EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/13/2011

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Men News

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  ABA   


Connecticut TopBallerz Announce Training Camp Invitees - by Surujh Roopnarine
The expansion Connecticut TopBallerz of the American Basketball Association (ABA) have announced the names of 29 players who have been invited to training camp. Over the course of four extensive tryout sessions the team has selected a group of veterans and fresh faces from the tri-state area who should form the core of the team this season. Among the notable names are two recent graduates from Fairleigh Dickinsion, John Galvin (6'8''-F-88) and Terence Grier (6'0''-G-87). Also, ABA veteran Raheim Lowery (6'8''-C, college: Dowling) has made the first cut in his attempt to re-gain the form that made him a coveted commodity on the overseas market a few seasons ago. Similarly, rec-league stars such as Bobby Moore (5'8''-G-79, college: W.Nebraska CC) and Andre bagot are looking for a chance to prove their worth on the professional level. The TopBallerz will tip off their regular season on November 21 against the New jersey Express and will compete with other teams from the Northeast area. Team owners Aaron and Trevor Hairston along with Head Coach Andre Huston and Generla Manager John Scavuzzo are hoping to build on the passion of basketball fans in Connecticut as they tip off their inaugural season in the ABA.

2011 Training Camp Invitees
Andre Bagot
Japhet McNeil (6'0''-G-85, college: Bridgeport)
Deavn Ramsey
Jason Bryson
Lance Fuertado (6'5''-G)
Pierre Curtis (6'3''-G, college: JMU)
Jashone Cunningham
John Galvin
Tywan Samuels
Joseph Dorsett-Jeffreys (6'11''-C-85)
Darcell Reddick
Braxton Darden
Jeff Johnson
Mercury Fiske
Cornelius Vines (6'2''-G-86)
Walden St. Juste (6'1''-G)
Roosevelt Lee (6'6''-F-86)
Tom Beaudinet
Cassius Chaney (6'6''-F-87)
Raheim Lowery
Kelvin Davis (6'3''-G-84)
Bobby Moore
Terence Grier
Ron Christy
Antoine Waller
Travis King (6'2''-G-86)
Shawn Unstunel
Kaseem Johnson (6'6''-F-87, college: Rhode Island)
Malachi Bunch

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  ARGENTINA   


Club 9 de Julio Rio Tercero adds ex-ESL Cowan to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Club 9 de Julio Rio Tercero agreed terms with 28-year old American power forward Jazzwyn Cowan (205-F/C-107kg-83, college: Hampton, agency: Dream Team Management). Cowan played most recently at Team Riga (Eurobasket) in the U.S. where he helped them to win the league in New York. While playing 3 games for Riga he recorded 16.3ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.3apg and 1.7spg. Cowan played last season for Union Progresista in the TNA. In 30 games he averaged 19.3ppg, 6.9rpg and 1.1apg. He was voted to Latinbasket.com Argentinian TNA All-Imports Team. He is a very experienced player. Cowan played also pro basketball in Brazil, Dominican Rep., Mexico and United Kingdom. He graduated Hampton University in 2006 and actually missed last season. It will be his sixth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center



Luis Scola leads Argentina to Gold in Mar del Plata - by Eurobasket News
BRAZIL - ARGENTINA 75-80

Argentina won the Gold in Mar del Plata. The host of FIBA Americas Championship was better than Brazil in the Finals 80-75 to win the first place. Of course, Silver belongs to Brazil. Both teams booked a spot for the Olympic Games 2012 in London. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) was amazing last night. He scored 32 points and was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 30. Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) had 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) added 10 points. In the loosing squad, Marquinhos Vieira (207-F-84) responded with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) and Rafael Hettsheimer (206-C-86) stopped to 12 and 10 points respectively. Each of them grabbed 5 rebs. Quarters: 9-21, 18-14, 21-15, 27-30. Dominican Republic won the Bronze in Mar del Plata. They outplayed Puerto Rico 103-89.

Brazil: Marquinhos Vieira 17+5 boards, Tiago Splitter 12, Rafael Hettsheimer 10
Argentina: Luis Scola 32, Carlos Delfino 16+9 boards, Pablo Prigioni 10

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  AUSTRALIA   


Australia complete sweep of New Zealand - by Eurobasket News
Australia - New Zealand 92:68

Australia celebrated the third straight win over New Zealand in the Oceania Championship series. Aleks Maric (211-C-84, college: Nebraska) stepped up with 27 points and 8 rebounds to pace the charge.
The Boomers opened the game with four points in a row but New Zealand gradually picked up the tempo and posted a 24:23 lead ten minutes into the game. The teams stayed very close throughout the second term. Aleks Maric and Ogilvy put Australia in front late in the half and the Boomers eventually secured a 45:41 lead at the interval. Australia quickly boosted the margin to 10 points in the third term. The Boomers used a 15:2 run to gain a 68:49 lead late in the quarter. They entered the final quarter up by 15 points 76:61. Australia limited their opponents to just 7 points in the fourth stanza and celebrated a confident win at the end. David Barlow (205-F-83, college: Metro St.) provided 17 points, while Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) added 14 points in the victory. Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin) responded with 27 points for New Zealand. Mika Vukona (197-F-82) notched 10 points in the loss.

Australia: Aleks Maric 27, David Barlow 17, Patrick Mills 14
New Zealand: Kirk Penney 27, Mika Vukona 10


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  AUSTRIA   


Birdsong lands at ABC Lions Dornbirn - by Eurobasket
Louis Birdsong (198-F-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: George Mason) has signed in Austria with the ABC Lions Dornbirn and last night landed in Zurich. Coached by the heralded young Cuenyt Tuerk, the Lions were champions of the Bundesliga.2 last season with a 19-1 record. This season, the Bundesliga.2 has combined its two divisions into one competitive league and Dornbirn will be looking for Louis to be a featured scorer as the club looks to defend its title.

Birdsong, a graduate of George Mason University, played last season for Amicale Steinsel of Luxembourgs Diekirch League. He led his team to the league semi-finals and was named a Eurobasket.com All-League selection. In 28 games for Amicale, Louis averaged an impressive 18.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 1.8 big (FG: 54.8%, 3FG: 34.9%).

Courtesy of Pro Partner Sports Management



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  BELGIUM   


Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
VOO Verviers-Pepinster has added the final puzzle to their 2011-2012 roster. The new player Bingo Merriex (204-F-80, college: TCU) is no stranger to Belgium since he already played here for Mons-Hainaut in 06-07 and Aalstar during the 2009-2010 season. Healso knows his new coach who already coached Bingo in Germany when he played for Tubingen. Bingo ended his college career at Texas Christian U after the 2002-2003 season. Afterwards he played in the USBL, Lebanon, the Philippines and Italy between 2003 and 2005. After his season for Italy's Lega Due team Imola he moved to Germany to play for Tubingen. He led the bundesliga in rebounds during the 2005-2006 season with 10.3 rpg. After one season in Mons he returned to Germany to once again play for Tubingen for the 07-08 season. For the next season he moved to France where he played for Le Havre in the ProA league. Once again he was among the leading rebounders with 8.6 rpg. He then came to play for Aalstar in Belgium where he again was in the top 5 among the rebounders. His past season was not his most succesfull, it was split between Germany (Ludwigsburg) and Ukraine.


Former Liege and U20 national team member Mikhael Linskens (213-C-87, college: Wyoming) signed in Austria with the Kapfenberg Bulls.

International pre-season tournament in Andenne: Dexia Mons Hainaut wins the final game - by Bert Larsimont


On September 10th and 11th, the Kiwanis Club of Andenne and the City of Andenne, Belgium organized a pre-season tournament in the new local arena. Three Belgian Ethias League teams and one Beko Bundesliga team took part in this tournament: Dexia Mons-Hainaut, Belgacom Liege Basket and VOO Verviers-Pepinster of Belgium as well as 2010 FIBA EuroChallenge winner BG Goettingen of Germany.

This was one good chance for all four teams to prepare the season. The event was well covered by the regional and local press.

Semi-finals

Belgacom Liege Basket vs. VOO Verviers-Pepinster 74-76

Verviers-Pepinster played BC Liege in the first semi-final on Saturday. After a rather well balanced duel between both teams (11-10 after a few minutes), Tyrel Reed (190-G-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Kansas) hit three three-pointer to give his team Verviers-Pepinster a larger lead. The scoreboard showed 36-48 at the half. Thanks to a better defense early in the third quarter, Liege came back in the game and even took the lead: 52-51. Despite an impressive 6/7 from three-point range by Geoffrey Hockins (188-G-88), Liege could not avoid a close loss. Jason Love (206-F/C-87, college: Xavier), well active underneath the basket, hit a winning shot on the buzzer to give Verviers-Pepinster a 74-76 win.

Belgacom Liege Basket: Hockins 23, Gillet 15, Matela 12, Waters 10, Bostic 5, Troisfontaines 5, Iarochevitch 4.
VOO Verviers-Pepinster: Beal 9, Downy 6, Love 18, Austin 14, Rahier 5, Moris 9, Reed 9, Singletary 6.

Dexia Mons-Hainaut vs. BG Goettingen 100-51

The second semi-final was rather disappointing as the German team never seemed able to find a good tempo. Despite the last quarter, the Germans were never able to challenge Dexia Mons-Hainaut easily qualified for the final of the tournament. Score evolution (quarter by quarter): 30-18, 54-22, 80-33 and 100-51.

Dexia Mons-Hainaut: Foster 9, Libert 7, Taylor 20, Cage 13, Ahmad Nivins 12, Slaughter 19, Singletary 3, Bellin 9, Warren Carter 8.
BG Goettingen: Grimaldi 2, Slater 8, Ahelegbe 3, Dale 14, Horne 10, Weber 4, Saunders 4, Sykes 3, Adamczak 3.

Game for 3rd and 4th place

BG Goettingen vs. Belgacom Liege Basket 79-86

BG Goettingen's Coach Stefan Mienack looked more satisfied on Sunday. His team was still just three points behind with a few minutes to go in the game. After a slow start (19-30 at the end of the first quarter), the German squad played quicker and its shooting average got better. The score showed 39-42 at the half and even 54-50 for the Bundesliga team after 25 minutes. BC Liege, without Belgian Lion Guy Muya, turned the ball over too many times (28 in this game). Belgacom Liege's Coach Fulvio Bastianini kept his guys well concentrated through the last quarter and, after a very physical second half, his team eventually came out with the victory: 79-86. BG Goettingen led by Raymond Sykes (with 6 boards) won the rebound battle 30-26.

BG Goettingen: Ahalegbe 5, Dale 17, Horne 12, Noch 7, Weber 8, Saunders 9, Sykes 21.
Belgacom Liege Basket: Troisfontaines 5, Collette 11, Iarochevitch 4, Hockins 6, Bostic 19, Waters 12, Gillet 12, Matela 17.

Tournament's Final

VOO Verviers-Pepinster vs. Dexia Mons-Hainaut 63-67

One week before the Generali Supercup game between Spirou Charleroi and Dexia Mons-Hainaut to be played on Saturday 17th at 20:30 in Knokke-Heist, the Dexia men of Coach Arik Shivek (agency: Avi Zilberman) have already shown great skills in this Andenne Tournament. In the final game played on Sunday evening, Dexia Mons-Hainaut defeated a very challenging team of Verviers-Pepinster, where Bingo Merriex (204-F-80, college: TCU) who already played in Belgium for Dexia Mons-Hainaut in 2006-07 and Okapi Aalst in 2009-10 has just signed a new contract for the 2011-12 season. The scoreboard showed 61-61 with just one minute remaining in this final game but Dexia Mons-Hainaut, led by an excellent Ahmad Nivins and a very efficient Warren Carter during this tournament, made the difference in the final seconds.

Quarter by quarter score evolution: 13-14, 33-27, 48-49 and 63-67.




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  BRAZIL   


Luis Scola leads Argentina to Gold in Mar del Plata - by Eurobasket News
BRAZIL - ARGENTINA 75-80

Argentina won the Gold in Mar del Plata. The host of FIBA Americas Championship was better than Brazil in the Finals 80-75 to win the first place. Of course, Silver belongs to Brazil. Both teams booked a spot for the Olympic Games 2012 in London. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) was amazing last night. He scored 32 points and was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 30. Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) had 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) added 10 points. In the loosing squad, Marquinhos Vieira (207-F-84) responded with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) and Rafael Hettsheimer (206-C-86) stopped to 12 and 10 points respectively. Each of them grabbed 5 rebs. Quarters: 9-21, 18-14, 21-15, 27-30. Dominican Republic won the Bronze in Mar del Plata. They outplayed Puerto Rico 103-89.

Brazil: Marquinhos Vieira 17+5 boards, Tiago Splitter 12, Rafael Hettsheimer 10
Argentina: Luis Scola 32, Carlos Delfino 16+9 boards, Pablo Prigioni 10

Mark Borders at Minas Tenis Clube - by Greg
Former Bob Cousy Award finalist Mark Borders (188-G-82, college: Tampa) will run the floor this season, starting at point guard for Pitagoras/Minas Tenis Clube. He replaces Facundo Sacatzky. Argentinian club Atenas recently signed Sacatzky. Borders played for Brazilian club Araraquara last season.
He finished among the leading players in the assists category. It was a much less productive season than Borders typically has, but, he still averaged nearly 4 assists per game. The decline in last season's numbers is likely attributed to the fact that he went down with a mid-season injury. His numbers should pick up at Minas. The club is young, looking to him for on-the-court experience and leadership. The league will be competitive. The NBA lockout has already led to a key signing at Petrobras. Borders heavily anticipates the Petrobras game, it will be feature game on Brazil's SporTV.

Pitagoras/Minas Tenis Clube is a member of the Novo Basquete Brasil ( NBB ). The club plays it's home games in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Courtesy of bignews.biz



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  CHINA   


For foreign players, China is mostly just temporary - by Eurobasket
To the outsider, China and its population of 1.3 billion looks like a land of unlimited opportunity. With its booming economy, huge markets in almost every sector and a currency that is exchanged favorably from Western currency, the Middle Kingdom stands out like big red beacon for adventurous, global minded business people who think they can cash in here.

And with an estimated 300-400 million Chinese who claim to play basketball, a lot of people think theres a lot of green to be made off the orange. China is considered by many as the go-to foreign destination for anything hoops. Whether its bringing an American university over to tour the country and up its exposure in the worlds leading foreign student market, or if its using the Chinese Basketball Association as a potential haven for locked out NBA players, basketball is viewed as a means to tap into Chinas vast potential.

But rarely do these casual observers know the full story of doing business in China. And rarely do players, who are lured to China by six and seven figure paychecks, know the full story of playing basketball in the CBA.

Which is why, generally speaking, most of them dont last here.

While scenarios are being formulated about Wilson Chandler and Earl Clarks potential March NBA-return after the CBA finishes its season or any other current NBA free-agent who decides to sign here this season without an opt-out clause there is very little discussion about what will be the likely outcome in all of these players cases:

A mid-season flight back to the United States.

The evidence speaks for itself. The CBA has arguably the highest turnover rate of any professional league in the world. It is rare for a team to finish the year with the same two imports they started with, nor is it out of the question for teams to end the year with two completely different players altogether. Last year alone, only four teams, Xinjiang Guanghui (Quincy Douby and James Singleton); Guangdong Foshan (Stephon Marbury and Olumide Oyedeji); Qingdao Double Star (Dee Brown and Charles Gaines); and Shandong Kingston (Rodney White and Myron Allen) managed to hang onto their two imports the entire season.

There are a variety of reasons why so many players dont finish out the full-season in China. First, Chinese teams are notoriously fickle with their foreign players and are quick to pull the plug if either the teams record or the players individual statistics are not line with expectations. And as the CBA regular season is only 32 games long, owners wont wait more than a few games to make a switch if they feel thats what the team needs to turn itself around.

Granted, thats as true in Europe as it in China. But, Chinese teams add to the situation by being blatantly corrupt about they way they do it, withholding letter-of-clearances (a FIBA document needed by a player from his former team stating that he is no longer under contract and is thus able to sign for another team), lying about the terms of deals, and sometimes not paying players altogether.

Shanxi Zhongyu, who is reportedly in negotiations with J.R. Smith, is arguably Chinas worst offender. Owned by a Wang Xingjiang, an uber-rich former steel magnate who tried his hardest to sign Kobe Bryant during the NBA lockout before CBA officials barred all NBA players with active contracts from playing here this season, the Brave Dragons have a long reputation of unprofessionalism and corruption.

Lee Benson, a longtime CBA veteran who played most recently with Tianjin Rongcheng for part of last year, has played in China for parts of the 2004-05, 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons. Picked up mid-season by Shanxi in 09-10, his stay was cut short as Benson was released after only five games in order to make room for the newly-acquired Stephon Marbury, who signed with the team in mid- January. Though nothing illegal was done by cutting him, Benson alleged that Shanxi never paid him his full salary after he was released, thus violating the terms of their contract. Benson ended up taking the the case to FIBA, who ruled in favor of Benson at a tribunal in April of the same year.

Marbury finished out the year in Taiyuan with no problems. But he too eventually became familiar with Shanxis way of handling things when he was abruptly released less than two weeks before the start of the 2010-11 season after the two sides had reportedly agreed on a three-year contract extension earlier in October. Shanxis general manager at the time, Zhang Aijun, who had been hired that summer to change the teams culture, told reporters that Marbury never actually signed with the team and that the club was only interested in making him an assistant coach. Marbury said in a May 2011 piece in GQ magazine that the team straight-up forced him out. Marbury ended up signing with Guangdong Foshan shortly after being released. Zhang and the teams Chinese head coach ended up being fired later that season on December 31st after Shanxi started the year with a highly disappointing 1-5 record. Among the reasons for Zhangs dismissal were unethically acquiring local players away from other teams and mishandling the teams import situation.

Besides being at the mercy of teams, who can essentially terminate a contract whenever they want, players often fail to adjust to everyday life in China. Whereas some places in Europe offer a Western style of life that Americans are able to adapt rather easily to, China has a distinctly different language and culture. The case is even more apparent on the basketball court. After experiencing daily six hour practices, nine hour bus rides, unheated hotel rooms and stadiums, and endless meals of KFC and McDonalds all while not being able to communicate directly with Chinese coaches, management and teammates players often waive the white flag on their Chinese career and just pack up and leave.

In almost all cases, both longtime NBA veterans and players who are fresh out of the league end up going home for one reason or another. In 2009, Bonzi Wells said he couldnt adjust to life in Taiyuan, so he went to the U.S. during the annual Spring Festival break and never came back. Last season, Zhejiang Guangshas Rafer Alston left for the States to attend a close friends funeral. Hedidnt come back either. Javaris Crittenton, Mike James and Ricky Davis all reached mutual agreements with their Chinese teams last year because of issues with living in China.

Perhaps Chandler, Clark and Smith, if he signs here, will be different. Based on reality however, its highly unlikely that they are.

Courtesy of Jon Pastuszek

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  CROATIA   


Zoran Vrkic heads to Italy - by Eurobasket News
Zoran Vrkic (200-G-87) will continue his career in Italy. The Croatian guard/small forward signed a one-year deal with Effe Biancoblu Bologna. Vrkic heads to the Bologna team from Peristeri Athens, where he finished last season. He appeared 15 times in Greek A1 league with them averaging 12.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Vrkic started the season with Union Olimpija, but they parted ways after 9 games. He had 3.3 ppg and 1.8 rpg for six Euroleague games and 2.3 ppg, plus 2 rpg for three games in Adriatic league. From 2008 until the last summer, Zoran Vrkic played for Split. In the past, he was a member of Sibenka, Postojna and Union Olimpija. Vrkic played for the Croatian B National Team this summer. He played for U20, U18 and U16 Croatia in the past.

Cedevita exchanged victories over the last few days - by Eurobasket News
Enisey lost to Cedevita 67:72. The Croatian team grabbed 23-13 in the first period and allowed the Russian team to reduce to 8 points at the halftime. The third period also belonged to Cedevita that needed 22-17 for 13-point lead after 30 minutes. Enisey won the last quarter 17-9 but could not catch up with the opponents.
Chris Owens (204-F-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Texas) poured in 14 points for the winners and Ivan Opacak (202-F-80) netted 13. Lonny Baxter (204-C-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) delivered 16 points in the losing effort, while Syrovatko and Gromyko had 9 each.
Azovmash outscored Cedevita 68:60. Trailing 12-16 after the first period, the Ukrainian team took the lead after 27-16 in the second. The teams exchanged the victories in the second half and it brought the total success for Azovmash. Artur Drozdov (199-G-80) and Slipencuk posted 13 points each to lead the charge. Chris Owens and Ivan Opacak scored 14 points each in the losing case.


Galatasaray grabs 79-77 win against Cibona - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray - Cibona 79-77

Galatasaray and Cibona met in a friendly game last weekend. They played in Kranjska Gora and Galatasaray grabbed 79-77 win. It was a very exciting meeting and Cibona had the last possession, but they missed for three. Luksa Andric (210-C-85, agency: Beo Basket) shined for Galatasaray. The former Cibona player had 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks for 22 minutes on the court. Joshua Shipp (196-G/F-86, college: UCLA) and Jamon Lukas Gordon (191-G-84, college: Virginia Tech) helped with 15 and 12 points respectively. In Cibona, Tomislav Zubcic (214-C/F-90, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored with 14 points. Brian Chase (178-G-81, college: Virginia Tech) and Andrija Zizic (207-C-80, agency: Beo Basket) delivered 12 and 10 pts respectively.
Cibona was better than Krka recently. Galatasaray outplayed Union Olimpija 71-61.

Galatasaray: Luksa Andric 18, Joshua Shipp 15, Jamon Lukas Gordon 12
Cibona: Tomislav Zubcic 14, Brian Chase 12, Andrija Zizic 10

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  CYPRUS   


Last transfer news - by Chris Mammides
The champion team of InterCollege Etha Engomis split ways after less than two months with the American power forward MArk Dowson (he allready trains with Marousi in the Greek A1) and in his position agree financial terms and replace the American player with the Nigerian veteran power forward, Patrick Okafor (203-F-79, college: Houston) who spent his last season in the Polish league.

Cytavision Apoel Nicosia agree financial terms with another two players the Nigerian with British passport and member of the UK NT in the last eurobasket Ogooluwa Adegboye (182-G-87) and the American point guard Kevin Houston (179-G-85, college: Long Beach St.) who played last season in the French league with Toulon

Omonoia agreed financial terms with Jamal Boykin (203-F-87, college: California) who spent the last season in the Turkish league in the A2 league and had great stats

Houston and Adegboye for Apoel - by Dr. Nasios Orinos

Kevin Houston (194-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: St.Bonaventure)

Career:
Highland, CA / San Gorgonio HS
2003-2004: Long Beach St. (NCAA): 27 games: 5.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 33.1%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 61.8%
2004-2005: Long Beach St. (NCAA): 30 games: 6.7ppg, 2.1rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 77.1%
2005-2006: Long Beach St. (NCAA): 30 games: 8.8ppg, 2.1rpg, 3.3apg, 1.2spg, FG: 46%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 75.9%
2006-2007: Long Beach St. (NCAA): 32 games: 11.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.5%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 69.1%
2007-2008: Saint-Etienne B. C. (France-ProB, starting five): 2 games: 16.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.5apg, 3.0spg, in Nov.'07 moved to Orange County Gladiators (ABA)
2008: In March signed at Cocodrilos de Caracas (Venezuela-LPB, starting five): Liga Sudamericana: 2 games: 16.0ppg, 1.5rpg, 7.5apg, 2.5spg, 2FGP: 45%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 62.5%, released in May; Venezuelan League: 16 games: 14.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 3.8apg, 2.7spg, 2FGP: 47.7%, 3FGP: 33.9%, FT: 69.8%
2008-2009: SPO Rouen Basket (France-ProB, starting five): 11 games: 15.3ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.6apg, 1.3spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 66.7%
2009-2010: SPO Rouen Basket (France-ProA), released in Dec.'09: 9 games: 7.1ppg, 1.7rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 30.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 86.7%
2010-2011: Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA, starting five): 32 games: 12.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.8apg, FGP: 42.8%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 65.5%
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Awards/Achievements:
Big West All-Freshman Team -04
Big West Tournament Finalist -06
Big West Regular Season Champion -07
Big West Tournament Winner -07
All-Big West 2nd Team -07
Liga Sudamericana Quarterfinals -08
Venezuelan LPB Regular Season Runner-Up -08
French ProB Semifinals -08
French ProA All-Star Game -09

Adegboye

Career:
Las Vegas, NV / Findlay College Prep
2007-2009: Lamar CC (NJCAA)
2009-2010: St.Bonaventure (NCAA): 31 games: 6.6ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 66.7%
2010-2011: St.Bonaventure (NCAA, starting five): 31 games: 11.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.0apg, FGP: 39.0%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 65.6%
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Awards/Achievements:
British National Team -10-11
Qualifications to European Championships 2011 -10: 8 games: 4.8ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.5apg



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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


SLUNETA Usti nad Labem Bring in Spencer Johnson for Try-Out - by Surujh Roopnarine
Mattoni NBL newcomers SLUNETA Usti nad Labem introduced American forward Spencer Johnson (198-F-87, college: UMKC) this weekend during a tournament in Slavoj BK Litomerice. Taking part were last season's 1.Liga second-place finishers BK Lions Jindrichuv Hradec, 1.Liga Champions and fellow NBL members Levharti Chomutov and the host club Slavoj BK Litomerice.
SLUNETA Usti nad Labem exacted a little bit of revenge as they knocked off Jindrichuv Hradec 83-72 in a re-match of last seasons' 1.Liga semi-finals, but then were routed by Chomutov 46-70 in an abbreviated Final (slippery floor conditions caused the game to be called off early) on Sunday.

Johnson, 6-6 out of Illinois, completed his collegiate career at the University of Missouri - Kansas City as the school's all-time leading rebounder (792) as well as 10th all-time in scoring with 993 points. At 215lbs he is a strong and solid interior player who also has the ability to stretch the floor (39.9% 3PT average last season).
In his debut contest on Saturday against Jindrichuv Hradec he saw 11:21 of game action and scored six points while pulling down three rebounds.
He will be with the club for the next week on a try-out basis.

Litomerice Tournament Results

1. Levharti Chomutov

2. SLUNETA Usti nad Labem

3. BK Lions Jindrichuv Hradec

4. Slavoj BK Litomerice





BK Decin Split Weekend Pair with Science City Jena in Pre-Season Action - by Surujh Roopnarine
BK Decin hosted German second-leaguers Science City Jena this weekend, winning 80-65 on Friday before falling 73-76 on Sunday afternoon. On Friday Decin started off quickly and dominated from start-to-finish, going up 33-12 at the mid-point of the second quarter and at the half 45-25. Jena did reduce the lead after the break to 45-37, but Decin re-grouped and ended the third up 62-47 before maintaining their strength in the final quarter to come away with the 15 point victory.
On Sunday Jena came back with a more stout effort, taking a nine point lead into the half at 52-61. However, the hosts fought back and drew within striking distance in the closing minutes but could not overtake the visitors, missing a desperation half-court shot at the buzzer the end the game at 73-76 for Jena.

FRIDAY (80-65)
DECIN: Levell Sanders (189-G-75, college: Seton Hall) (18pts), Pavel Houska (201-F-84) (15pts), Admir Alic (198-F-84) (13pts), Antonin Pistecky (195-F-84) (9pts)
JENA: Tyler Kepkay (183-G-87, college: Utah) (15pts), Eric Vierneisel (201-F-85, college: California) (14pts), Kenny Barker (191-G-86, college: Alaska-Anch.) (12pts), Christoph Roquette (203-F/C-82) (12pts)

SUNDAY (73-76)
DECIN: Pavel Houska (13pts+10reb), Admir Alic (9pts), Tomas Pomikalek (200-F-89) (8pts), Levell Sanders (7pts)
JENA: Jeremy Black (203-F-85, college: Tampa) (20pts), Christoph Roquette (16pts), Ermen Reyes-Napoles (185-G-89) (12pts), Tyler Kepkay (9pts)



Turi Svitavy Take Two from BK Iskra Svit in Weekend Exhibition Matchups - by Surujh Roopnarine
Newly re-named Turi Svitavy (QANTO Basketbal Svitavy) hosted their BK Iskra Svit from Slovakia this weekend in a pair of exhibition games.
Playing without Ladislav Horak (205-F/C-86) and Tomas Teply (190-G-87) Svitavy still managed to come away with two victories, 85-68 on Saturday and then in a much more competitive 82-79 outcome on Sunday.
Ravone George (193-G-83, college: Alabama) was the leading scorer on Saturday with a game-high 24 points, while veteran Pavel Milos (200-F-79) scored a team-high 18 points in Sundays victory. Svit was the former club of current Svitavy guard Ravone George.

Saturday (85-68)
SVITAVY: Ravone George (24pts), Boris Meno (203-F-83, college: Davidson) (12pts), Jan Spacek (195-F-89) (9pts), Pavel Harcar (202-F-89) (9pts)
SVIT: Petar Cosic (186-G-85) (21pts), Ivica Cvitanovic (206-C-82) (13pts), Vincent Polakovic (203-F-84, college: USF) (10pts), Martins Berkis (199-F-85) (9pts)

Sunday (82-79)
SVITAVY: Pavel Milos (18pts), Boris Meno (17pts), Ravone George (15pts), Radim Kramny (212-C-85) (15pts)
SVIT: Petar Cosic (23pts), Vincent Polakovic (23pts), Martin Micka (180-G-81) (9pts), Martins Berkis (8pts)

CEZ Nymburk Drop First Pre-Season Match, 73-79 to Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions - by Surujh Roopnarine
Hitting the road for the first time this pre-season, CEZ Basketball Nymburk could not pull off the road victory, falling to Austrian club Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions 73-79 on Saturday. Adam Leonard (185-G-87, college: Missouri St.) (20) and Tiras Wade (200-F-81, college: La-Lafayette) (16) led a balanced Traiskirchen attack that kept the road-weary visitors at bay. Petr Benda (203-F/C-82) was the top scorer for Nymburk with 18 points. Leonard (20pts), outscored all of Nymburk's American imports combined (17pts).

TRAISKIRCHEN: Adam Leonard (20pts), Tiras Wade (16pts), Radosav Spasojevic (204-F-92) (9pts), Pranas Skurdauskas (211-C-88) (9pts)
NYMBURK: Petr Benda (18pts), Ladislav Sokolovsky (200-F-77) (10pts), Pavel Pumprla (196-G-86) (10pts), Michal Kremen (200-F-81) (9pts)


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


Alfred Horford lifts Dominicans to Bronze at FIBA Americas - by Eurobasket News
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - PUERTO RICO 103-89

Dominicans won the Bronze at FIBA Americas Championship 2011 in Mar del Plata. They outplayed Puerto Rico 103-89 to take third place at this event. Puerto Ricans stay without the medal. Both teams will have a chance to book a spot for the Olympic Games 2012 in London. They will compete in Additional Qualifying Tournament. Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) paced Dominicans to Bronze yesterday with 23 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) had 21 points and 9 rebounds, while Francisco Garcia (201-F/G-81, college: Louisville) added 18 pts. Ronald Ramon (185-G-86, college: Pittsburgh) helped with one less. In Puerto Rico, Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) collected 25 points and 6 rebounds. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: FIU) had 24 points and 7 assists, and John Holland (195-G/F-88, college: Boston U.) stopped to 13 pts. Quarters: 27-12, 26-17, 27-39, 23-21. Argentina is the winner of FIBA Americas 2011. They handed 80-75 loss to Brazil in the Finals.

Dominican Republic: Alfred Horford 23+12 boards+7 as, Jack Michael Martinez 21+9 boards, Francisco Garcia 18, Ronald Ramon 17
Puerto Rico: Daniel Santiago 25+6 boards, Carlos Arroyo 24+7 as, John Holland 13

Luis Flores signs pro deal in Spain - by Eurobasket News
Luis Flores (188-G-81, college: Manhattan) will continue his career in Spain. The Dominican NT member penned a one-year deal with Estudiantes. They compete in Spanish top division - ACB. Flores spent last season in Ukraine. He helped Donetsk to reach the Superleague Finals. Flores had 16.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 3.3 apg for 33 games. Eurobasket awarded him with All-Ukrainian Superleague Honorable Mention -11. Before Donetsk, Luis Flores played for Krasnie Krylia Samara, Hapoel Holon and Fabriano. He is active member of the Dominican Republic National Team. Actually, Luis Flores helped them win the Bronze last night in FIBA Americas Championship 2011. He appeared in 10 games averaging 7.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Dominicans will play in the Additional Qualifying Round for the Olympic Games 2012.

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


Club 9 de Julio Rio Tercero adds ex-ESL Cowan to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Club 9 de Julio Rio Tercero agreed terms with 28-year old American power forward Jazzwyn Cowan (205-F/C-107kg-83, college: Hampton, agency: Dream Team Management). Cowan played most recently at Team Riga (Eurobasket) in the U.S. where he helped them to win the league in New York. While playing 3 games for Riga he recorded 16.3ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.3apg and 1.7spg. Cowan played last season for Union Progresista in the TNA. In 30 games he averaged 19.3ppg, 6.9rpg and 1.1apg. He was voted to Latinbasket.com Argentinian TNA All-Imports Team. He is a very experienced player. Cowan played also pro basketball in Brazil, Dominican Rep., Mexico and United Kingdom. He graduated Hampton University in 2006 and actually missed last season. It will be his sixth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center



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


How Close is Sarunas Jasikevicius to Maccabi Tel-Aviv? - by David Pick
By: Carmel Drori and David Pick

Is Sarunas Jasikevicius really that close to wearing the yellow-and-blue Maccabi Tel-Aviv uniform again? According to high sources close to the Israeli powerhouse, a deal between the two-sides might be closer than ever.

Saras, who already played for Maccabi between the years 2003-2005, was reported (Walla! Sport) to be talking with team share holder David Federman about the possibility of returning to Israel. Eurobasket received information that the sum of the Lithuanian's superstar yearly salary would be an approximately $250,000.

Maccabi and Head Coach David Blatt are still searching for a replacement for former point guard Jeremy Pargo, who terminated his contract earlier this summer. Eurobasket also reveals that Federman, one of Saras' close friends and biggest supporters, presented Blatt with an option where if he'd agree to sign Saras, American big Richard Hendrix, who was on his way to Spanish Caja Laboral would stay. The head coach is currently considering the matter and might agree to sign the 35-year-old guard in a move that will allow him to keep Hendrix on the roster and add another back court player to help the team in its long three-league season.

Jasikevicius, who is coming off a somewhat poor season statistics wise with Fenerbahce Ulker averaging just 4.8 points, 1 rebound and 1.5 assist per game in the Euroleague, is putting on a stellar performance in the EuroBasket competition scoring nearly 11 points and dishing out close to 5 dimes per game leading his nation to the quarter-finals round.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd



Alexis Kiritsis announced by Panathinaikos - by Giorgos Diploidis
Alexis Kiritsis (198-G-82) is a player of Panathinaikos Athens The Greek guard was taking part in the training of Panathinaikos from it's first day and it was finally decided to sign a contract with the European and Greek Champions for the coming season 2011-12.

This is a result of the very good period who had with Ilysiakos Athens 13.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.9apg. Kiritsis returns to a big team after his presence in Aris, AEK, PAOK.

His previous club (Ilysiakos), congratulated him for his transfer to Panathinaikos.





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


Standings Div.A (Men)
Standings
Group E
1. Spain4-1
2. France4-1
3. Lithuania3-2
4. Serbia2-3
5. Turkey1-4
6. Germany1-4
Group F
1. Russia5-0
2. FYR Macedo.4-1
3. Greece3-2
4. Slovenia2-3
5. Finland1-4
6. Georgia0-5
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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Luol DENG
  ENG
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 24.6
 1. Deng, ENG24.6 
 2. Bargnani, ITA22.8 
 3. Parker, FRA22.1 
 4. McCalebb, MKD20.6 
 5. Gasol, ESP20.4 
 6. Nowitzki, GER19.5 
 7. Rowland, BUL18.0 
 8. Tomic, CRO16.6 
 9. Eliyahu, ISR16.4 
 10. Blums, LAT16.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Chris KAMAN
  USA
  (213-C-82)
  Avg: 10
 1. Kaman, GER10.0 
 2. Deng, ENG9.4 
 3. Antic, MKD8.8 
 4. Asik, TUR8.5 
 5. Sanikidze, GEO8.0 
 6. Noah, FRA8.0 
 7. Dasic, MNT7.6 
 8. Gasol, ESP7.4 
 9. Bargnani, ITA7.4 
 10. Clark, ENG7.2 
Assists Per Game
 Dontaye DRAPER
  USA
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 7
 1. Draper, CRO7.0 
 2. Da Silva, POR6.5 
 3. Teodosic, SRB6.4 
 4. Vasiljevic, BIH5.4 
 5. Khryapa, RUS5.3 
 6. Jasikevicius, LTU4.8 
 7. Bertt, UKR4.8 
 8. Parker, FRA4.7 
 9. Koszarek, POL4.4 
 10. Cook, MNT4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Andrei KIRILENKO
  RUS
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Kirilenko, RUS2.8 
 2. Trotter, HUN2.8 
 3. Batum, FRA2.4 
 4. McCalebb, MKD2.3 
 5. Kotti, FIN2.1 
 6. Kelati, POL2.0 
 7. Hanga, HUN2.0 
 8. Fernandez, ESP1.9 
 9. Stojanovski, MKD1.9 
 10. Andrade, POR1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Chris KAMAN
  USA
  (213-C-82)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Kaman, GER1.8 
 2. Bargnani, ITA1.6 
 3. Kravtsov, UKR1.6 
 4. Gasol, ESP1.6 
 5. Asik, TUR1.5 
 6. Mozgov, RUS1.4 
 7. Koufos, GRE1.3 
 8. Begic, SLO1.3 
 9. Mbenga, BEL1.2 
 10. Valanciunas, LTU1.1 


*****************************************************
  FIBA AMERICAS   


Latinbasket.com All-FIBA Americas Awards 2011 - by Greg
Latinbasket.com All-Tournament 1st Team
#s#
Luis Scola
Scola
Carlos Arroyo
Arroyo
Marcelinho Huertas
Huertas
Emanuel Ginobili
Ginobili
Alfred Horford
Horford
#e#5

Best Player: Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) of Argentina
Best Guard: Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79) of Puerto Rico
Best Forward: Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) of Argentina
Best Center: Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86) of Dominican Republic
Best Coach: Julio Cesar Lamas of Argentina

1st Team
G: Carlos Arroyo (188-79) of Puerto Rico
PG: Marcelinho Huertas (191-83) of Brazil
G: Emanuel Ginobili (198-77) of Argentina
F/C: Luis Scola (206-80) of Argentina
F/C: Alfred Horford (208-86) of Dominican Republic

2nd Team
G: Pablo Prigioni (191-77) of Argentina
PG: Greivis Vasquez (198-87) of Venezuela
F: Guilherme Giovannoni (202-80) of Brazil
F/C: Jack Michael Martinez (203-81) of Dominican Republic
F/C: Esteban Batista (208-83) of Uruguay

3rd Team
PG: Jose Juan Barea (181-84) of Puerto Rico
PG: David Cubillan (183-87) of Venezuela
G: Carlos Delfino (198-82) of Argentina
F/G: Oscar Torres (195-76) of Venezuela
C/F: Ruben Garces (206-73) of Panama

Honorable Mention
Guillermo Araujo (204-C-82) of Paraguay
Yoan Luis Haiti (200-C-82) of Cuba
Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83) of Panama
Gary Forbes (201-G/F-85) of Panama
Andrew Rautins (193-PG-86) of Canada
Daniel Santiago (216-C-76) of Puerto Rico
Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85) of Brazil


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


KORISLIIGA: Anthony Brown arrived in Kouvola - by Rauno Hurmalainen
American F Anthony Brown (203-F-86, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Oklahoma St.) arrived on Sunday to Finland and Kouvola. Local Kouvot has now nine players signed for starting 2011-12 season. Among them are Americans Josh Gonner (188-G-82, college: S.Carolina) and Brown, who has played earlier pro basketball in Portugal, Montenegro and Estonia. Last season Brown was # 2 in Estonian Top League with rebounds (11,1 rpg) and # 7 in scoring (16,3 ppg). Kouvot Head Coach Jyri Lehtonen thinks Brown can be a tough player also in Finland, especially in defense and rebounding.

EUROBASKET: Finland - Slovenia 60-67 - by Rauno Hurmalainen
EuroBasket, Lithuania 2011: It was so close and however 7-8 points away. Finland lost Game # 8 in the tournament vs Slovenia 60-67 (28-42) and the big sensational upset never happened. Quarters: 12-14, 16-28, 20-12, 12-13. Once again Finland was too small, lost the rebounds 33-42 and had seven shots less than Slovenia. The 'Wolf Team' had difficulties during the first half and especially during the second quarter against aggressive Slovenians, but Finland came back to the game during the third quarter. A few missed lay-ups and Slovenia was able to keep the lead and will meet next Spain in the quarter-finals. Finland will return back home, but there is no reason to be ashamed. Being 16 years aside and making the round 2 (Top 12) in Lithuania - now even the Finnish media knows we play basketball in Scandinavia and Finland.
23-year-old Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) became the leading scorer of the 'Wolf Team' in Lithuania. Koponen, who plays pro basketball in Italy (Virtus Bologna), averaged 13,3 ppg and scored 106 points in 250/320 minutes (31,3 mpg). Koponen as well as many other Finnish NT players will have the best years ahead of them. So, Koponen will have plenty of time to improve his shooting accuracy (2 - 28,4%) in the lay-ups. In the same time Koponen was team's second best shooter from the FT line (83,3%) and from behind the arc (3 - 47,1%).
Group F, Vilnius 12.9.: Finland - Slovenia 60-67 (28-42). Finland: Petteri Koponen 14, Shawn Huff 13, Tuukka Kotti 7/7, Gerald Lee 7, Teemu Rannikko 6. 1 - 71,4% (15/21), 2 - 37,5% (15/40), 3 - 38,5% (5/13). R: 23+10=33. TO: 12. Slovenia: Erazem Lorbek 14/6, Uros Slokar 13, Jaka Lakovic 11, Zoran Dragic 10. 1 - 63,6% (14/22), 2 - 41,0% (16/39), 3 - 33,3% (7/21). R: 25+17=42. TO: 11. Greece - Georgia 73-60 (32-35), Russia - F.Y.R. of Macedonia 63-61 (37-34).
1) Russia 5-0, 2) F.Y.R. of Macedonia 4-1, 3) Greece 3-2, 4) Slovenia 2-3, 5) Finland 1-4, 6) Georgia 0-5.

Quarter-Finals in Kaunas: 14.9. Spain - Slovenia (at 18:00), F.Y.R. of Macedonia - Lithuania (at 21:00). 15.9. France - Greece (at 18:00), Russia - Serbia (at 21:00).



EuroBasket 2011: Slovenia reach quarterfinal with victory over Finland - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia - Finland 67:60

Slovenia booked their European Championship quarterfinal tickets. They overcame Finland in a decisive clash in Group F. Slovenia improved at 2-3 record, leaving Finland behind at 1-4 record. Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) scored 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to lead the effort.
Slovenia opened the game with five points in a row but Finland quickly erased the deficit. The teams traded baskets as Slovenia eked out a 14:12 lead after ten minutes of action. Zoran Dragic and Erazem Lorbek put Slovenia in front 22:15 midway through the second term. Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) soon enlarged the margin to 10 points 34:24. Slovenia secured a 42:28 lead at the interval. Finland cut the deficit igniting a 7:0 run early in the second half. Slovenia hung on to post a 54:48 advantage with one quarter remaining. Erazem Lorbek boosted the gap back to double figures in the fourth term 60:49. However Finland refused to surrender. Trailing by as many as 12 points with under four minutes to go they organized a 9:1 run that put them within just four points from Slovenia 60:64. Erazem Lorbek and Goran Dragic scored three free throws in the dying moments to seal the victory for Slovenia. Uros Slokar (210-F/C-83) accounted for 13 points and 8 rebounds, while Jaka Lakovic added 11 points in the win. Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) answered with 14 points, while Shawn Huff (198-G/F-84, college: Valparaiso) had 13 points in defeat.

Slovenia: Erazem Lorbek 14, Uros Slokar 13, Jaka Lakovic 11
Finland: Petteri Koponen 14, Shawn Huff 13


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


Le Havre celebrates in Tournoi des Leopards - by Eurobasket News
Le Havre had a pretty good weekend as they celebrated in Tournoi des Leopards.
In their first game Le Havre met Evreux and managed to beat them 95-79. Nic Wise (178-G-87, college: Arizona) shined for the winners with 22 points. Brian Boddicker (204-F-81, college: Texas) followed him with 17 pts. In the loosing squad, Jeremiah Wood (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) and Kevin Popovich delivered 17 points each. Gravelines destroyed Rouen also in Day One 90-68.
In the Finals, Le Havre was too strong for Gravelines 78-66. Nic Wise again top-scored for his team, but this time with 16 points. John Cox (195-G-81, college: USF) and Gregory Jenkins (206-F/C-82, college: Iona) followed with 14 points apiece. J.K. Edwards (202-C/F-82, agency: Hoops Ambassadors, college: UNLV) netted 14 points for Gravelines. In the battle for third place, Rouen grabbed 102-100 win against Evreux.

More friendly games - by Eurobasket News
More friendly games were played last weekend.
JDA Dijon was better than Paris-Levallois 75-68. Sean Marshall (198-G/F-85, college: Boston Coll.) top-scored for the winners with 20 points. Lamont Hamilton (208-F-84, college: St.John's) delivered 16 points in loss.
Aix-Maurienne outplayed Swiss team Geneva Lions 89-81. Wilbert Brown (200-F-84, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Niagara) shined with 28 points for Maurienne.
Boulazac celebrated 81-75 win against Limoges. Ryan Ayers (201-G-86, college: Notre Dame) netted 18 points for Boulazac. Christophe Massie (206-F/C-77, agency: Court Side, college: Memphis) scored 19 pts for Limoges.
Also last weekend, CCRB grabbed 84-78 win against ESSM Le Portel. Olympique Antibes cruised past NM2 team AS Monaco 102-79.

Nancy wins 'Sarthe pays de Loire' tournament - by Eurobasket News
Nancy is the winner of 'Sarthe pays de Loire' tournament, which was played on Saturday and Sunday.
In the opening day of the tournament Nancy was better than Cholet 78-66. Akinlolu Akingbala (208-F-83, college: Clemson) exploded in this game with 34 points and 12 rebounds. He reached valuation 41 and of course was the MVP of this meeting. Fabien Causeur (193-G-87) had 14 points and 5 rebounds in loss. In the other game of Day One, Le Mans outplayed Toulon 87-69.
In the Finals, Nancy cruised past Le Mans with huge 96-66. Jamal Shuler (191-G-86) stepped up for Nancy in this game with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Marcellus Sommerville (200-F-82, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Bradley) had 21 points and 5 rebs in defeat. In the game for third place, Cholet blasted Toulon 91-62.

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


EuroBasket 2011: Monya's buzzer-beater brings Russia top place in Group F - by Eurobasket News
Russia-FYR Macedonia 63:61

Sergey Monya (203-F-83)'s buzzer beater brings Russia top place in Group F. Russia surprised FYR Macedonia in the last seconds to win 63:61 and remained the only undefeated team in the tournament.
Stojanovski, Bo McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) and Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) surprised Russia in the opening tip giving his side 8-0 lead. Russia needed however 5 minutes and then Vitaly Fridzon (195-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) tied the game at 11:11. Antonov gave Russia the first lead, while Shved closed the first period at 20:19, FYR Macedonia.
Vitaly Fridzon nailed three to tie the score at 22:22 early in the second and Shved scored for 26:23. Vorontsevich and Sergey Bykov (190-G-83) increased to 7 points, while Pero Antic and Chekovski reduced to 30:28. Stojanovski sent the teams to the lockers at 37:34, Russia.
The battle continued in the court in the second half as well and the teams exchanged another lead several times. Pero Antic gave FYR Macedonia 40:39 and Timofey Mozgov (216-C-86, agency: RIZO) tied it all at 43:43. Ilievski later made the same at 49:49, while Shved gave Russia 51:49 after three quarters.
Sergey Monya and again Shved opened the last period for 55:48 and Sergey Monya nailed three for 58:51. Stojanovski cut it to 4 after the long shot from the perimeter. Ilievski followed him with another shot for 58:57 and Khryapa increased to three points with 2 minutes in the court. Bo McCalebb cut it to 60:59 and Russia needed timeout with 1 minute remaining. Bo McCalebb made two free throws for 61:60 lead with 40 seconds and Blatt asked for another Timeout.
Shved top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Vitaly Fridzon posted 11. Sergey Bykov and Timofey Mozgov nailed 8 points apiece in a win. Bo McCalebb ended up with 16 points in the losing as FYR Macedonia finished on the second place. Pero Antic collected 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) notched 9.

Russia: Shved 14, Vitaly Fridzon 11, Sergey Bykov 8, Timofey Mozgov 8
FYR Macedonia: Bo McCalebb 16, Pero Antic 15+10 rebs, Predrag Samardziski 9

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


EuroBasket 2011: Greece deny Georgia, clinch third place in Group F - by Eurobasket News
Greece - Georgia 73:60

Greece claimed the third position in Group F of the European Championship. They wrapped up the Second Round action with victory over Georgia. Kostas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) stepped up with 15 points to lead the effort. Georgia fell at 0-5 record after the loss.
Greece opened the game with four points in a row but it was Georgia who finished the quarter on top. They used a 6:0 run at the end of the period to grab a 13:12 advantage. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the second period. Georgia stayed in charge as they established a 35:32 lead after one half of action. However the Hellenes organized an 11:2 run midway through the third term to take a 48:43 lead. They secured a 51:47 advantage at the final intermission. Greece tipped off the fourth frame with six points in a row to make it 57:47. They did not slow down afterwards rolling to a comfortable win at the end. Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) knocked down 13 points, while Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) contributed 10 points in the victory. Marquez Haynes (191-G-86, college: Texas Arlington) and Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91) answered with 11 points apiece in the loss.

Greece: Kostas Vasiliadis 15, Ioannis Bourousis 13, Antonis Fotsis 10
Georgia: Marquez Haynes 11, Tornike Shengelia 11


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


Raymond Wright Joins The Hertener Lions - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
PRO B team Hertener Lions have announced the arrival of their third new player for the upcoming season with Raymond Wright. Wright is a 26 year old 203 cm forward from NewYork. He is a high quality forward who simply has some nice offensive skills.He can post up around the basket; he can slash and go past slower big men easily and he has a nice mid range jump shot and is an excellent rebounder and shot blocker as well.He played at Ark.-Monticello (NCAA2) from 2007-2009 and in his senior year played 28 games: 16.9ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 69.4%. 'He should give us a big presence in the zone. We want him to bring us more stability and control under the boards. We missed this type of player in practice and the test games since the departure of Derek Mitchell', stressed Hertener Lions head coach Boris Kaminski Wright played for Team Prague (Eurobasket Summer league last year and for Team Helsinki this summer avergaging 16.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.0bpg. Awards/Achievements have been Eurobasket Summer League in New York City All-Tournament 1st Team -10, and Eurobasket Summer League in New York City All-Big Man Team -10

Source: Rheinland Versicherungen Hertener Loewen

NY Phantoms clinch Zgorzelec Tournament title - by Eurobasket News
PGE Turow - NY Phantoms Braunschweig 62:73

PGE Turow failed to triumph at the home pre-season tournament. They surrendered against NY Phantoms Braunschweig in the final game in Zgorzelec. Stephen Dennis (198-G-87, college: Kutztown) scored 19 points to lead the German to the third win in a row. PGE Turow led by as many as 9 points after ten minutes but could not capitalize. NY Phantoms turned things around in the next two periods. They built a 16-point advantage heading into the fourth frame. Braunschweig shielded off their advantage in the final quarter and raced to the victory at the end. Kyle Visser (211-C-85, college: Wake Forest) posted 15 points, while Branko Jorovic (205-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) contributed 12 points in the win. Ronald Moore (183-G-88, college: Siena) answered with 15 points for PGE Turow. Aaron Cel (203-F-87) chipped in 13 points in defeat.

PGE Turow: Ronald Moore 15, Aaron Cel 13
NY Phantoms: Stephen Dennis 19, Kyle Visser 15, Branko Jorovic 12


Demetrius Jemison Joins Fraport Skyliners Pro B team - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

With the PRO B season only a few weeks away, teams are getting ready and the Fraport Skyliners announced today that they have added Demetrius Jemison (203-F) for the upcoming season. Jemison comes to Germany as a rookie having played in the NCAA. Jemison is a 23 year old 203cm forward from Birmingham, Alabama. Last season he played for Manhattan (NCAA): 22 games: 10.4ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 76.1%. 'With him, we have found a player that will help us at the boards and improves our game and practices. He is a good rebounder that can score inside. He also is an intensive defender. This way. our defensive pressure against our guards and wing players is reduced and we can keep up with strong physical teams', stressed head coach Klaus-Gunther Mewes Jemison played at Alabama from 2006-2010 playing a total of 93 games before transferring to Manhattan.

Source: Fraport Skyliners

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  GREECE   


Latest Transfer news - by Chris Mammides
Coach Zeljko Obradovic decided to add in his team after nearly a months trials the Greek experienced guard Alexis Kiritsis (198-G-82). This is probably the biggest chance for Alexis Kiritsis to prove his qualities and his style as there are many basketball people that do think that he is of a great quality and his career until now haven't prove it so far. Steven Smith (203-F-83, college: La Salle) is also officially a Green memebr while Milenko Tepic (198-G-87) will most probably continue his career in the ACB league and Cajasol Banca Civica Sevilla.

Other Transfer news
KAO Dramas agreed financial terms with Head Coach Kalafatakis and experienced point guard Athanasios Karydas (182-G-79) who was nearly 'closed' with AGOR, Thodoris Zaras (198-G-88), Kostas Kakaroudis (204-C-83) who returns in A1 after a number of years, Eugene Akepsimaidis (189-G-83) . At the same time rumors do bring the American super scorer Jamarr Sanders (193-G-88) to be already a member of the team of Dramas and another roukie, Rickey Claitt (188-G-87, college: Oregon St.) who was among the top scorers and in assist in the Danish league the last two seasons. Finally, Christoforos Choumas (194-G-85), Vassili Kitsoulis (204-F-83) and Stamatis Benas (206-F-85) have renewed their contracts with the team of Dramas

Ilysiakos Athens agreed financial terms with the international point guard with the U18, Marios Matalon (187-G-89, college: Wyoming) at the same time the Greek head coach Flevarakis decided to lent his player Dionysios Kapiniaris (185-G-91) for one season to the A2 team of GS Peramatos Ermis in order to get some more gaming time and get ready for the next season.

Marousi BC is expected to sign Mark Dawson (206-F/C-83, college: Long Beach St.) who left the champion team of Etha Engomis earleir this week and begun training with Coach Linardos's team the last days. At the same time the Greek head coach is expecting the positive answer of Nestoras Komatos while there are somw thoughts for Kosta Charalampidis (189-G-76) who is a free agent at this stage.



EuroBasket 2011: Greece deny Georgia, clinch third place in Group F - by Eurobasket News
Greece - Georgia 73:60

Greece claimed the third position in Group F of the European Championship. They wrapped up the Second Round action with victory over Georgia. Kostas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) stepped up with 15 points to lead the effort. Georgia fell at 0-5 record after the loss.
Greece opened the game with four points in a row but it was Georgia who finished the quarter on top. They used a 6:0 run at the end of the period to grab a 13:12 advantage. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the second period. Georgia stayed in charge as they established a 35:32 lead after one half of action. However the Hellenes organized an 11:2 run midway through the third term to take a 48:43 lead. They secured a 51:47 advantage at the final intermission. Greece tipped off the fourth frame with six points in a row to make it 57:47. They did not slow down afterwards rolling to a comfortable win at the end. Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) knocked down 13 points, while Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) contributed 10 points in the victory. Marquez Haynes (191-G-86, college: Texas Arlington) and Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91) answered with 11 points apiece in the loss.

Greece: Kostas Vasiliadis 15, Ioannis Bourousis 13, Antonis Fotsis 10
Georgia: Marquez Haynes 11, Tornike Shengelia 11


Marousi inks rookie Justin Robinson - by Eurobasket News
According to various sources, Justin Robinson (187-G-87, college: Rider) is a new member of Marousi. Reportedly, they penned a one-year deal. The signing is not confirmed yet by the Greek team. Robinson is a product of the Rider University, where he graduated few months ago. He appeared 34 times with his school as a senior averaging 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Robinson was named All-MAAC 1st Team -11. As a junior, he had 13.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 2.8 apg for Rider. Justin Robinson played for the British National Team in Qualifications to European Championships 2011. He had 1.6 ppg for 5 games. In the past, Robinson was a member of U18 NT.

Alexis Kiritsis announced by Panathinaikos - by Giorgos Diploidis
Alexis Kiritsis (198-G-82) is a player of Panathinaikos Athens The Greek guard was taking part in the training of Panathinaikos from it's first day and it was finally decided to sign a contract with the European and Greek Champions for the coming season 2011-12.

This is a result of the very good period who had with Ilysiakos Athens 13.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.9apg. Kiritsis returns to a big team after his presence in Aris, AEK, PAOK.

His previous club (Ilysiakos), congratulated him for his transfer to Panathinaikos.





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  ISRAEL   


How Close is Sarunas Jasikevicius to Maccabi Tel-Aviv? - by David Pick
By: Carmel Drori and David Pick

Is Sarunas Jasikevicius really that close to wearing the yellow-and-blue Maccabi Tel-Aviv uniform again? According to high sources close to the Israeli powerhouse, a deal between the two-sides might be closer than ever.

Saras, who already played for Maccabi between the years 2003-2005, was reported (Walla! Sport) to be talking with team share holder David Federman about the possibility of returning to Israel. Eurobasket received information that the sum of the Lithuanian's superstar yearly salary would be an approximately $250,000.

Maccabi and Head Coach David Blatt are still searching for a replacement for former point guard Jeremy Pargo, who terminated his contract earlier this summer. Eurobasket also reveals that Federman, one of Saras' close friends and biggest supporters, presented Blatt with an option where if he'd agree to sign Saras, American big Richard Hendrix, who was on his way to Spanish Caja Laboral would stay. The head coach is currently considering the matter and might agree to sign the 35-year-old guard in a move that will allow him to keep Hendrix on the roster and add another back court player to help the team in its long three-league season.

Jasikevicius, who is coming off a somewhat poor season statistics wise with Fenerbahce Ulker averaging just 4.8 points, 1 rebound and 1.5 assist per game in the Euroleague, is putting on a stellar performance in the EuroBasket competition scoring nearly 11 points and dishing out close to 5 dimes per game leading his nation to the quarter-finals round.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd



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  ITALY   


Dalibor Djapa stays with Vanoli Cremona for one more month - by Eurobasket
Serbian Power Forward Dalibor Djapa (204-F/C-84, agency: Alti Sport) extended for another month his contract with Italian Vanoli-Braga Cremona. Dalibor played couple sparring games and in game against Benetton Basket had scored 9 points contributing to victory.

Courtesy of Sportando

Fabi Shoes Montegranaro won The Italian Memorial Novelli Tournament - by Edoardo Tamalio
The Italian Memorial Novelli Tournament goes to the Fabi Shoes Montegranaro. The team coached by the israelian Sharon Drucker (agency: Beo Basket ) defeated the Legadue's Fileni BPA Jesi. Tariq Kirksay (199-F-79, college: Iona) was terrific for his team, scoring 19 points along with 11 rebounds. Michele Antonutti scored 11 points (2/2 3pt) and the free-agent Giuri 13.
Montegranaro in this pre-season showed a great athletic condition and they seems ready to be one of the tougher team in the league.

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  JAPAN   


Lee Roberts are the newcomers at Shinshu Brave Warriors Nagano - by Greg
Shinshu Brave Warriors Nagano announced the signing of two American players: Edward Morris (205-C/F-84, college: Pittsburg St.) and Lee Roberts (201-F/C-87, college: Findlay, OH).

Edward Morris spent last season in Denmark, where he played for Aabyhoj IF. While playing 28 games he was averaging 22.6ppg (second best in the league), 9.9rpg (third best), 1.5apg, 1.6spg and he was also the best shoot blocker in the league with 2.1bpg. Ed was nominated to Danish Basketligaen All-Star Game and got Eurobasket.com All-Danish Basketliga 1st Team and All-Imports selection.

Lee Roberts also came from Denmark. He played for Team FOG Naestved. In 30 games he was averaging 18.4ppg and 13.2rpg (league's leader). He was named Eurobasket.com All-Danish Basketliga Center and Defensive Player of the Year.

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  KUWAIT   


Box back to Al Qadsia - by Ali Ahmed
Al Qadsia added a player to its roster for the 2011/12 season. Al Qadsia sined one year deal with the big center Joel Box (205-C-84, college: Quincy).

Outlook:
A versatile & talented post player with huge size & strength that provides an intimidating presence on both ends of the court. Has amazing handling and passing capacities. Box can score back to the basket or facing up, with a shot that goes up to the 3pts line. Excellent rebounder and shot blocker. Runs the court pretty well on both ways.

Awards/Achievements:
1st Team All- American at John Wood
1st Team Academic All-conference at New Mexico
Two time 1st Team All-District (Johnwood)
McDonalds All-American Candidate (C-Life Highschool)
MVP of team 3 years (C-Life Highschool)
Six time Player of the week award (Johnwood)
Two time National Player of The week Selection (Johnwood)
Three time All-Region Selection (Johnwood/ Quincy)
Twelve 1st team All-Tournament Selection (C-Life Highschool)
Region Player of the Year in 2005 (Johnwood)
Ranked as the 4th best Power Forward in the Country by ESPN/CBS/Sports Illustrated
GLVC Tournament Semifinals -07
All-GLVC 1st Team -07
Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TB2L Honorable Mention -08
Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League Honorable Mention -09
Kuwait Federation Cup Winner -10


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  LEBANON   


Watch out Asian Clubs, The Cedars Are coming.... - by John Khoury
The Lebanese national team finished its last Practice today before heading to china.
They will be leaving beirut at 9 pm tonight, heading to Qatar first, than to Wuhan.
We will play India's NT on Thursday @ 2 pm, a game that Coach ghassan sarkis confirmed that they won't consider easy.
On Friday, the lebanese will face the korean , in one of the most important games in round 1.
The winner should guarantee a spot in the QF after having a safe trip to the second round.

Best of luck for our cedars.
Make us proud.

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  LITHUANIA   


Lietuvos Rytas and Rudupis tasted the wins - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas and Rudupis tasted the wins over the Ukrainian representatives.
Lietuvos Rytas outscored Dnipro 93:59. The Lithuanian team took control from the very beginning and dominated the court. Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Katelynas posted 18. Vilmantas Dilys (208-F-87, agency: Interperformances) and Roberts brought 13 each, while Rice and Steponas Babrauskas (197-G/F-84) ended up with 6 apiece.
Rudupis edged Krivbasbasket 87:72. The Lithuanian team won the opening quarter 20-16 and added 23-16 in the second frame. Moreover after 26-24 in the third quarter the answer about the winner was clear. Gintaras Kadziulis (193-G-80) stepped up with 21 points and Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) and Simas Buterlevicius (200-F-89) followed him with 13. Povilas Butkevicius delivered 12 and Arminas Urbutis scored 11.


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  MONTENEGRO   


Petar Jovanovic inks for Mladost MG - by Dragan Scepanovic
Basketball Club Mladost MG member of BiH Premier league and DELFI SMG Basketball announced that ex basketball player of Basketball Clubs Leotar,Primorje,Mogren and Lovcen Petar Jovanovic (192-G-80) singed one year contract whit club.In last season Petar Jovanovic play for Basketball Club Leotar from Trebinje 20 games : 10.4ppg, 3.4aspg, 2.4 rpg.Before Basketball Club Mladost MG , Petar Jovanovic play for Basketball Clubs Leotar Trebinje, Primorje H.Novi, Mogren Budva, Ulcinj and Lovcen Cetinje.

Cvetanovic new coach of BC Rjazan - by Dragan Scepanovic
Basketball Club Rjazan member of Russian Super-league and DELFI SMG Basketball announced that ex basketball coach of Montenegrin clubs Primorje from H.Novi and Ibon Niksic Zoran Cvetanovic singed one year contract whit Club.Before Basketball Club Rjazan Zoran Cvetanovic was head coach of Baskteball Clubs Primorje from H.Novi MNE1A League, Ibon Niksic MNE1A League and Radnicki Kragujevac SRB1A League.

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  NAIA   


Pikeville Coach Honored with Signature Edition Ford F-150 - by Stephan Ditgens
PIKEVILLE, Ky. - Bruce Walters Ford unveiled the new Kelly Wells signature edition UPike Ford F-150 truck in honor of the Pikeville (Ky.) head basketball coach and his team's national championship season.

'We kind of took it and ran with it and made a few tweaks and this is what we got, so it turned out great. We're thrilled to death with it,' Bruce Walters said.

'To have your name on a signature edition is really special, again, that credits our players, all our staff. It's really neat to be able to have that,' Wells said.

One lucky fan will get to drive it.

Bruce Walters Ford, Appalachian Wireless, and East Kentucky Broadcasting are teaming up with Pikeville for a contest to give away the truck.

The truck will be given away on January 26th at halftime of the Pikeville men's basketball game. The game is designated 'Appalachian Wireless Night' with a goal of setting a new NAIA attendance record.

courtesy of WYMTV Mountain News & naia.org

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  NBA   


Source: NBA owes players $190M from escrow - by Eurobasket News
Players who were on NBA rosters last season be inflicted including been told by the players union including the intention of checks value a total of near $190 million will be appearance their way this month, a fund said.

The assets are life paid because the leagues teams disastrous to waste 57 percent of all basketball-related returns last season on player salaries, as stipulated by the terms of the collective bargaining agreement between the owners and the union.

The largest chunk, roughly $160 million, is the 8 percent early each player narrow detained in escrow by the league below the terms of the CBA, which expired on July 1. The mass of each players check early the escrow fund is based on what they earned last season.

For Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78), who was due $25.4 million early the Los Angeles Lakers last season, it earnings a check value slightly extra than $2 million. For Cleveland Cavaliers forward Ryan Hollins, whose salary was listed as $2.48 million, it earnings a check for just below $200,000.

Approximately players by now be inflicted including received their escrow assets, while others requested to be inflicted including the money sent in November, as they would in general initiation getting paychecks if they were not locked out.

The owners and players met twice last week in negotiations to end the dead heat. The two sides were probable to come across over again Tuesday this time including extra players and owners on hand to try and find a way to end the push to out and keep the 2011-12 season.

On Monday, as the push to out entered its 73rd day, a rank-out on union president Derek Fishers Chirrup account look into: We want to go back to work.

The total spent on salaries by the teams was so low last season including the intention of even returning the escrow assets missing the league fleeting of the mandated 57 percent, a fund said. Including the intention of predestined including the intention of the league had to provide the players union including an additional $26 million.

The players must choose how they will break up persons assets, including one fund suggesting including the intention of the union representatives early each band will communally determine including the intention of. Each player will receive roughly $60,000 if the $26 million is spread evenly.

Players be inflicted including received part of their salaries detained in escrow in previous seasons, but never the full amount.

This is also the first time the league has had to come forth an additional payment to come across the 57 percent quota, the fund said.

Courtesy of http://sports7news.com

Sources: Wolves, Rick Adelman eye deal - by Eurobasket News
The Minnesota Timberwolves are in the final stages of negotiations with Rick Adelman to make Adelman their new head coach, according to sources close to the situation.

Adelman and the Wolves were close enough to a deal Monday to prompt Timberwolves forward Kevin Love to tweet: 'Houston, we have a coach.'

Houston, of course, was Adelman's last coaching stop. And Love has been close to Adelman and his son since Minnesota's All-Star forward and Patrick Adelman were high school basketball contemporaries in the Portland, Ore., area.

Sources say Adelman, 65, and fellow coaching veteran Don Nelson, 71, were the two finalists for the vacancy created when Minnesota belatedly fired Kurt Rambis on July 12, some three months after a 17-65 season. Rambis posted a 32-132 record in his two seasons coaching the rebuilding Wolves.

'It's not done,' one source said of Adelman and the Wolves finalizing a deal, 'but it's heading that way.'

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported in Monday's editions that negotiations with Adelman had begun. And Love told the newspaper later Monday that hiring Adelman would 'absolutely' factor into his willingness to sign a contract extension with the Wolves, who have been abysmal since the July 2007 trade that sent face of the franchise Kevin Garnett to the Boston Celtics and widely assailed for lacking direction under president of basketball operations David Kahn.

Kahn said upon letting Rambis go that he wanted a proven coach who plays an attractive, up-tempo style and would certainly get all that with Adelman, who is the eighth-winningest coach in NBA history at 945-616, seven slots behind No. 1 Nelson (1,335-1,063).

'When I talked about the prospect of me re-signing, I always said one of the things we'd have to have is a great coach,' Love told the Star-Tribune. 'If it's true (that Adelman has agreed to take the job), we've got a great coach.

'We've always had a good relationship. Looking back to high school, I always asked myself, 'What does Rick think I need to improve?' I kept asking him for advice whenever I had the chance to talk to Rick. I always thought it'd be very interesting and intriguing to play under such a well-respected coach, who I know well, who has been there and done that. He adds credibility to our team.'

Referring to Adelman's long history of getting the most out of big men with a good passing touch, Love added: 'Yeah, like Chris Webber, Vlade (Divac), Brad Miller or any of those guys. That'd be perfect for me, working from the high post, being a facilitator. He has had a lot of success. He went to Houston thinking he'd have Yao (Ming) and Tracy McGrady there and he ends up coaching Aaron Brooks, (Luis) Scola and Chuck Hayes to a better than .500 record. He made the best of the situation there. I'd love to see what he'd do with all the very young talent we have here.'

The Wolves' chances of talking Adelman into taking the job were widely presumed to be remote, despite his close ties to Love, given Adelman's longstanding preference to work with veteran teams and his reported determination to come away with annual salary of $5 million for up to five seasons. In Houston, Adelman had a four-year deal worth more than $16 million.

There were seven known candidates to interview for the opening after Rambis' dismissal: Adelman, Nelson, Bernie Bickerstaff, Larry Brown, Sam Mitchell, Mike Woodson and Terry Porter.

Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com that Nelson has been notified by the Wolves that they expect to complete a deal with Adelman.

Earlier this summer, Adelman told reporters in Portland that he planned to sit out the 2011-12 season, whether or not it was affected by the ongoing lockout. But he's instead on the brink of taking over a wayward team that has only one player older than 26 on the roster (Luke Ridnour) and some interesting young talent (Michael Beasley and rookies Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams) around Love.

Courtesy of ESPN

Report: NBA fines Michael Jordan $100,000 - by Eurobasket News
Bobcats owner Michael Jordan (6'7''-F-63, college: N.Carolina) has been fined $100,000 by the NBA for talking publicly about the lockout and Andrew Bogut last month, ESPNs Chris Broussard reports via Twitter.

Speaking to the (Melbourne) Herald Sun in Australia last month, Jordan said of the NBAs economic system, The model weve been operating under is broken. We have 22 or 23 teams losing money, (so) I think we have gotta come to some kind of understanding in this partnership that we have to realign.

'I know the owners are not going to move off what we feel is very necessary for us to get a deal in place where we can coexist as partners. We need a lot of financial support throughout the league as well as revenue sharing to keep this business afloat.

He added of the Bucks' Australian center, 'We have stars like Bogut who are entitled to certain type of demands. But for us to be profitable in small markets, we have to be able to win ballgames and build a better basketball team.'

Its not at all surprising that Jordan was fined, as the league has been strictly enforcing its gag order during the lockout. Yahoo! Sports reported in July that two teams, possibly the Timberwolves and Mavericks, were fined for violating the directive. The NBA reportedly even threatened to fine Blazers interim GM Chad Buchanan $1 million for a seemingly innocuous response to a question about the cancellation of the summer league.

Courtesy of www.aol.sportingnews.com

Suns president and CEO Welts resigns - by Milord Nikolic
Im at a point in my life where my focus is to align my personal and professional life in a way Ive never been able to achieve before, Welts said in a statement. 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. AZCentral.com reported that Welts is resigning to be with his partner in Sacramento, Calif. Welts told the website that he was not pressured in any way to leave the team because of his sexuality. The resignation becomes effective Thursday. Suns owner Robert Sarver announced that the team's business organization will report to General Counsel Jason Rowley and a national search for a new president will be launched.

Former NBA player Devin Brown signs in Poland - by Eurobasket News
Former NBA player Devin Brown (6'5''-G/F-78, college: UTSA) will continue his career in Poland. The experienced shooting guard/small forward penned a one-year deal with the Polish powerhouse Asseco Prokom. Brown is back on the court after one year. In 2009/10 season, Devin Brown had 9.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 1.5 apg in 39 games for the New Orleans Hornets. During the season he moved to Chicago Bulls, but his numbers dropped to 1.8 ppg and 1.3 rpg there (12 games). Devin Brown played for the Hornets also in 2008/09. Before that, he spent one year with the Cleveland Cavs. He had 7.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 2.2 apg for them in 78 regular season games. In the past, Brown also played for the San Antonio Spurs. They won the NBA title in 2005.

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  NCAA1   


Ten years later, Rick Pitino remembers - by Milord Nikolic
When Rick Pitino called to make the reservations at Pebble Beach, he requested specific rooms overlooking the 18th hole, the same ones he booked over Labor Day weekend in 2001. He secured tee times on the same courses that he played a decade ago. Afterward, he and three of his boys ate at the same restaurants he frequented on that previous trip, finishing each evening off in the Tap Room. Ten years can pass in a blink of an eye, yet feel like a lifetime. Some days, some moments, it's like time stood still. Pitino can recall exactly how he felt when he learned that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center, recall the confusion and the terror as he tried to figure out if his brother-in-law and best friend, Billy Minardi, had been killed. More often life flies by on the speed of the good news that a family has flourished despite unthinkable tragedy and the happy memories of a man who sprinkled joy around like pixie dust. On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists took Billy Minardi's life. They couldn't take his spirit.

Barca hands 85-70 loss to University of Stanford - by Eurobasket News
FC Barcelona Regal - University of Stanford 85-70

University of Stanford faced with another loss in their Spanish tour. This time it was the reigning Spanish and former Euroleague champion (2010) FC Barcelona Regal who was better than Stanford 85-70. Barca exploded in the second period to secure the victory in this game. New player in Barca Chuck Eidson (202-F/G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina) was unstoppable. He scored 28 points and was a key player in this victory. Xavier Rabaseda (198-G/F-89) and Fran Vazquez (209-C-83) helped with 12 points each. On the other side, Stanford got 16 points from Chasson Randle (189-G-93). Evans and Aaron Bright (180-G) delivered 12 points apiece. Quarters: 18-22, 26-10, 19-19, 22-19. It was the fourth and at the same the last game for Stanford in Spain this summer. They met Murcia, Alicante and Manresa earlier.

Stanford: Aaron Bright (12), Brown (5), Nastic (9), Chasson Randle (16), Lemmons (0), Evans (12), Mann (0), Huestis (5), Powell (6), Zimmerman (0), Gage (3), Trotter (0)
FC Barcelona Regal: Marzo (0), Hakanson (0), Creus (0), Garca (0), Fran Vazquez (12), CJ Wallace (6), Aparicio (9), Mickeal (5), Ndong (7), Xavier Rabaseda (12), Mbaye (4), Prez (2), Spires (0), Chuck Eidson (28), Zhigulin (0)

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  NEW ZEALAND   


Australia complete sweep of New Zealand - by Eurobasket News
Australia - New Zealand 92:68

Australia celebrated the third straight win over New Zealand in the Oceania Championship series. Aleks Maric (211-C-84, college: Nebraska) stepped up with 27 points and 8 rebounds to pace the charge.
The Boomers opened the game with four points in a row but New Zealand gradually picked up the tempo and posted a 24:23 lead ten minutes into the game. The teams stayed very close throughout the second term. Aleks Maric and Ogilvy put Australia in front late in the half and the Boomers eventually secured a 45:41 lead at the interval. Australia quickly boosted the margin to 10 points in the third term. The Boomers used a 15:2 run to gain a 68:49 lead late in the quarter. They entered the final quarter up by 15 points 76:61. Australia limited their opponents to just 7 points in the fourth stanza and celebrated a confident win at the end. David Barlow (205-F-83, college: Metro St.) provided 17 points, while Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) added 14 points in the victory. Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin) responded with 27 points for New Zealand. Mika Vukona (197-F-82) notched 10 points in the loss.

Australia: Aleks Maric 27, David Barlow 17, Patrick Mills 14
New Zealand: Kirk Penney 27, Mika Vukona 10


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  POLAND   


Slask lands American forward Qarraan Calhoun - by Eurobasket News
Slask Wroclaw announced signing of a new player. The Polish squad penned a one-year deal with Qarraan Calhoun (203-F-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Houston). The 24-year-old American forward heads to Slask from the Romanian team Asesoft Ploiesti. He had 12.4 ppg and 4.9 rpg for them in 42 games last season. They failed to defend the Romanian league title, despite reaching the Playoff Finals. Asesoft was the regular season champion. Before Asesoft, Qarraan Calhoun split 2009/10 season between Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt and EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam. With the Germans he had just 1.4 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 10 games. Later with Amsterdam, Qarran shined with 15.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 1.2 apg. He graduated at the University of Houston two years ago. Quarran had 10.2 ppg and 5.3 rpg for his school as a senior.

PGE Turow lose Zgorzelec tournament finale - by Eurobasket News
PGE Turow - NY Phantoms Braunschweig 62:73

PGE Turow failed to triumph at the home pre-season tournament. They surrendered against NY Phantoms Braunschweig in the final game in Zgorzelec. Stephen Dennis (198-G-87, college: Kutztown) scored 19 points to lead the German to the third win in a row. PGE Turow led by as many as 9 points after ten minutes but could not capitalize. NY Phantoms turned things around in the next two periods. They built a 16-point advantage heading into the fourth frame and rallied to the victory at the end. Kyle Visser (211-C-85, college: Wake Forest) posted 15 points, while Branko Jorovic (205-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) contributed 12 points in the win. Ronald Moore (183-G-88, college: Siena) answered with 15 points for PGE Turow. Aaron Cel (203-F-87) chipped in 13 points in defeat.
Zastal Zielona lost the third straight game at the tournament. They came up short against Pardubice 80:86. Kamil Chanas (188-PG-85) knocked down 20 points for Zastal ZG. Piotr Stelmach (205-F-84, college: Mississippi St.) had 16 points in the loss.


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  PORTUGAL   


Ovarense add Jermaine Green and Austen Powers - by Eurobasket News
Ovarense bolstered their roster. They secured the services of Jermaine Green (203-F-80, college: N.Texas) and Powers Austen (203-F-87, agency: Tank Sports, college: Seattle) for the next season.
Jermaine Green was last seen in New Zealand. The forward appeared in just one game for the Nelson Giants. He posted 17 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists. He also participated at the Higher Level Sports International Showcase. Previously Jermaine Greece had stints in Japan, Romania, Netherlands, USBL, Finland, Estonia, TPBL, ABA.
Powers Austen started the previous season in Uruguay. The forward posted 19.5 points, 8.3 boards, 1.6 assists per game for Atletico Cordon. Later Powers Austen moved to Chinese Hangzhou Yong Tong. His stats read 24.4 points, 12.1 boards, 1.4 boards and 1.3 steals per appearance in NBL. Powers Austen is not new to Portugal. The forward played for Fisica in 2009/10 season. He averaged 18.4 points, 7.6 boards and 1.2 steals that season.



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  PUERTO RICO   


Alfred Horford lifts Dominicans to Bronze at FIBA Americas - by Eurobasket News
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - PUERTO RICO 103-89

Dominicans won the Bronze at FIBA Americas Championship 2011 in Mar del Plata. They outplayed Puerto Rico 103-89 to take third place at this event. Puerto Ricans stay without the medal. Both teams will have a chance to book a spot for the Olympic Games 2012 in London. They will compete in Additional Qualifying Tournament. Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) paced Dominicans to Bronze yesterday with 23 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) had 21 points and 9 rebounds, while Francisco Garcia (201-F/G-81, college: Louisville) added 18 pts. Ronald Ramon (185-G-86, college: Pittsburgh) helped with one less. In Puerto Rico, Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) collected 25 points and 6 rebounds. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: FIU) had 24 points and 7 assists, and John Holland (195-G/F-88, college: Boston U.) stopped to 13 pts. Quarters: 27-12, 26-17, 27-39, 23-21. Argentina is the winner of FIBA Americas 2011. They handed 80-75 loss to Brazil in the Finals.

Dominican Republic: Alfred Horford 23+12 boards+7 as, Jack Michael Martinez 21+9 boards, Francisco Garcia 18, Ronald Ramon 17
Puerto Rico: Daniel Santiago 25+6 boards, Carlos Arroyo 24+7 as, John Holland 13

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  RUSSIA   


Spartak Saint Petersburg defeat Besiktas in Bormio - by Eurobasket News
Spartak SP - Besiktas 76:67

Spartak SP earned another win at the pre-season action in Bormio. They took on Besiktas and claimed a comfortable win at the end. Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87) stepped up with 17 points and 8 rebounds to pace the effort. Besiktas stayed in front throughout the first half. Led by Deron Williams (191-PG-84, college: Illinois) the Turkish team earned a 38:35 halftime advantage. The teams traded baskets in the third term. Besiktas secured a three-point lead with one period remaining. However Spartak turned things around in the final period. The Russian team limited their opponents to 12 points and pulled in front for a confident win at the end. Loukas Mavrokefalides (207-C-84) stepped up with 12 points, while Valery Likhodey (204-F-86) contributed 13 points in the victory. Deron Williams answered with 21 points for Besiktas. Marcelus Kemp (196-G-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Nevada) netted 16 points in the loss.

Spartak SP: Anatoly Kashirov 17, Valery Likhodey 13, Loukas Mavrokefalides 12
Besiktas: Deron Williams 21, Marcelus Kemp 16


EuroBasket 2011: Monya's buzzer-beater brings Russia top place in Group F - by Eurobasket News
Russia-FYR Macedonia 63:61

Sergey Monya (203-F-83)'s buzzer beater brings Russia top place in Group F. Russia surprised FYR Macedonia in the last seconds to win 63:61 and remained the only undefeated team in the tournament.
Stojanovski, Bo McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) and Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) surprised Russia in the opening tip giving his side 8-0 lead. Russia needed however 5 minutes and then Vitaly Fridzon (195-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) tied the game at 11:11. Antonov gave Russia the first lead, while Shved closed the first period at 20:19, FYR Macedonia.
Vitaly Fridzon nailed three to tie the score at 22:22 early in the second and Shved scored for 26:23. Vorontsevich and Sergey Bykov (190-G-83) increased to 7 points, while Pero Antic and Chekovski reduced to 30:28. Stojanovski sent the teams to the lockers at 37:34, Russia.
The battle continued in the court in the second half as well and the teams exchanged another lead several times. Pero Antic gave FYR Macedonia 40:39 and Timofey Mozgov (216-C-86, agency: RIZO) tied it all at 43:43. Ilievski later made the same at 49:49, while Shved gave Russia 51:49 after three quarters.
Sergey Monya and again Shved opened the last period for 55:48 and Sergey Monya nailed three for 58:51. Stojanovski cut it to 4 after the long shot from the perimeter. Ilievski followed him with another shot for 58:57 and Khryapa increased to three points with 2 minutes in the court. Bo McCalebb cut it to 60:59 and Russia needed timeout with 1 minute remaining. Bo McCalebb made two free throws for 61:60 lead with 40 seconds and Blatt asked for another Timeout.
Shved top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Vitaly Fridzon posted 11. Sergey Bykov and Timofey Mozgov nailed 8 points apiece in a win. Bo McCalebb ended up with 16 points in the losing as FYR Macedonia finished on the second place. Pero Antic collected 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) notched 9.

Russia: Shved 14, Vitaly Fridzon 11, Sergey Bykov 8, Timofey Mozgov 8
FYR Macedonia: Bo McCalebb 16, Pero Antic 15+10 rebs, Predrag Samardziski 9

Nizhniy Novgorod and Enisey continue pre-season clashes - by Eurobasket News
Enisey lost to Cedevita 67:72. The Croatian team grabbed 23-13 in the first period and allowed the Russian team to reduce to 8 points at the halftime. The third period also belonged to Cedevita that needed 22-17 for 13-point lead after 30 minutes. Enisey won the last quarter 17-9 but could not catch up with the opponents. Chris Owens (204-F-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Texas) poured in 14 points for the winners and Ivan Opacak (202-F-80) netted 13. Lonny Baxter (204-C-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) delivered 16 points in the losing effort, while Iliya Syrovatko (193-G-88) and Gromyko had 9 each.
Nizhniy Novgorod outscored twice Spartak Moscow Region. In the first game the favorites clinched 78:50 victory after 22-8 in the start of the game. In the second game Nizhniy Novgorod grabbed 89:53 win. They won all the quarters of the game and rightfully clinched the victory.


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  SCOTLAND   


KINGS VANQUISH KNIGHTS; FURY GAIN REVENGE ON STUDENTS - by Sandy Sutherland
Any hopes the rest of the Scottish League might have had that the
champions Edinburgh Kings might be weaker this season due to
personnel changes must have been quickly dispelled as Kings
demolished Stirling Knights 87-52 after romping through the first
quarter 31-5 at Portobello.
Though the second quarter was tied 14-14 and Kings only edged the
remaining two, the visitors were never in contention.
With five players in double figures Kings new coach Doug Reilly
must have been quietly satisfied.
Latvian Ed Rekis led the home scoring with 17, German American
Brit Mike Kirkpatrick added 15, Lithuanian Audrius Ciapas 14, GB
Under-20 guard Lee Reilly 12 and Scotland centre Simon Flockhart
11.
'We expected a tougher game as they looked good on paper,' said
Rekis, back for his third season in the Scottish capital.
Back in the league after a five-year gap, Boroughmuir Blaze had a
baptism of fire at Paisley's Lagoon Centre where St Mirren beat
them 91-38, though Blaze were without their two Scottish
international and former Kings'guards Kevin Anderson and Laurie
Costello, who are both injured.
'That was very tough' admitted Aussie assistant coach Lee
'Chopper' Pettett, another ex-Kings stalwart.
Last season's league runners-up Falkirk Fury comfortably beat
Glasgow University 80-68 at the Mariner Sports Centre, a result
which was sweet revenge for their two key defeats at the hands of
the students last season when, as holders, they were knocked out
of the Scottish Cup in the first round and then also went down in
Glasgow in the league, a result which eventually cost them the
title.
Glasgow have a new Canadian shooting guard John Bustin from Nova
Scotia, who, despite heavy strapping and a knee brace, top-scored
with 29 points and they have added ex Dunfermline schoolboy and
ex-Kings Scottish junior cap Calum Nicol, who spent last year with
Essex Flyers.
Nicol added eight points and seven rebounds, but overall the visitors were heavily out-rebounded by a Fury team who fielded 'twin towers' Roni Gordon and Stu MacKay, both Scottish caps and ex-Glasgow Rocks.
Gordon scored 13 points and had 11 rebounds and five blocks while MacKay added nine rebounds.
Fury's top scorer was another fugitive from the Rocks, Scott Russell, with 17, supported by Jonny Bunyan, with 14.


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  SERBIA   


Radnicki wins international tournament in Mostar, Miljan Pavkovic MVP - by Eurobasket News
Radnicki Kragujevac is the winner of international tournament in Mostar, which was played last weekend. The Serbian team was better than Buducnost Podgorica in the Finals 72-67. Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) exploded in this game with 29 points and 9 assists. He was named MVP of the tournament. David Simon (207-C-82, college: IPFW) scored 20 points for Radnicki to help them in the Finals. On the other side, Buducnost got 19 points from Vucevic. Quarters - 24:18, 9:17, 13:15, 26:17.
In the Semifinals, Radnicki Kragujevac outplayed Mornar Bar 82-78. Stefan Bircevic (209-F/C-89) and Stefan Sinovec (195-G-88) were their leading players in this meeting with 16 points. Ivan Jelenic (190-G-85, agency: BeoExcell) scored 20 for Mornar. Quarters - 29:25, 21:17, 10:15, 22:21.

Crvena Zvezda signs 4-year deal with Aleksandar Cvetkovic - by Eurobasket News
Crvena Zvezda Beograd announced signing of a four-year deal with Aleksandar Cvetkovic (185-PG-93). The young point guard debuted for senior team last season. He had 3.4 ppg, 1.5 rpg and 1.1 apg for 16 Adriatic league games. In Serbian league, Cvetkovic added 7.3 ppg and 2 rpg for 8 games. Cvetkovic played for Crvena Zvezda juniors in the past. This summer Cvetkovic helped U19 Serbia to win the Silver at the World Championships U19 in Latvia. He had 14.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 2.7 apg for 9 games at this event. Eurobasket awarded Cvetkovic with All-World Championships U19 Best Guard -11. Naturally, he was also named Eurobasket.com All-World Championships U19 1st Team -11. Aleksandar Cvetkovic played for U18, U17 and U16 Serbia earlier.

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  SLOVENIA   


EuroBasket 2011: Slovenia reach quarterfinal with victory over Finland - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia - Finland 67:60

Slovenia booked their European Championship quarterfinal tickets. They overcame Finland in a decisive clash in Group F. Slovenia improved at 2-3 record, leaving Finland behind at 1-4 record. Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) scored 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to lead the effort.
Slovenia opened the game with five points in a row but Finland quickly erased the deficit. The teams traded baskets as Slovenia eked out a 14:12 lead after ten minutes of action. Zoran Dragic and Erazem Lorbek put Slovenia in front 22:15 midway through the second term. Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) soon enlarged the margin to 10 points 34:24. Slovenia secured a 42:28 lead at the interval. Finland cut the deficit igniting a 7:0 run early in the second half. Slovenia hung on to post a 54:48 advantage with one quarter remaining. Erazem Lorbek boosted the gap back to double figures in the fourth term 60:49. However Finland refused to surrender. Trailing by as many as 12 points with under four minutes to go they organized a 9:1 run that put them within just four points from Slovenia 60:64. Erazem Lorbek and Goran Dragic scored three free throws in the dying moments to seal the victory for Slovenia. Uros Slokar (210-F/C-83) accounted for 13 points and 8 rebounds, while Jaka Lakovic added 11 points in the win. Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) answered with 14 points, while Shawn Huff (198-G/F-84, college: Valparaiso) had 13 points in defeat.

Slovenia: Erazem Lorbek 14, Uros Slokar 13, Jaka Lakovic 11
Finland: Petteri Koponen 14, Shawn Huff 13


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  SPAIN   


Estudiantes tab Luis Flores - by Eurobasket News
Luis Flores (188-G-81, college: Manhattan) will continue his career in Spain. He agreed on terms of contract with Asefa Estudiantes. Last season the guard spent in Ukraine. He tallied 16.7 points, 3.6 boards and 3.3 assists per game in Superleague. Luis Flores got injured in April and had to sit out the reminder of the season. Previously Luis Flores had stints in Russia, Venezuela, Israel, Greece, Italy and NBA. The guard was named Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge Player of the Year in 2010. He is the member of Dominican Republic National Team. Luis Flores tallied 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in Marchand Cup. His stats also read 7.3 points, 2.3 assists and 1.9 rebounds at the Fiba Americas in 2011.



Iberostar Canarias beats Gran Canaria to win 'Copa Gobierno de Canarias' - by Eurobasket News
Iberostar Canarias celebrated in 'Copa Gobierno de Canarias' for the second straight time. They handed 75-63 loss to Gran Canaria in the Finals of this tournament. Ricardo Guillen (205-F/C-76) and Fotios Lampropoulos (206-F-83) scored 16 points each for the winners. Jakim Donaldson (204-C/F-83, college: Edinboro) followed them with one less. In Granca, Rasual Butler (201-F-79, college: La Salle) shined with 18 points. Quarters: 26-14, 14-20, 21-18, 14-11.
In the first game of this tournament Gran Canaria eliminated La Palma 74-65. Spencer Nelson (203-F-80, college: Utah St.) and Rasual Butler scored 12 points each for the winners. Tomas Bellas (185-G-87) helped with 11 points. Roman Martinez (201-F-88, college: N.Mexico) netted 20 points for La Palma. Quarters: 15-26, 15-12, 31-13, 13-14. Iberostar Canarias went directly to the Finals.



Barca hands 85-70 loss to University of Stanford - by Eurobasket News
FC Barcelona Regal - University of Stanford 85-70

University of Stanford faced with another loss in their Spanish tour. This time it was the reigning Spanish and former Euroleague champion (2010) FC Barcelona Regal who was better than Stanford 85-70. Barca exploded in the second period to secure the victory in this game. New player in Barca Chuck Eidson (202-F/G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina) was unstoppable. He scored 28 points and was a key player in this victory. Xavier Rabaseda (198-G/F-89) and Fran Vazquez (209-C-83) helped with 12 points each. On the other side, Stanford got 16 points from Chasson Randle (189-G-93). Evans and Aaron Bright (180-G) delivered 12 points apiece. Quarters: 18-22, 26-10, 19-19, 22-19. It was the fourth and at the same the last game for Stanford in Spain this summer. They met Murcia, Alicante and Manresa earlier.

Stanford: Aaron Bright (12), Brown (5), Nastic (9), Chasson Randle (16), Lemmons (0), Evans (12), Mann (0), Huestis (5), Powell (6), Zimmerman (0), Gage (3), Trotter (0)
FC Barcelona Regal: Marzo (0), Hakanson (0), Creus (0), Garca (0), Fran Vazquez (12), CJ Wallace (6), Aparicio (9), Mickeal (5), Ndong (7), Xavier Rabaseda (12), Mbaye (4), Prez (2), Spires (0), Chuck Eidson (28), Zhigulin (0)

EBA will start this weekend - by Mariano Galindo
Two of the six groups of EBA will start this weekend. We are talking about B and C groups. A-A and A-B will do it in october, and E and D in november. B is one of the strongest groups in the league. Canoe has an amazing team, with the signings of Juarez (coach), and top league player Javier Fort. Moreover, silver league players like Duane James (198-F-83, college: Binghamton) and Christopher Owens (196-F-80, college: Columbia) have joined the team. Shay Milller will continue playing at least one season more in Gandia, that got last season a Silver league place.


Valladolid wins 'Copa Castilla y Leon' - by Eurobasket News
Valladolid is the winner of tenth 'Copa Castilla y Leon', which was held last weekend. In the first game of this tournament Valladolid was better than Burgos 67-60. Nacho Martin (205-F-83) was the leading player in victory with 18 points. Jason Robinson (196-F-80, college: Pikeville) followed him with one point less. In Burgos, Darren Phillip (201-F-78, college: Fairfield) shined with 21 points. Quarters: 13-18, 20-12, 20-18, 14-12.
In the Finals, Valladolid outplayed home team Palencia 63-55. Nacho Martin again top-scored in Valladolid, this time with 13 points. Jason Robinson delivered 12 pts. In the loosing squad, Carles Bravo (192-F/G-79) was better than the others with 17 points. Quarters: 10-24, 22-8, 6-22, 17-9.

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  SWITZERLAND   


Coach Mihailovic stays at STB Bern-Giants - by Greg
STB Bern-Giants announced the re-signing of the head coach Ratko Mihailovic . The Serbian coach signed one year deal with the club. He took over the team in the middle of the last season, in January of 2011. Good results and good collaboration were the reason to sign a new contract for 2011/2012 season. The club looks forward for a successful season and expects from the coach Mihaliovic to enter the playoffs for the secon consecutive season.

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  TURKEY   


Spartak Saint Petersburg defeat Besiktas in Bormio - by Eurobasket News
Spartak SP - Besiktas 76:67

Spartak SP earned another win at the pre-season action in Bormio. They took on Besiktas and claimed a comfortable win at the end. Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87) stepped up with 17 points and 8 rebounds to pace the effort. Besiktas stayed in front throughout the first half. Led by Deron Williams (191-PG-84, college: Illinois) the Turkish team earned a 38:35 halftime advantage. The teams traded baskets in the third term. Besiktas secured a three-point lead with one period remaining. However Spartak turned things around in the final period. The Russian team limited their opponents to 12 points and pulled in front for a confident win at the end. Loukas Mavrokefalides (207-C-84) stepped up with 12 points, while Valery Likhodey (204-F-86) contributed 13 points in the victory. Deron Williams answered with 21 points for Besiktas. Marcelus Kemp (196-G-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Nevada) netted 16 points in the loss.

Spartak SP: Anatoly Kashirov 17, Valery Likhodey 13, Loukas Mavrokefalides 12
Besiktas: Deron Williams 21, Marcelus Kemp 16


Garanti Koza Istanbulspor adds American PF/C Emanuel Willis - by Eurobasket News
Emanuel Willis (205-F/C-84, college: Houston Baptist) is a new member of Garanti Koza Istanbulspor. The American power forward/center signed a deal for the next season. He heads to Istanbulspor from the Portuguese team Illiabum Clube, where he finished 2010/11. Willis appeared 12 times for them in domestic championship averaging 15.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 block. Emanuel Willis started last season in Uruguay. He shined with 18 ppg, 10.9 rpg and 1 bpg for 7 games in LUB. In 2009/10, Willis played in Germany and Denmark. With Danish Randers he had 11.7 ppg and 9.3 rpg for 19 games. Later Willis added 13.9 ppg and 7.4 rpg for 11 games with Hanover Tigers. Willis is a product of the Houston Baptist University, where he graduated two years ago.

Galatasaray grabs 79-77 win against Cibona - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray - Cibona 79-77

Galatasaray and Cibona met in a friendly game last weekend. They played in Kranjska Gora and Galatasaray grabbed 79-77 win. It was a very exciting meeting and Cibona had the last possession, but they missed for three. Luksa Andric (210-C-85, agency: Beo Basket) shined for Galatasaray. The former Cibona player had 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks for 22 minutes on the court. Joshua Shipp (196-G/F-86, college: UCLA) and Jamon Lukas Gordon (191-G-84, college: Virginia Tech) helped with 15 and 12 points respectively. In Cibona, Tomislav Zubcic (214-C/F-90, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored with 14 points. Brian Chase (178-G-81, college: Virginia Tech) and Andrija Zizic (207-C-80, agency: Beo Basket) delivered 12 and 10 pts respectively.
Cibona was better than Krka recently. Galatasaray outplayed Union Olimpija 71-61.

Galatasaray: Luksa Andric 18, Joshua Shipp 15, Jamon Lukas Gordon 12
Cibona: Tomislav Zubcic 14, Brian Chase 12, Andrija Zizic 10

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


NBA's best floppers: No. 9 Raja Bell - by David Edole
Brian Schmitz Orlando Sentinel
1:58 p.m. EDT, September 12, 2011

Nearly everybody does it. Flopping, that is.

Soccer, famously known for its players taking phantom dives to elicit calls, has nothing on the NBA anymore.

'We have seen throughout these playoffs some outstanding acting by our top-notch players,' color commentator Reggie Miller said during the last postseason.

Takes one to know one. Miller, in his time, was one of the league's best floppers.

'The master speaking,' play-by-play analyst Marv Albert said, taking a playful dig at Miller.

In 2008, the NBA threatened to fine players for theatrical flopping, but little, if any punishment, has been doled out.

This week, we will rank the NBA's current top 10 floppers.

Think a player's ranking is too high or too low? Voice your opinion by writing in the comments field below.

Raja Bell (196-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: FIU)

Flop ranking: 9th

Current team:Utah Jazz

Height/weight: 6-5, 205

Age on Sept. 19, 2011: 35

Seasons in NBA: 11.

What makes him a noted flopper: Bell certainly knows his opponents' tendencies and can anticipate moves, getting in position to defend --- and flop. He can sell his flops to the refs with exaggerated athletic pratfalls. His flop showdown against Manu Ginobili last season was a classic, both players making contact and each taking theatrical backward leaps.

Best Hollywood movie to honor his work: Fallen (1998).

Best song: It's All in The Game (Tony Edwards).

Best flop quote: 'I'm pushing, pushing the guy as much as I can to get him a little,' Bell said, addressing the art or act of flopping. 'So when he pushes me, you're not allowed to do that. I'm going to fall.'



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  UBA   


Southern Generals Seek to Repeat in 2012 - by UBA media

ATLANTA: The Southern Generals wins its first championship in 10'-11'. This comes a year after losing pretty thoroughly to the GIE Morrow Disciples in the 10' finals. john White won his first championship without Rasheem Barrett (6'5''-G-87, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Auburn) and Robert Cox (6'5''-G/F-84, college: So.Poly State). While the Generals had a great regular season, 38-5, their primarily focus was the layoffs and they sealed the title. The Generals were the 2nd highest scoring team in the UBA and 1st in scoring defense.

Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Atlanta Christian) won the MVP but many feel that Freddie Williams (6'2''-G-87, college: Clayton St.) put his stamp on the UBA with the playoffs. Williams was named UBA Finals MVP averaging 18.5ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.5apg and 3.0spg in the playoffs.

The season wasn't just about Williams and his brilliant playoff rub - the rest of the Generals played like champions such as Michael Sloan (6'5''-G/F-84, college: Clayton St.), De La Cruz Will (6'2''-G-80, college: Atlanta Christian), Chris Moore (6'8''-F-88, college: Morgan St.) and DeAndre Bray. The Generals had a fairly easy finals against the young Atlanta Assault.

The Generals sweeped most of the UBA award with Sloan being named Conference Player of the Year, Williams at Finals MVP, De La Cruz as the best Import and John White as UBA Coach of the Year. The problem now lays on the re-building prosess, the Generals have lost their top preformers.

De La Cruz Will (China)
Michael Sloan (Iceland)
Carlos White (Dominican Rep.)
George Akpele (GIE Morrow Disciples)
Freddie Williams (GIE Morrow Disciples)
Shawn Morgan (Uruguay)

I dont worry about losing players, said John White. Thats what we do in the UBA. The players will move on but we will bring better in.

White made his mark on the UBA and has emerged as the top coach in the league. He was one of the best European scorers in the 90s. White played in Cyprus, England and France. He was named Import Player of the Year 4x and was the top scorer in each country. Whites best season was in Cyprus with an average of 35.2ppg.

The 11'-12' will prove another test for the Generals - Can they repeat? The Generals are no longer the favorites coming out of the South. The Generals are rumored to have the draft rights of Georgia State standout Marques Johnson.


UBA Pre-Draft Camp Day 1 - by UBA media
The UBA Pre-Draft Camp is held in Atlanta (GA), Houston (TX), Cincinnati (OH) and Cleveland (OH). The Camp runs from Tuesday through Friday.

According to UBA's 6-Star Player Ranking, the best players attending the camp are Kevin Sims (5'10''-G-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Tulane) (5 stars), Ervin Williams (6'9''-F/C-88) (4 stars), Jimmy Drew (6'4''-G) (3 stars). Daniel Bolick (5'10''-PG-89) turned heard with his ability to control a team at the guard spot. Bolick attend the University of North Carolina and looks to be climbing up the draft pool.

2011 Pre-Draft Camp
Kevin Sims
Jimmy Drew
Ervin Williams
Jamil Terrell
Will Richard
Marcus Johnson
C.J. Anderson
Dante Curry
Timir Patel
Aaron Drakeford
Chris Knight
Daniel Bolick
Raymond Davis
Brent 'BJ' Jennings
Edward Johnson
LaPhonso Ellis Jr.
Jaime Crawford
Jason Lacy
Craig Blackmon
Tyler Hanback

The UBA will host one final pre-draft workout in Houston, TX and Cincinnati, OH. For more information please contract Mr. Ware (Houston) @ 254-535-0101 and Mr. McAvene @ 937-459-9414.

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  UKRAINE   


Update on Azovmash, Dnipro and Krivbasbasket - by Eurobasket News
Azovmash outscored Cedevita 68:60. Trailing 12-16 after the first period, the Ukrainian team took the lead after 27-16 in the second. The teams exchanged the victories in the second half and it brought the total success for Azovmash. Artur Drozdov (199-G-80) and Slipencuk posted 13 points each to lead the charge. Chris Owens (204-F-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Texas) and Opacak scored 14 points each in the losing case.
Lietuvos Rytas outscored Dnipro 93:59. The Lithuanian team took control from the very beginning and dominated the court. Seibutis top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Katelynas posted 18. Vilmantas Dilys (208-F-87, agency: Interperformances) and Roberts brought 13 each, while Rice and Steponas Babrauskas (197-G/F-84) ended up with 6 apiece.
Rudupis edged Krivbasbasket 87:72. The Lithuanian team won the opening quarter 20-16 and added 23-16 in the second frame. Moreover after 26-24 in the third quarter the answer about the winner was clear. Gintaras Kadziulis stepped up with 21 points and Dainius Salenga and Simas Buterlevicius (200-F-89) followed him with 13. Povilas Butkevicius delivered 12 and Arminas Urbutis (206-F-86, college: Hofstra) scored 11.


Ferro-ZNTU win pre-season tournament - by Alexei Revenko
In Nikolaev finished friendly pre-season tournament.
Results of the second day (11 September)
MBC Mykolaiv - BC Odessa 64-71 (14:23, 12:17, 18:20, 20:11)
M - Rodney Green (196-F/G-88, college: La Salle) 17 points and 7 rebounds, Vincent Hunter (208-F-84, college: Arkansas) 12 points and 8 rebounds
O - Willie Deane (186-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Purdue) 18 points, Justin Love (188-G-78, college: St.Louis) 15 points

Ferro-ZNTU Zaporozhye - Barsy Atyrau 71-62 (20-24, 21-11, 22-13, 8-14)
In Winners Randy Culpepper (182-G-89, college: UTEP) 17 points, R.T. Guinn (208-C-81, college: Baylor) 13 points.

Final day (13 September)
Ferro-ZNTU Zaporozhye - BC Odessa 80-63 (22:21; 18:12; 16:15; 24:15)
In winners Randy Culpepper 18 points and 7 asissts, Jeremy Chappell (191-G-87, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Robert Morris) 16 points and 5 steals.
BC Odessa - Sergiy Koval (189-G-89) 10 points, Willie Deane 9 points.

MBC Mykolaiv - Barsy Atyrau 81-64 (25:13, 21:23, 20:13, 15:15)
M - Andrei Korochkin (194-G-82) 17 points, Jerome Coleman (185-G-81, college: Rutgers) 12 points.

Final Standings
1. Ferro-ZNTU Zaporozhye 2-1
2. MBC Mykolaiv 2-1
3. BC Odessa 2-1
4. Barsy Atyrau 0-3


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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Marousi inks rookie Justin Robinson - by Eurobasket News
According to various sources, Justin Robinson (187-G-87, college: Rider) is a new member of Marousi. Reportedly, they penned a one-year deal. The signing is not confirmed yet by the Greek team. Robinson is a product of the Rider University, where he graduated few months ago. He appeared 34 times with his school as a senior averaging 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Robinson was named All-MAAC 1st Team -11. As a junior, he had 13.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 2.8 apg for Rider. Justin Robinson played for the British National Team in Qualifications to European Championships 2011. He had 1.6 ppg for 5 games. In the past, Robinson was a member of U18 NT.

Rocks Clinch Signing of Huffor - by Paul Nilsen
The Glasgow Rocks have signed 6'4' Danny Huffor (193-G) for the 2011/12 BBL Season. Huffor was born in the USA, however, with his family ties stretching to Glasgow, he has attained a British Passport, therefore allowing him to play for the Rocks this season.



Huffor has been renowned for being a great athlete throughout his junior career with his initial sporting choice being that of American Football. Huffor, however, found his calling in basketball and soon found himself at Newbury College, where he averaged 8.8 points and 2.9 rebounds a game.



Coach Davis is hoping that Huffor can step up to the professional level in a short amount of time.



'I saw Danny play for the first time this summer in Las Vegas. He really did a good job of holding his own against some very talented players at the summer camps. With his ties to Glasgow in his grandparents, we thought this would be a very good fit for both parties. He could potentially be a factor in our plans sooner rather than down the line.'



Huffor has been training with the team in the lead up to the first games of the season. He had the following to say about his time with the Rocks at present.



'So far everything is going well, the team is in its initial phases and we are still trying to get used to one another's playing styles, but I am sure that will come with practise. I am excited for the season ahead and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to play for the Glasgow Rocks and I will do everything I can to make it work.'

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  URUGUAY   


Robert Mitchell lands at Guruyu Waston - by Greg
Guruyu Waston announced the signing of former Seton Hall star Robert Mitchell (198-F-86). The player arrived in Uruguay on last Saturday. He has graduated from Seton Hall in 2009. At his senior year he was averaging 8.4ppg, 3.8rpg in 31 games. In 2007 he was named All-Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year. This summer Robert attended Eurobasket Summer Leagues in Las Vegas and New York. He played well in both of them, but in New Your he was also named Eurobasket Summer League in New York Co-MVP.



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Women News

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  ALL-AFRICA GAMES - Women  


Senegal wins women's basketball final at All Africa Games - by Eurobasket News
Senegal won the women's basketball title at the 10th All Africa Games, beating Angola 64-57 in Maputo on Sunday evening.

Senegal dominated the first half of the opening period before Angola took over to lead the first half 31-28.

Returning to the court, Angola kept the enthusiasm and even enlarged its advantage to five points but did not last long.

Senegal who downed Mozambique en route to the final, overtook the lead for 10 points to enter the last quarter.

Senegal then won more rebounds and stole a string of balls to hold back the attacks from Angola.

'Senegal is an experienced team, that was fundamental for their victory, but Angola also did great,' said Angolan coach.

Courtesy of www.investors.com

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  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Opals celebrate third straight win over Tall Ferns - by Eurobasket News
Australia - New Zealand 82:57

Australia swept Oceania Championship series versus New Zealand. The Opals earned a comfortable victory in Game 3 to complete the sweep. Abby Bishop (189-C-88) scored 21 points to lead the charge.
The Tall Ferns got to a slightly better start to the game. They posted a 20:17 lead after ten minutes of action. But the Opals turned things around in the second frame. Australia outgunned their opponents 27:9 posting a comfortable 44:29 halftime lead. The Tall Ferns stopped the rot in the third quarter. They cut the deficit to 8 points before Abby Bishop made it 53:44 heading into the fourth quarter. The Opals unloaded impressive 29 points in the final stanza to claim a comprehensive win at the end. Suzy Batkovic-Brown (193-C-80) nailed 13 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, while Hanna Zavecz (182-F/G-85) contributed 12 points in the victory. Micaela Cocks (173-G-86, college: Oregon) answered with 17 points for New Zealand. Jillian Harmon (185-F-87, college: Stanford) provided 12 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.

Australia: Abby Bishop 21, Suzy Batkovic-Brown 13, Hanna Zavecz 12
New Zealand: Micaela Cocks 17, Jillian Harmon 12


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  ISRAEL - Women  


KATERINA ZOHNOVA SIGN WITH M. ASHDOD. - by Gil Goshen

M. Ashdod signed today Katerina Zohnova:

2009-2010: Wisla Can-Pack Krakow (Poland-PLKK): Euroleague: 16 games: 6.4ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 52.8%, FT: 83.3%; Polish League: 27 games: 7.8ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 49.4%, FT: 78.1%
2010-2011: Sony Athinaikos (Greece-A1): EuroCup: 10 games: 9.1ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 86.4%, in Mar.'11 moved to Petrolina AEK Larnaca (Cyprus-A1).

She is the last player to sign with Ashdod for the season 2011-12. Katerina Zohnova (179-G-84)

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  NCAA1 - Women  


Erica Prosser gets pro deal in Sweden - by Eurobasket News
Erica Prosser (5'7''-G, college: Lehigh) will start her professional basketball career in Sweden. The American guard signed a one-year deal with Telge Basketball. They won the Swedish league title last season. Prosser heads to Telge from the Lehigh University, where he graduated few months ago. For 32 games last season she averaged 14.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.4 steals. Prosser was named All-Patriot League Player of the Year -11. She helped Lehigh to win the Patriot League Tournament in 2009 and 2010. She was All-Patriot League Player of the Year also in 2009. That season Erica Prosser collected 14.2 pg, 2.9 rpg, 4.4 rpg and 2 spg. Prosser also won the Patriot League All-Academic Team -11 award. She will try to help Telge to defend the title next season.

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  NEW ZEALAND - Women  


Opals celebrate third straight win over Tall Ferns - by Eurobasket News
Australia - New Zealand 82:57

Australia swept Oceania Championship series versus New Zealand. The Opals earned a comfortable victory in Game 3 to complete the sweep. Abby Bishop (189-C-88) scored 21 points to lead the charge.
The Tall Ferns got to a slightly better start to the game. They posted a 20:17 lead after ten minutes of action. But the Opals turned things around in the second frame. Australia outgunned their opponents 27:9 posting a comfortable 44:29 halftime lead. The Tall Ferns stopped the rot in the third quarter. They cut the deficit to 8 points before Abby Bishop made it 53:44 heading into the fourth quarter. The Opals unloaded impressive 29 points in the final stanza to claim a comprehensive win at the end. Suzy Batkovic-Brown (193-C-80) nailed 13 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, while Hanna Zavecz (182-F/G-85) contributed 12 points in the victory. Micaela Cocks (173-G-86, college: Oregon) answered with 17 points for New Zealand. Jillian Harmon (185-F-87, college: Stanford) provided 12 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.

Australia: Abby Bishop 21, Suzy Batkovic-Brown 13, Hanna Zavecz 12
New Zealand: Micaela Cocks 17, Jillian Harmon 12


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  POLAND - Women  


Optimum TED Ankara Koleji signs Polish PF/C Izabela Piekarska - by Eurobasket News
Izabela Piekarska (196-C/F-85, college: UTEP) will continue her career in Turkey. The Polish power forward/center penned a one-year deal with Optimum TED Ankara Koleji. Piekarska heads to Ankara from KSSSE AZS PWSZ Gorzow, where she spent last two seasons. In the latest one she had 10.9 ppg and 5.6 rpg in 34 PLKK games. She also added 7.1 ppg and 4.1 rpg for 9 Euroleague games. Piekarska had slightly lowed digits in PLKK two years ago and slightly better in Euroleague. In 2008/09, Izabela Piekarska played for Turkish Ceyhan. She had 8.5 ppg and 6.7 rpg for 15 games in TBBL. Piekarska spent some time with Bnot Ranana Hasharon that season. She graduated at University of Texas at El Paso in 2008.

Lotos Gdynia signs center Justyna Zurowska - by Eurobasket News
Lotos Gdynia added another player to its roster for the upcoming season. Justyna Zurowska (188-C-85) signed a one-year deal with Lotos. She spent last couple of years with KSSSE AZS PWSZ Gorzow. Zurowska helped them reach PLKK Semifinals last season. She had 12.1 ppg and 6.4 rpg in 36 games. In Euroleague, Zurowska added 8.6 ppg and 4.6 rpg for 10 games. Justyna Zurowska and her teammates reached PLKK Finals in 2009 and 2010, but failed to win the title. She was one of their best players in both years. Justyna Zurowska is active member of the Polish National Team. She played for them at the European Championships in Poland this summer. For six games Zurowska collected 5.5 ppg and 2.8 rpg. She is a member of the Polish NT since 2008.

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  PUERTO RICO - Women  


BSNF Round 6: San German defeats leader Carolina G. - by Eurobasket News
The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with loss of the undefeated team, and even winless team recording their first victory.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Carolina G. (2-1) on the court of second ranked San German on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by San German 71-65. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Carolina G.. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 23-10. But Carolina G. won third quarter 21-10. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Carolina G. 43-28 including a 33-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. 27 personal fouls committed by Carolina G. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for American forward Candyce Bingham (183-F-86, college: Louisville) (183-86, college: Louisville) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 17 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward Zacha Gonzalez (175-87) contributed with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American forward Lindsay Laur (182, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) replied with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for Carolina G.Carolina G.'s coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. San German maintains second position with 5-1 record having just 0 victories less than leader Morovis M. Defending champion Carolina G. dropped to the fourth place with one game lost. San German are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Aguas B.T. (#8) in the next round where they are favorite. Carolina G. will have a break next round.
Another interesting game for Juncos V. (3-2) which played on the court of Guaynabo M. (2-3). Fourth ranked Juncos V. won 85-77. The former international Yahimily Cabrera (-82) had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Renee Taylor chipped in 23 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was American forward Dominic Seals (188-87, college: Texas Tech) with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 15 rebounds. Juncos V. have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Guaynabo M. at the other side keeps the fifth position with three games lost. Juncos V. will play against San Juan W. (#7) in the next round. Guaynabo M. will have a break next round.
San Juan W.'s fans can finally celebrate the first win of their team after three consecutive loses. The victory is especially important as it came on the road game in , where they outplayed Aguas B.T. (0-6) 83-63 on Tuesday. Tocara Ross notched a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds to lead the effort. Even a double-double of 16 points and 18 rebounds by Madeline Ramirez did not help to save the game for Aguas B.T.. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. San Juan W. (1-3) left bottom position moving up to sixth place, which they share with Ponce L. It was Aguas B.T.'s fourth loss in a row. They still closes the standings with six games lost. San Juan W. will meet higher ranked Juncos V. (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Aguas B.T. will play against the league's second-placed San German (#2) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Bottom-ranked Aguas B.T. is still unable to win any game. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their sixth consecutive match to second ranked San German (5-1) 86-45. The best player for the winners was Candyce Bingham who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. San German maintains second position with 5-1 record having just 0 victories less than leader Morovis M. Aguas B.T. at the other side still closes the standings with six games lost. San German will have a break next round. Aguas B.T. will play again against the league's second-placed San German (#2) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
The game in was also quite interesting. Fifth ranked Guaynabo M. (2-3) played at the court of 6th ranked Ponce L. (1-3). Guaynabo M. managed to secure a 8-point victory 89-81 on Sunday. It was a good game for Dominic Seals who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds. Guaynabo M. maintains fifth position with 2-3 record. Loser Ponce L. keeps the sixth place with three games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

The most impressive performance of 6th round was 25 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists by Nikki Teasley of Ponce L..

Aguas B.T. - San German 45-86

Bottom-ranked Aguas B.T. is still unable to win any game. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their sixth consecutive match to second ranked San German (5-1) 86-45. The game without a history. San German led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They held Aguas B.T. to an opponent 20.2 percent shooting from the field compared to 44.6 percent accuracy of the winners and made 16-of-20 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game. San German forced 19 Aguas B.T. turnovers and outrebounded them 62-45 including a 43-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. San German brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. The best player for the winners was American forward Candyce Bingham (183-86, college: Louisville) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds. The other American import center Angelica Bermudez (185, college: Kean) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American Taisha Jones who recorded 12 points and 5 rebounds and Lizbeth Rivera added 8 points and 9 rebounds respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. San German maintains second position with 5-1 record having just 0 victories less than leader Morovis M. Aguas B.T. at the other side still closes the standings with six games lost. San German will have a break next round. Aguas B.T. will play again against the league's second-placed San German (#2) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Aguas B.T.: R.Quinones 12+3reb, I.Jones 12+5reb, L.Rivera 8+9reb, J.Banks 5+7reb+1ast, I.Rodriguez 5+6reb+2ast, M.Ramirez 2+1reb+1ast
San German: C.Bingham 20+14reb+1ast, S.Jelks 18+7reb+3ast, A.Bermudez 14+15reb+4ast, L.Falcon 9+5reb+1ast, Z.Gonzalez 7+6reb+3ast, M.Rosario 5+2reb
gschID: 133145


Aguas B.T. - San Juan W. 63-83

San Juan W.'s fans can finally celebrate the first win of their team after three consecutive loses. The victory is especially important as it came on the road game in , where they outplayed Aguas B.T. (0-6) 83-63 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by San Juan W.. Aguas B.T. managed to win third quarter 19-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Aguas B.T. to just 6 points in second quarter. San Juan W. dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Aguas B.T.'s 26. San Juan W. forced 27 Aguas B.T. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Aguas B.T.'s players. American Tocara Ross notched a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import forward Holly Mahan (183-86, college: Towson) supported her with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Four San Juan W. players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 16 points and 18 rebounds by Madeline Ramirez did not help to save the game for Aguas B.T.. Ileana Rodriguez added 12 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. San Juan W. (1-3) left bottom position moving up to sixth place, which they share with Ponce L. It was Aguas B.T.'s fourth loss in a row. They still closes the standings with six games lost. San Juan W. will meet higher ranked Juncos V. (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Aguas B.T. will play against the league's second-placed San German (#2) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Aguas B.T.: M.Ramirez 16+18reb, L.Blanco 12, I.Rodriguez 12+4reb+3ast, L.Rivera 8+6reb+3ast, M.Villegas 6+5reb+2ast, T.Jones 4+7reb+1ast
San Juan W.: T.Ross 20+11reb, H.Mahan 17+8reb+1ast, L.Vazquez 12+7reb, N.Montalvo 10+3reb+10ast, M.Flagg 5+3reb+8ast, T.De La Paz 5+3reb+2ast
gschID: 133146


San German - Carolina G. 71-65

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Carolina G. (2-1) on the court of second ranked San German on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by San German 71-65. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Carolina G.. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 23-10. But Carolina G. won third quarter 21-10. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Carolina G. 43-28 including a 33-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. 27 personal fouls committed by Carolina G. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for American forward Candyce Bingham (183-86, college: Louisville) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 17 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward Zacha Gonzalez (175-87) contributed with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Four San German players scored in double figures. American forward Lindsay Laur (182, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) replied with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and her fellow American import guard Estefania Flores (155, college: Barton, NC) added 13 points, 5 assists and 4 steals in the effort for Carolina G.Carolina G.'s coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. San German maintains second position with 5-1 record having just 0 victories less than leader Morovis M. Defending champion Carolina G. dropped to the fourth place with one game lost. San German are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Aguas B.T. (#8) in the next round where they are favorite. Carolina G. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Carolina G.: L.Laur 26+9reb+4ast, E.Flores 13+1reb+5ast, E.Mangum 7+1reb, M.Blake 6+5reb+2ast, A.Rockwell 5+1reb+1ast, R.Rodriguez 5+2reb
San German: S.Jelks 19+5reb+1ast, C.Bingham 17+17reb+5ast, Z.Gonzalez 14+8reb+4ast, A.Bermudez 12+7reb+3ast, K.Colon 7+3reb+3ast, L.Falcon 2+2reb
gschID: 133147


Guaynabo M. - Juncos V. 77-85

Another interesting game for Juncos V. (3-2) which played on the court of Guaynabo M. (2-3). Fourth ranked Juncos V. won 85-77. It looked good early as Guaynabo M. took an 7-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Juncos V. had a 33-13 second period charge getting the lead and Guaynabo M. was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 77-85. Juncos V. forced 19 Guaynabo M. turnovers. The former international Yahimily Cabrera (-82) had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Renee Taylor chipped in 23 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was American forward Dominic Seals (188-87, college: Texas Tech) with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 15 rebounds and her fellow American import guard Monique Martin (180-83, college: Brewton Parker) scored 21 points and 6 rebounds. Four Guaynabo M. players scored in double figures. Juncos V. have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Guaynabo M. at the other side keeps the fifth position with three games lost. Juncos V. will play against San Juan W. (#7) in the next round. Guaynabo M. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Guaynabo M.: M.Martin 21+6reb+1ast, D.Seals 19+15reb+3ast, C.Wiley 13+4reb+4ast, S.Roman 10+3reb+2ast, M.Figueroa 8+2reb+1ast, J.Cortijo 4+3reb
Juncos V.: R.Taylor 23+5reb+2ast, Y.Cabrera 18+10reb+4ast, K.Willoughy 14+12reb, M.McClean 9+4reb+6ast, J.Ortega 9+3reb+1ast, T.Lanza 6+3reb
gschID: 133148


Ponce L. - Guaynabo M. 81-89

The game in was also quite interesting. Fifth ranked Guaynabo M. (2-3) played at the court of 6th ranked Ponce L. (1-3). Guaynabo M. managed to secure a 8-point victory 89-81 on Sunday. The guests trailed by 6 points at the halftime before their 52-38 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Guaynabo M. made 29-of-35 free shots (82.9 percent) during the game. Ponce L. was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American forward Dominic Seals (188-87, college: Texas Tech) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds. Sonia Roman contributed with 16 points, 7 assists and 4 steals (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!) for the winners. American guard Nikki Teasley (183-79, college: N.Carolina) replied with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and Senegalese forward Marie Rosche (188-87, college: Dayton) added 12 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Ponce L.Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Guaynabo M. maintains fifth position with 2-3 record. Loser Ponce L. keeps the sixth place with three games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Ponce L.: N.Teasley 25+8reb+5ast, J.Batiz 13+5reb+2ast, A.Bland 13+8reb+2ast, M.Rosche 12+11reb+4ast, K.Merchant 7+7reb+1ast, S.Pacheco 6+1reb+2ast
Guaynabo M.: D.Seals 25+10reb+2ast, S.Roman 16+3reb+7ast, M.Martin 15+6reb+2ast, M.Dunn 10+3reb+5ast, A.Roman 7+4reb+2ast, M.Figueroa 6+5reb
gschID: 138568




Seals' double-double lands her Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
24-year old forward Dominic Seals (188-F-87) put on an amazing game in the last week for Guaynabo M. and receives a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for week 6.
She had a double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds, while her team beat Ponce L. (#6, 1-3) 89-81. Guaynabo M. maintains the 5th position in BSF. Guaynabo M. is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 2-3 record. Seals turned to be Guaynabo M.'s top player in her first season with the team. Texas Tech University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Seals is in league's top in rebounds (6th best: 11.3rpg) and averages solid 2.0bpg and 2.3spg.

Second best performed player last week was Lindsay Laur (182-F) of Carolina G.. She is American forward in her first season at Carolina G.. In the last game Laur recorded impressive 26 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Bad luck as Carolina G. lost that game 65-71 to slightly higher-ranked San German (#2, 5-1). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Carolina G. still maintains its place in the top 4 of the standings, even despite this loss. Her team's 2-1 record is not bad at all. Laur is a newcomer at Carolina G. and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Nikki Teasley (183-G-79) of Ponce L. (#6). Teasley showcased her all-around game by recording 25 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the last week. Despite Teasley's great performance Ponce L. lost 81-89 to slightly higher-ranked Guaynabo M. (#5, 2-3). But her team cannot count on just a single player as she also needs help of the other teammates. Ponce L. can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 1-3 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Teasley she does not play for a better team. But maybe if she did, her season stats would not be that high. Teasley has individually a great season in Puerto Rico. After only 2 games, she made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 6.5apg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Candyce Bingham (183-F-86) of San German - 20 points and 14 rebounds
5. Madeline Ramirez) of Aguas B.T. - 16 points and 18 rebounds
6. Candyce Bingham (183-F-86) of San German - 17 points, 17 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Yahimily Cabrera (82) of Juncos V. - 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Simone Jelks (180-F/G-86) of San German - 18 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Tocara Ross) of San Juan W. - 20 points and 11 rebounds

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Standings - Women
BSNF Standings
 1. Morovis M. 7-0 
 2. San German 6-1 
 3. Juncos V. 3-3 
 4. Guaynabo M. 3-3 
 5. Carolina G. 2-2 
 6. San Juan W. 2-4 
 7. Ponce L. 1-4 
 8. Aguas B.T. 0-7 


Stats Leaders - Superleague 25
Points Per Game
 Monique MARTIN
  Guaynabo.
  (180-G-83)
  Avg: 23.2
 1. Martin, Guaynabo.23.2 
 2. Bingham, San G.21.0 
 3. Williams, Morovis21.0 
 4. Laur, Carolina G.20.0 
 5. Raven, Morovis M.19.0 
 6. Ross, San Juan W.18.7 
 7. Teasley, Ponce L.17.0 
 8. Bland, Ponce L.16.6 
 9. Seals, Guaynabo M.15.7 
 10. Batiz, Ponce L.15.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Candyce BINGHAM
  San G.
  (183-F-86)
  Avg: 12.9
 1. Bingham, San G.12.9 
 2. Rosigi, Morovis M.12.0 
 3. Pineiro, Morovis M.12.0 
 4. Seals, Guaynabo M.11.7 
 5. Williams, Morovis10.7 
 6. Martin, Guaynabo.10.3 
 7. Blake, Carolina G.10.3 
 8. Ross, San Juan W.10.2 
 9. Rosche, Ponce L.9.8 
 10. Willoughy, Juncos9.4 
Assists Per Game
 Yahimily CABRERA
  Juncos V.
  (--82)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Cabrera, Juncos V.6.5 
 2. Teasley, Ponce L.5.5 
 3. Raven, Morovis M.5.2 
 4. Montalvo, San J.5.0 
 5. Bingham, San G.4.7 
 6. Flagg, San Juan W.4.5 
 7. Flores, Carolina G.4.3 
 8. Williams, Morovis3.8 
 9. Figueroa, Morov.3.5 
 10. Rosche, Ponce L.3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Nikki TEASLEY
  Ponce L.
  (183-G-79)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Teasley, Ponce L.3.8 
 2. Williams, Morovis3.5 
 3. Flores, Carolina G.3.3 
 4. Cabrera, Juncos V.3.2 
 5. Mahan, San Juan W.3.2 
 6. Raven, Morovis M.3.0 
 7. Figueroa, Morov.3.0 
 8. Roman, Guaynabo M.3.0 
 9. Montalvo, San J.2.8 
 10. Martin, Guaynabo.2.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Kim WILLOUGHY
  Juncos V.
  (--)
  Avg: 2
 1. Willoughy, Juncos2.0 
 2. Ramirez, Aguas B.1.3 
 3. Seals, Guaynabo M.1.3 
 4. Bingham, San G.1.3 
 5. Williams, Morovis1.2 
 6. Jones, Juncos V.1.0 
 7. Williams, Aguas B.1.0 
 8. Martin, Guaynabo.1.0 
 9. Rosche, Ponce L.0.8 
 10. Raven, Morovis M.0.8 


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  ROMANIA - Women  


ICIM Arad bring in Kaitlin Sowinski - by Eurobasket News
ICIM Arad have ensured the services of another import player. They agreed on terms of contract with Kaitlin Sowinski (196-C-86, college: Sacred Heart). Last season the centre played in Italy. She was the member of Pool Commense squad. Kaitlin Sowinski tallied 1.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game in A1 League. Previously Kaitlin Sowinski played in Portugal for CAB Madeira. Eurobasket.com named her All-Portuguese League Defensive Player of the Year in 2010.


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  SENEGAL - Women  


Senegal wins women's basketball final at All Africa Games - by Eurobasket News
Senegal won the women's basketball title at the 10th All Africa Games, beating Angola 64-57 in Maputo on Sunday evening.

Senegal dominated the first half of the opening period before Angola took over to lead the first half 31-28.

Returning to the court, Angola kept the enthusiasm and even enlarged its advantage to five points but did not last long.

Senegal who downed Mozambique en route to the final, overtook the lead for 10 points to enter the last quarter.

Senegal then won more rebounds and stole a string of balls to hold back the attacks from Angola.

'Senegal is an experienced team, that was fundamental for their victory, but Angola also did great,' said Angolan coach.

Courtesy of www.investors.com

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  SERBIA - Women  


Marija Prlja moved to Alexandria - by Dragana Vukovic
After she spent 5 years in Vozdovac Beograd, Marija Prlja (162-G-87) decided to move abroad.She had several offers from Greece and Turkey,but she decided to continue her carrier in Romania.She signed one year deal with BCT Alexandria.Last season she 10.9 points,3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in Adriatic league.In season 2009/10 she was Eurobasket.com All-Serbian Newcomer of the Year,Defensive Player of the Year,League 2nd Team,All-Defensive Team and All-Newcomers Team.Last several seasons she was the spiritus movens of Vozdovac Beograd.

Tamara Radocaj signed for Partizan - by Dragana Vukovic
Tamara Radocaj (168-G-87)j played all her carrier in Hemofarm Stada Vrsac,but this season she decided to move to ZKK Partizan Galenika Beograd.Very ambitious management of ZKK Partizan Galenika Beograd made a one year deal with Tamara Radocaj (168-G-87).Last season she averaged 6.6 points,2.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in Serbian Championship and 10.8 points,4.3 rebounds,4.8 assists during Play Offs.In season 2008/09 she was Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Domestic Player of the Year.This season she will have a chance to play in Fiba Cup,Adriatic League and Serbian Championship with ZKK Partizan Galenika Beograd.

Radivoj Korac keeps coach Dragan Vukovic - by Dragana Vukovic
The management of Radivoj Korac Beograd extended contract with coach Dragan Vukovic .For the upcoming season team will be younger than ever.He is a well known coach on work with young players.From the 2001 he was with different young Serbian National Teams.In season 2008/09 he was Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Coach of the Year.Assistant coach of Radivoj Korac Beograd will stay Milos Pavlovic .He is one of the most perspective coaches in Serbia.This summer he was with U16 Serbian National Team.New face is physical preparation coach Ivan Zaric.During this summer he was working as a physical preparation coach of U20 and U16 Serbian National Teams.Ex physical preparation coach Nikola Perisic moved to Russia in Gomelski Academy.

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  TURKEY - Women  


Optimum TED Ankara Koleji signs Polish PF/C Izabela Piekarska - by Eurobasket News
Izabela Piekarska (196-C/F-85, college: UTEP) will continue her career in Turkey. The Polish power forward/center penned a one-year deal with Optimum TED Ankara Koleji. Piekarska heads to Ankara from KSSSE AZS PWSZ Gorzow, where she spent last two seasons. In the latest one she had 10.9 ppg and 5.6 rpg in 34 PLKK games. She also added 7.1 ppg and 4.1 rpg for 9 Euroleague games. Piekarska had slightly lowed digits in PLKK two years ago and slightly better in Euroleague. In 2008/09, Izabela Piekarska played for Turkish Ceyhan. She had 8.5 ppg and 6.7 rpg for 15 games in TBBL. Piekarska spent some time with Bnot Ranana Hasharon that season. She graduated at University of Texas at El Paso in 2008.

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  UBA - Women  


Lady Generals add Reyana Colson - by UBA media
The GIE Lady Disciples announced the signing of NCAA star Reyana Colson (5'6''-G, agency: World Sport Agency). The 22-year-old guard played for Cal State Stanislaus last season. The senior guard holds the third-best scoring average in the nation at the Division II level with 21.6 points per game.

Colson is one of the best guards in the country and were honored to have her in the WUBA, said Commissioner Johnson. I am very excited about this season.

Currently on the CPP all-time leaderboards, she ranks fifth in points with 1,768. Colson has also racked up 20 double-double performances in her four years wearing the Bronco uniform. On Feb. 19 against Cal State Stanislaus, Colson set a new career high for points in a single game with 35.

With all of her accomplishments this season, the Compton native also is a candidate for the Division II National Player of the Year Award.

When you can sign a 1st Team All-American this early your on pace for greatness, said Johnson. Colson will not be here long, thats for sure.

The Generals will also attend the WUBA National Combine in Atlanta, GA. For more information please contact Mr. Johnson at .







Hartman shines in WUBA national scrimmage - by UBA media
Sept. 2, 2011
Mike Allen Reports

ATLANTA, GA. WUBA National Tryout and Pre Season Scrimmage was a great success!! With the WUBA draft just a month away, females from all over came to showcase their talent in front of WUBA head coaches and GMs

'I was very excited to see the talent level we had out there', said WUBA Commissioner Jared Johnson. This will be a great season for womens professional basketball.

Surprisingly the WUBA national tryout hosted some of the top talent in the country with the likes of Shantel Ragin (5'10''-F/G-87, agency: Promotex, college: Clayton St.) (11 Import Player of the Year in Ukraine), Tara Breske (5'11''-F-88) and of course Patechia 'Phat' Hartman (5'7''-G-83, college: Georgia St.).

Playing two 20-minute halves with a running clock, the White team simply dominated the entire scrimmage. Tara Breske scored a red team high with 29 points and 9 rebounds. Patechia 'Phat' Hartman put her stamp on the entire combine with a 41 point performance in just 34 minutes.

'Hartman looked like she was back at Georgia State the way she was shooting the ball', said Johnson. It will be great to see her back doing what she loves.

Hartman was a standout at Georgia State from 2001-2005. She was named 1st team All-Conference 4x and Conference Player of the Year back to back. State honored Hartman with the unveiling for her jersey in 06. After a great career in college Hartman played professional basketball in Hungry, WUBA vet camp and the WBCBL.

The GIE Lady Disciples have already announce her as the top pick in the WUBA draft in October and look for her to carry not only the team but the league to the next level.

Phat is a once in a lifetime talent and person, said Disciples GM Andy Baker. She is what I like to call the Super Cooper of your league. It will be very exciting to see her return to the game she loves.

The WUBA will host its final national tryout September 10th at 8pm. For more information please contact Jared Johnson at 678-358-4577.



WUBA to send 1st player to Europe: Colson to Iceland - by UBA media
KR Reykjavik has sign Reyana Colson (5'6''-G, agency: World Sport Agency, college: Cal Poly Pomona) guard from D-2 College Cal Poly Pomona team that went to Sweet Sixteen last season

KR Reykjavik also sign Sigrun Amundadottir, a former player of the team last season she played in NF 2 in France

Colson is the first WUBA player to sign in europe. That means great news for the league and bad news for the Lady Generals.

'She will be missed', said Generals coach Johnson. It's always a great thing for the WUBA to get a player signed before she ever plays. It just shows the impact the UBA has on our brand.

From Iceland news on Eurobasket.com



2011 WUBA Draft Lottery Results: Analysis, News, & Rumors - by UBA media

ATLANTA: Maybe the Lady Disciples can convince whomever they take with the No. 1 pick almost everyone thinks it will be Georgia States point guard Patechia 'Phat' Hartman (5'7''-G-83, college: Georgia St.) at the October 22 WUBA Draft.
The Lady Disciples have been rumored to hold not only the #1 draft spot but also the rights to the #5 pick with the trade of future 1st round pick with Ohio.

Cincinnati Lady Slam hold the rights to the 2nd pick but are looking for a trade if Patechia 'Phat' Hartman isnt available.

The Lady Generals hold the 3rd pick due to the loss of franchise point guard Reyana Colson (5'6''-G, agency: World Sport Agency, college: Cal Poly Pomona). The WUBA shipped Colson to Iceland to play for KR Reykjavik. The Lady Generals are eyeing Eurobasket.com All-European Import Player of the Year Shantel Ragin (5'10''-F/G-87, agency: Promotex, college: Clayton St.) from Clayton State University. Ragin spent last season in Ukraine averaging 20.0ppg and a league high 11.4rpg.

1. GIE Lady Disciples -
2. Cinncinatti Lady Slam -
3. Southern Lady Generals -
4. Tennessee Lady Dragons -
5. Metro Atlanta Sparks -
6. Atlanta Lady Assault -
7. Queen City Lady Gamblers -
8. Sharonville Lady Flight -
9. Seven Hills Lady Fury -


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


Last games of the regular season - by Eurobasket News
Tulsa S. - S.Antonio SS 94-102
Danielle Robinson (5'9''-G-89, college: Oklahoma), who led the Oklahoma Sooners to two Final Four appearances, scored a career-high 36 points to lead the San Antonio Silver Stars to a 102-94 overtime victory over the Tulsa Shock. Andrea Riley, from Oklahoma State, scored a career-best 20 points for the Shock (3-31), who set the WNBA record for fewest wins in a season. Sheryl Swoopes (6'0''-F/G-71, college: Texas Tech) also had 20 points for Tulsa, followed by Tiffany Jackson with 19, Liz Cambage with 15 and Amber Holt with 11. Joining Robinson in double figures for the Silver Stars (18-16) was Jia Perkins, who had 22 points, including four 3-pointers and Danielle Adams, who finished with 14 points. *Courtesy of www.kxnet.com

Seattle S. - Chicago S. 81-70
Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) and Camille Little (6'2''-F/G-85, college: N.Carolina) had 17 points apiece to lead the defending WNBA champion Seattle Storm to an 81-70 win over the Chicago Sky on Sunday night. Swin Cash added 15, and Sue Bird had 10 for Seattle (21-13), which has won eight of nine. The Storm had already secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Sylvia Fowles scored 19 of her 30 points in the fourth quarter to lead Chicago (14-20), which finished fifth in the Eastern Conference and failed to make the playoffs. Fowles made all 12 of her free throw attempts. Cathrine Kraayeveld added 12 points for Chicago. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Connecticut S. - New York L. 69-63
The Connecticut Sun entered the regular season finale against New York on Sunday not knowing where they would finish in the standings or who they would face in the first round of the WNBA's Eastern Conference playoffs. A season of must-win games had come down to one more. 'It was a playoff atmosphere for both teams, and that's how we played it,' said the Sun's Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut). In need of a victory to secure second place and home court in the first round, the Sun defeated the Liberty, 69-63. After missing the playoffs the last two seasons, the Sun begin against Atlanta on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Mohegan Sun Arena in the first game of their best-of-three series. Game 2 will be Sunday at 3 p.m. in Atlanta and Game 3, if necessary, would be Tuesday at home at a time to be determined. The Sun and Dream split their four games this season, each winning at home. Connecticut finished tied with Indiana for the best record (21-13) in the conference after the Dream beat the Fever, 93-88. But Indiana earned the top seed based on head-to-head play. 'It's definitely a big advantage for us,' Sun center Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) said of home-court advantage. 'It helps us because of the way we are playing at home [15-2] and because it allows our fans to come out and help us even more.' Charles had 18 points and 11 rebounds for her 23rd double-double in 34 games, which broke her own league record set last season as a rookie. *Courtesy of www.courant.com

Indiana F. - Atlanta D. 88-93
The Atlanta Dream had a modest goal on the last day of the regular season - lock up the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. They got it done with a 93-88 victory over the top-seeded Indiana Fever on Sunday night. Angel McCoughtry led the Dream (20-14) with 32 points, seven in the fourth quarter when Atlanta broke open a 71-71 tie with a 13-4 spurt. The Dream kept the Fever (21-13) scoreless for 3 minutes. 'I thought it was a hard-fought game,' Dream coach Marynell Meadors said. 'It was a cat and mouse game with the starters. Lin (Dunn) would be two in, I would put two in.' That's how it went at the start, with the teams separated by no more than eight points in the first quarter. Then the Dream started beating Indiana on the boards. Early in the second quarter, the Fever had only one offensive rebound - 10 fewer than Atlanta. Midway through the period, the Fever had seven turnovers and just nine rebounds. The Dream countered with 20 rebounds. 'I am disappointed that we did not do a better job on the boards,' Dunn said. 'You cannot give up 19 offensive rebounds and beat anybody. It's unfortunate because I thought we could steal a game from Atlanta.' Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) scored 30 points for the Fever, including 16 points on four 3-pointers in the second quarter. Reserve Jessica Davenport (6'5''-C-85, college: Ohio St.) scored 15 points, and Tangela Smith had 14. Alison Bales scored 15 points, and Lindsey Harding added 13 for the Dream. *Courtesy of www.chron.com

Phoenix M. - Minnesota L. 90-96
Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut), Monica Wright (5'11''-F-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Virginia) and Seimone Augustus all scored 15 points and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Phoenix Mercury 96-90 on Sunday in the regular-season finale for both teams. As the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs, Minnesota (27-7) will host San Antonio on Friday in the opener of the best-of-3 semifinal series. Third-place Phoenix (19-15) will travel to Seattle for its first game of the playoffs on Thursday. Diana Taurasi led the Mercury with 19 points and won the WNBA scoring title for the fourth consecutive season. She also grabbed five rebounds. *Courtesy of www.kxnet.com

Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Indiana F. 21-13 
 2. Connecticut S. 21-13 
 3. Atlanta D. 20-14 
 4. New York L. 19-15 
 5. Chicago S. 14-20 
 6. Washington M. 6-28 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 27-7 
 2. Seattle S. 21-13 
 3. Phoenix M. 19-15 
 4. S.Antonio SS 18-16 
 5. L.Angeles S. 15-19 
 6. Tulsa S. 3-31 


2011 WNBA Conference Semifinals schedule - by Eurobasket News
Western Conference

Minnesota vs. San Antonio Local EDT National Broadcast
Game 1 - Fri Sept. 16 San Antonio at Minnesota 8:00PM 9:00PM NBA TV
Game 2 - Sun Sept. 18 Minnesota at San Antonio 4:00PM 5:00PM ESPN2
Game 3 * Tue Sept. 20 San Antonio at Minnesota TBD TBD TBD

Seattle vs. Phoenix Local EDT National Broadcast
Game 1 - Thu Sept. 15 Phoenix at Seattle 7:00PM 10:00PM ESPN2
Game 2 - Sat Sept. 17 Seattle at Phoenix 7:00PM 10:00PM NBA TV
Game 3 * Mon Sept. 19 Phoenix at Seattle 7:00PM 10:00PM ESPN2


Eastern Conference

Indiana vs. New York Local EDT National Broadcast
Game 1 - Thu Sept. 15 New York at Indiana 8:00PM 8:00PM ESPN2
Game 2 - Sat Sept. 17 Indiana at New York 4:00PM 4:00PM NBA TV
Game 3 * Mon Sept. 19 New York at Indiana 8:00PM 8:00PM ESPN2

Connecticut vs. Atlanta Local EDT National Broadcast
Game 1 - Fri Sept. 16 Atlanta at Connecticut 7:00PM 7:00PM NBA TV
Game 2 - Sun Sept. 18 Connecticut at Atlanta 3:00PM 3:00PM ESPN2
Game 3 * Tue Sept. 20 Atlanta at Connecticut TBD TBD TBD



Taurasi, Taylor ink extensions to stay with Mercury - by Eurobasket News
The Phoenix Mercury signed guard Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) and forward Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) to multi-year contract extensions on Monday.

Taurasi tied Atlanta's Angel McCoughtry for the league lead in scoring, averaging 21.6 points per game. The 2009 WNBA MVP, Taurasi also averaged 3.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds this season.

Taylor averaged 16.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.7 steals in 2011.

'Diana and Penny have been the face of this franchise for eight years and we look forward to that remaining true for years to come,' said Phoenix president/GM Ann Meyers Drysdale. 'Their loyalty to this franchise and commitment to excellence on the court has taken us to elite status in the WNBA. Their incredible accomplishments, personality and professionalism have made them two of the most recognizable and respected players in the league.'

The Mercury finished the regular season with a 19-15 record and will begin their quest for a third title since 2007 on Thursday, when they visit the defending champion Seattle Storm in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

McCoughtry and Smith named Players of the Week - by Eurobasket News
The Atlanta Dream's Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) and the Seattle Storm's Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) were named the WNBA's Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Sept. 5 through Sunday, Sept. 11.

For McCoughtry, the Player of the Week award is her fourth of the season, tying the Connecticut Sun's Tina Charles for the most weekly honors. This is Smith's first Player of the Week for the season and the third time a Storm player has earned the honor (Swin Cash, July 5; Sue Bird, July 11).

McCoughtry helped the Dream go 2-0 as it secured the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. For the week, McCoughtry led the league in scoring (33.5 ppg) and blocks (3.0 bpg). McCoughtry's 33.5 scoring average was nearly 12 points better than her season average of 21.6 ppg. McCoughtry finished the season less than a tenth of a point behind Phoenix's Diana Taurasi (21.63 ppg) for the league-lead in scoring in what was the closest such race in WNBA history.

In a 93-88 victory over the top-seeded Indiana Fever Sunday, McCoughtry led the Dream (20-14) with 32 points, including seven in the fourth quarter when Atlanta broke open a 71-71 tie with a 13-4 spurt. McCoughtry started the week with a 35-point effort as the Dream moved into third place in the conference with an 85-74 victory over the Connecticut Sun last Tuesday.

Smith helped the Storm clinch the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, leading Seattle to consecutive wins during the week. Smith ranked third in the conference in scoring (21.5 ppg) and three-point field goal percentage (.714), and eighth in steals (1.5 spg).

In Sunday's 81-70 win over Chicago, Smith became the third WNBA player to score 6,000 points when she hit a three-pointer in the first quarter. Smith finished the game with 17 points to give her 6,015 for her career, which ranks third all time behind Tina Thompson and Lisa Leslie. Two night earlier, the 13-year veteran scored 11 of her season-high 26 points in the third quarter to lead the Storm past Phoenix, 85-70 and clinch home-court advantage against the Mercury in the playoffs.

Smith has won Player of the Week honors five times during her WNBA career, most recently for the week of June 2-8, 2008.

Other candidates for WNBA Players of the Week were Connecticut's Tina Charles, Los Angeles' DeLisha Milton-Jones, Phoenix's Diana Taurasi, Tulsa's Liz Cambage, and San Antonio's Becky Hammon.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com