EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/9/2011

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ABA   


Gwizzlies ink Sholberg - by Gianni Pascucci
The ABA Georgia Gwizzlies announced that Blake Sholberg (7'1''-C, college: St.Mary's, CA) will be in a Gwizzlies uniform when the team opens it regular season on December 3 at the new ABA team in Athens, Georgia. Sholberg is a former player at St Mary's University and played in the CBA.'Blake profile reminds me of one of my former players Ned Rolsma,a 7'0 footer who can get it done inside and outside' stated Gwizzlies boss Embry Malone .


East Point Jaguars name new Head Coach - by Gianni Pascucci
The ABA East Point Jaguars professional basketball team that begins play in December announced that Daquan Payton has been named head coach. Coach Payton comes to the team with over 30 years of experience with eleven of those years dedicated to coaching basketball. He is the brother of the late famed Chicago Bear Hall of Famer Walter Payton and the uncle of former NBA All Star Gary Payton.
'He has always been involved in sports in many different aspects as he comes from an athletic family and has been in the professional environment for many years,' stated team co-owner Reginald Shaw. 'From high school, where he lettered in basketball, football, baseball and track to winning many championships as a coach, he is very dedicated to what he does. He has a style and sense of how own that speaks for itself.'
For more information, visit www.eastpointjaguars.com or email eastpointjaguars@yahoo.com or call 770 206 7085

Standings
ABA Standings
Exhibition Teams
 1. Colorado Kings 17-0 
 2. Arlington B. 2-3 
 3. Michiana M. 1-4 
 4. NY Prime Time 1-4 
 5. Texas RR 0-1 
 6. Shizuoka Gym. 0-4 
Gulf Coast
 1. SE Texas M. 28-1 
 2. Gulf Coast F. 8-5 
 3. Mobile Bay H. 4-2 
 4. Louisiana U. 1-5 
 5. Houston R.S. 0-9 
Mid-Atlantic
 1. Seven Cities 16-2 
NoCal
 1. E.Bay Pitbulls 14-5 
 2. Bay Area M. 13-7 
 3. Modesto H. 9-9 
 4. Sacramento H. 8-6 
 5. California SK 8-7 
 6. S.Francisco R. 5-3 
North Central
 1. Lake Michigan 20-6 
 2. Chicago Steam 13-3 
 3. NWI M.Stars 4-6 
 4. Detroit Hoops 4-7 
Northeast
 1. Jersey Expr. 8-6 
Northwest
 1. Seattle M. 14-1 
SoCal
 1. San Diego Sol 15-3 
 2. Las Vegas A. 9-1 
 3. LA Slam 8-6 
 4. San Diego S. 7-6 
 5. Mid-Valley 0-1 
 6. Riverside R. 0-1 
 7. SoCal Swish 0-4 
South Central
 1. E.Kentucky En. 16-1 
 2. St. Louis 8-3 
 3. Indiana Diesel 8-4 
 4. W.Virginia B. 8-8 
Southeast
 1. Jacksonville 19-0 
 2. Columbus Life 11-3 
 3. Savannah Storm 11-6 
Southwest
 1. Texas Fuel 15-4 
 2. North Dallas 12-6 
 3. Oklahoma 8-6 
 4. West Texas W. 8-6 
 5. N.Texas F. 1-5 


*****************************************************
  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Buducnost tab two local talents - by Eurobasket News
Buducnost Podgorica have ensured the services of two Montenegrin talents. They signed deals with Nemanja Radovic (208-F/C-91, agency: Beo Basket) and Nikola Ivanovic (187-G-94, agency: Beo Basket). Both players spent the last season in Mornar Basket Bar. They also shone for Montenegro at U20 European Championship.
Nemanja Radovic tallied 13.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in Balkan League last season. He also posted 4.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game at U20 European Championship in Spain.
Nikola Ivanovic notched 11.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in Balkan League with Mornar Bar. Eurobasket.com named Nikola Ivanovic All-Montenegrin League Guard of the Year. He was also trumped Most Improved Player of the Year. Nikola Ivanovic had a busy summer. He first played at U20 European Championship. His stats read 9.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in Spain. Later Nikola Ivanovic moved to Bulgaria to help U18 Montenegrin National Team. The guard tallied 16.8 points, 4.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game at the championship.


*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   


Will Graves is a newcomer at Aerochaco Boca Juniors Capital Feder - by Eurobasket Center
Aerochaco Boca Juniors Capital Feder strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old American swingman Will Graves (198-F/G-88, college: N.Carolina). Graves played most recently at Akita Northern Happinets (Japan). While playing 17 games for Akita last season his stats were: 21.3ppg, 11.2rpg and 1.6apg.


*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   


Meteors clinch minor premiership - by Eurobasket News
Daily Mercury

THE McDonalds Meteors have completed an historic Queensland Basketball League home-and-away campaign with top spot as their prize.

The Meteors will now enjoy a weeks rest before they host the second round of the 2011 finals series.

Coach Grant Kruger could not hide his sense of pride when he spoke to the Daily Mercury

yesterday after weekend road wins against Gladstone and

Rockhampton.

We will have this week off and get to watch all the other teams, he said.

Kruger said this was timely as it would give players the benefit of an extra weeks rest to recover from niggling injuries.

Among them will be Peter Duck, who sustained a badly sprained ankle on the weekend.

The Meteors defeated Gladstone 88-80 on Friday night before they backed up with a 96-71 triumph against Rockhampton.

The wins enabled the Meteors to maintain their number one spot.

Total credit to the team, Kruger said.

The whole team plays together and for each other.

This was evident again on

Friday night after the Meteors had opened up a 20-point buffer at one stage.

They then had to withstand a resurgent Gladstone as they reduced the final deficit to eight points.

Rhys Martin (193-G-86, college: Nova SE) (27 points), Deba George (25) and Timothy Coenraad (200-G/F-85, college: Nova SE) (18) were the primary scorers for the Meteors.

We had to go out and play our own game, Kruger said of the contest with Rockhampton.

The guys really did that and dominated.

Coenraad top scored with a game-high 37 points.

George and Martin continued their productive scoring form with 17 points apiece, while Brad

Rasmussen made the most of his court time with 10 points.

Travis Reed (22) and Aaron Glazebrook (196-F-85) (11) were the only Rockhampton players to reach double figures.

The Meteors have created history for the Mackay club this season, but want to achieve so much more.

I am really proud of the guys, Kruger said.

We want to be the first Mackay team to win the whole QBL.
Courtesy of: QBL



QBL: Heat find finals mindset on road - by Eurobasket News
HEAT star Todd Blanchfield has warned the last teams standing in the Queensland Basketball League play-offs that Townsville have honed their killer instinct.

The Heat earned the right to host their first home semi-final since 2003 with a 104-75 flogging of Toowoomba at QN Stadium on Saturday. Blanchfield, who led the demolition with a team-high 22 points at a staggering 64 per cent from the field, said the Mountaineers copped an early dose of what the Heat has in store for Rockhampton this Sunday.

'This game brought that play-off mentality out of us, it changed our approach,' Blanchfield said.

'We have to focus on staying that way for Rocky now.'

Kelvin Robertson (180-G-83) produced his finest performance since making his return this season, hitting 17 points at 58 per cent, with inconsistent centre Benjamin Allen (211-C-86, college: St.Mary's, CA) chipping in by shooting at nearly 54 per cent for his 15 points. Coach Liam Flynn had plenty to be happy about at the end of the regular season with one of the most efficient showings of the campaign, complemented by 24 team assists.

'It just showed how good our execution and ball movement can be,' Flynn said.

Blanchfield was more direct about the meaning of the performance.

'That shows what happens when we all play well together, we win by 30 points,' he said.

Meanwhile, Flames swing player Kelsie Rutland torched Toowoomba with 16 points in little over 18 minutes to ensure Townsville finished its Women's QBL season on a high.

Rutland combined with centre Rebecca Vanderjagt, 10 points, five rebounds, two blocks and two assists, to wrap up the 64-56 win on Saturday.

TOWNSVILLE HEAT 104 (T Blanchfield 22 pts 7 rbds, K Robertson 17 pts 8 rbds 3 asst 2 stl, B Allen 15 pts 6 rbds C Cedar 13 pts 6 asst) d TOOWOOMBA 75 (J Legan 25 pts 8 rbds, S Kluck 17 pts 6 rbds).

TOWNSVILLE FLAMES 64 (K Rutland 16 pts, R Vanderjagt 10 pts 5 rbds 2 blk 2 asst, V Horne 9 pts) d TOOWOOMBA 56 (J Chard 20 pts 9 rbds 5 asst, A Gerhardt 7 pts 5 rbds, S Mylonas 7 pts 3 rbds).
Courtesy of: The Townsville Bulletin





Standings - ABA
ABA Standings
Big V
 1. Eltham W. 15-6 
 2. Waverley F. 15-6 
 3. Sherbrooke S. 13-8 
 4. Ringwood H. 12-9 
 5. Bulleen B. 12-9 
 6. Hume City 6-15 
 7. Melbourne 6-15 
 8. Diamond V.E. 5-16 
Central ABL
 1. Norwood F. 14-3 
 2. Forestville E. 13-5 
 3. Sturt S. 12-6 
 4. W.Adelaide B. 11-7 
 5. N.Adelaide R. 11-7 
 6. Woodville W. 9-9 
 7. S.Adelaide P. 7-11 
 8. C.District L. 5-12 
 9. Eastern M. 5-13 
 10. South.Tigers 2-16 
QBL
 1. Mackay M. 16-3 
 2. Gold Coast R. 15-3 
 3. Townsville H. 14-4 
 4. Rockhampton 12-6 
 5. Northside W. 11-6 
 6. Brisbane C. 11-7 
 7. Cairns M. 10-8 
 8. Ipswich F. 9-9 
 9. Bundaberg B. 9-9 
 10. SW Metro P. 5-12 
 11. Gladstone P. 5-13 
 12. Toowoomba 4-14 
 13. Maroochydore 3-15 
 14. Caboolture S. 2-16 
SEABL-East
 1. Bendigo B. 19-4 
 2. Knox R. 16-7 
 3. Kilsyth C. 14-10 
 4. Ballarat M. 11-12 
 5. Dandenong 10-13 
 6. Brisbane S. 9-15 
 7. Canberra G. 8-15 
SEABL-South
 1. Nunawading S. 19-5 
 2. Geelong S. 15-8 
 3. Sandringham S. 13-11 
 4. Frankston B. 11-11 
 5. Hobart C. 11-12 
 6. Mt Gambier 10-14 
 7. NW Tasmania 5-17 
 8. Albury W.B. 3-21 
WARATAH
 1. Sydney C. 18-5 
 2. Newcastle H. 18-5 
 3. Manly Warr. 14-9 
 4. Sutherland S. 14-9 
 5. Illawarra H. 13-8 
 6. Norths Bears 13-10 
 7. Hills H. 12-11 
 8. Bankstown B. 10-13 
 9. Maitland M. 10-13 
 10. Parramatta W. 9-13 
 11. Hornsby S. 9-14 
 12. Cent.Coast C. 5-18 
 13. Canberra N. 3-20 


*****************************************************
  AUSTRIA   


Standings - A Bundesliga
A Bundesliga Standings
 1. Arkadia 0-0 
 2. BC Vienna 0-0 
 3. Furstenfeld 0-0 
 4. Gmunden 0-0 
 5. Gussing 0-0 
 6. Kapfenberg 0-0 
 7. Klosterneub. 0-0 
 8. Oberwart 0-0 
 9. St.Polten 0-0 
 10. UBSC Graz 0-0 
 11. Wels 0-0 


Nikola Gacesa inks with champion Oberwart Gunners - by Stefan Prager
Austrian champion Oberwart Gunners found a replacement for ABL finals MVP and season MAVP Bernd Volcic (205-C-76, agency: Interperformances, college: New Orleans) in Nikola Gacesa (205-F-87). Gunners management believes that the 23 year old Serbian forward can fill the hole the retired Volcic has left. Gacesa played 5 years of college ball in the states. After four years at Florida International University Gacesa added one more season at Texas Christian University. In this last season Gacesa appeared in 29 games for the Frogs he averaged 4.2 ppg along with 2.9 boards in nearly 20 minutes per contest.

Gmunden Swans complete roster with PG Sharaud Curry - by Stefan Prager
Austrian runner up Gmunden Swans completed their roster for the upcoming season with point guard Sharaud Curry (178-G-87, college: Providence). The 24 year old Curry last played in Greece for AEK Athens. Curry didn't get a lot of minutes in Greece and was eager to get his minutes up. After his collegiate career at Providence Curry moved to Poland where he played a few games for AZS Koszalin. In 2006 Curry was selected for the All Big East Rookie team. In 2007 he was an All Big East Honorable Mention.

*****************************************************
  BAHAMAS   


U17 US Virgin Islands grab 86-83 OT win against U17 Bahamas, take Bronze in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - BAHAMAS 86-83 OT

US Virgin Islands grabbed 86-83 thriller win against Bahamas in the last day of U17 CentroBasket in Gurabo. Thanks to this victory US Virgin Island won the Bronze at this event. They also booked a spot for the next U18 FIBA Americas Championship. Bahamas ended as No.4 and stay without the medal. They also failed to reach FIBA Americas. Rasheed Swanston (95) shined for the winners with 32 points and 11 rebounds. Khalid Hart (95) had 28 pts, 7 rebs and 6 assists, while Kareem Harris (94) added 12 points in this victory. In the loosing squad, Khristen Francis (95) collected 19 points and 5 rebounds. Lourawls Nairn (95) had 18 points and 8 rebs, while Adney Bethel (94) added 14 pts in this loss. Quarters: 33-14, 11-25, 14-20, 17-16, 11-8.

US Virgin Islands: Rasheed Swanston 32+11 boards, Khalid Hart 28+7 boards+6 as, Kareem Harris 12
Bahamas: Khristen Francis 19+5 boards, Lourawls Nairn 18+8 boards, Adney Bethel 14

*****************************************************
  BELARUS   


Ukraine sneak past Belarus in Kyiv - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine - Belarus 72:71

Ukraine registered a narrow victory over Belarus in the exhibition game in Kyiv. Steve Burtt (185-G-84, college: Iona) unloaded 23 points to pace the hosts. Ukraine thus avenged the loss from Belarus just over a week ago at Aerosvit Cup tournament.
Ukraine got to the better start. They controlled the tempo posting a 20:16 lead after ten minutes. The hosts stretched the margin in the second period. Ukraine arrived at halftime up by 7 points 38:31. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the third term. Ukriane secured a 7-point buffer heading into the fourth quarter. But Belarus not only denied the deficit but surged ahead for a 4-point lead in the final quarter. Ukraine needed some late heroics to get within striking distance. Maksym Pustozvonov (200-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) then drained a late bucket to seal the victory for Ukraine. Denys Lukashov (190-G-89) finished with 8 points, while Maksym Pustozvonov and Oleg Saltovets (202-F-77) provided 7 points apiece in the victory. Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-G-80) responded with 23 points for Belarus. Dzianis Korshuk (201-F-78, agency: Agency No 10) netted 11 points in the losing effort.

Ukraine: Steve Burtt 23, Denys Lukashov 8, Maksym Pustozvonov 7, Oleg Saltovets 7
Belarus: Aliaksandr Kudrautsau 23, Dzianis Korshuk 11


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


Dexia Mons-Hainaut land A.J. Slaughter - by Eurobasket News
A.J. Slaughter (191-G-88, college: W.Kentucky) will continue his career in Belgium. The guard has agreed on terms of contract with Dexia Mons-Hainaut. A.J. Slaughter started his pro career last season. He landed in Italian Angelico Biella. The guard tallied 10.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 assists per game in Seria A. A.J. Slaughter graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2010. He posted 17.5 points, 4.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game in his senior season. A.J. Slaughter was named into All-Sun Belt 1st Team in 2010. The guard also made it into NABC Division I All-District 24 1st Team. A.J. Slaughter participated at Kentuckiana Pro Am this summer. The guard played for Team Jordan.


*****************************************************
  BELIZE   


U17 Dominican Republic is No.5 in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
U17 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - U17 BELIZE 85-81

Dominican Republic outplayed Belize 85-81 in the last day of the championship in Gurabo. It was a game for the fifth place at U17 CentroBasket. Of course, Belize ended as No.6. Both teams failed to book a spot for the next U18 FIBA Americas Championship. Karl-Anthony Towns (96) led the winners with 28 points and 8 rebounds. Brandone Francis (95) added 17 points, 6 rebs and 6 assists, while Adonis Gonzalez (95) followed with 12 pts and 8 boards. On the other side, Devin Daly (188-F-95) shined in defeat with 34 points and 12 rebounds. Tariq Middleton (178-G-95) had 24 pts and 6 rebs. Quarters: 13-19, 32-21, 15-12, 25-29. Puerto Rico is the winner of U17 CentroBasket in Gurabo.

Dominican Republic: Karl-Anthony Towns 28+8 boards, Brandone Francis 17+6 boards+6 as, Adonis Gonzalez 12+8 boards
Belize: Devin Daly 34+12 boards, Tariq Middleton 24+6 boards

*****************************************************
  BOSNIA   


Serbia celebrated the second straight win in Adecco Cup EX-YU - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina NT-Serbia NT 61:82

Serbia celebrated the second straight win in Adecco Cup EX-YU. The favorites overcame Bosnia and Herzegovina 82:61 in Ljubljana.
Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) made 6-1 in the start of the game and Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) performed a 2 points for 20:6. Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) made two free throws at the end of the first period for 25:10. Ratko Varda reduced to 31:16, while Marko Keselj nailed three for 49:29. In the third quarter Henry Domercant opened the half with a jump shot and Milan Macvan brought 59:33. Duko Savanovic closed the third period at 69:40, but Bosnia and Herzegovina managed to reduce. Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) scored for 79:61, while Ivan Paunic delivered the last points in the game.
Nenad Krstic poured in 16 points to lead the charge, while Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 15. Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) posted 14 and Milan Macvan scored 8. Mirza Teletovic finished the game with 18 points and Henry Domercant scored 11.

Bosnia and Herzegovina NT: Mirza Teletovic 18, Henry Domercant 11
Serbia NT: Nenad Krstic 16, Dusko Savanovic 15, Aleksandar Rasic 14, Milan Macvan 8


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


Brasil national team wins all their games in the Super 4 cup - by Mel Devonne
Marcelino Miuchado had 14 points and Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) had 11 as Brasil swept the Super 4 Cup
with a 78-63 win over Venezuela.
The cup was a warm up for the FIBA Americas Championship coming in Mar del Plata in September.
The Brasil nationbal team needs to place or win these tournaments to qualify for the 2012 olympics.
According to FIBA.com the Brasil players are pleased with the progress of the national team and
they expect to play in the 2012 London Olympic games.

Marcello Crivellente transfer to school in Oklahoma - by Paulo Freire
Former Western Nebraska CC player Marcello Crivellente (193-F-89) announced today that is transferring to University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and will suit up for the Drovers this season.

The 6-4 Small forward has two years of eligibility remaining. A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Marcello spent his last seasons in Brazil playing for a small club call Banespa before going to U.S. for college. He will bring international experience to the small forward position and also has a nice perimeter game and defends inside and out.


Brazilian National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Marcelinho Machado
Machado
Tiago Splitter
Splitter
Alexandre Garcia
Garcia
Guilherme Giovannoni
Giovannoni
Marquinhos Vinicius
Vinicius
#e#5
Marcelinho Machado 199-F/G-75 Flamengo Brazil
Tiago Splitter 211-C/F-85 San Antonio S. USA
Alexandre Garcia 191-G-80 BRB/Brasilia Brazil
Guilherme Giovannoni 202-F-80 BRB/Brasilia Brazil
Marquinhos Vinicius 207-F-84 Pinheiros/Sky Brazil
Lucas Nogueira 213-C-92 Estudiantes Spain
Vitor Benite 190-F/G-90 Winner/Limeira Brazil
Rafael Hettsheimeir 206-C-86 CAI Zaragoza Spain
Wellington Santos 185-PG-81 BRB/Brasilia Brazil
Raul Neto 186-PG-92 Pitagoras/Minas Brazil
Caio Torres 211-C-87 Flamengo Brazil

Ruben Magnano Head Coach Atenas Argentina


*****************************************************
  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS   


U17 British Virgin Islands avoid last place in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
U17 PANAMA - U17 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 79-81 OT2

British Virgin Islands celebrated in the last day of the competition in Gurabo. It was a game for the seventh place at U17 Centrobasket and British Virgin Islands grabbed 81-79 thriller win against Panama. It was a game with two overtimes. Panama finished as the last ranked team in Gurabo. Shakiel Humphrey (95) led the winners with 27 points and 8 rebounds. Ryan Alfred (95) had 23 points and 12 rebs, while Reavaun Garraway (95) added 12 points, 10 boards, and 9 assists. In Panama, Abid Oses (F/C-95) collected 26 points and 9 rebs. Pablo Rivas (95) also was good as he added 20 pts and 19 rebs. Quarters: 15-20, 12-11, 21-16, 18-19, 13-15. Puerto Rico won the Gold in Gurabo. Mexico and US Virgin Islands also booked a ticket for U18 FIBA Americans Championship 2012.

Panama: Abid Oses 26+9 boards, Pablo Rivas 20+19 boards
British Virgin Islands: Shakiel Humphrey 27+8 boards, Ryan Alfred 23+12 boards, Reavaun Garraway 12+10 boards+9 as

*****************************************************
  BULGARIA   


Lukoil parts ways with Travis Peterson - by Maria Mitzova
BK Prostejov have strengthened their front-court with the addition of 6-10 American center Travis Peterson (208-C-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: Samford). The 26 year old Peterson joins Prostejov from Lukoil Academik Sofia, whom interestingly enough, Prostejov will face in September for a chance to qualify for the Eurocup. The former Samford University star had a busy season last year in Bulgaria, competing in Eurocup Qualifying games, 15 EuroChallenge contests and 36 domestic games, as Lukoil claimed the regular season, cup and overall championships. Peterson's entire three-year career has been spent in Bulgaria and he has proven to be one of the best and most talented big men in the region, earning Bulgarian League All-Imports Team honors for three consecutive seasons. This past season he averaged 8.7 points and 6.9 rebounds in 15 EuroChallenge games while upping his numbers to 13.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 67.8% from 2FG and 33.3% from 3FG in 36 Bulgarian League games.

By Surujh Roopnarine


Kaloyan Ivanov considering two offers from Spain - by Maria Mitzova
Bulgarian forward Kaloyan Ivanov (205-F-86) is considering two offers from Spanish clubs. He is playing in League ACB since 2006, having participated for Vive Menorca, Basquet Menorca and Cajasol. Ivanov left Cajasol on mutual consent at the end of last season and is now in search for a new destination.
As of today, we are in talks with two clubs from Spain, and most likely I will accept one of those. I already spoke with the head coach of one of those two teams, he explained his vision, and he knows very well my game. He wants me, and assured me this is the place for me, admitted Kaloyan Ivanov, interviewed by BgBasket.com.


*****************************************************
  CANADA   


Canadian National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Brady Heslip
Heslip
Denham Brown
Brown
Andy Rautins
Rautins
Jevohn Shepherd
Shepherd
Levon Kendall
Kendall
#e#5
4 Jermaine Anderson 188-G-83 Panionios Greece
5 Kelly Olynyk 210-F-91 Gonzaga
6 Murphy Burnatowski 200-F-90 Maine
7 Jamie Vanderbeken 210-F-87 Iowa St.
8 Brady Heslip 185-G Baylor
9 Denham Brown 198-F-83 Dnipro Ukraine
10 Andy Rautins 193-PG-86 New York K.
11 Aaron Doornekamp 198-F-85 Pepsi Caserta Italy
12 Jesse Young 207-C-80 Banca Tercas Italy
13 Jevohn Shepherd 196-F-86 ZZ Leiden Holland
14 Levon Kendall 209-F-84 Obradoiro Spain
15 Jeffrey Ferguson 211-F/C-81 Edmonton E. Canada
22 Nemanja Mitrovic 195-G Portland
23 Mangisto Arop 195-F-90 Gonzaga

Leo Rautins Head Coach
Renato Pasquali Assistant Benetton TV Italy
Scott Roth Assistant Toronto R. USA
Greg Francis Assistant Alberta Canada


USA Midwest edge Canada for Nike Global Challenge title - by Eurobasket News
USA Midwest - Canada 99:94

USA Midwest selection clinched the title at 2011 Nike Global Challenge tournament in Hillsboro, Oregon. They overcame Canada in the championship game yesterday. The tournament featured top U19 talents all around the world. Archie Goodwin stepped up with 23 points to pace USA Midwest in the title game.
The teams stayed close throughout the first half. Canada erupted for 57 in the half to record a 2-point lead at halftime. Canada maintained the lead throughout the third term. They established an 81:78 lead with one quarter remaining. But USA Midwest went on a 21:13 rally in the fourth stanza to steal a tough victory at the end. Jarnell Stokes knocked down 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds for the winners. Marcus Paige contributed 11 points for USA Midwest. Anthony Bennett (6'7''-F-93) replied with 20 points and 7 rebounds for Canada. Andrew Wiggins (6'8''-F-95) netted 18 points and 7 boards in defeat.

USA Midwest: Archie Goodwin 23, Jarnell Stokes 13, Marcus Paige 11
Canada: Anthony Bennett 20, Andrew Wiggins 18


*****************************************************
  CENTROBASKET U17   


Puerto Rico wins Gold medal in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
Mexico - Puerto Rico 75-90
Puerto Rico won the Gold in Gurabo. The host of U17 CentroBasket cruised past Mexico 90-75 in the Finals to win the first place. Of course Silver belongs to Mexico. Both teams booked a spot for the 2012 FIBA Americas Championship U18. Abdiel Badillo (193-F-94) was a key player in victory with 27 points and 13 rebounds. He reached valuation 29 and was the MVP of this meeting. Jerome Caraballo (95) had 14 pts and 13 rebs, while Esteban Cordero (94) added 13 points in this victory. In the loosing squad, Jose Estrada (94) shined with 28 points and 6 rebounds. Raul Frutos (94) (7 rebs) and Miguel Ramirez (94) (6 rebs) netted 12 points each. Quarters: 7-31, 24-25, 15-10, 29-24.

Places 3-4
U.S. Virgin Islands - Bahamas 86-83 OT
US Virgin Islands grabbed 86-83 thriller win against Bahamas in the last day of U17 CentroBasket in Gurabo. Thanks to this victory US Virgin Island won the Bronze at this event. They also booked a spot for the next U18 FIBA Americas Championship. Bahamas ended as No.4 and stay without the medal. They also failed to reach FIBA Americas. Rasheed Swanston (95) shined for the winners with 32 points and 11 rebounds. Khalid Hart (95) had 28 pts, 7 rebs and 6 assists, while Kareem Harris (94) added 12 points in this victory. In the loosing squad, Khristen Francis (95) collected 19 points and 5 rebounds. Lourawls Nairn (95) had 18 points and 8 rebs, while Adney Bethel (94) added 14 pts in this loss. Quarters: 33-14, 11-25, 14-20, 17-16, 11-8.

Places 5-6
Dominican Republic - Belize 85-81
Dominican Republic outplayed Belize 85-81 in the last day of the championship in Gurabo. It was a game for the fifth place at U17 CentroBasket. Of course, Belize ended as No.6. Both teams failed to book a spot for the next U18 FIBA Americas Championship. Karl-Anthony Towns (96) led the winners with 28 points and 8 rebounds. Brandone Francis (95) added 17 points, 6 rebs and 6 assists, while Adonis Gonzalez (95) followed with 12 pts and 8 boards. On the other side, Devin Daly (188-F-95) shined in defeat with 34 points and 12 rebounds. Tariq Middleton (178-G-95) had 24 pts and 6 rebs. Quarters: 13-19, 32-21, 15-12, 25-29. Puerto Rico is the winner of U17 CentroBasket in Gurabo.

Places 7-8
Panama - British Virgin Islands 79-81 OT2
British Virgin Islands celebrated in the last day of the competition in Gurabo. It was a game for the seventh place at U17 Centrobasket and British Virgin Islands grabbed 81-79 thriller win against Panama. It was a game with two overtimes. Panama finished as the last ranked team in Gurabo. Shakiel Humphrey (95) led the winners with 27 points and 8 rebounds. Ryan Alfred (95) had 23 points and 12 rebs, while Reavaun Garraway (95) added 12 points, 10 boards, and 9 assists. In Panama, Abid Oses (F/C-95) collected 26 points and 9 rebs. Pablo Rivas (95) also was good as he added 20 pts and 19 rebs. Quarters: 15-20, 12-11, 21-16, 18-19, 13-15. Puerto Rico won the Gold in Gurabo. Mexico and US Virgin Islands also booked a ticket for U18 FIBA Americans Championship 2012.

Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Jose ESTRADA
  (--94)
  Avg: 32.4
 1. Estrada, MEX32.4 
 2. Daly, BIZ24.4 
 3. Middleton, BIZ21.4 
 4. Badillo, PUR17.6 
 5. Hart, ISV17.0 
 6. Humphrey, IVB17.0 
 7. Francis, DOM16.8 
 8. Oses, PAN16.4 
 9. Nairn, BAH16.2 
 10. Rivas, PAN16.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Tavario MILLER
  (--94)
  Avg: 13.8
 1. Miller, BAH13.8 
 2. Daly, BIZ12.4 
 3. White, BIZ11.4 
 4. Coleby, BAH11.2 
 5. Rivas, PAN10.8 
 6. Badillo, PUR9.8 
 7. Der-Weer, ISV9.0 
 8. Towns, DOM8.5 
 9. Weaver, ISV8.4 
 10. Aguilera, MEX8.2 
Assists Per Game
 Lourawls NAIRN
  (--95)
  Avg: 5.8
 1. Nairn, BAH5.8 
 2. Rolle, BAH5.0 
 3. Moses, BIZ4.8 
 4. Hart, ISV4.6 
 5. Curet, PUR4.4 
 6. Ortiz, PUR4.4 
 7. Garraway, IVB4.2 
 8. Dicent, DOM3.8 
 9. Nunez Castil., DOM3.5 
 10. Moquete, DOM3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Reavaun GARRAWAY
  (--95)
  Avg: 4.6
 1. Garraway, IVB4.6 
 2. Middleton, BIZ4.6 
 3. Rolle, BAH4.4 
 4. Curet, PUR4.2 
 5. Curet, PUR3.6 
 6. Estrada, MEX3.4 
 7. Dicent, DOM3.0 
 8. Miller, BAH2.6 
 9. Ortiz, PUR2.4 
 10. Baptist, BIZ2.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Pablo RIVAS
  (--95)
  Avg: 5
 1. Rivas, PAN5.0 
 2. Miller, BAH3.2 
 3. Coleby, BAH2.4 
 4. Rodriguez, PUR2.0 
 5. Santos, ISV2.0 
 6. Daly, BIZ1.8 
 7. Georges, IVB1.8 
 8. Towns, DOM1.5 
 9. Badillo, PUR1.4 
 10. Aguilera, MEX1.4 


*****************************************************
  CHINA   


China Destroyed by Russia 70-45 - by Arthur Volbert
What is wrong with China's team? Today it lost to Russia 70-45 in the Stankovic Cup.

It is true that Wang Shipeng was the only starter on the national team who played today and he only played 12 minutes. Still he missed all 6 of his shots, which is not encouraging. It is true that this is practice, but is this team simply practicing to lose?

China hit 11 of 39 two-point shots, little more than 1 of 4 attempts. There 6 of 23 three-point shooting was about the same abominable percentage. Shooting is supposed to be China's strength.

Su Wei had 10 points and 9 rebounds in 22 minutes, hitting 5 of 9, and was the only player who performed acceptably. Zhang Bo had 10 points and 7 rebounds, hitting 4 of 9. Yi Li scored 9 but hit only 3 of 9 shots. Xirelijiang and Yu Shulong each scored 6. Zhang Zhaoxu had 3 points and 4 rebounds in 13 minutes, hitting his only shot but missing 3 of 4 free throws. Mo Ke (210-C-82) was scoreless in 20 minutes, missing all 10 shots he attempted. Wang Ligang shot 0 for 5.

China actually outrebouded Russia 40-37 and had 15 turnovers to 11 for Russia, not totally abominable. But China's shooting was about as abominable as it could get. The Asian Championship is not until September 15. Hopefully China's injured players will return by then. China cannot depend on the far end of its bench, no matter which players are selected to fulfil that role.

In the other game, New Zealand defeated Angola 86-58.


USA...made in CHINA - by Alex Yam
Only in China and the CBA will virtually every NBA player who means anything has been linked to a CBA team, are we forgetting that their are only 17 teams and one of which can not even employ a foreign player (Bayi). So in reality 16 teams, means 32 available spots, not taking into account returning players (Douby) and budgets. Just because the back of 99.99 percent of Americans/foreigners T shirt tags say the magical 3 words, 'MADE IN CHINA', does not automatically signal a mass exodus in terms of the basketball world. In fact the same teams over and over have been linked to different players, the latest being Dirk Nowitzki.

I am personally surprised that Michael Jordan's name has not been brought up, I can see it now... MJ comes out of retirement.... to play in the CBA! These rumors can go on, simply because the Chinese season starts late, so does anyone really know who is coming or going? not even the teams themselves do... for many years, decades, Americans have long been mass consumers of Chinese made goods, counterfeit or not in this case... so its about time that the Chinese pay a premium for something MADE IN THE USA, in this case PLAYERS, but if this really happens, as slim as it might be, who does this really benefit? us or China? we still get our .50 cent suits but they are getting a million plus dollar product on loan essentially. Hmmm.....

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


Croatian National Team -11 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Ante Tomic
Tomic
Bojan Bogdanovic
Bogdanovic
Dontaye Draper
Draper
Krunoslav Simon
Simon
Luksa Andric
Andric
#e#5
4 Ante Tomic 217-C-87 Real Madrid Spain
6 Marko Popovic 185-G-82 Unics Russia
7 Bojan Bogdanovic 202-G/F-89 Fener.Ulker Turkey
8 Rok Stipcevic 188-PG-86 Cimberio VA Italy
9 Marko Tomas 201-G-85 Fener.Ulker Turkey
10 Dontaye Draper 180-G-84 Cedevita Croatia
12 Krunoslav Simon 197-F-85 KK Zagreb CO Croatia
13 Damir Markota 210-C/F-85 Union Olimpija Slovenia
14 Luka Zoric 211-C/F-84 Unicaja Spain
15 Luksa Andric 210-C-85 Galatasaray Turkey
20 Zoran Vrkic 200-G-87 Peristeri GS Greece
21 Stanko Barac 217-C-86 Anadolu Efes Turkey

Josip Vrankovic Head Coach Cibona Croatia


Croatian National Team won the thriller over the hosts at the Adecco Cup EX-YU - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia NT-Croatia NT 60:65

Croatian National Team won the thriller over the hosts at the Adecco Cup EX-YU. Croatia grabbed 65:60 win to face Serbia tomorrow in the Final.
It was a great game and kept the spectators alive until the last minutes. The first two periods brought the same score on the board as Slovenia won both of them 16-15. Both teams left the court for the big break at 32:30, but Krunoslav tied the game at 32:32 and then Croatia won the third frame 21-16 to take 51:48 advantage after thirty minutes. Krunoslav brought Croatia 53:52 lead, while E Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) brought the lead back to the hosts at 54:53. Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) scored for 56:53, while Popovic scored a three-pointer for 56:56. Erazem Lorbek and Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) exchanged the baskets for 58:58 with 3 and a half minutes to go. Goran Dragic made two free throws for the home side, but Popovic again replied from the perimeter for 1-point lead. Both teams were scoreless with two minutes at the end of the game, while Tomic broke the silence at 63:60. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) made two free throws for 65:60 that became the final score in the game.
Krunoslav Simon top-scored for the winners with15 points for 2-0 record. Bojan Bogdanovic netted 11 and Luka Zoric posted 9. Erazem Lorbek answered with 14 points in the losing effort, while Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) notched 10.

Slovenia NT: Erazem Lorbek 14, Matjaz Smodis 10, Goran Dragic 8
Croatia NT: Krunoslav Simon (197-F-85) 15, Bojan Bogdanovic 11, Luka Zoric 9


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


Cyprus Men's NT: A Round Up of the last nine friendly games - by Chris Mammides
The Cyprus National Team under the coaching of Christos Stylianidis just finished a series of friendly games against significantly strong teams with a positive feed back as out of nine games the positive results were five while the negative were four (two of which from the same team)
The friendly games started nearly a month ago in the Belorussia tournament where the teams of the host Belorussia, Ukraine, Jordan and Cyprus play in a small tournament which found the hosts to win the unofficial title as they beat all the three opponents. In regards to the Cyprus NT after the first negative result which could have been avoid with a better second half as the Cyprus NT scored just 19 points in 20 minutes, the other two games were victorious as the Cyprus NT beat quite easily the Jordanian NT while in the derby against Ukraine the Cyprus NT showed character and beat the game at the end.

The result analysis of the three games was as follows:
Against Belorussia the quarters were: 18-12, 30-28, 52-41, 63-47 and the points scored were: Christopher Razis (193-F-89) 11, Pilavas 5, Trisokkas 1, Neofytou 4, Koronidis 5, Vassilis Kounas (195-G-84) 6, Koutsoloukas 4, Kaskiris 6 and Zahariou 5
Against Jordan the quarters were: 19-19, 35-35. 49-50, 68-74 and the points scored were: Christopher Razis 9 (1), Pilavas 5, Trisokkas 7, Neofytou 2, Koronidis 19 (5), Kaskiris 8, Vassilis Kounas 9, Zahariou 8 (2), Theocharidis 2, and Pittakas 5 (1).
Against Ukraine the quarters were: 18-23, 33-30, 47-51, 61-59 and the points scored were: Christopher Razis 18, Pilavas 3, Filippou 6, Koronidis 6 (2), Vassilis Kounas 9 (3), Koutsoloukas 5, Theocharidis 3 (1), Pittakas 3.

The second lot of friendly games took place last week against the National Team of Holland. Unfortunately for the Cyprus NT both games were lost in details (especially the first one) The two games analysis was as follows:
Against Holland no.1 the quarters were: 16-9, 24-31,40-49, and 58-64 with the points scored as follows: Christopher Razis 8, Pilavas 11, Trisokkas 10, Koronidis 9, Vassilis Kounas 7, Kaskiris 3, Theocharidis 5, Zahariou 2, Pittakas 3.
Against Holland no.2 the quarters were: 12-15, 28-37, 48-51, and 54-67 and the points scored were as follows: Christopher Razis 10, Pilavas 3, Trisokkas 16, Koronidis 3, Vassilis Kounas 10, Pittakas 4, Koutsoloukas 4 and Kaskiris 4.

The final set of friendly games took place these last days in the 1st international tournament of National Teams OPAP. In this tournament three teams participated, the Austrian NT, the Romanian NT and the host team of Cyprus NT. The NT just a few days before the official games showed a positive picture and beat both the opponents, and now the head Coach Stylianidis has more or less a much better picture about his players and their weaknesses and their strengths, as this series of friendly games which is quite innovative for the Cyprus NT will be of a great assistance for the Cyprus Basketball in general. This is the best incident on behalf of the Cyprus Basketball federation after many years, is a step forward and not backwards. So whatever the results will be in the official games in Division B, Group C for the preliminary round of Eurobasket championship, the Cyprus NT worked probably much better than all the previous years and this will be shown in the court.

The last two results in more analysis were as follows:
Against Austria the quarters were: 11-10,29-30,51-38,67-54 and the points scored Christopher Razis 10, Koutsoloukas 4, Pilavas 14 (3), Trisokkas 14, Neofytou 1, Koronidis 8, Vassilis Kounas 2, Kaskiris 2 and Theocharidis 12 (1)
Against Romania the quarters were: 10-9, 31-20, 51-38, 68-61 and the points scored were: Christopher Razis 4, Pilavas 6 (2), Trisokkas 10, Pittakas 3, Koronidis 7 (2), Vassilis Kounas 18, Kaskiris 12, Zahariou 2, Theocharidis 6.
It is worth mentioned that the Romanian NT is at the first position of Group B with a record of 3-1 together with Sweden while Austria is at the 2nd spot of the Group A behind the Dutch NT which currently has a 3-0 record.
The players of Christos Stylianidis in these 9 games were the following:
Christopher Razis of EWE Baskets (GER)
Panagiotis Trisokkas of Keravnos
Andreas pilavas of Keravnos
Stelios Filippou of ENAD
Iraklis Pittakas Free agent
Alexis Zahariou Free agent
Aristidis Koronidis Free Agent
Vassilis Kounas of Lavrio (GRE)
Christodoulos Kaskiris of APOEL
Giorgos Neofytou of APOEL
Panagiotis Koutsoloukas of Hunter (USA)
George Theocharides Free Agent



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


Czech Republic National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Pavel Slezak
Slezak
Pavel Houska
Houska
Michal Carnecky
Carnecky
Lubos Barton
Barton
Miroslav Soukup
Soukup
#e#5
5 Lukas Kotas 194-F-84 BK Pardubice Czech Republic
6 Pavel Slezak 186-G-84 CEZ Nymburk Czech Republic
8 Ondrej Dygryn 190-G-84 B&W Opava Czech Republic
9 Pavel Houska 201-F-84 BK Decin Czech Republic
10 Michal Carnecky 184-G-85 BK Pardubice Czech Republic
11 Lubos Barton 202-F/G-80 Fuenlabrada Spain
13 Jakub Kudlacek 193-G-90 San Severo Italy
14 Kamil Svrdlik 203-F-86 BK Prostejov Czech Republic
15 Ondrej Balvin 215-C-92 Cajasol Spain
22 Tomas Hampl 215-C-88 Santurtzi Spain
34 Miroslav Soukup 200-F-82 BK Decin Czech Republic
41 Tomas Pomikalek 200-F-89 BK Decin Czech Republic

Pavel Budinsky Head Coach BK Decin Czech Republic
Mike Taylor Assistant Ratiopharm Germany


BK Prostejov Lands Center Travis Peterson - by Surujh Roopnarine
Last season's second-place finishers BK Prostejov have strengthened their front-court with the addition of 6-10 American center Travis Peterson (208-C-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: Samford). The 26 year old Peterson joins Prostejov from Lukoil Academik Sofia, whom interestingly enough, Prostejov will face in September for a chance to qualify for the Eurocup. The former Samford University star had a busy season last year in Bulgaria, competing in Eurocup Qualifying games, 15 EuroChallenge contests and 36 domestic games, as Lukoil claimed the regular season, cup and overall championships. Peterson's entire three-year career has been spent in Bulgaria and he has proven to be one of the best and most talented big men in the region, earning Bulgarian League All-Imports Team honors for three consecutive seasons. This past season he averaged 8.7 points and 6.9 rebounds in 15 EuroChallenge games while upping his numbers to 13.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 67.8% from 2FG and 33.3% from 3FG in 36 Bulgarian League games. A very gifted offensive player, Peterson joins returning center Yemi Nicholson (208-C-83, college: Denver) along with newcomers Rostislav Pelikan (207-F/C-78) and rookie Kamil Svrdlik (203-F-86, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) as the core of Prostejovs new frontcourt.

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


Heading into the 2011-2012 CDL season - by Thomas Soltau
The CDL teams are about to make their final touches on their rosters for the upcoming season as they head into preseason training.

There was been a lot going on this summer, Falcon Basketball is the new team in the league, and have already seen some important players sign with the club. The Rabbits from Svendborg was in trouble financially, but seems to have been saved just in time, and will set out again as the top challenger for Bakken's title.

In Horsens and Naestved strong teams are also forming, and hopefully they will take some important steps this year, and fully establish themselves as true contenders.

Still the most positive thing this summer, has likely been the Danish youth National Team's participation in european tournaments, and all the experience the youth players stand to gain from this. Hopefully some of these young players will also make their presents felt in the CDL this year.

Eurobasket Denmark wishes all the CDL teams the best of luck this year.



Mike Flowers signs with SISU - by Eurobasket News
SISU strengthened their backcourt. They landed Mike Flowers (193-G, college: Barton, NC). The guard will start his pro career in Denmark. Mike Flowers has just graduated from Barton College. He tallied 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game in his senior season. Mike Flowers was born in Denmark but moved overseas at the age of 17. He is the member of Danish National Team.


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


U17 Dominican Republic is No.5 in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
U17 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - U17 BELIZE 85-81

Dominican Republic outplayed Belize 85-81 in the last day of the championship in Gurabo. It was a game for the fifth place at U17 CentroBasket. Of course, Belize ended as No.6. Both teams failed to book a spot for the next U18 FIBA Americas Championship. Karl-Anthony Towns (96) led the winners with 28 points and 8 rebounds. Brandone Francis (95) added 17 points, 6 rebs and 6 assists, while Adonis Gonzalez (95) followed with 12 pts and 8 boards. On the other side, Devin Daly (188-F-95) shined in defeat with 34 points and 12 rebounds. Tariq Middleton (178-G-95) had 24 pts and 6 rebs. Quarters: 13-19, 32-21, 15-12, 25-29. Puerto Rico is the winner of U17 CentroBasket in Gurabo.

Dominican Republic: Karl-Anthony Towns 28+8 boards, Brandone Francis 17+6 boards+6 as, Adonis Gonzalez 12+8 boards
Belize: Devin Daly 34+12 boards, Tariq Middleton 24+6 boards

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


Estonian National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Rain Veideman
Veideman
Janar Talts
Talts
Gregor Arbet
Arbet
Joosep Toome
Toome
Kristjan Kangur
Kangur
#e#5
4 Rain Veideman 192-G-91 TU/Rock Estonia
5 Sten-Timmu Sokk 181-G-89 TU/Rock Estonia
6 Gert Dorbek 194-G-85 Kalev/Cramo Estonia
7 Kristo Saage 184-G-85 Aiscai Kaunas Lithuania
8 Janar Talts 205-C-83 Cimberio VA Italy
9 Gregor Arbet 194-F/G-83 Kalev/Cramo Estonia
10 Kaido Saks 205-F-86 Kalev/Cramo Estonia
11 Kristjan Kitsing 201-F/C-90 Kalev/Cramo Estonia
12 Rain Raadik 206-C-89 TU/Rock Estonia
13 Joosep Toome 202-F-85 Kalev/Cramo Estonia
14 Kristjan Kangur 202-F-82 Cimberio VA Italy
15 Tanel Kurbas 197-F-88 TU/Rock Estonia
16 Erik Keedus 194-F-90 TTU/Kalev Estonia

Tiit Sokk Head Coach Noortekoondis Estonia


Estonia clinch title in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News
Estonia - USA Select 75:64

Estonia celebrated the victory at the Tallinn international tournament. They overcame USA Select team on the final day of the competition to clinch 3-0 record. Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) stepped up with 20 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. USA Select fell at 1-2 record in the third position in the ladder.
USA Select dominated in the starting period. The North American side posted a 19:14 lead ten minutes into the game. But Estonia gradually levelled things up. They stayed close throughout the second term and trailed by just a single point at halftime 28:29. USA Select did not allow the hosts to pull ahead in the third term. The visitors arrived at the final break up by 4 points 50:46. But Estonia changed drastically in the fourth quarter. They unloaded 29 points to march to the victory at the end. Janar Talts (205-C-83) stepped up with 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Rain Veideman (192-G-91) added 11 points in the victory. Brandon Triche (193-G-91) replied with 25 points for USA Select. Anthony Johnson (191-G) accounted for 10 points, while Rodney McGruder (193-G-91) had 9 in the loss.

Estonia: Kristjan Kangur 20, Janar Talts 14, Rain Veideman 11
USA Select: Brandon Triche 25, Anthony Johnson 10, Rodney McGruder 9


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


Dexia Mons-Hainaut land A.J. Slaughter - by Eurobasket News
A.J. Slaughter (191-G-88, college: W.Kentucky) will continue his career in Belgium. The guard has agreed on terms of contract with Dexia Mons-Hainaut. A.J. Slaughter started his pro career last season. He landed in Italian Angelico Biella. The guard tallied 10.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 assists per game in Seria A. A.J. Slaughter graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2010. He posted 17.5 points, 4.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game in his senior season. A.J. Slaughter was named into All-Sun Belt 1st Team in 2010. The guard also made it into NABC Division I All-District 24 1st Team. A.J. Slaughter participated at Kentuckiana Pro Am this summer. The guard played for Team Jordan.


Timmy Bowers on the verge of returning to Hapoel Jerusalem - by David Pick
Updated: August 9, 2011, 02:35 AM

If there are two guaranteed things you must know about Timmy Bowers, it's that he is one heck of a ball player and that he is a fan of consistency. 'Eurobasket' learned early this morning that Bowers, who played in Israel for a total of four years, is on the verge of agreeing to terms offered by his former Israeli team, Hapoel Jerusalem.

Head Coach Oded Katash recently spoke with the 04' Mississippi St. graduate and the two are both willing and excited on working together. Jerusalem's coaching staff was eager to bring Bowers back to the Holy Land, but despite differences with the management, it seems like things have been sorted out and Bowers will return for his second stretch with the 'red devils'.

The 29-year-old scorer first came to Israel in 05' and joined Maccabi Givat Shmuel immediately impacting the league, finishing second in scoring with 21.4ppg and adding 5.3rpg and 3.6apg. The following season Bowers joined Jerusalem where he would win two Israeli state-cups and record averages of 15.7ppg, 4.1rpg and 4.5apg in the domestic league and 16.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.6apg and 2.4spg in the EuroChallenge competition. Bowers would then move to Italy and play for two seasons with Pepsi JuveCaserta posting disappointing numbers of 10 points per game in both the domestic league and European competition.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

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


Pelekanos extended with olympiakos - by Giorgos Diploidis
Michalis Pelekanos (198-F-81) will be a player of Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus for one more year because he signed a new contract. Comparing to the previous one he was made a high decrease in the money taking, but he was promised that he will have much more time in the court than he used to.

Pelekanos who was made known in the team of Peristeri, this year with Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus had 4.4 ppg and 2.1 rpg in the Greek league, playing in 19 games.

EXCLUSIVE JORDAN FARMAR INTERVIEW - I WANT TO LEAD MACCABI - by David Pick


From NCAA champs to former NBA players - - Israeli basketball fans have seen it all. Or have they? Maccabi T.A. recently signed an NBA lockout deal with the undoubtedly real 'Jewish Jordan', former Lakers two-time NBA champion point guard Jordan Farmar, causing wild excitement across the Mediterranean.

Farmar

In an exclusive phone interview, Farmar talks to 'Eurobasket' about his expectations and overseas commitment 'living away from home and meeting new people' is what prompted the decision, along with the professional adventure with Maccabi. 'Playing a different style of basketball, being vocal, positive and making guys better will help me grow and learn from this experience.'

One can't help but compare Farmar's new American coach David Blatt to the real 'Zen Master', Phil Jackson (in European terms). The Jewish guard spoke with Blatt about mutual expectations. 'From talking on the phone with Coach Blatt, he sounds like a really cool guy. I heard great reviews and got good feedback about him and I'm looking forward to working together. Professionally, I heard that he is a smart coach who controls the pace of the game but lets his players play their own style as well. His success speaks for itself.'

Blatt
Coming off his best season statistically, Farmar is not concerned about the different style of play between Europe and the NBA. 'European basketball expresses itself differently because things are mostly done through teamwork. Success and achievements will come when everyone is committed to winning.'

In terms of playing in a tense winning atmosphere like Maccabi, Farmar added 'I played in the NBA for five years, the upcoming season being my sixth as a professional player. I've won two NBA championships and lost one in the finals so I know what it feels like to be in a situation to get that close and come up short. I believe that my experience on the court and off could help out the team, also on a day to day basis.'

The UCLA graduate commented on the lockout situation, 'I just want to come out, play my game and contribute whatever Coach asks of me. I understand the complexity of the situation with the NBA lockout, not knowing how long everything is going to last, but I'm sure I'll get a feel of the Maccabi atmosphere, and understanding of the team's system once I get out there.'

Farmar

On August 25th, Farmar is expected to arrive in Israel but he is no stranger to the Tel Aviv scene or Maccabi's history. 'I went to Maccabi basketball and soccer games when I was younger with my stepfather so I know what the fans expect from their players. Israel is a beautiful country. I understand that the fans are very enthusiastic and I'm just looking forward to getting out there and finally being a part of that.'

Asked about the role he will take on once he wears the yellow-and-blue jersey, Farmar commented 'I feel comfortable with the role of a leader, it comes naturally to me and it's a role I want in any situation I'm in. I take pride in team basketball and making my teammates better. I think the winning culture that Maccabi has where it competes for titles every year will help us grow and I think that dedication and commitment to get over the hump and to the top is through teamwork.'

Last season Maccabi came up short in the European finals losing to Greek Panathinaikos. Farmar's advice on getting his new team back to the top is that 'there isn't a special formula or something special I need to do. The dedication, commitment level and overall feeling amongst the organization and the guys in the locker room should make the difference between winning and losing.'

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd





*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Ben Gordon to miss the European Basketball Championship - by Eurobasket News
Ben Gordon (188-G-83, college: Connecticut) will miss the European Basketball Championship because of insurance problems caused by the NBA lockout. He's eligible to play for Great Britain, because his mother, Yvonne - originally from Jamaica - lived in London when he was born in 1983.
After graduating from Connecticut (NCAA) he was drafted by Chicago Bulls (NBA,1rd (3)). Ben played there for 5 seasons and in the last one averaged high 21.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 86.5%. In 2009-2010 for $10,000,000 moved to Detroit Pistons (NBA and in 62 games had 13.8ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 86.1%. Last season for Detroit Pistons (NBA) his stats read 11.2ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 85.0%.
In his top game last season he erupted with 35 points at the Regular Season Round 96. The Pistons handled themselves for 36 minutes but couldn't sustain it, falling 124-106 on to New York. Ben Gordon had his strongest game since the home opener against Oklahoma City and kept the Pistons in contention with a season-high 35 points - 16 in the third quarter.
It has already been confirmed that Chicago Bulls star Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) will compete for Great Britain in Eurobasket 2011, which takes place from 31 August to 18 September in Lithuania.


Kemzura cuts three from squad - by Eurobasket News
The Head Coach of Lithuania Kestutis Kemzura cuts Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85), Donatas Motiejunas (213-C-90, agency: Interperformances) and Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) from the squad.
Donatas Motiejunas played for Benetton Treviso (Italy-SerieA, starting five) last season and in EuroCup after 18 games averaged 10.2ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 63.0%. In Italian League after 37 games his stats read 12.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 54.6%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 71.5%. He was drafted by Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA,1rd (20)) and traded to Houston Rockets (NBA), before the season started due to lockout, he joined back Benetton Treviso (Italy-SerieA).
Renaldas Seibutis played last season for Olin Edirne Basketball (Turkey-TBL, starting five) and in 33 games became the fifth top-scorer with 18.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 87.7%. In 2011 he signed a 3-year contract with Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (LKL).
Martynas Gecevicius played for Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (LKL, starting five) last season and in Lithuanian League averaged 11.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 46.9%, FT: 84.2%. In Euroleague after 15 games his stats read 11.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 83.9%. The season 2011-2012 he will start for Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-A1, starting five).


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  FRANCE   


Karim Souchu leaves Limoges - by Eurobasket Center
Karim Souchu (198-F-79) will not play for Limoges CSP Elite in season 2011/2012. The 31-year-old French forward is free agent for the next season. Karim graduated from Furman.
Karim Souchu participated at Eurocup with Liege, Roanne & AEL. The forward tallied 4.9ppg, 2.0rpg, and 1.1assists per game this season with only 17minutes.


Brian Boddicker moves to STB Le Havre - by Eurobasket News
Brian Boddicker (204-F-81, college: Texas) moves to STB Le Havre for 2011/2012 season. The American Forward comes from Mutlu Aku Selcuk Universitesi Konya where he finished the last season.
After finishing four seasons with Texas (NCAA), in 2004-2005 Brian Boddicker moved to Galatasaray Istanbul (Turkey-D1) and in 26 games averaged 14.7ppg, 7.6rpg, 2FGP: 45.0%, 3FGP: 33.0%. In 2005-2006 moved to EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga) and had 10.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 2FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 45.0%. In 2006-2007 played for Selcuk Universitesi Konya and became the second top-scorer with 19.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 82.2%. In 2007-2008 appeared for Grupo Capitol Valladolid (Spain-ACB, starting five) and in 34 games showed 13.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 46.0%, FT: 82.0%.
In 2008-2009 Brian moved to ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA, starting five), injured in March'09 and was off for 6 weeks. In 23 games his stats read 14.3ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 81.5%. In 2009-2010 signed with ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA, starting five) and had 7.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0bpg. The last season Brian Boddicker started for Mutlu Aku Selcuk Universitesi Konya (Turkey-TB2L, starting five) and in 21 games averaged high 17.2ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 74.4%.


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  FYR MACEDONIA   


FYR Macedonian National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Vlado Ilievski
Ilievski
Darko Sokolov
Sokolov
Vojdan Stojanovski
Stojanovski
Pero Antic
Antic
Predrag Samardziski
Samardziski
#e#5
4 Dimitar Mirakovski 179-PG-81 Rabotnicki FYR Macedonia
5 Vlado Ilievski 189-PG-80 Union Olimpija Slovenia
6 Darko Sokolov 190-PG-86 Feni Indistrija FYR Macedonia
7 Aleksandar Kostoski 188-G-88 Torus Skopje FYR Macedonia
8 Vojdan Stojanovski 194-G-87 Cherkasy Ukraine
9 Damjan Stojanovski 197-F-87 Lukoil Academik Bulgaria
10 Lester McCalebb 183-G-85 Montepaschi Italy
11 Marko Simonovski 192-PG-89 Rabotnicki FYR Macedonia
12 Pero Antic 210-F-82 Spartak SP Russia
13 Kiril Nikolovski 210-C-88 Feni Indistrija FYR Macedonia
14 Gjorgi Cekovski 203-F/C-79 MZT Skopje FYR Macedonia
15 Predrag Samardziski 214-C-86 Lietuvos Rytas Lithuania

Marin Dokuzovski Head Coach Rabotnicki FYR Macedonia
Marjan Lazovski Assistant Torus Skopje FYR Macedonia
Marjan Srbinovski Assistant Rabotnicki FYR Macedonia
Sandro Becardino Assistant


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  GEORGIA   


Georgian National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Zaza Pachulia
Pachulia
Georgi Tsintsadze
Tsintsadze
Manuchar Markoishvili
Markoishvili
Tornike Shengelia
Shengelia
Marquez Haynes
Haynes
#e#5
4 Giorgi Gamqrelidze 183-G-86 LTi 46ers Germany
5 Vladimir Boisa 209-C/F-81 Union Olimpija Slovenia
6 Anatoliy Boisa 195-G/F-83 Army Georgia
7 Zaza Pachulia 212-C-84 Besiktas Turkey
8 Georgi Tsintsadze 192-G-86 TU/Rock Estonia
9 Giorgi Shermadini 216-C-89 Union Olimpija Slovenia
11 Manuchar Markoishvili 195-G-86 Bennet Cantu Italy
13 Viktor Sanikidze 203-F-86 CS Bologna Italy
15 Nika Metreveli 212-C/F-91 Dinamo Sassari Italy
22 Nikoloz Tskitishvili 212-C/F-83 Lagun Aro GBC Spain
23 Tornike Shengelia 207-F-91 Verviers-Pep. Belgium
26 Marquez Haynes 191-G-86 Gran Canaria Spain
27 Levan Patsatsia 198-G-88 Troy USA
28 Lasha Parghalava 191-G-87 Sokhumi Georgia

Igor Kokoskov Head Coach Phoenix Suns USA


MIA prepares for the new season - by Darbaiseli
MIA signed members of U-20 National team that won the European Championship in B division Akaki Dvalishvili, Merab Bokolishvili and Nodar Teneishvili. In addition the club signed Ilia Londaridze from TSU. Akaki Dvalishvili and Nodar Teneishvili were in Samedicino. Merab Bokolishvili spent last season in Avelino. From the last year roster in MIA continue to play Beka Tsivtsivadze, Davit Imnadze, Lekso Lapanashvili, Toudjani Talba, Giorgi Nikoladze.
Left: Soso Shermadini, Troy Cotton, Davit Barbakadze, Giorgi Markoishvili, Konstantine Tomaradze.
Akaki Dvalishvili (206-C/F-90)

Georgia prevail against Sweden in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News
Georgia - Sweden 82:74

Georgia earned the second consecutive win at the Tallinn international tournament. They outlasted Sweden to finish in the second overall position. Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) stepped up with 20 points and 15 rebounds to pace the charge. Sweden lost the third game in a row and remained at the bottom of the ladder.
Sweden led 25:23 after a high-flying first period. The Scandinavian team stretched the lead in the second stanza. They arrived at halftime up by 5 points 49:44. But Georgia turned things upside down in the third quarter. They went on a 22:7 run to build a comfortable lead with ten minutes remaining. Sweden tried to bounce back in the final period. They outscored Georgia but came up short of victory at the end. Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86) netted 17 points, while Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) delivered 14 points in the win. Johan Jeansson (197-G-85) responded with 17 points for Sweden. Andreas Person (190-G-91) produced 11 points, while Anton Gaddefors (200-F-89) had 10 points in the loss.

Georgia: Zaza Pachulia 20+15 boards, Manuchar Markoishvili 17, Viktor Sanikidze 14
Sweden: Johan Jeansson 17, Andreas Person 11, Anton Gaddefors 10


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  GERMANY   


Q&A with Brandon Kimbrough, Eurobasket.com All-RLSO Player of the Year - by Moritz Korff
In basketball, as well as in every other sport, winning championships is certainly the best indicator for success. As far as that is concerned Brandon Kimbrough (188-G-84, agency: HBA Sports, college: Drury) has been very successful in these past years. Starting off his overseas career in the UK in 2008, the 26-year-old reached the EBL Trophy Final with his club Manchester Magic in his first year in Europe. And it got even better the following season. Kimbrough extended his contract with the Manchester team and got rewarded: He put up impressive numbers (21.8ppg, 6.5apg, 5.8rpg) on the way to the 2010 EBL Division One Championship and received back to back Eurobasket.com All-EBL Second Team honors.

His performances did not remain unseen in other countries and thus the 2007 graduate of NCAA D2 school Drury University inked a deal with the Giants Noerdlingen for the 2010-11 season. Coach Mario Matic needed a guard who would help to transform a solid squad into a serious title contender. Kimbrough easily met the expectations of his coach, guiding the Giants to a 20-6 record and the RLSO championship. Individual honors would follow: Kimbrough, who led the Giants in scoring with 24.5 points per contest, earned Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga South-East Player of the Year and All-RLSO First Team accolades. As Brandon Kimbrough will not move up to the Pro B with Noerdlingen, he is currently looking for a new place to play.

Brandon, why didn't you stay in Noerdlingen for another year, after enjoying such great success with the Giants in this past season?
I enjoyed the season and my time in Noerdlingen. Everyone there was very nice and treated me great. I considered staying for another season but I wanted to try to play in some higher leagues either in Germany or other countries.

So what's next? Do you intend continuing your career in Germany?
Germany is a great place and I wouldn't mind continuing my career there if the right opportunity presented itself.

What is the most diffcult part in finding a new team to play? One could think, that it must be quite easy to attract the interest of other teams coming off such a great season.
While I did have a great season and my team won the championship it hasn't been easy finding a new job. There are also many other players who had successful season and are looking for new jobs. Every season there is a large wave of players from the states looking to play in Europe. A large part of moving up is playing well and having success, which I did but also it is important to have good representation and be marketed well! What made this team so strong was the balance we had. We had a good mixture of guys, some having experience in other leagues like myself and others and then some guys who played their roles very well. We were very unselfish and wanted to win!

What has been your part in this success, considering the fact that you were named the Eurobasket.com All-RLSO Player of the Year?
Each game I was expected to run the team. I had to score which I was able to weather it was making 3's or getting to the basket. Being a guard I also needed to get my teammates the ball in areas where they could score. I was fortunate to have teammates who were able to knock down shots or finish plays when I found them.

Which skills will you add to the team, that decides to sign you?
I have a great feel and passion for the game. I am able to score when I need to and I think this season showed but also I am able to find others and get them involved in the game. I work very hard and do what it takes day to day to make myself a better player and teammate.

You have played three seasons in Europe so far, two in the UK and one in Germany. Do you consider yourself a different basketball player after these three years, compared to the basketball player you were in college?
I think coming out of college there was some question on my ability to shoot the ball. I have always been able to get the lane and finish and have done a good job finding my temmates averaging better then 4.5 assists throughout college and my overseas career. The area I struggled with was from the perimeter. After dedicating myself to working on my shot now shooting the ball is a very strong area of my game. Over the past three seasons I have shot above 50% from 2's and above 40% from 3's.

Brandon Kimbrough can be contacted at bkimbro23@yahoo.com

Milan Majstorovic Returns To The EWE Baskets Oldenburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
3 years in Spain and 3 years in Germany, but Milan Majstorovic (207-C-83) played with two teams in Espania and with the same team in Germany including winning a Beko BBL championship, so the Serb took the cooler weather and memories of sipping champagne in 2009 winning the first title with the EWE baskets Oldenburg as the club announced his return today. Milan Majstorovic (207-C-83) is a 28 year old 207cm center that was born in Novi Sad. He can shoot, block shots, and run the floor with the best of them, Majstorovic Milan is a team player that knows how to win. Last season, the Serb returned back to Spain to play for Assignia Manresa (Spain-ACB, starting five): 33 games: 6.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 64.9%. 'It is a good thing to have Milan Majstorovic (207-C-83) back on the team', stated EWE Baskets Oldenburg head coach Predrag Krunic . In his three years in Oldenburg, the Serb played a total of 142 games. His best statistical season was 2008-2009as he played EuroChallenge: 13 games: 6.4ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 63.9%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 65.5%; German League: 41 games: 8.2ppg, 4.6rpg, FGP: 60.3%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 64.3%. 'In his time here Milan Majstorovic (207-C-83) was respected highly by the coaches, teammates and fans. I am convinced the fans are as excited for his return as we are. We have a lot of flexibility and athltcism on the big positions', stressed Oldenburg CEO Herman Schuller.

Milan Majstorovic (207-C-83) started his basketball career in 2000 for Spartak Subotica (1B) where he played until 2003. In 2003-2004, he moved to Reflex Zeleznik (YUBA): ULEB Cup: 9 games: 2,8ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.1bpg; Adriatic League: 26 games: 5.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 0.4apg. In 2004-2005, he played for KK Spartak Sinalko Subotica (1A): released at the beginning of season, and in Nov.'04 signed at Reflex Beograd (1A, starting five): ULEB Cup: 10 games: 11,3ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 64.6%, 3Pts: 37.5%; Adriatic League: 32 games: 9.9ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 59.1%, 3Pts: 40.4%; 1A League: 14 games: 7.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 0.2apg. From 2005-2007, he played for Lagun Aro Bilbao (Spain-ACB) playing a total of 39 ACB games. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Serbia and Montenegro University National Team -03, World University Games -03,Adriatic League Regular Season Runner-Up -04, Adriatic League Champion -04, ULEB Cup Semifinals -04, Serbia and Montenegro Cup Winner -05,Adriatic League Semifinals -05, Serbia and Montenegro League Semifinals -05, Eurobasket.com All-Serbia and Montenegro League 2nd Team -05, German Bundesliga Semifinals -08, German Bundesliga Champion -09, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga Awards All-Bosmans Team -09, and German Bundesliga Regular Season Champion -10

Source: EWE Baskets Oldenburg

German National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Robin Benzing
Benzing
Jan-Hendrik Jagla
Jagla
Christopher McNaughton
McNaughton
Tim Ohlbrecht
Ohlbrecht
Konrad Wysocki
Wysocki
#e#5
Robin Benzing 208-F-89 B.Muenchen Germany
Per Guenther 185-G-88 Ratiopharm Germany
Steffen Hamann 194-G-81 B.Muenchen Germany
Johannes Herber 197-G-83 Fraport SKY Germany
Jan-Hendrik Jagla 213-F-81 B.Muenchen Germany
Christopher McNaughton 211-C-82 Bremerhaven Germany
Tim Ohlbrecht 211-C/F-88 Telekom Baskets Germany
Tibor Pleiss 214-F/C-89 Brose Baskets Germany
Heiko Schaffartzik 182-G-84 ALBA Germany
Sven Schultze 208-C-78 ALBA Germany
Philipp Schwethelm 201-F-89 B.Muenchen Germany
Lucca Staiger 196-G-88 ALBA Germany
Konrad Wysocki 201-F-82 PGE Turow Poland
Philip Zwiener 198-F-85 TBB Trier Germany

Dirk Bauermann Head Coach B.Muenchen Germany


German University National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Bastian Doreth
Doreth
Oskar Fassler
Fassler
Stefan Schmidt
Schmidt
Karsten Tadda
Tadda
Akeem Vargas
Vargas
#e#5
Kai Barth 188-G-89 Heidelberg Germany
Bastian Doreth 183-G-89 B.Muenchen Germany
Oskar Fassler 198-G-88 TBB Trier Germany
Phillipp Heyden 208-C-88 MBC Germany
Johannes Lischka 203-F/C-87 EnBW L'burg Germany
Stefan Schmidt 206-C-89 Bayreuth Germany
Andreas Seiferth 206-F/C-89 TBB Trier Germany
Nicolai Simon 191-G-87 Walter Tigers Germany
Tom Spoeler 206-F-88 Bayreuth Germany
Karsten Tadda 189-G-88 Brose Baskets Germany
Akeem Vargas 191-G-90 Walter Tigers Germany
Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann 207-C-90 Telekom Baskets Germany

Frank Menz Head Coach
Sven Jeglitza Assistant


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  GREECE   


Ilysiakos added Gardener - by Giorgos Diploidis
Ilysiakos Athens signed with another one player for the next year. This is Hernold Gardener (205-C-82, college: Lon Morris JC). Gardener will be the center of the team of Athens and he is expected to help a lot both in defensive part where he was the best one in the second category of Turkish basketball but also in the scoring part.

Gardener last year was playing at Final Genclik where in the Turkey-TB2L had 18.5ppg and 11.3rpg in 24 games. Ilysiakos Athens is one of the teams which is moving in the market before Gardener they sign new deals with Kostas Flevarakis (coach), Chatzis, Galiotos, Nana while they added also Alexis Spanos.

Pelekanos extended with olympiakos - by Giorgos Diploidis
Michalis Pelekanos (198-F-81) will be a player of Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus for one more year because he signed a new contract. Comparing to the previous one he was made a high decrease in the money taking, but he was promised that he will have much more time in the court than he used to.

Pelekanos who was made known in the team of Peristeri, this year with Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus had 4.4 ppg and 2.1 rpg in the Greek league, playing in 19 games.

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  HOLLAND   


Landstede Basketbal adds Huffman, Wells at point - by Fred Roggen
Landstede Basketbal has hired a pair of new point guards today, Damon Huffman (187-G-85) and Cameron Wells (185-G-88, agency: Pro One Sports). Damon Huffman arrives from Belgium team of Generali Okapi Aalstar.
Generali Okapi Aalstar was the Belgian League Regular Season Runner-Up . Huffman had averaged 3.3 points, 1.0 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 24 regular Ethias League games last season. As a collegian at Brown University, Huffman was named the All-Ivy League Rookie of the Year 2005.

Landstede Basketbal also announced the addition of point guard Cameron Wells, who played last season for the The Citadel Bulldogs in the Southern Conference, where he played 32 games averaging 17.0 points and 4.0 assists. Wells was named All-Southern Conf. Freshman of the Year 2008.


Gabriel Kennedy sign with ZZ Leiden - by Eurobasket News
Gabriel Kennedy (205-F/C-81, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: UAB) sign with ZZ Leiden for the next season. The American Power Forward / Center comes from France where he played last season.
Earlier in 2007-2008 Kennedy appeared for Besanon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProB, starting five) and in 21 games averaged 12.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 78.3%. In February 2008 moved to Limoges CSP Elite (France-ProB, starting five) and in 8 games had 12.0ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.1spg, 1.4bpg, 2FGP: 51.8%, FT: 52.6%. In 2008-2009 appeared in Olympique Antibes (France-ProB) as his stats read 10.5ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT-1 (50.0%), FT: 69.7%. In 2009-2010 played for ESPE Chalons-en-Champagne Basket Pro (France-NM1, starting five) and in 34 games had high 14.4ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.6bpg, 2FGP: 55.9%, FT: 70.4%.
The last season Gabriel Kennedy became the second top-scorer in NM1 League for Orchesien BC. He averaged 18.0ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 69.3%.
He was named Eurobasket.com All-French NM1 2nd Team -11 and Eurobasket.com French NM1 All-Imports Team -11. Earlier he was Conf.USA Tournament Finalist -03, NCAA Sweet 16 -04, Cyprus Cup Final Four -05, Cyprus League Finalist -05, French ProB Finalist -07 and French ProB Champion -08.


ZZ Leiden chooses big man Gabriel Kennedy - by Fred Roggen
Dutch Champion ZZ Leiden announced this weekend the addition of big man Gabriel Kennedy (205-F/C-81, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: UAB). Last season, Kennedy played 25 France-NM1 games with Orchesien BC, averaging 18.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Kennedy made his debut with Apollon Limassol (Cyprus-A1) during the 2004-05 season and then signed for
Quimper UJAP (France-ProB) until in 2006, he moved to China to play with the Henan Jiyuan. He spent the last five seasons in France, playing for the teams of Quimper UJAP, Besanon Basket Comt Doubs, Olympique Antibes, ESPE Chalons-en-Champagne Basket Pro and Orchesien BC.


Dutch National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Rogier Jansen
Jansen
Stefan Wessels
Wessels
Robin Smeulders
Smeulders
Arvin Slagter
Slagter
Francisco Elson
Elson
#e#5
4 Rogier Jansen 188-G-84 Eiffel Towers Holland
5 Dimeo Van Der Horst 195-G/F-91 Giants Holland
6 Aaron Roye 185-G-88 GasTerra Holland
7 Stefan Wessels 203-F-84 Eiffel Towers Holland
9 Ties Theeuwkens 190-G-85 GasTerra Holland
10 Jessey Voorn 193-G-90 ABC Holland
11 Robin Smeulders 208-F-87 EWE Baskets Germany
12 Gerald Robinson 204-F-84 Landstede Holland
13 Arvin Slagter 190-G-85 ZZ Leiden Holland
14 Francisco Elson 212-C-76 Utah Jazz USA
15 Kenneth van Kempen 208-C-87 Stepco BSW Holland
22 Jeroen van der List 213-C-89 Eiffel Towers Holland
23 Craig Osaikhwuwuomwam 196-F-90 Magixx Holland



Dan Gadzuric will join Francisco Elson on Team Netherlands - by Eurobasket News
Dan Gadzuric (211-C-78, college: UCLA) will join Francisco Elson (212-C-76, agency: Court Side, college: California) on Team Netherlands. Dan Gadzuric is cleared to play for the Dutch National Team in Eurobasket Division B.
In 2002 he was drafted by Milwaukee Bucks (from Houston) (NBA,2rd (34)) and in his debut season averaged 3.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.1bpg. The season 2009-2010 was the last with NJ as in 39 games he had 2.7ppg, 3.0rpg.
In 2010-2011 for $7,248,325 Dan Gadzuric moved to Golden State Warriors (NBA) and in 28 games averaged 2.8ppg, 3.1rpg. In February 2011 moved to New Jersey Nets (NBA, starting five) and in 14 games had 2.8ppg, 3.5rpg.
Francisco Elson remains with the team. The Dutch side is perfect in Group A in Division B of European Championship. In the last game the team overcame Estonia 90:76 in Almere for 3-0 record on top of the group.


Great Britain edged Netherlands in Cobham - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain NT- Netherlands NT 96:70

Great Britain edged Netherlands in Cobham to get their summer campaign off to a winning start. The home side grabbed 96:70 victory as the head coach Chris Finch was pleased with the performance:
Both teams started well and scored 19 points each in the opening period. The hosts had taken a first double-digit lead at 38:28 with a Kyle Johnson three-pointer late in the second quarter. Great Britain also won the third quarter 22-20 and enjoyed 12-point lead after thirty minutes of the game. The last stanza became decisive in the game as the hosts pushed the tempo for good to win the opener. They needed 29-15 in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Ryan Richards (212-C/F-91, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with 16 points for the winners and Kyle Johnson netted 14. Eric Boateng (208-C-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona St.) followed them with 13 points, while Matthew Bryan-Amaning (205-F-88, agency: Interperformances, college: Washington) added 10. Aaron Roye (185-G-88) replied with 18 points in the losing effort and Arvin Slagter (190-G-85, agency: Court Side) notched 17.
Great Britain will now host Nigeria on Tuesday.

Great Britain NT: Ryan Richards 16 points, Kyle Johnson 14 , Eric Boateng 13 points, Matthew Bryan-Amaning 10
Netherlands NT: Aaron Roye 18, Arvin Slagter 17


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  ICELAND   


IR add two USA players on the roster - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
IR, Iceland Express league team sign two import players for upcoming season.
Andrew Brown (180-G, college: Lafayette) a point guard out of Lafayette 2010 sign with the Club. Brown tryed out in Lithuania after College but was not sign
The other import player is Brandon Bush (201-F-86, college: Texas St.), a forward from Texas State.2009.
Both IR import from last year Kelly Breidler probably going for try-out in Finland and USA/Italian guard James Bartelotto who is said to be trying to get deal in Italy

KFI added Kristjan Andresson a guard from Snaefell on their roster.

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  IRAN   


William Jones Cup. South Korea cruise past Iran to stay perfect - by Eurobasket News
South Korea - Iran 77:59

South Korea earned the third straight win at the William Jones Cup. They stormed past Iran to keep their record spotless. Stevenson Cameron (200-F-75, agency: Alti Sport, college: Richmond) unleashed 27 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace the winners. Iran fell at 1-2 record after the loss.
Iran led by two points 21:19 at the first break. But South Korea turned things around in the second quarter. They limited Iran to just 7 points in the period to establish a 31:28 halftime advantage. South Korea increased the tempo in the third term. They boosted the lead to as many as 10 points with one quarter remaining. South Korea outscored their opponents 24:16 in the last period to march to the victory at the end. Yang Dong-Geun (182-G-81) knocked down 15 points, while Kang Byung-Hyun (193-G/F-85) added 12 points in the win. Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85) responded with 15 points and 6 rebounds for Iran. Mahdi Kamrani (186-G-82) accounted for 9 points in the loss.

South Korea: Stevenson Cameron 27, Yang Dong-Geun 15, Kang Byung-Hyun 12
Iran: Hamed Haddadi 15, Mahdi Kamrani 9


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


Timmy Bowers on the verge of returning to Hapoel Jerusalem - by David Pick
Updated: August 9, 2011, 02:35 AM

If there are two guaranteed things you must know about Timmy Bowers, it's that he is one heck of a ball player and that he is a fan of consistency. 'Eurobasket' learned early this morning that Bowers, who played in Israel for a total of four years, is on the verge of agreeing to terms offered by his former Israeli team, Hapoel Jerusalem.

Head Coach Oded Katash recently spoke with the 04' Mississippi St. graduate and the two are both willing and excited on working together. Jerusalem's coaching staff was eager to bring Bowers back to the Holy Land, but despite differences with the management, it seems like things have been sorted out and Bowers will return for his second stretch with the 'red devils'.

The 29-year-old scorer first came to Israel in 05' and joined Maccabi Givat Shmuel immediately impacting the league, finishing second in scoring with 21.4ppg and adding 5.3rpg and 3.6apg. The following season Bowers joined Jerusalem where he would win two Israeli state-cups and record averages of 15.7ppg, 4.1rpg and 4.5apg in the domestic league and 16.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.6apg and 2.4spg in the EuroChallenge competition. Bowers would then move to Italy and play for two seasons with Pepsi JuveCaserta posting disappointing numbers of 10 points per game in both the domestic league and European competition.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

EXCLUSIVE JORDAN FARMAR INTERVIEW - I WANT TO LEAD MACCABI - by David Pick


From NCAA champs to former NBA players - - Israeli basketball fans have seen it all. Or have they? Maccabi T.A. recently signed an NBA lockout deal with the undoubtedly real 'Jewish Jordan', former Lakers two-time NBA champion point guard Jordan Farmar, causing wild excitement across the Mediterranean.

Farmar

In an exclusive phone interview, Farmar talks to 'Eurobasket' about his expectations and overseas commitment 'living away from home and meeting new people' is what prompted the decision, along with the professional adventure with Maccabi. 'Playing a different style of basketball, being vocal, positive and making guys better will help me grow and learn from this experience.'

One can't help but compare Farmar's new American coach David Blatt to the real 'Zen Master', Phil Jackson (in European terms). The Jewish guard spoke with Blatt about mutual expectations. 'From talking on the phone with Coach Blatt, he sounds like a really cool guy. I heard great reviews and got good feedback about him and I'm looking forward to working together. Professionally, I heard that he is a smart coach who controls the pace of the game but lets his players play their own style as well. His success speaks for itself.'

Blatt
Coming off his best season statistically, Farmar is not concerned about the different style of play between Europe and the NBA. 'European basketball expresses itself differently because things are mostly done through teamwork. Success and achievements will come when everyone is committed to winning.'

In terms of playing in a tense winning atmosphere like Maccabi, Farmar added 'I played in the NBA for five years, the upcoming season being my sixth as a professional player. I've won two NBA championships and lost one in the finals so I know what it feels like to be in a situation to get that close and come up short. I believe that my experience on the court and off could help out the team, also on a day to day basis.'

The UCLA graduate commented on the lockout situation, 'I just want to come out, play my game and contribute whatever Coach asks of me. I understand the complexity of the situation with the NBA lockout, not knowing how long everything is going to last, but I'm sure I'll get a feel of the Maccabi atmosphere, and understanding of the team's system once I get out there.'

Farmar

On August 25th, Farmar is expected to arrive in Israel but he is no stranger to the Tel Aviv scene or Maccabi's history. 'I went to Maccabi basketball and soccer games when I was younger with my stepfather so I know what the fans expect from their players. Israel is a beautiful country. I understand that the fans are very enthusiastic and I'm just looking forward to getting out there and finally being a part of that.'

Asked about the role he will take on once he wears the yellow-and-blue jersey, Farmar commented 'I feel comfortable with the role of a leader, it comes naturally to me and it's a role I want in any situation I'm in. I take pride in team basketball and making my teammates better. I think the winning culture that Maccabi has where it competes for titles every year will help us grow and I think that dedication and commitment to get over the hump and to the top is through teamwork.'

Last season Maccabi came up short in the European finals losing to Greek Panathinaikos. Farmar's advice on getting his new team back to the top is that 'there isn't a special formula or something special I need to do. The dedication, commitment level and overall feeling amongst the organization and the guys in the locker room should make the difference between winning and losing.'

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd





Drew Housman is a newcomer at Maccabi Beer Yaakov - by Eurobasket Center
Maccabi Beer Yaakov (National League) strengthened their roster with addition of 24-year old naturalized American Drew Housman (182-PG-87, college: Harvard, agency: Gross Zeev ISA). Housman played most recently at Maccabi Haifa (Premier League). While playing 12 games in Israeli League for Maccabi Haifa last season he averaged 0.5ppg. He also played 7 games in EuroChallenge recording 1.7ppg, 2.3rpg and 1.6apg.


Tasmin Mitchell and Patrick Sullivan will join Hapoel Holon - by David Pick
Updated: August 8, 2011, 11:38

After signing the young and talented forward Bryant Dunston, Hapoel Holon made an interesting pickup, adding more power to its front court line with both LSU graduate, Tasmin Mitchell and American center Patrick Sullivan.

The favorite mid-range shooting Mitchell averaged 34% from beyond the arc his senior year in college and almost finished with double-double averages of 16.8ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.9apg and 1.3spg, improving both his scoring and rebounding numbers each year. Finishing school with a Major in sports management, Mitchell began planning his professional career which started with a pre-season tryout for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Later on he joined the D-League's Erie Bay Hawks, playing 53 games and recording numbers of 16.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.2 dimes per game, shooting over 54% from the field.

the second recruit made by the newly Holon coaching staff is that of 6'9 American center Patrick Sullivan, who will join Dunston in the battles under the Israeli rims.
The 2009 NCAA S. Conf. Honorable Mention senior, graduated from SE Louisiana improving every possible category of his stats every year, finishing with averages of 15.7ppg, 8.7rpg and 2.1apg.

Playing Summer League ball in Las Vegas for the Memphis Grizzlies got Sullivan a pre-season deal with the Houston Rockets. After that NBA stint, Sullivan moved to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League) and played alongside John Scheyer who recently signed with Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv. A strong year with the Vipers including a most impressive performance in a 98:96 'W' over Reno Bighorns with 17 points and 15 rebounds, granted Sullivan with the 2011 Gatorade All-D-League Honorable Mention award. In addition, the talented big man finished first in the league in three point shooting percentages with 62%. The 23-year-old Sullivan played in 58 games and recorded 9.6ppg, 5.3rpg and 1.1apg.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

Guy Aud joins Licher Basket Baeren - by Netanel Dahan
The young Israeli player Guy Aud (182-G-89), decided to leave Israel and play for Licher Basket Baeren from the PRO B league in Germany.

Guy is holding a German passport, he played last season in Hapoel Afula from the Isareli national team he had:4.7ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.0apg, and 1 spg.
He also played this summer in Eurobasket Summer League with Team Belgrade.
Guy grew up in Hapoel Jerusalem and played in their youth 1st team.

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


Assi Basket Ostuni lands Tommaso Rinaldi - by Giulio Signorini
Assi Basket Ostuni has lands for the 2011/2012 italian legadue season Tommaso Rinaldi (204-F/C-85).
Rinaldi is a power forward - center of 204 cm, born February 15 1985 in Rimini, in the last season he was in the ranks of Snaidero Udine where he performed 5.9 ppg and 4 rpg in 19 mpg.
He grew up in the youth of his hometown team, with which he also debuted in serie a in 2001/2002. He than Play another season in Rimini and then is sent on loan to Ozzano in B1.
In 2004 he returns to Rimini until February 2006, when he is paid back in Ozzano. In the 2006/2007 season he came back again in Rimini and became permanent part of the starting lineup.
Rinaldi provides an important contribution to the team with 5.2 points and 2.7 rebounds in 16 minutes played.
In the course of seasons played in Rimini his importance in the economy of the team keeps growing and also his statistics grows quickly, he finished 2008 - 2009 season with 11.1 points and 5.7 rebounds in 28.2 mpg.
In the 2009/2010 season he signed a contract with Reyer Venezia and in last season he played a good championship in Udine.
He is a player capable of playing as center or as power forward.
He made his debut with the national team in 2008 and was summoned by coach Recalcati for the XVI Mediterranean Games in 2009.

Piacenza bring in Dwayne Anderson - by Eurobasket News
Piacenza are getting their roster shaped for the upcoming season. The LegaDue newcomers have strengthened their frontcourt lately. They agreed on terms of contract with Dwayne Anderson (198-F-86, college: Villanova). The deal is meant for one season. Dwayne Anderson spent the last season in Germany. He played for MEG Goettingen. The forward notched 13.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in Bundesliga. In EuroCup Dwayne Anderson tallied 15.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per appearance. The forward participated at Bundesliga All-Star Game. He earned Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Honourable Mention for the second season in a row. Dwayne Anderson was also named into Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup 3rd Team.


Reyer Venezia brings in Tomassini - by Giulio Signorini
Reyer Venezia lands for 2011-2012 italian legadue season Giovanni Tomassini (189-G-88). The player complete the under 24 part of the roster in hand of coach Mazzon.
The player is a point guard who can play at the occurrence also as shooting guard. He grew up in the youth of Scavolini Pesaro and then with Pesaro he also debuted in Italian serie A. He played as a senior in season from 2004 to 2010 always for Pesaro execept from 2007 - 2008 season when he was sent on loan at Pallacanestro Pavia. Last season he played for Crabs Rimini where after the departure of German Scarone (190-G-75) he became the starting five point guard. His statistics increase considerabily during the years and he obtained his best results in last season in Rimini where on 22.9 minutes on the ground he averaged 5.7 ppg with a 3FGP of 33% and 1.5 APG. During his career he was a member of Italian National youth on Under 16, Under 18 and Under 20 teams.
His First words as a Reyer player are: 'The Reyer is the legadue team with the greatest strength and ambitions, so the proposal to come here has impressed me immediately. Reyer is a team that has further reinforced the already valuable roster, I'm happy to be part of that group tough I know that I can not play many minutes on the ground like the last year in Rimini'.

Marco Belinelli leads Italy over Poland - by Eurobasket News
Italy NT-Poland NT 88:72

Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) leads Italy over Poland to close European Basketball Tour - Cyprus 2011 with 2-1 record with his side. The Italian star nailed 30 points as Italy celebrated 88:72 victory. Poland finished the tournament with 1-2 record.
Italy started better and controlled the game in the first half. Led by Marco Belinelli they reached 27:15 at the end of the first period. Both teams nailed 17 points each in the second quarter that brought 44:32 at the halftime. Poland woke up in the third period and replied with 20-12 to reduce the gap to 4 points entering the last stanza. Italy however needed massive 32-20 in the last quarter to seal the victory.
Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85) notched 12 points for the winners and Antonio Maestranzi (178-G-84, college: N.Illinois) as well as Daniel Hackett (196-G-87, college: USC) posted 8 apiece. Adam Hrycaniuk (208-C-84, college: Cincinnati) collected 16 points and 12 rebounds in the losing case and Dardan Berisha (192-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) added 13. Lukasz Koszarek (187-G-84) ended up with 12, while Adam Waczynski (199-F-89, agency: Limelight Hoops) scored 11.

Italy NT: Marco Belinelli 30, Andrea Bargnani 12, Antonio Maestranzi 8, Daniel Hackett 8
Poland NT: Adam Hrycaniuk 16+12 rebs, Dardan Berisha 13, Lukasz Koszarek 12, Adam Waczynski 11


Domen Lorbek joins Air Avellino - by Eurobasket News
Air Avellino announced the signing of Domen Lorbek (198-G/F-85). The 26-year-old guard will spend the next season with the Italian team. Domen Lorbek played for Lagun Aro last season. He tallied 5.4 points and 1.0 board per game in ACB. Previously Domen Lorbek had stints with Cajasol, Helios Domzale, Benetton Treviso, Estudiantes, Union Olimpija and Triglav Kranj. Domen Lorbek was the member of Slovenian NT in 2005/09 seasons.


Pepsi Juvecaserta add Oritseweyinmi Efejuku - by Eurobasket News
Pepsi Juvecaserta strengthened their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86, college: Providence). The guard started the previous season in Nymburk. Oritseweyinmi Efejuku tallied 3.4 points and 1.2 rebounds per game in Adriatic League. In November the guard moved to Ferro-ZNTU in Ukraine. His stats read 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists per game in Superleague. In January Oritseweyinmi Efejuku joined Latvian Ventspils. The player averaged 15.7 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game in EuroChallenge. In Baltic League he notched 12.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals per appearance. In LKL his stats read 12.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 steals. Oritseweyinmi Efejuku made it into Eurobasket.com All-Baltic League 2nd Team. The guard also earned All-Latvian League Honourable Mention.



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  JAPAN   


William Jones Cup. Japan shoot down UAE - by Eurobasket News
Japan - UAE 92:85

Japan recorded the first win at the William Jones Cup in Taiwan. They overcame UAE to improve at 1-2 record. Yusuke Okada (185-G-84) stepped up with game-high 33 points to pace the effort. UAE slipped at 0-3 record after the loss.
Japan took over early in the game posting a 21:14 lead after ten minutes. But UAE adjusted and stepped on the gas offensively in the second quarter. UAE erased the deficit and posted a 39:38 halftime advantage. UAE maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They headed into the final frame up by two points 58:56. But Japan went on full throttle in the fourth period. They unloaded 36 points in the frame to surge to the victory. Keijuro Matsui (188-G-85, college: Columbia) provided 18 points, while Gaku Arao (198-F/C-87) netted 11 points and grabbed 8 boards in the win. Rashed Al Zaabi (188-G-88) responded with 18 points for UAE. Mohamed Al Braiki (190-G-91) netted 13 points in defeat.

Japan: Yusuke Okada 33, Keijuro Matsui 18, Gaku Arao 11
UAE: Rashed Al Zaabi 18, Mohamed Al Braiki 13


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  JORDAN   


William Jones Cup. Jordan narrowly defeat Philippines - by Eurobasket News
Jordan - Philippines 76:72

Jordan stayed undefeated at the William Jones Cup in Taiwan. They held off Philippines to improve at 3-0 record on top of the ladder. Ali Zaghab (205-F/C-88) stepped up with 17 points for the winners. Philippines suffered the first defeat at the tournament falling at 2-1 record.
Jordan jumped in front in the opening quarter. They posted a 21:18 lead after ten minutes. Philippines stayed within striking distance in the second term. They narrowed the gap to just two points at halftime 32:34. Jordan maintained the lead throughout the third term. They posted a 56:53 lead with one quarter remaining. Jordan held off determined comeback effort from Philippines to escape with a narrow win at the end. Osama Daghles (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) provided 16 points, while Abbas Zaid (203-F-83) provided 14 points in the win. Andy Barroca (176-F/C-86) responded with 13 points for Philippines. Christopher Lutz (193-G-85, college: Marshall), Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, college: Providence) and Marnel Baracael (193-F/G-85) netted 10 points each in the loss.

Jordan: Ali Zaghab 17, Osama Daghles 16, Abbas Zaid 14
Philippines: Andy Barroca 13, Christopher Lutz 10, Marcus Douthit 10, Marnel Baracael 10


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  LITHUANIA   


Kemzura cuts three from squad - by Eurobasket News
The Head Coach of Lithuania Kestutis Kemzura cuts Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85), Donatas Motiejunas (213-C-90, agency: Interperformances) and Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) from the squad.
Donatas Motiejunas played for Benetton Treviso (Italy-SerieA, starting five) last season and in EuroCup after 18 games averaged 10.2ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 63.0%. In Italian League after 37 games his stats read 12.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 54.6%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 71.5%. He was drafted by Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA,1rd (20)) and traded to Houston Rockets (NBA), before the season started due to lockout, he joined back Benetton Treviso (Italy-SerieA).
Renaldas Seibutis played last season for Olin Edirne Basketball (Turkey-TBL, starting five) and in 33 games became the fifth top-scorer with 18.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 87.7%. In 2011 he signed a 3-year contract with Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (LKL).
Martynas Gecevicius played for Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (LKL, starting five) last season and in Lithuanian League averaged 11.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 46.9%, FT: 84.2%. In Euroleague after 15 games his stats read 11.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 83.9%. The season 2011-2012 he will start for Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-A1, starting five).


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  MALAYSIA   


William Jones Cup. Taiwan back to winning ways with rout of Malaysia - by Eurobasket News
Taiwan - Malaysia 104:54

Taiwan recorded the second win at the William Jones Cup. The hosts overcame Malaysia for 2-1 record at the tournament. Five players scored in double digits to pace the winners. Tsung-Hsien Chang (192-G-88) delivered 21 points to pace the winners. Malaysia fell at 0-3 record after the defeat.
Taiwan erupted for 31 points in the starting frame to clear off to a 23-point distance. The hosts maintained the pressure in the second quarter. Taiwan earned a 53:23 halftime advantage. Taiwan did not allow Malaysia closer in the third term. The home team arrived at the final break leading by as many as 44 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Yi-Hsiang Chou (193-F-91) and Lu Cheng-Ju (194-F-86) provided 15 points each for Taiwan. Li Wei Chee (186-F-85) responded with 17 points and 10 rebounds for Malaysia. Shee Fai Loh (192-G-89) had 10 points in the losing effort.

Taiwan: Tsung-Hsien Chang 21, Yi-Hsiang Chou 15, Lu Cheng-Ju 15
Malaysia: Li Wei Chee 17+10 boards, Shee Fai Loh 10



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  MEXICO   


U17 Puerto Rico wins the Gold in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
U17 MEXICO - U17 PUERTO RICO 75-90

Puerto Rico won the Gold in Gurabo. The host of U17 CentroBasket cruised past Mexico 90-75 in the Finals to win the first place. Of course Silver belongs to Mexico. Both teams booked a spot for the 2012 FIBA Americas Championship U18. Abdiel Badillo (193-F-94) was a key player in victory with 27 points and 13 rebounds. He reached valuation 29 and was the MVP of this meeting. Jerome Caraballo (95) had 14 pts and 13 rebs, while Esteban Cordero (94) added 13 points in this victory. In the loosing squad, Jose Estrada (94) shined with 28 points and 6 rebounds. Raul Frutos (94) (7 rebs) and Miguel Ramirez (94) (6 rebs) netted 12 points each. Quarters: 7-31, 24-25, 15-10, 29-24.

Mexico: Jose Estrada 28+6 boards, Raul Frutos 12+7 boards, Miguel Ramirez 12+6 boards
Puerto Rico: Abdiel Badillo 27+13 boards, Jerome Caraballo 14+13 boards, Esteban Cordero 13

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  MONTENEGRO   


Buducnost tab two local talents - by Eurobasket News
Buducnost Podgorica have ensured the services of two Montenegrin talents. They signed deals with Nemanja Radovic (208-F/C-91, agency: Beo Basket) and Nikola Ivanovic (187-G-94, agency: Beo Basket). Both players spent the last season in Mornar Basket Bar. They also shone for Montenegro at U20 European Championship.
Nemanja Radovic tallied 13.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in Balkan League last season. He also posted 4.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game at U20 European Championship in Spain.
Nikola Ivanovic notched 11.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in Balkan League with Mornar Bar. Eurobasket.com named Nikola Ivanovic All-Montenegrin League Guard of the Year. He was also trumped Most Improved Player of the Year. Nikola Ivanovic had a busy summer. He first played at U20 European Championship. His stats read 9.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in Spain. Later Nikola Ivanovic moved to Bulgaria to help U18 Montenegrin National Team. The guard tallied 16.8 points, 4.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game at the championship.


Slovenia beat Montenegro in Day 2 of Adecco Cup EX-YU - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia NT-Montenegro NT 86:79

Slovenia beat Montenegro in Adecco Cup EX-YU in Day 2 of the International Tournament. The hosts started the campaign with 86:79 win and will play Croatia tonight in Ljubljana.
Montenegro surprised the hosts with 6-0 run at the start of the game. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) scored for 12:6 but Mirza Begic tied the game at 17:17. Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) later tied it again at 24:24 and Saso Ozbolt brought the hosts 27:25. Erazem Lorbek increased to 34:28, while Miha Zupan scored for 42:32. Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) nailed three for 56:43, but Milos Borisov (201-F-85) closed a 12-0 run from Montenegro to reduce to 58:55. Vladimir Mihailovic gave Montenegro 61:60 at the end of the third period. It was hot in the court in the last quarter as well and Omar Cook tied it all at 79:79. Slovenia however finished the game with 7-0 run to win their opener.
Erazem Lorbek stepped up with 14 points for the winners and Goran Dragic netted 12. Samo Udrih (195-G-79) posted 11, while Edo Muric (202-F-91) chipped in 8. Nikola Pekovic ended up with 21 points in the losing effort as Montenegro lost their second straight game. Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) posted 17, while Milos Borisov poured in 14.

Slovenia NT: Erazem Lorbek 14, Goran Dragic 12, Samo Udrih 11, Edo Muric 8
Montenegro NT: Nikola Pekovic 21, Vladimir Dragicevic 17, Milos Borisov 14


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  NBA   


USA...made in CHINA - by Alex Yam
Only in China and the CBA will virtually every NBA player who means anything has been linked to a CBA team, are we forgetting that their are only 17 teams and one of which can not even employ a foreign player (Bayi). So in reality 16 teams, means 32 available spots, not taking into account returning players (Douby) and budgets. Just because the back of 99.99 percent of Americans/foreigners T shirt tags say the magical 3 words, 'MADE IN CHINA', does not automatically signal a mass exodus in terms of the basketball world. In fact the same teams over and over have been linked to different players, the latest being Dirk Nowitzki.

I am personally surprised that Michael Jordan's name has not been brought up, I can see it now... MJ comes out of retirement.... to play in the CBA! These rumors can go on, simply because the Chinese season starts late, so does anyone really know who is coming or going? not even the teams themselves do... for many years, decades, Americans have long been mass consumers of Chinese made goods, counterfeit or not in this case... so its about time that the Chinese pay a premium for something MADE IN THE USA, in this case PLAYERS, but if this really happens, as slim as it might be, who does this really benefit? us or China? we still get our .50 cent suits but they are getting a million plus dollar product on loan essentially. Hmmm.....

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  NCAA1   


Estonia clinch title in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News
Estonia - USA Select 75:64

Estonia celebrated the victory at the Tallinn international tournament. They overcame USA Select team on the final day of the competition to clinch 3-0 record. Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) stepped up with 20 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. USA Select fell at 1-2 record in the third position in the ladder.
USA Select dominated in the starting period. The North American side posted a 19:14 lead ten minutes into the game. But Estonia gradually levelled things up. They stayed close throughout the second term and trailed by just a single point at halftime 28:29. USA Select did not allow the hosts to pull ahead in the third term. The visitors arrived at the final break up by 4 points 50:46. But Estonia changed drastically in the fourth quarter. They unloaded 29 points to march to the victory at the end. Janar Talts (205-C-83) stepped up with 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Rain Veideman (192-G-91) added 11 points in the victory. Brandon Triche (193-G-91) replied with 25 points for USA Select. Anthony Johnson (191-G) accounted for 10 points, while Rodney McGruder (193-G-91) had 9 in the loss.

Estonia: Kristjan Kangur 20, Janar Talts 14, Rain Veideman 11
USA Select: Brandon Triche 25, Anthony Johnson 10, Rodney McGruder 9


USA Midwest edge Canada for Nike Global Challenge title - by Eurobasket News
USA Midwest - Canada 99:94

USA Midwest selection clinched the title at 2011 Nike Global Challenge tournament in Hillsboro, Oregon. They overcame Canada in the championship game yesterday. The tournament featured top U19 talents all around the world. Archie Goodwin stepped up with 23 points to pace USA Midwest in the title game.
The teams stayed close throughout the first half. Canada erupted for 57 in the half to record a 2-point lead at halftime. Canada maintained the lead throughout the third term. They established an 81:78 lead with one quarter remaining. But USA Midwest went on a 21:13 rally in the fourth stanza to steal a tough victory at the end. Jarnell Stokes knocked down 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds for the winners. Marcus Paige contributed 11 points for USA Midwest. Anthony Bennett (6'7''-F-93) replied with 20 points and 7 rebounds for Canada. Andrew Wiggins (6'8''-F-95) netted 18 points and 7 boards in defeat.

USA Midwest: Archie Goodwin 23, Jarnell Stokes 13, Marcus Paige 11
Canada: Anthony Bennett 20, Andrew Wiggins 18


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  PANAMA   


U17 British Virgin Islands avoid last place in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
U17 PANAMA - U17 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 79-81 OT2

British Virgin Islands celebrated in the last day of the competition in Gurabo. It was a game for the seventh place at U17 Centrobasket and British Virgin Islands grabbed 81-79 thriller win against Panama. It was a game with two overtimes. Panama finished as the last ranked team in Gurabo. Shakiel Humphrey (95) led the winners with 27 points and 8 rebounds. Ryan Alfred (95) had 23 points and 12 rebs, while Reavaun Garraway (95) added 12 points, 10 boards, and 9 assists. In Panama, Abid Oses (F/C-95) collected 26 points and 9 rebs. Pablo Rivas (95) also was good as he added 20 pts and 19 rebs. Quarters: 15-20, 12-11, 21-16, 18-19, 13-15. Puerto Rico won the Gold in Gurabo. Mexico and US Virgin Islands also booked a ticket for U18 FIBA Americans Championship 2012.

Panama: Abid Oses 26+9 boards, Pablo Rivas 20+19 boards
British Virgin Islands: Shakiel Humphrey 27+8 boards, Ryan Alfred 23+12 boards, Reavaun Garraway 12+10 boards+9 as

Panamanian National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Jamahr Warren
Warren
Josimar Ayarza
Ayarza
Ariel Robinson
Robinson
Desmond Alexis Smith
Smith
Jaime Lloreda
Lloreda
#e#5
4 Anibal Salazar 178-G-88 Navieros Panama
5 Jamahr Warren 194-G/F-79 Toros Venezuela
6 Derrick Bolanos 185-G Barry USA
7 Nicanor Alvarez 192-G/F-91 Calidonia Panama
8 Durell Sykes 204-F-85 Warner USA
9 Israel Munoz 195-F-91 P.Lefevre Panama
10 Josimar Ayarza 205-F-87 S.Mississippi USA
11 Ariel Robinson 195-G/F-89 Fayetteville St. USA
12 Joel Tesis 204-F/C-82 Montevideo Uruguay
13 Desmond Alexis Smith 199-F-86 Sevilla USA
14 Jaime Lloreda 201-F/C-80 San German Puerto Rico
15 Eduardo Archibold 206-C-87 Le Moyne USA

Enrique Grenald Head Coach Navieros Panama
Ricardo Arosemena Assistant


*****************************************************
  PHILIPPINES   


2011 William Jones Cup Day 3 Scores & Commentary - by Enzo Flojo
JOR 76 - Zaghab 17, Dahglas 16, Abbas 14, Wright 12, Sobzokov 8, Ruqayah 4, Abu Quora 3, Abbaas 2
PHL 72 - Barroca 13, Douthit 10, Lutz 10, Baracael 10, Tiu 8, Hontiveros 7, Casio 6, Lassiter 4, Aguilar 2, Taulava 2
QS: 21-18, 34-32, 56-53, 76-72
- Ayman Idais's replacement at the slot, Ali Zaghab (205-F/C-88), stepped up big time in this one. He helped limit Marcus Douthit to just 10 points while making 17 himself. He established himself early in the game and played solid all throughout.
- The Pinoys were able to stick with Jordan for the whole game, but some miscues at the end, and leaving Enver Soobzokov wide open too may times, sealed the loss.
- Coach Tab Baldwin played a tight 8-man rotation, making sure that only his best players would go up against the Pinoys.
- It's clear that one of coach Rajko Toroman's challenges will be to find other ways to score inside in case Douthit gets checked again.

JPN 92 - Okada 33, Matsui 18, Arao 11, Hinkley 8, Ito 7, Sakai 6, Noguchi 5, Kamata 4, Nishimura 0, Hashimoto 0, Togashi 0, Watanabe 0
UAE 85 - Al-Zaabi 18, Al-Braiki 13, Ahmad 12, Omar 9, Abdalla 8, Al-Ameri 7, Al-Sari 6, Ahmed 5, Salem 5, Mebarak 2, Al-Hattawi 0
QS: 21-14, 38-39, 56-58, 92-85
- Yusuke Okada (185-G-84) and Keijuro Matsui led a furious 4th quarter comeback to thwart the Arabs.
- Despite being only a 'B' team, Japan showed great speed and shooting in beating UAE.
- This game just goes to show that UAE still has a long way to go to make a dent in the 2011 FIBA-Asia.

KOR 77 - Stevenson Cameron (200-F-75, agency: Alti Sport, college: Richmond) 27, Yang DG 15, Kang 12, Ha 10, Oh 4, Lee 3, Kim YH 3, Kim JS 3, Yang HJ 0, Cho 0, Kim JK 0
IRN 59 - Haddadi 15, Kamrani 9, Davari 8, Sahakian 7, Veisi 7, Davoudi 4, Kardoust 4, Davarpanah 3, Sohrabnejad 2, Barogh 0, Rouzbahani 0
QS: 19-21, 31-28, 53-43, 77-59
- Stevenson Cameron hit 5 triples to lead the charge for Korea, who exploited the absence of Iran's top wing players to the hilt.
- Hamed Haddadi outplayed Ha Seung-JIn in the battle of the giants, but he was not as effective as he was two days ago against the Philippines. He seems to have slowed down a bit, though his shooting touch is still there.
- This is Iran's 2nd loss already, and, considering they haven't played Jordan and Taiwan yet, it means they're in bad shape to reach the Jones Cup semifinals.

TPE 104 - Chang 21, Lu 15, Chou 15, Chien 14, Chen SH 12, Creighton 9, Ho 8, Tseng 3, Chen SN 3, Yang 2, Su 2, Hung 0
MAS 54 - Chee 17, Loh 10, Ooi 6, Kwaan 5, Chin 4, Wee 3, Batumalai 3, Kuek 2, Ng 2, Ho 2, Ong 0, Soo 0
QS: 31-8, 53-23, 78-34, 104-54
- This is just the win Taiwan needed to get back on track after getting whipped by the Pinoys.
- The Malaysians were visibly outclassed from the get-go, and they should expect more rough seas as the days go by.
- Taiwan was able to give some of its younger and inexperienced players some burn to prep them for the remaining games.

Source: HoopNut.blogspot.com

PBA Roundup: August 3 7, 2011 - by Enzo Flojo
PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS over B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS, 97-92
Sunday Salvacion (191-G-78) hit the go-ahead three-pointer with 72 seconds remaining then Arwind Santos made a key stop in the next play as Petron Blaze held off B-Meg in a crucial semifinal match that kept the Boosters in the hunt for a finals spot in the PBA Governors Cup. Import Anthony Grundy (189-G-79, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) tallied 29 points and Santos scored 13 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter to lead a strong charge by the Boosters down the stretch.

Rookie big man Rabeh Al-Hussaini, though, was a casualty. Al-Hussaini slipped and hurt his right knee while working against Marc Pingris with a minute to go in the second quarter. He was carried out of the court and didnt return to the game. Team
officials suspect an ACL injury.

PETRON BLAZE 97 - Grundy 29, Santos 22, Salvacion 14, Ildefonso 14, Miranda 12, Al-Hussaini 4, Baclao 2, Duncil 0, Hubalde 0, Pennisi 0.
B-MEG 92 - Yap J. 23, Devance 18, Pingris 16, Allen 15, Urbiztondo 10, Allado 8, Reavis 2, Gaco 0, Fernandez 0, Adducul 0.
QS: 23-15, 46-41, 65-66, 97-92

ALASKA ACES over RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS, 95-89
Its now a waiting game for Alaska Milk after they did what was needed. Alaska clung onto life as it topped Rain or Shine in their knockout tiff in the penultimate play date of the PBA Governors Cup semifinal round. The Aces stayed in contention for the second finals berth having closed out their semis stint with an 8-5 win-loss record.

Alaska took control most of the way while holding Arizona Reid to just 12 points in the good run of the game. The bulk of Reids output was made with the Aces having put the game away.

Jason Forte (196-F-84, college: S.Mississippi) made more impact with 24 points and 16 rebounds. Sonny Thoss also had double-double numbers with 14 boards and 10 markers while LA Tenorio contributed 20 points, 7 boards and 5 assists.

ALASKA 95 - Forte 24, Tenorio 20, Dela Cruz 13, Reyes 12, Custodio 10, Thoss 10, Borboran 3, Cablay 3, Eman 0, Baguio 0, Dimaunahan 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 89 - Reid 25, Tang 13, Chan 12, Buenafe 10, Rodriguez 9, Norwood 8, Belga 6, Ibanes 4, Vanlandingham 2, Jazul 0, Cruz 0.
QS: 25-18, 48-40, 64-63, 95-89

PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS over TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS, 98-83
Even with a depleted roster Petron managed to squeeze past Talk N Text to wind
up its semifinal campaign in the 2011 PBA Governors Cup. The Boosters, needing the crucial win to stay in the hunt for finals berth, seized control in the second quarter by making 52 percent (9 of 17) of their shots then continued their excellent shooting in the second half to completely dominate the grandslam-seeking Tropang Texters.

Import Anthony Grundy and Arwind Santos recorded double-doubles as Petron repeated against the Tropang Texters this conference even without key players Anthony Washington, Lordy Tugade, Joseph Yeo and rookie big man Rabeh Al-Hussaini sidelined by various injuries.

Grundy led all scorers with 35 points and had 12 rebounds while Santos tallied 19 and 16 boards. Danny Ildefonso and Mick Pennisi each scored 10 points for the Boosters, who shot 42 percent (36 of 85) for the game.

Larry Fonacier scored 16 points, Kelly Williams had 11 and Harvey Carey added 10 for Talk 'N Text, which shot 35 percent (29 of 81) from the field.

PETRON 98 - Grundy 35, Santos 19, Ildefonso 10, Pennisi 10, Salvacion 8, Miranda 7, Cabagnot 5, Baclao 2, Guevarra 2, Duncil 0, Hubalde 0.
TALK N TEXT 83 - Fonacier 16, Williams 11, Carey 10, Reynolds 9, Yee 8, Alapag 7, Peek 7, Castro 5, Alvarez 4, Oreta 3, Dillinger 3, Reyes 0, Lao 0.
QS: 20-17, 47-34, 76-56, 98-83

BGY. GINEBRA KINGS over RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS, 103-95
Barangay Ginebra came out to win its last game in the season and, thus, helped Petron Blaze clinch the second berth in the PBA Governors Cup finals.

As the Kings got past the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, the Boosters gained the rights to challenge the Talk n Text Tropang Texters in the best-of-seven finale.

Though playing minus injured import Arizona Reid, the Elasto Painters dragged the Kings in a close battle. The Kings eventually pulled through and handed the Boosters a finals berth on a strong finish starring Mike Cortez who sizzled with all of his 16 points in the final canto.

Ronald Tubid (186-G-81) paced Ginebra with 18 with John Wilson also putting in 16 and Eric Menk and Mark Caguioa combining for 24.

Beau Belga led all scorers with 20 points while Larry Rodriguez delivered double-double numbers with 12 markers and 11 boards.

Ginebra 103 - Tubid 18, Wilson J. 16, Cortez 16, Menk 14, Caguioa 10, De Ocampo 9, Sloan 6, Wilson W. 6, Canaleta 4, Intal 2, Mamaril 2, Labagala 0, Aquino 0, Helterbrand 0.
Rain or Shine 95 - Belga 20, Rodriguez 12, Buenafe 11, Cruz 10, Norwood 9, Chan 8, Arana 8, Vanlandingham 5, Ferriols 4, Jazul 3, Matias 3, Ibanes 2, Tang 0.
QS: 23-19, 46-42, 73-65, 103-95

PBA GOVERNORS CUP FINALS GAME 1: PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS over TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS, 89-88
Danny Ildefonso reminded everybody about his rich championship experience. Ildefonso hit two big shots down the stretch, including his first-ever buzzer-beater, to lift Petron Blaze to a win over heavily-favored Talk N Text Sunday at the start of their PBA Governors Cup title duel.

Sunday Salvacion scored a game-high 19 points and Anthony Grundy notched his first PBA career triple-double, but it was Ildefonsos late-game heroics that helped the Boosters steal the opener of the best-of-seven series. Ildefonso turned a steal into a fastbreak layup and, following an undergoal stab by Ryan Reyes, scored on a high-arcing baseline jumper that spelled the game difference.

Jimmy Alapag (178-G-77, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) scored 18 points and had 7 assists to lead Talk N Text, which has not lost back-to-back games since Games 3 and 4 of the season-opening Philippine Cup finals to the same team.

Larry Fonacier came off the bench to add 16 points while the comebacking Ranidel de Ocampo chipped in 13 and Kelly Williams 10 and 9 rebounds. But sorely missed was Scottie Reynolds usual production.

Reynolds was held down to only four points, a far cry from his five-game average of 21.4 ppg. He went 1-for-10 from the floor and he went to the stripe only off a baseline drive and Paolo Hubaldes hard foul.

Grundy finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists and also had five steals.

PETRON 89 - Salvacion 19, Grundy 17, Ildefonso 13, Santos 12, Miranda 12, Cabagnot 9, Pennisi 5, Duncil 2, Baclao 0, Hubalde 0.
TALK N' TEXT 88 - Alapag 18, Fonacier 16, De Ocampo 13, Williams 10, Reyes 8, Castro 7, Carey 6, Peek 6, Reynolds 4, Yee 0, Dillinger 0, Aban 0.
QS: 32-40, 51-55, 67-74, 89-88

*Text compiled and adapted from PBA.ph


William Jones Cup. Jordan narrowly defeat Philippines - by Eurobasket News
Jordan - Philippines 76:72

Jordan stayed undefeated at the William Jones Cup in Taiwan. They held off Philippines to improve at 3-0 record on top of the ladder. Ali Zaghab (205-F/C-88) stepped up with 17 points for the winners. Philippines suffered the first defeat at the tournament falling at 2-1 record.
Jordan jumped in front in the opening quarter. They posted a 21:18 lead after ten minutes. Philippines stayed within striking distance in the second term. They narrowed the gap to just two points at halftime 32:34. Jordan maintained the lead throughout the third term. They posted a 56:53 lead with one quarter remaining. Jordan held off determined comeback effort from Philippines to escape with a narrow win at the end. Osama Daghles (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) provided 16 points, while Abbas Zaid (203-F-83) provided 14 points in the win. Andy Barroca (176-F/C-86) responded with 13 points for Philippines. Christopher Lutz (193-G-85, college: Marshall), Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, college: Providence) and Marnel Baracael (193-F/G-85) netted 10 points each in the loss.

Jordan: Ali Zaghab 17, Osama Daghles 16, Abbas Zaid 14
Philippines: Andy Barroca 13, Christopher Lutz 10, Marcus Douthit 10, Marnel Baracael 10


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


Marco Belinelli leads Italy over Poland - by Eurobasket News
Italy NT-Poland NT 88:72

Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) leads Italy over Poland to close European Basketball Tour - Cyprus 2011 with 2-1 record with his side. The Italian star nailed 30 points as Italy celebrated 88:72 victory. Poland finished the tournament with 1-2 record.
Italy started better and controlled the game in the first half. Led by Marco Belinelli they reached 27:15 at the end of the first period. Both teams nailed 17 points each in the second quarter that brought 44:32 at the halftime. Poland woke up in the third period and replied with 20-12 to reduce the gap to 4 points entering the last stanza. Italy however needed massive 32-20 in the last quarter to seal the victory.
Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85) notched 12 points for the winners and Antonio Maestranzi (178-G-84, college: N.Illinois) as well as Daniel Hackett (196-G-87, college: USC) posted 8 apiece. Adam Hrycaniuk (208-C-84, college: Cincinnati) collected 16 points and 12 rebounds in the losing case and Dardan Berisha (192-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) added 13. Lukasz Koszarek (187-G-84) ended up with 12, while Adam Waczynski (199-F-89, agency: Limelight Hoops) scored 11.

Italy NT: Marco Belinelli 30, Andrea Bargnani 12, Antonio Maestranzi 8, Daniel Hackett 8
Poland NT: Adam Hrycaniuk 16+12 rebs, Dardan Berisha 13, Lukasz Koszarek 12, Adam Waczynski 11


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


Market check - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
In Portugal, LPB and Proliga teams are starting to prepare their rosters and its time for our first market check, 2011-12 season version.

Nuno Cortez (205-C-82), Portuguese MVP in LPBs last season, will continue playing with Ovarense. The player studied offers from foreign countries but will keep wearing the Ovarense shirt, being their main reference on court. Mario Goncalves, from CB Penafiel, is the first signing, along with the extensions of Nuno Manarte, Jose Barbosa, Andre Pinto and Fernando Neves. U18 Pedro Costa will also have a place in the team.

Another big man from the National team, Marco Goncalves, is about to change. Goncalves is the first signing of Academica, where hell probably be playing for coach Luis Santarino, who coached Olivais in the past.

In Guimaraes, Fernando Sa will have Julian Blanks back. Blanks has played in Porto and Guimaraes, before signing for Rochester Razorbacks. The La Salle graduate will have Joao Torrie, from Vasco da Gama and U20 Portugal NT, as his colleague, along with Andre Bessa, Claudio Fonseca, Pedro Tavares, Paulo Cunha, Paulo Diamantino, Ricardo Pinto, Francisco Oliveira and Rui Pereira, all signed for an extra season with Vitoria.

Also in Madeira, its time for contract extensions, with Mario Fernandes, Shawn Jackson, Jaime Silva, Jorge Coelho, Fabio Lima and Jorge Freitas all confirmed in the roster. Jose Correia, from the U22 team, will also take part in the roster.

Proliga teams

Guifoes signed Andre Moreira from CB Penafiel and Daniel Correia from Maia Basket. The team extended contracts with Pedro Silva, Miguel Faria, Vitor Felix, Andre Libanio, Pedro Morais and youngsters Ricardo Faria, Carlos Von Haffe and Daniel Ramos. Still to be undisclosed are the situations with Odair Conceicao and Ricardo Alpuim.

Maia Basket signed guard Tiago Gavina, from Leca.

In Illiabum, Alexandre Pires will continue to be the coach but he has no players in the roster. However, he announced hell be signing two North-American players. Galitos Barreiro has also announced their new coach, Francisco Edgard, who worked at Barreirense, as assistant coach. Fsica de Torres will have Ivan Kostourkov as their Head Coach, with Jose Abrantes being the assistant.

Portuguese Abroad

Jonah Callenbach, U18 National team shooting guard, will be playing in LEB Silver with Obina. This team has an agreement with Fuenlabrada, Callenbach formation team.

Nuno Pedroso, Proliga champion with Barcelos, is heading to the United Kingdom. Hell be playing at MK Lions. The Lions Coach, Mike New, stated they were '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.'



More at www.porbasket.blogspot.com





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


U17 Puerto Rico wins the Gold in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
U17 MEXICO - U17 PUERTO RICO 75-90

Puerto Rico won the Gold in Gurabo. The host of U17 CentroBasket cruised past Mexico 90-75 in the Finals to win the first place. Of course Silver belongs to Mexico. Both teams booked a spot for the 2012 FIBA Americas Championship U18. Abdiel Badillo (193-F-94) was a key player in victory with 27 points and 13 rebounds. He reached valuation 29 and was the MVP of this meeting. Jerome Caraballo (95) had 14 pts and 13 rebs, while Esteban Cordero (94) added 13 points in this victory. In the loosing squad, Jose Estrada (94) shined with 28 points and 6 rebounds. Raul Frutos (94) (7 rebs) and Miguel Ramirez (94) (6 rebs) netted 12 points each. Quarters: 7-31, 24-25, 15-10, 29-24.

Mexico: Jose Estrada 28+6 boards, Raul Frutos 12+7 boards, Miguel Ramirez 12+6 boards
Puerto Rico: Abdiel Badillo 27+13 boards, Jerome Caraballo 14+13 boards, Esteban Cordero 13

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


Standings
Div.A Standings
 1. Craiova 0-0 
 2. CSM Bucuresti 0-0 
 3. CSU Sibiu 0-0 
 4. Dinamo B. 0-0 
 5. Gaz Metan 0-0 
 6. Giurgiu 0-0 
 7. Miercurea Ciuc 0-0 
 8. Oradea 0-0 
 9. Otopeni 0-0 
 10. Pitesti 0-0 
 11. Ploiesti 0-0 
 12. Rovinari 0-0 
 13. Steaua Turabo 0-0 
 14. Targu Mures 0-0 
 15. Timisoara 0-0 
 16. U.Mobitel.CN 0-0 


Romanian National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Andrei Capusan
Capusan
Tudor Dumitrescu
Dumitrescu
Ionut Dragusin
Dragusin
Mihai Silvasan
Silvasan
Paul Chetreanu
Chetreanu
#e#5
Andrei Capusan 201-F-83 Ploiesti Romania
Tudor Dumitrescu 195-G-79 Gaz Metan Romania
Ionut Dragusin 221-C-85 Gaz Metan Romania
Mihai Silvasan 200-F-85 U.Mobitel.CN Romania
Paul Chetreanu 190-G-85 U.Mobitel.CN Romania
Adrian Tudor 182-G-85 Targu Mures Romania
Teodor Jucan 198-F-83 Gaz Metan Romania
Cristian Jakab 207-C-81 Miercurea Ciuc Romania
Vasile Stefan 193-F-85 Oradea Romania
Octavian Calota 185-G-84 Pitesti Romania
Ioan Pop 175-PG-90 U.Mobitel.CN Romania

John Neumann Head Coach Takamatsu FA Japan
Andrei Beatu Assistant


BC Mures Targu-Mures sign Calvin Watson, re-sign JuJuan Cooley. - by Greg
BC Mures Targu-Mures signed 26-year old American guard Calvin Watson (196-G-85, college: N.Texas, agency: Court Side). Watson played most recently at ALM Evreux Basket (France). In 31 games he averaged 14.5ppg, 3.5rpg and also 2.1apg. He terminaded the contract in May, just before the season ends.

BC Mures also extended the contract with JuJuan Cooley (175-PG-82, agency: Agency No 10, college: Indiana Tech). The starting five poing guard was the best assistant in the league with impressive 8.3 assists per game. He also averaged 14ppg, 3.9rpg and 2.4spg (second best in the league). In Balkan League he played in 7 games (11.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 9.0apg (league's leader) and 2.7spg (second best in the league).



Andrei Capusan joins CSU Asesoft Ploiesti - by Greg
CSU Asesoft Ploiesti agreed terms with 28-year old international forward Andrei Capusan (201-F-83, college: Lafayette, agency: Court Side). Capusan played most recently at BC Mures Targu-Mures (Div.A). While playing 16 games in Romanian League for Mures last season he recorded 5.6ppg and 1.9rpg. He also played 4 games in Balkan League and his stats were 4.3ppg and 3.0rpg.

Romanian University National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Andrei Mandache
Mandache
Vlad Moldoveanu
Moldoveanu
Titus Nicoara
Nicoara
Dragos Andrei
Andrei
Daniel Popescu
Popescu
#e#5
Andrei Mandache 190-G-87 Steaua Turabo Romania
Vlad Moldoveanu 205-F-88 Benetton TV Italy
Titus Nicoara 200-F-88 Gaz Metan Romania
Dragos Andrei 188-G-87 Timisoara Romania
Daniel Popescu 183-G-88 Otopeni Romania
Szabolcs Santa 209-C-87 U.Mobitel.CN Romania
Adrian Gutoaia 195-C-90 Rovinari Romania
Laszlo Lazar 210-F/C-87 Oradea Romania
Radu Paliciuc 198-G/F-88 Targu Mures Romania
Bogdan Tibirna 210-C-91 Steaua Turabo Romania
Julian Orbeanu 204-C-91 Steaua Turabo Romania



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


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


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


Serbia celebrated the second straight win in Adecco Cup EX-YU - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina NT-Serbia NT 61:82

Serbia celebrated the second straight win in Adecco Cup EX-YU. The favorites overcame Bosnia and Herzegovina 82:61 in Ljubljana.
Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) made 6-1 in the start of the game and Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) performed a 2 points for 20:6. Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) made two free throws at the end of the first period for 25:10. Ratko Varda reduced to 31:16, while Marko Keselj nailed three for 49:29. In the third quarter Henry Domercant opened the half with a jump shot and Milan Macvan brought 59:33. Duko Savanovic closed the third period at 69:40, but Bosnia and Herzegovina managed to reduce. Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) scored for 79:61, while Ivan Paunic delivered the last points in the game.
Nenad Krstic poured in 16 points to lead the charge, while Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 15. Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) posted 14 and Milan Macvan scored 8. Mirza Teletovic finished the game with 18 points and Henry Domercant scored 11.

Bosnia and Herzegovina NT: Mirza Teletovic 18, Henry Domercant 11
Serbia NT: Nenad Krstic 16, Dusko Savanovic 15, Aleksandar Rasic 14, Milan Macvan 8


Serbian National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Milos Teodosic
Teodosic
Milenko Tepic
Tepic
Kosta Perovic
Perovic
Dusko Savanovic
Savanovic
Dragan Milosavljevic
Milosavljevic
#e#5
4 Milos Teodosic 195-G-87 CSKA Russia
5 Milenko Tepic 198-G-87 Panathinaikos Greece
6 Aleksandar Rasic 195-G-84 Lietuvos Rytas Lithuania
7 Ivan Paunic 194-G-87 N.Novgorod Russia
8 Nemanja Bjelica 209-F/C-88 Caja Laboral Spain
9 Stefan Markovic 194-G-88 Valencia Spain
10 Uros Tripkovic 197-G-86 Unicaja Spain
11 Marko Keselj 205-F-88 Olympiakos Greece
12 Nenad Krstic 214-C-83 CSKA Russia
13 Kosta Perovic 217-C-85 Regal Barca Spain
14 Milan Macvan 206-C-89 Maccabi T-A Israel
20 Dusko Savanovic 204-F/C-83 Anadolu Efes Turkey
22 Boban Marjanovic 222-C-88 N.Novgorod Russia
23 Dragan Milosavljevic 198-G-89 Partizan Serbia

Dusan Ivkovic Head Coach Olympiakos Greece
Aleksandar Kesar Assistant Olympiakos Greece
Sasa Nikitovic Assistant Crvena Zvezda Serbia


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


Slovenian National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Jaka Lakovic
Lakovic
Samo Udrih
Udrih
Goran Dragic
Dragic
Erazem Lorbek
Lorbek
Edo Muric
Muric
#e#5
5 Jaka Lakovic 186-G-78 Galatasaray Turkey
6 Luka Rupnik 184-PG-93 Geoplin Slovan Slovenia
8 Matjaz Smodis 205-F-79 CSKA Russia
9 Samo Udrih 195-G-79 Union Olimpija Slovenia
11 Goran Dragic 194-PG-86 Houston R. USA
13 Miha Zupan 205-F/C-82 Spartak SP Russia
14 Mirza Begic 216-C-85 Real Madrid Spain
15 Erazem Lorbek 209-F/C-84 Regal Barca Spain
18 Edo Muric 202-F-91 Krka Slovenia
33 Zoran Dragic 196-F/G-89 Krka Slovenia
31 Saso Ozbolt 188-G-81 Union Olimpija Slovenia
55 Uros Slokar 210-F/C-83 Lottomatica Italy

Bozidar Maljkovic Head Coach Lokomotiv Russia
Gasper Potocnik Assistant Elektra Slovenia
Aleksander Sekulic Assistant
Tomaz Brinec Assistant


Slovenia beat Montenegro in Day 2 of Adecco Cup EX-YU - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia NT-Montenegro NT 86:79

Slovenia beat Montenegro in Adecco Cup EX-YU in Day 2 of the International Tournament. The hosts started the campaign with 86:79 win and will play Croatia tonight in Ljubljana.
Montenegro surprised the hosts with 6-0 run at the start of the game. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) scored for 12:6 but Mirza Begic tied the game at 17:17. Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) later tied it again at 24:24 and Saso Ozbolt brought the hosts 27:25. Erazem Lorbek increased to 34:28, while Miha Zupan scored for 42:32. Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) nailed three for 56:43, but Milos Borisov (201-F-85) closed a 12-0 run from Montenegro to reduce to 58:55. Vladimir Mihailovic gave Montenegro 61:60 at the end of the third period. It was hot in the court in the last quarter as well and Omar Cook tied it all at 79:79. Slovenia however finished the game with 7-0 run to win their opener.
Erazem Lorbek stepped up with 14 points for the winners and Goran Dragic netted 12. Samo Udrih (195-G-79) posted 11, while Edo Muric (202-F-91) chipped in 8. Nikola Pekovic ended up with 21 points in the losing effort as Montenegro lost their second straight game. Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) posted 17, while Milos Borisov poured in 14.

Slovenia NT: Erazem Lorbek 14, Goran Dragic 12, Samo Udrih 11, Edo Muric 8
Montenegro NT: Nikola Pekovic 21, Vladimir Dragicevic 17, Milos Borisov 14


Croatian National Team won the thriller over the hosts at the Adecco Cup EX-YU - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia NT-Croatia NT 60:65

Croatian National Team won the thriller over the hosts at the Adecco Cup EX-YU. Croatia grabbed 65:60 win to face Serbia tomorrow in the Final.
It was a great game and kept the spectators alive until the last minutes. The first two periods brought the same score on the board as Slovenia won both of them 16-15. Both teams left the court for the big break at 32:30, but Krunoslav tied the game at 32:32 and then Croatia won the third frame 21-16 to take 51:48 advantage after thirty minutes. Krunoslav brought Croatia 53:52 lead, while E Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) brought the lead back to the hosts at 54:53. Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) scored for 56:53, while Popovic scored a three-pointer for 56:56. Erazem Lorbek and Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) exchanged the baskets for 58:58 with 3 and a half minutes to go. Goran Dragic made two free throws for the home side, but Popovic again replied from the perimeter for 1-point lead. Both teams were scoreless with two minutes at the end of the game, while Tomic broke the silence at 63:60. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) made two free throws for 65:60 that became the final score in the game.
Krunoslav Simon top-scored for the winners with15 points for 2-0 record. Bojan Bogdanovic netted 11 and Luka Zoric posted 9. Erazem Lorbek answered with 14 points in the losing effort, while Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) notched 10.

Slovenia NT: Erazem Lorbek 14, Matjaz Smodis 10, Goran Dragic 8
Croatia NT: Krunoslav Simon (197-F-85) 15, Bojan Bogdanovic 11, Luka Zoric 9


Standings - D2
D3 Standings
East
 1. Bistrica 0-0 
 2. Calcit Kamnik 0-0 
 3. Crnomelj 0-0 
 4. Hram Gorjan 0-0 
 5. Krka II 0-0 
 6. Lastovka 0-0 
 7. Lenart 0-0 
 8. Nazarje 0-0 
 9. Podbocje 0-0 
 10. Terme Olimia 0-0 
 11. Union Olim. II 0-0 
 12. Vrani 0-0 
West
 1. Ajdovscina 0-0 
 2. Fenomeni 0-0 
 3. Globus 0-0 
 4. Javor Pivka 0-0 
 5. Jesenice 0-0 
 6. Jezica 0-0 
 7. Kos Koper 0-0 
 8. Logatec 0-0 
 9. Pingvini S. 0-0 
 10. Plama Pur 0-0 
 11. Radovljica 0-0 
 12. Tolmin 0-0 


Standings - 1A
Telemach League Standings
 1. Elektra 0-0 
 2. Geoplin Slovan 0-0 
 3. Helios 0-0 
 4. LTHcast Mercator 0-0 
 5. Maribor Messer 0-0 
 6. Parklji 0-0 
 7. Polzela 0-0 
 8. Rogaska 0-0 
 9. Sentjur 0-0 
 10. Zlatorog 0-0 
Play in international cups:
 1. Krka - 
 2. Union Olimpija - 


1B Stats Leaders
D2 Standings
 1. Grosuplje 0-0 
 2. Hrastnik 0-0 
 3. Jance 0-0 
 4. KD Postojna 0-0 
 5. Konjice 0-0 
 6. Kraski Zidar 0-0 
 7. Litija 0-0 
 8. Medvode 0-0 
 9. Nova Gorica 0-0 
 10. Primorac Branik 0-0 
 11. Radenska 0-0 
 12. Sencur CP 0-0 
 13. Splosna plovba 0-0 
 14. Triglav Kranj 0-0 


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


William Jones Cup. South Korea cruise past Iran to stay perfect - by Eurobasket News
South Korea - Iran 77:59

South Korea earned the third straight win at the William Jones Cup. They stormed past Iran to keep their record spotless. Stevenson Cameron (200-F-75, agency: Alti Sport, college: Richmond) unleashed 27 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace the winners. Iran fell at 1-2 record after the loss.
Iran led by two points 21:19 at the first break. But South Korea turned things around in the second quarter. They limited Iran to just 7 points in the period to establish a 31:28 halftime advantage. South Korea increased the tempo in the third term. They boosted the lead to as many as 10 points with one quarter remaining. South Korea outscored their opponents 24:16 in the last period to march to the victory at the end. Yang Dong-Geun (182-G-81) knocked down 15 points, while Kang Byung-Hyun (193-G/F-85) added 12 points in the win. Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85) responded with 15 points and 6 rebounds for Iran. Mahdi Kamrani (186-G-82) accounted for 9 points in the loss.

South Korea: Stevenson Cameron 27, Yang Dong-Geun 15, Kang Byung-Hyun 12
Iran: Hamed Haddadi 15, Mahdi Kamrani 9


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


Joaquin Bonhome remains with La Palma - by Eurobasket News
Joaquin Bonhome (194-G/F-86) remains with La Palma for another season. The Spanish Shooting Guard / Small Forward moved to the team in 2009-2010 and will spend his third year there.
In 2009/2010 for U.B. La Palma (LEB Gold) in 34 games he averaged 6.3ppg, 1.4rpg, FGP: 40.5%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 67.7%. In 2010-2011 for U.B. La Palma (LEB Gold, starting five) in 33 games he had 6.4ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 38.9%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 80.4%.
Joaquin Bonhome recorded 15 points twice last season in the end of it. In his top game he collected 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists at the Regular Season Round 32. UB La Palma beat league's leader Obradoiro CAB 86-71. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Obradoiro CAB. The game was mostly controlled by UB La Palma. Obradoiro CAB managed to win third quarter 19-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. UB La Palma made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was swingman Joaquin Bonhome who scored 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists.


Manresa bring Kieron Achara - by Eurobasket News
Manresa bring Kieron Achara (208-F/C-83, college: Duquesne) for the next season. The Spanish team announced signing Scottish-Nigerian Big Man.
In 2003-2004 Kieron Achara finished five seasons with Duquesne (NCAA). He finished his career ranked 19th on Duquesne's all-time scoring list with 1,240 career points and second in career blocked shots with 185. In 2008-2009 moved to GMAC Real Estate Bologna (Italy-SerieA) and in Eurocup averaged 4.0ppg, 1.2rpg, 2FGP: 7-12, 3PT: 1-1, FT: 3-3, while in Italian League after 29 games his stats read 4.6ppg, 3.2rpg, 2FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 82.4%.
In 2009-2010 appeared for Angelico Biella (Italy-SerieA) and in EuroCup showed 6.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 66.7%, FT: 83.3%. In Italian League he had 5.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 76.4%. The last season Kieron Achara started for Sigma Barcellona (Italy-Lega2, starting five) and in 31 games averaged 9.9ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.3spg, Blocks-3 (1.2bpg), FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 80.4%.
He recorded 23 points at the Regular Season Round 30 when Umana Reyer beat Barcellona 91-83. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Sigma Barcellona won third quarter 26-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Umana Venezia won last quarter 23-17. At the other side the best for losing team was Scottish-Nigerian power forward Kieron Achara who recorded a double-double by scoring 23 points and 14 rebounds.


Darryl Middleton is back to Sant Josep Girona - by Eurobasket News
Darryl Middleton (203-F/C-66, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Baylor) is back to Sant Josep Girona where he started the last season. The USA-Spanish Big Man will turn 46 next year.
Darryl Middleton is a real star and does not mind hard work for his age. In 2006-2007 he moved to Akasvayu Girona (Spain-ACB) and in FIBA EuroCup averaged 5.7ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 69%, FT: 42.9%, while in Spanish League his stats read 3.2ppg, 1.7rpg. In 2007-2008 for Akasvayu Girona (Spain-ACB, starting five) in ULEB Cup he had 3.6ppg, 1.3rpg, while in Spanish ACB Regular Season after 27 games averaged 2.7ppg, 1.1rpg. In 2008-2009 moved to Sant Josep Girona (Spain-LEB Bronze) and in 28 games showed high 13.8ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 60.3%, FT: 80.7%. In 2009-2010 for Sant Josep Girona (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five) averaged 10.3ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 57.7%, FT: 77.5%. The season 2010-2011 started for Sant Josep Girona (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five) having 8.3ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 52.9%, FT: 69.2%; but in Mar.'11 moved to Power Electronics Valencia (Spain-ACB) and in 4 games had 1.0ppg, 1.5rpg.
Darryl Middleton was 1st Team SWorld Championships -88 (1), Spanish ACB All-Stars -91,92 (1),93 (1), Spanish ACB Champion -95, All-Spain ACB Imports -99,00 (MVP), Spanish ACB MVP -00, Greek Cup Finalist -01, Suproleague Finalist -01. Together with Panathinaikos Athens he became Greek League Champion -01, 03, 04, 05, Euroleague Champion -02, Greek Cup Winner -03, 05 and Greek League Regular Season Champion -04, 05.



Aquas De Sousas Club Ourense Baloncesto sign Cody Toppert - by Greg
Aquas De Sousas Club Ourense Baloncesto (LEB Silver) signed 28-year old American-German guard Cody Toppert (193-G-83, college: Cornell). Toppert played most recently at MarcoPoloShop.it Forli (Italy). While playing 7 games for Forli last season his stats were: 9.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.4apg and 1.4spg. Before came to Italy, he played 10 games at Airwaves Plymouth Raiders in British BBL, where he was averaging 14.2points per game. Toppert is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Portugal, New Zealand and USA.


Gintaras Leonavicius moves to Huesca - by Greg
CB Lobe Huesca announced signing Gintaras Leonavicius (194-G-83, agency: Players Group) for next season. The Lithuanian guard/forward started last season in Italian Mazzeo San Severo and moved to Lithuanian Panevezys Techasas in December. He appeared in 16 Lithuanian league games averaging 13.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.1 steals and was named Eurobasket.com LKL Defensive Player of the Year 2011. Leonavicius also excels in open court, attacking the basket in traffic and playing one on one. Leonavicius comes from a basketball family as his father is former player and current coach in Lithuanian league.

Courtesy of solobasket.com



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


Georgia prevail against Sweden in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News
Georgia - Sweden 82:74

Georgia earned the second consecutive win at the Tallinn international tournament. They outlasted Sweden to finish in the second overall position. Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) stepped up with 20 points and 15 rebounds to pace the charge. Sweden lost the third game in a row and remained at the bottom of the ladder.
Sweden led 25:23 after a high-flying first period. The Scandinavian team stretched the lead in the second stanza. They arrived at halftime up by 5 points 49:44. But Georgia turned things upside down in the third quarter. They went on a 22:7 run to build a comfortable lead with ten minutes remaining. Sweden tried to bounce back in the final period. They outscored Georgia but came up short of victory at the end. Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86) netted 17 points, while Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) delivered 14 points in the win. Johan Jeansson (197-G-85) responded with 17 points for Sweden. Andreas Person (190-G-91) produced 11 points, while Anton Gaddefors (200-F-89) had 10 points in the loss.

Georgia: Zaza Pachulia 20+15 boards, Manuchar Markoishvili 17, Viktor Sanikidze 14
Sweden: Johan Jeansson 17, Andreas Person 11, Anton Gaddefors 10


Swedish National Team 2011 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Anton Saks
Saks
Anton Gaddefors
Gaddefors
Thomas Massamba
Massamba
Erik Rush
Rush
Christian Maraker
Maraker
#e#5
4 Anton Saks 200-G-89 Norrkoping Sweden
5 Martin Pahlmblad 193-G-86 LF Basket Sweden
6 Johan Jeansson 197-G-85 Sodertalje Sweden
7 Anton Gaddefors 200-F-89 Radnicki Serbia
9 Thomas Massamba 185-G-85 Etha Cyprus
10 Christopher Ryan 196-G-90 LF Basket Sweden
11 Erik Rush 195-G Montana St. USA
12 Andreas Person 190-G-91 Helios Slovenia
13 Christian Maraker 206-F-82 Hokkaido Japan
14 Andreas Schreiber 205-C-87 Pennsylvania USA
15 Brice Massamba 208-F/C-88 UNLV USA

Brad Dean Head Coach Aalstar Belgium


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


Anadolu Efes signs Ilievski - by Burak Cidamal
Anadolu Efes offically signs Union Olimpijas guard Vlado Ilievski. Blue white colour team signed 1+1 year deal with Macedonian guard.
Ilievski who was 31 yeears old started his career in Macedonian club Nematali Strumica. His first important movement was Partizan. After that he played for Olimipja Ljublijana, Barcelona, Lottomatica Roma, Virtus Bologna,Montepaschi Siena, Tau Ceramica and returned back to Union Olimpija at 2008-2009 season.
Last year He made 10.8 points 2.5 ribanunts and 4.1 asists per game in THy Euroleague.



Vlado Ilievski (189-PG-80, agency: World Sport Agency)

Turk Telekom bring back Bekir Yarangume - by Eurobasket News
Turk Telekom bring Bekir Yarangume (198-F-79) back for 2011/2012 season. The Turkish Forward comes from Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul where he spent the last season.
In 2007-2008 Bekir Yarangume joined Turk Telekom Ankara (TBL) and in ULEB Cup after 11 games averaged 3.4ppg, 1.6rpg. In Turkish League he had 6.2ppg, 2.4rpg, 2FGP:54.5%, 3PT:45.5%, FT:66.7%. In 2008-2009 for Turk Telekom Ankara (TBL) he showed 5.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.0apg in EuroCup and in Turkish League averaged 8.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 47.9%, FT: 71.4%.
In 2009-2010 for Turk Telekom Ankara (TBL, starting five) he averaged 8.8ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 47.2% in EuroCup, while in Turkish League showed 8.4ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 68.3%.
The season 2010-2011 Bekir Yarangume started for Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul (TBL) and in EuroCup had 7.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 83.3%. In Turkish League his stats read 3.8ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.2apg.
In his top game he recorded 20 points at the Regular Season Round of EuroCup when Besiktas beat Goettingen 91:86 in overtime.



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


U17 US Virgin Islands grab 86-83 OT win against U17 Bahamas, take Bronze in Gurabo - by Eurobasket News
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - BAHAMAS 86-83 OT

US Virgin Islands grabbed 86-83 thriller win against Bahamas in the last day of U17 CentroBasket in Gurabo. Thanks to this victory US Virgin Island won the Bronze at this event. They also booked a spot for the next U18 FIBA Americas Championship. Bahamas ended as No.4 and stay without the medal. They also failed to reach FIBA Americas. Rasheed Swanston (95) shined for the winners with 32 points and 11 rebounds. Khalid Hart (95) had 28 pts, 7 rebs and 6 assists, while Kareem Harris (94) added 12 points in this victory. In the loosing squad, Khristen Francis (95) collected 19 points and 5 rebounds. Lourawls Nairn (95) had 18 points and 8 rebs, while Adney Bethel (94) added 14 pts in this loss. Quarters: 33-14, 11-25, 14-20, 17-16, 11-8.

US Virgin Islands: Rasheed Swanston 32+11 boards, Khalid Hart 28+7 boards+6 as, Kareem Harris 12
Bahamas: Khristen Francis 19+5 boards, Lourawls Nairn 18+8 boards, Adney Bethel 14

Buzzer-Beater Lifts Hoyas into Playoff Finals - by David Edole
By Dave Davis August 7, 2011

Eddie Castillo's basket at the buzzer was a dagger through the hearts of Boys Dem, as the Hoyas stormed into the NBBA finals with a hard fought, 63-62, victory at the Ronald Charles Gymnasium on Saturday.

The shot set off boisterous celebrations as fans stormed the court in salute of their teams victory.

From the opening whistle these teams went at it like two heavyweight standing in the center of the ring exchanging haymakers. After ending the first half with a one point advantage at 28-27, Boys Dem came out in the third quarter on fire. They opened the period on an 11-3 run to take a 39-30 and looked as if ready to deliver that knockout blow.

But the Hoyas did not fold. Instead, they responded with a 12-2 run of their own, led by Karl John and Omari Applewaite, that saw them catapult into the lead at the end of the third quarter, 43-41.

Behind the scoring of Wilson Ferrance (191-G), who finished with 10 points in the fourth quarter, Boys Dem rallied and held a five-point advantage at 62-56 with 44 seconds left on the clock. On the Hoyas next possession, Darnell Burger Hendrickson was fouled attempting a three-point shot. He made all three of his free throws to bring his team to within three points of the lead at 62-59 with 24.2 seconds to go. A turnover gave the ball back to the Hoyas and Anthony Theodore was fouled. He converted on both of his free throws to bring the Hoyas to within a single of the lead at 62-61 with 14 seconds on the clock. Boys Dem again turned the ball over on their next possession and on the Hoyas attempt at the basket the ball was blocked out of bounds with 2.5 seconds showing on the clock.

Hoyas Coach Sammy Lee called time out to draw up a play. When the teams returned to the floor everyone in the gym was on their feet in anticipation. The Hoyas lined up on the left side of the basket and Boys Dem took their defensive position around them. At the referees whistle for the inbound, Castillo somehow got free, took the inbounds pass and calmly went up and sank the clutch 10-footer to win the game and send the gym into a frenzied celebration.

It was a play designed for Burger said Hoyas Coach Sammy Lee. However it appeared that they (Boys Dem) were ready for that so I told them whoever gets free must take the shot and for some reason Eddie ended up wide open and the rest is history.

It was sweet revenge for the Hoyas, who were swept out of the playoffs last season by Boys Dem, but it was a hard loss for Boys Dem. Although missing some key players and their usual bench they played a great game and came wthin 2.5 seconds of winning. Only seven players dressed for Saturdays game.

Hendrickson led three Hoyas in double figures with 18 points, Karl John finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds and Castillo knocked down 15 points, but none bigger than that game winner. For the hard luck Boys Dem, Ferrance had 20 points, Kadeem Jones 16, Zomari Swanston 11 and nine rebounds, and Terrel Christian finished with ten points.

Guidance 82, Kings 77

In game one of the evening's double-header, defending champions Guidance let everyone know that they are still the team to beat, posting an 82-77 victory over the Kings.

Guidance dominated the action for most of the game, leading by as many as 22 points at one stage, then holding off a furious fourth-quarter rally by the Kings to hold on for the five point victory. The champs were led by AQ St. Hillaire with a team-high 28 points. Eric McBean dropped in 15 points and 10 rebound and Joelfry Polanco netted 11 points and eight assists. For the Kings it was Craig Williams (205-F-89) leading the way with a game-high 34 points and 11 rebounds while point guard Stephen Oreilly finished with 27 points.




*****************************************************
  UBA   


Frusino (Italy-2) sign Wilson - by UBA media
Frusino have agreed on terms of contract with Damel Wilson (6'9''-F/C-87, college: Southwestern, TX). The 24-year-old forward starts his professional career. He has graduated from Southern Wesleyan in 2010. He posted 10.0 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in his senior season. In 2011 the forward drafted by the Tennessee Dragons of the UBA. Wilson notched 10.0 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.7 blocks per game leading to his Usbasket.com All-UBA Defensive 1st Team honors.

UBA star Barnes turns down Europe, returns to Disciples - by Travis McAvene

Travis McAvene Reports:

Atlanta, GA (AP) The reigning UBA MVP Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Atlanta Christian) plans to re-sign with GIE Morrow Disciples in the UBA and bypass on several contract offers from mid-level European clubs (Romania, Germany-Pro A, France-NM1, Iceland-Express).

It was very hard for me to turn down Europe, said Barnes. At this time I have decided to spend time with my family and make a hard push for Europe next season.

Barnes is one of the most exciting minor league players in the country and continues to turn heads with his amazing scoring ability. He is the record holder for the UBAs single game scoring (60 points) and also led the league in scoring for the 2nd season with 26.7ppg.

He was named Usbasket.com All-United States 1st Team and was selected Guard of the Year. This is an amazing feet as a minor league player in company with all NBA Dleague standouts.

At this point in my life Im big on my family and business. Basketball is a great sport but I know I cant play forever, said Barnes. But Im 100% sure I will be in Europe next season.

Barnes attended Atlanta Christian College was is regarded as the best athlete to play in the conference. He was named 1st Team All-American along with the National Player of the Year honors. After leaving ACC, Barnes continued his career in Japan (Proline Kings), Saudi Arabia (Al Ahli Jeddah), Uruguay (Universitario) and Mexico (Frayles de Guasave) before joining the UBA.

Barnes attorney, Jerone Dodd, told The Clayton News-Weekly said Barnes will only play for two coaches (Hrafn Kristjnsson (Iceland) and Ricky Benitez (Mexico).

Its a funny situation, said Barnes. Coach Hrafn is a big time coach. He has dominated the Express league and is the Phil Jackson of his country. I like his style, respect and approach to the game of basketball. Coach Benitez is more like Doc Rivers . He is very passionate, focused and prepared. Rickey is the type of coach that would die before he loses and I love that. I would play for these two coaches under any circumstances.

The Disciples own the rights to Barnes and are more than willing to release him at any time.

Barnes is a different type of guy, said UBA Commissioner Michael Davis . Hes all about everyone else and himself last. He could easily be selfish and played in Europe for the last 4 years. Yet he has chosen to stay and help others.

The UBA will kick off this fall. For more information please visit www.ubabasket.com



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


Ukraine sneak past Belarus in Kyiv - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine - Belarus 72:71

Ukraine registered a narrow victory over Belarus in the exhibition game in Kyiv. Steve Burtt (185-G-84, college: Iona) unloaded 23 points to pace the hosts. Ukraine thus avenged the loss from Belarus just over a week ago at Aerosvit Cup tournament.
Ukraine got to the better start. They controlled the tempo posting a 20:16 lead after ten minutes. The hosts stretched the margin in the second period. Ukraine arrived at halftime up by 7 points 38:31. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the third term. Ukriane secured a 7-point buffer heading into the fourth quarter. But Belarus not only denied the deficit but surged ahead for a 4-point lead in the final quarter. Ukraine needed some late heroics to get within striking distance. Maksym Pustozvonov (200-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) then drained a late bucket to seal the victory for Ukraine. Denys Lukashov (190-G-89) finished with 8 points, while Maksym Pustozvonov and Oleg Saltovets (202-F-77) provided 7 points apiece in the victory. Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-G-80) responded with 23 points for Belarus. Dzianis Korshuk (201-F-78, agency: Agency No 10) netted 11 points in the losing effort.

Ukraine: Steve Burtt 23, Denys Lukashov 8, Maksym Pustozvonov 7, Oleg Saltovets 7
Belarus: Aliaksandr Kudrautsau 23, Dzianis Korshuk 11


*****************************************************
  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES   


William Jones Cup. Japan shoot down UAE - by Eurobasket News
Japan - UAE 92:85

Japan recorded the first win at the William Jones Cup in Taiwan. They overcame UAE to improve at 1-2 record. Yusuke Okada (185-G-84) stepped up with game-high 33 points to pace the effort. UAE slipped at 0-3 record after the loss.
Japan took over early in the game posting a 21:14 lead after ten minutes. But UAE adjusted and stepped on the gas offensively in the second quarter. UAE erased the deficit and posted a 39:38 halftime advantage. UAE maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They headed into the final frame up by two points 58:56. But Japan went on full throttle in the fourth period. They unloaded 36 points in the frame to surge to the victory. Keijuro Matsui (188-G-85, college: Columbia) provided 18 points, while Gaku Arao (198-F/C-87) netted 11 points and grabbed 8 boards in the win. Rashed Al Zaabi (188-G-88) responded with 18 points for UAE. Mohamed Al Braiki (190-G-91) netted 13 points in defeat.

Japan: Yusuke Okada 33, Keijuro Matsui 18, Gaku Arao 11
UAE: Rashed Al Zaabi 18, Mohamed Al Braiki 13


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


Fan Favourite Schneck Returns - by Paul Nilsen
Last year's rookie centre Matt Schneck (203-C-88, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: St.Cloud St.) is returning to Cheshire Jets for a second season with the the backing of principal sponsors AVC Group.

The Former St. Cloud State All-American centre put pen to paper in front of 200 Jets campers at the Camp Award Ceremony last week. This was after signing a contract with AVC Group allowing the marketing major to work part time for the business, one of the UK's leading services organizations, offering Digital, Media and Energy services. AVC Group is the sole mainland business partner in the UK to Sky for satellite system installations.

The Internship between the club and AVC will start in early September and the position will work around Matt's training and playing commitments. 2011/12 will be the second year AVC Group are principle sponsors of The Jets.
Matt said;

'As the main sponsor they've more than fulfilled their role in allotting me an opportunity to gain that business knowledge from a blue chip company. They've shown a large interest in my career, and have been very accommodating with the club. When you think of a sponsor you generally associate it with a large corporation who leaves money with clubs to get their logo on jerseys, and leaves it at that. AVC Group is anything but that.'

He added

'Looking at the future projects they will be working on, and seeing how involved they became with the recruitment process really has me intrigued with them. I think they are a company that genuinely cares about the community which fits my personality, and I'm excited to help them bring that into the public eye.

Sales & Marketing Director Beverley Smith Jagger commented -

'As a locally based employer, we are proud to be supporting the Cheshire Jets and we're enjoying the successful working partnership we've developed in the last 12 months with the team and looking forward to the new season as principal sponsor.

AVC Group is a global business helping people and organisations make the most of technology, renewable energy and recycling opportunities. Having Matt as part of the team with his marketing experience is really positive for us and as we employ a large local Workforce, we know that many of our staff and customers are already keen supporters of this local club'.

Talking about his return to the BBL Matt said;

'I'm really excited about returning to Chester, I thoroughly enjoyed my first professional season. It was an incredible time of learning both on and off the court. Every season that I come into I believe I will compete for a title. I think if there is ever a moment where I find myself without confidence I would know it's time to give it up.

He went on to say:

'Newly appointed Jets Head Coach Lavery has spent a lot of time studying and around the game of basketball, but most importantly he is able to level with players on a mature level. For that reason he is the exact type of coach every player wants to have behind the clipboard when they reach that post season.'

Coach Lavery is delighted to be welcoming the 6'7 Wisconsin native into his first Cheshire Jets squad.

He said;

'Matt is a great first signing for us, it's fantastic that he decided to accept our offer to come back. He is a great team player who last year racked up some pretty impressive stats. I know there were a number of clubs across Europe and in the BBL interested in signing him mostly because of his ability to play both offensively and defensively and hustle all over the floor.'

He added;

'Matt had an incredible first season in the BBL, he was the league leader in rebounding and put in a double double almost every game he played. He is a tough baller who refuses to back down to challenges thrown his way. I'm looking forward to welcoming him back to the Northgate as I'm sure the fans are.'



Great Britain edged Netherlands in Cobham - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain NT- Netherlands NT 96:70

Great Britain edged Netherlands in Cobham to get their summer campaign off to a winning start. The home side grabbed 96:70 victory as the head coach Chris Finch was pleased with the performance:
Both teams started well and scored 19 points each in the opening period. The hosts had taken a first double-digit lead at 38:28 with a Kyle Johnson three-pointer late in the second quarter. Great Britain also won the third quarter 22-20 and enjoyed 12-point lead after thirty minutes of the game. The last stanza became decisive in the game as the hosts pushed the tempo for good to win the opener. They needed 29-15 in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Ryan Richards (212-C/F-91, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with 16 points for the winners and Kyle Johnson netted 14. Eric Boateng (208-C-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona St.) followed them with 13 points, while Matthew Bryan-Amaning (205-F-88, agency: Interperformances, college: Washington) added 10. Aaron Roye (185-G-88) replied with 18 points in the losing effort and Arvin Slagter (190-G-85, agency: Court Side) notched 17.
Great Britain will now host Nigeria on Tuesday.

Great Britain NT: Ryan Richards 16 points, Kyle Johnson 14 , Eric Boateng 13 points, Matthew Bryan-Amaning 10
Netherlands NT: Aaron Roye 18, Arvin Slagter 17


Ben Gordon to miss the European Basketball Championship - by Eurobasket News
Ben Gordon (188-G-83, college: Connecticut) will miss the European Basketball Championship because of insurance problems caused by the NBA lockout. He's eligible to play for Great Britain, because his mother, Yvonne - originally from Jamaica - lived in London when he was born in 1983.
After graduating from Connecticut (NCAA) he was drafted by Chicago Bulls (NBA,1rd (3)). Ben played there for 5 seasons and in the last one averaged high 21.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 86.5%. In 2009-2010 for $10,000,000 moved to Detroit Pistons (NBA and in 62 games had 13.8ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 86.1%. Last season for Detroit Pistons (NBA) his stats read 11.2ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 85.0%.
In his top game last season he erupted with 35 points at the Regular Season Round 96. The Pistons handled themselves for 36 minutes but couldn't sustain it, falling 124-106 on to New York. Ben Gordon had his strongest game since the home opener against Oklahoma City and kept the Pistons in contention with a season-high 35 points - 16 in the third quarter.
It has already been confirmed that Chicago Bulls star Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) will compete for Great Britain in Eurobasket 2011, which takes place from 31 August to 18 September in Lithuania.


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  VENEZUELA   


Venezuela couldn't versus Brazil - by Yelitza La Torre
Brazil defeated Venezuela 78-63 this past Sunday August 7, 2011 during the Super 4 championship game held in the Jose Maria Vargas' Multi Sport complex in La Guiara, Venezuela. The Team led by Eric Musselman played this Super 4 Tournament as part of the preparation to participate in the upcoming 2011 FIBA classificatory tournament during August 30 through September 11 of 2011 in Mar de Plata Argentina.


*****************************************************
  WILLIAM JONES CUP   


Day 3 in New Taipei City - by Eurobasket News
Japan - UAE 92:85
Japan recorded the first win at the William Jones Cup in Taiwan. They overcame UAE to improve at 1-2 record. Yusuke Okada (185-G-84) stepped up with game-high 33 points to pace the effort. UAE slipped at 0-3 record after the loss.
Japan took over early in the game posting a 21:14 lead after ten minutes. But UAE adjusted and stepped on the gas offensively in the second quarter. UAE erased the deficit and posted a 39:38 halftime advantage. UAE maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They headed into the final frame up by two points 58:56. But Japan went on full throttle in the fourth period. They unloaded 36 points in the frame to surge to the victory. Keijuro Matsui (188-G-85, college: Columbia) provided 18 points, while Gaku Arao (198-F/C-87) netted 11 points and grabbed 8 boards in the win. Rashed Al Zaabi (188-G-88) responded with 18 points for UAE. Mohamed Al Braiki (190-G-91) netted 13 points in defeat.

Japan: Yusuke Okada 33, Keijuro Matsui 18, Gaku Arao 11
UAE: Rashed Al Zaabi 18, Mohamed Al Braiki 13

Jordan - Philippines 76:72
Jordan stayed undefeated at the William Jones Cup in Taiwan. They held off Philippines to improve at 3-0 record on top of the ladder. Ali Zaghab (205-F/C-88) stepped up with 17 points for the winners. Philippines suffered the first defeat at the tournament falling at 2-1 record.
Jordan jumped in front in the opening quarter. They posted a 21:18 lead after ten minutes. Philippines stayed within striking distance in the second term. They narrowed the gap to just two points at halftime 32:34. Jordan maintained the lead throughout the third term. They posted a 56:53 lead with one quarter remaining. Jordan held off determined comeback effort from Philippines to escape with a narrow win at the end. Osama Daghles (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) provided 16 points, while Abbas Zaid (203-F-83) provided 14 points in the win. Andy Barroca (176-F/C-86) responded with 13 points for Philippines. Christopher Lutz (193-G-85, college: Marshall), Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, college: Providence) and Marnel Baracael (193-F/G-85) netted 10 points each in the loss.

Jordan: Ali Zaghab 17, Osama Daghles 16, Abbas Zaid 14
Philippines: Andy Barroca 13, Christopher Lutz 10, Marcus Douthit 10, Marnel Baracael 10

South Korea - Iran 77:59
South Korea earned the third straight win at the William Jones Cup. They stormed past Iran to keep their record spotless. Stevenson Cameron (200-F-75, agency: Alti Sport, college: Richmond) unleashed 27 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace the winners. Iran fell at 1-2 record after the loss.
Iran led by two points 21:19 at the first break. But South Korea turned things around in the second quarter. They limited Iran to just 7 points in the period to establish a 31:28 halftime advantage. South Korea increased the tempo in the third term. They boosted the lead to as many as 10 points with one quarter remaining. South Korea outscored their opponents 24:16 in the last period to march to the victory at the end. Yang Dong-Geun (182-G-81) knocked down 15 points, while Kang Byung-Hyun (193-G/F-85) added 12 points in the win. Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85) responded with 15 points and 6 rebounds for Iran. Mahdi Kamrani (186-G-82) accounted for 9 points in the loss.

South Korea: Stevenson Cameron 27, Yang Dong-Geun 15, Kang Byung-Hyun 12
Iran: Hamed Haddadi 15, Mahdi Kamrani 9

Taiwan - Malaysia 104:54
Taiwan recorded the second win at the William Jones Cup. The hosts overcame Malaysia for 2-1 record at the tournament. Five players scored in double digits to pace the winners. Tsung-Hsien Chang (192-G-88) delivered 21 points to pace the winners. Malaysia fell at 0-3 record after the defeat.
Taiwan erupted for 31 points in the starting frame to clear off to a 23-point distance. The hosts maintained the pressure in the second quarter. Taiwan earned a 53:23 halftime advantage. Taiwan did not allow Malaysia closer in the third term. The home team arrived at the final break leading by as many as 44 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Yi-Hsiang Chou (193-F-91) and Lu Cheng-Ju (194-F-86) provided 15 points each for Taiwan. Li Wei Chee (186-F-85) responded with 17 points and 10 rebounds for Malaysia. Shee Fai Loh (192-G-89) had 10 points in the losing effort.

Taiwan: Tsung-Hsien Chang 21, Yi-Hsiang Chou 15, Lu Cheng-Ju 15
Malaysia: Li Wei Chee 17+10 boards, Shee Fai Loh 10


Standings
Standings
1. Jordan3-0
2. S.Korea3-0
3. Philippine.2-1
4. Taiwan2-1
5. Japan1-2
6. Iran1-2
7. S.Africa0-0
8. United Ara.0-3
9. Malaysia0-3




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Women News

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


QBL: Port City Power in home final - by Eurobasket News
FOR youngster Tiana Gibson playing for Port City Power is a privilege and honour that she still finds overwhelming even after two years with the side.

Tiana last year shared in the Powers grand final victory and is looking forward to being part of the team as it goes for three in a row.

I still think to myself before games, wow I play along side Australian players and WNBL stars. It is such a privilege to play with these women, Gibson said.

Tiana was proud to be a part of the Powers games over the weekend, which she said were two of the most important of the season.

We played second-placed Mackay and third-placed Bundaberg and the aim was more than just to win. Winning meant that we secured a home final, Gibson said.

The nerves I felt prior to both games were unlike any other nerves I have ever felt.

The Power played a strong game against Mackay 91-72 but its performance on Friday night meant players were tired when they faced Bundaberg.

We played really well considering how tired we were heading into the game, but it was the second half that we really came through with the goods, Gibson said.

We were able to put a lot of points on the board winning 108-75 and most importantly securing ourselves a home final.

Womens Basketball Results

Gladstone def Mackay 91-72

Rebecca Haynes (188-G/F-84, college: Jacksonville St.) 26, Jessica Bibby (169-G-79) 24, Hannah Bowley (185-G/F-84) 21, Natalie Hurst 12, Diana Neves 8

Gladstone def Bundaberg 108-75

Hannah Bowley 26, Rebecca Haynes 25, Diana Neves 23, Natalie Hurst 17, Jessica Bibby 15, Amanda Beatson 2
Courtesy of: The Gladstone Observer





*****************************************************
  BAHAMAS - Women  


Cuba is the winner of CBC Championship 2011 - by Eurobasket News
CUBA - BAHAMAS 85-54

Cuba finished CBC Championship in Nassau with perfect 5-0 record. Of course Cuba won the first place at this event. In the last day of the competition Cuba destroyed Bahamas 85-54 and booked a ticket for CentroBasket 2012. Bahamas finished as No.4 in Nassau. The host of this event had 1-4 score. Taimy Fernandez (183-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 22 points. Clenia Noblet (191-C-87) had 18 points and 13 boards, while Yamara Amargo (180-F-85) added 14 pts. In defeat, Philicia Kelly (90) was better than the others with 15 points and 6 rebounds. Malesha Petterson (173-G-92) stopped to 10 pts. Quarters: 20-10, 14-14, 25-19, 26-11.

Cuba: Taimy Fernandez 22, Clenia Noblet 18+13 boards, Yamara Amargo 14
Bahamas: Philicia Kelly 15+6 boards, Malesha Petterson 10

*****************************************************
  BULGARIA - Women  


Natalia Topalova moves to Montana - by Maria Mitzova
Natalia Topalova-Shopova (187-F-80) left Levski Sofia and signed with Montana 2003. The center forward inked a contract with the team for one season.
Topalova played 30 games last year for Levski Sofia, scoring an average of 16.3 pts and 8.5 rebounds. With Levski Sofia she won the silver medals in the Bulgarian championship.
Montana 2003 is also expecting Radmila Nesheva (172-G-81) to join the team, while Agnesa Doychinova (188-F-73) will most likely leave the Northwestern city.
The preparations for next season start on August, 22nd.


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


Canada with one win in test series versus Japan - by Eurobasket News
Canada lost two out of three test games against Japan. Canada rebounded after the starting loss in Nagasaki. They claimed a 56:54 win in Game 2 at the same venue. Canada trailed by three points at the interval but turned things around in the second half and eked out a tough win at the end. Chelsea Aubry (189-F/C-84, college: Nebraska) knocked down 12 points to pace the effort. Kimberley Smith (187-F-84, college: Utah) added 11 points and 4 boards in the victory.
The teams moved to Fukuoka for the third game of the series. This time Japan proved the strength claiming a 68:61 victory at the end. The hosts grabbed a 29:27 lead at the interval. Japan outgunned Canada 26:10 in the third term to pile up an 18-point buffer with one period remaining. The visitors cut the margin in the final period but came up short of victory at the end. Tamara Tatham (187-F-85, college: Massachusetts) accounted for 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 steals for Canada. Shona Thorburn (178-G-82, college: Utah) and Kalisha Keane (185-F-89, college: Michigan St.) netted 8 points each in defeat.


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  CBC CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


Standings (Women)
Standings
1. Cuba5-0
2. Trinid/T.4-1
3. US Virg.Isl3-2
4. Dominican R.2-3
5. Bahamas1-4
6. Saint Vinc.0-5


*****************************************************
  CUBA - Women  


Cuba is the winner of CBC Championship 2011 - by Eurobasket News
CUBA - BAHAMAS 85-54

Cuba finished CBC Championship in Nassau with perfect 5-0 record. Of course Cuba won the first place at this event. In the last day of the competition Cuba destroyed Bahamas 85-54 and booked a ticket for CentroBasket 2012. Bahamas finished as No.4 in Nassau. The host of this event had 1-4 score. Taimy Fernandez (183-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 22 points. Clenia Noblet (191-C-87) had 18 points and 13 boards, while Yamara Amargo (180-F-85) added 14 pts. In defeat, Philicia Kelly (90) was better than the others with 15 points and 6 rebounds. Malesha Petterson (173-G-92) stopped to 10 pts. Quarters: 20-10, 14-14, 25-19, 26-11.

Cuba: Taimy Fernandez 22, Clenia Noblet 18+13 boards, Yamara Amargo 14
Bahamas: Philicia Kelly 15+6 boards, Malesha Petterson 10

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Martina Staalvant is a newcomer at Frisco Sika Brno - by Eurobasket Center
Swedish point guard Martina Staalvant signs with Euroleague team Frisco Sika Brno for 2011/2012. Staalvant started her career with Stockholm 08 (Sweden, Damligan) where she won the Championship in 2009/2010. Last season, she played her first season abroad, in Spain with Gran Canaria. She was starting-five in Eurocup and averaged 6ppg 1.2rpg and 1.4apg. With Frisco Sika Brno, she will discover the Euroleague.

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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Women  


Trinidad and Tobago win second place in Nassau - by Eurobasket News
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 82-76

Trinidad and Tobago won the second place in CBC Championship 2011. They handed 82-76 loss to Dominican Republic in the last day of the competition ending it with almost perfect 4-1 record. It means that T&T booked a ticket for the CentroBasket 2012. Dominican Republic finished as No.4 with 2-3 record. They will not play next year in CentroBasket. Melissa Guerrero (180-G-83) exploded in victory with 33 points and 10 rebounds. Jowan Ortega (173-G-85, college: UMKC) had 17 points and 8 boards, while Chenell Harris (89) added 13 pts and 6 as. In the loosing squad, Carmen Guzman (175-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) collected 26 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Sugeiry Monsac (186-F/C-81) added 14 pts and 10 rebs. Quarters: 11-18, 16-20, 29-22, 26-16.

Trinidad and Tobago: Melissa Guerrero 33+10 boards, Jowan Ortega 17+8 boards, Chenell Harris 13+6 as
Dominican Republic: Carmen Guzman 26+5 boards+7 as, Sugeiry Monsac 14+10 boards

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  FRANCE - Women  


Spain U16 triumphs in Torneo Internazionale in Cagliari - by Eurobasket News
Spain U16-France U16 59:37

Spain U16 triumphs in Torneo Internazionale in Cagliari as they won the third straight game. The Spanish side won over France 59:37 to win it all. France lost the second game and finished on the third place.
Spain started the game with 18:5 and never looked behind. Another 20-8 in the second period brought them 38:13 at the halftime. France responded with 15-12 in the third quarter, but was too far to catch up with the favorites. Both teams nailed 9 points each in the last frame for the final result.
Arrojo stepped up with 13 points for the winners and Leticia Romero (173-G-95) as well as Perez scored 7 each. Marina Lizarazu (175-G-95) and Navarro netted 6 each, while Del Santo nailed 5.
Italy U16 finished the tournament on the second place. The hosts won over Greece 60:59 as the latter remained undefeated.


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  GREECE - Women  


Asteras Exarheion Athens sign Shakara Jones - by Eurobasket Center
Asteras Exarheion Athens signed 23-year old American forward Shakara Jones (187-F-88). Jones played most recently at University of Missouri (NCAA) in the U.S. It will be his first year in professional basketball. While playing 31 games for Missouri last season her stats were: 9.6ppg, 5.6rpg and 1.4apg. It's strange but this year is a very special about huge number of U.S. college graduates signing pro contracts in Europe. It applies to both men and women basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Italy U16 beat Greece U16 to finish second - by Eurobasket News
Italy U16-Greece U16 60:59

Italy U16 finished the Torneo Internazionale in Cagliari on the second place. The hosts won over Greece 60:59 as the latter remained undefeated.
Greece started the game with 20-19 and enjoyed the bigger lead at the halftime. Greece had 42:31 after two quarters and then entered the last period with 48:39 deficit. Italy however was too strong at the end and won the game due to the last quarter.
Tagliamento paced all the winners with 16 points and Elisa Penna (185-F-95) nailed 14. Kacerik delivered 10, while Zagni notched 6. Stamolamprou replied with 26 points in the losing case, while Eleni Kyratzi (170-G-95) and Tsavou scored 10 apiece.
Spain U16 triumphed in Torneo Internazionale in Cagliari as they won the third straight game. The Spanish side won over France 59:37 to win it all. France lost the second game and finished on the third place.

Italy U16: Tagliamento 16, Elisa Penna 14, Kacerik 10, Zagni 6
Greece U16: Stamolamprou 26, Eleni Kyratzi 10, Tsavou 10


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  ICELAND - Women  


Njardvik sign two imports - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Njardvik, womens team has sign two US players for upcoming season. Team did very well last season but lost in the finals of play-offs.
Team will be coaches again by Sverrir Sverrisson
The players team has sign are. Shanae Baker-Brice (168-G-87) a guard out of Towson University
The other player is forward from Clemson University Lele Hardy (178-G/F-88, agency: Merit Sports)

KR keep on strengthener their Icelandic players roster. Last sign was Sigrun Amundardottir who played in N2 france last season, before that KR had sign Bryndis Gudmundsdottir from Keflavik and Rannveig Olafsdottir a point guard that was at Cape Fear Academy High School in North Carolina

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  ITALY - Women  


Italy U16 beat Greece U16 to finish second - by Eurobasket News
Italy U16-Greece U16 60:59

Italy U16 finished the Torneo Internazionale in Cagliari on the second place. The hosts won over Greece 60:59 as the latter remained undefeated.
Greece started the game with 20-19 and enjoyed the bigger lead at the halftime. Greece had 42:31 after two quarters and then entered the last period with 48:39 deficit. Italy however was too strong at the end and won the game due to the last quarter.
Tagliamento paced all the winners with 16 points and Elisa Penna (185-F-95) nailed 14. Kacerik delivered 10, while Zagni notched 6. Stamolamprou replied with 26 points in the losing case, while Eleni Kyratzi (170-G-95) and Tsavou scored 10 apiece.
Spain U16 triumphed in Torneo Internazionale in Cagliari as they won the third straight game. The Spanish side won over France 59:37 to win it all. France lost the second game and finished on the third place.

Italy U16: Tagliamento 16, Elisa Penna 14, Kacerik 10, Zagni 6
Greece U16: Stamolamprou 26, Eleni Kyratzi 10, Tsavou 10


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  NEW ZEALAND - Women  


Otago secure National Womens title - by Mike Lacey
Otago Oceana Goldrush won the 2011 Womens National Basketball Championships, defeating Nelson Sparks 72-57 in the final held in Dunedin.
Otago comfortable disposed of defending champions Harbour Breeze 82-63 in one semi final while the Sparks overcame the Hutt Valley Flyers in the other semi final.

Otago took a big lead in the early stages of the final, Casey Lockwood (183-F-85) contributing 9 points as the Goldrush raced to a 27-17 first quarter advantage. Defences tightened in the second period, Otago shading the period 9-8 to lead 38-25 at half time. The Sparks threw everything at the hosts in the third quarter, Kat Jones scoring 8 of Nelsons 20 points in the period, the lead being reduced to 6 points (51-45) with ten minutes remaining.
The lead was still in single digits with 5:18 remaining but back to back baskets by Suzie |Bates and Soraya Maga-Jensen subdued the Nelson challenge and Otago were able to control proceedings in the closing minutes to secure a 72-57 win and with it the National title.
Final Score;
Otago Oceana Goldrush 72 (Daneka Wipiiti 21 points and 15 rebounds, Casey Lockwood 19) Nelson sparks 57 (Jelena Vucinic 18, Summer Roberts 10).
Plate Final;
Waikato Wizards 79 (Aroha Jennings 21, Leanne Walker 16)
NZ Force Academy 66 (Amanda Harris 19, Brooke Blair 14)


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  POLAND - Women  


News from Lodz - by Lukasz Lukaszewski
There is a big city in the center of Poland Lodz. This city has two clubs in PLKK LKS Siemens AGD Lodz and Widzew Lodz. Also final round of Eurobasket Women 2011 was at this place. In this summer both clubs from Lodz signed new players. Especially LKS Siemens AGD Lodz will be more powerful in the upcoming season.


LKS Siemens AGD Lodz management transformed clubs roster. The new head coach of LKS Siemens AGD Lodz will be Adam Prabucki. Club completely rebuilt the roster. LKS Siemens AGD Lodz signed contract with 13 players: Justyna Jeziorna (173-G-81), Katarzyna Kenig (185-F-79), Angelika Kowalska (178-G-92), Agnieszka Modelska (180-F-90), Tahnee Robinson (175-G-88, college: Nevada) , Lauren Prochaska (180-G/F-88, college: Bowling Green), Melissa Dalembert (191-F-87), Stephanie Raymond (170-G-85, college: N.Illinois), Olga Urbanowicz (ytomirska) and 4 players from youth team: Agnieszka Dandych, Jagoda Kowalczyk (179-G-92), Agata Olejnik (174-G/F-92), Justyna Pasikt.

Justyna Jeziorna is a 30 years old guard. LKS will be her first club apart from CCC Polkowice. She had represented this club all her career. Last season she averaged 5,4 points
and 2,9 rebounds.

Katarzyna Kenig is a 32 years old forward. She had been playing in LKS Siemens AGD Lodz from 2006 to 2009, but in last season she represented local rival Widzew Lodz. She averaged 11,4 points and 5,3 rebounds. Now, she backs to LKS.

Angelika Kowalska moved to Lodz from Arcus SMS PZKosz Lomianki. She spent 2 seasons in this club, in 1st league. Before that she debuted in PLKK, in MUKS Poznan. She is 19 years old guard.

Agnieszka Modelska is 21 years old forward. That will be her second season in LKS Siemens AGD Lodz , but she lost 2010-2011 season. She had a terrible knee injury.

Tahnee Robinson is 23 years old guard. LKS Siemens AGD Lodz will be her first club in Europe. She spent last two seasons in NCAA. She had been playing for Nevada in NCAA. She noticed great stats. In last season she averaged 22,1 point and 6,1 rebounds. Before this season she was in Connecticut Sun, but only for pre-season. She is the first Indian
women drafted to WNBA.

Lauren Prochaska has also 23 years old. She is can play as a shooting guard and small forward. She had been playing in NCAA, in Bowling Green for last 4 seasons. In
previous season she averaged 17,9 points, 5,9 rebounds and 2.5 assist. She was on pre-season camp in Seattle Storm.

Melissa Dalembert is a sister of Samuel Dalembert (211-C-81, college: Seton Hall) - Sacramento Kings center. She is 23 years old forward. She had been playing in South Florida University. In her last season she averaged 6,5 points and 6,6 rebounds.

Olga Urbanowicz (189-C/F-81) was very close to sign contract with Widzew Lodz, her former team. She was negotiating with this club management, but she chose local rival LKS Siemens AGD Lodz . She is well experienced 30 years old forward, who can also play as a center. Last season she averaged 10,4 points and 6,4 rebounds.

Stephanie Raymond is 26 year old guard. She had been playing in PLKK in last season for Artego Bydgoszcz. She noticed great season in this club. She was selected for All
Star Game. Stephanie Raymond averaged 9,9 points and 3,8 assists (the 5th score in entire league).

Four players from youth team joined to the senior team: Agnieszka Dandych, Jagoda Kowalczyk, Agata Olejnik, Justyna Pasikt.

Widzew Lodz signed Leona Jankowska (190-C-77). She is 34 years old center. Leona Jankowska was the leader of LKS Siemens AGD Lodz in last two seasons. She has been playing in Poland from 2004/2005. Leona Jankowska was representing 3 polish clubs from the same region: Widzew Lodz, LKS Siemens AGD Lodz and Solpark Kleszczow Pabianice (Pabianice is very close to Lodz). In last season she averaged 17 points. 7,4 rebounds, 1,1 blocks (5th score in entire league).

Also other player from LKS Siemens AGD Lodz signed contract with Widzew Lodz Daria Dziwulska (179-F-92). She is young, 19 years old forward. Widzew Lodz tab 23 years old forward - Barbara Glocka (183-F-88). This player had been playing in last season for KK ROW Rybnik. She noticed 2.6ppg and 2.8rpg.

What is more club renews the contract with some players who played in Widzew Lodz in last season: Anna Tondel (183-F/C-77, agency: Promotex), Aleksandra Pawlak (189-F-84), Kamila Trojanowska (170-PG-86), Lucyna Kotonowicz, Lidia Kopczyk (171-PG-88, agency: Promotex), Justyna Okulska (184-F-87), Kamila Polit (178-F-88) and Anna Kolasa (178-F-92).

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  SAINT VINCENT - Women  


US Virgin Islands take third place in Nassau, book ticket for CentroBasket 2012 - by Eurobasket News
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - SAINT VINCENT 92-70

As expected, US Virgin Islands were too strong for Saint Vincent 92-70 in the last day of the CBC Championship in Nassau. US Virgin Islands won third place at this event with 3-2 record. They also booked a ticket for the CentroBasket 2012. On the other side, Saint Vincent ended as the last ranked team in Nassau. They had poor 0-5 record. Natalie Day (182-G/F-90) exploded for the winners with 36 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Yanique Javois (176-G-85, college: St.Louis) also was great as she added 27 points and 8 rebounds. In defeat, Vasha Adams (83) collected 23 pts and 12 boards. Their second scorer was Nathifa Weekes (170-G-85) with 12 pts. Quarters: 21-14, 19-20, 20-19, 32-17.

US Virgin Islands: Natalie Day 36+8 boards+7 as, Yanique Javois 27+8 boards
Saint Vincent: Vasha Adams 23+12 boards, Nathifa Weekes 12

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  SPAIN - Women  


Spain U16 triumphs in Torneo Internazionale in Cagliari - by Eurobasket News
Spain U16-France U16 59:37

Spain U16 triumphs in Torneo Internazionale in Cagliari as they won the third straight game. The Spanish side won over France 59:37 to win it all. France lost the second game and finished on the third place.
Spain started the game with 18:5 and never looked behind. Another 20-8 in the second period brought them 38:13 at the halftime. France responded with 15-12 in the third quarter, but was too far to catch up with the favorites. Both teams nailed 9 points each in the last frame for the final result.
Arrojo stepped up with 13 points for the winners and Leticia Romero (173-G-95) as well as Perez scored 7 each. Marina Lizarazu (175-G-95) and Navarro netted 6 each, while Del Santo nailed 5.
Italy U16 finished the tournament on the second place. The hosts won over Greece 60:59 as the latter remained undefeated.


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  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - Women  


Trinidad and Tobago win second place in Nassau - by Eurobasket News
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 82-76

Trinidad and Tobago won the second place in CBC Championship 2011. They handed 82-76 loss to Dominican Republic in the last day of the competition ending it with almost perfect 4-1 record. It means that T&T booked a ticket for the CentroBasket 2012. Dominican Republic finished as No.4 with 2-3 record. They will not play next year in CentroBasket. Melissa Guerrero (180-G-83) exploded in victory with 33 points and 10 rebounds. Jowan Ortega (173-G-85, college: UMKC) had 17 points and 8 boards, while Chenell Harris (89) added 13 pts and 6 as. In the loosing squad, Carmen Guzman (175-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) collected 26 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Sugeiry Monsac (186-F/C-81) added 14 pts and 10 rebs. Quarters: 11-18, 16-20, 29-22, 26-16.

Trinidad and Tobago: Melissa Guerrero 33+10 boards, Jowan Ortega 17+8 boards, Chenell Harris 13+6 as
Dominican Republic: Carmen Guzman 26+5 boards+7 as, Sugeiry Monsac 14+10 boards

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women  


US Virgin Islands take third place in Nassau, book ticket for CentroBasket 2012 - by Eurobasket News
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - SAINT VINCENT 92-70

As expected, US Virgin Islands were too strong for Saint Vincent 92-70 in the last day of the CBC Championship in Nassau. US Virgin Islands won third place at this event with 3-2 record. They also booked a ticket for the CentroBasket 2012. On the other side, Saint Vincent ended as the last ranked team in Nassau. They had poor 0-5 record. Natalie Day (182-G/F-90) exploded for the winners with 36 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Yanique Javois (176-G-85, college: St.Louis) also was great as she added 27 points and 8 rebounds. In defeat, Vasha Adams (83) collected 23 pts and 12 boards. Their second scorer was Nathifa Weekes (170-G-85) with 12 pts. Quarters: 21-14, 19-20, 20-19, 32-17.

US Virgin Islands: Natalie Day 36+8 boards+7 as, Yanique Javois 27+8 boards
Saint Vincent: Vasha Adams 23+12 boards, Nathifa Weekes 12

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  WBCBL - Women  


Fire reaches national semifinals - by Willie McCray
- The Post and Courier - Charleston, SC

The Charleston Lowcountry Fire defeated the Atlanta Battlecats 98-96, in triple overtime to advance to the semifinals of the WBCBL national tournament in Atlanta Saturday.

Brittany Young scored 32 points to lead the Fire (12-1). Sydnei Moss had 25 points and six rebounds. Jontell Johnson and Jen Schumacher had 15 points each for the Fire.

The Fire plays the defending champion Rock County Robins at 8 a.m. today. The title game is set for 1 p.m.

The Fire downed the Miami Rain, 83-65, behind Young's 20 points earlier Saturday. Schumacher had 18 points, and Johnson had 14 and nine rebounds. Moss chipped in 13 points.


2011 Womens Blue Chip Basketball National Tournament Results - by Willie McCray
- Atlanta, GA
Aug 6-7

Saturday
Game 1: Tallahassee Thunder 68 Orlando Extreme77 (OT)
Game 2: Miami Rain 65 Lowcountry Fire 83
Game 3: Flint Monarchs 70 Louisiana Bayou Angels 78
Game 4: Arkansas Starz 72 Rock County Robins 89
Game 5: Pennsylvania Lazers 79 Orlando Extreme 85
Game 6: Atlanta Battlecats 96 Lowcountry Fire 98 (3OT)

Sunday
Game 7: Louisiana Bayou Angels 93 Orlando Extreme 97
Game 8: Lowcountry Fire 60 Rock County Robins 75

Championship: Orlando Extreme 73 Rock County Robins 85


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  WNBA - Women  


Latest WNBA games - by Eurobasket News
Chicago S. - Indiana F. 88-69
Shaya Murphy (6'0''-G/F-85, college: USC) may have felt a slight twinge of guilt after dropping a career-high 21 points on her former teammates Sunday. But that feeling was short-lived and the Sky reserve was beaming outside the locker room following a 88-69 WNBA victory over the Indiana Fever at Allstate Arena. 'I played almost two seasons at Indiana and I'm real excited,' said Murphy, who went 6 of 11 from the field, including three 3-pointers. 'I'll cherish this forever, but they're (also) some of my best friends and I love them to death.' The Sky (10-12) snapped a two-year, seven-game losing streak against the Fever. Eastern Conference-leading Indiana (15-7) also had a six-game winning streak end. The Sky overcame poor shooting en route to a one-point halftime lead. Cathrine Kraayeveld (6'4''-F-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Oregon) hit three 3-pointers as the Sky opened a 60-47 lead by the end of the third quarter. 'This shows we can play with any team in the league if we put two halves together and take care of defense,' Murphy said. Sylvia Fowles shared top scoring honors with 21 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. Kraayeveld had 12 points and Tamera Young added 10. Katie Douglas led the Fever with 14. Murphy was waived by Indiana during 2010 and played the last 11 games of that season in Chicago. She didn't play at all in 2011 until signing a seven-day contract with the Sky on July 22. *Courtesy of www.chicagotribune.com

L.Angeles S. - Minnesota L. 78-84
Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-G-82, college: Minnesota) scored a season-high 24 points and the Minnesota Lynx extended their franchise-best winning streak to nine games with an 84-78 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday night. Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) had 19 points and Rebekkah Brunson scored 18 for Minnesota (16-4). Whalen, the league's assists leader, had eight. DeLisha Milton-Jones led the Sparks (7-13) with 18 points, while Tina Thompson had 17. The Lynx snapped a six-game losing skid at Staples Center, where they are just 4-19 all-time. Their last win in Los Angeles came on July 3, 2008. Leading by 15 points with 4:49 left, the Lynx fended off a late rally. The Sparks went on a 13-2 run, using six straight points from Ticha Penicheiro to pull to 78-74 with 59 seconds to go. The Lynx then made three free throws to seal it. *Courtesy of www.kxnet.com

S.Antonio SS - Tulsa S. 72-64
Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) scored 20 points, Becky Hammon (5'6''-G-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Colorado St.) added 17 and as the San Antonio Silver Stars beat Tulsa 72-64 Saturday night, handing the Shock their franchise-record 14th straight loss. Scholanda Robinson scored 12 points to help the Silver Stars (12-8) end a three-game skid and pull even with Seattle for second place in the Western Conference. Tiffany Jackson had 27 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Shock (1-19), who eclipsed the team mark set in 2002 when they were in Detroit. Kayla Pederson added 14 points on 6-for-6 shooting, and Liz Cambage had nine points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Tulsa lost to San Antonio for the third time this season. The Silver Stars won the first meeting by 20 points and the second by 29. *Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Atlanta D. - Seattle S. 70-53
Now that she's reclaimed a starting job, Sancho Lyttle (6'4''-C-83, college: Houston) is ready to give the Atlanta Dream a big boost with 14 games left in the regular season. 'It feels good,' Lyttle said. 'I was told yesterday I was going to start, so I knew I just wanted to come out with full energy.' Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) scored 17 points, Erika de Souza added 13 and the Dream snapped a two-game losing streak with a 70-53 victory over the Seattle Storm on Sunday. Lyttle, who missed six games this season while playing Spain's national team and another six to recover from a back injury, had six points and seven rebounds. Atlanta coach Marynell Meadors, however, values her for more than numbers. Lyttle's 6-foot-4, 193-pound frame -- a big reason the Dream won the Eastern Conference last year -- gives the Atlanta front line a physical presence it lacked during her absence. 'Sancho is always talking to her teammates and making sure everyone is in their right place,' Meadors said. 'If they are not in the right place, she will make sure to cover for them. Sancho is just a great team player and a great player to have.' In a rematch of last year's WNBA finals, the defending champion Storm committed 29 turnovers, tying the league's single-game high this season. Swin Cash scored 16 points and reserve guard Katie Smith had 11 for Seattle, which ended a three-game winning streak. *Courtesy of www.nwcn.com

Phoenix M. - Connecticut S. 95-96 OT
Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) made a 12-footer with 5 seconds left in overtime, and the shot clock about to expire, to lift the Connecticut Sun to a 96-95 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday. Renee Montgomery (5'7''-G-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) scored 28 points, Charles finished with 23 points and 17 rebounds and the Sun (13-7) won their third straight and seventh in the last eight. Diana Taurasi scored 29 points, and DeWanna Bonner added 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Mercury (11-9), who have lost five of six. Taurasi, who also had eight rebounds and six assists, missed a jumper and Candice Dupree missed a 14-footer at the buzzer. Bonner's layup off a turnover on the inbounds pass with 0.9 seconds remaining in regulation forced overtime. *Courtesy of www.kxnet.com

Seattle S. - Connecticut S. 81-79
When the Seattle Storm need a big shot, Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) comes through. Bird hit a 3-pointer on a 22-foot jumper with 0.4 seconds left to give the Seattle Storm a 81-79 win over the Connecticut Sun on Friday night. 'She's extremely clutch,' Storm coach Brian Agler said. 'We try to give her the ball in those situations and she has come through numerous times. I've been around clutch players so I can't tell you she's necessarily better, but she's come through more than anybody I've been around.' Bird, who finished with 20 points, received an inbound pass from Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) and hit the 3 from the top of the arc as defending champion Seattle (12-8) moved into sole possession of second place in the Western Conference. 'They cheated the screens a little bit and I was able to bounce back the other way and get an open look and just was able to knock it down,' Bird said. 'I held my followthrough a little longer to kind of squeeze that one in there. Sometimes you know, sometimes you're not sure.' Connecticut coach Mike Thibault watched his team rally from an 18-point to lead, but then saw Bird end it. 'That's a great shot Sue made at the end,' Thibault said. 'She got open with an illegal screen, but it was a heck of a shot. I thought it was going to be short when it left her hand, but sure enough, she's made enough big ones in her life. That's why she's one of the best in the world.' Tanisha Wright (5'11''-G-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Penn St.) added 18 points, Swin Cash had 14 and Camille Little 13 for the Storm, who won three in a row for the first time this season. Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) hit a 7-footer on a putback with 3.1 seconds left to put the Sun up 79-78 before Seattle called timeout to set up the winning shot. 'We had to come back from a lot and made that run and we were playing better in the second half,' Charles said. 'It's just a heartbreaker. That's Sue for you.' Renee Montgomery (5'7''-G-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) scored 19 points, Charles had 18 and Asjha Jones 12 to lead Connecticut (12-7), which had won six of seven. Seattle shot 12 of 19 on 3-pointers. Bird hit 4 of 7 from long range and Cash made 3 of 6. *Courtesy of www.king5.com

Washington M. - New York L. 91-81
Matee Ajavon tied a career high with 32 points to help the Washington Mystics cruise to an 91-81 victory over the New York Liberty on Saturday night. Crystal Langhorne added 20 points for Washington (4-14), which set a season high for points in regulation and hit 28 of 29 free throws while snapping a four-game skid. Cappie Pondexter scored 21 points and Plenette Pierson added 20 for New York (12-9), which lost for the fourth time in 12 games. The Liberty were a perfect 18 for 18 on free throws. The Mystics also scored a season-high 50 points in a first half during which they shot 56 percent (15 of 27) from the floor and 95 percent (18 of 19) from the line, and outrebounded the Liberty 18-7. Washington finished at 29 for 58 (50 percent) from the field and 28 for 29 from the line. Washington outscored New York 32-15 in one first-half stretch, eventually pushing the lead to 44-25 when Ajavon hit a 3-pointer from the left wing. New York closed to it to 50-38 by halftime, but Washington again seized control in the third quarter. Langhorne found Ajavon for another 3 to stretch the lead to 20, and a couple possessions later put back Ajavon's airball miss to make it 68-46 with 2:57 left in the third. It was the second-largest lead Washington had held all season. New York edged no closer than nine points during the fourth quarter. Newly acquired Kara Braxton did not play for New York, two days after a trade that sent forward Sidney Spencer to the Phoenix Mercury. Braxton, a 2007 All-Star who is averaging 10.6 points and 4.9 rebounds this season, is expected to debut Tuesday against Seattle. *Courtesy of www.abc12.com

Tulsa S. - Indiana F. 65-85
The Indiana Fever got a balanced effort from their starters and reserves and cruised to an easy win against the struggling Tulsa Shock. Jessica Davenport (6'5''-C-85, college: Ohio St.) scored 17 points, Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) had 15, and the Fever rolled to their fifth straight win, 85-65 victory Friday night, handing the Shock their franchise record-tying 13th straight loss. Shavonte Zellous (5'10''-G-86, college: Pittsburgh) added 12 points against her former team, Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) had 11 and Erin Phillips (5'8''-G-85) 10 for the Eastern Conference-leading Fever (15-6), who got 45 points from their reserves. One of our keys is for the bench to come in and give the starters a break each and every game, said Zellous, who combined with Davenport to go 10 for 17 from the field. Every game (the bench) is getting better at sharing the ball and playing great defense. Jessica and I share the ball real good and when we kick it in she can either score or kick it back out. *Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com



Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Indiana F. 15-7 
 2. Connecticut S. 13-7 
 3. New York L. 12-9 
 4. Chicago S. 10-12 
 5. Atlanta D. 9-11 
 6. Washington M. 4-14 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 16-4 
 2. S.Antonio SS 12-8 
 3. Seattle S. 12-9 
 4. Phoenix M. 11-9 
 5. L.Angeles S. 7-13 
 6. Tulsa S. 1-19