd Team -11. In 2009 and 2010, Mario West reached NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals with the Atlanta Hawks. He appeared 84 times in two years, but had limited playing time. He was their member also in 2007/08. That was the rookie season for West, who graduated at the Georgia Tech University in 2007.

Report: No paycheck for Stern during NBA lockout - by Eurobasket News
NBA commissioner David Stern apparently is making good on his promise to get by without a paycheck during the league's lockout.

ESPN.com reports it has learned Stern has abided by the vow he made during the All-Star break, when he said, 'I think a dollar would be too high in the event of a work stoppage.' Stern also said he wasn't paid during the 1998-99 lockout.

Stern's salary became an issue this week when Philadelphia 76ers center Spencer Hawes tweeted that: 'Weird no rumblings about a pay cut for the commish while he asks every single player to do so.'

The NBA doesn't reveal Stern's annual salary, but the New York Daily News has pegged it at $23 million, equal to Kobe Bryant's.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Deng cleared to play for Britain in European Championships - by Eurobasket News
Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng (6'7''-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) has been cleared to play for Britain in the European Basketball Championships after resolving a dispute over insurance.

Deng says on his website Wednesday that 'significant liability issues' have been overcome to allow him to play in the tournament. The championships run from Aug. 31-Sept. 18 in Lithuania.

He says 'playing for GB is always important to me so I'm really glad we could resolve this. It has been a long process but a great team effort.'

British Basketball performance director Chris Spice says 'we are excited to have him on the court again this year.'

Britain also hopes to secure the services of Detroit Pistons guard Ben Gordon for the tournament.

Britain has been granted a place in the 2012 Olympics as the host nation.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Lawrence Frank introduced in Detroit - by Eurobasket News
Under normal circumstances, Lawrence Frank would have begun his tenure as the coach of the Detroit Pistons by talking about Tayshaun Prince, Richard Hamilton and Rodney Stuckey.

Instead, he found himself discussing Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, Philadelphia 76ers president Rod Thorn and his high-school basketball coach -- names from his past instead of his future.

Welcome to the strange new world of taking over a team during the NBA lockout.

'This is going to be a little difficult because of the situation we are in,' Frank said early in his news conference. 'I can't talk in specifics or about the players, so I'll have to be a lot more vague than I normally try to be.'

Frank talked about the excitement of taking over one of the NBA's 'elite franchises,' pointing to the replica banners hanging in the team's practice facility.

'You look at the numbers -- six straight years in the conference finals, playoffs in eight of the last 10 seasons and those three titles,' he said. 'There are only five teams in the NBA with three of those, and this is one of them. That's an honor.'

Frank is walking into anything but an elite situation, though. Under Michael Curry, the team squeaked into the 2008-09 playoffs and were swept right back out by the Cleveland Cavaliers. That led to Curry being fired in favor of another first-time coach, John Kuester.

Kuester's record was bad enough on paper -- he went 57-107 in his two seasons -- but the once-proud franchise turned into an embarrassment during the 2010-11 season. More than half of the roster was suspended at least once for insubordination, and the team made headlines when seven players boycotted a shootaround in Philadelphia, leading Kuester to use just six players in that night's game.

'Right now, our first job is to get this franchise back on track,' Pistons president Joe Dumars said. 'We went through a very lengthy process with this hire -- we started talking to Lawrence in June, and it is now August -- and I'm very confident that he's the right person to get us going in the right direction.'

Although he didn't say it directly, Dumars knows that with new ownership his job might rely on this hire going well.

'Working with Tom (Gores) and his people was different, because they have a system in place that they use for a big hire -- and this was definitely a big hire,' Dumars said. 'It was a very thorough search process, and that's what we needed, because we are desperate to find a long-term coach.'

Frank brings the NBA experience that Curry and Kuester lacked -- he coached the Nets from 2003-09, taking them to the playoffs four times -- but he was asked about the stigma of having never played basketball, even in high school.

'It's not a stigma, it is a fact,' he said. 'I was like a bad Hollywood actor -- all I ever heard was 'cut, cut, cut, cut.'

'My senior season, the coach put his arm around me and told me I had a ton of courage, but I was still cut.'

Frank, though, didn't see that as a problem with the Nets and doesn't expect it to cause problems in Detroit.

'It comes down to your actions as a coach, and whether or not you back up what you say,' he said. 'We need to reclaim the Pistons culture, and that's about hard work. The slates are clean. They have to be, because your scrapbooks don't matter in this game.'

Frank's work ethic impressed Dumars on his first day on the job.

'Lawrence won't want me to say this, but he started on Monday and he was here at 5:30 in the morning,' Dumars said. 'We might be in an odd situation with the lockout, but he's still here working.'

Frank sheepishly acknowledged he had arrived before sunrise, saying he likes to watch film in the morning.

The question he can't answer is when he will get to do anything else.

Courtesy of ESPN

Nets G Farmar to play in Israel - by Eurobasket News
New Jersey Nets guard Jordan Farmar (6'2''-PG-86, college: UCLA) will play for Maccabi Tel Aviv during the NBA lockout, the Israeli Basketball Super League team announced.

Farmar agreed to a one-year contract with the Israeli team, according to The Star-Ledger. The paper reported that his contract includes a termination provision that would return him to the NBA if the lockout is settled and the season begins.

Farmar, whose stepdad is from Tel Aviv, signed with the Nets prior to last season after spending his first four years in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers.

He played 73 games for New Jersey, starting 18, and averaged 9.6 points and 5.0 assists. He has averaged 7.4 points and 2.7 assists in 374 career NBA games.

Farmar was picked No. 26 overall in the first round of the 2006 draft by the Lakers.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

Rajon Rondo's elbow healing well, doesn't expect it to be issue moving forward - by Eurobasket News
While the NBA's future seems murkier with each passing day, the extended time off is allowing some beat-up NBA players to heal before diving back into another season -- which they would be doing very soon if things were on schedule.

One of the players benefiting most from the time off is Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (6'1''-G-86, college: Kentucky), who suffered a dislocated elbow in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Miami Heat. Although he can't participate in basketball activities yet, the two-time All-Star told ESPN.com that the elbow is healing well.

'The elbow is getting better,' he told ESPN.com. 'I got another check-up on it [Tuesday]. It's getting there. It's still a little swollen, [but] other than that, no problem.'

Rondo said recently that a full range of motion in the elbow is back and that he doesn't see it as a major issue moving forward.

Rondo also said he's continuing to take classes at the University of Kentucky while the lockout rolls on, working towards his degree.

Courtesy of www.nesn.com

John Lucas III outshines Kevin Durant in New York summer game - by Eurobasket News
Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) followed up his 66-point performance Monday night at New Yorks heralded Rucker Park with a 41-point effort Tuesday night a little farther downtown in Manhattan.

But the star of the NYC summer game, as NBA players continue to play hoops wherever they can during the lockout, was Chicago Bulls guard John Lucas III (5'11''-G-82, college: Oklahoma St.), who rang up 60 at Baruch College in what was, at times, a head-to-head battle with Durant.

Should be broadcasted by everybody, Durant said of Lucas highlights. Video of his 66-point effort went rival Tuesday and, so far, the video from last night is Durant-centric - not that thats a bad thing. Everybody should know. The way he played was unbelievable. He got it easier tonight than I got it last night. He had a hell of a game.

Lucas shot 22-for-41 from the field, 10-of-11 from the free-throw line , with 6-of-19 three-pointers and four assists. He wasnt, he swore, trying to one-up Durant.

Nah, I was just playing ball, Lucas said. Kevin's a scorer. I can't compete with him on the scoring tip. He's 6-9. In a real game, this is what he do. He gets buckets.

Me? I run the team, orchestrate the team and just make sure I knock down open shots. I'm not going to come down and do what I was doing tonight in a real game. It's summertime. It's all fun and games, but it kind of got competitive. He'd come bucket and say something to me. I'd come at him and say something to him. It was all for fun.

Durants line: 9-of-29 field-goal shooting, 2-of-12 three-pointers, 21-of-23 free throws.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Boston Celtics promote Mike Longabardi to a bench assistant coach - by Eurobasket News
The Boston Celtics announced today that Mike Longabardi has been promoted to a bench assistant coach.

Im looking forward to adding Mike to our bench. He has been in the fold the last four years and hes more than ready for the next step, said Doc Rivers, Celtics Head Coach.

Longabardi joined the Celtics prior to the start of the 2007-08 season from Houston where he had worked for the previous five seasons as an assistant coach/video coordinator, video coordinator and assistant video coordinator. The native of Brooklyn, New York has also previous coaching experience in the college ranks with Pfeiffer University, Adelphi University, Lafayette College and Towson University. He was on the coaching staff that led the Lafayette Leopards to the Patriot League title.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Wolves to interview Sam Mitchell - by Eurobasket News
The Wolves are down to the final two names to interview for their head-coaching job.

And, yes, Sam Mitchell is one of them.

Larry Brown , of course, is the other.

Many Wolves fans have wondered why the man who won Coach of the Year with Toronto and who played two different stints with the Timberwolves wasn't on the team's interview list..

He is now.

Mitchell is expected to interview Friday or Saturday, Brown next week.

Wolves boss David Kahn and owner Glen Taylor already have interviewed Terry Porter, Mike Woodson, Bernie Bickerstaff, Nelson.

Former Houston coach Rick Adelman has been talked to at some depth about the job, but, unlike the aforementioned four, he didn't come to town for an in-person interview.

Mitchell and Porter are the only ones on that list who have a relationship with Taylor.

Mitchell had a 156-189 record in four-plus seasons with Toronto.

The Raptors went 47-35, won the Atlantic Division and Mitchell was voted Coach of the Year for the 2006-07 season.

His teams made the playoffs twice -- losing in the first round each time -- and he was fired early in the 2008-09 season when the Raptors started 8-9 and then went 25-40 the rest of the way under interim coach Jay Triano.

Courtesy of www.startribune.com

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  NCAA1   


Ex-Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl to visit, consider Legends job - by Eurobasket News
Bruce Pearl is an unemployed basketball coach, and Friscos Texas Legends are an NBA D-League team without a coach.

After what Legends owner Donnie Nelson termed some real constructive dialogue, Pearl agreed to come to North Texas on Thursday and tour the Legends and Mavericks facilities.

Pearl, 51, was fired in March after six seasons at Tennessee, with a 145-61 record that was clouded by NCAA investigations and sanctions on Pearl. As Pearl awaits NCAA word of how long he might be barred from college coaching, the Legends seem a logical avenue back to basketball.

Were hoping to knock his socks off, Nelson said Tuesday. We are hopeful and optimistic that hell like our situation and our city.

Nelson, of course, doubles as the Mavericks president of basketball operations. The NBA is in a lockout and could well have a delayed start of the 2011-2012 season, but no matter, the D-Leagues 11th season will commence in November.

The Legends have been without a head coach for two weeks. Nancy Lieberman, who coached the franchises inaugural 2010-2011 season, is now the assistant general manager.

Hiring the quotable and somewhat controversial Pearl would bring media and fan attention to the Legends franchise, which finished 24-26 last season. Nelson said several Legends players phoned or came by the teams facility Tuesday, excited after learning of the franchises interest in Pearl.

Hes a winner, Nelson said. I just love winners. If you look at his program, what he did at Tennessee, every program that hes touched, hes turned that thing into a winner.

It appears the job is Pearls, but he might not make a decision during this visit. He reportedly has offers to do TV analyst work, plus hes awaiting closure in the NCAA matter.

On Sept. 10, 2010, he admitted making inappropriate recruitment contacts and providing false information during an NCAA investigation. Tennessee reduced his salary and suspended him for eight games. It fired him after the season after learning of additional violations.

Courtesy of www.dallasnews.com

Rick Pitino: No problem with Calipari, ex-UK players using Louisville arena for exhibition - by Eurobasket News
Louisville mens basketball coach Rick Pitino said he doesn't care if a team of former Kentucky players currently in the NBA and Wildcats coach John Calipari borrow his teams homecourt for one night.

But his tone suggested otherwise Wednesday during a press conference to discuss his teams upcoming trip to the Bahamas.

Thats a public facility, its our homecourt during the season, but obviously anybody can go in there, Pitino said. Lady Gaga can go in there, or the Dominican team can go in there.

None of that is any of my business. Were just concerned with Louisville first, were not concerned with anything any of our competitors do. We dont pay any attention to our competitors except when its time to play them and I really mean that sincerely.

Tuesday the ticket website ticketmaster.com listed sales of tickets for an exhibition game involving a team made up of pro players, and former standouts, from Kentucky and the Dominican national team - which Calipari is coaching - in the Yum! Center in downtown Louisville on Aug. 16. The two teams play a game on Aug. 15 in Lexingtons Rupp Arena.

The team of former Wildcat standouts will include Rajon Rondo, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe and Nazr Mohammad among others.

I know nothing about that, Pitino said. I havent followed it, somebody just asked me about it for the first time this morning. I know nothing about it.

But its no different than Villanova or West Virginia, or anybody else playing there. Its a free country and the KFC, last time I checked, was part of this country.

When an obviously irritated Pitino was asked why isnt the exhibition game being played at Freedom Hall in Lexington, he said: Why dont you ask them that?

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Calipari, Dominican Republic team begin practice - by Eurobasket News
Al Horford never thought he'd spend a month training with the Dominican Republic national team in the middle of Kentucky.

But because Kentucky's John Calipari is coaching the Dominican Republic's national team in the upcoming 2011 FIBA Americas Tournament, the squad is training at the Wildcats' practice facility in Lexington.

'I never expected this, I got to tell you,' said Horford, who played his college ball at Florida. 'I tweeted the other day that I was going to be here and I didn't get very warm comments on it. (Gator fans) didn't like that too much. It has nothing to do with that, though. I'm happy to be here and happy to train here.'

The team began training in Lexington on Sunday for the 10-team tournament which runs from Aug. 30 to Sept. 11 in Mar del Plata, Argentina. The winner earns an automatic bid to play in the 2012 Olympics.

The Dominican Republic national team has never played in Olympics.

'I think they've been to one qualifying tournament one time, in 1977, and they call those guys The Immortals,' Calipari said. 'We're underdogs, but that's what makes it unique and fun. This is a group that's hungry to win.'

Calipari's roster includes three NBA players: Horford of the Atlanta Hawks, Charlie Villanueva of the Detroit Pistons and Francisco Garcia of the Sacramento Kings. The team also includes former Louisville guard Edgar Sosa, who hit a 25-footer to beat rival Kentucky in 2010.

'I've been trying my best to stay at the hotel. I haven't left the hotel too much,' Sosa quipped.

Calipari said he was initially approached to serve as a consultant to young coaches in the Dominican Republic, similar to a program in which he participated in with Chinese basketball coaches. But then he was told that part of the commitment would include coaching the national team.

Calipari agreed on the condition that the team could prepare for the FIBA Americas Tournament in Lexington. Part of the appeal to coaching the team, he said, is the educational benefit.

'Baseball is triple-A, double-A, single-A. Basketball is you either go to a club team or you're going to college,' Calipari said. 'The players on this team that have done well, all went to college. Maybe we can encourage sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders that your avenue to play basketball is education.'

Playing for the national team not only gives the players a chance to represent their country, but Villanueva said he was just glad to have a place to work out since NBA team facilities are closed to players during the lockout.

It also offers a chance to focus on the national team's tournament without the NBA preseason immediately looming, Villanueva said. He said he was prepared for no NBA preseason at all.

'It's going to be a battle. It's going to be a war, but we're not going to give in,' he said. 'Whatever happens, happens. I'm just taking it a day at a time. We'll have a better idea come September or when the end of August comes around.

'I'm prepared for it,' he said. 'I think the union did a great job of educating us on the potential lockout. I think it helped a lot of players, if not all of them. I was prepared for it two years ago. Nothing different for me.'

Before the FIBA Americas Tournament, the Dominican Republic national team is scheduled to play an exhibition in Lexington's Rupp Arena on Aug. 15 against a group of Kentucky alumni currently playing in the NBA. The Kentucky alumni scheduled to play include Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics, John Wall of the Washington Wizards and Tayshaun Prince of the Pistons.

Horford said the team is looking forward to the exhibition not as a showcase, but as a chance to improve before the tournament.

The team will stay in Lexington until it heads to Argentina for the tournament.

'I don't know if Joakim (Noah) knows that the practices are being held out here,' Horford said of his college teammate who enjoyed prodding the rival Wildcats. 'I don't know how he'd feel about that.'

Courtesy of www.abc12.com

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  NCAA2   


SPU Gets a Transfer - by Sanjey Noriega
From: spufalcons.com

SEATTLE -- Jobi Wall, a 6-foot-7 wing from Colorado Christian University, is transferring to Seattle Pacific, men's basketball coach Ryan Looney announced Tuesday.

Jobi Wall
Wall has two seasons of eligibility remaining and can play immediately for the NCAA Division II Falcons in the 2011-12 men's basketball campaign.

We are excited that Jobi Wall has decided to attend Seattle Pacific University and become a member of our basketball team,' Looney said. 'His desire to compete, both academically and athletically, makes him a perfect fit for the mission of our institution and program.'

Wall utilized a red-shirt season last year while sidelined with an injury.

As a sophomore in 2009-10, he averaged 16.6 points, including a 36-point performance against Mid-America Christian in the final game. Wall led the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) with 7.7 rebounds per game and also topped the league with 98 treys. He shot 44 percent from 3-point range.

Wall was a first-team All-RMAC selection in 2010 and garnered National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) All-America honors.

Our coaching staff thought we needed to add one more player with experience that could help us in different ways,' explained Looney. 'Jobi's ability to rebound, shoot a high percentage from the 3-point line and play multiple positions will really improve our team.

Looney's Falcons got a first-hand look at Wall on Dec. 30, 2009 at Brougham Pavilion. He amassed 28 points and 13 rebounds, while hitting 5 of 9 treys in a 73-69 Colorado Christian win.

During his freshman season at CCU, Wall averaged 10.2 points and 4.7 rebounds as a part-time starter.

Wall prepped at Faith Christian Academy in Arvada, Colo., helping the Eagles to the 2008 Class 3A state championship. He received the Colorado Player of the Year award.

The SPU men compiled a 20-10 record and placed third in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference with a 12-6 mark in 2010. The Falcons made their seventh straight NCAA Tournament appearance.

Highlighting the season was a 76-63 victory over top-seeded Central Washington in the first round of the playoffs.

Wall joins two other newcomers who will join the SPU program next season. Current high school seniors Riley Stockton and Alex Weber-Brader signed letters of intent during the November early signing period to play for the Falcons.

Weber-Brader is a 6-5 wing from Olympia (Wash.) High School who was ranked the No. 3 combo guard in the state of Washington by NorthwestHoops.com. Listed No. 8 in those rankings was Stockton, a 6-4 wing from Ferris High School in Spokane, Wash. He is the nephew of NBA Hall of Fame point guard John Stockton.

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  NIGERIA   


Afrobasket 2011: Nigeria Popoola 19 other refs make FIBA Africa list - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Nigeria FIBA graded referee Babatunde Popoola has been listed by Africa basketball ruling body FIBA Africa alonghside 19 other international referees for the 26th edition of the FIBA Africa Championship for Men (African Cup of Nations) holding in Antananarivo, Madagascar from August 17 through 28.

Of the twenty referees listed for the 2011 Afrobasket fifteen are accompany referees while five are neutral referees.

Popoola was listed as the Nigeria senior national team, DTigers accompanying referee, other accompany referees listed for the biggest Africa basketball show-piece are; Anthony Razafindrakoto of Madagascar; Julio Carlos Angola; Ben Ali Cisse Cote DIvoire; Arnaud Kom Njilo Cameroon; Steve Koukou-Te-Ngbandi Central Africa; Ahmed Medhat El-Falaky Egypt; Chlif Abdelliah Morocco; Moussa Toure Mali; Abreu Muhimua Mozambique; Didier Shema-Maboko Rwanda; Antonn Gomm Stacy - South Africa; Alioune Fall Senegal; Nourou Djeri Togo and Haykel Ksontini of Tunisia.

The five neutral referees which includes two European and three from Africa are Anastasios Piloidis from Greece; Matej Boltauzer from Slovenia; Vitalis Gode from Kenya; Leslie Cherubin from Mauritius and Nachid Messaoudi from Algeria complete the list.

Four match commissioners will be on duty for the championship which will produce Africa sole representative to the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Match Commissioners includes the Head of FIBA Africa Technical Commission Raouf Menjour of Tunisia; FIBA Africa Head of Competition Amara Conde Fod of Guinea President of FIBA Africa Zone-6 Anibal Manave from Mozambique and Alain Ramanarivo from Madagascar.

One of the continent brightest match commissioner and instructor Joseph Amon of Cote DIvoire will act as the referees supervisor during the championship, FIBA Africa Secretariat head of technical department Julien Farran is the championship technical delegate from the Secretariat, Dr. Aboukacar Gueye is the head of medical corp while Arnaud Sevaux is the statistician supervisor.

A pre-competition clinic for all the Referees and Match Commissioners of the competition will be held on 16th August 2011 in Antananarivo Madagascar. The official FIBA physical Fitness test will also be held during the clinic as the referees and match commissioners are expected to arrive Madagascar by the 15th of August.

The Championship will be officiated according to the FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2010, Referees Manual, Two and three Person Officiating.

The quarter-finals through the grand finale will be officiated according to the Three-Person Officiating. All the nominated Referees are expected to be very familiar with the official Three-Person Officiating.

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  PALESTINE   


Sani Sakakini received Asia-basket.com NBL Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
Palestinian Sakakini Sani (204-C-88) had an amazing evening in the last round for Guangzhou FM and that's him to receive a Asia-basket.com NBL Player of the Week award for round 16.
The 23-year old center had a double-double of 33 points and thirty rebounds, while his team beat Hangzhou (#10, 3-13) 117-103. Guangzhou FM is placed at 6th position in Chinese NBL. Guangzhou FM is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 8-8 record. Sakakini turned to be Guangzhou FM's top player in his first season with the team. Sakakini Sani averages this season 15.4ppg and 10.0rpg.

Earlier Palestinian Sakakini Sani became the second best player in NBL of the in the previous round's games. Sakakini had a very good evening with a double-double of 36 points and 13 rebounds. Of course he led Guangzhou FM to another comfortable win 118-99 over the higher-ranked ShenYang (#1, 9-3) being unquestionably team leader. Despite this victory Guangzhou FM slide down in the standings to 7th position. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 6-6 record is not bad and everything may still change. Sakakini is one of the most experienced players at Guangzhou FM and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.




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  POLAND   


Energa Czarni signs Stanley Burrell - by Eurobasket News
Energa Czarni announced signing of Stanley Burrell (190-PG-84) for the next season. The American point guard spent the last one with Generali Okapi Aalstar. He appeared 36 times in Belgian league averaging 8.6 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He helped Liege to reach the Playoff Finals. In 2009/10, Stanley Burrell also played in Belgium. He was a member of Pepinster that season. For 31 games with them he had 10.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 4.6 apg. Burrell finished championship as the best assistant. In the past, he played for Austin Toros and Bosna ASA BHT. Stanley Burrell is a product of Xavier University, where he graduated in 2008. He had 9.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 3.8 apg for them as a senior.

U16: Poland outscore Montenegro for second win in Group G - by Eurobasket News
Poland U16 - Montenegro U16 67:55

Poland posted the second victory in U16 European Championship classification round. They held off Montenegro to improve at 2-1 record in Group G. Mikolaj Witlinski (201-F-95) tallied 16 points and 20 rebounds in the win. Montenegro fell at 1-2 record.
The teams stayed close throughout the first half. Poland enjoyed a 16:14 lead after ten minutes. Montenegro stayed close cutting the deficit at just a single point 32:33 at halftime. Poland opened the second half with nine consecutive points to clear off. They established a 54:44 advantage with one quarter remaining. Poland did not allow their opponents closer than 10 points throughout the final term rallying to a comfortable win at the end. Adam Mazur (188-G-95) posted 15 points, while Szymon Michalik (195-F-95) notched 11 points in the victory. Luka Savic (199-F-95) and Luka Djurovic (199-F-95) responded with 15 points each for Montenegro.

Poland U16: Mikolaj Witlinski 16+20 boards, Adam Mazur 15, Szymon Michalik 11
Montenegro U16: Luka Savic 15+11 boards, Luka Djurovic 15



SKS Polpharma-Pakmet Starogard Gd. adds Bowie to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
SKS Polpharma-Pakmet Starogard Gd. added to their roster 22-year old American guard Adrian Bowie (187-G-89, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement). Bowie played most recently at University of Maryland (NCAA) in the U.S. It will be his first year in professional basketball. While playing 33 games for Maryland last season he averaged 8.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.5apg and 1.1spg.


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  PORTUGAL   


U16: Portugal became the leader of the Group G - by Eurobasket News
Georgia U16-Portugal U16 52:67

Portugal became the leader of the Group G of the Classification Round for 9-16 places at the U16 European Championship in Division B. Portugal improved to 2-0 record after 67:52 victory over Georgia that fell at 1-1 record.
Portugal and Georgia brought 1-0 record to the Classification Round and fought for the second win. Portugal started with 21:14 and had 37:31 at the halftime. Diogo Gameiro (184-G-95) nailed three for 46:33 and Pedro Marques (181-PG-95) posted for 51:41. The latter also closed the third period at 56:43 as Portugal added 19-12 in the frame. The winners also produced 11-9 in the last stanza to seal the win.
Diogo Gameiro stepped up with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Pedro Marques and Isaias Insaly (197-F/C-95) added 14 points each. Joao Guimaraes (196-C-95) followed them with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Tomorrow Portugal will face Luxembourg, while Finland will take on Georgia.

Georgia U16: Ucha Gamreklidze (200-C-95) 15, Aleksandre Bolkvadze (194-F-95) 13
Portugal U16: Diogo Gameiro 17+13 rebs, Pedro Marques 14, Isaias Insaly 14+10 rebs, Joao Guimaraes 11+10 rebs


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  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 


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  ROMANIA   


Germany A2 Team won the second game at the Basketball-Nation-Cup in Munster - by Eurobasket News
Germany A2 Team-Romania 62:60

Germany A2 Team won the second game at the Basketball-Nation-Cup in Munster. The hosts of the campaign won over Romania 62:60.
Both teams nailed 17 points each in the opening period and then the hosts pushed the tempo in the end of the half. Germany needed 22-14 in the second frame for 39:31 halftime advantage. In the third quarter Romania limited Germany to just 6 points and reduced to 45:44 after thirty minutes of the game. Ionut Dragusin (221-C-85) replied for 56:54 and Mihai Silvasan (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) nailed three for 60:57. Bastian Doreth (183-G-89) and Mihai Silvasan however delivered the final victory for Germany.
Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87) top-scored for the winners with13 points and Oskar Fassler (198-G-88) netted 10. Nicolai Simon (191-G-87), Akeem Vargas (191-G-90, college: Iowa Lakes CC) and Bastian Bastian Doreth posted 7 points each. Mihai Silvasan replied with 33 points in the losing effort and Ionut Dragusin added 9.

Germany A2 Team: Johannes Lischka 13, Oskar Fassler 10, Nicolai Simon 7, Akeem Vargas 7, Bastian Doreth 7
Romania: Mihai Silvasan 33, Ionut Dragusin 9


U16: Slovenia cruised past Romania at the Qualifying Round opener - by Eurobasket News
Romania U16-Slovenia U16 49:75

Slovenia cruised past Romania at the Qualifying Round of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team won 75:49 and advanced to the Semifinals in Strumica. Tomorrow Slovenia and England will fight for the top place in the group. Romania meanwhile dropped at 0-2 record and will play for the third place in the group with Netherlands.
Slovenia needed a strong first period to take control for the whole game. Matic Rebec (179-PG-95) scored for 22:11 and Ziga Zatezic (196-F-95) brought 38:17 at the halftime. Romania bounced back with 20-16 in the third frame as Lander reduced to 54:37 at the end of thirty minutes. Due to 21-12 Slovenia won the game and improved to 2-0 record.
Jure Ritlop (202-F-95) led the way with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Luka Kokol (191-G-95) netted 15. Matic Rebec posted 9, while Ziga Zatezic added 8. Mehmet Hortoglu (194-F-95) finished the game with 11 points and Vlad Cobzaru (203-C-95) notched 8.

Romania U16: Mehmet Hortoglu 11, Vlad Cobzaru 8
Slovenia U16: Jure Ritlop 16+12 rebs, Luka Kokol 15, Matic Rebec 9, Ziga Zatezic 8


CSU Asesoft Ploiesti adds Nuna and Dzambic - by Eurobasket News
CSU Asesoft Ploiesti announced signing of Matei Nuna (191-G-91) and Rade Dzambic (188-G-80, agency: TSS Management, college: NYIT) for the next season.
Matei Nuna is a member of Romanian U20 National Team. He played 9 games for them at the European Championships U20 Division B in Sarajevo this summer. Nuna averaged 8.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists. He played last season for the University of Windsor (Canada), Nuna is originally from Cluj Napoca.
Rade Dzambic will play his fourth straight season in Romania. He was a member of CS Municipal Bucuresti in the latest one. In 14 league games he averaged 9.7 points, 5 rebounds and 7.9 assists. Dzambic finished as the second best assistant in Division A. From 2008 until the last summer Rade Dzambic was a member of Timisoara. In their second season together he had 15.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 5 apg. He helped them win Romanian Cup. Timisoara also reached League Semifinals that season. In 2008/09, Rade Dzambic was named Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Guard of the Year. He had 15 ppg, 4 rpg and 4.3 apg leading Timisoara to Playoff Finals. In the past, Dzambic played for Slovenian team Parklji Bezigrad. He also has experience from Serbian team Ergonom and Radnicki 034 Kragujevac.

Scott VanderMeer joins CS Gaz Metan Medias - by Greg
CS Gaz Metan Medias announced the signing of 25-year old American center Scott VanderMeer (213-C-86, college: Ill.-Chicago, agency: Edge Sports). VanderMeer played most recently at Leones de Santo Domingo (Dominican Rep.). Before some to Dominican Republic Scott has played in Mexico and D-League, where won the title with the Iowa Energy. He was one of the best big men in the NBDL playoffs averaging 13.2ppg, 8.9rpg and 3.1bpg (3rd best shoot blocker in the league).


Energia Rovinari brings in Brice Kabengele - by Eurobasket News
Energia Rovinari announced signing of Brice Kabengele-Kalala (196-G-81) for the next season. The 29-year-old player has French and Romanian citizenship. He arrives to Rovinari from Politehnica Iasi, where he finished last season. Kabengele played 15 games for the club averaging 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He started last season with Timisoara, but had very limited playing time. They parted ways in March. In 2009/10, Brice Kabengele-Kalala played for CSU Asesoft Ploiesti. He helped them win the Romanian league title. For 35 games Kabengele registered 3.8 ppg and 1.7 rpg. Before Ploiesti, he spent one season with CSU Atlassib Sibiu. In 2008, he reached Cup Finals with Timisoara. Kabengele also has experience from French teams Angers, Chalons and Orleans.

CSU Atlassib Sibiu sign Jaytornah Wisseh - by Eurobasket Center
CSU Atlassib Sibiu signed 23-year old American-Liberian guard Jaytornah Wisseh (185-G-88, college: LIU Brooklyn). Wisseh played most recently at KK Kvarner 2010 Rijeka (Croatia). While playing 9 games for Kvarner 2010 last season his stats were: 5.1ppg, 2.4rpg and 1.1spg.

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  RUSSIA   


Alexandr Korchagin leaves Spartak - by Eurobasket News
Alexandr Korchagin (186-G-88) leaves Spartak where he played last season. The Russian Guard could not grab the spot in the roster for the next season.
In 2005-2006 he started for UOR-LenVO St.Petersburg (Higher L., starting five) and in 51 games averaged 12.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 5.2apg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 72.0%. In January 2007 signed at Spartak St.Petersburg (A Superleague) and debuted with 3.0ppg, 1.2apg, played also at Spartak-2 SPb. In 2007-2008 for Spartak St.Petersburg (A Superleague) averaged 2.0ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.0spg in FIBA EuroCup and in Russian League after 14 games had 1.2ppg, also played for Spartak-2 SPb (Higher League, starting five) and 14 games showed 12.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.6apg, 2.1spg, 2FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 66.2%. In 2008-2009 moved to NBA Nizhny Novgorod (B Superleague) and showed 6.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.6apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 24.6%, FT: 64.6%. In 2009-2010 appeared for Sibirtelekom-Lokomotiv Novosybirsk (B Superleague) averaging 6.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 4apg, 1.2spg. In 2010-2011 Alexandr Korchagin moved back to Spartak St.Petersburg (PBL) and in EuroChallenge had 1.2ppg, 1.0apg, while in Russian League showed 1.8ppg.


U16: Russia prevail against Greece - by Eurobasket News
Russia U16 - Greece 81:70

Russia improved at 2-3 record in Group G of classification round at U16 European Championship. They outscored Greece to stay hopeful about quarterfinal appearance. Greece suffered the third loss in a row to fell at 0-5 record.
Russia led throughout the opening period. However they claimed jus a one-point advantage at the first break 18:17. Pavel Sizov (198-F-95) gave Russia a double-digit lead midway through the second frame. They arrived at halftime up by 6 points 39:33. Russia used a 10:2 run in the third period to boost the gap at 15-point mark. The Hellenes faced a 10-point deficit at the final break 48:58. Greece could not threaten the margin in the final period. Russia stayed comfortable in front rolling to the victory at the end. Pavel Sizov came up with 23 points for Russia. Viacheslav Fedorchenko (188-G-95) added 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in the victory. Georgios Diamantakos (210-C-95) responded with 14 points for Greece. Michail Liapis (188-G-95) had 12 points in defeat.

Russia U16: Pavel Sizov 23, Viacheslav Fedorchenko 22, Alexander Martynov (195-G-95) 16
Greece U16: Georgios Diamantakos 14, Michail Liapis 12


Boris Stankovic Cup. Angola hold off Russia to enter title game - by Eurobasket News
Angola - Russia 60:53

Angola recorded the second win at the Boris Stankovic Cup invitational tournament in China. They toppled Russia (University National Team) to set up championship clash with Australia. Russia finished third at 2-1 record. Kikas Gomes (200-C/F-80, college: Valparaiso) knocked down 10 points to lead the African powerhouse.
Russia got to a slightly better start. They posted a 14:12 lead after ten minutes. But Angola managed to deny the deficit drawing things level at 31 at halftime. Angola pulled in front in the third period. The African team ensured a 5-point lead with one quarter remaining. Angola held Russia to 11 points in the fourth period and raced to the victory at the end. Simao Santos (198-F-79) finished with 9 points, while Domingos Bonifacio (189-G-84) added 8 in the victory. Petr Gubanov (207-C-87) responded with game-high 15 points for Russia. Igor Smygin (197-G/F-87, agency: Alti Sport, college: Surgut-2) netted 11 points in defeat.

Angola: Kikas Gomes 10, Simao Santos 9, Domingos Bonifacio 8
Russia: Petr Gubanov 15, Igor Smygin 11


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  SERBIA   


U16: Spain nip Serbia to finish second in Group E - by Eurobasket News
Spain U16 - Serbia U16 74:72

Spain wrapped up their Qualifying Round at U16 European Championship campaign with win. They outscored Serbia for 4-1 record in Group E. Spain thus ensured the second-place finish in the pool. Serbia fell at 2-3 record and appeared in the fifth position in the ladder narrowly missing the quarterfinal stage. Agusti Sans (195-F-95) stepped up with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners.
The lead changed hands throughout the opening quarter before Spain grabbed a 21:17 advantage. Spain stayed in charge throughout the second term but Serbia would not go away. The Balkan team trailed by just a single point 31:32 at halftime. Brano Djukanovic (193-G-95) and Tejic put the Serbian team in front early in the third term. But eventually Spain recovered posting a 48:46 lead with ten minutes remaining. Spain used an 11:2 run to open an 8-point lead with under two minutes remaining. However Nikola Rebic (186-PG-95), Brano Djukanovic and Marko Guduric (193-G-95) made it 72:73 with 10 seconds to go. Agusti Sans hit just one free throw after being fouled but a three-pointer from Brano Djukanovic rimmed out sealing the win for Spain. Ferran Ventura (178-PG-95) knocked down 15 points, while Javier De La Blanca (197-F-95) contributed 13 points in the victory. Brano Djukanovic responded with 17 points for Serbia. Nikola Rebic and Marko Guduric had 12 points apiece in defeat.

Spain U16: Agusti Sans 16+11 boards, Ferran Ventura 15, Javier De La Blanca 13
Serbia U16: Brano Djukanovic 17, Nikola Rebic 12, Marko Guduric 12


Aleksandar Mladenovic heads to Poland - by Eurobasket News
Aleksandar Mladenovic (207-F/C-84, agency: BeoExcell) will continue his career in Poland. The Serbian big guy signed a one-year deal with WKS Slask Wroclaw. Mladenovic heads to his new club from BC Mures Targu-Mures. He shined with 16.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg and 1.4 bpg for 31 Romanian league games. Eurobasket awarded him with Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 2nd Team -11. Targu-Mures also competed in Balkan league, where Mladenovic was even better with 21 ppg, 8.3 rpg and 2.1 bpg. He ended as the best scorer and second rebounder of the competition. For his performance Mladenovic was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Balkan League Center of the Year -11. Before Targu Mures, Aleksandar Mladenovic spent two years with Ergonom Nis. He also was their member in the past. Meanwhile, Mladenovic played for Mega Ishrana, Swisslion Takovo and Hemofarm.

Rade Dzambic stays in Romania - by Eurobasket News
Rade Dzambic (188-G-80, agency: TSS Management, college: NYIT) will play at least one more season in Romania. He signed a deal with former champions CSU Asesoft Ploiesti. It will be his fourth straight year in Romanian top division. He was a member of CS Municipal Bucuresti in the latest one. In 14 league games he averaged 9.7 points, 5 rebounds and 7.9 assists. Dzambic finished as the second best assistant in Division A. From 2008 until the last summer Rade Dzambic was a member of Timisoara. In their second season together he had 15.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 5 apg. He helped them win Romanian Cup. Timisoara also reached League Semifinals that season. In 2008/09, Rade Dzambic was named Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Guard of the Year. He had 15 ppg, 4 rpg and 4.3 apg leading Timisoara to Playoff Finals. In the past, Dzambic played for Slovenian team Parklji Bezigrad. He also has experience from Serbian team Ergonom and Radnicki 034 Kragujevac.

Nemanja Bjelica recovers from injury, joins Serbian NT - by Eurobasket News
Good news for the Serbian National Team. Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) got a green light to start with preparations for the upcoming EuroBasket in Lithuania. He successfully recovered from the hand palm surgery and he is ready to start practicing.
Nemanja Bjelica spent last season with Caja Laboral. He played 22 games for them in ACB averaging 3.9 points and 2 rebounds. Bjelica also added 1.2 ppg and 1.7 rpg for 13 games in Euroleague. He got injured in March and missed rest of the season. Nemanja Bjelica joined Caja Laboral last summer from Crvena Zvezda. He played 16 games in Serbian league in 2009/10 registering 18.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg and 3.3 apg. In Adriatic league, his numbers dropped to 8.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 2.4 apg. Bjelica also added 8.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 2 apg for 12 EuroCup games. He played for Crvena Zvezda also in 2008/09. Bjelica is active member of the Serbian National Team since 2009.

Nenad Zivcevic to be tested by Politekhnika-Halychyna - by Eurobasket News
Nenad Zivcevic (204-F-87) will join Politekhnika-Halychyna for the training camp. The 24-year-old player will try to earn a deal for the next season. Zivcevic spent last season in FYR Macedonia. The forward played for MZT Skopje. He tallied 13.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 steal per game in Superleague. Previously Nenad Zivcevic had stints with Buducnost Podgorica, Fersped-Rabotnicki and Plejmejker-Kubus Skopje. In 2009, Zivcevic won the Macedonian league title with Rabotnicki. He also played for U16 and U20 Serbian National Teams. Except of Zivcevic, Politekhnika-Halychyna will also test George Odufuwa. There is a chance that both players sign a deal with the Ukrainian outfit.

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  SLOVAKIA   


U16: Slovak Republic won the game over Denmark at the Classification Round for 17-22 places - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic U16-Denmark U16 72:70

Slovak Republic won the game over Denmark at the Classification Round for 17-22 places at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team tied at 1-1 record after 72:70 win, while Denmark will face Ireland tomorrow.
Slovak Republic started the game with 21:15 but allowed the opponents to close the period at 5-0. Petersen tied the game at 27:27 and Baluch gave his side 31:28. Rasmus Hansen (203-C/F-95) closed the half from the free throw line to send both sides to the lockers at 32:31. The battle continued in the court and were tied at 44:44 with a minute in the third. Boris Belavy (197-F-95) gave Slovak Republic 55:46 and Vladimir Nemcok (178-PG-95) scored for 63:55. Denmark tried hard to catch up with the opponents but could cut it to 2 points.
Vladimir Nemcok erupted with 29 points for the winners and Boris Belavy netted 12. Marek Bojkovsky (189-F-95) scored 10, while Tomas Cibak (180-PG-95) posted 7. Rasmus Hansen ended up with 22 points in defeat and Jonas Lund (190-F-95) had 21.

Slovak Republic U16: Vladimir Nemcok 29, Boris Belavy 12, Marek Bojkovsky 10, Tomas Cibak 7
Denmark U16: Rasmus Hansen 22, Jonas Lund 21


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  SLOVENIA   


Slovenia beat Latvia in warm-up - by Zeljko Zule
Slovenia recorded an easy 73-63 victory over Latvia tonight in a practice game at Klapeda, Lithuania. After tying the game at 15-15, Slovenia went on a 21-7 run to take a lead 36-22. They scored 12 straight points in the third quarter to take its largest lead of the game, 67-45. Saso Ozbolt (188-G-81, agency: World Sport Agency) finished with 16 points, Uros Slokar added 15, Goran Dragic had 11 points and 6 assists, Goran Jagodnik posted 10 points and Mirza Begic grabbed 9 rebounds. Slovenia played without Jaka Lakovic, Matjaz Smodis and Miha Zupan.
SLOVENIA 73 (15+23+17+18): Lapornik 2, Lakovic DNP, Udrih 8, G.Dragic 11, Jagodnik 10, Begic 2, Lorbek 9, Muric, Prepelic, Ozbolt 16, Z.Dragic, Slokar 15.
LATVIA 63 (14+10+19+20): Veselovs 3, Bertans 8, Freimanis 4, Blums DNS, Jurevicus 6, Timermanis 1, Kuksiks 5, Jeromanovs 17, Berzins 6, Blaus 2, Mejeris 3, Meiers 8.


U16: Slovenia cruised past Romania at the Qualifying Round opener - by Eurobasket News
Romania U16-Slovenia U16 49:75

Slovenia cruised past Romania at the Qualifying Round of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team won 75:49 and advanced to the Semifinals in Strumica. Tomorrow Slovenia and England will fight for the top place in the group. Romania meanwhile dropped at 0-2 record and will play for the third place in the group with Netherlands.
Slovenia needed a strong first period to take control for the whole game. Matic Rebec (179-PG-95) scored for 22:11 and Ziga Zatezic (196-F-95) brought 38:17 at the halftime. Romania bounced back with 20-16 in the third frame as Lander reduced to 54:37 at the end of thirty minutes. Due to 21-12 Slovenia won the game and improved to 2-0 record.
Jure Ritlop (202-F-95) led the way with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Luka Kokol (191-G-95) netted 15. Matic Rebec posted 9, while Ziga Zatezic added 8. Mehmet Hortoglu (194-F-95) finished the game with 11 points and Vlad Cobzaru (203-C-95) notched 8.

Romania U16: Mehmet Hortoglu 11, Vlad Cobzaru 8
Slovenia U16: Jure Ritlop 16+12 rebs, Luka Kokol 15, Matic Rebec 9, Ziga Zatezic 8


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


U16: Spain nip Serbia to finish second in Group E - by Eurobasket News
Spain U16 - Serbia U16 74:72

Spain wrapped up their Qualifying Round at U16 European Championship campaign with win. They outscored Serbia for 4-1 record in Group E. Spain thus ensured the second-place finish in the pool. Serbia fell at 2-3 record and appeared in the fifth position in the ladder narrowly missing the quarterfinal stage. Agusti Sans (195-F-95) stepped up with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners.
The lead changed hands throughout the opening quarter before Spain grabbed a 21:17 advantage. Spain stayed in charge throughout the second term but Serbia would not go away. The Balkan team trailed by just a single point 31:32 at halftime. Brano Djukanovic (193-G-95) and Tejic put the Serbian team in front early in the third term. But eventually Spain recovered posting a 48:46 lead with ten minutes remaining. Spain used an 11:2 run to open an 8-point lead with under two minutes remaining. However Nikola Rebic (186-PG-95), Brano Djukanovic and Marko Guduric (193-G-95) made it 72:73 with 10 seconds to go. Agusti Sans hit just one free throw after being fouled but a three-pointer from Brano Djukanovic rimmed out sealing the win for Spain. Ferran Ventura (178-PG-95) knocked down 15 points, while Javier De La Blanca (197-F-95) contributed 13 points in the victory. Brano Djukanovic responded with 17 points for Serbia. Nikola Rebic and Marko Guduric had 12 points apiece in defeat.

Spain U16: Agusti Sans 16+11 boards, Ferran Ventura 15, Javier De La Blanca 13
Serbia U16: Brano Djukanovic 17, Nikola Rebic 12, Marko Guduric 12


Blancos de Rueda Valladolid sign Kahiem Seawright - by Eurobasket Center
Blancos de Rueda Valladolid signed 25-year old American power forward Kahiem Seawright (203-C/F-86, college: Rhode Island, agency: Edge Sports). After two years in LEB Gold he will try to find his place in the best Spanish division. Seawright played most recently at Baloncesto Leon (LEB Gold). While playing 38 games for Leon last season his stats were: 15.2ppg (5th best in the league), 7.8rpg (4th best in the league) and 1.3spg. He was also named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold 1st Team and All-Imports Team.


CAI Zaragoza keeps Carlos Cabezas - by Eurobasket News
Carlos Cabezas (186-G-80) will play for CAI Zaragoza in 2011/12 season. The club announced this news today. Cabezas arrived to Zaragoza in October of 2010. He appeared 23 times in ACB last season averaging 8.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Cabezas played for Khimky Moscow in 2009/10. He had 7.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 2.4 apg for them in 16 Euroleague games. Cabezas also added 6.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg and 3.1 apg for 28 games in Russia. Before Khimky, Carlos Cabezas spent many years with Unicaja Malaga. They won the Korac Cup in 2001, Spanish Cup in 2005 and ACB title a year later. Also, Cabezas played for the Spanish National Team from 2003 to 2009. With them he won gold medals in Japan and Poland. Also Spain won the Silver at the EuroBasket four years ago.

Cajasol signs Guillem Rubio to 2+1 year deal - by Eurobasket News
Guillem Rubio (202-C-82) will continue his career in Cajasol Seville. He signed a two-year deal with team's option for the 2013/14 season. Rubio spent last two years with Unicaja Malaga. He had 4.2 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 26 games in ACB last season. He also added 4.2 ppg and 2.7 rpg for 13 Euroleague games. In 2009/10, Guillem Rubio appeared 38 times in Spanish league collecting 3.1 ppg and 1.8 rpg. His numbers dropped to 2 ppg and 1.4 rpg for 11 games in Euroleague. Before Unicaja, Guillem Rubio spent five straight years with Ricoh Manresa. He helped them win LEB Gold in 2007 and they returned to ACB after only one season. In 2007/08, Rubio had 10.4 ppg and 4.9 rpg in ACB. In the past, he also played for Plasencia and Valls-Felix Hotel.

Jon Stefansson joins CAI Zaragoza - by Eurobasket News
CAI Zaragoza announced signing of Jon Stefansson (196-G-82) to a one-year deal. The Icelandic guard spent last two seasons with Granada. In the latest one he had 10.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 1.6 apg for 27 games in ACB. Stefansson has almost the same digits in 2009/10. Before Granada, Jon Stefansson played for Benetton Treviso. He joined them in April of 2009 averaging 6.5 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists for six games. That season he paced KR Reykjavik to Icelandic league title. For 29 games in Express league Stefansson had 18.5 ppg, 4 rpg and 5.6 apg. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Icelandic League Player of the Year -09. He got the same award in 2002. Before Reykjavik, Jon Stefansson played for Lottomatica Roma, Valencia, Napoli, Dynamo St Petersburg and Trier. He won the Italian Cup with Napoli in 2006. A year before that Stefansson won the FIBA Europe League with the Dynamo.

Mallorca keeps Miguel Angel Garcia - by Eurobasket News
Mallorca announced signing of a one-year contract extension with Miguel Angel Garcia (205-C-85). The Spanish big guy will play his second season with the club. In the last one had 4.7 ppg and 2.4 rpg for 39 games in LEB Silver. He helped Mallorca to win the LEB Silver Playoffs. They won the promotion and will compete next season in LEB Gold. Before Mallorca, Miguel Angel Garcia played one year for Alaior Menorcarentals.com Coinga. He had 3.7 ppg and 2.4 rpg for them in LEB Silver. In 2008/09, Miki Garcia was a member of Alaior Opel Coinga Jovent. He also has experience from Valls-Felix Hotel and Palma Playa Park El Arenal, both EBA teams. With El Arenal he had 14.4 ppg and 8.6 rpg.

Carlos Cobos joins Granada - by Eurobasket News
Carlos Cobos (193-G-88) will play next season for Granada. The Brazilian guard started 2010/11 with Unicaja Malaga, but most of the year he spent with Clinicas Rincon. He appeared just three times with Malaga in total. With Clinicas Rincon he had 8 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 2.2 apg for 32 games in LEB Gold. He played for the same team also from 2008 to 2010. In their second season together Cobos had 5.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 1.8 apg in 34 games. He had lower digits in 2008/09. In the past, Carlos Cobos also played for Unicaja second team. They competed in EBA. Cobos was a member of the Brazilian NT last year. In 2008, he reached LEB Silver Semifinals with Clinicas Rincon. He played just few games for them that year.

Girona signs Rolands Freimanis - by Eurobasket News
Girona announced signing of Rolands Freimanis (207-C/F-88, agency: Players Group) for the next season. The Latvian big guy heads to Girona from Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa, where he finished 2010/11. Freimanis joined the club in April averaging 4.5 points and 1.8 rebounds in four Spanish league games (ACB). He started last season with LEB Gold team Huesca. With them Freimains had 9.8 ppg and 4.4 rpg for 33 games. Rolands Freimanis played for Qalat Caja Sol Sevilla in 2009/10. He shined with 14.6 ppg and 6.7 rpg for 16 games in LEB Gold. Eurobasket awarded him with Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver Bosman Player of the Year -10. In the past, Freimanis spent few years with ASK Riga. He played for U20, U18 and U16 Latvia, as well as for the Latvian senior National Team.

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  SWITZERLAND   


Late surge brought Estonia the win over the Swiss side - by Eurobasket News
Switzerland U16-Estonia U16 74:90

Switzerland and Estonia are tied at 1-1 record after the game with each other at the Classification Round for 9-16 places at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Baltic side won 90:74 as the teams will finish the Classification Round tomorrow.
Switzerland surprised the opponents with 24:18 in the opening period and enjoyed 6-point halftime advantage. Mathias Tolusso (186-G-95) made two free throws for 50:44, but they could not win the game. Estonia won the third period 16-13 and reduced to 3 points after thirty minutes. Saimon Sutt (195-G/F-95) tied the game at 64:64, while Estonia erupted with the massive surge at the end of the game. A 30-14 in the last stanza brought the first victory for Estonia at the Classification Round.
Rain Koort (194-G/F-95) led the way with 29 points and Sten Olmre (189-G-95) followed him with 19. Saimon Sutt nailed 11, while Egert Haller (188-G-95) posted 9. Mathias Tolusso replied with 15 points in the losing effort and Mario Raemy (180-G-95) notched 14.

Switzerland U16: Mathias Tolusso 15, Mario Raemy 14 Luka Mandic (195-F-96) 12
Estonia U16: Rain Koort 29, Sten Olmre 19, Saimon Sutt 11, Egert Haller 9



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  SYRIA   


Hard Work and Preparation - by Joshua Jones
Good Evening, America Good Morning across the world! It has been a while since I updated my blog so I just wanted to stop by and drop a few lines. This summer has been a great summer and I feel like a lot has been accomplished on my end. Two a day workouts, multiple diets, thousands of jumpshots, ball handling drills, defense drills and the list goes on and on. With the NBA having a lockout the summer runs down in Houston has been pretty competitive. A lot of blood and sweat has been shed this off season in preparation for this upcoming season. I am extremely excited about the upcoming opportunities that will come with this season. With this being my fifth season overseas I have learned how to pace myself and prepare myself mentally as well as of physically for the upcoming season. To all of my fellow international players keep working hard and stay focused. Until next time! J.Jones

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


Anadolu Efes announces Ersan Ilyasova and Patrick Mills. - by Baha Kurtulus
Anadolu Efes Istanbul agreed to terms with two NBA players: Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) and Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA).
The Turkish forward has played 59 games in the season 2010-11 with Milwaukee Bucks averaging 9.7ppg and 6.2rpg. Ersan Ilyasova has played 207 games in the NBA scoring 8.8 ppg and pulling down 5.2rpg. Ersan Ilyasova played for the Turkish NT last summer helping them to win the Silver at the FIBA World Championship. ( 8 games 13.4ppg and 7.6rpg )
The Australian point guard Mills spent the last two years in the NBA averaging 5.5ppg and 1.7apg in 64 games in the regular season 2010-11 with Portland Trail Blazers.
Patrick Mills played for the Australian NT last summer at FIBA World Championship, averaging 13.8ppg, 1.7rpg and 4.2apg.

Courtesy of Sportando

Real Madrid and Anadolu Efes interested in Maurice Evans - by Pervin Elgin
Maurice Evans may be the latest player to sign overseas. Evans is currently talking with two international teams, according to sources close to the situation. The Spanish club Real Madrid and the Turkish club Anadolu Efes (formerly known as Efes Pilsen) have expressed significant interest in Evans.

Evans serves as vice president of the National Basketball Players Association, which would make him the first union representative to sign abroad during the lockout.

As an unrestricted free agent, the 32-year-old is free to sign wherever he wants without requiring a letter of clearance from FIBA, basketball's governing body.

Prior to his successful NBA career, Evans spent two years overseas in Greece and Italy. He was Europe's Player of the Year in 2003 and was an All Star in consecutive years.

Last season, Evans was acquired midseason by the Washington Wizards and averaged 9.7 points per game during his 26-game stint. Washington has expressed interest in re-signing Evans once the lockout comes to an end.

Roger Montgomery, Evans' agent, could not be reached for a comment.

Source: Sportando.net

Efes Pilsen switched its name in Anadolu Efes Istanbul - by Pervin Elgin
Efes Pilsen switched its name in Anadolu Efes Istanbul
New name for the Turkish team

The era of Efes Pilsen is over. The Turkish team officially announced its new name which is now Anadolu Efes Istanbul. The team was named Efes Pilsen since 1976.
Anadolu Efes Spor Kulubu (English: Anadolu Efes Sports Club, formerly known as Efes Pilsen) is a Turkish professional basketball club based in Istanbul and sponsored by the Efes Beverage Group. It is the most successful club in the history of the Turkish Basketball League, having won the league's championship 13 times. Their home arena is the Sinan Erdem Dome. Anadolu Efes plays at Group C in 201112 Euroleague Basketball .

Source: Sportando.net
Source: www.efesbasket.org/Haberler/A-Takim/duyuru.aspx


U16: Turkey edge Ukraine, clinch third place in Group F - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U16 - Ukraine U16 71:51

Turkey wrapped up U16 European Championship Qualifying Round with victory. They coasted past Ukraine to grab 3-2 record in Group F. Deniz Kruszynski (191-PG-95) scored 19 points to pace the winners as they clinched the third spot in the ladder. Ukraine suffered the third loss in a row to fell at 0-5 record at the bottom of the standings.
Anton Dziuba (201-F-95) opened the game with a three-pointer but Turkey quickly surged ahead. They ensured a 20:11 lead after ten minutes. Turkey limited Ukraine to just six points in the second term to stretch their lead to 19 points at halftime 36:17. Turkey kept their opponents at bay throughout the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 14 points 53:39. Ukraine opened the final period with five points in a row to narrow the deficit. But Turkey reacted with a 12:1 run of their own to clear off for good. Ayberk Guleryuz (206-C-95) netted 14 points, while Adnan Mustafa (188-G-95) had 10 points in the win. Anton Dziuba responded with 11 points for Ukraine. Oleksandr Biella (200-C-95) and Yevgen Sakhniuk (200-F/C-95) netted 7 points each in the loss.

Turkey U16: Deniz Kruszynski 19, Ayberk Guleryuz 14, Adnan Mustafa 10
Ukraine U16: Anton Dziuba 11, Oleksandr Biella 7, Yevgen Sakhniuk 7


NBA's Chicago Bulls transfer Fenerbahce Ulker centre Omer Asik - by Pervin Elgin
The Chicago Bulls have landed an agreement with Turkish International and Fenerbahce Ulker centre Omer Asik to bring the 6 foot, 9 inch player to the NBA.
According to the Chicago Bulls official website the giant centre player who has been known for his blocks and rebounds at Fenerbahce Ulker has struck a $1 million a year contract.

The towering 24-year-old is in the Turkish All Stars which will play in the World Basketball Championship hosted in Turkey during August 28 and September 12.
Asik who was born in Bursa, North Western Turkey, started his carrier at Fenerbahce ib the 2005-06 season when he was just 19-years-old.
In the 2007-06 season the centre was transferred to Alpella where he had a very successful season before transferring back to Fenerbahce Ulker (the change of name comes due to sponsorship deals) in the 2007-08 season.

The injury prone player then appeared for Fenerbahce Ulker for three season until 2010 where he has now transferred to Chicago Bulls of the NBA.
The young centre whos birthday was just days ago has suffered knee ligament injuries and a broken collar bone causing great effect on the giant mans performance.
The Bulls have been looking for a cheap but efficient player at the centre which can be a reserve behind Joakim Noah and believe Asik is the right man for the job.

Source: www.nationalturk.com


Ersan Ilyasova Rumors & News - by Pervin Elgin
Ersan Ilyasova agrees in principle to play in Turkey
Brew Hoop Reports in the Turkish media suggest that Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova has agreed in principle to sign a 3-year contract with Fenerbahce Ulker in his native Turkey. 'Standstill' currently seems like an egregious understatement to describe the conditions of the NBA lockout, and many had speculated Ilyasova was likely to seek another overseas playing opportunity given his history in Europe. Details remained unconfirmed as of Monday morning, but initial reports indicate the deal would be worth 3.5 million Euros over the next three years. This actually seems low, given the value of the cont...

Ersan Ilyasova (F) Milwaukee Bucks still under contract w/ Bucks
Rotoworld Ersan Ilyasova has reportedly agreed to a three-year contract with the Turkish team Fenerbahce Ulker, but he's still under contract with the Bucks.

With FIBA clearing NBA players to sign abroad, Keyon Dooling and Ersan Ilyasova could be latest to bolt for Turkey
Brew Hoop Apparently Lake Michigan is out and the Bosphorus Strait is in. The same day that FIBA announced it would allow players with NBA contracts to play abroad during the lockout, Bucks point guard Keyon Dooling joined the list of NBA players who could be playing in Turkey this fall, nearing a deal with Turkish powerhouse Anadolu Efes Istanbul. Dooling has one year remaining ($2.246 million) on the two-year deal he signed last summer, but his agent Kenge Stevenson told Charles Gardner of the Journal-Sentinel that his client hoped to stay in Turkey this season regardless of when the lockout is resolved...

Source: www.sportsoverdose.com


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


Virgin Islands U17 team off to Puerto Rico - by David Edole
Virgin Islands junior mens national team has left the Americas Paradise for Guarabo Puerto Rico in hopes of returning to Tournament of Americas. The V.I. last played in the tournament of Americas last summer and finished with two wins. The team will be coach by Jareem Dowling and assisted by Pedrito Estrill. The team is made up of five players that played in the T.O. A. and they are Agyei Gregory (94) (Antilles), Dornell Weaver (94) (Antilles) , Rasheed Swanston (95) (Red Lion), Amadius Der-Weer (94) (Concord HS) and Jose Santos (McArthur HS). New members of the team are Khallid Hart (Sanford HS), Alvah Phillip (Dudley HS), Kareem Harris (Bridges Academy), Shomari Francis (Central High, Kelvin Thomas (Central High), Nicholas Springer (country Day), and Keita Jones (John H. Woodson).
Swanston and Der-Weer are the players with the most international experience as both have suited up for various teams. The duo left the V.I. for mainland school and helped their respective teams to the finals and semifinals. Gregory and Weaver are the Antilles School combo. Bothare feared players in the territory. Jose Santos, a 6-foot-6 forward, put up 12.9 points and 8.2 rebounds at McArthur High School. He was also on the Virgin Islands 17U volleyball team.
Hart joins the team with much fan fare as he led Sanford HS to Delawares State title. The 6-foot-1 guard is highly regarded and is being recruited by several mid major programs. Not to be out done the dazzling Phillip joins the team after a year of solid play at Dudley High School in North Carolina.
Harris is a shooter, Francis and Thomas are well known defenders and Springer is scorer and young Jones brings the speed. Keita is also the younger brother of junior national team stalwart Kadeem Jones.
U17 CentroBasket Championship will be played in the Fernando 'Rube' Hernndez Coliseum in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. The Virgin Islands was placed in Group A along with Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands and host Puerto Rico. Group B consists of Belize, Mexico, Panama, and Bahamas. The Virgin Islands has a tough task in the opener as they face Dominican Republic. Dominican Republic Basketball Association (DBA) went straight to New York and pulled in six quality players including the best 8th grader in the nation. The New York Daily News lists Karl Towns, Jason Nunez, Joel Hernandez, Diego Moquete, Ajani Santos, Adonis De La Rosa (6-10) as well as assistant coach Ralph Salazar as Dominican Republic team members who live and compete in the greater New York area. Towns is a 6-foot-8 guard/forward out of New Jersey and is seen as the best in his class. Shortly after being named to the Dominican squad, Towns was offered a spot on the U.S. team. The Piscataway (N.J.) Theodore Schor Middle School graduate (he is a rising freshman) quickly declined the U.S. offer.

The schedule for the first round tournament is the following:

Wednesday, August 3, 2011
2:00 Bahamas vs. Belize
4:00 Dominican Republic vs. Virgin Islands
6:00 Panama vs. Mexico
8:30 Puerto Rico vs. British Virgin Islands

Thursday, August 4, 2011
2:00 Mexico vs. Bahamas
4:00 British Virgin Islands vs. Dominican Republic
6:00 Belize vs. Panama
8:00 Virgin Islands vs. Puerto Rico

Friday, August 5, 2011.
2:00 Belize vs. Mexico
4:00 British Virgin Islands vs. Virgin Islands
6:00 Panama vs. Bahamas
8:00 Puerto Rico vs. Dominican Republic


Legacy Stuns Guidance in OT, Boy Dem Handles Alliance - by David Edole
Legacy and Boys Dem got off to great starts in the 2011 NBBA playoffs by taking game one of their respective best-of-three playoff series Monday night at the Ronald Charles Gymnasium.

Legacy, taking on the defending champions Guidance, got a late three-pointer from Bobby Evans to tie the game at 70 and send it into overtime, where in front of their boisterous fans they were able to outlast Guidance for the 83-81 shocker.

Boys Dem, on the other hand, were just too much for Alliance as they led by as much as 22 points. Alliance did rally in the third to get to within six, but order was restored as Boys Dem gradually pulled away for the 73-59 victory.

The Legacy victory was a stunner for some fans in the gym, but not for fans in the know. Legacy, earlier in the season, took the champs to overtime where they came up just short on that occasion. However, on Monday they showed that they were an improved team that now has the defending champions on the ropes, one game from elimination.

Sean Tutein led the way for Legacy with a huge night on the floor. He scored 28 points, eight of which came in overtime, and grabbed 11 rebounds. Bobby Evans, Legacys floor general, also had a great all-around game as he ditched out 10 assists, scored 13 and added six rebounds. They were the only two players in double figures, but Legacy also got good contributions from four players with at least eight.

Joelfry Polanco led the Guidance charge with 19 points, AQ Hillarie finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds, and Eric McBean had 15 points.

Terrel Christian scored a game-high 24 points that included a couple of highlight reel dunks, to lead Boys Dem over Alliance in the nights second playoff contest, 73-59. He was ably supported by Salim Ross with 17 points and Wilson Ferrance who finished with 12.

Alliance was led by the teams leading scorer, Warren Christian, who finished with 21 points, and Shawn Bradley who added 14. In a game that had blowout written all over it for Alliance, they showed some grit in rallying to make things interesting, but in the end the cream, Boys Dem, did rise to the top.

Legacy and Boys Dem will look to close out their respective series Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Charles gym.

By Dave Davis August 2, 2011

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


Ferro-ZNTU add Mike Davis - by Eurobasket News
Mike Davis (205-F-88) will start his professional career in Ukraine. The 22-year-old forward inked deal with Ferro-ZNTU. Mike Davis has just graduated from the University of Illinois. He tallied 12.5 points, 7.1 boards and 1.7 assists per game in his senior season. Mike Davis earned All-Big Ten Honourable Mention. The forward participated at Pre-NBA Draft Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. His stats read 10.7 points, 7.3 boards, 1.3 steals and 1.0 assist per game.



U16: Turkey edge Ukraine, clinch third place in Group F - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U16 - Ukraine U16 71:51

Turkey wrapped up U16 European Championship Qualifying Round with victory. They coasted past Ukraine to grab 3-2 record in Group F. Deniz Kruszynski (191-PG-95) scored 19 points to pace the winners as they clinched the third spot in the ladder. Ukraine suffered the third loss in a row to fell at 0-5 record at the bottom of the standings.
Anton Dziuba (201-F-95) opened the game with a three-pointer but Turkey quickly surged ahead. They ensured a 20:11 lead after ten minutes. Turkey limited Ukraine to just six points in the second term to stretch their lead to 19 points at halftime 36:17. Turkey kept their opponents at bay throughout the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 14 points 53:39. Ukraine opened the final period with five points in a row to narrow the deficit. But Turkey reacted with a 12:1 run of their own to clear off for good. Ayberk Guleryuz (206-C-95) netted 14 points, while Adnan Mustafa (188-G-95) had 10 points in the win. Anton Dziuba responded with 11 points for Ukraine. Oleksandr Biella (200-C-95) and Yevgen Sakhniuk (200-F/C-95) netted 7 points each in the loss.

Turkey U16: Deniz Kruszynski 19, Ayberk Guleryuz 14, Adnan Mustafa 10
Ukraine U16: Anton Dziuba 11, Oleksandr Biella 7, Yevgen Sakhniuk 7


Hoverla confirm Dante Swanson and Marcus Walker - by Eurobasket News
Hoverla have ensured the services of Dante Swanson (178-G-81, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Tulsa) and Marcus Walker (186-G-86, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Colorado St.) for the next season.
Dante Swanson played for Hoverla last season. The guard tallied 10.9 points, 3.8 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game in Superleague. Previously Dante Swanson had stints with AZS Koszalin, Anwil Wloclawek and Slask Wroclaw in Poland.
Marcus Walker arrives from Iceland. The guard led KR to the Express League title. Marcus Walker notched 25.7 points, 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. Eurobasket.com named Marcus Walker All-Icelandic League Player of the Year. The guard became the topscorer of the League. It was the first pro season for Marcus Walker as he graduated from the Colorado State University in 2010.


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  UNITED KINGDOM   


U16: England started the Qualifying Round with the victory over Netherlands and already advanced to the Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
England U16-Netherlands U16 79:58

England started the Qualifying Samuel Round (G-95) with the victory over Netherlands and already advanced to the Semifinals in Strumica. The British side needed 79:58 and improved to 2-0 record. The Dutch team dropped to 0-2 and will play with Romania for the third place in Group E.
England was the favorite of the game and proved their superiority from the very beginning. Luke Nelson (185-PG-95) scored for 19:10 and Kingsley Okoroh (212-C-95) brought 24:17. England added 20-15 in the second period for 39:27 at the halftime. England looked better also in the second half and won the third and the last periods. Morayoninuoluwa Soluade (194-G-95) and Rosenmuller closed the third period at 58:43, while England added 21-15 in the last stanza. Hogervorst was the last to score in the game for the final result.
Tyrell Isaacs (G-95) top-scored for the winners with 18 points, while Samuel Round netted 14. Luke Nelson and Kingsley Okoroh notched 12 points each, while Morayoninuoluwa Soluade recorded a triple double with 11 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.

England U16: Tyrell Isaacs 18, Samuel Round 14, Luke Nelson 12, Kingsley Okoroh 12, Morayoninuoluwa Soluade 11+11 ats+10 rebs
Netherlands U16: Pim De Vries (195-F-95) 16, Jaron Dijkhuizen (195-F-95) 10


Nuno Is Numero Uno - by Paul Nilsen
The Prestige Homes MK Lions have announced today that Portugese basketball star Nuno Pedroso (187-G-79) will be their third signing ahead of the 2011-12 season

6'2' guard, Pedroso has experience in LEB in Spain where his team won the LEB Bronze before moving up into LEB Silver as well as the Proliga in Portugal where he has been a starter all his career and won the Championship in 2005, 2007 and 2011.

Last season Nuno averaged 15 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game being named to the All Proliga 2nd team.

Head Coach Mike New was naturally delighted with his new signing, 'Nuno ticks all the boxes that we needed to upgrade our backcourt. He is a poised veteran leader who wins on every team, in every country that he has played. He has deadly range on his 3 point shot and he makes plays in crunch time, no matter if it's for himself or a team mate. But also, similar to Stefan Gill, Nuno prides himself on his defense and is used to defending import guards, at a high level of basketball. We are very excited to have Nuno, but likewise Nuno is excited to be a Lion, he has made contact with his team mates and can't wait to get started with the team. It is this type of leadership and enthusiasm that is infectious within teams and it is exactly what I am looking for from my veterans.'

Nuno paid a visit to Milton Keynes and was impressed by the set up, he met the staff at the Lions office and commented on his friend Tommie Eddie who was also a Lion and with whom he won the Portugese Cup playing together at Vitoria.

Lions Chief Executive Vince Macaulay heralded Pedroso's arrival, 'We have beaten off European teams to get Nuno and his calibre of player will raise the bar at our club and in the BBL as a whole, we are all getting quite excited as the season nears, I think he is going to become quite a fan favourite'

Pedroso joins, Stefan Gill and Daniel Northern on this year's roster with more signings due later in the week.



Medway Park sign Fenyn and Robertson - by Eurobasket News
Medway Park Crusaders have continued to build their EBL Division 1 squad with two key transfers. Adrian Fenyn (198-G/F-85, college: St.John Fisher) (6'6', Forward) has joined Crusaders from Leeds Carnegie where he was amongst Division 1's leading scorers in the past 2 seasons. Joining Fenyn in Medway will be Damoy Robertson (6'2', Guard) who was a key player for Brixton Topcats in their D1 campaign last year.

Crusaders Chairman Jesse Sazant thinks the experience of Fenyn and Robertson in D1 will be key in Crusaders' first season at this level. 'Getting two players with significant experience in D1 will really help us to be competitive from the start. Both these guys are impact signings who will make a real difference for us next season,' he said.

Fenyn, who will fill one of Crusaders import positions, is originally from New York where he played at St John Fisher University. Whilst at university, he was part of a group that won 100 out of 118 games in his 4 years, breaking a school record. He made a huge impact in his two seasons at Leeds, being in the top two in scoring both seasons. He was also MVP of the British Universities Final 8s in 2010 and represented England in the Home Nations university tournament. Last season he averaged 22.5 points and 9 rebounds per game for Leeds.

Crusaders head coach James Vear added, 'In Adrian we are getting a proven top player in this Division 1. I have gotten to see him play numerous times over the past two seasons and I think his work ethic and attitude are second to none. I believe us picking up arguably one of the top 3 players in the division really shows how far the club has come in the past two seasons.'

Fenyn's versatility was one of the big things that attracted Vear to sign him, saying, 'Adrian is a perfect fit for our team and the style of basketball we play. I think he will get to develop his all-round game with us and will really enjoy the way we play. He creates huge match up problems for teams as he has the physical presence to play inside and the speed to blow past bigger defenders.'

Fenyn also felt this was a major reason to sign with Crusaders, 'I'm really pleased with signing with the Crusaders. After contemplating several options, I felt their team and organisation gave me the best opportunity to continue a professional career in basketball. I felt it was an ideal fit to allow progression in my skills to reach higher goals for the future.'

Vear and Fenyn were both quick to thank Leeds and their head coach Matt Newby for helping to arrange the signing after Fenyn completed his masters while at Leeds. Vear said, 'I also wanted to say a big thank you to Matt Newby who was extremely professional about the whole situation and was in constant contact with us while the deal was being worked out.'

Fenyn added, 'The support from the Carnegie fans has been tremendous over the past two seasons and I can't thank them enough for the memories they gave me. Coach Newby, who gave me the chance to begin playing overseas, has meant so much to me both on and off the court and is in full support of this decision knowing that I have set high hopes for the next several years in playing basketball.'

Robertson joins Crusaders as one of the best up and coming English guards in the EBL. Last season he was a key player for Brixton averaging 7 points per game. He also had a strong season with London South Bank University and was selected to represent England at the British Universities Home Nations tournament.

With last year's star point guard Steve Vear (James' brother) unable to return due to work commitments as CEO of the Luol Deng Foundation UK, finding a replacement was a priority for Medway Park.

Coach Vear thinks there are big things to come from Robertson, 'With Steve having to leave us at the end of the season I was keen to fill his spot with a good point guard we can develop over the coming years and Damoy fits that bill perfectly. He really caught my eye with the way he plays defense and his ability to guard multiple positions.'

Similar to Fenyn, Robertson felt the opportunities presented by Medway were his best option to continue to develop. 'I am very happy to sign with Medway for the 2011/12 season. I feel this was the right situation for me to learn more about the game and progress in the way I believe I can. I have heard great things about the coaching and the organisation and as a young point guard the fact that coach Vear has experience coaching a great point guard in his brother, I am very excited to gain knowledge from them both.'

Robertson's versatility was a key, fitting the mould of what Crusaders are trying to build, with all players being able to fill multiple roles, giving Vear lots of options with playing combinations and lots of opportunities for players to develop. Vear stressed the importance this played in recruiting Robertson, 'Once again we have looked at players who fit our style of play and Damoy will get to develop in our system. Additionally, he will push returning guards Disraeli Lufadeju and Tom Raymen, giving Crusaders a trio of young English point guards.'

Robertson summed up his decision by saying, 'Medway has made some great signings and are in a strong position to compete in D1 this coming season. With my experience in D1 last season I feel mentally and physically ready for a big season.'
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk



Murray Returns To Rocks - by Paul Nilsen
The Glasgow Rocks are pleased to announce the return of Scotland's own Gareth Murray (201-F-84, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Kalamazoo Valley CC), who has re-signed to Scotland's only professional basketball side after playing for the Cheshire Jets last season.

Murray will be coming off a great season with the Cheshire Jets where he averaged 11.1 points per game, shooting 47% from the field and 42% from beyond the 3 point line. He has matured into a great player and will be given a much more significant role within the Rocks squad this season.

Murray is pleased about his return to Glasgow for the 2011/12 BBL Season:

'I'm glad to be coming back to the Rocks. It was good to experience another club in the BBL, but I really wanted to come back to Glasgow and play closer to home. I am really looking forward to the season ahead.'

Gareth is currently the top Scot in the British Basketball League, and he initially joined the league through the Rocks, after making an unannounced appearance at the Rocks open tryout before the 2005/06 season. Since then, Murray has been a basketball sensation within the BBL and a great commodity to attain for any team.

Rocks player/coach Sterling Davis is delighted and relieved to have the high-flying Scot back on his side. After Murray's successful 2010/11 season, he is sure to play a big part in the success of the Rocks for the 2011/12 season.

'It's good to have Gareth back in a Rocks uniform. He got a chance to go out and experience another place other than what he has always known in this organisation and we are pleased he has decided to come back home.

He really had a much improved season last year and we would not expect anything less than that for the upcoming season. He really showed what he can do on both ends of the floor and I'm looking forward to playing alongside the 'New Gareth'.'

With this first signing complete, Davis and the Rocks will now be looking to secure players to fill the all-important guard positions. Talks with various players have gone well so far and the club are hopeful of another signing within the next few days.

Deng cleared to play for Britain in European Championships - by Eurobasket News
Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng (6'7''-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) has been cleared to play for Britain in the European Basketball Championships after resolving a dispute over insurance.

Deng says on his website Wednesday that 'significant liability issues' have been overcome to allow him to play in the tournament. The championships run from Aug. 31-Sept. 18 in Lithuania.

He says 'playing for GB is always important to me so I'm really glad we could resolve this. It has been a long process but a great team effort.'

British Basketball performance director Chris Spice says 'we are excited to have him on the court again this year.'

Britain also hopes to secure the services of Detroit Pistons guard Ben Gordon for the tournament.

Britain has been granted a place in the 2012 Olympics as the host nation.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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


First Technical Foul - by Jonathan Leon
Everything looks like Venezuela is going to have a good representation during the upcoming FIBA classificatory basketball tournament that will be held in Mar de Plata Argentina from August 30 through September 11 of 2011. Technically after many years and tries, Venezuela placed a selected group of basketball players along with international coaches both with a very good local and international basketball background. But yesterday this great squad refused to go to Puerto Cabello to play a scheduled scrimmage game versus Maygar, champions of the industrial league of Carabobo State. It also looks like a union or labor leader sneaked round them; players inform via letter to the Venezuela Basketball Federation led by Carmelo Cortes announcing that this game versus Maygar could represent a distraction and could interfere with the preparation towards playing the Super 4 tournament that will be held in Venezuela on next Friday versus Cuba, Panama and Brazil.
'It is irresponsible on their part. I have understood that there is a communication of the players, but unknown to its contents. This draws attention and do not know if, when they go to Argentina, made another letter saying they will not play. There is a problem of indiscipline with regard to this meeting' Carmelo Cortez



Source: http://www.meridiano.com.ve/baloncesto_venezolano/noticia.asp?registro=211640









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Women News

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


Bendigo Spirit re-sign centre Gabrielle Richards - by Eurobasket News
The Bendigo Bank Spirit has re-signed centre Gabrielle Richards (191-C-84, college: Oregon) for the 2011/12 WNBL season.

In her third year with the Spirit, Richards provided the team with a dependable low-post option and routinely used her strength to gain position and cause havoc for opposing defenders.

As a result, Richards finished as the teams third leading scorer and leading rebounder, averaging 10.5 points and 7.5 boards per contest while shooting an impressive 54.5 per cent from the field, third-best in the WNBL.

The Seymour native had season-highs of 20 points against Logan in the teams first Finals match and 15 rebounds against the Thunder in Round 7 en route to collecting a four double-doubles on the year.

Richards return to the court was a welcome sight for the team after she elected to step away from the game during the 2009/10 season to recharge and recover from the grind of playing year-round basketball.

Spirit coach Bernie Harrower expects the 188cm centres resurgence to continue this season as she used her blend of skill, strength and savvy on the court.

Gabes eagerness to return to the court with us last year really showed in her play over the course of the season, Harrower said.

Having such a dependable scoring option in the low-post is something that any successful team needs in this league and Gabe has given us that and more.

Shes one of the strongest players in the competition but also has the skills and touch around the basket to pose match-up problems for opposing teams.

Prior to playing with the Spirit, Richards attended the AIS before spending three years in the U.S. College System at the University of Oregon between 2004 and 2006.

Richards has spent her off-season playing netball for local side Mount Pleasant, earning a spot on the Heathcote District Netball Associations inter-league team.

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

Seattle Storm sign Lauren Jackson to multi-year contract extension - by Eurobasket News
All-Star center Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) has signed a three-year contract extension with the Seattle Storm, Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel Brian Agler announced Tuesday. The deal takes Jackson through the 2014 season.

Clearly, Lauren Jackson is one of, if not the best, player in the world, Agler said upon announcing the deal. She has been and will continue to be a critical part of the success of our basketball team. We want to keep her here in Seattle for a long time.

Im excited about it, said Jackson. Seattle is like my home. Its good to be able to continue my career here and pursue more championships.

Jackson, a seven-time All-Star selection, is a three-time league MVP (2003, 200, 2010).

She earned multiple honors in 2007 when she was named both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year and again in 2010 when she was tabbed as both the league and Finals MVP after leading Seattle to its second championship.

We are thrilled to tie Lauren Jackson and the Seattle Storm together as we look ahead to the future of this organization, added Storm President and CEO Karen Bryant. I cant imagine her not being here in Seattle.

Jackson, who was recently named one of the WNBAs Top 15 players, has been out of action recently as she is recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum in her left hip. She had the surgery June 30.

Courtesy of www.king5.com

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  BELGIUM - Women  


Belgian U18 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Belgian U18 National Team 2011
#s#
Heleen Adams
Adams
Harriet Bende
Bende
Liza Biebuyck
Biebuyck
Chloe Bully
Bully
Antonia Delaere
Delaere
#e#5
Heleen Adams 173-PG-94 Willebroek Belgium
Harriet Bende 185-C-94
Liza Biebuyck 173-G/F-93 Waregem Belgium
Chloe Bully 172-PG-93
Antonia Delaere 174-G-94 BBC Boom Belgium
Lien Delmulle 180-F-93 Waregem Belgium
Lynn Delvaux 182-F-93 BBC Boom Belgium
Sien Devliegher 175-G-93 Ieper Belgium
Natacha Doppee 168-PG-93 Point Chaud Belgium
Lisa Gielen 169-PG-94 Houthalen Belgium
Jolien Goyvaerts 172-PG-94 Sint Kateline Belgium
Evi Hayse 181-C-93
Charlotte Heeren 170-PG-94 BBC Boom Belgium
Manon Humblet 180-C-94 Dexia Namur Belgium
Camille Lebrun 174-F-94
Alisson Mai 183-C-93 R.Spirou M. Belgium
Emma Meesseman 192-C-93 Ieper Belgium
Hanne Mestdagh 177-F-93 Sint Kateline Belgium
Louise Platteau 171-G-95 Jeugd Gentson Belgium
Ann Schyvens 160-PG-93 Sint Kateline Belgium
Elyne Van Cayseele 172-G-93 Jeugd Gentson Belgium
Jill Van Meerbeeck 176-F-94
Julie Vanloo 172-PG-93 Waregem Belgium
Freya Vermeersch 181-F-93 Jeugd Gentson Belgium



Belgium U16 wins Trabzon 2011 tournament - by Eurobasket News
Belgium U16 wins Trabzon 2011 tournament in Turkey.
Belgium U16 won the opener over Croatia U16 68:61. Belgium won the first three quarters of the game and did not mind losing the last one 10-15. Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-G/F-95) stepped up with 15 points for the winners and VERELST Aline netted 10. CHIABOV Antonija scored 14 points fro Croatia and RACKI Ana added 12.
Belgium U16 reached the second straight win beating Serbia U16 60:56. They started with 23:10 in the first period and added 15-9 in the last stanza. Hind Ben Abdelkader poured in 15 points to lead the charge and Axelle Bernard (183-C-95) added 10 points and 14 boards. Aleksandra Crvendakic (186-C/F-96) answered with 17 points in the losing case.
Turkey U16 won Group B after 60:56 thrilling win over Belgium U16. The latter enjoyed 25:17 after the first 10 minutes of the game but lost the game. COKLAR Hulya brought the hosts 19 points and 13 rebounds, while AKBAS Busra and BODUR Minel had 9 each. Axelle Bernard answered with 12 points for Belgium.
Belgium U16 destroyed Russia U16 75:59 in the Semifinal game. Belgium took massive 22:11 in the first period and enjoyed 46:27 at the halftime. Hind Ben Abdelkader paced all the winners with 20 points and Axelle Bernard notched 12. SAFONOVA Ekaterina ended up with 13 points in the losing effort.
Belgium U16 won the trophy of Trabzon 2011 after 65:58 in the Final over France. Belgium took 17:12 after the first period and added 18-7 for 35:19 halftime advantage. France responded with two victories in the second half, but it was not enough to win the game. Hind Ben Abdelkader erupted with 34 points to lead all the winners. Clementine Morateur (175-G-95) and Assitan Kone (191-F-95) posted 12 points each in the losing effort.


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  CENTROBASKET - Women  


Standings (Women)
Standings
1. Bahamas0-0
2. Cuba0-0
3. Dominican R.0-0
4. US Virg.Isl0-0
5. Trinid/T.0-0
6. Saint Vince.0-0


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  CROATIA - Women  


Croatia U16 escapes the last spot in Trabzon - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U16 escapes the last spot in Trabzon at the International Tournament.
Belgium U16 won the opener over Croatia U16 68:61. Belgium won the first three quarters of the game and did not mind losing the last one 10-15. BEN ABDELKADER Hind stepped up with 15 points for the winners and Aline Verelst netted 10. Antonija Chiabov (188-C/F-95) scored 14 points fro Croatia and RACKI Ana added 12.
Turkey U16 won over Croatia U16 67:51 for 2-0 record. The hosts looked better in all aspects of the game and rightfully clinched the victory. Hulya Coklar (187-C-95), AKBAS Busra, BODUR Minel and OLCEK Nazhcan all four scored 10 points each. MATIC Ivana answered with 20 points in defeat.
Serbia U16 edged Croatia U16 60:50 to finish third in the group. Trailing 11:14 after the first period, Serbia needed a strong second and last periods to win the game. MANDIC Sanja chipped in 20 points for the winners and NIKITOVIC Duska as well as Aleksandra Crvendakic (186-C/F-96) had 12 each. MATIC Ivana netted 14 points in defeat and Antonija Chiabov scored 11.
In the Classification Round for 5-8 places The Netherlands beat Croatia 64:55. Finland meanwhile overcame Serbia 80:74.
Croatia won over Serbia 71:67 for the 7th place in Turkey. Trailing 8-21 after the first quarter, Croatia erupted with massive leads in the rest of the game to finish on one step higher. MATIC Ivana posted 18 points for Croatia, while Antonija Chiabov collected 17 points and 19 rebounds. NIKITOVIC Duska chipped in 19 points for Serbia.


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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Czech Republic U18 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Czech Republic U18 National Team 2011
#s#
Beata Adamcova
Adamcova
Andrea Andelova
Andelova
Petra Bakajsova
Bakajsova
Radka Brhelova
Brhelova
Zaneta Duskova
Duskova
#e#5
Beata Adamcova 181-F-93 Valosun Brno Czech Republic
Andrea Andelova 169-PG-94
Petra Bakajsova 184-F-93 Aritma Praha Czech Republic
Radka Brhelova 167-PG-93
Eva Buresova 183-F-93
Zaneta Duskova 168-PG-94 Pardubice Czech Republic
Sarka Jozova 173-G-94 Strakonice Czech Republic
Katerina Kozumplikova 172-G-93
Tereza Noskova 173-G-94
Dominika Pohunkova 176-PG-94 Slovanka MB Czech Republic
Lucie Pustejovska 185-C-93 Ostrava Czech Republic
Nada Salacova 192-C-94 VS Praha Czech Republic
Barbora Samkova 176-G-94
Monika Satoranska 183-F/C-93 Slovanka MB Czech Republic
Kamila Selucka 182-F/C-93 VS Praha Czech Republic
Karolina Severova 182-F-94
Anezka Skokanova 168-G-93
Michaela Vackova 175-F/G-93 Frisco Sika B Czech Republic
Michaela Vojtkova 177-F-93 Valosun B Czech Republic
Tereza Vyoralova 176-PG-94 VS Praha Czech Republic



*****************************************************
  FINLAND - Women  


The Scandinavian representative ended up 6th in Trabzon - by Eurobasket News
The Scandinavian representative ended up 6th in Trabzon 11th European Youth Olympic Festival.
Russia U16 started the campaign with the win over Finland U16 66:37. The favorites won the first three quarters and did not mind 8-9 in the last stanza. DEGTYARSKAYA Yana stepped up with 11 points and FEDOROVA Polina added 8. AIJANEN Anniina ended up with 1 1points in the losing case.
In Day 2 France U16 outscored Finland U16 49:36. The French team started with 20-5 in the first period and never looked behind. Laetitia Guapo (182-F-95) paced all the winners with 11 points and Aby Gaye (195-C-95) added 10. DOLIVO Jasmine poured in 7 points for the Scandinavian side.
Netherlands U16 clinched the third place in the group beating Finland 73:64. Merlin Lammerink (186-F-95) stepped up with 23 points and GUIJT Janine followed her with 18 points. AIJANEN Anniina responded with 16 points in the losing effort.
In the Classification Round for 5-8 places The Netherlands beat Croatia 64:55. Finland meanwhile overcame Serbia 80:74.
In the game for the 5th place The Netherlands outscored Finland 51:41 to clinch the higher place. Merlin Lammerink paced all the winners with 15 points, while SLIM Isabella added 11 points and 12 boards. Vilma Purhonen (183-F-95) replied with 10 points in defeat.


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  FRANCE - Women  


French U18 National Team 2011 - by Karol
French U18 National Team 2011
#s#
Valeriane Ayayi
Ayayi
Marieme Badiane
Badiane
Justine Barthelemy
Barthelemy
Romane Bernies
Bernies
Sara Chevaugeon
Chevaugeon
#e#5
Viviane Adjutor 183-F-93 Aix-en-Provence France
Valeriane Ayayi 184-F-94 CFBB France
Marieme Badiane 187-C-94 CFBB France
Justine Barthelemy 185-C-93 Lattes Montp. France
Romane Bernies 170-PG-93 Bourges France
Sara Chevaugeon 177-G-93 Challes France
Jodie Cornelie 193-F-93 CFBB France
Lola De Angelis 180-F-93 Toulouse France
Christelle Diallo 193-C-93 Bourges France
Rudiane Eduardo 180-F-93 Villeneuve France
Olivia Epoupa 165-PG-94 CFBB France
Margaux Galliou 184-F-93 Bourges France
Axelle Koundouno 181-F-94 CFBB France
Marie Mbuyamba 185-F/C-93 Mondeville France
Laure Mercier 164-PG-93 CFBB France
Caroline Misset 176-G/F-93 Reims France
Esther Niamke 164-PG-93 Mondeville France
Alice Nayo 186-C-93 Villeneuve France
Caroline Plust 170-G-93 Union Hainaut France
Onayssa Sbahi 168-PG-93 Arxil Pontev. Spain
Awa Sissoko 178-G-94 Mondeville France
Claire Stievenard 180-F/G-93 CFBB France
Mamignan Toure 179-G-94 CFBB France
Lidija Turcinovic 178-G-94 CFBB France



France U16 finished second in Turkey - by Eurobasket News
France U16 finished second in Turkey at Trabzon 2011 tournament.
In Day 1 France U16 opened the tournament with 64:61 overtime win over the Netherlands U16. France started with 16:11 and had 32:26 at the halftime. The Netherlands tied the game at 55:55 after four periods, while France needed 9-6 in extra time to seal the victory. Fleur Devillers (177-G-95) top-scored for the winners with 12 points, while DINGA MBOMI Berengere and Assitan Kone (191-F-95) netted 11 each. SLIM Isabella replied with 20 points in the losing effort.
In Day 2 France U16 outscored Finland U16 49:36. The French team started with 20-5 in the first period and never looked behind. Laetitia Guapo (182-F-95) paced all the winners with 11 points and GAYE Aby added 10. DOLIVO Jasmine poured in 7 points for the Scandinavian side.
Russia won Group A beating France 45:34. Trailing 8-14 after the first period, Russia needed 14-4 in the second and added 12-5 in the last stanza. DEGTYARSKAYA Yana posted 10 points to lead the charge, while SAFONOVA Ekaterina and ILINOVA Ekaterina brought 8 apiece. Fleur Devillers replied with 12 points in the losing effort.
France U16 stun Turkey U16 52:47 in the Semifinal game. The hosts won the opening frame 17:11, but failed with 6:15 in the second frame. DINGA MBOMI Berengere paced all the winners with 11 points and Assitan Kone added 10. COKLAR Hulya replied with 16 points and 10 rebounds in the losing case.
Belgium U16 won the trophy of Trabzon 2011 after 65:58 in the Final over France. Belgium took 17:12 after the first period and added 18-7 for 35:19 halftime advantage. France responded with two victories in the second half, but it was not enough to win the game. BEN ABDELKADER Hind erupted with 34 points to lead all the winners. Clementine Morateur (175-G-95) and Assitan Kone posted 12 points each in the losing effort.


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  HOLLAND - Women  


Dutch U18 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Dutch U18 National Team 2011
#s#
Jamailah Adams
Adams
Loyce Bettonvil
Bettonvil
Laura Cornelius
Cornelius
Indya Duivenbode
Duivenbode
Maxime Essenstam
Essenstam
#e#5
Jamailah Adams 180-G/F-93 Binnenland Holland
Loyce Bettonvil 185-F-93 CTO Holland
Laura Cornelius 170-PG-96 Celeritas-Donar Holland
Indya Duivenbode 184-F-94 CTO Holland
Maxime Essenstam 189-C-93 HLB Account. Holland
Klaziena Guijt 171-G-95
Naomi Harris 182-C-94
Rowena Jongeling 187-C-93
Willemijn Kallenberg 176-G-93 Binnenland Holland
Yordi Kathmann 176-F-94 Batouwe Holland
Jacobine Klerx 175-G-94
Petronella Kraaijenoord 187-C-93
Sonja Kuijt 179-F-93
Lisa Schoen 187-F-94
Kourtney Treffers 186-F-94 Rivas Ecopolis Spain
Gabrielle Van Den Bosch 173-G-93 HLB Account. Holland
Richelle Van Der Keijl 196-C-93 HLB Account. Holland
Britt Zappeij 181-C-95 Batouwe Holland



The Dutch U16 selection comes back from Youth Festival - by Eurobasket News
The Dutch U16 selection comes back from Youth Festival on the fifth spot.
In Day 1 France U16 opened the tournament with 64:61 overtime win over the Netherlands U16. France started with 16:11 and had 32:26 at the halftime. The Netherlands tied the game at 55:55 after four periods, while France needed 9-6 in extra time to seal the victory. Fleur Devillers (177-G-95) top-scored for the winners with 12 points, while DINGA MBOMI Berengere and KONE Assitan netted 11 each. Isabella Slim (179-F-95) replied with 20 points in the losing effort.
Russia U16 won over Netherlands U16 63:61 for the second victory. The first three periods belonged to the Russian squad, while the Dutch side did their best to catch up and won the fourth stanza 19-14. ILINOVA Ekaterina paced all the winners with 15 points and KOMAROVA Elizaveta netted 12. Isabella Slim ended up with 18 points in defeat.
Netherlands U16 clinched the third place in the group beating Finland 73:64. Merlin Lammerink (186-F-95) stepped up with 23 points and GUIJT Janine followed her with 18 points. AIJANEN Anniina responded with 16 points in the losing effort.
In the Classification Round for 5-8 places The Netherlands beat Croatia 64:55. Finland meanwhile overcame Serbia 80:74.
In the game for the 5th place The Netherlands outscored Finland 51:41 to clinch the higher place. Merlin Lammerink paced all the winners with 15 points, while Isabella Slim added 11 points and 12 boards. Vilma Purhonen (183-F-95) replied with 10 points in defeat.


*****************************************************
  INDIA - Women  


William Jones Cup. India open win count edging South Korea - by Eurobasket News
India - South Korea 63:59

India celebrated the first win at the William Jones Cup in Taiwan. They overcame South Korea to improve at 1-2 record. Anitha Pauldurai (170-G-85) stepped up with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists to lead the effort. South Korea fell at 0-2 record after the defeat.
South Korea looked the better team in the opening quarter. They earned a 17:9 lead at the first intermission. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter. South Korea established a 32:24 halftime advantage. But India turned things upside down in the third quarter. They erupted for 24 points to take a 7-point lead before the fourth term. South Korea went on a desperate comeback rally in the final period but came up short of victory at the end. Prashanti Singh (173-G-84) delivered 16 points, while Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) added 9 points and 11 rebounds in the win. Park Jung-Eun (180-F-77) replied with 13 points and 9 caroms for South Korea. Lee Seon-Hwa (181-C-88) netted 12 points in defeat.

India: Anitha Pauldurai 24, Prashanti Singh 16, Geethu Anna Jose 9+11 boards
South Korea: Park Jung-Eun 13, Lee Seon-Hwa 12


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  ITALY - Women  


Italian U18 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Italian U18 National Team 2011
#s#
Sara Bocchetti
Bocchetti
Alessia Colombo
Colombo
Veronica Dell
Dell'Olio
Caterina Dotto
Dotto
Francesca Dotto
Dotto
#e#5
Sara Bocchetti 178-G-93 Napoli Italy
Beatrice Cason 178-F-93
Alessia Colombo 182-F-93 Biassono Italy
Leila Corradini 188-C-93 Reggio Emilia Italy
Veronica Dell'Olio 186-F/C-93 Umbertide Italy
Caterina Dotto 170-PG-93 College Italia Italy
Francesca Dotto 170-PG-93 San Martino Italy
Elettra Ferretti 175-G-93 College Italia Italy
Alessandra Formica 186-G-93 Umana Reyer Italy
Alice Mandelli 176-G-93 College Italia Italy
Marta Masoni 184-F-93 College Italia Italy
Francesca Melchiori 175-G-93 College Italia Italy
Marta Meroni 182-F/C-93 College Italia Italy
Francesca Minali 185-C-94
Alice Nori 183-F/C-93 Cervia Italy
Federica Pozzecco 170-PG-93 Udine Italy
Lorenza Prospero 184-C-94
Elena Ramo 180-G-94 Cervia Italy
Ashley Ravelli 177-G-93 Biassono Italy
Erica Reggiani 175-G-94 College Italia Italy
Giulia Ridolfi 180-F-94
Francesca Santarelli 172-PG-94 Cervia Italy
Chiara Terenzi 184-F/C-93 College Italia Italy
Eleonora Zanetti 182-F-94



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


William Jones Cup. Japan rally past Taiwan University National Team - by Eurobasket News
Taiwan University NT - Japan 58:77

Japan recorded the first win at the William Jones Cup. They overcame Taiwan University National Team to improve at 1-1 record. Saori Fujiyoshi (178-G/F-87) scored 18 points to lead the winners.
Japan eked out a 16:13 lead after ten minutes of action. They maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. The visitors arrived at halftime up by six points 32:26. Japan stayed aggressive in the third quarter. They fired 21 points in the period posting a 13-point lead with ten minutes remaining. Taiwan could not recover in the final stanza as Japan rolled to the victory at the end. Rina Tomizaki (180-F/C-88) accounted for 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in the win. Mutya Mori (181-C-88) netted 10 points for Japan. Chen Yu-Chun (176-F-87) answered with 12 points for Taiwan University NT. Huang Fan-Shan (173-G-87) netted 11 points in the loss.

Taiwan University NT: Chen Yu-Chun 12, Huang Fan-Shan 11
Japan: Saori Fujiyoshi 18, Rina Tomizaki 16, Mutya Mori 10


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


Lithuanian U18 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Lithuanian U18 National Team 2011
#s#
Monika Aleksaite
Aleksaite
Akvile Baronenaite
Baronenaite
Evelina Berzinskaite
Berzinskaite
Inga Brusokaite
Brusokaite
Simona Dobrovolskyte
Dobrovolskyte
#e#5
Monika Aleksaite 178-F-93
Akvile Baronenaite 180-F-93 LKKA-Aistes Lithuania
Evelina Berzinskaite 176-G-93
Inga Brusokaite 182-F-94 Alytus Lithuania
Urte Bukauskaite 184-F-94
Simona Dobrovolskyte 179-F-94 LAMMKK Lithuania
Ina Jackevic 168-PG-93
Gintare Jasiunskaite 180-F-94 LKKA-Aistes Lithuania
Viktorija Juodeikyte 163-PG-93
Ieva Kazlauskaite 178-F-94 Ruta Siauliai Lithuania
Gerda Kruckauskaite 172-G-94 LKKA-Aistes Lithuania
Gabriele Liubachonskyte 175-F-93
Justina Matuzonyte 193-C-94 LAMMKK Lithuania
Simona Pauzaite 170-PG-93
Brigita Povilaityte 156-PG-93
Ieva Preskienyte 193-C-93 LKKA-Aistes Lithuania
Toma Ralyte 188-F/C-93 Utena Lithuania
Milda Sukyte 178-F-93
Greta Tamasauskaite 171-G-91 LAMMKK Lithuania
Egle Zelnyte 187-F-94 LAMMKK Lithuania
Laura Zelnyte 185-F-94 LAMMKK Lithuania
Vita Zilinskaite 190-C-93
Goda Ziutelyte 179-F-93
Erika Zurauskaite 176-F-93 LKKA-Aistes Lithuania



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


Polish U18 National Team 2011 - by Karol
Polish U18 National Team 2011
#s#
Marlena Blicharz
Blicharz
Klaudia Czarnodolska
Czarnodolska
Elzbieta Giedrojc
Giedrojc
Ewelina Jackowska
Jackowska
Katarzyna Jaworska
Jaworska
#e#5
Marlena Blicharz 179-G-94 Lomianki Poland
Dominika Cilindz 165-G-93
Klaudia Czarnodolska 180-F-93 AZS II PWSZ Poland
Edyta Falenczyk 180-F-93
Elzbieta Giedrojc 182-G-94 Szczecin Poland
Ewelina Jackowska 184-F-93 Lomianki Poland
Patrycja Jastrzebska 187-C-94
Katarzyna Jaworska 188-F-94 AZS II PWSZ Poland
Magdalena Koperwas 177-G/F-93 MUKS Poznan Poland
Daria Marciniak 188-C-94 Inea AZS Poland
Dominika Miloszewska 186-C-94 Lomianki Poland
Zaneta Morawiec 174-PG-93
Agata Ostrowska 178-F-93 Lomianki Poland
Dominika Owczarzak 166-G-94 MUKS Poznan Poland
Magdalena Palacz 175-G-93 Artego Poland
Joanna Sendlewska 179-F-93 GTK Poland
Monika Skrzecz 162-PG-94 Lomianki Poland
Karina Szybala 180-F-93 Artego Poland
Karolina Wilk 185-F-93 Lomianki Poland
Magdalena Wojdalska 187-G-94
Aleksandra Wolanska 184-F-94 Lomianki Poland
Kinga Wozniak 170-PG-94 Inea AZS Poland



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


U16: Russia tastes Bronze - by Eurobasket News
Russia U16 clinched the third place at the International tournament in Turkey as they overwhelmed the hosts 71:45 in the game for the third place. KOMAROVA Elizaveta stepped up with 16 points and Yuliya Chaykovskaya (172-G-95) followed her with 15. AKBAS Busra ended up with 13 points for Turkey and COKLAR Hulya collected 12 points and 13 rebounds.
Russia U16 started the campaign with the win over Finland U16 66:37. The favorites won the first three quarters and did not mind 8-9 in the last stanza. DEGTYARSKAYA Yana stepped up with 11 points and FEDOROVA Polina added 8. Anniina Aijanen (187-F/C-95) ended up with 1 1points in the losing case.
Russia U16 won over Netherlands U16 63:61 for the second victory. The first three periods belonged to the Russian squad, while the Dutch side did their best to catch up and won the fourth stanza 19-14. ILINOVA Ekaterina paced all the winners with 15 points and KOMAROVA Elizaveta netted 12. SLIM Isabella ended up with 18 points in defeat.
Russia won Group A beating France 45:34. Trailing 8-14 after the first period, Russia needed 14-4 in the second and added 12-5 in the last stanza. DEGTYARSKAYA Yana posted 10 points to lead the charge, while SAFONOVA Ekaterina and ILINOVA Ekaterina brought 8 apiece. DEVILLERS Fleur replied with 12 points in the losing effort.
Belgium U16 destroyed Russia U16 75:59 in the Semifinal game. Belgium took massive 22:11 in the first period and enjoyed 46:27 at the halftime. BEN ABDELKADER Hind paced all the winners with 20 points and Axelle Bernard (183-C-95) notched 12. SAFONOVA Ekaterina ended up with 13 points in the losing effort.




*****************************************************
  SENEGAL - Women  


Uni Girona adds PF/C Oumoul Sarr - by Eurobasket News
Oumoul Sarr (185-F/C-84) is a new member of Uni Girona. The Senegalese power forward/center penned a one-year deal with her new club. She spent last two seasons with Universidad del Pais Vasco San Sebastian. In both years Sarr was one of the best players in LF2. In their first season together she collected 16.2 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2.2 steals and 2.2 blocks for 31 games. Before San Sebastian, she played for Universitario de Ferrol. It was in 2008/09 season, when Sarr averaged 15.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.6 blocks. Oumoul Sarr is active member of the Senegalese National Team since 2006. She led them to Gold at the African Championships in Madagascar -09. Sarr had 7.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 1.8 spg for 5 games at this event.

*****************************************************
  SERBIA - Women  


Serbia U16 finished the 11th European Youth Olympic Festival - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U16 finished the 11th European Youth Olympic Festival in Turkey.
Turkey U16 edged Serbia U16 in their opener of the tournament. The hosts trailed 13 points at the halftime, but won the game due to 30-18 in the last period. BODUR Minel top-scored for the winners with 14 points and CIDAL Sehernaz scored 13. Aleksandra Crvendakic (186-C/F-96) replied with 17 points and 10 rebounds in defeat and RISTIC Mirjana added 14.
Belgium U16 reached the second straight win beating Serbia U16 60:56. They started with 23:10 in the first period and added 15-9 in the last stanza. BEN ABDELKADER Hind poured in 15 points to lead the charge and BERNARD Axelle added 10 points and 14 boards. Aleksandra Crvendakic answered with 17 points in the losing case.
Serbia U16 edged Croatia U16 60:50 to finish third in the group. Trailing 11:14 after the first period, Serbia needed a strong second and last periods to win the game. MANDIC Sanja chipped in 20 points for the winners and NIKITOVIC Duska as well as Aleksandra Crvendakic had 12 each. MATIC Ivana netted 14 points in defeat and Antonija Chiabov (188-C/F-95) scored 11.
In the Classification Round for 5-8 places The Netherlands beat Croatia 64:55. Finland meanwhile overcame Serbia 80:74.
Croatia won over Serbia 71:67 for the 7th place in Turkey. Trailing 8-21 after the first quarter, Croatia erupted with massive leads in the rest of the game to finish on one step higher. MATIC Ivana posted 18 points for Croatia, while Antonija Chiabov collected 17 points and 19 rebounds. NIKITOVIC Duska chipped in 19 points for Serbia.


*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA - Women  


William Jones Cup. India open win count edging South Korea - by Eurobasket News
India - South Korea 63:59

India celebrated the first win at the William Jones Cup in Taiwan. They overcame South Korea to improve at 1-2 record. Anitha Pauldurai (170-G-85) stepped up with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists to lead the effort. South Korea fell at 0-2 record after the defeat.
South Korea looked the better team in the opening quarter. They earned a 17:9 lead at the first intermission. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter. South Korea established a 32:24 halftime advantage. But India turned things upside down in the third quarter. They erupted for 24 points to take a 7-point lead before the fourth term. South Korea went on a desperate comeback rally in the final period but came up short of victory at the end. Prashanti Singh (173-G-84) delivered 16 points, while Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) added 9 points and 11 rebounds in the win. Park Jung-Eun (180-F-77) replied with 13 points and 9 caroms for South Korea. Lee Seon-Hwa (181-C-88) netted 12 points in defeat.

India: Anitha Pauldurai 24, Prashanti Singh 16, Geethu Anna Jose 9+11 boards
South Korea: Park Jung-Eun 13, Lee Seon-Hwa 12


*****************************************************
  SPAIN - Women  


Uni Girona adds PF/C Oumoul Sarr - by Eurobasket News
Oumoul Sarr (185-F/C-84) is a new member of Uni Girona. The Senegalese power forward/center penned a one-year deal with her new club. She spent last two seasons with Universidad del Pais Vasco San Sebastian. In both years Sarr was one of the best players in LF2. In their first season together she collected 16.2 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2.2 steals and 2.2 blocks for 31 games. Before San Sebastian, she played for Universitario de Ferrol. It was in 2008/09 season, when Sarr averaged 15.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.6 blocks. Oumoul Sarr is active member of the Senegalese National Team since 2006. She led them to Gold at the African Championships in Madagascar -09. Sarr had 7.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 1.8 spg for 5 games at this event.

*****************************************************
  TAIWAN - Women  


Taiwan women's NT wins 2011 Jones Cup - by Chris Wang
Taiwan women's NT defeated the other home team, the World University Games national team, 77-59 Wednesday night to clinch the 2011 William Jones Cup tournament with one game left to play.

It is scheduled to meet Samsung of South Korea tonight, but the outcome will not affect the final placing. Samsung was 0-3 after three games.

7/31
Taiwan WUG 71-64 India
Taiwan 72-62 Japan

8/1
Taiwan 94-49 India
Taiwan WG 52-43 Samsung

8/2
Japan 77-58 Taiwan WUG
India 63-59 Samsung

8/3
Japan 61-56 Samsung
Taiwan 77-59 Taiwan WUG

8/4
India vs. Japan
Samsung vs. Taiwan

Standings thru. Aug. 3
Taiwan 3-0
Japan 2-1
Taiwan WUG 2-2
India 1-2
Samsung (Korea) 0-3


William Jones Cup. Japan rally past Taiwan University National Team - by Eurobasket News
Taiwan University NT - Japan 58:77

Japan recorded the first win at the William Jones Cup. They overcame Taiwan University National Team to improve at 1-1 record. Saori Fujiyoshi (178-G/F-87) scored 18 points to lead the winners.
Japan eked out a 16:13 lead after ten minutes of action. They maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. The visitors arrived at halftime up by six points 32:26. Japan stayed aggressive in the third quarter. They fired 21 points in the period posting a 13-point lead with ten minutes remaining. Taiwan could not recover in the final stanza as Japan rolled to the victory at the end. Rina Tomizaki (180-F/C-88) accounted for 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in the win. Mutya Mori (181-C-88) netted 10 points for Japan. Chen Yu-Chun (176-F-87) answered with 12 points for Taiwan University NT. Huang Fan-Shan (173-G-87) netted 11 points in the loss.

Taiwan University NT: Chen Yu-Chun 12, Huang Fan-Shan 11
Japan: Saori Fujiyoshi 18, Rina Tomizaki 16, Mutya Mori 10


*****************************************************
  TURKEY - Women  


Turkey farewell to 11th European Youth Olympic Festival - by Eurobasket News
Turkey farewell to 11th European Youth Olympic Festival as eight teams played in Trabzon tournament.

Group A
In Day 1 France U16 opened the tournament with 64:61 overtime win over the Netherlands U16. France started with 16:11 and had 32:26 at the halftime. The Netherlands tied the game at 55:55 after four periods, while France needed 9-6 in extra time to seal the victory. Fleur Devillers (177-G-95) top-scored for the winners with 12 points, while DINGA MBOMI Berengere and Assitan Kone (191-F-95) netted 11 each. Isabella Slim (179-F-95) replied with 20 points in the losing effort.
Russia U16 started the campaign with the win over Finland U16 66:37. The favorites won the first three quarters and did not mind 8-9 in the last stanza. DEGTYARSKAYA Yana stepped up with 11 points and FEDOROVA Polina added 8. Anniina Aijanen (187-F/C-95) ended up with 1 1points in the losing case.
In Day 2 France U16 outscored Finland U16 49:36. The French team started with 20-5 in the first period and never looked behind. GUAPO Laetitia paced all the winners with 11 points and GAYE Aby added 10. DOLIVO Jasmine poured in 7 points for the Scandinavian side.
Russia U16 won over Netherlands U16 63:61 for the second victory. The first three periods belonged to the Russian squad, while the Dutch side did their best to catch up and won the fourth stanza 19-14. ILINOVA Ekaterina paced all the winners with 15 points and KOMAROVA Elizaveta netted 12. Isabella Slim ended up with 18 points in defeat.
Netherlands U16 clinched the third place in the group beating Finland 73:64. LAMMERINK Merlin stepped up with 23 points and GUIJT Janine followed her with 18 points. Anniina Aijanen responded with 16 points in the losing effort.
Russia won Group A beating France 45:34. Trailing 8-14 after the first period, Russia needed 14-4 in the second and added 12-5 in the last stanza. DEGTYARSKAYA Yana posted 10 points to lead the charge, while SAFONOVA Ekaterina and ILINOVA Ekaterina brought 8 apiece. Fleur Devillers replied with 12 points in the losing effort.

Group B
Belgium U16 won the opener over Croatia U16 68:61. Belgium won the first three quarters of the game and did not mind losing the last one 10-15. BEN ABDELKADER Hind stepped up with 15 points for the winners and VERELST Aline netted 10. CHIABOV Antonija scored 14 points fro Croatia and RACKI Ana added 12.
Turkey U16 edged Serbia U16 in their opener of the tournament. The hosts trailed 13 points at the halftime, but won the game due to 30-18 in the last period. BODUR Minel top-scored for the winners with 14 points and CIDAL Sehernaz scored 13. Aleksandra Crvendakic (186-C/F-96) replied with 17 points and 10 rebounds in defeat and RISTIC Mirjana added 14.
Belgium U16 reached the second straight win beating Serbia U16 60:56. They started with 23:10 in the first period and added 15-9 in the last stanza. BEN ABDELKADER Hind poured in 15 points to lead the charge and Axelle Bernard (183-C-95) added 10 points and 14 boards. Aleksandra Crvendakic answered with 17 points in the losing case.
Turkey U16 won over Croatia U16 67:51 for 2-0 record. The hosts looked better in all aspects of the game and rightfully clinched the victory. Hulya Coklar (187-C-95), AKBAS Busra, BODUR Minel and OLCEK Nazhcan all four scored 10 points each. MATIC Ivana answered with 20 points in defeat.
Serbia U16 edged Croatia U16 60:50 to finish third in the group. Trailing 11:14 after the first period, Serbia needed a strong second and last periods to win the game. MANDIC Sanja chipped in 20 points for the winners and NIKITOVIC Duska as well as Aleksandra Crvendakic had 12 each. MATIC Ivana netted 14 points in defeat and CHIABOV Antonija scored 11.
Turkey U16 won Group B after 60:56 thrilling win over Belgium U16. The latter enjoyed 25:17 after the first 10 minutes of the game but lost the game. Hulya Coklar brought the hosts 19 points and 13 rebounds, while AKBAS Busra and BODUR Minel had 9 each. Axelle Bernard answered with 12 points for Belgium.

France U16 stun Turkey U16 52:47 in the Semifinal game. The hosts won the opening frame 17:11, but failed with 6:15 in the second frame. DINGA MBOMI Berengere paced all the winners with 11 points and Assitan Kone added 10. Hulya Coklar replied with 16 points and 10 rebounds in the losing case.
Belgium U16 destroyed Russia U16 75:59 in the Semifinal game. Belgium took massive 22:11 in the first period and enjoyed 46:27 at the halftime. BEN ABDELKADER Hind paced all the winners with 20 points and Axelle Bernard notched 12. SAFONOVA Ekaterina ended up with 13 points in the losing effort.

Belgium U16 won the trophy of Trabzon 2011 after 65:58 in the Final over France. Belgium took 17:12 after the first period and added 18-7 for 35:19 halftime advantage. France responded with two victories in the second half, but it was not enough to win the game. BEN ABDELKADER Hind erupted with 34 points to lead all the winners. MORATEUR Clementine and Assitan Kone posted 12 points each in the losing effort.
Russia U16 clinched the third place as they overwhelmed the hosts 71:45 in the game for the third place. KOMAROVA Elizaveta stepped up with 16 points and CHAYKOVSKAYA Yuliya followed her with 15. AKBAS Busra ended up with 13 points for Turkey and Hulya Coklar collected 12 points and 13 rebounds.


*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


U18 Women - Coach Ball and players ready for European challenge - by Eurobasket News
England Under 18 Women's coach Michael Ball was pleased with his side's final preparations for the European Championship B Division, despite two losses against Hungary in Budapest.

'We wanted to make sure that we played our last preparation games against one of the toughest teams in the tournament and in addition we managed to obtain invaluable experience with us playing on one of the Championship courts,' commented coach Ball.

'Unfortunately we picked up a couple of ankle injuries but we hope that both players will be able to contribute against Germany. Our focus from the first game was entirely upon our defensive execution and for three quarters we kept Hungary to 43 points and had significantly improved in playing together as a unit.'
Christina Gaskin led the way for England with 24 points, with Maisie Elston adding nine as they went down 80-63 at in the first of the two games. The second game saw Hynes top score with 15, Gaskin adding eight and Elston six as England lost 68-44.

Prior to that game, Lana Doran (168-F-93) had scored 15 and Gaskin 14 as England lost 69-54 in Austria.

England remain in Hungary, travelling to Miskolc for Thursday's opening game against Germany, and then facing Bulgaria and Belarus in successive days. A top three finish in the group will ensure Ball's team progress to the second stage.

Team captain Gaskin believes that the recent games have been beneficial for England: 'The last two weeks have been really challenging but have been invaluable as we have made great strides forward as a team,' she said. 'Everyone is excited to bring all the learning together on court when we face our first game against Germany.'

Teammate Chantel Charles added, 'I have found the preparation camp to be a personal challenge and in particular learning how to live and train as an elite athlete. I am looking forward to taking all this hard work with my teammates into the Championships.'

'We know that having played Germany twice in early June that they are a very well organised and disciplined team and have excellent scoring from the wings, point guards who can distribute the ball well and post players who are strong and seal well inside if we let them get position on us,' added coach Ball.

The England coach is hoping that his team can continue a good summer for British women's basketball: 'It has been inspiring to see the GB Under 20 and Senior Women's teams perform over the summer months - raising the bar yet again - and I believe that although we have three excellent opponents in our group we too will rise to the occasion and play with relentless energy and total commitment to each other.'
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk



*****************************************************
  WILLIAM JONES CUP - Women  


Taiwan women's NT wins 2011 Jones Cup - by Chris Wang
Taiwan women's NT defeated the other home team, the World University Games national team, 77-59 Wednesday night to clinch the 2011 William Jones Cup tournament with one game left to play.

It is scheduled to meet Samsung of South Korea tonight, but the outcome will not affect the final placing. Samsung was 0-3 after three games.

7/31
Taiwan WUG 71-64 India
Taiwan 72-62 Japan

8/1
Taiwan 94-49 India
Taiwan WG 52-43 Samsung

8/2
Japan 77-58 Taiwan WUG
India 63-59 Samsung

8/3
Japan 61-56 Samsung
Taiwan 77-59 Taiwan WUG

8/4
India vs. Japan
Samsung vs. Taiwan

Standings thru. Aug. 3
Taiwan 3-0
Japan 2-1
Taiwan WUG 2-2
India 1-2
Samsung (Korea) 0-3


Results and Stats from Day 3 in New Taipei City - by Eurobasket News
India - South Korea 63:59
India celebrated the first win at the William Jones Cup in Taiwan. They overcame South Korea to improve at 1-2 record. Anitha Pauldurai (170-G-85) stepped up with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists to lead the effort. South Korea fell at 0-2 record after the defeat.
South Korea looked the better team in the opening quarter. They earned a 17:9 lead at the first intermission. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter. South Korea established a 32:24 halftime advantage. But India turned things upside down in the third quarter. They erupted for 24 points to take a 7-point lead before the fourth term. South Korea went on a desperate comeback rally in the final period but came up short of victory at the end. Prashanti Singh (173-G-84) delivered 16 points, while Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) added 9 points and 11 rebounds in the win. Park Jung-Eun (180-F-77) replied with 13 points and 9 caroms for South Korea. Lee Seon-Hwa (181-C-88) netted 12 points in defeat.

India: Anitha Pauldurai 24, Prashanti Singh 16, Geethu Anna Jose 9+11 boards
South Korea: Park Jung-Eun 13, Lee Seon-Hwa 12

Taiwan University NT - Japan 58:77
Japan recorded the first win at the William Jones Cup. They overcame Taiwan University National Team to improve at 1-1 record. Saori Fujiyoshi (178-G/F-87) scored 18 points to lead the winners.
Japan eked out a 16:13 lead after ten minutes of action. They maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. The visitors arrived at halftime up by six points 32:26. Japan stayed aggressive in the third quarter. They fired 21 points in the period posting a 13-point lead with ten minutes remaining. Taiwan could not recover in the final stanza as Japan rolled to the victory at the end. Rina Tomizaki (180-F/C-88) accounted for 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in the win. Mutya Mori (181-C-88) netted 10 points for Japan. Chen Yu-Chun (176-F-87) answered with 12 points for Taiwan University NT. Huang Fan-Shan (173-G-87) netted 11 points in the loss.

Taiwan University NT: Chen Yu-Chun 12, Huang Fan-Shan 11
Japan: Saori Fujiyoshi 18, Rina Tomizaki 16, Mutya Mori 10


*****************************************************
  WNBA - Women  


Pierson, Pondexter lead hot-shooting Liberty past McCoughtry, Dream, 85-75 - by Eurobasket News
John Whisenant was worried his New York team was catching Atlanta, winners of five of its last six, at the wrong time.

Instead, the Liberty's 3-point shooting overwhelmed the Dream.

Plenette Pierson (6'2''-F/C-81, college: Texas Tech) scored 20 points, Leilani Mitchell (5'5''-G-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Utah) sank four 3-pointers all in the final period and New York held off Atlanta 85-75 on Tuesday night.

Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) had 16 points and Nicole Powell (6'2''-G/F-82, college: Stanford) added 13 for New York, which solidified its hold on third in the Eastern Conference by making 11 of 19 3-pointers.

We felt like Atlanta was getting back in sync to where they were last year in the playoffs, said Whisenant, referring to the Dreams run to the WNBA finals. They had won five in a row and then lost a tough game at Connecticut they probably should have won.

We were expecting it to be a playoff kind of game, and we played well.

Whisenant said he told his team the game could be important to the conference playoff standings.

With a couple more wins we could be in first place but with a couple more losses we could be in next to last place, Whisenant said.

New York is one game behind second-place Connecticut and 2 games behind first-place Indiana in the conference.

I just know we need to continue to win to make the playoffs, Pondexter said. I cannot even begin to talk about the playoffs until we win these upcoming games. But if we do continue to win, we will continue to move up that East ladder.

Mitchell opened the final period with two 3-pointers her first two field goals of the game. She made another 3, barely beating the shot clock, to push the lead to 79-72, before her fourth 3 gave her 12 points in the quarter.

I was just trying to be aggressive, Mitchell said. We always set up plays for Cappie, because she is so good and our playmaker and scorer, but I wanted to get in there and help us get the win.

Asked about Mitchell, Atlanta coach Marynell Meadors said If shes open, shes going to hit.

Meadors said Mitchell and other New York 3-point shooters were open too often.

A lot of the 3s that they hit were on broken plays, Meadors said.

Meadors said her team just didnt have very good rhythm for some reason, offensively or defensively.

New York claimed a 36-29 advantage in rebounds, a key in limiting Atlantas up-tempo game. Pierson had a game-high eight rebounds.

If we rebound, it fits right into our game so we can push it and run, Meadors said. We didnt have enough rebounds tonight.

Atlanta fell one-half game behind Chicago in the race for the conferences fourth and final playoff spot.

Angel McCoughtry led the Dream with 24 points. Lindsey Harding added 14 with nine assists.

Atlanta, the defending conference champion, has lost two straight after a five-game winning streak.

McCoughtry, Atlantas only All-Star, did not start for the second straight game. She came off the bench to lead Atlanta with 36 points in the Dreams 99-92 loss at Connecticut on Sunday, giving her more than 30 points in three of her last four games.

McCoughtry entered the game with 2:48 remaining in the first quarter and had a three-point play about a minute later. She had seven straight points for Atlanta in the second period, but the Liberty led 46-40 at the break as Essence Carson and Nicole Powell each had two 3-pointers in the half.

A 3-pointer by Pondexter extended New Yorks lead to 10 points at 56-46 midway through the third. Atlanta scored six of the next eight points and trailed 65-61 entering the final period.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Lynx beats Mercury to boost WNBA lead - by Eurobasket News
The Minnesota Lynx extended its lead atop the WNBA standings thanks to a fourth quarter surge that set up a 90-73 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday.

Minnesota led by five after three quarters and began the final period with a 14-2 surge to take control. Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut) scored 22 points and Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) finished with 21 for the Lynx, who have won seven straight games to move three games clear atop the Western Conference standings.

Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) had 20 points for Phoenix despite being plagued by foul trouble much of the night. The Mercury played without starting center Kara Braxton (6'6''-C-83, college: Georgia) due to a family matter.

Courtesy of www.taiwannews.com.tw

Storm top Silver Stars 78-64 - by Eurobasket News
Sue Bird's (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) 3-pointer right before the third-quarter buzzer provided a lift at just the right time for the Seattle Storm.

Bird hit a 22-footer to put Seattle up by eight just a minute after the San Antonio Silver Stars had cut a 13-point deficit to one in the quarter.

The Storm then went on a 10-2 run to start the fourth quarter en route to a 78-64 victory over the Silver Stars on Tuesday night.

Bird finished with 17 points and Swin Cash added 16.

'Yeah, that one really hurt us,' Silver Stars coach Dan Hughes said about Bird's 3-pointer.

'We didn't get the matchup on that situation, but that's what she does for them. We have to recognize that. She's a good player and is going to make those shots. That gave them some separation to play with after we'd gotten back into it.'

Bird rebounded a missed free throw by Jayne Appel, dribbled down the court and pulled up for the 3 with Appel defending her.

'I kind of had a feeling if I accelerated a little bit she (Appel) would back up,' Bird said. 'I'm not going to be able to shoot over her underneath the basket but I can definitely step back and shoot the 3. Even if I got by her, she could still make a play because she's like 8,000 inches taller.'

Bird noticed the crowd's loud reaction to the basket.

'You still have the whole quarter, but I felt a lot of energy after that play from the crowd,' Bird said.

Tanisha Wright (5'11''-G-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Penn St.) added 12 points and seven assists for Seattle (11-8), which has won four of five and moved into a tie for third place in the Western Conference with Phoenix.

Scholanda Robinson (5'10''-G-83, college: LSU) scored 12 points, Becky Hammon (5'6''-G-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Colorado St.) 11 while Sophia Young and Jia Perkins had 10 apiece to lead second-place San Antonio (11-7), which lost its second consecutive game and dropped three games behind conference-leading Minnesota (14-4).

Seattle won its sixth straight home game to improve to 7-1, second best in the league.

The Silver Stars cut an 18-point first-half deficit to one point late in third quarter before the Storm pulled away with a 17-2 run.

Perkins hit a 3-pointer as the Silver Stars cut a 13-point deficit to 53-52 with 1:07 left in the third quarter.

But the Storm responded with a 7-0 run in the final 47 seconds of the quarter. Seattle then outscored the Silver Stars 10-2 to start the final quarter and pushed the lead to 70-54.

'It was about settling down with our defense and getting stops,' Wright said.

Appel scored seven points and Young five to ignite San Antonio's third-quarter run. Bird made two 3-pointers to help hold off the Silver Stars.

Seattle shot 14 of 17 (82.4 percent) from the field in the first quarter to lead 31-19. Cash had a team-high eight points as she hit all four of her shots. Seven players scored for the Storm.

'They came out and shot the lights out,' Hammon said. 'I thought we did a good job to fight and pull back within one, but at that point I think we had just expended so much energy to get ourselves back in the game that we didn't finish well.'

Reserve Le'coe Willingham scored seven during a 21-7 Storm run to close out the first quarter after San Antonio led 12-10.

The Storm led by 18 in the second quarter before Roneeka Hodges made two 3-pointers to help cut the lead to 44-33 at halftime.

The Silver Stars have lost six straight in Seattle since a win in 2007.

'They are very good at home and nobody is going to dispute that,' Hammon said.

San Antonio rookie Danielle Adams, who averages 14.3 points, missed her third straight game with a right ankle injury. She is expected to be out four to six weeks.

Courtesy of www.springfieldnewssun.com

Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Indiana F. 14-6 
 2. Connecticut S. 11-6 
 3. New York L. 11-8 
 4. Chicago S. 9-11 
 5. Atlanta D. 8-11 
 6. Washington M. 3-14 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 14-4 
 2. S.Antonio SS 11-7 
 3. Seattle S. 11-8 
 4. Phoenix M. 11-8 
 5. L.Angeles S. 7-11 
 6. Tulsa S. 1-17 


Another academic honor for Maya Moore - by Eurobasket News
A pair of phenomenal scholar-athletes who attended universities in the state of Connecticut, Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut) of the University of Connecticut and Shannon Gagne of the University of New Haven, have been named as the 2010-11 Capital One Academic All-America of the Year Award winners, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

One of the greatest women's basketball players in NCAA history, Moore was selected as the Capital One Academic All-America of the Year for the University Division. She joins Rebecca Lobo, '95 as the second women's basketball player from UConn to be named as the Academic All-America of the Year for the University Division. She is also the fourth women's basketball player to be honored as the Capital One Academic All-America of the Year for the University Division. Ruth Riley, '01 of Notre Dame was selected in 2001 and Stacey Dales-Schuman of Oklahoma earned the award in 2002.

A six-time All-American in track and field at New Haven, Gagne was selected as the Capital One Academic All-America of the Year for the College Division. She is the third women's track and field performer to win the award, joining Kristen Shields of Whitworth in 2004 and Jessica Pixler of Seattle Pacific in 2010.

Moore, who graduated with a Sports Media and Promotion major and a 3.67 G.P.A., was the Academic All-America of the Year for women's basketball in the University Division as a junior and senior. When she repeated as the Academic All-America of the Year, she became the first University Division women's basketball player to repeat as Academic All-America of the Year.

A three-time Capital One Academic All-America selection, she finished her illustrious career as the fourth-leading scorer in NCAA Division I history with 3,036 points. A four-time WBCA All-American first team selection, she led the University of Connecticut to a pair of national championships and four appearances in the NCAA Final Four during her career. She played in all 154 games of her college career and led UConn to a phenomenal record of 150-4.

Named as the Most Outstanding Performer at the 2010 NCAA Division I Tournament, Moore was the winner of the Wade Trophy as the top women's basketball player in the nation three times. A native of Lawrenceville, Ga. who grew up in Jefferson City, Mo., she was the first freshman to be named as the BIG EAST Player of the Year in 2008. Moore was also named as the BIG EAST Player of the Year in 2009 and 2011.

A graduate student who is pursuing her Master's degree in National Security, Gagne has a 3.95 G.P.A. in graduate school.

Honored as the 2011 USTFCCCA Division II Women's Indoor and Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year, she graduated from the University of New Haven last year with a degree in Criminal Justice and a 3.93 G.P.A.

Named as the Northeast-10 Conference Woman of the Year, she was also honored as the Northeast-10 Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year. A six-time All-American, she led New Haven to a fourth place finish at the 2011 NCAA Division II Indoor Track Championship and a ninth place showing at the Division II Outdoor Track Meet.

In 2011, she won five individual national championships. At the NCAA indoor meet, she won titles in the 200-meter run, the 400-meter run and the long jump. At the NCAA outdoor meet, she finished first in the 200-meter run and the 400-meter run. Her five national championships make her one of just three student-athletes at the Division II level to ever accomplish the feat in one year.

At the 2011 Northeast-10 Conference outdoor track championships, Gagne won four titles as she led New Haven to a second place finish.

A native of Meriden, Conn., Gagne was UNH's Hatfield Scholar Recipient, which is awarded for competitive scholarship for honors students only. She is the head volunteer for the school's legal society and volunteers at the West Haven Community House, serving as a student mentor.

Courtesy of http://blogs.courant.com

Shalee Lehning injury to sideline Atlanta Dream guard for remainder of season - by Eurobasket News
The Atlanta Dream announced today that point guard Shalee Lehning (5'9''-G-86, college: Kansas St.) will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury. An MRI revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee and surgery is scheduled for later this month. Lehning injured the knee during the first quarter of Sunday's contest against Connecticut. She did not return to the game and did not dress for Atlanta's game on Tuesday.

Lehning was a second round pick of the Dream in 2009 and started all 33 regular season games for the Dream in 2010. The acquisition of Lindsey Harding pushed Lehning into a reserve role this season where she was averaging 12.1 minutes, 2.1 points, and 2.3 assists per game. While not the scoring threat that Harding is, Lehning is a coach on the floor and your classic pass first point guard that is more concerned with getting the team into the offense than her own personal stats.

Without Lehning, Atlanta suddenly finds itself thin at the point guard position. Coco Miller saw some time at the point on Tuesday against the New York Liberty and will be the likely back up unless Atlanta decides to make a roster move.

Courtesy of http://atlanta.sbnation.com

Seattle Storm sign Lauren Jackson to multi-year contract extension - by Eurobasket News
All-Star center Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) has signed a three-year contract extension with the Seattle Storm, Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel Brian Agler announced Tuesday. The deal takes Jackson through the 2014 season.

Clearly, Lauren Jackson is one of, if not the best, player in the world, Agler said upon announcing the deal. She has been and will continue to be a critical part of the success of our basketball team. We want to keep her here in Seattle for a long time.

Im excited about it, said Jackson. Seattle is like my home. Its good to be able to continue my career here and pursue more championships.

Jackson, a seven-time All-Star selection, is a three-time league MVP (2003, 200, 2010).

She earned multiple honors in 2007 when she was named both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year and again in 2010 when she was tabbed as both the league and Finals MVP after leading Seattle to its second championship.

We are thrilled to tie Lauren Jackson and the Seattle Storm together as we look ahead to the future of this organization, added Storm President and CEO Karen Bryant. I cant imagine her not being here in Seattle.

Jackson, who was recently named one of the WNBAs Top 15 players, has been out of action recently as she is recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum in her left hip. She had the surgery June 30.

Courtesy of www.king5.com