EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/11/2011

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Men News

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  BALKAN LEAGUE   


Levski signs Dimitar Angelov - by Eurobasket News
Dimitar Angelov (202-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) is a new member of Levski. The Bulgarian forward signed a deal for the next season. Angelov heads to Levski from the Cypriot team Achilleas Kaimakliou, where he spent 2010/11. He appeared 10 times in regular season on Cyprus averaging 5.4 points and 2.9 rebounds. Later, Angelov added 16.5 ppg and 8.5 ppg in two Playoff games. In 2009/10, Dimitar Angelov played for Tundja Yambol. He shined with 15.2 ppg and 5.4 rpg for 28 games in NBL. Before Balkan, Angelov spent one season with Lukoil Akademik. He had 8.5 ppg and 3 rpg for them in 19 NBL games. They won the league title together. Angelov won the Bulgarian title also in 2002. At that time he was a member of Yambolgaz 92.

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  BALTIC LEAGUE   


BC Techasas land Julius Zurna - by Eurobasket News
BC Techasas bolstered their backcourt. They added Julius Zurna (188-G-86) to the roster. The 25-year-old guard spent the previous season in Neptunas Klaipeda. He tallied 5.2 points, 2.1 assists and 1.6 boards per game in Baltic League. Julius Zurna posted 5.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in LKL. Previously Julius Zurna had stints with Klaipeda and Silute. The guard made it into Eurobasket.com Lithuanian LKL All-Newcomers Team in 2010.


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  BOSNIA   


Capljina Lasta brings in Zeljko Kljestan - by Miljan Veskovic
One of the top Bosnian prospects of his age, Zeljko Kljestan (198-F-92) signs contract with HKK Capljina Lasta. He was with the team from the beginning of the training camp and in short period of time convinced the management to offer a deal. In the first pre season game played against KK Cibona VIP Zagreb, Zeljko was one of the best players on the court where he showed some fine offensive skills scoring 18 points. Before Capljina he played for KK Plus Gradanski and he was a member of Bosnia and Herzegovina U18 National Team.

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  BULGARIA   


Lukoil Akademik outplays Balkan 88-78 - by Eurobasket News
Lukoil Akademik - Balkan 88-78

NBL teams started with pre-season games. In one of the first matches Lukoil Akademik was better than Balkan 88-78. Andre Owens (193-G-80, college: Houston) was a key player for the reigning champions. He drained 27 points in this meeting. Bozhidar Avramov (196-G-90, agency: Interperformances) scored 14 pts, Brandon Heath (193-G-84, college: San Diego St.) had 12 points and 5 assists, while Veselin Veselinov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Virginia St.) added 11 points and 8 rebounds. In the loosing squad, Tsvetelin Ivanov (196-G-89) top-scored with 19 points. Stanimir Marinov (191-G-91) (5 as) and Lubomir Lilov (198-F-87) (6 as) added 17 and 14 points respectively. Balkan had better beginning as they made 13-24 lead in the first ten minutes. However, Lukoil replied with 26-13 in Q2 and blasted Balkan after the breather with 32-17 in Q3. Last period belonged to Balkan 17-24, but it didnt help them to avoid double-digit loss in this meeting.

Lukoil Akademik: Andre Owens 27, Bozhidar Avramov 14, Brandon Heath 12+5 as, Veselin Veselinov 11+8 boards
Balkan: Tsvetelin Ivanov 19, Stanimir Marinov 17+5 as, Lubomir Lilov 14+6 as

Cherno More with team in division A one more time - by Valentin Anguelov
Cherno More 2 will have a team in division A for the second consecutive year. Last season 'sailors' took part in both the NBL and in the second division championship and this will happen again this season. The team of will be built only by young boys from the school who will have the opportunity to gain more experience by participating in men's matches.

The coach of the school of 'sailors' Boris Borisov will lead the team in the A group. 'It is not yet clear the final composition of the team. We should discuss things with Lubo Minchev, probably few boys from men's team will participate in group A, while the rest will be from the youth team. 'Cherno More 2 will also participate in the Youth League, a team will be lead by Petko Delev. Some boys will participate in both formations of the club.

For participation in group A Borisov said: 'The aim with which we engage, not as a place in the standings as the development of young players. They will play there in order to gain experience and be prepared for the first team. Of course, it would be better if we achieve victories, but this is not the main goal. '

Borisov will lead the team and the Black Sea to 18 years, and he said the goal at this age is to win a medal. Georgi Bakalov will again coach the cadets who will defend his title from last year. Denislav Kotsev will lead the 14-year-olds, Spas Natov will lead to boys U 12 and Boris Borisov will coach the team in of U 10 years old.

Levski signs Dimitar Angelov - by Eurobasket News
Dimitar Angelov (202-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) is a new member of Levski. The Bulgarian forward signed a deal for the next season. Angelov heads to Levski from the Cypriot team Achilleas Kaimakliou, where he spent 2010/11. He appeared 10 times in regular season on Cyprus averaging 5.4 points and 2.9 rebounds. Later, Angelov added 16.5 ppg and 8.5 ppg in two Playoff games. In 2009/10, Dimitar Angelov played for Tundja Yambol. He shined with 15.2 ppg and 5.4 rpg for 28 games in NBL. Before Balkan, Angelov spent one season with Lukoil Akademik. He had 8.5 ppg and 3 rpg for them in 19 NBL games. They won the league title together. Angelov won the Bulgarian title also in 2002. At that time he was a member of Yambolgaz 92.

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  CHILE   


Encestando una Sonrisa 2011: CD Universidad de Concepcion is the champion - by Daniel Valencia
The past week was played the 2011 edition of the 'Encestando una Sonrisa' tournament, with the host CD Universidad Catolica de Santiago, Sokol de Antofagasta, CD Universidad de Concepcion, Deportivo Espanol de Talca, Aerochaco Boca Juniors Capital Feder (ARG) and Minas Tenis Clube Tenis (BRA).

In the game for the title, CD Universidad de Concepcion defeated to Minas Tenis Clube Tenis 65-64, playing with only national players. In the game for the third place, Sokol de Antofagasta defeated to Aerochaco Boca Juniors Capital Feder 60-52, while in the game for the fifth place, Deportivo Espanol de Talca defeated to CD Universidad Catolica de Santiago 81-74.

Championship game

CD Universidad de Concepcion 65 - Minas Tenis Clube 64
Ucon: Diego Osses (185-F-88) 13 pts. Matias Villagran (198-C-88) 13 pts.
Min: Caue Borges dos Santos (180-G-91) 23 pts. Bruno Irigoyen (201-G/F-92) 13 pts.

Third place game

Sokol de Antofagasta 60 - Aerochaco Boca Juniors Capital Feder 52 OT (48-48)
Sok: Alejandro Torres 16 pts. Diego Silva 13 pts.
Boc: Matias Schoffen 21 pts.

Fifth place game

Deportivo Espanol de Talca 81 - CD CD Universidad Catolica de Santiago 74
Esp: Pablo Barraza 21 pts.
Uc: Derrik de la Grana 22 pts.



What's next on Chilean basketball - by Cristian Quiroga
Doubts continue and the future of Chilean basketball is still a mystery.
Liga Nacional organized by the Federation is ready to go with 16 teams on September 24th, but will not count with four Dimayor 2009 dissidents teams: Liceo Mixto, Universidad Catolica, U. Concepcion and Espanol de Talca, which after a year playing mini tournaments and negotiate some weeks ago their inclusion in this league, finally have decided not going and return guess where: Dimayor.
Is not easy to understand the position of four teams after leave and tried unsuccessfully to organize a league returns to 'resurrect' Dimayor. But Federation has not done things better, changing some conditions already established with which four dissident teams was almost within new League.
So far the only thing clear is the beginning of the Liga Nacional that will have two zones: Central and South, which are composed as follows:
Central Zone (10 teams): Boston College, Municipal de Puente Alto, Club Providencia, Estadio Italiano, Sabuesos, Estadio Palestino, San Juan, Los Leones de Quilpue, Sagrados Corazones y Sportiva Italiana.
South Zone (8 teams): Deportes Castro, Deportes Ancud, Osorno Basquetbol, Deportivo Valdivia, Las Animas de Valdivia, Temuco Basket, Deportivo Pucon y Aleman of Concepcion.
The rest of the picture will be set in the coming weeks, in which Dimayor must determine if will play something with the four 'repentant' or they will continue playing mini tournaments in the next months in a rather strange figure of operations per second consecutive year.

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  CHINA   


Xinjiang Gyang Hui Pursuing Kenyon Martin - by Edward Bothfeld
It's possible that the Denver Nuggets could lose three prominent rotation players to the CBA in the span of just two weeks. First reported by the Denver Post, Kenyon Martin (203-F/C-77, college: Cincinnati) is considering joining former teammates Chandler Wilson (203-F/G-87, college: De Paul) and J.R. Smith (198-G-85) in China. Chandler has already signed a one-year contract with the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions and Smith is leaning towards signing a record breaking $3 million deal with Shanxi Zhongyu.

The Xinjiang Gyang Hui Flying Tigers are reportedly willing to one up Shanxi Zhongyu and make Martin the highest paid player in CBA history. Nicknamed K-Mart, Martin is an eleven-year NBA veteran and was the number one overall pick by the New Jersey Nets in the 2000 NBA Draft. Known for his shot-blocking and fierce dunks, Martin averaged 13.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in his NBA career. However, after signing a seven-year, $91 million deal with the Denver Nuggets, he has been riddled with knee injuries, having had the much feared microfracture surgery on both knees.

Having lost some of his athleticism, Martin has been more of a defensive enforcer and trash talking intimidator in recent years (he averaged only 8.6 points last year, down from 16.7 in 2004). If he signs with Xinjiang, Martin will immediately become one of the best defenders in the league and will likely try to be more of a factor on the offensive end.


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  CROATIA   


Spartak-Primorie edge Split in test game - by Eurobasket News
Split - Spartak-Primorie 57:59

Spartak-Primorie celebrated the second straight win over Split in the pre-season series in Croatia. Torey Thomas (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) came up with 14 points to pace the Russian team. Split led by one point 13:12 after ten minutes but the visitors turned things around in the second term. They outgunned the hosts 22:13 to establish a 34:26 halftime advantage. Split regained the lead in the third term. They entered the fourth frame up by 5 points. But Spartak-Primorie managed to deny the deficit and snatched a narrow win at the end. Denis Polokhin (195-G-90) provided 10 points, while Jeleel Akindele (216-C-83, college: Chicago St.) delivered 8 points in the victory. Josip Sobin (203-G/F-89) answered with 11 points for Split. Srdan Subotic (193-G-80) and Ivan Mimica (193-G-80) had 10 points apiece in defeat.

Split: Josip Sobin 11, Srdan Subotic 10, Ivan Mimica 10
Spartak-Primorie: Torey Thomas 14, Denis Polokhin 10, Jeleel Akindele 8


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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


FIBA AMERICAS: DR LOSES TO BOTH PUERTO RICO & ARGENTINA - by Peedu Goldenbeck
DR loses to Puerto Rico and Argentina
The Dominican Republic national basketball team lost to Puerto Rico (79-62) and to Argentina (84-58), its two strongest rivals in Group A, and thus will not grab one of the two Olympic Games qualifier posts in the FIBA tournament. The DR still has a chance to make it to the final Olympics qualifier in July 2012.

In the tournament, Brazil defeated Argentina (73-71) in a shock result. The DR had defeated Brazil earlier, in another surprise. The DR is in fourth place in the tournament, behind Brazil, Argentina and Puerto Rico.

Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) scored 16 points for the DR in the game against Puerto Rico.

Edgar Sosa (188-PG-88, college: Louisville), the team's 23-year old playmaker, is on his way back to Santo Domingo for surgery after suffering a broken leg in the game the DR won against Panama on Monday with only 37.9 seconds remaining, as reported in El Caribe.

www.mardelplata2011.com/en/noticiasread4.asp?r=EDAC1C8E588949D9B815159E5489E0FD

www.mardelplata2011.com/en/default.asp

courtesy of fiba americas

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  ESTONIA   


Rakvere edge Tartu Ulikool in pre-season clash - by Eurobasket News
Rakvere - Tartu Ulikool 82:79

Rakvere celebrated yet another victory in the preparation for the upcoming season. They outscored Tartu Ulikool. Reinar Hallik (208-C-84) stepped up with 25 points and 8 rebounds to pace the winners. Rakvere led by just a single point after ten minutes of action 19:18. But Tartu Ulikool surged ahead in the second term. They established a 42:37 halftime lead. Tartu maintained the advantage throughout the third term. They entered the fourth period up by as many as 7 points 62:55. But Rakvere managed to turn things around. They erupted for 27 points in the fourth stanza and snatched a narrow victory at the end. Martin Dorbek (191-G-91) accounted for 13 points, while Viljar Veski (215-C-86) contributed 12 points in the win. Asko Paade (206-F-84) answered with 15 points for Tartu Ulikool. Silver Leppik (185-G-83) chipped in 14 points in defeat.

Rakvere: Reinar Hallik 25, Martin Dorbek 13, Viljar Veski 12
Tartu Ulikool: Asko Paade 15, Silver Leppik 14


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Asseco Prokom land Devin Brown - by Eurobasket News
Devin Brown will continue his career in Europe. The guard agreed on terms of contract with the Polish champions Asseco Prokom. The deal is meant for one season. Devin Brown was last seen playing in the NBA in 2009/10 season. He started the season in the New Orleans Hornets. His stats read 9.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Later Devin Brown moved to the Chicago Bulls. His stats then read 1.8 points and 1.3 rebounds per appearance. Devin Brown was the NBA champion together with the San Antonio Spurs back in 2005. It will be the first stint in Europe for the 32-year-old player.


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Standings Div.A (Men)
Standings
Group E
1. France4-0
2. Spain3-1
3. Lithuania2-2
4. Serbia1-3
5. Turkey1-3
6. Germany1-3
Group F
1. FYR Macedo.4-0
2. Russia4-0
3. Greece2-2
4. Finland1-3
5. Slovenia1-3
6. Georgia0-4
Group Places 13-24
1. Belgium0-0
2. Bosnia0-0
3. Bulgaria0-0
4. Croatia0-0
5. U.Kingdom0-0
6. Israel0-0
7. Italy0-0
8. Latvia0-0
9. Montenegro.0-0
10. Poland0-0
11. Portugal0-0
12. Ukraine0-0


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  FINLAND   


EuroBasket 2011: Finland overcome Georgia to keep hopes alive - by Eurobasket News
Finland - Georgia 87:73

Finland registered the first win at the Qualifying Round of 2011 EuroBasket. They toppled Georgia to keep their hopes of reaching quarterfinals alive. They improved at 1-3 record in Group F. Mikko Koivisto (194-G-87, college: NC-Greensboro) unloaded 14 points to pace Finland. Georgia slipped at 0-4 record after the loss.
Finland jumped into an 18:11 lead midway through the opening frame. Mikko Koivisto capped the first frame with two free throws to make it 22:13. Georgia opened the second term on an 8:0 run to narrow the deficit. The teams stayed close throughout the second frame and Finland entered the second half up by only 3 points 36:33. Muurinen and Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) boosted the margin early in the second half. Finland stayed in control posting a 61:52 lead at the final intermission. Muurinen and Huff drained back-to-back three-pointers early in the final frame to stretch the gap. Georgia cut the deficit back to 10 points but could not get any closer in the reminder of the contest as Finland coasted to the victory. Tuukka Kotti (205-F/C-81, college: Providence) and Petteri Koponen posted 12 points each for Finland. Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) answered with 16 points and 9 rebounds for Georgia. Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89) had 13 points in the loss.

Finland: Mikko Koivisto 14, Tuukka Kotti 12, Petteri Koponen 12
Georgia: Viktor Sanikidze 16, Giorgi Shermadini 13


EUROBASKET: Finland had six players in double digits - by Rauno Hurmalainen
EuroBasket, Lithuania 2011. The 'Wolf Team' Suomi-Finland beat Georgia in Saturday's first contest 87-73 (36-33) and is one game and victory short to make the Top 8 in this tournament. Finland will meet Slovenia on Monday. Quarters today: 22-13, 14-20, 25-19, 26-21. Finland had six players in double digits and Finnish sharpshooters made 13 treys from 26 shots (50,0%) from behind the arc. Mikko Koivisto (194-G-87, college: NC-Greensboro) led Finland with 14 pts and Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR) grabbed nine rebounds. Team defense was working pretty well and Georgia scored only 73 pts. Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) led Georgia with 16pts/9rbs.
Group F (Vilnius 10.9.): Finland - Georgia 87-73 (36-33). Finland: Mikko Koivisto 14, Tuukka Kotti 12/7r, Petteri Koponen 12, Kimmo Muurinen 11/9r, Teemu Rannikko 10/6a, Shawn Huff 10. 1 - 76,9% (20/26), 2 - 37,8% (14/37), 3 - 50,0% (13/26). R: 20+17=37. TO: 12. Georgia: Viktor Sanikidze 16/9, Giorgi Shermadini 13, Tornike Shengelia 12, Manuchar Markoishvili 10. Zaza Pachulia DNP. 1 - 65,0% (13/20), 2 - 58,5% (24/41), 3 - 21,1% (4/19). R: 23+12=35. TO: 14. F.Y.R. of Macedonia - Slovenia 68-59 (39-31), Greece - Russia 67-83 (39-42).
Standings: 1) Russia 4-0, 2) F.Y.R. of Macedonia 4-0, 3) Greece 2-2, 4) Slovenia 1-3, 5) Finland 1-3, 6) Georgia 0-4.
Next (last) games: 12.9. Slovenia - Finland (at 15:30), Greece - Georgia (at 18:00), Russia - F.Y.R. of Macedonia (at 21:00).



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  FRANCE   


Le Mans and Le Havre celebrate in pre-season games - by Eurobasket News
Le Mans was better than Hyeres Toulon if a friendly game 87-69. The former ProA champion was the host. Joao Paulo Batista (207-F/C-81, college: Gonzaga) paced Le Mans to victory with 26 points. Alex Acker (196-G-83, college: Pepperdine) helped with 20 points and Marcellus Sommerville (200-F-82, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Bradley) added 14 points. In defeat, Shaun Fein (191-G-78, college: Georgia Tech) delivered 17 points. Quarters: 22-23, 19-15, 29-11, 17-20.
Le Havre handed 95-79 loss to Evreux. Nic Wise (178-G-87, college: Arizona) stepped up for the hosts with 22 points. Brian Boddicker (204-F-81, college: Texas) followed him with 5 points less. In Evreux, Kevyn Popovich (196-F-85, college: SE Louisiana) and Jeremiah Wood (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) scored 17 points each. Le Havre scored 9 triples in this game, while Evreux made just 3. Le Havre also outrebounded their rival with 44-33 (total rebs).

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  FYR MACEDONIA   


EuroBasket 2011: Bo McCalebb paces FYR Macedonia to yet another victory in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
FYR Macedonia - Slovenia 68:59

FYR Macedonia recorded the second straight win at the EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They held off Slovenia to improve at 4-0 record on top of Group F. Bo McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) orchestrated victory with 19 points, 4 boards and 4 assists. Slovenia in the meantime slipped at 1-3 record and would fight for quarterfinal appearance against Finland on Monday.
FYR Macedonia set the tone early opening the game with seven unanswered points. FYR Macedonia maintained the lead posting a 20:16 advantage at the first intermission. Slovenia tipped off the second frame with six unanswered points to surge ahead. But FYR Macedonia quickly regained control with a 10:0 run midway through the second period. They built a comfortable 39:31 lead at halftime. Slovenia got as close as four points early in the third term but a triple from Illievski kept FYR Macedonia on top. Slovenia faced a 12-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter. They never got any closer in the final frame as FYR Macedonia rallied to the victory at the end. Vlado Ilievski (189-PG-80, agency: World Sport Agency) accounted for 14 points, while Vojdan Stojanovski (193-G-87) contributed 11 points in the win. Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) answered with 20 points for Slovenia. Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) netted 9 points in defeat.

FYR Macedonia: Bo McCalebb 19, Vlado Ilievski 14, Vojdan Stojanovski 11
Slovenia: Goran Dragic 20, Jaka Lakovic 9


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  GEORGIA   


EuroBasket 2011: Finland overcome Georgia to keep hopes alive - by Eurobasket News
Finland - Georgia 87:73

Finland registered the first win at the Qualifying Round of 2011 EuroBasket. They toppled Georgia to keep their hopes of reaching quarterfinals alive. They improved at 1-3 record in Group F. Mikko Koivisto (194-G-87, college: NC-Greensboro) unloaded 14 points to pace Finland. Georgia slipped at 0-4 record after the loss.
Finland jumped into an 18:11 lead midway through the opening frame. Mikko Koivisto capped the first frame with two free throws to make it 22:13. Georgia opened the second term on an 8:0 run to narrow the deficit. The teams stayed close throughout the second frame and Finland entered the second half up by only 3 points 36:33. Muurinen and Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) boosted the margin early in the second half. Finland stayed in control posting a 61:52 lead at the final intermission. Muurinen and Huff drained back-to-back three-pointers early in the final frame to stretch the gap. Georgia cut the deficit back to 10 points but could not get any closer in the reminder of the contest as Finland coasted to the victory. Tuukka Kotti (205-F/C-81, college: Providence) and Petteri Koponen posted 12 points each for Finland. Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) answered with 16 points and 9 rebounds for Georgia. Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89) had 13 points in the loss.

Finland: Mikko Koivisto 14, Tuukka Kotti 12, Petteri Koponen 12
Georgia: Viktor Sanikidze 16, Giorgi Shermadini 13


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  GERMANY   


FC Schalke replace Vinnie Darpino With Alex Murphy - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
A few weeks before the begin of the Regionaliga season FC Schalke have made a move by bringing in Alex Murphy (185-PG) to replace Vinnie Darpino. Murphy is a 185cm, 88 kilo guard that has the Canadian/British citizenship. He has gained a lot of experience playing in the CIS for the University of British Columbia of 2006-2011. He played a total of 111 league games and in his senior year played 24 games: 10.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 5.0apg, 1.6spg. He left the University of British Columbia in style as in his last game he had 36 points, six rebounds, six assists and 2 steals. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been CanWest Pacific Division Champion -08, 09, 10, CanWest Finalist -09, CIS Tournament Finalist -09, 10, CanWest Semifinals -10, CanWest Regular Season Champion -11, CanWest Champion -11, All-CanWest 2nd Team -11, and CIS Tournament Semifinals -11

Source: Schalke 04 Basketball

Football Standout Marcus Monk Signs With Big Oettinger Rockets Gotha - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Marcus Monk (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) has had some interesting experiences in his young life so far like being drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2008, continuing to live the football dream by being on the New York Giants practice squad, being signed by the Carolina Panthers and holding his own against NBA monster Blake Griffin with 12 points, six rebounds and one steal with Arkansas (NCAA), but the fact is as of September 10, 2011, he will be in the small unspectacatular city of Gotha and playing his second season of PRO B basketball. Eurobasket has learned that Marcus Monk has landed with the Big Oettinger Rockets Gotha this season. This will be the second professional season for Monk in Germany. Monk is a 25y ear old 198 cm shooting guard/small forward from East Poinsett County, Arkansas. Last season, he played his rookie season in Germany with Hertener Loewen (Germany-ProB, starting five): 25 games: Score-1 (22.2ppg), Reb-4 (9.3rpg), 2.2apg, Steals-3 (3.1spg), 1.2bpg, FGP: 57.2%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 71.3%. Monk started his basketball career in high school where he was a letterman in football and basketball; was 2004 Mr. Basketball of Arkansas and was named the 2004 National Football Foundation's Scholar Athlete of the Year. Played two years of basketball and four years of football at the University of Arkanas; left the Razorbacks holding the schools' touchdown and total yard record for receiving; was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 2008 NFL Draft (7th round), but returned to play basketball at AR the same year. In his senior yearat Arkansas, he played games :4.5ppg,3.1rpg,1.0spg. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Eurobasket.com All-German 2. Bundesliga Pro B Defensive Player of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-German 2. Bundesliga Pro B 1st Team -11, Eurobasket.com German 2. Bundesliga Pro B All-Imports Team -11, Eurobasket.com German 2. Bundesliga Pro B All-Defensive Team -11, and German 2.Bundesliga Pro B (Group North) Regular Season Runner-Up -11.

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  GREECE   


EuroBasket 2011: Russia thump Greece, stay undefeated - by Eurobasket News
Russia - Greece 83:67

Russia clinched the seventh straight win at EuroBasket 2011. They fired past Greece to improve at 4-0 record on top of Group F. Greece on the hand fell at 2-2 record after the defeat. Timofey Mozgov (216-C-86, agency: RIZO) stepped up for the winners scoring 19 points and pulling down 5 boards.
The teams traded baskets throughout very close first frame. The Hellenes snatched a narrow 16:15 lead after ten minutes of action. The teams continued to stay neck and neck throughout the second frame. Greece earned a 38:33 lead late in the period but Russia answered with a 9:1 run to post a 42:39 halftime lead. David Blatt team used a 6:0 run midway through the third term to gain a 58:49 lead. They arrived at the final intermission up by as many as 8 points 65:57. Kostas Koufos (213-C/F-89, college: Ohio St.) dragged Greece within five points midway through the fourth frame but Monya drained a pair triples in a 10:0 run from Russia as they cleared off for good in this one. Shved delivered 15 points, while Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) added 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Kostas Koufos answered with 15 points for Greece. Nikolaos Zisis (196-G-83) and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) netted 10 points each in the loss.

Russia: Timofey Mozgov 19, Shved 15, Andrei Kirilenko 13
Greece: Kostas Koufos 15, Nikolaos Zisis 10, Antonis Fotsis 10


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  ICELAND   


Jarryd Cole and Charles Parker join Keflavik - by Eurobasket News
Keflavik landed two import players. They agreed on terms of contract with Jarryd Cole (200-F-88) and Charles Parker (193-G-85, college: Millersville).
Jarryd Cole will start his pro career in Iceland. The forward graduated from the University of Iowa this year. He tallied 8.0 points and 6.3 boards per game in his senior season. Jarryd Cole was given Big Ten Sportsmanship Award in 2010.
Charles Parker spent the previous season in EBA. The guard played for the Harrisburg Horizon. In 2009/10 season Charles Parker played for the Los Angeles D-Fenders in D-League. His stats read 2.7 points and 1.3 rebounds per appearance. Charles Parker used to be All-PSAC Eastern Division Player of the Year back in 2008 while playing for the Millersville University.


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  IRELAND   


Belfast Star recruit Tyson Johnson - by Eurobasket News
Belfast Star strengthened their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Tyson Johnson (198-F-87, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Wyoming). The 24-year-old forward started his pro career in Germany last season. Tyson Johnson played for SVD Dortmund in Regionalliga. Tyson Johnson graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2009. He tallied 13.1 points, 7.5 boards and 1.7 assists per game in his senior season. The forward earned All-MWC Honourable Mention in 2009.


UCC Demons land Shawn Atupem - by Eurobasket News
Shawn Atupem (200-F-89) will start his pro career in Ireland. The forward has agreed on terms of contract with UCC Demons. Shawn Atupem graduated from Mt. St. Marys College this year. He tallied 10.8 points, 5.0 boards and 1.2 assists per game in his senior season. Shawn Atupem led the Mountaineers to the NEC Tournament Final in 2009.


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  ISRAEL   


Ironi Ashkelon tab Tony Skinn - by Eurobasket News
Tony Skinn (185-G-83, college: George Mason) will continue his career in Israel. The 28-year-old guard inked a deal with Ironi Ashkelon. Last season Tony Skinn spent in Germany. The guard played for New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. His stats read 10.5 points, 3.2 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals per appearance. Previoulsy Tony Skinn had spells in France, Italy and Croatia. Tony Skinn participated at French ProA All-Star Game in 2009. He was on Nigerian National Team in 2009.


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  ITALY   


Chris Douglas-Roberts joins Virtus Bologna - by Eurobasket News
Virtus Bologna completed a loud transfer. They agreed on terms of contract with Chris Douglas-Roberts (201-G-87, college: Memphis). The 24-year-old guard signed a one-year deal with the Italian team. Last season Chris Douglas-Roberts played in the NBA. He averaged 7.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game for the Milwaukee Bucks. Chris Douglas-Roberts was drafted by the New Jersey Nets back in 2008. The guard was named USBasket.com All-NCAA D1 Player of the Year in 2008.


Vanoli Braga Cremona beats Benetton 94-72 to win trophy Solesino - by Eurobasket News
BENETTON BASKET - VANOLI BRAGA CREMONA 72-94

Vanoli Braga Cremona is the winner of Solesino trophy this year. They blasted Benetton Treviso in the Finals 94-72. Von Wafer (196-G-85, agency: VVG Sports, college: Florida St.) was a key player in this victory with 20 points. Jasmin Perkovic (203-F-80) and Brandon Thomas (198-G/F-84, college: Massachusetts) helped with 14 and 13 points respectively. Brandon Thomas had just one miss for the game. Lorenzo D'Ercole (190-PG-88) added 10 points to this win with no miss. On the other side, E'Twaun Moore (192-G-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Purdue) responded with 18 points for Benetton. Jeff Adrien (202-F/C-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Connecticut) and Donatas Motiejunas (213-F/C-90, agency: Interperformances) netted 11 and 10 pts respectively. Ends of periods: 16-30, 37-51, 57-75, 72-94. Both teams are set to play more friendlies in the coming days.

BENETTON BASKET: Jeff Adrien 11, E'Twaun Moore 18, Bulleri 7, De Nicolao 3, Donatas Motiejunas 10, Sandri 3, Cuccarolo, Gentile 2, Moldoveanu 6, Wojchiechowski 2
VANOLI-BRAGA CREMONA: Cinciarini 7, Lottici 3, Antonelli 4, Graham 3, Lorenzo D'Ercole 10 , Jasmin Perkovic 14, Milic 9, Von Wafer 20 , Brandon Thomas 13, Mazic 2, Djapa 9

Roma and Avelino advance to 'Torneo Vito Lepore' Finals - by Eurobasket News
Virtus Roma and Sidigas Avelino will meet each other in the Finals of 'Torneo Vito Lepore'.
Virtus Roma was better than Banca Tercas Teramo in the Semis 80-73. Charles Smith (193-G-75, college: N.Mexico) paced Roma to victory with 18 points and Clay Tucker (195-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) helped with 14. Andrea Crosariol (212-C-84, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) added 12 points for his team. In the loosing squad, Valerio Amoroso (204-F/C-80) top-scored with 16 points.
In other Semifinals, Sidigas Avelino was too strong for Prima Veroli. It was a 77-67 win for Avelino. They best player in this meeting was Taquan Dean (193-G-83, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Louisville) with 20 points. Chevon Troutman (202-F-81, agency: ACMT, college: Pittsburgh) also shined adding one point less. In Prima Veroli, Ivan Gatto (207-F/C-78) delivered 15 points.

Zoran Vrkic joins Effe Biancoblu Bologna - by Antonello Varallo
After Virtus Bologna's agreement with Chris Douglas Roberts,Effe Biancoblu Bologna announced that Zoran Vrkic (200-G-87) will be the shooting forward for the upcoming season. The team of coach Zare Markovski has signed a young croatian player with a good potential, who was born in Rijeka and began his career with Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia). Last year,after some Euroleague games played with Olimpija Ljubljana (he did the best performance against Panathinaikos) Vrkic spent the ending months of the season with Peristeri GS Athens (Greece-A1), where he averaged 12.3ppg with a high of 24 points scored against Aris Salonicco. He has showed good offensive skills, but he needs to improve his continuity.

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  JAPAN   


Iwate Big Bulls sign Matthew Smith, LaShawn Malloy, Thomas Kennedy and Shin Jae-Rok - by Eurobasket News
Iwate Big Bulls strengthened their roster with addition of several players. They landed Matthew Smith (206-F/C-83, college: Warner), LaShawn Malloy (209-C/F-84, college: New Orleans), Thomas Kennedy (201-F-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Detroit Mercy) and Shin Jae-Rok (190-G-84).
Matthew Smith started the previous season in Malaysia. The centre averaged 16.3 points, 7.7 boards, 2.5 assists and 1.0 block per game for the Sarawak Rainbows. Later Matthew Smith moved to the Darwin Eagles in Australian DBA. His stats read 23.3 points, 14.1 boards and 3.2 assists. He finished the season with the Southwest Slammers in Australian SBL. Matthew Smith tallied 15.0 points, 8.5 boards and 1.2 assists per game there.
LaShawn Malloy started the previous season in Venezuela. The centre played for Gaiteros de Zulia before moving to Pioneros Los Mochis in Mexico. The centre posted 12.3 points, 8.7 boards and 1.9 blocks per game in CIBACOPA.
Thomas Kennedy started the last season in Austria. The forward posted 19.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game for Worthersee Piraten. In February Thomas Kennedy moved to France to join Bourg Basket. He averaged 1.7 points, 1.5 boards and 1.0 steal per game in ProB.
Shin Jae-Rok comes from Korean League. The guard notched 1.7 points per game for Anyang in KBL last season.


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  JORDAN   


Jordan prevail against Qatar in Manila - by Eurobasket News
Jordan - Qatar 71:66

Jordan claimed the first win in three-team tournament as serve as the final preparation for the upcoming Fiba Asia Championship. Jordan opened their campaign with a narrow win over Qatar. Abdallah AbuQoura (204-C-84) posted 15 points to pace the winners. Jordan played against 7-player Qatar and capitalized outlasting their opponents at the end. Rasheim Wright (194-G-81, college: District of Col.) accounted for 12 points in the win. Ali Zaghab (205-F/C-88) and Zaid Abbaas knocked down 10 points each for Jordan. Saad Abdulrahman Ali (193-F-85) responded with 17 points for Qatar. Erfan Ali Saeed (198-F-83) and Ousseynou N'Diaye (198-G/F-85, agency: Court Side) had 11 points in the loss. It was the second straight loss for Qatar. Jordan is scheduled to face Philippines tonight.

Jordan: Abdallah AbuQoura 15, Rasheim Wright 12, Ali Zaghab 10, Abbas Zaid 10
Qatar: Saad Abdulrahman Ali 17, Erfan Ali Saeed 11, Ousseynou N'Diaye 11



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  KUWAIT   


Kuwait's National Team Coach a Winning Target.. - by Corey Washington
Eurobasket: Coach Jordanco Davitkov (agency: Global Sports Plaza ) you have had major success in Kuwait over the last few years. Anytime someone comes to a country and in three years they win five gold medals with three championships back to back, of course its going to get noticed. You were able to take Qadsia to 3 back to back championships in 2009, 2010 and 2011. You also won the GCC in 2009 and won the Cup Title in 2010. That makes five gold medals in three seasons! Now you're with Al Jahra Club. I know how talented Jahra players are, so Im sure you're excited about working with them. Aside from being Jahra's head coach, you were also selected as the National Team Coach...Can you tell us how this came about?

Coach J. Davitkov: As you already said, for these past three years in Kuwait during my coaching engagement with Qadsia I won 5 five gold medals. Each year I won the Championship Title, so with that team I accomplished every challenge, and I am hungry for new challenges. Although it is a young team, Jahra is promising and interesting with great potential. It is also one of the most serious teams in Kuwait aside from Kuwait club, Qadsia and Kazma... also teams with quality, who are certainly attacking on a Championship Title. So it will not be easy, but we will give the best of ourselves to achieve great result!
The other engagement... becoming a Head Coach of Kuwait National Basketball Team is a special and great honor for me. This acknowledges my strategic efforts and continuous accomplishments during my professional coaching engagement in Kuwait for the past three year, especially after winning five gold medals. I'll give the best of me to ensure the trust that I was given by the Kuwait Federation. Not only because of the moral obligations, but also because I have given the my best, even in the tough situations. This is a part of my intrapersonal characteristics, kind of like my lifestyle.

Eurobasket: Is this your first time as a National team Coach?

Coach J. Davitkov: I was Head Coach of Macedonian National Team for seven years, from 2001 until 2007. Aside from my other qualifications, experience is very valuable. especially with me coaching that years Championship team as well. That double role is similar with the position of my current engagements in Kuwait. accepting this position with Kuwait National Team makes me the first basketball coach from Macedonia who became a Head Coach of a National Team of a foreign country, which gives me an extra moral satisfaction, honor and pleasure!

Eurobasket: When will the players be selected for the National team this year, or have they already been identified?

Coach J. Davitkov: The players are already selected. They are all very motivated and are practicing hard and enthusiastic. In the first phase initially 20 players were chosen who have started with practicing, and from them I selected 16 players who will continue on a preparation in Saraevo. After coming back from Camp in Saraevo, after they play a few friendly games I will decide which 12 of them will configure the team for Bahrain.

Eurobasket: What is your plan in preparing the team for the GCC? Lots of practice will be needed, but I'm sure you will have a great camp in Saraevo?

Coach J. Davitkov: The preparations are intensive. After the initial practices on our home court, the practices will continue in Sarajevo (Bosnia) where friendly games are planned in order to improve competition forms. During the Camp in Bosnia 8-10 friendly games are planned. After which, we are coming back in Kuwait, where the final practices will be done before going on to the GCC in Bahrain. The players presence and devotion are totally satisfying, according to the players words, this is the biggest response on a National Teams practices compared to the past years seasons, which certainly gives us extra motivation!

Eurobasket: Assuming you are successful in the GCC, how do you plan to roll the momentum over from the National Team to Al Jahra? It's a lot easier to win with a team of the best players the country has to offer, but when your back with your home club, you will deal with young players and developing the talent you have present. Is this a challenging task?

Coach J. Davitkov: At this point, so early in the game making an assumption is untimely. We'll go step by step...At this very moment, the most important thing is to be dedicated to preparations! The aim, expectations and objectives are really high, but as usual... it wont be easy. We need huge efforts and continuous work in order to accomplish good result in the GCC. If we take in a consideration that very strong National teams are attending GCC and some of them will attend Asian Championship, and will have had an opportunity to play more games which prepares them to come into the GCC with better competition form. Anyway... arguable, we are certainly going on to win a medal! The other engagement with Jahra, is a separate challenge to which I am approaching with the same flame, devotion and enthusiasm! I am devoted to each job I do, so I seriously intend to turn this challenge into another winning opportunity!

Eurobasket: In the past Jahra has performed exceptionally well, and tend to bring in very talented imports. From 2006-2010, American Cedric Taylor (202-F-79, college: Pikeville) was the nucleus for Jahra, landing them in the (Golden 4) 2 years consecutively. John Oden (206-F/C-80, agency: Strategic Sports, college: S.Indiana) came in last year and brought some size in the paint. I'm sure Jahra has brought you in to complete the cycle...seems they have been building to this point, what you will bring to take them to a championship?

Coach J. Davitkov: Taking in a consideration the structure of Jahra team, we will engage the import player on position 5, who will play in the paint. Because the rules of Kuwait Basketball Federation allows only one import player to be on the court, the second import player will be an all around court player, able to play different positions. I hope that import players combined with domestic players will act in synergy and will create a compact team capable to play quality basketball!

Eurobasket: were you given authority to make certain decisions with the club? I know usually the management will ask coaches for input on the import players they pursue, so how much of the decision is on you?

Coach J. Davitkov: For every team that I am coaching, always I am the only one that is making the decisions about each player. I dont allow anyone to interfere in the choice of players. That is kind of a rule of mine, because that responsibility is mine!

Eurobasket: Did you sign a multi-year deal with Jahra?

Coach J. Davitkov: During my coaching career, my approach is not to deal with long term contracts, so and this time I signed one year contract. Maybe I won't sound modest, but I really have great self-confidence, and I am aware of my potential so there is no need to be tied that way. If there is a mutual benefit, there is always an opportunity to sign the contract again.

Eurobasket: what are you goals with this team, knowing what you have seen for the past few years? Where do you envision Jahra by the end of the season? Is this the year for the championship?

Coach J. Davitkov: I am persuaded that Jahra is a promising team; otherwise, I would'nt have signed the contract! I recognize Jahras potential, and I'll work hard enough to improve this teams performances in order to achieve the best results ever!

Eurobasket: Coach it is always a pleasure to talk with you, and I wish you the best of luck with the National Team, and Jahra Club. Is there anything Eurobasket should know about coach Davitkov that your profile does not show?

Coach J. Davitkov: Thanks...The pleasure is mutual. I am always in the mood to talk about basketball. Basketball is my life, although I have graduated from two Facilities, basketball remains my basic vocation! Behind me I have 22 years of playing with championship titles and a 12 year coaching career. It is not only an issue of pure talent, but that I have succeeded combining talent with hard work, huge efforts, devotion and my fire for basketball! I am really glad that my success as a player is seriously repeating on my coaching career. With faith in God, I am hoping to achieve other, bigger successes in future!



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  LEBANON   


Moutahed signs Porter Troupe... - by Rabih Khoury
Al Moutahed Tripoli management agreed to terms with american Porter Troupe (196-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Portland) after failing to finish the negotiations with one of the best guards in last season, Austin Johnson. Troupe will be the first foreigner of Mouttahed this year waiting to complete the signature of the second player. Troupe played in Romania last year with CS Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu where he averaged in 33 games: 14.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 83.0%. He played three consecutive seasons for the same team with some summer leagues in USA like IBL... Troupe will have his first experience in Asia and in Middle East...

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  LITHUANIA   


BC Techasas land Julius Zurna - by Eurobasket News
BC Techasas bolstered their backcourt. They added Julius Zurna (188-G-86) to the roster. The 25-year-old guard spent the previous season in Neptunas Klaipeda. He tallied 5.2 points, 2.1 assists and 1.6 boards per game in Baltic League. Julius Zurna posted 5.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in LKL. Previously Julius Zurna had stints with Klaipeda and Silute. The guard made it into Eurobasket.com Lithuanian LKL All-Newcomers Team in 2010.


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  MALTA   


Di Fonzo named men's national coach - by Eurobasket News
Italian Paolo Di Fonzo has reached an agreement with the Malta Basketball Association (MBA) to become the coach of the mens national team. Paul Sultana, the recently-elected MBA president, announced Di Fonzos appointment during a meeting with the members of the mens national squad. Paolo Di Fonzo , who replaces Bruno di Pietrantonio, will be travelling to Malta to hold a series of training camps. The first one, spread over three days, begins on September 25. At the same time, Di Fonzo will also conduct a training camp for the U-16 boys national team. The former Virtus Roma coach will also be responsible for drawing up a coaching framework for the coaches in charge of the junior national teams.
Courtesy of: timesofmalta.com

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  MEXICO   


Update on Coach Giovanni Rivera: Will he stay in Syria? - by Carlos Chapa
After having to coach under difficult situations in some Mexican leagues, Coach Giovanni Rivera got an offer to lead an ambitious project in Syria, he would get the chance to lead Syria's U-18 and U-20 basketball squads, as well as prepare Syrian coaches so they would be able to make their own scouting and improve their coaching skills. Although Riveras contract ends next Thursday, he got an offer to extend his mission in northern cities of Syria such as Aleppo, Latakia, Hamas and Damasco and to coach some teams in the local league next January.

In addition to this new offer from Syria, Giovanni has had talks with teams from other Asian countries and from an African National Team, however, an important project in southern Mexico has attracted Rivera's attention, the offer comes from Tabasco with the team sponsored by PEMEX and a plan to develop quality basketball in that state, coach Gio is thinking about those offers cautiously and putting his family as his top priority.

Finally, Giovanni Rivera has stated that he: 'would be honored to be considered as a nominee to coach the Mexican National Team on the next Pan American Games to demonstrate that Mexican basketball is still a strong candidate to win a medal despite legal disputes at the Federation level.'


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  NBA   


Groundbreaker Welts resigns as Suns president - by Eurobasket News
Rick Welts, the first openly gay executive in American professional sport, announced on Friday he will resign as president and chief executive of the NBA's Phoenix Suns for personal reasons.

Four months after revealing he was homosexual, Welts told the Arizona Republic that he was leaving in part because of a new relationship with a partner who lives in Sacramento, California.

'I'm at a point in my life where my focus is to align my personal and professional life in a way I?ve never been able to achieve before,' Welts said.

'The most important people in my personal life are not in Phoenix and the Suns have been completely understanding and supportive of my request to leave in advance of the end of my contract.'

Suns managing partner Robert Sarver said Jason Rowley, the club's general counsel, will handle business matters while the team searches for a replacement with Lon Babby remaining the president of basketball operations.

The NBA is currently in a shutdown mode, with club owners having locked out players on July 1 when their old collective bargaining agreement expired. Talks are under way on a new deal with training camps set to open in less than a month and the season set to start on September 1.

Welts, 58, said he was pleased with how he was received after his revelation last May.

'The response from fans, co-workers, players and ownership of the Suns to my announcement has been the most gratifying experience of my life, one for which I will forever be grateful,' Welts said.

Welts had his first NBA post as a youth, retrieving basketballs for the Seattle Supersonics in 1967, and he spent 17 years working in the NBA office in New York, leaving in 1999 as a vice president and chief marketing officer.

'The entire Suns organization thanks Rick for his tireless work on behalf of the Suns,' Sarver said. 'While he will be missed, we understand his desire to relocate outside of Arizona for personal reasons.'

Courtesy of Yahoo

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  NCAA3   


Coaching moves continue has semester begins. - by Joan Manuel Sanchez
Keystone College replaces Jason Leone who left the program to take up the head coaching spot at Oswego State, with Ithaca college assistant Navada Smith. The newly appointed head coach served at Ithaca for 5 years prior to landing his first head coaching gig at Keystone.

In a surprising and questionable hired, the John Jay College Bloodhoods of the City University of New York Athletic Conference officially named Ottis Fennas their new men's basketball coach. Ottis, who spent 6 years as the head men's basketball coach at New York City Tech has a career record of 42-112 for a miserable 27 winning percentage. NYC Tech basketball program folded this past summer making the coach available.

Finally, as pre-season rolls around, I want to invite you to stay tune to usbasket.com eurobasket.com and latinbasket.com for NCAA coverage through the season.

For those working hard and earned their right to belong, my bes and much success!

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  POLAND   


Crvena Zvezda too much for Slask, 86-64 - by Eurobasket News
Crvena Zvezda - Slask 86-64

Crvena Zvezda registered fourth straight win in friendly games. This time Crvena Zvezda handed 86-64 loss to Slask Wroclaw. The Serbian squad took control on its rival from the very beginning and never looked back. It was 31-12 after first ten minutes and Crvena Zvezda managed to keep plus 18 until the halftime. Slask was not able to reply for rest of the game and faced with 22-point loss at the end. Nemanja Nedovic (192-PG-91, agency: Beo Basket), Bojan Radetic (203-F-88) and Andreja Milutinovic (199-G-90) scored 13 points each for the winners. Vujadin Subotic (198-G-81) added one point less. In the loosing squad, Slavisa Bogavac (200-G/F-80, agency: BeoExcell) top-scored with 16 points. Akselis Vairogs (195-F-85, agency: Players Group) and Robert Skibniewski (182-G-83) stopped to 14 and 12 points respectively. Both teams will play more friendlies this pre-season.

Crvena Zvezda: Nemanja Nedovic 13, Bojan Radetic 13, Andreja Milutinovic 13, Vujadin Subotic 12
Slask: Slavisa Bogavac 16, Akselis Vairogs 14, Robert Skibniewski 12

Asseco Prokom land Devin Brown - by Eurobasket News
Devin Brown will continue his career in Europe. The guard agreed on terms of contract with the Polish champions Asseco Prokom. The deal is meant for one season. Devin Brown was last seen playing in the NBA in 2009/10 season. He started the season in the New Orleans Hornets. His stats read 9.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Later Devin Brown moved to the Chicago Bulls. His stats then read 1.8 points and 1.3 rebounds per appearance. Devin Brown was the NBA champion together with the San Antonio Spurs back in 2005. It will be the first stint in Europe for the 32-year-old player.


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  PORTUGAL   


Lusitania add Renato Lindmets - by Eurobasket News
Renato Lindmets (198-F-84, agency: Tank Sports, college: Westfield St.) will play in Portugal next season. The forward has agreed on terms of contract with Lusitania. Last season the Estonian player started in Rakvere. He tallied 10.1 points, 5.3 boards, 1.8 assists per game in EMKL. In Baltic League Renato Lindmets posted 8.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per appearance. In January the forward moved to Iceland to join Stjarnan. His stats read 17.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks in Express League. Eurobasket.com named Renato Lindmets All-Icelandic League Bosman Player of the Year. He also made it into All-Icelandic League 2nd Team. Renato Lindmets is not new to Portugal. He used to play Terceira Basket in 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons.


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  QATAR   


Qatar lose two friendlies in Manila - by Eurobasket News
Qatar lost two friendly games in Manila as they prepare for the upcoming Fiba Asia Championship. First Qatar surrendered against hosting Philippines 52:69. Jimmy Alapag (178-G-77, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) came up with 11 points to pace the winners. Ranidel deOcampo (195-F-81) contributed 9 points for the home team. Saad Abdulrahman Ali (193-F-85) answered with 10 points to pace Qatar.
Next Qatar took on Jordan. And once again Ali Fakhroo team had to yield at the end 66:71. Abdullah AbuQoura stepped up with 15 points to lead the charge. Rasheim Wright delivered 12 points in the winning effort. Saad Abdulrahman Ali top-scored for Qatar once again posting 17 points. Erfan Ali Saeed (198-F-83), Mansour Elhadary and Ousseynou N'Diaye (198-G/F-85, agency: Court Side) netted 11 points each in the loss.


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  ROMANIA   


Otopeni and Gaz Metan win in friendly games - by Eurobasket News
Otopeni and Gaz Metan celebrated in their latest friendly games.
Otopeni handed 79-73 loss to CSM Bucuresti. Angel Santana (200-F-77, college: St.Francis, NY) and Bogdan Tibirna (210-C-91) were the leading players in victory with 21 points each. Slobodan Popovic (198-G-80, agency: BeoExcell) followed them with 13 points. In defeat, Goran Martinic (186-G-87, agency: BeoExcell) top-scored with 22 points. Quarters: 13-20, 21-13, 18-16, 27-24.
Gaz Metan Medias was too strong for Dinamo Bucharest 98-74. Deven Mitchell (196-F-84, agency: Interperformances) came up with 19 points in victory. Jarrett Howell (188-G-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: Texas Arlington) and Tudor Dumitrescu (195-G-79) scored 18 and 15 points respectively. In Dinamo, Allen Durham (198-F, college: Grace Bible) shined with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Quarters: 21-14, 28-17, 18-29, 31-14.

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  RUSSIA   


Spartak-Primorie edge Split in test game - by Eurobasket News
Split - Spartak-Primorie 57:59

Spartak-Primorie celebrated the second straight win over Split in the pre-season series in Croatia. Torey Thomas (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) came up with 14 points to pace the Russian team. Split led by one point 13:12 after ten minutes but the visitors turned things around in the second term. They outgunned the hosts 22:13 to establish a 34:26 halftime advantage. Split regained the lead in the third term. They entered the fourth frame up by 5 points. But Spartak-Primorie managed to deny the deficit and snatched a narrow win at the end. Denis Polokhin (195-G-90) provided 10 points, while Jeleel Akindele (216-C-83, college: Chicago St.) delivered 8 points in the victory. Josip Sobin (203-G/F-89) answered with 11 points for Split. Srdan Subotic (193-G-80) and Ivan Mimica (193-G-80) had 10 points apiece in defeat.

Split: Josip Sobin 11, Srdan Subotic 10, Ivan Mimica 10
Spartak-Primorie: Torey Thomas 14, Denis Polokhin 10, Jeleel Akindele 8


EuroBasket 2011: Russia thump Greece, stay undefeated - by Eurobasket News
Russia - Greece 83:67

Russia clinched the seventh straight win at EuroBasket 2011. They fired past Greece to improve at 4-0 record on top of Group F. Greece on the hand fell at 2-2 record after the defeat. Timofey Mozgov (216-C-86, agency: RIZO) stepped up for the winners scoring 19 points and pulling down 5 boards.
The teams traded baskets throughout very close first frame. The Hellenes snatched a narrow 16:15 lead after ten minutes of action. The teams continued to stay neck and neck throughout the second frame. Greece earned a 38:33 lead late in the period but Russia answered with a 9:1 run to post a 42:39 halftime lead. David Blatt team used a 6:0 run midway through the third term to gain a 58:49 lead. They arrived at the final intermission up by as many as 8 points 65:57. Kostas Koufos (213-C/F-89, college: Ohio St.) dragged Greece within five points midway through the fourth frame but Monya drained a pair triples in a 10:0 run from Russia as they cleared off for good in this one. Shved delivered 15 points, while Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) added 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Kostas Koufos answered with 15 points for Greece. Nikolaos Zisis (196-G-83) and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) netted 10 points each in the loss.

Russia: Timofey Mozgov 19, Shved 15, Andrei Kirilenko 13
Greece: Kostas Koufos 15, Nikolaos Zisis 10, Antonis Fotsis 10


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  SERBIA   


Adam Morrison, Crvena Zvezda in talks - by Eurobasket News
Former Gonzaga star Adam Morrison (203-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga), trying to resurrect his pro career after not playing in the NBA last season, is in serious talks to sign with Serbian club power Crvena Zvezda, according to his agent.

Mark Bartelstein, Morrison's Chicago-based representative, confirmed Friday that there have been 'real conversations' between the parties and acknowledged legitimate interest 'on both sides' after overseas reports described the deal as all but done.

The Serbian website Mondo reported earlier Friday that the deal will go through with the Serbian club more commonly known as Red Star Belgrade, but Bartelstein said by phone that no deal has been finalized.

Drafted No. 3 overall by Charlotte in 2006, Morrison spent 2 seasons with the Bobcats before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers midway through the 2008-09 season.

Morrison was on the Lakers' roster for two championships after being dealt to L.A. with Shannon Brown for Vladimir Radmanovic, but the 27-year-old has not been a rotation player since suffering a serious knee injury that cost him the entire 2007-08 season.

Courtesy of ESPN

Crvena Zvezda too much for Slask, 86-64 - by Eurobasket News
Crvena Zvezda - Slask 86-64

Crvena Zvezda registered fourth straight win in friendly games. This time Crvena Zvezda handed 86-64 loss to Slask Wroclaw. The Serbian squad took control on its rival from the very beginning and never looked back. It was 31-12 after first ten minutes and Crvena Zvezda managed to keep plus 18 until the halftime. Slask was not able to reply for rest of the game and faced with 22-point loss at the end. Nemanja Nedovic (192-PG-91, agency: Beo Basket), Bojan Radetic (203-F-88) and Andreja Milutinovic (199-G-90) scored 13 points each for the winners. Vujadin Subotic (198-G-81) added one point less. In the loosing squad, Slavisa Bogavac (200-G/F-80, agency: BeoExcell) top-scored with 16 points. Akselis Vairogs (195-F-85, agency: Players Group) and Robert Skibniewski (182-G-83) stopped to 14 and 12 points respectively. Both teams will play more friendlies this pre-season.

Crvena Zvezda: Nemanja Nedovic 13, Bojan Radetic 13, Andreja Milutinovic 13, Vujadin Subotic 12
Slask: Slavisa Bogavac 16, Akselis Vairogs 14, Robert Skibniewski 12

Vladimir Lucic leads Partizan to win against Sloga - by Eurobasket News
Sloga - Partizan 67-92

Partizan was too strong for Sloga in a friendly game 92-67. Sloga was the host, but it didnt help them to avoid huge loss in this meeting. Partizan opened the game strongly making 10-18 lead in the first ten minutes. The Serbian powerhouse kept plus 8 until the HT and later jumped to plus 17. Nothing has changed in the last quarter as Partizan won it 16-24 for the final 67-92 victory. Vladimir Lucic (202-F-89, agency: Beo Basket) paced Partizan to win with 19 points. Nemanja Jaramaz (201-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) and Nemanja Besovic (221-C-92) helped with 11 points each. In Sloga, Sasa Mijajlovic (211-C-80, college: Hutchinson CC) netted 14 points. Stefan Jovic (190-G-90) followed him with two less. Meanwhile, Acie Law arrived to Belgrade. He signed for Partizan earlier this summer.

Sloga: Bogdanovic, Popovic 9, Sicevic 1, Matovic 10, Vuletic 3, Stefan Jovic 11, Kesar, Jacovic 7, Sasa Mijajlovic 14, Trivanovic 2, Marelja 6, Bijelica 4
Partizan mt:s: Miljenovic 6, Kecman 6, Nemanja Jaramaz 11, Vladimir Lucic 19, Milosavljevic 6, B. Bogdanovic 8, Katic 5, Cehovski 8, Nemanja Besovic 11, D. Bogdanovic, Djekic 4, Andjusic 8

A League announcement - by Nenad Ilijev
Upcoming Serbian A League is going to start on October 8th according to latest news from Serbian Basketball Federation. New season brings fresh changes as top division will count 12 teams starting from season 2012/2013. This year will be relegated four teams. Newest members are BKK Radnicki, Radnicki Basket, Smederevo 1953 and Zeleznicar Indjija. Smederevo 1953 was a 5th ranked team in B League last year playing under name Smederevo Vizura. This team will replace Vojvodina Srbijagas in top division. Vojvodina Srbijagas will keep its place in top division and club's name due to fusion with BC Novi Sad. Zeleznicar Indjija (3rd place in B League) swap places with financially struggling Crvena Zvezda which will continue in B League next year. New formed team Crvena Zvezda Beograd is fusion of Crvena Zvezda and FMP Zeleznik. The team will be mixed of best players from both teams and will take a place in Adriatic League thanks to last season achieved result of FMP Zeleznik. Crvena Zvezda Beograd will use FMP Zeleznik's training facilities and famous basketball school while the team will wear Crvena Zvezda's colours and amblems. Crnokosa and Superfund BP were relegated to B League due to worst performances last season.

Partizan mt:s will be defender of the championship title.

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  SLOVAKIA   


New Big Man in Komarno - by Tomas Kottra
MBK Rieker Komarno replaced their first choice center Bernard Toombs for former North Illinois University player Sean Kowal (211-C-87, college: Colorado).
211 cm high and 107 kg weighing St. Louis born player did not play last season on college because of NCAA transfer rules. Sean who started his student player career in Colorado was forced to sit out after transferring back to Colorado. Sean was not able to complete his graduation on North Illinois University so decided to complete his graduation elsewhere.
Kowal was during his last season (2009/2010) valid player for his team, playing 30 games averaging 10.5ppg and, 6.4rpg.

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  SLOVENIA   


EuroBasket 2011: Bo McCalebb paces FYR Macedonia to yet another victory in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
FYR Macedonia - Slovenia 68:59

FYR Macedonia recorded the second straight win at the EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They held off Slovenia to improve at 4-0 record on top of Group F. Bo McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) orchestrated victory with 19 points, 4 boards and 4 assists. Slovenia in the meantime slipped at 1-3 record and would fight for quarterfinal appearance against Finland on Monday.
FYR Macedonia set the tone early opening the game with seven unanswered points. FYR Macedonia maintained the lead posting a 20:16 advantage at the first intermission. Slovenia tipped off the second frame with six unanswered points to surge ahead. But FYR Macedonia quickly regained control with a 10:0 run midway through the second period. They built a comfortable 39:31 lead at halftime. Slovenia got as close as four points early in the third term but a triple from Illievski kept FYR Macedonia on top. Slovenia faced a 12-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter. They never got any closer in the final frame as FYR Macedonia rallied to the victory at the end. Vlado Ilievski (189-PG-80, agency: World Sport Agency) accounted for 14 points, while Vojdan Stojanovski (193-G-87) contributed 11 points in the win. Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) answered with 20 points for Slovenia. Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) netted 9 points in defeat.

FYR Macedonia: Bo McCalebb 19, Vlado Ilievski 14, Vojdan Stojanovski 11
Slovenia: Goran Dragic 20, Jaka Lakovic 9


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  SPAIN   


Real Madrid wins in its first pre-season game - by Eurobasket News
Real Madrid - Melilla 97-90

Real Madrid played its first friendly game this pre-season. They met Melilla Baloncesto celebrating 97-90 win. New player in Real Madrid Jaycee Carroll (188-PG-83, agency: Priority Sports) shined with 29 points in his debut. Nikola Mirotic (209-F/C-91) scored 19 and Carlos Suarez (202-F-86, agency: Court Side) added 15 pts for the winners. Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) followed them with 14 points. Troy DeVries (193-G-82, college: N.Mexico) responded with 19 points in defeat. Arco and Ridge McKeither (198-F-88, college: Angelo St.) stopped to 14 and 11 points respectively. It was a very exciting meeting and Real Madrid was not able to make a bigger lead at all. During the last period it was 83-81, but Jaycee Carroll and his teammates shined when it mattered most and managed to win this game 97-90. Next friendly game Real Madrid will play on September 16. Their rival will be Caceres.

Real Madrid: Jaycee Carroll 29, Nikola Mirotic 19, Carlos Suarez 15, Novica Velickovic 14
Melilla Baloncesto: Troy DeVries 19, Arco 14, Ridge McKeither 11

Cajasol and Lagun Aro GBC celebrate in friendly games - by Eurobasket News
Cajasol and Lagun Aro GBC played friendly games last night.
Cajasol was better than Zaragoza 89-78. Cajasol had great first half (46-33) and later managed to keep its lead. Paul Davis (211-C-84, college: Michigan St.) led the winners with 21 points and Txemi Urtasun (193-G-84, agency: Interperformances) scored two less. Luka Bogdanovic (210-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) also was good adding 15 points. In defeat, Bracey Wright (191-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Indiana) and Chad Toppert (201-G-85, college: N.Mexico) shined with 19 points each.
Lagun Aro GBC grabbed 79-77 win against Clavijo. The best player in Lagun Aro GBC was Jimmy Baron (191-G-86, college: Rhode Island) with 17 points. Andy Panko (204-F-77, college: Lebanon Valley) and Sergi Vidal (198-F/G-81) added 15 and 13 points respectively. In Clavijo, Herrero was better than the others with 13 points.

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  SWEDEN   


Sodertalje take part in pre-season tournament in Latvia - by Eurobasket News
Sodertalje played two first games at the pre-season tournament in Latvia. They opened their campaign against Kaspiy Aktau of Kazakhstan. The Kings came up short of victory 70:78. Sodertalje led by as many as 12 points after ten minutes of action but the Kazakh team erupted for 31 points in the second term to surge ahead. The Aktau team never looked back afterwards marching to the victory at the end. Johnell Smith (186-PG-80, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: New Orleans) scored 22 points for the Kings. Kenneth Simms (203-C-86, college: Cumberland) and Jesper Andersson (202-F-86) provided 12 points each in the loss.
Next Sodertalje took on Ukrainian Cherkasy. This time the Swedish team proved the strength claiming a 71:67 win. Cherkasy led by 13 points after the opening quarter but the Kings gradually turned things around and rallied for a narrow win at the end. Tobias Borg (183-PG-93) knocked down 18 points, while Kenneth Simms added 11 points and 8 rebounds in the victory.


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  SWITZERLAND   


Besiktas prove strength against Lugano Tigers - by Eurobasket News
Besiktas - Lugano Tigers 82:67

Besiktas overcame Lugano Tigers in the pre-season clash in Bormio. Marcelus Kemp (196-G-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Nevada) scored 18 points to lead the Turkish side. Besiktas claimed a 21:18 lead after ten minutes of action. They maintained the lead throughout the second frame. Besiktas posted a 49:37 advantage at the interval. The Turkish team extended their lead in the third frame. They arrived at the final intermission up by 15 points 68:53. Besiktas never slowed down in the fourth frame cruising for the victory at the end. Erwin Dudley (204-F/C-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) posted 16 points, while David Hawkins (194-G-82, college: Temple) contributed 11 points in the winning effort. Mohammed Abukar (208-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: San Diego St.) answered with 22 points for Lugano. Michael Efevberha (196-G-84, college: Cal.St. Northridge) netted 16 points in the loss.

Besiktas: Marcelus Kemp 18, Erwin Dudley 16, David Hawkins 11
Lugano Tigers: Mohammed Abukar 22, Michael Efevberha 16


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  SYRIA   


Chi-Town's Finest - South Side vs West Side - by Kenyon Gamble
What up World?? First, Thanking God for the opportunity to share my experiences in the basketball world. Big ups to Eurobasket for giving me the chance to share!

I hope that all is going well with my friends and fans in Syria, as all this turmoil is being solved. Stay Safe over There!! I'm praying for you'll!!

The off season is the longest, most boring part of a basketball career, yet it is very beneficial to your development as a player. Some use it to get quicker, stronger, more skilled, etc. The only thing that gets exciting in the summer for me is the Pro Ams in the city of the Chi. Chicago has, and always will be known for producing some of the worlds best, and most popular, players: Cappie Pondexter (175-G-83, college: Rutgers), Dwyane Wade (193-G-82, college: Marquette) and Derrick Rose (193-G-88, college: Memphis) to name a few. Chicago also has some players that dominate the summer, from Pro Ams to Hood Tournaments to pro basketball leagues across the world. This summer, I got to witness some of this talent up close and personal.

Playing with some former High School teammates and rivals, my team, Make It Rain, found itself in the Championship game for the second year in a row at the Chicago West Haven Safe Summer League. With the same core players as last summer of myself, Kenyon Gamble (212-C-82, college: Tuskegee), Ronald Davis (190-G-82, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee), D-Man, Jerwin Callaway (188-G-86, college: Robert Morris), Dion Dixon (190-G-89), Bink, Red and Diddy and the addition of Two TOP TIER point guards David Bailey (173-G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Loyola, IL) and Al Stewart (178-G-83, college: Drake), our team was better suited to actually win the Championship game this time around. We had to grind out a grueling 3 game series against former Kansas star Sharon Collins, KC Love and J.R., which went down to the final play of the final game, where the city got to witness one of the best veteran PG's to play the game, David Bailey (173-G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Loyola, IL), and the well known, and very talented young PG Sharon Collins. They didn't disappoint the crowd one bit. Basket after basket in their one on one match-ups and some serious gestures to the crowd after each basket; ONLY IN THE CHI. They gym was gong bananas as they took turns making clutch play after clutch play. It was great to be a part of such an environment. The second round put us up against the supremely offensively talented Jamarcus Ellis (196-G/F-85) (Tone Tone), Jitim Young (188-G-81, college: Northwestern), Jamaal Brown (178-G-84) Lil Dre and Mike Edwards. If you don't know who Tone Tone is, you better ask the young fella who got all 55 points of his latest barrage of buckets in the first round of the playoffs. After dropping the first game in the series, we had to claw our way back, re-strategize, devise a strategy to slow Tone Tone down (big ups to Ronald Davis for sacrificing his offense to focus solely on Tone), which led to a win by a big margin in the second game. The third game of the series went down to the wire, and big games by Red and myself along with some clutch buckets in the end by our PGs, and we were in the Championship game for the second year in a row.

Leading up the Championship, I kept hearing about this team from the South Side of Chicago, whom eliminated the Champs from last year; they put out Tony Bennett (185-G-84, college: Bradley)'s team who finds themselves in the Championship of almost every tournament they participate in, so we all knew this South Side team had to be FOR REAL. All of my teammates and I being from the West Side, the city automatically put it as a South Side vs West Side event, being played on the West Side where the Rockwell Project buildings used to stand 20 stories tall. The social networks were definitely buzzing about this game. Twitter, Facebook, Hi-5, and even the extinct Myspace had something to say. You got half of the gym shouting things about the South Side while the other half is screaming stuff about the West Side. The gym is electric! Packed to capacity with hundreds more attempting to trample security in order to get into the gym. People are sitting on the floor, the ceiling, the walls and each other too. The emcee is pumping the crowd up even more with his exhilarating introductions to every player. The players no longer have a bench to rest on because of the crowd. There is no room to take the ball out of bounds, so you often find yourself just getting as close to the sideline as possible and toss the ball to a teammate (the refs knowing there was no way to take the ball out the proper way didn't call the violations that would be called in a normal game). You got NBA players and former Chicago Bulls in the building, from the young and exciting crossover machine, Will Bynum (180-PG-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech), to the 3 time NBA champion Bill Wennington (213-C-63, college: St.John's) to one of the original Bulls, Bob Love. This was most definitely the place to be on this hot summer day whether you were from the 'Hood or the 'Burbs. I must say the game did not disappoint.

From the Jump ball- won by my team- we went down missed a 3 point shot, and 3 seconds later the South Sider had 3 on the board. From that point on, it was non-stop action, with my team on the bad end of the oooos and aaaaahhhhs from the capacity crowd. I must admit I was on the end of one of them myself. This is how it happened...Miss by my team, rebound by South Side, outlet to Jerome Randle (178-G-87, college: California), pass to Osiris Eldridge (191-G-88, college: Illinois St.) on the wing, gamble on the steal by Ronald Davis, me running the opposite wing on defense. I get my patented 1-2 step ready to block this ball in the 5th row, and before I could leave my feet, Osiris Eldridge (191-G-88, college: Illinois St.) was jumping from one step inside the Free Throw line a la LeBron James (203-F-84). I put the brakes on FAST, and knew better than to get in his way. BOOOOOOM, the crowd goes WILD. All I could do was make sure he didn't tweak an ankle coming off of the basketball rim...hahaha. I must say, unless it was for the money, I wasn't getting in that young man's business hahaha. That wasn't it. I looked up at the scoreboard, and we were down 17-3. Unbelievable, TIME OUT!! We come out of the time out, and those young whippasnappas seem to have gotten more energy from the time out. Threeee, Threeee, Threeee on after the other. First it's Royce Parran (175-G-85, college: Chicago St.), then it's Stefhon Hannah (185-G-85, college: Missouri), then it's Jerome Randle (178-G-87, college: California), then it's Osiris with some dunk straight off of 2K11; takes off like he gonna do a Jordan lean in, decided mid-air to turn it into a full 360, and throws it down like Darryl Dawkins. Need I say more?? Those South Siders ran us out of our own gym. At one point, we cut the lead down to 3 points, but soon after, we were down double digits again. And to cap it all off, towards the end of the game, the 5'10' Royce Parran (175-G-85, college: Chicago St.) catches an one handed alley oop, KG style to close out the game. I don't know if it was the 3 games in 3 days for my veteran team, or the inability to rotate and stop some of those fast break points, but we were definitely not the same team that had outplayed other teams on our way to the Chip. The speedster, Al Stewart (178-G-83, college: Drake), had a HUGE game in the championship game for us, but I don't remember much more than that. Big Ups to the South Side and the ballers out there. We will be looking for you'll next year.

After hearing about this league, you should see why we considered the Basketball Mecca of the world...;)

I know some of you are reading this, and don't have a clue as to who some of these guys are. I advise you to do some research and 'you betta ask sumbody'. All of these guys are more than worthy of mid level and top jobs across the world. You should take notice. If you would like to know more or reach someone, contact me, google them, facebook them, do something; don't just wonder; make it happen.

Now the Pro Ams are over, players are back overseas, and this is most definitely the worst part of the off-season. WAITING, WAITING, WAITING on that perfect deal in that perfect country, and most importantly, with that perfect CHECK...hahahaha

Me, I'm in the gym daily, to ensure I'm at my best when I step off that bird in a country near you. I'm so thirsty to get back on the international scene this year, it's a shame. I have a workout ethic like someone who has never seen success (though I have more than likely dominated in your league the last 6 years, and my accolades keep on coming) and I have a veteran's knowledge of the game. I'm most definitely looking to have a huge year.

Stay in the gym, stay committed, and stay prayerful!

Til next time people..RIOCI (Respect IT or Check IT)Thanks for tuning in for another chapter in my basketball book.

This blog is maintained by Kenyon Gamble (212-C-82, college: Tuskegee).
Feel free to comment and/or email me personally at kkg@kenyongamble.com
www.KenyonGamble.com

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  TURKEY   


Besiktas prove strength against Lugano Tigers - by Eurobasket News
Besiktas - Lugano Tigers 82:67

Besiktas overcame Lugano Tigers in the pre-season clash in Bormio. Marcelus Kemp (196-G-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Nevada) scored 18 points to lead the Turkish side. Besiktas claimed a 21:18 lead after ten minutes of action. They maintained the lead throughout the second frame. Besiktas posted a 49:37 advantage at the interval. The Turkish team extended their lead in the third frame. They arrived at the final intermission up by 15 points 68:53. Besiktas never slowed down in the fourth frame cruising for the victory at the end. Erwin Dudley (204-F/C-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) posted 16 points, while David Hawkins (194-G-82, college: Temple) contributed 11 points in the winning effort. Mohammed Abukar (208-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: San Diego St.) answered with 22 points for Lugano. Michael Efevberha (196-G-84, college: Cal.St. Northridge) netted 16 points in the loss.

Besiktas: Marcelus Kemp 18, Erwin Dudley 16, David Hawkins 11
Lugano Tigers: Mohammed Abukar 22, Michael Efevberha 16


Fenerbahce Ulker cruises past Darussafaka, 80-52 - by Eurobasket News
Fenerbahce Ulker - Darussafaka 80-52

Fenerbahce Ulker registered another win this pre-season. The Turkish powerhouse blasted Darussafaka 80-52 in a friendly. James Gist (203-F-86) stepped up for Fener with 14 points. Gasper Vidmar (209-C/F-87) and Kaya Peker (207-C/F-80, agency: Court Side) helped with 12 and 10 points respectively. American PG Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) stopped to 7 points in this meeting. It is important to mention that Fener misses couple of players at this moment due to EuroBasket in Lithuania. In Darussafaka, Burak Selen (202-F-88) shined with 19 points. He was the only player with double-digits in scoring for Dacka. Kerem Hotic (197-F-93) delivered 9 pts. Both teams will play more friendlies this pre-season.

Darussafaka: Joey Rodriguez, Tugberk Gedikli 4, Gokhan Sunter 2, Kaan Gogus, Yunus Sonsirma 4, Kerem Hotic 9, Metin Turen 7, Burak Selen 19, Kerem Oztoprak 7
Fenerbahce Ulker: Curtis Jerrells 7, Erbil Eroglu, Rashid Mahalbasic 6, Gasper Vidmar 12, James Gist 14, Luka Drezga 9, Mete Can 7, Hakan Demirel 3, Berkay Candan 6, Ulug Kacaniku 6, Kaya Peker 10

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  UKRAINE   


Azovmash, Khimik and DniproAzot claim pre-season victories - by Eurobasket News
Azovmash outgunned Sibenik from Croatia in the pre-season clash. Hasan Rizvic (212-C-84) scored 22 points to lead the Mariupol team. Aleksandr Shaposhnikov (196-G/F-82) and Igor Zaitsev (211-F/C-89) added 14 points each in the victory. Ivo Josipovic (205-F-75, agency: Court Side) answered with 18 points for Sibenik.
Khimik Yuzny cruised past Juventus 82:62. Denis Ikovlev (201-F-86, agency: RIZO, college: Nevada) stepped up with 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort. Predrag Miletic (191-G-84, agency: Agency No 10) contributed 14 points, while Reyshawn Terry (203-F-84, college: N.Carolina) had 12 points in the winning effort.
DniproAzot turned out winners in the pre-season clash versus Naglis 89:67. Dior Lowhorn (201-F-87, college: USF) stepped up with 18 points to lead the winners. Michael Fraser (203-C/F-84, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma Baptist) added 15 points and 13 boards for DniproAzot.
In the meantime Cherkasy participate at the friendly tournament in Latvia. They held off Turiba of Latvia in the opener 68:58. Miljan Pupovic (209-C/F-83) scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to pace the winners. Morris Almond (198-F-85, college: Rice) added 16 points in the victory. In the next game Cherkasy however surrendered against Sodertalje Kings from Sweden 67:71. Tobias Borg (183-PG-93) scored 18 points to lead the charge. Kenneth Simms (203-C-86, college: Cumberland) finished with 11 points and 8 boards for the Kings.


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  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES   


Julian Terrell joins Al Wasl - by Eurobasket News
Al Wasl brought in Julian Terrell (206-F-84, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Vanderbilt). The forward spent the last season in Portugal. Julian Terrell played for Porto Ferpinta. He tallied 13.0 points, 8.3 boards, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks per game in Portuguese LPB. Julian Terrell helped Porto Ferpinta to celebrate LPB title. Previously the forward had stints in Puerto Rico, Germany and Turkey.




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Women News

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  HUNGARY - Women  


Team USA visit to Sopron! - by Adam Patonay
UNIQA-EUROLEASING Sopron will give their fans a real treat on 9th October when they take on the world champions, Team USA, in a warm-up game in Hungary.

The game will be the last of a European tour the Americans are taking and is the last test for Sopron, three days before their Euroleague Women 2011/12 opening game against Tarbes.

The contest will be special for many other reasons.

During the game, Sopron will honour veteran Edit Erdgh, who is finishing her career.

The club will also welcome new name sponsors, UNIQA, and will honour the memory of Balzs Farkas, the president of MKB-EUROLEASING who passed away last week.

Balzs Farkas made a big contribution to Hungarian sport, basketball and to Sopron.

Sopron will also use the occasion to organize special activities to celebrate the Hungarian Cup and Championship titles they conquered last season.

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  MONTENEGRO - Women  


CCC Polkowice signs Montenegrin PF/C Iva Perovanovic - by Eurobasket News
Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) is back to Poland. The Montenegrin power forward/center signed a deal with CCC Polkowice for the next season. Perovanovic returns to Poland from Latter Montpellier, where she spent last season. She had 11 ppg and 5.1 rpg in 24 French league games. She helped Montpelier reach the Playoff Semifinals and was named Eurobasket.com French LFB All-Bosmans Team -11. Iva Perovanovic played for Olesa and Umbertide in the past. She also played for Buducnost Podgorica helping them to win two Montenegrin league titles and two Cups. Perovanovic played in Poland for Wisla Krakow as well. She helped them win the PLKK title in 2006. A year before that they reached Finals.

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  NCAA1 - Women  


ICIM Arad lands American forward Rhaya Neabors - by Eurobasket News
Rhaya Neabors (180-F-88, college: Cal-Riverside) is set to start her professional basketball career. The American forward signed a one-year deal with ICIM Arad. Neabors heads to Romania from the University of California, Riverside, where she graduated few months ago. Neabors appeared 31 times for her school as a senior averaging 10.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists. She was named All-Big West Honorable Mention -11. In 2009/10, Rhaya Neabors had 7.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 4.5 apg for her school. That year Cal-Riverside won the Big West Tournament and Neabors was awarded with All-Big West 2nd Team -10. She transferred to Cal-Riverside in 2008 from the University of Arizona. With Arizona she had 8.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 2.3 apg in their last season together. It was a nice improvement after 3.5 ppg and 2.7 in 2006/07.

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  POLAND - Women  


CCC Polkowice signs Montenegrin PF/C Iva Perovanovic - by Eurobasket News
Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) is back to Poland. The Montenegrin power forward/center signed a deal with CCC Polkowice for the next season. Perovanovic returns to Poland from Latter Montpellier, where she spent last season. She had 11 ppg and 5.1 rpg in 24 French league games. She helped Montpelier reach the Playoff Semifinals and was named Eurobasket.com French LFB All-Bosmans Team -11. Iva Perovanovic played for Olesa and Umbertide in the past. She also played for Buducnost Podgorica helping them to win two Montenegrin league titles and two Cups. Perovanovic played in Poland for Wisla Krakow as well. She helped them win the PLKK title in 2006. A year before that they reached Finals.

Latest friendly games - by Eurobasket News
ROW Rybnik played a friendly game against the Czech team VSE Praga. Rybnik celebrated an easy 85-59 win in this meeting. Rachele Fitz (183-F-87, college: Marist) was the leading player for the Polish squad with 18 points. Katarzyna Suknarowska (170-G-87) and Magdalena Skorek (177-G-84, agency: Data Plus Group) helped with 10 and 9 points respectively. Quarters: 27-11, 23-7, 18-19, 17-22.
CCC Polkowice met VS Praga also in a friendly. The Polish team blasted Praga with huge 83-47. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78, agency: Josep and Nicolas) top-scored in victory with 14 points and Sharnee Zoll (170-PG-86, college: Virginia) had one less. Quarters: 24-14, 11-12, 21-16, 27-5. CCC Polkowice played another pre-season game recently. Their rival was Spartak Sankt Petersburg and CCC Polkowice celebrated 74-60 win. Evanthia Maltsi posted 19 points in this game. Quarters: 22-16, 19-13, 17-17, 16-14.

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  ROMANIA - Women  


ICIM Arad lands American forward Rhaya Neabors - by Eurobasket News
Rhaya Neabors (180-F-88, college: Cal-Riverside) is set to start her professional basketball career. The American forward signed a one-year deal with ICIM Arad. Neabors heads to Romania from the University of California, Riverside, where she graduated few months ago. Neabors appeared 31 times for her school as a senior averaging 10.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists. She was named All-Big West Honorable Mention -11. In 2009/10, Rhaya Neabors had 7.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 4.5 apg for her school. That year Cal-Riverside won the Big West Tournament and Neabors was awarded with All-Big West 2nd Team -10. She transferred to Cal-Riverside in 2008 from the University of Arizona. With Arizona she had 8.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 2.3 apg in their last season together. It was a nice improvement after 3.5 ppg and 2.7 in 2006/07.

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  SPAIN - Women  


Ensino keeps Head Coach Javier Munoz - by Eurobasket News
Ensino resolved one of the most important things for the next season. The Spanish LF2 team secured a one-year contract extension with their Head Coach Javier Munoz . The Spanish specialist took over Ensino last summer. They finished as No.7 in the league, what was enough for Munoz to get an extension. The team wants to improve in 2011/12 and one of the targets could be the promotion to LFB. However, it is still early to say anything about that as the league will start in one month. Before Ensino, Javier Munoz coached men teams Ourense and Guadalajara. He also worked as assistant coach of Melilla and Breogan. In 2004/05, Munoz coach Estudiantes de Lugo. Ensino competed in LFB until 2007.

Rivas Ecopolis wins in its first pre-season game - by Eurobasket News
Rivas Ecopolis started with friendly games this pre-season. They met CB Alcobendas and blasted them 80-48. Croatian international Iva Sliskovic (194-F-84, college: S.Carolina) was the leading player in victory. She drained 20 points. Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: George Washington) and Kourtney Treffers (186-F-94) helped with 15 points each. Rivas Ecopolis did not have anyone else with double-digits in scoring. Vega Gimeno Martinez (183-F-91, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Robert Morris) stopped to 7 pts in this meeting. Rivas Ecopolis took control on their rival from the very beginning. They made 15-8 lead and never look back after that. Later it was 39-29 and 56-37 for Rivas. In the last quarter they reached plus 30 and all after that was just the formality.

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  WNBA - Women  


Carson, Vaughn lead Liberty past Fever, 83-75 - by Eurobasket News
Essence Carson (6'0''-G-86, college: Rutgers) scored 18 points, Kia Vaughn (6'4''-C-87, college: Rutgers) had 15 points and nine rebounds, and the New York Liberty beat the first-place Indiana Fever 83-75 Friday night.

Nicole Powell (6'2''-G/F-82, college: Stanford) added 13 points, and Plenette Pierson (6'2''-F/C-81, college: Texas Tech) and Cappie Pondexter had 12 apiece to help the Liberty (19-14) pull into a tie with Atlanta for third place in the Eastern Conference with one game remaining. New York visits second-place Connecticut on Sunday, while the Dream visit Indiana.

Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) scored 17 points and Shannon Bobbitt had a career-high 16 points for the Fever (21-12), who had already secured the No. 1 seed in the East.

Trailing by 13 with 5 1/2 minutes to go, Indiana scored seven consecutive points to pull to 75-69 with 3:13 remaining. Bobbitt made her fourth 3-pointer of the second half to start the run, and Jessica Davenport and Douglas had layups.

However, Leilani Mitchell and Powell made 3s about 50 seconds apart to seal the Liberty's win.

Powell made consecutive jumpers and Pierson made two free throws to push New York's lead to 71-57 with 7:06 remaining

Shavonte Zellous followed with a 3 and Bobbitt had a layup to get Indiana within single digits again 27 seconds later. However, Kara Braxton hit a jumper and Pierson made two free throws to put the Liberty ahead 75-62 with 5:28 left, before the Fever made another run.

After Bobbitt's 3 in the opening minute of the third quarter pulled Indiana within nine, the Liberty scored the next eight points to take a 55-38 lead on Vaughn's free throws with 6:44 to go in the period.

Jeanette Pohlen, Douglas and Bobbitt made consecutive 3s to get Indiana within eight less than 2 minutes later.

Pierson followed with a layup for New York, and Bobbitt hit her third 3 of the period and Douglas made 1 of 2 from the line to pull the Fever to 57-51 with 3:54 left.

Catchings then made three free throws, including a technical on Liberty coach John Whisenant, to get Indiana within five 36 seconds later. However, the Liberty closed the third quarter with a 6-1 run, including Carson's buzzer-beater from inside the 3-point line, to extend the lead back to double digits at 65-55.

Neither team made a field goal for the first 2 1/2 minutes of the second quarter. Alex Montgomery made 1 of 2 free throws with under 8 minutes to go, and Mitchell hit a 3 to give the Liberty a 33-21 lead with 7 1/2 minutes to go.

The teams played close the rest of the period, with Indiana cutting the deficit to eight points three times. Braxton's layup beat the halftime buzzer to give New York a 47-35 lead at the break.

Carson led the Liberty with 12 points. Douglas and Tangela Smith had nine each for the Fever. New York shot 51 percent (18 for 35) in the half, while Indiana was at 45 percent (14 for 31).

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Smith leads Storm over Mercury 85-70 - by Eurobasket News
Thirteen-year veteran Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) turned into the 'Katie of old' to help the Seattle Storm clinch the Western Conference's No. 2 seed.

Smith scored 11 of her season-high 26 points in the third quarter to lead the Storm past Phoenix, 85-70 on Friday night and clinch home-court advantage against the Mercury in the playoffs next week.

'That was Katie of old right there,' said Phoenix guard Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut), who scored a season-high 36 points. 'That's a young Katie. She could probably do that more often, but she's willing to divert the last couple of years because she's been on some talented teams. Katie could probably do that every night.'

Tanisha Wright (5'11''-G-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Penn St.) added 18 points and Sue Bird 15 for Seattle (20-13), which has the tiebreaker against Phoenix (19-14) for the No. 2 playoff seed in the Western Conference with one game remaining. The Storm won the season series 3-1.

Smith, in her first year with the Storm, used the shooting of Taurasi for motivation.

'Yeah, I let her know, come on now you're still the baby in all of this,' Smith said. 'She's younger, but she's one of my favorite players to play against and to play with on Olympic teams. I have much respect for her and I know she does, too. We have a lot of fun competing against each other and it's been a friendly rivalry now for many years.'

Taurasi had 28 in the first half, three shy of the WNBA record, to help the Mercury to a 41-35 lead. But after tying a league record with six 3-pointers in the first half, she did not make one in the second.

Phoenix opens the best-of-three series Thursday at Seattle, which has won seven of eight.

Smith came into the game averaging 6.6 points with a season high of 16, against Phoenix Aug. 16. She moved within two of scoring 6,000 career points.

Smith mixed in a few drives with her long-range shots.

'The minute she checked in the game it was an aggressive Katie,' Bird said. 'She came out driving to the basket, getting a couple of layups and opened up things for her from the 3-point line. You could tell she was just in a little bit of a comfort zone.

'I know in my head I was thinking we should milk it because she was feeling good out there and I tried to get her the ball as much as possible.'

Le'coe Willingham, Wright and Bird hit 3-pointers and Bird made two free throws to give Seattle a 69-58 lead with 5:45 left in the game. The Mercury never threatened again.

'We kind of let up in the second half,' said Mercury forward Candice Dupree. 'I thought we did a decent job on defense, but our offense got a little stagnant late in the third and early fourth quarter. We can't let that happen.'

Smith scored 11 straight, including three 3-pointers, in the third quarter to help rally the Storm from a nine-point deficit. Seattle led 58-56 after three quarters.

Taurasi scored 20 in the second quarter, two shy of the league record she set in 2006. She had 12 during a 16-4 run to give the Mercury a six-point lead after trailing 31-25.

Smith scored 15 in the first half and had 12 to help give the Storm a 21-15 lead after one quarter. She was 4 of 4 from the field, including a 3-poiner and three-point play in the opening period.

Seattle is 7-1 since Lauren Jackson returned after missing 20 games with a hip injury, although Jackson had only four points and did not score until the fourth quarter.

The Storm improved to 14-2 at home. Phoenix dropped to 8-9 on the road.

Phoenix played without Penny Taylor, who has missed four of the last five games with muscle spasms. Taylor averages 16.7 points.

NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell watched the game from a front-row seat and received a standing ovation when introduced to the crowd. Russell lives on nearby Mercer Island.

Courtesy of www.mlive.com

Lavender leads Sparks past Shock, 84-73 - by Eurobasket News
Jantel Lavender (6'4''-C-88, college: Ohio St.) had 19 points and a season-high 12 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Tulsa Shock 84-73 on Friday night.

The Sparks (14-19) snapped a two-game losing streak and won for only the second time in six games despite missing leading scorer and rebounder Candace Parker, who sat out for precautionary reasons after her right knee flared up.

Ticha Penicheiro (5'11''-G-74, college: ODU) scored 13 points and Kristi Toliver (5'7''-G-87, college: Maryland) added 12 for the Sparks.

Andrea Riley (5'5''-G-88, college: Oklahoma St.) and Liz Cambage each scored 18 points for the Shock (3-30), who lost their fifth straight game.

Starting in place of Parker, Lavender scored 13 points in the first half. She sat out a long stretch of the second half after she picked up her fourth and fifth fouls in an 18-second span in the third quarter.

The Sparks led from 6-4 and didn't let the Shock come within single digits in the fourth quarter. They avenged an Aug. 26 loss to Tulsa in which the Shock snapped a WNBA-record, 20-game losing streak.

'We wanted to have revenge, but we just knew we had to go out and play hard,' Lavender said.

'We knew they were going to come in and play with some kind of confidence because they did beat us and we were a part of three wins for the season. We just had to come out and play hard tonight because they are a good team and play well together.'

Lavender had no points in three of her previous four games and reached double-digit scoring for the second time in 10 games.

'She worked well on the pick-and-roll set because she rolls deep to the basket,' Sparks coach Joe Bryant said. 'It was good for her.'

Bryant said Parker will be a game-time decision for the Sparks' season finale Saturday.

'We're not in the playoffs, so it's really caring more about the player,' Bryant said. 'It's important for her to get a full recovery.'

Parker missed 15 games with torn cartilage in her right knee earlier this season. She is averaging 18.9 points and a team-leading 8.9 rebounds.

Tulsa was also without its leading scorer, point guard Ivory Latta, who is out for the rest of the season with a torn meniscus in her left knee. She was averaging 12.2 points.

Courtesy of www.signonsandiego.com

Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Indiana F. 21-12 
 2. Connecticut S. 20-13 
 3. New York L. 19-14 
 4. Atlanta D. 19-14 
 5. Chicago S. 14-18 
 6. Washington M. 6-27 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 26-7 
 2. Seattle S. 20-13 
 3. Phoenix M. 19-14 
 4. S.Antonio SS 16-16 
 5. L.Angeles S. 14-19 
 6. Tulsa S. 3-30