EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/14/2011

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Men News

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  ACPBL   


Two other signings from New York City 524 - by Gianni Pascucci
The new ACPBL, NY based team continues its signing barrage on New York City by agreeing to terms with Aaron Collins and Kurt Cuffy. Both players are well known in the NYC basketball scene for their defensive skills and the abilty to win. But the two players are both coming from overseas. Collins (6'0'-G) hails from Leeds, United Kingdom, is better known as 'muff' and has earn his stripes on the courts of NY. This season he looks to bring his talents the fast growing ACPBL. Cuffy (6'7'-F) is a Trinadadian born power forward in the last few years has taken the New York City scene by storm.

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  ARGENTINA   


Liga A friendly matches - by Facundo Iatzky
Wtih only less than two weeks more for the beginning of the league, teams finish their preparation with some friendly matches. This is the recap:
Boca juniors won to Ciudad Bragado 98-75 in an international tournament that is played in Zarate. For the same tournament, Obras sanitarias defeated Bigua of Uruguay 94-59.
La Union formosa defeated Regatas Corrientes 76-72. Gabriel Mikulas (201-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: E.Carolina) and Ruben Wolkowyski were the keys of the victory.
Monte hermoso basket (TNA) won the 'Copa Chubut' after beating Gimnasia Comodoro and loos with Huracan Trelew.
Libertad Sunchales won a tournament in san Francisco, ater a won in the final against Olimpico La banda 88-74. Stevie Johnson (198-F/C-78, college: Iowa St.) scored 15 points.


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  AUSTRALIA   


Bogut meets with Kings - by Eurobasket News
Australian NBA superstar Andrew Bogut (212-C/F-84, college: Utah) has met with the Sydney Kings to discuss possibly signing with the club for the 2011/12 iiNet NBL Championship season, reports The Daily Telegraph.

Bogut reportedly flew to Sydney on Monday to meet with the Kings as at least three NBL teams vie for the superstars services during the NBA lockout.

'It is obviously a unique market and the Kings are an icon brand here in Sydney, so Sydney's definitely a huge chance,' Bogut said just after meeting Kings general manager David Wolf and the board.

'The insurance is the No. 1 thing at the moment.

'It's definitely an option. There's three teams all up; Adelaide, Sydney and Gold Coast. Still the main hurdle at the moment is the insurance. Once we get a bit more information in the next two to three days we can sit down and make a decision.'

Kings General Manager David Wolf told the Telegraph that Boguts insurance remained the biggest hurdle to clear.

'I can tell you he has a genuine desire to grow the profile of basketball in this country,' Wolf said.

'We've agreed to keep the dialogue between us going and come back to them when we know a little bit more about the insurance.

'Ultimately it's going to come down to who can cover the insurance.'

Bogut also has reportedly confirmed he is not considering offers out of Europe.

Gold Coast Blaze CEO Paul Pamenter meanwhile has told AAP that Boguts insurance could be manageable.

We would love to have him, of course we would, but a lot of questions remain - the insurance element and the lockout duration, he said.

(But) I have done a lot of numbers on how we would commercialise any presence he did have, not purely based on season membership and ticket sales.

There are other ways of off-setting the actual cost of getting him here.

I would be confident we could commercialise any presence he did have, but it's early days at the moment.

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

Standings - SBL
SBL Standings
 1. Lakeside L. 24-2 
 2. Wanneroo W. 18-8 
 3. Cockburn C. 18-8 
 4. Perry Lakes H. 17-9 
 5. Perth R. 15-11 
 6. Stirling S. 15-11 
 7. Willetton T. 15-11 
 8. East Perth E. 15-11 
 9. Goldfield G. 12-14 
 10. Kalamunda E.S. 10-16 
 11. Geraldton B. 9-17 
 12. Rockingham F. 7-19 
 13. Mandurah M. 7-19 
 14. SW Slammers 0-26 


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  AUSTRIA   


Oberwart Gunners and Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions off to a big start - by Eurobasket News
Oberwart Gunners overcame Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions 87:72. The score was tied at 41:41 at the end of the half, while the Grunners pushed the tempo in the second half and won the game. Shaw stepped up with 24 points for the winners and Reed nailed 14. Hannes Artner (185-G-84) posted 13, while Johnson notched 12. Danek replied with 15 points in defeat, whilst Adam Leonard (185-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Missouri St.) and Wade scored 14 each.
Oberwart Gunners beat Baketball Nymburk 90:79. The Austrian team started with 20-19 and had 41-40 at the halftime. The lead grew to 4 points entering the final period as Oberwart Gunners enjoyed 63:59 after thirty minutes. Due to another productive quarter the Austrian squad won the game. Shaw top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Hannes Ochsenhofer (186-G-85)ofer added 18.
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. Adam Adam Leonard (20) and Tiras Wade (16) led a balanced Traiskirchen attack that kept the road-weary visitors at bay. Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) was the top scorer for Nymburk with 18 points. Adam Leonard (20pts), outscored all of Nymburk's American imports combined (17pts).


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  BAHRAIN   


Young Bahrain team - by Patrick Salomon
BAHRAIN'S new-look senior men's national basketball team is 'more than worthy' of flying the kingdom's flag at the upcoming Fiba Asia Championship, according to American head coach Erik Rashad.

Six of the 12 players named to the squad will be making their international debuts at the senior level in the competition, which tips off on Thursday in Wuhan, China, and Rashad says that they will be 'more than capable of holding their own'.

'We have a young team, with half of our guys competing at this level for the very first time, but this is the direction we chose as we are looking toward the future, and I have no doubt that each and every one of our players is more than worthy of representing the country,' Rashad said Monday night prior to the team's departure for the tournament venue.

'I am sure they will show that they are more than capable of holding their own against Asia's best.'

Bahrain's roster for the prestigious 16-team event includes Hussain Shaker, Maytham Jameel, Hesham Sarhan, Mahdi Ashoor, Abdulrahman Ghali (all from Al Ahli Club); Mohammed Abdulmajeed, Bader Abdulla Malabes, Ahmed Malallah (all Muharraq); Ahmed Najaf (Manama); Ebrahim Khabaaz (Isa Town); Mohammed Salman (Al Najma) and Mohammed Nabeel (Bahrain Club).

Only Shaker, Jameel, Abdulmajeed, Malabes, Malallah and Khabaaz have had experience with the senior national team in the past, with Sarhan, Ashoor, Ghali, Najaf, Salman and Nabeel all first-timers.

Manama Club pair Ahmed Al Mutawa and Mohammed Ameer were also named to the team, but will not be participating as Al Mutawa is nursing an injury and Ameer has had difficulty securing the necessary documentation for travel.

The national team delegation that travelled Monday night was headed by Bahrain Basketball Association vice-president Jassim Al Sindi.

Bahrain take on continental powerhouses and hosts China in their opening game on Thursday. Alongside the Bahrainis and Chinese, the Philippines and the UAE are the other two teams in group 'D' of the preliminary round.

Rashad said that Bahrain will be aiming to improve on their best finish ever in the competition, which was 10th several years ago.

'That's our goal, to do better than Bahrain has ever done, and I expect our team to play everyone hard and be competitive no matter who we are facing,' said Rashad, who will be joined on the sidelines by Bahraini assistant coach Ahmed Salman.

'Our preparations for the tournament have been a little slow. We've played just one tune-up game against the US Navy here, which we won, but we haven't really been able to do the work we had hoped to.'

Rashad recently guided the kingdom's under-20 team to an unbeaten record in the controversy-hit GCC Junior Championship, where the nationals were robbed of the gold medal and had to settle for silver.

Following their clash with China on opening night, the Bahrainis take on the UAE in their second game Friday. They then complete the preliminaries against the Philippines on Saturday. The top three at the end of the single round-robin qualify for the main group stage.


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  BALKAN LEAGUE   


Levski returns Hrisimir Dimitrov - by Eurobasket News
Hrisimir Dimitrov (197-G/F-74) is back to Levski after seven years. The veteran G/SF penned a deal for the next season. Dimitrov was a member of Levski from 1999 to 2004. They won the Bulgarian league titles in 2000 and 2001. Levski also was the Cup winner in 2001. Hrisimir Dimitrov left Levski in 2004 for Spartak Pleven, where he stayed until February this year. Dimitrov joined Cherno More, where he shined with 15.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 2.7 apf for 16 games. He had even better numbers with Spartak last season. Hrisimir Dimitrov was named Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Honorable Mention -10, 11. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Domestic Player of the Year -09. Dimitrov played for the Bulgarian National Team from 1996 to 2007.

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  BALTIC LEAGUE   


Siauliai returns Arvydas Siksnius - by Eurobasket News
Arvydas Siksnius (196-F-87, college: Weatherford JC) will play next season for Siauliai. The Lithuanian forward heads to his new/old club from Perlas, where he finished last season. Siksnius had 11 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 12 LKL games with Perlas. He also added 10.4 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 7 games in Baltic league. Siksnius started last season with Lietuvos Rytas, but had limited playing time. Arvydas Siksnius already played for Siauliai in 2009/10. He had 11.4 ppg and 3.4 rpg for them in Baltic league. In EuroCup, Siksnius exploded with 17 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.5 apg for six games that season. In LKL, he had 11 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 2.7 apg. In the past, Arvydas Siksnius was a member of Sakalai, Dextera Jonavos and Klapeida. He spent one year in the US with Weatherford Junior College.

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  BOSNIA   


OKK Celik Zenica signs three new players - by Nedzad Kladusak
OKK Zenica reconstrutcs its team for the upcoming 2011/2012 season. After the departure of Ramo Rizvic and young top prospect Ognjen Kuzmic
Zenica signed PG Amar Merdanovic, former Sloboda forward Mirza Hrncic (203-F/C-86). According to the headcoach Zenica invited Croatian PF Nino Vlaic (207-C/F-87) for a
try-out. In a first preparation match Zenica surprises suffered a 88-91 defeat against lower division team Vitez. Zenica announced that its top prioritiy is to avoid relegation to A1.

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  BRAZIL   


Standings - Paulista, Carioca, Minas G. leagues
Paulista Standings
 1. Winner/Limeira 8-1 
 2. Itabom/Bauru 7-1 
 3. S.Jose/Vinac 7-2 
 4. Paulistano 7-2 
 5. Vivo/Franca 6-2 
 6. Pinheiros/Sky 6-3 
 7. Araraquara 5-3 
 8. Gremio Mogi 5-3 
 9. Rio Claro 4-5 
 10. Americana 3-5 
 11. L.S.B. 3-6 
 12. Jacarei 3-6 
 13. Inter Santos 2-6 
 14. America 1-8 
 15. Sao Caetano 1-8 
 16. XV/Cosan 1-8 


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  BULGARIA   


Levski returns Hrisimir Dimitrov - by Eurobasket News
Hrisimir Dimitrov (197-G/F-74) is back to Levski after seven years. The veteran G/SF penned a deal for the next season. Dimitrov was a member of Levski from 1999 to 2004. They won the Bulgarian league titles in 2000 and 2001. Levski also was the Cup winner in 2001. Hrisimir Dimitrov left Levski in 2004 for Spartak Pleven, where he stayed until February this year. Dimitrov joined Cherno More, where he shined with 15.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 2.7 apf for 16 games. He had even better numbers with Spartak last season. Hrisimir Dimitrov was named Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Honorable Mention -10, 11. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Domestic Player of the Year -09. Dimitrov played for the Bulgarian National Team from 1996 to 2007.

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  CANADA   


Boys Into Ouaters:Girls Pull off Upset at Fiba 3x3 Youth World Championchip - by John Gary
special thanks to basketball canada Day 2 of the first ever FIBA 3x3 Youth World Championchip saw both Canadian teams finish the preliminary round and enter into the play-off round where Canadas girls pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament thus far. The girls closed out preliminary round play versus Russia. The two teams battled throughout the game and stayed within striking distance of one another,but Russia held on to edge Canada 15-14. Paige Crazon{Humboldt SK} led the way offensively for Canada with seven points. With the loss the girls went into the play-off round with the 14th seed and losing three in a row. They would play Russia in the opening game of the play-offs.

CS Municipal Bucuresti sign Jay Mott - by Eurobasket Center
CS Municipal Bucuresti signed 25-year old Canadian guard Jay Mott (196-G-86). Mott played in 2010 at University of Guelph (Canada). He was voted that year to All-OUA West Division 2nd Team. He missed 2010-11 season, so it's very questionable why he was signed by CS Municipal. as there are plenty of better players on the market..

By Eurobasket Data Center

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  COLOMBIA   


CUCUTA - NORTE, READY FOR THE CUP - by Victor Garcia
Cucuta Norte is almost ready to face the 2011 Federation Cup with a roster mixing veterans and young players.
Edgar Moreno will be the team leader for the third straight year, and will have again his partner Eleuterio Renteria running at his side, the imports will be: Nikola Kuga from Serbia a shooter that will fill the small forward sport , the great surprise of the Venezuelan National team in the Pre-olimpic tournament Windy Gratero and the veteran center Norman Nolan .
Fernando Caballero will be the head coach , handling an elite team for the first time in his career.

TEAM ROSTER CUCUTA - NORTE:

EDGAR MORENO (1,90 -G)
ELEUTERIO RENTERIA (1,93- G/SF)
NIKOLA KUGA (2,00 SF - SERBIA)
WINDY GRATEROL (2,03- PF- VENEZUELA)
NORMAN NOLAN (2,05 - C - USA)
SIMON GRANADOS (1,85 -G)
HENRY ORDONEZ (1,90 -G)
CESAR ORDONEZ (1,96 -F)
JOSE BAQUERO (2,00 -F/C)
CRISTIAN ARBOLEDA (2,05 C)

COACH: FERNANDO CABALLERO





BUCAROS READY FOR THE CHALLENGE - by Victor Garcia
With the arrival last Sunday of Guevara, Harrison and Otero, the Bucaros began its trainings for the Federation Cup 2011, the team has only one goal, be Champions again, and Carlos Parra build a solid roster to acomplish the challenge, Diego Guevara, David Harrison, Juan Herrera, Luis Julio and Heberth Bayona will be one of the strongest starting five in the Cup, and JC Otero, Cesar Silva and John Hernandez will be excelent back up for the team.

BUCAROS ROSTER

DIEGO GUEVARA (1,90-G - VENEZUELA)
DAVID HARRISON (1,92-G-USA)
JUAN HERRERA (1,97-F-VENEZUELA)
LUIS JULIO (2,01 F/C)
HEBERTH BAYONA (2,10 C)
DAVID REYES (1,88-G)
CESAR SILVA (1,90-G/F)
JEAN OTERO (2,00-F)
JOHN HERNANDEZ (2,07-C)
EDGAR PIMIENTA (1,90-G)

COACH: CARLOS PARRA


GUERREROS DE BOGOTA, THE CONTENDER - by Victor Garcia
The new team of Bogota is building a solid project, begining this year with a serious work putting togoether a good group of players under the leadership of Yesid Rivero, the team brings three imports with very good background, Kammron Taylor former Wisconsin Badgers star and second scorer in the Spain's LEB Gold, Blaker Walker second scorer in the Venezuelan regular season, and Steve Thomas veteran center coming from Venezuela, the national roster is leaded by Gianluca Bacci who took Piratas leadership last year, Emiro Romero, and the addition of forward Cesar Cortez bringing to the team versatility in the low post.

GUERREROS DE BOGOTA - ROSTER
.
KAMMRON TAYLOR (1,88 -G-USA)
BLAKE WALKER (1,98 -F-USA)
EMIRO ROMERO (1,96-F)
CESAR CORTEZ (2,00 -F)
STEVE THOMAS (2,05-C-USA)
JULIAN PINEDA (1,80-G)
GIANLUCA BACCI (1,85-G)
RAFAEL GOMEZ (2,01-F/C)
DANIEL RESTREPO (1,85-G)
JOHN PEREZ (1,80-G)
NICOLAS LEON (1,81-G)
MIGUEL MATAMOROS (1,78-G)

COACH; YESID RIVERO

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  CROATIA   


Kvarner brings Sinisa Stemberger home - by Eurobasket News
Sinisa Stemberger (195-G-79) is a new member of Kvarner. He signed a one-year deal with the team from Rijeka. Stemberger grew up in Rijeka, where he played for Croatia Line, Sava Osiguranje and Triglav Osiguranje until 2004. Stemberger spent last two years with Siroki TT Kabeli. He helped them win two Bosnian league titles. In the latest one Stemberger averaged 9.9 points, 3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals for 25 games in Adriatic league. He also added 10.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.9 spg in 14 Bosnian league games. He had almost the same digits in 2009/10. Stemberger played for Siroki also from 2006 to 2008. They won the title in 2007. With Siroki, Stemberger also won two Bosnian Cups. In 2005, he won the title with Zadar. Sinisa Stemberger played for Split in 2008/09.

Zagreb hands 82-71 loss to Krka - by Eurobasket News
Zagreb CO - Krka 82-71

Croatian and Slovenian champions met in a friendly game last weekend. Zagreb was better celebrating 82-71 win. Damir Mulaomerovic (195-G-74, agency: FCM) was their leading scorer with 16 points. Joshua Heytvelt (211-F-86, college: Gonzaga) followed him with 15 points and Garrett added two points less. Papa Diasse (212-F-87, college: SMU) had 12 points in his debut for Zagreb. On the other side, Krka got 22 points from Smiljan Pavic (210-F/C-80). Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, college: S.Florida) and Jure Balazic (204-F-80) netted 13 and 12 points respectively. Zagreb shined in the second and last period, what was enough for the victory in this game. Quarters: 15:17, 24:16, 16:17, 27:21. Both teams will play more friendlies this pre-season.

Zagreb: Damir Mulaomerovic 16, Rancic 10, Halilovic 8, Prostran, Hezonja, Babic 6, Rikic, Garrett 13, Papa Diasse 12, Saric 10, Joshua Heytvelt 15, Novacic, McGhee 2, Mavra
Krka: Djurkovic 3, Kastelec 2, Rojc 2, Petrov 9, Bratoz, Smiljan Pavic 22, Stinson 6, Jimmy Baxter 13, Krivec 2, Jure Balazic 12

Krizevci wins Tournament in Zagreb - by Eurobasket News
Krizevci is the winner of the Tournament in Zagreb, which was played last weekend. The A1 league newcomer outplayed host Bosco in the Finals 82-70. Frano Colak (205-C-77, agency: Court Side) shined for the winners with 20 points. Krizevci had impressive first half and secured victory in this game. Quarters: 25-15, 31-19, 10-17, 16-19. In the first game, Krizevci outplayed Dubrava 86-76. Mladen Gligora (204-C/F-82, agency: Court Side) was their leading player in this meeting with 19 points. Ivan Svoboda (190-G-87) stopped to three less. Quarters: 23-19, 25-22, 15-15, 23-21. Kriezvci will organize tournament next weekend. Participants will be Zabok, Albacomp, Banska Bystrica and of course the home team Krizevci.

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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Levharti Chomutov wins Litomeric 2011 - by Eurobasket News
Levharti Chomutov wins Litomeric 2011 tournament with 4 teams participating. In the Semifinal games SLUNETA Usti nad Labem edged BK Lions Hradec 83:72. The teams were tied at 40:40, while the third and the last quarters brought Sluneta the total victory. Levharti Chomutov meanwhile edged Slavoj BK Litomerice 87:73.
In the game for the third place BK Lions Hradec destroyed Slavoj BK Litomerice 102:46. In the Final game Levharti Chomutov smashed SLUNETA Usti nad Labem 70:46. Martin Jakes (195-F-85) stepped up with 17 points and Rob Lowery (188-G-87, college: Dayton) added 14.
Austrian Oberwart Gunners meanwhile beat Baketball Nymburk 90:79. The Austrian team started with 20-19 and had 41-40 at the halftime. The lead grew to 4 points entering the final period as Oberwart Gunners enjoyed 63:59 after thirty minutes. Due to another productive quarter the Austrian squad won the game. Shaw top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Hannes Ochsenhofer (186-G-85) added 18.


USK Praha started 2011/2012 preseason - by Eurobasket News
USK Praha started 2011/2012 preseason and played already few friendly games.
At first the team lost to Mittledeutscher BC 59:77. Peter Sedmak (203-C-85) ended up with 11 points in the losing effort and Mares nailed 10. Stanislav Votroubek (213-C-81) posted 9, while Vojtech Hruban (200-F-89) delivered 8.
Crailsheim Merlins lost to USK Praha 65:77. The German side won the opening period 25-14, but the Czechs bounced back with22-12 in the second period. The Merlins again were stronger in the third quarter, while SK Praha erupted with 25-6 in the last quarter to seal the victory. Vojtech Hruban paced all the winners with 19 points and Stanislav Votroubek notched 17.
Ehingen edged USK Praha 66:56. The German team won the first period 17-12, but then they lost the second with the same score. Due to 17-11 in the third quarter Ehingen grabbed 6-point lead and increased to 4 more at the last period. Peter Sedmak ended up with15 points and Jiri Slavik (203-F-89) netted 9.


Dominique Keller Heads to Onyx Levice - by Surujh Roopnarine
American forward Dominique Keller (203-F-88, college: Illinois) last week accepted a re-structured contract which will move him from Astrum Levice (Mattoni NBL) to their sister club Onyx Levice (Slovak Extraliga). Keller will only play for Onyx and take part in Slovakian domestic league games this season. For Astrums part, they will now have to find a replacement forward for the upcoming NBL season. Upon the end of his evaluation period Keller decided that he wanted the chance to stay in Europe and play with Onyx rather than look for another club so late in the pre-season.
The former University of Illinois big man finished his senior season in Champaign during the 2009-10 season, where in 35 games he averaged 4.5 points and 2.2 rebounds of the bench. Keller spent the final two seasons of his career after beginning at Lee College (Junior College).


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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Duke Freeman signed with Indios in the LNB - by Kerwin Abreu
Los Indios de San Francisco will have a new player for the game tonight vs Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris in the LNB semi finals game 4.

Duke Freeman-McKamey (208-F-80, college: Fordham) a four position player, who also can play in front the basket and good post player, has a great interior game, a good right hand hook but his best quality is the energy he brings to the court, he practiced last night and seems in great shape.

He has played in the Dominican Republic several times with La Matica and Marineros in Lidoba where he posted 16 points per game and 16 rebounds.

He spoke to www.masterdeportes.com and said:

I am coming to provide some rebouns to the team, also to play good defense on the post, I know where we at now, referring to the 2-1 down in the series to the best of 5. I am 100% percent ready and the most important is winning.

Freeman also has played in Venezuela, Uruguay, Mexico, Latvia and Dominican Republic.


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  EBA   


EBA Wizards Score Again - by EBA Media
2 Players Ink Overseas Contracts

The New York Wizards have yet again proven why they are one of the premier minor league sports franchises in the North East.

In addition to having 2 separate practice facilities, a quality home game facility, PT & FT job opportunities for all players, a 12 month training schedule, a fan base which places 200-500 people in the seats at each home game, an updated internet presence, home games covered on LIVE internet radio, a yearly Pro Exposure Camp attended by scouts and coaches available free of charge to its top players, video footage of all games played, a home game profit sharing plan, a Dance Team, 2 consecutive trips to the EBA Final Four, a +.700 regular season winning percentage, and this year a Cheerleading squad The Wizards get their players noticed!

We have always treated this like a professional situation Stated Wizards Owner and Head Coach Greg Cerillo Sr. We promote professionalism in everything we do. Overseas coaches contacting our team can be assured that our players are of the highest quality. Social networking sites and resources like YouTube can be a dream and a nightmare at the same time. These resources gives players an opportunity to show their talents but there is not buffer, it is open to all! Some guy playing in a gym with his friends can promote himself as a potential pro! Our team does not promote or allow self promotion from our players who barley play, place themselves on YouTube, or promote themselves as All Stars when they barley play. We feel legitimate players surrounded by true professionals, producing legitimate stats, playing in a winning situation, backed up by full game footage, produces opportunities for our players.

Cerillo continues: Overseas coaches, scouts, agents, and general managers are smart, real smart and want to be very careful where they spend their money. Anyone, even someone who plays 5 minutes a game can produce a highlight reel. I ask, and many of the coaches and agents I have talked to now almost always request full game footage. This allows someone to evaluate more fairly the capability of an aspiring professional!

The true judgment of the Wizards success, and truly any team at this level is not just wins and losses but the amount of players we can get placed at the next level Stated Wizards GM Terence Blake

Because of these before mentioned advantages and their superior talent the Wizards are pleased the following players moving on to play professionally:

Darren Townes: Averaged 17 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 4.2 APG for the Wizards in 2010/2011. One of the major reasons the Wizards were able to make a Final Four run in 2011. Extremely high percentage shooter with an excellent mid-range shot and knock down shooter at the free throw line. Established Wizards record by shooting 63% from the filed for 2010/2011. Opposing players just cannot stop this players post up game! Capable of playing any position on the floor from 2-5! Athletic and strong and a team first player!

Pictured above is Darren (#24) flushing one through the net to help eliminate the Destroyers of Delaware from the EBA Playoffs in April of 2011

Darren has signed with the Finnish Professional Basketball League and will play for BC Nokia in Finlands 1st Division

Darrell Wonge: Averaged 20.1 PPG 3.9 RPG, and 1.8 APG for the Northern Division Champion New York Wizards in 2010/2011. Considered one of the best shooters, if not the best shooter in the EBA last season. Established a Wizard record for 3-pt shots hit in a game last season with 7 at Hudson Valley eclipsing the previous record of 5 held by Greg Cerillo Jr. against the Nova Hawks in 2009. A natural 2-guard Darrell is long enough and strong enough to match up against larger players if needed. At 67 with a high release point on his jump shot Darrells outside shot is almost impossible to block or change! His length might be his biggest advantage for the position he plays!

Pictured above is Wizards 2-guard Darrell Wonge (#15) standing next to the Metropolitan All Stars center during the Championship game in April of 2011! Darrell is an impossible match-up for almost every pro guard!

Darrell has signed to play professionally in Canada. In the National Basketball League of Canadas inaugural Draft on August 22nd 2011 Darrell was the 4th overall pick in the 1st round going to Moncton. The entire Wizards family wishes Darrell the best of luck!


Wizards score again, two players Ink pro contracts - by Gianni Pascucci
The New York Wizards have yet again proven why they are one of the premier minor league sports franchises in the North East. In addition to having 2 separate practice facilities, a quality home game facility, PT & FT job opportunities for all players, a 12 month training schedule, a fan base which places 200-500 people in the seats at each home game, an updated internet presence, home games covered on LIVE internet radio, a yearly Pro Exposure Camp attended by scouts and coaches available free of charge to its top players, video footage of all games played, a home game profit sharing plan, a Dance Team, 2 consecutive trips to the EBA Final Four, a +.700 regular season winning percentage, and this year a Cheerleading squad The Wizards get their players noticed !
Because of these before mentioned advantages and their superior talent the Wizards are pleased the following players moving on to play professionally:
Darren Townes (6'7''-F-86, college: Hofstra) has signed with the Finnish Professional Basketball League and will play for BC Nokia in Finlands 1st Division and Darrell Wonge (6'7''-F-86, college: Winston Salem) has signed to play professionally in Canada. In the National Basketball League of Canadas inaugural Draft on August 22nd 2011 Darrell was the 4th overall pick in the 1st round going to Moncton.
The entire Wizards family wishes Darren and Darrell the best of luck

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  EUROCUP   


Rihards Kuksiks joins Valencia - by Eurobasket News
Valencia strengthened their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Rihards Kuksiks (198-G/F-88). The deal is meant for one season with an option of extending for another one. Rihards Kuksiks has just graduated from the Arizona State University. He tallied 10.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game in his senior season. Rihards Kuksiks played for Latvia in the Qualifications to the 2011 European Championship. His stats read 13.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per appearance. The guard also used to play for Latvian U16, U18 and U20 selections. Rihards Kuksiks went overseas back in 2005. He played for Florida Air Academy before moving to the Arizona State University.



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  EUROLEAGUE   


Dimitris Kalampakas signed a new contract with with PAOK - by Giorgos Diploidis
PAOK Thessaloniki and Dimitris Kalampakas (202-F-89) continue for another one year together. The two sides went to a deal and only the official announcement is expected. The young forward will have another one chance to prove his qualities to a very competitive squad as the one of Soulis Markopoulos and to gain a permanent position in the club in the future.

The player will be a back up in the forwards position (more in the small), where an American player is decided to take the starting place and another one along Kalampakas to replace him.

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Dirk Bauermann leaves German NT - by Eurobasket News
Germany will have a new Head Coach for their future actions. Dirk Bauermann (agency: Pro One Sports ) will officially leave the team in something more than two weeks (October 1). That was the deal even before the EuroBasket in Lithuania. The German specialist signed a new three-year contract with Bayern Munich and he wants to focus on the club. Germany had Nowitzki and Kaman in the squad this summer, but they failed to reach the EuroBasket Quarterfinals. Dirk Bauermann (agency: Pro One Sports ) led Bayern Munich to German 2.Bundesliga Pro A title last season. At the same time they earned a promotion for the German top division. Before Bayern, Bauermann worked with Bamberg seven years. He led them to German Bundesliga titles in 2005 and 2007. In the past, he also worked with Dafni Athens, Hagen, Apollon, Oostende and Leverkusen. Bauermann coached German NT at the World Championships in Japan -06, European Championships in Spain -07, Olympic Games in Beijing (China) -08, European Championships in Poland -09, World Championships in Turkey -10 and EuroBasket in Lithuania this summer.

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  FINLAND   


ToPo will replace Honka in VTB League Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News
ToPo will represent Finland in the upcoming VTB League season. The team will replace Honka. The Espoo team announced bankruptcy and withdrawal from all the competitions. So the VTB League management have decided to include ToPo in the Qualifying Round. ToPo will play alongside Enisey, Dnipro, Siauliai, Krasnie Krilya and Anwil for two tickets into the leagues regular season. The Qualifying Round will be played between September 27 and October 2 in Suauliai, Lithuania.


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  FRANCE   


Orleans wins tournament in Carvin - by Eurobasket News
Orleans is the winner of the Tournament in Carvin, which was held last weekend. In the first game Orleans grabbed 75-74 thriller win against Okapi Aalstar. Yohann Sangare (193-G-83) stepped up for Orleans with 16 points. Cedrick Banks (190-G-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Ill.-Chicago) followed him with three points less. On the other side, Christopher Copeland (203-F-84, college: Colorado) and Nate Fox (206-F/C-77, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Maine) scored 16 points each. Oostende was better than SOMB 101-95. Orleans met Oostende in the Finals and managed to beat them 69-63. Brian Greene (204-F-81, college: Colorado St.) led the winners in this game with 13 points and Amara Sy (202-F-81) had 11 pts. Oostende got 11 points from Matt Lojeski (198-G-85, college: Hawaii) and Jason Rich (191-G-86). In the battle for third place, Aalstar outplayed SOMB 86-72.

Nanterre wins, Pau-Orthez fails in friendly game - by Eurobasket News
JSF Nanterre (Pro A) celebrated against JDA Dijon in a friendly game on Sunday. It was a 78-76 thriller win and Nanterre was the host. Mykal Riley (198-F-85, college: Alabama) shined with 17 points for the hosts. He reached valuation 26 and was the MVP of this meeting. Russell Robinson (185-G-86) helped Nanterre with 15 points. In the loosing squad, Andre Harris (201-F/C-85, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) top-scored with 19 points. Quarters: 20-20, 12-17, 23-20, 23-19.
Pau-Orthez failed against the Spanish team Lagun ARO GBC 58-70. Andy Panko (204-F-77, college: Lebanon Valley) was a key player in victory with 22 points. Mickael Var (205-F/C-90) scored 12 points for the French team. Quarters: 11-21, 17-19, 13-18, 17-12.

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  GERMANY   


Dirk Bauermann leaves German NT - by Eurobasket News
Germany will have a new Head Coach for their future actions. Dirk Bauermann (agency: Pro One Sports ) will officially leave the team in something more than two weeks (October 1). That was the deal even before the EuroBasket in Lithuania. The German specialist signed a new three-year contract with Bayern Munich and he wants to focus on the club. Germany had Nowitzki and Kaman in the squad this summer, but they failed to reach the EuroBasket Quarterfinals. Dirk Bauermann (agency: Pro One Sports ) led Bayern Munich to German 2.Bundesliga Pro A title last season. At the same time they earned a promotion for the German top division. Before Bayern, Bauermann worked with Bamberg seven years. He led them to German Bundesliga titles in 2005 and 2007. In the past, he also worked with Dafni Athens, Hagen, Apollon, Oostende and Leverkusen. Bauermann coached German NT at the World Championships in Japan -06, European Championships in Spain -07, Olympic Games in Beijing (China) -08, European Championships in Poland -09, World Championships in Turkey -10 and EuroBasket in Lithuania this summer.

Friendly games update - by Eurobasket News
EWE Baskets Oldenburg overcame BC Astana from Kazakhstan 88:61. Rickey Paulding (196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) paced all the winners with 24 points.
USK Praha lost to Mittledeutscher BC 59:77. Peter Sedmak (203-C-85) ended up with 11 points in the losing effort and Mares nailed 10. Stanislav Votroubek (213-C-81) posted 9, while Hruban delivered 8.
Crailsheim Merlins lost to USK Praha 65:77. The German side won the opening period 25-14, but the Czechs bounced back with22-12 in the second period. The Merlins again were stronger in the third quarter, while SK Praha erupted with 25-6 in the last quarter to seal the victory. Hruban paced all the winners with 19 points and Stanislav Votroubek notched 17.
Ehingen edged USK Praha 66:56. The German team won the first period 17-12, but then they lost the second with the same score. Due to 17-11 in the third quarter Ehingen grabbed 6-point lead and increased to 4 more at the last period. Peter Sedmak ended up with15 points and Slavik netted 9.


The Rapid Miles Basketball Exchange With Marcus Slaughter (Brose Baskets Bamberg) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Marcus Slaughter (204-C/F-85, agency: Beo Basket, college: San Diego St.) is a 26 year old 203cm forward from Riverside California. He played at San Diego State from 2003-2006. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 16.5ppg, 11.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49%, FT: 76.2%. He started his professional basketball career in Turkey for Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir playing 29 games averaging 13.3ppg, Reb-3 (10.2rpg), 1.3apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 67.2%. In 2007-2008, he was with the Miami Heat in preseason and then played in Israel and France for Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem, Israeli League: 8.0ppg, 6.4rpg, ULEB Cup: 5 games: 5.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.8apg, waived in Dec.'07, in Jan.'08 signed at BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral 15 games: 9.5ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP-3 (63.2%), FT: 58.9%. in 2008-2009, he started with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (8 games: 18.8ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.3apg, 2.6spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 60.0%) before moving to France to Le Havre playing 21 games: 16.0ppg, Reb-1 (9.5rpg), 1.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 65.4%; Eurocup: 6 games: 12.2ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.0apg, 1.5spg, 1.8bpg. In 2009-2010, he played for Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-ProA): EuroCup: 6 games: 8.5ppg, 9.0rpg, 2.8spg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 50.0%, FT: 76.7%; French League: 29 games: 12.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, Blocks-5 (1.4bpg), FGP: 64.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.1%. Last season, he played for Blancos de Rueda Valladolid (Spain-ACB, starting five): 34 games: 9.9ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.4spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 65.0%, FT: 67.5%. He is back in the Beko BBL with the Brose Baskets Bamberg. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.

How was your summer been? Have you been able to do some things this summer that you havent been able to do the last years?

My summer was great spending time with family and friends

Congrats on your new job with the Brose Baskets Bamberg. You are back in Germany in the Beko BBL. It was a no brainer to sign with Bamberg. What do you think was the main reason why this club signed you?

The coached told me they were looking to go far in the Euroleague and it would be my first time so I was excited about coming to Bamberg.

How thrilled are you to get your Euroleague chance at age 26? Can we see Marcus Slaughter (204-C/F-85, agency: Beo Basket, college: San Diego St.) take his game to a new level?


. I am very excited to play in the Euroleague because it is the highest level and the challenge is what I am looking towards. I play the best when playing against great talents

You are replacing Kyle Hines. Do you feel a lot of pressure coming to perform at a high level twice a week in the Beko BBL and in the Euroleague?

I dont feel any pressures at all its still basketball to me which is a game its fun to play this game. I have played twice a week for several years its what I want.

What are you looking forward to most about the games of Casey Jacobsen and PJ Tucker that you will witness each day?


Well I have watched Casey play basketball since he was in high school so I look forward to playing with him. I have heard only great things about PJ and he has played great in Europe a great rebounder so I look forward to getting on the glass with him.

What is a strength in your game that doesnt always get noticed right away from critics and basketball fans?


I think the critics can see everything about my game on the court because I leave it all on the floor.

What have you been working on most this summer on your game? How does a normal Marcus Slaughter (204-C/F-85, agency: Beo Basket, college: San Diego St.) training day look like in the summer?

Every summer I work on my body getting stronger and also working on all basketball skills. A normal workout day for me which is Monday through Friday, I did basketball drills for 2 hrs around noon and then I go lift weights for an hour and half

You played in the top basketball league in Europe last season in Spain in the ACB with Blancos de Rueda Valladolid. What duel with a player will you never forget on the court last season?

Playing in Spain was great for me.I played against the best and I will never forget battling with Joel freeman and Paul Davis

What is going to be the first thing you do when you get back to Bremerhaven and play the Eisbaeren?


The first thing I will do when I go back to Bremerhaven is play a basketball game and try to win and head back to Bamberg. I have no bad blood with them.

What do you remember most about dueling Kaniel Dickens in practice with Sluc Nancy the most? Who would win one on one battles in practice?


I had great moments with Kaniel Dickens. He taught me a lot and he is a great person and has excellent basketball skills. I remember having shooting contest after practice he won most of the time. I would win One on One if we ever played.

What is your opinion of Ron Artest changing his name to World Peace?

I think its pretty crazy for Ron Artest to change his name.
What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I haven't watched a DVD in about 6 months so I cant remember.

Thanks Marcus for the chat.

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  GREECE   


Dimitris Kalampakas signed a new contract with with PAOK - by Giorgos Diploidis
PAOK Thessaloniki and Dimitris Kalampakas (202-F-89) continue for another one year together. The two sides went to a deal and only the official announcement is expected. The young forward will have another one chance to prove his qualities to a very competitive squad as the one of Soulis Markopoulos and to gain a permanent position in the club in the future.

The player will be a back up in the forwards position (more in the small), where an American player is decided to take the starting place and another one along Kalampakas to replace him.

Kostov and Taylor in Kavala - by Chris Mammides
The team of the assistant Coach of the HellenicNT, Dimitris Priftis, Enosi Kalathosfairisis Kavalas is shaping up the roster for the coming season and today has officially announced another two key players for the roster as the Bulgarian international (memebr of the Bulgarian NT in the Eurobasket in Lithuania) Chavdar Kostov (196-G-88) renewed his contract while the American guard Michael Taylor (188-G-86, college: Iowa St.) sent his signed contract and is officially replacing Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.) in the position of the point guard.

Finally, the Greek players Simtsak, Karapostolou and Stefanidis renewed their contract for another season.



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  HOLLAND   


GasTerra Flames, Davis part ways - by Fred Roggen
Dutch powerhouse GasTerra Flames announced on Tuesday that big man Bryan Davis (206-F-86, agency: N.E.T., college: Texas A&M) has been released from his contract. Davis joined the Flames this summer arriving from Polish Energa Czarni Slupsk.
The center is insufficient to fit the game concept that the technical staff has in mind. The club is looking for a replacement.

WCAA Giants withdraw from DBL - by Fred Roggen
WCAA Giants Bergen op Zoom Bergen op Zoom have withdrawn from the Dutch Basketball League (DBL) because of financial difficulties. The Dutch club was never among the richest in Holland and has been regularly encountering funding problems. This year WCAA Giants Bergen op Zoom have been struggling financially once again and have already accumulated large wage arrears.
The Giants withdrawal now leaves any revamped competition without any teams in Amsterdam or Bergen op Zoom.


DBL News: Damn! And now there's 8. What's Next? - by Terry Cooper
Today in Greensboro, NC were I reside, I was sitting in front of my computer when I looked on the website and saw that WCAA Giants have dropped out of the DBL due to money problems. This was a shock for me because this was a promising team on the rise but with the financial problems that are occurring all over the world, it is getting harder for teams to stay afloat. As I am seeing here in the US the NBA is in negotiations with players about salary cuts so that the league can continue to operate. Well as I see this is the DBL team in the past few months to drop out of the competition, Perhaps the NBB/DBL should have cut backs just so teams can operate until things return financially affordable. As many of you know that in Holland Football is KING (Soccer for those in America) however, when big names such as Rotterdam Feijnoord, Ajax Amsterdam,and a couple of other well known teams are struggling to stay afloat in their top sport, what do you think that will do with ANY other sport in the country? With this maybe the NBB/DBL will find a way that teams can play competively in the league and have to find quality players (Dutch, USA, Euro) at a low cost. Although Rotterdam had a tough season last year with 1 import, they are again in the league because they are realistic with the money problems in the world. Sponsors are not giving the type of money that folder and try to negotiate the kind that jingles. I am glad that I voted that there should only be 6 teams in the playoffs because the way things are going. I hope we will not see any upcoming news that now there's only 7. Yeah there will still be a league but the respect of the league will be criticized heavily. To all players @ WCAA and Amsterdam affected by this, I have been down that road you are now, Keep your head up and know things like this happen and there's nothing you can do or blame for the crisis the world is going through. I guess we can prepare for a 32 game season.

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  ICELAND   


Skallagrimur sign 2 USA players - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Division 1 team Skallagrimur has sign two import players for upcoming season to strengthener their roster
Big men Dominique Holmes sign a one year deal. Holmes is a veteran player who has played in South America , Japand and resently in UBA league in USA where he average 21,7 points and 9,6 rebounds
The other import is Lloyd Harrison (185-G) 6'1' guard who graduated from Clarion MCAA division 2 school where he average as senior 18,2 points, 3,9 rebounds and 4,9 assist.
Team lost their most experienced player Hafthor Gunnarsson who sign with Snaefell in Iceland Express League

Iceland vs. China - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Iceland Natyional team played the second friendly game against China last sunday. Not too much information to have on this game.
Iceland leading after first quarter 21-19 but second quarter was terrible from Iceland team. After third period score was 56-50 for China and final score China 79 Iceland 66Not a bad results for a Country with population of 320.000 people against the big Country China.
Jakob Sigurdarson (192-G-82, college: Birmingham Souther) was leading scorer with 22 points. Jon Stefansson (196-G-82) 21 Pavel Ermolinskij (202-G/F-87, agency: TSS Management)j 9. No more information available on other scorers.

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  ISRAEL   


Afik Nissim to Sign a One-Year Contract with Enisey Krasnoyarsk. - by David Pick
After eight long seasons of basketball abroad, wandering through France, Italy, Ukraine, the Czech Republic and now for the second time -- Russia, Israeli combo guard Afik Nissim will sign a one-year contract with Enisey Krasnoyarsk (Sportando.net).

'Playing in Europe another year was my goal for upcoming season,' Nissim told Eurobasket, 'I'm thrilled to back in Russia which is considered one of Europe's better leagues and I'm looking forward to helping my team win games.'

The 30-year-old Nissim is coming off a personally well achieved EuroBasket campaign with the Israeli NT averaging 5 points and nearly 6 assists per game. Nissim recently led Czech Republic Nymburk to the domestic title averaging 12.1 points, 3 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game in just 22 minutes of play. In the EuroCup challenge he improved his points and rebounding numbers recording 12.6ppg and 2.9rpg. The demanding three league season saw Nissim compete in the Adriatic league as well averaging just around his usual numbers, 12.1ppg, 2.2rpg and 3.4apg.

In reward of his impressive performances, Nissim was a member of the Czech Rep. 2011 All-Star Team and received the Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup Honorable Mention, Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. League Honorable Mention and Eurobasket.com Czech Rep. League All-Bosmans 1st Team member honors.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

Latest Results From Israeli Pre-Season Games - by Carmel Drori
6 Israeli teams kicked-off the pre-season with the first preparation games.

B.C. Habikaa 83 Maccabi Ashdod 72
Last year's new comer Ashdod met this year's new comer Habikaa for a game that was decided only by 8 straight points by Paul Delaney.
Josh Carter and Craig Brackins tried to keep Ashdod ahead before the break but Habikaa managed to get the lead and finished the half ahead with 39-36.
The two teams kept changing the lead and after Dion Dowell made a clutch 3 pointer, Delaney took over and sealed the deal with 8 consecutive points.

Habikaa: Delaney 28, Freeman 21, Cohen 12, Porat 11, Dowell 6, Skverer 2, Lev 2, Grinboim,2.
Ashdod: Brackins 19, Carter 19, Tapiro 14, Tyus 13, Bradley 3.

Maccabi Rishon 82 Elitzur Netanya 72

200 spectators watched as Rishon outscored Netanya in their home court.
Netanya's new player Brian Asbury scored 19 points in his for game while Jerome Randle scored 16 with Adrian Banks adding 15 points of his own.
Maccabi Rishon's new power forward Brandon Bowman was top-scorer for the orange team with 21 points. Adrian Uter added 16 and Nitzan Hanochi was the top Israeli scorer with 14.

Bnei Hasharon 77 Ironi Ashkelon 72

Bnei Hasharon may have won today, but all eyes are on Ben Rice's condition after injuring his knee during the game. The small forward hurt his knee during the second quarter and didn't get back in the game.
LaceDarius Dunn had a wonderful debut with Bnei Hasharon, scoring 34 points and leading his team to victory. Tweety Carter scored 11 and Delroy James, Shawn James' little brother added another 12 points.
Dwayne Mitchell and Marco Killingsworth scored 23 points each and Raviv Limonad who recently signed with the team after a year in spain added another 13 points.

Brian Tolbert Agrees Terms with Hapoel Kfar Saba - by Carmel Drori
After a year away from basketball, one of the most recognized foreigner players in Israeli basketball is making his comeback.
Brian Tolbert agreed on terms of a one-year deal with Kfar Saba from the Israeli National League and is expected to sign shortly.
One of Tolbert's most enjoyable memories come from winning the local state-cup with Hapoel Holon in 2009 after hitting the buzzer-beating 3-pointer.
AT 6-foot-2, Tolbert is known to be both a big time scorer and leader. His athleticism and quickness allow him to get to the basket at ease and shoot off the dribble creating for himself and his teammates.
The E.Michigan standout's last career stop was in the 2008-2009 season with BS Odessa (14.0ppg) but in Nov. Tolbert returned to Israel and Hapoel Holon playing 24 games averaging 11.6ppg, 3.1rpg and 2.8apg.

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  ITALY   


Virtus Roma gets Antonio Maestranzi on loan - by Eurobasket News
Antonio Maestranzi (178-PG-84, college: N.Illinois) will play next season for Virtus Roma. The Italian National Team member joined Roma on loan from Montepaschi Siena. Maestranzi signed a 2-year-deal with Montepashi this summer. He played last two seasons for Montegranaro. In the latest one Maestranzi averaged 6.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in 24 games. He had 10.6 ppg and 1.7 apg in 2009/10. In the past, Maestranzi played for Jesi and Reggio Calabria. Antonio Maestranzi graduated at the University of Northern Illinois in 2006. Antonio Maestranzi appeared four times with Italy at the EuroBasket in Lithuania this summer. He had very limited playing time. Italy was eliminated already in the first stage.

Tre Kelley joins Effe Biancoblu Bologna - by Antonello Varallo
Zare Markovski has found the team leader for the upcoming season. In fact, Effe Biancoblu Bologna agreed terms with point guard Tre Kelley (182-G-85, college: S.Carolina)
Kelley is a solid player with good scoring skills. After a good high school career, he chose University of South Carolina, despite more important options like UConn, Miami, Georgia Tech and West Virginia, that wanted to recruit him
Kelley spent 4 seasons with South Carolina, always improving his stats. He began his pro career with KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (Croatia-A1), then he played in Greece, China, Lebanon, Belgium and in D-League, ending last season with Austin Toros (9.4 ppg in 11 games).

Serie A teams continue the preparation for the upcoming season - by Eurobasket News
The Italian Serie A teams continue the preparation for the upcoming season.
BANCO DI SARDEGNA SASSARI surprised EA7 - EMPORIO ARMANI MILANO 84:73. Benson stepped up with 20 points and Hosley netted 18. Jacopo Giachetti (191-PG-83) answered with 17 points in the losing effort
MONTEPASCHI SIENA overcame VANOLI BRAGA CREMONA 83:77. Pietro Aradori (192-G-88) top-scored for the Italian champions with 23 points and Joseph Crispin (186-PG-79, college: Penn St.) posted 21. Von Wafer ended up with 21 points in defeat and Milic netted 20.
ANGELICO BIELLA won over BENNET CANTU 75:69. Jacob Pullen (182-PG-89, college: Kansas St.) poured in 21 points, while Coleman followed him with 14. Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 19 points in the losing case.
CIMBERIO VARESE edged NOVIPIU CASALE 72:67. Kangur paced all the winners with 16 points and Wanamaker notched 15. Michael Dunigan (208-C-89, agency: N.E.T., college: Oregon) finished the night with 16 points in defeat.

EA7 - EMPORIO ARMANI MILANO-BANCO DI SARDEGNA SASSARI 73-84
EA7 - EMPORIO ARMANI: Jacopo Giachetti 17, Viggiano 9, Hairston 13, Melli 2, Di Giuliomaria 4; Filloy 11, Szabo 6, Nicholas 8, Cukinas 3, Amato ne. BANCO DI SARDEGNAi: T.Diener 4, D.Diener 13 Hosley 18, Vanuzzo 6, Benson 20, De Vecchi 7, Pinton 9, Metreveli 4, B.Sacchetti 3.

VANOLI BRAGA CREMONA-MONTEPASCHI SIENA 77-83
VANOLI BRAGA: Cinciarini 9, Lottici ne, Antonelli 2, Tabu ne, DErcole 7, Perkovic 7, Milic 20, Von Wafer 21, Thomas 9, Mazic, Belloni ne, Bavcic ne, Graham 2, Djapa.
MONTEPASCHI: Forte, Ress 2, Michelori 15, Joseph Crispin 21, Lechthaler, Udom ne, Pietro Aradori 23, Joksimovic, Moss 4, Summers 18. All. Banchi

BENNET CANTU' ANGELICO BIELLA 69-75
BENNET: Lighty 5, Vladimir Micov 19, Ortner 12, Marconato 4, Mazzarino 4, Bianchi 3, Parakhouski 6, Diviach, Bradley 16. All. Trinchieri.
ANGELICO: Jurak 6, Minessi 2, Coleman 14, Soragna 7, Jacob Pullen 21, Lagan 5, Miralles 7, Lombardi 6, Magarity, Stassi ne, Dragicevic 2, Tavernari 5.

NOVIPIU CASALE - CIMBERIO VARESE 67-72
NOVIPI: Malaventura 6, Gentile 4, Nnamaka 2, Pierich 6, Trapani 6, Chiotti 7, Temple 10, Ferrero 2, Giovara ne, Janning 8, Michael Dunigan 16. CIMBERIO: Demartini 7, Hurtt 10, Wanamaker 15, Talts 2, Diawara 10, Garri 6, Kangur 16, Ganeto 2, Fajardo 4, Reati, Genovese ne.
(Stats courtesy of: http://web.legabasket.it)


Merkel Arrived in Treviso - by Edoardo Tamalio
The Israeli point guard Gal Mekel (194-PG-88, college: Wichita St.) joined yesterday the Benetton Treviso training camp. Merkel has just finished the European championship with the Israeli national team in wich he scored 4.2 points per game. Treviso's new coach Alexander Djordjevic was said excited about his new point guard. Merkel was excited too. 'I choose Treviso because is great club, with an important basketball history. I know this is the right place to be, here I can develop and improve my game with coach Djordjevic who was one of the best point guard in Europe in the 90's.I've talked with David Blu (201-F-80, college: USC) and David Blatt about Treviso and both told me that it would be the best team for me. Also they said that Treviso is a beautiful city and I can't wait to visit it.'

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  JAMAICA   


CS Municipal Bucuresti sign Garry Gallimore - by Eurobasket Center
CS Municipal Bucuresti signed 27-year old Jamaican-Canadian guard Garry Gallimore (192-G-84). Gallimore played most recently at Halifax Rainmen (Canada). He helped them to make it to the semifinals. His stats in 21 games were 6.1ppg and 2.0rpg. He played also pro basketball in Belgium and Canada. He was a member of Canadian University National Team which played at the World University Championships in Bangkok in 2007.

By Eurobasket Data Center



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  JAPAN   


89ers add Longar, Dukes to roster - by Eurobasket News
The Sendai 89ers continue to build their roster for the upcoming season, adding Sudanese-born center Longar Longar (211-C-85, college: Oklahoma) and forward Johnny Dukes (203-F-84, college: San Bernardino CC), the bj-league team announced on Friday.
Longar left Sudan and moved to Egypt in 1995, then to Chicago three years later. He then relocated to Rochester, Minnesota, in 2002 before a college career at Oklahoma. According to draftexpress.com, Logar, now 211 cm, began playing basketball in high school. Fast forward to his senior year with the Sooners in 2007-08 and he was the team's second-leading scorer (11.4 points per game) and the No. 1 shot-blocker with 33.
As a pro, Longar has played in Turkey and in the NBA Development League over the past three seasons (28 games, eight starts), averaging 6.5 points and 5.5 rebounds.
'Longar Longar will give us a much-needed inside presence with his defense and shot blocking,' 89ers coach Bob Pierce said. 'He has played in the NBDL, and was called up by the Oklahoma City Thunder, and although he didn't end up playing in the NBA, it shows he's right at the borderline for NBA size and ability.'
The 203-cm Dukes attended the University of San Francisco from 2004-07 before embarking on a pro career that has included stops in Turkey, Ukraine and the D-League.
'Johnny Dukes is an athletic 3/4 who can defend multiple positions,' Pierce said, referring to the small forward and macho forward positions. 'His style of play usually translates well into the bj-league.'
In other league news, the Akita Northern Happinets defeated the Miyazaki Shining Suns 73-69 in preseason action on Saturday.
The game pitted pupil vs. mentor, as former Hamamatsu Higashimikawa Phoenix assistant coach Koto Toyama, Miyazaki's sideline supervisor, matched wits with Akita coach Kazuo Nakamura, the longtime Phoenix bench boss.
The Happinets trailed 35-33 at halftime, but prevailed by outscoring the hosts in the second half in Kumamoto.
Courtesy of: japantimes.co.jp


Shiga Lakestars tab Julius Ashby - by Eurobasket News
Julius Ashby (205-F/C-82, college: Colorado) will continue his career in Shiga Lakestars. The Trinidad and Tobago centre played for Niigata Albirex last season. He tallied 16.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in BJ League. Previously Julius Ashby had stints with Tokyo Apache, Criollos de Caguas, Takamatsu Five Arrows. He is the member of Trinidad and Tobago National Team.


*****************************************************
  LEBANON   


After Troupe, Trim is mouttahed's second import ! - by John Khoury
After signing Porter Troupe (196-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Portland) , Al Moutahed Tripoli just finished the deal with Kibwe Trim (208-F/C-84, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: Sacred Heart) to be it's second foreigner for the 2011-2012 Season.
Porter and Kibwe were team mates in Romania for two seasons, and they both showed perfect chemistry and understanding for each other.
Trim last played in Japan, where he averaged 12.5 ppg and 9 rpg with an impressive 58% FG !
Kibwe is very well known for his explisiveness from under the basket, even 3 feets far from it.
His only weakness might be his 3pts shot and even his mid range shot.

After shinning in Romania, will the Duo Troupe-Trim be Mouttahed's Stars for this season.

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  LITHUANIA   


Siauliai returns Arvydas Siksnius - by Eurobasket News
Arvydas Siksnius (196-F-87, college: Weatherford JC) will play next season for Siauliai. The Lithuanian forward heads to his new/old club from Perlas, where he finished last season. Siksnius had 11 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 12 LKL games with Perlas. He also added 10.4 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 7 games in Baltic league. Siksnius started last season with Lietuvos Rytas, but had limited playing time. Arvydas Siksnius already played for Siauliai in 2009/10. He had 11.4 ppg and 3.4 rpg for them in Baltic league. In EuroCup, Siksnius exploded with 17 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.5 apg for six games that season. In LKL, he had 11 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 2.7 apg. In the past, Arvydas Siksnius was a member of Sakalai, Dextera Jonavos and Klapeida. He spent one year in the US with Weatherford Junior College.

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  MONTENEGRO   


Zejak singed for Lovcen , Ljujic inks for Teodo - by Dragan Scepanovic
Basketball Club Lovcen from Cetinje member of MNE1A league and DELFI SMG Basketball announced that ex basketball player of Basketball Club ABS Primorje from Herceg Novi Ivan Zejak (203-F/C-87) singed two year contract whit Club.In season 2010-2011 Ivan Zejak play 27 games for BC ABS Primorje : 18.4ppg, 8,1rpg, 0.6 aspg.
In same way Basketball Club Teodo from Tivat and DELFI SMG Basketball announced that ex basketball player of Basketball Club Jedinstvo from B.Polje Marko Ljujic (205-C-90) , singed one year contract whit Club. In season 2010-2011 Marko Ljujic play 28 games fro Jedinstvo : 12.7ppg, 7 rbpg

Filip Barovic loan to Mornar - by Dragan Scepanovic
Basketball Clubs Buducnost from Podgorica and Mornar from Bar and DELFI SMG Basketball announced that basketball player Filip Barovic (205-F-90) will be loan to Basketball Club Mornar from Bar member of MNE1A League and BBL League to the end of basketball seasson 2011-2012.Filip Barovic was member of MNE U16, U18 and U20 NT from year 2007 to 2011 .In last season Filip Barovic play 10 games for Basketball Club Buducnost in MNE S-League : 6.8 ppg, 3.5 rbpg

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  NBA   


NBA, Union make 'little or no progress' in lockout talks - by Eurobasket News
National Basketball Association owners and players made 'little or no progress' during five hours of talks aimed at ending the lockout, union Executive Director Billy Hunter said, dashing any optimism that emerged from last week's meetings.

National Basketball Players Association President Derek Fisher of the Los Angeles Lakers said the continued deadlock makes it less likely that the regular season, set to begin on Nov. 1, will start on time. No talks are scheduled.

'We're not marching toward getting a deal done at this time,' Fisher told reporters after today's meeting at a midtown Manhattan hotel, which included full bargaining committees for both sides. 'Because of the calendar, we can't come out of here feeling training camp and the season will start on time.'

The groups exchanged economic proposals during meetings last week, NBA Commissioner David Stern told reporters today, saying that the sides are 'on the road' to reaching agreement on the economics of a new deal.

The owners are looking for a new salary-cap system -- how much each team can pay its players -- to improve competitive balance in the league. The union's concessions are tied to keeping the system unchanged to continue the contract security that players currently enjoy.

'It shouldn't be the case that they're coming in to tell us if they're willing to make economic concessions, we should be willing to accept the existing system, which from our perspective doesn't work,' NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver told reporters.


$300 Million Loss

The NBA had about $4.3 billion in revenue last season, with teams losing a collective $300 million, according to Stern. Management imposed the lockout on July 1.

The union may get a response to the unfair labor practice charge it filed in May with the National Labor Relations Board by Oct. 1, Hunter said.

Owners are scheduled to meet Sept. 15 in Dallas, with union members convening the same day in Las Vegas, where some players are taking part in a training series run by the Impact Basketball Academy.

Stern said he doesn't anticipate announcing the postponement of training camps, which are due to begin in the first week of October, at the conclusion of those meetings.

In 1998, the last time there was an NBA lockout, the first postponement came on Sept. 24, when the league delayed training camp, which was set to begin Oct. 5. The season was shortened to 50 games from 82 after an agreement was reached in January 1999.

Courtesy of www.sfgate.com



NBA owners agree that huge Tuesday CBA meeting did not produce positive results - by Eurobasket News
NBA owners also agreed with the players union that Tuesdays huge Collective Bargaining Agreement meeting between the two sides did not result in positive developments.

Ken Berger of CBS Sports reports the following via Twitter:

David Stern: We reiterated to the players that we needa system that is economically feasible ..

Stern: Felt going in there was an economic deal within view. Thought there were economic goals they could mutually meet.

Stern said concern came from players stating the cap system had to remain exactly as it is today for them to accept economic concept.

Stern: Owners huddled and were not unanimous on concepts. But all owners unified they need system allowing 30 teams to compete.

Stern: We agreed to be in touch.

Stern: We did not have a great day.

Stern says its still our goal to start season on time.

Stern says players did make proposal last week that formed discussions.

Stern says not accurate that owners are still sitting on same proposal from June.

Adam Silver says players proposed economic move was preconditioned for acceptance that system remains the same.

Silver: You dont hear us using terms like blood issue and non-negotiable. Frankly, we dont understand.

Players proposed economic concession is on the road, and we know how to negotiate dollars.

Silver: A GM thats given $100m to spend compared to a GM with $50m to spend is at a huge competitive advantage.

Stern says players stance against hard cap is an emotional attachment.

Stern: Owners spent substantial time discussing revenue sharing plan amongst themselves.

Stern: We wont cancel camps/preseason at Thursdays BOG meeting in Dallas.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Timberwolves hiring Adelman as head coach - by Eurobasket News
The Minnesota Timberwolves have announced that they are hiring Rick Adelman as their next coach.

News of Adelman's deal first came out Monday and the Timberwolves made the official announcement Tuesday morning.

They say that an introductory news conference will be held once the contract is signed.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Adelman is 945-616 in 20 seasons as coach of the Trail Blazers, Kings, Warriors and Rockets.

He is eighth on the NBA's career wins list and parted ways with the Rockets in April.

The 65-year-old Adelman replaces Kurt Rambis.

He becomes the 10th head coach in franchise history.

Courtesy of www.cbc.ca

Crvena Zvezda signs former NBA player Adam Morrison - by Eurobasket News
Adam Morrison (203-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) is a new member of Crvena Zvezda. The American forward penned a deal for the next season, without NBA out clause. Morrison did not play last season at all. In 2009/10, he had 2.5 ppg and 1.1 rpg for 33 games with the Los Angeles Lakers. He played for the Lakers seven games also in 2008/09. Adam Morrison started that season with the Charlotte Bobcats, where he averaged 4.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 44 games. In 2006/07 with the Bobcats, Morrison shined with 11.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.1 apg for 78 games. It was his rookie NBA season. The Bobcats selected him as third overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. Morrison is a product of the Gonzaga University, where he graduated five years ago. According to various sources, Crvena Zvezda also wants to sign Igor Rakocevic.

Dee Brown, Roy Rogers reportedly will be Pistons assistants next season - by Eurobasket News
Vincent Goodwill of The Detroit News confirmed that the Pistons will indeed hire Roy Rogers (6'9''-C/F-73, college: Alabama) and Dee Brown (6'1''-G-68, college: Jacksonville) as assistant coaches:

Former NBA players Dee Brown and Roy Rogers will sit to Franks side whenever next season starts, a source confirmed to The Detroit News.

Both have been rumored to be frontrunners for a while now and, other than having experience playing in the league, I think both have obvious roles with the team. Brown will most likely tutor the young guards, particularly Brandon Knight, and Rogers, who was a big man coach as a Celtics assistant, will most likely focus his immediate efforts on working with Greg Monroe.

Goodwill doesnt say how many assistants the Pistons will have next season, but he did report that incumbent assistant coaches Brian Hill and Pat Sullivan are still in the running for spots on Lawrence Franks staff.

Courtesy of www.pistonpowered.com

New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul gets married - by Eurobasket News
New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest) married his long-time girlfriend, Jada Crawley, this past Saturday in Charlotte, N.C.

A number of celebrities attended the wedding that included Miami Heat forward LeBron James and his girlfriend Savannah Brinson, New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony and his wife LaLa, and Heat star Dwyane Wade and his girlfriend Gabrielle Union.

Hornets General Manager Dell Demps and coach Monty Williams also attended, team officials said.

Pauls brother, C.J., tweeted:''I had a ball yesterday. Congrats to my lil brother CP3 and his wife, Jada. We partied last night so hard!''

Courtesy of www.nola.com

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  NCAA1   


Florida's Larson gets deferred prosecution - by Eurobasket News
Florida forward Cody Larson (6'9''-F) has settled a criminal trespass charge stemming from his arrest in April, but he still could face jail time.

According to a deferred prosecution agreement filed in St. Johns County on Tuesday, Larson must perform 200 hours of community service, take part in a substance abuse evaluation program, pay $240 in restitution to the victims, write a meaningful letter of apology to the victims, pay $200 in fees, and cannot consume alcohol or controlled substances for one year.

Larson also must continue counseling and all recommended treatment, plus serve one year of supervised probation.

Larson was on probation when he and teammate Erik Murphy were charged with trying to break into a car outside a St. Augustine bar.

The 6-foot-9 redshirt freshman from Sioux Falls, S.D., still has another legal hurdle to clear.

In May 2010, Larson received a 120-day suspended jail sentence and two years of probation for allegedly sharing presciption medication with a high school teammate. It's possible that Larson will have to serve jail time in South Dakota for violating terms of his probation.

Minnehaha State Attorney Aaron McGowan said once the court receives official documentation from Florida, it will decide whether to file a motion to revoke Larson's suspended sentence.

Florida coach Billy Donovan suspended Larson and Murphy after their arrest. He reinstated Murphy last week, but Larson remains suspended from all team activities.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

NCAA adopts new policy on transgender athletes - by Eurobasket News
The NCAA is adopting a new policy regarding transgender athletes.

The NCAA says athletes who have testosterone in their systems from medical treatment will not be allowed to compete against women's teams in gender-specific sports at NCAA championships. They will be allowed, however, to compete against men.

The exception is if a male is transitioning to being a female. The athlete would then have to provide documentation showing they had testosterone suppression treatment for one calendar year. The athlete would then have to continue to document the medical treatment each successive year to remain eligible for a women's team in postseason play.

The NCAA says individual schools can continue to make their own decisions about eligibility during regular-season play.

Courtesy of www.greenwichtime.com

Slive remains hopeful SEC will add Texas A&M - by Eurobasket News
Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive said he remains hopeful Texas A&M will join the league by next season and that the SEC has started to look at schedules for next year involving 13 teams.

In a statement Monday, Slive also said the SEC was not currently looking to expand beyond Texas A&M.

The SEC has no 'immediate plans' to add a 14th team, he said. Slive said the conference isn't 'thinking in terms of numbers' and that the league only considers the strength of the SEC and the 'attractiveness of Texas A&M as an institution.'

SEC presidents voted to accept Texas A&M last week, but the invitation was contingent on Texas A&M being free of legal issues regarding its departure from the Big 12. Several Big 12 schools, including Baylor, have said they have not waived their right to consider litigation.

Slive was once again adamant Monday that Texas A&M approached the SEC about membership and that the league was not trying to poach schools from other conferences. But his statement is more proof that conference realignment is closer to reality.

'In the 78 year history of the SEC, the conference had accepted the membership applications of only two institutions - Arkansas and South Carolina,' Slive said. 'Texas A&M is now the third ... As I said over the past year or so, the SEC has had no particular interest in expansion. We were, and are, happy with 12 teams.

'If Texas A&M's President, Dr. Bowen Loftin had not called me in late July, we had no plans to explore adding an institution.'

Slive said it was 'impossible' not to be interested in the possibility of adding Texas A&M. The Aggies would give the league a stronghold in a state that has more than 25 million people, is known for its passionate fans and has a plethora of high school football recruits.

'Texas A&M is an outstanding academic institution with an exceptional athletic program, passionate fans and wonderful traditions,' Slive said. '... As you can see from the unanimous vote of our twelve Presidents/Chancellors, we would very much like to have Texas A&M as a member of our conference.'

Slive's statements are also an indication that the Big 12's current 10-team roster is on shaky ground.

Loftin said last week that Texas A&M was being 'held hostage' by the Big 12. The Big 12's future has been the subject of debate for more than a year. Nebraska (Big Ten) and Colorado (Pac-12) left in July, while Oklahoma and Oklahoma State reportedly been eyeing the Pac-12.

Get the biggest news in your email or cellphone as it's happening. Sign up for breaking news alerts.

Courtesy of www.newsobserver.com

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  NIGERIA   


Kenny Adeleke gets short-term deal with Lagun Aro GBC - by Eurobasket News
Kenny Adeleke (205-C-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Hartford) signed a three-month deal with Lagun Aro GBC. He will temporarily replace injured Yaroslav Korolev. Adeleke finished last season in Turkey with Hacettepe University. He had 11.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 1 spg for them in four games. Adeleke helped Hacettepe to reach the TB2L Finals and to win the promotion for TBL. Adeleke started last season with Ukrainian Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk. He had 10.9 ppg and 8.4 rpg for 7 games. Kenny Adeleke spent some time with Chinese Shanxi Zhongyu and Italian Martos Napoli two years ago. He also played for Lukoil Akademik, Galatasaray, Banvit and Hapoel Galil Elyion in the past. Adeleke is a product of the Hartford University.

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  POLAND   


Asseco Prokom top Sokhumi Tbilisi - by Greg
Yesterday morning Asseco Prokom Gdynia played another friendly match during the preseason camp in Palenga. Polish Champs beat last year Georgia league semifinalist by 88:65.

Gdynia players took control of the game early on and didn't give the lead back. Przemyslaw Zamojski (198-G/F-86, college: Independence CC) has great pre-season and once again was team's best scorer tailing 18 points, Adam Hrycaniuk had 14 points, Adam Lapeta added 13 points, Alonzo Gee scored 11 points and Jerel Blassingame had 10 points for the winners.

Results of each quarter: Asseco Prokom Gdynia - Sokhumi Tbilisi 20:16, 18:17, 32:15, 18:17

Courtesy of Asseco Prokom Gdynia



Kotwica Kolobrzeg and AZS Koszalin celebrate victories in Energa Cup - by Eurobasket News
Kotwica Kolobrzeg and AZS Koszalin earned victories on Day 2 of pre-season Energa Cup tournament in Koszalin. They overcame AZS Radex and Spojnia Stargrad respectively. Both Kotwica and AZS Koszalin enter the third round undefeated.
Kotwica claimed an 80:69 victory. They trailed by four points after ten minutes of action but picked up the slack in the second half and rallied to a comfortable win at the end. Reginald Holmes (193-G-87, college: Morgan St.) provided 23 points to pace the winners. Jessie Sapp (191-G-86, college: Georgetown) added 19 points, while Lukasz Wichniarz (197-F-82) contributed 14 points for Kotwica. Lukasz Pacocha (182-G-82, agency: Promotex) answered with 21 points for AZS Radex. Krzysztof Mielczarek (198-G/F-81) and Jerzy Koszuta (191-F-82) had 12 points each in the loss.
AZS Koszalin prevailed against Spojnia 93:73. George Reese (201-F-77, agency: Alti Sport, college: Ohio St.) fired 21 points to lead the effort. AZS Koszalin dropped 23 points in the starting quarter to build a 14-point lead and never looked back en route to the victory. J.J. Montgomery (196-G-82, college: Arkansas St.) netted 16 points, while Marshall Strickland (188-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana) had 13 points in the win. Adam Parzych (190-G/F-86, agency: Promotex, college: Bryant) responded with 17 points for Spojnia. Lukasz Bodych (205-C-90, agency: Promotex) chipped in 12 points in the loss.


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  ROMANIA   


CS Municipal Bucuresti sign Jay Mott - by Eurobasket Center
CS Municipal Bucuresti signed 25-year old Canadian guard Jay Mott (196-G-86). Mott played in 2010 at University of Guelph (Canada). He was voted that year to All-OUA West Division 2nd Team. He missed 2010-11 season, so it's very questionable why he was signed by CS Municipal. as there are plenty of better players on the market..

By Eurobasket Data Center

CS Municipal Bucuresti sign Garry Gallimore - by Eurobasket Center
CS Municipal Bucuresti signed 27-year old Jamaican-Canadian guard Garry Gallimore (192-G-84). Gallimore played most recently at Halifax Rainmen (Canada). He helped them to make it to the semifinals. His stats in 21 games were 6.1ppg and 2.0rpg. He played also pro basketball in Belgium and Canada. He was a member of Canadian University National Team which played at the World University Championships in Bangkok in 2007.

By Eurobasket Data Center



CSU Atlassib Sibiu lands forward Devon Austin - by Eurobasket News
CSU Atlassib Sibiu signed their sixth American player for the upcoming season. The team landed forward Devon Austin (198-F-87, agency: Tank Sports, college: Manhattan). The 23-year-old Austin spent last season with the Portuguese team Casino Figueira Ginasio. He had 13.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 1.2 spg for them in 21 LPB games. It was the first professional season for Austin. Devon Austin is a product of the Manhattan, where he graduated a year ago. He had 11.1 ppg and 4.7 rpg for his school as a senior. He had almost the same numbers as a junior. In 2007, Austin was named All-MAAC 3rd Team -07. He had 12.4 ppg and 5.1 rpg for 28 games that season. In 2006, Manhattan reached MAAC Tournament Semifinals. Austin had 7.6 ppg and 3.2 rpg, for what he was awarded with All-MAAC Rookie Team -06.

Pitesti hands 76-66 loss to Ploiesti in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
CSU Ploiesti - BCM U Pitesti 66-76

CSU Ploiesti and BCM U Pitesti met in a friendly game last weekend. Ploiesti was the host, but Pitesti was the winner of this meeting 76-66. Uros Velickovic (190-G-83, agency: BeoExcell) was the leading player in victory with 21 points. Darko Vujacic (201-G-79) had 12 points and 5 rebounds, and Corey Hallett (208-F/C-84, college: Monmouth) also scored 12 pts for Pitesti. In the loosing squad, Drasko Albijanic (211-C-86) was much better than the others. He had 23 points and 8 rebounds. Mike Jones (196-G-84, college: Maryland) and Levente Szijarto (192-G/F-83, agency: Court Side) had 16 and 7 points respectively. Pitesti shined in the second half, what was enough for the victory in this game. Quarters: 14-14, 16-17, 25-19, 21-16. Both teams will play more friendly games this pre-season.

CSU Ploiesti: Drasko Albijanic 23+8 boards, Mike Jones 16, Levente Szijarto 7
BCM U Pitesti: Uros Velickovic 21, Darko Vujacic 12+5 boards, Corey Hallett 12

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  RUSSIA   


Afik Nissim agreed terms with Enisey - by Eurobasket News
Afik Nissim (180-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) agreed terms with Enisey and will play for the team in 2011/2012 season. The Israeli National team player moves to Russia.
In 2010-2011 he played for CEZ Basketball Nymburk (Czech Rep.-NBL) and in EuroCup after 11 games averaged 12.6ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 88.9%. In Adriatic League after 25 games his stats read 12.1ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 86.5%.
In Czech Rep. League he showed 11.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT-1 (94.0%).
At Eurobasket 2011 Afik Nissim recorded 16 points at the Preliminary Round Day 3. Serbia however stayed perfect at Eurobasket 2011 after a tough game over Israel. The latter stayed in front for the majority of the game but failed at the end and lost the game. Serbia needed 89:80 to improve to 3-0 record in Group B. Nissim gave his side 53:41 that was the biggest lead in the game. Halperin produced 18 points in the losing case and Blu as well as Nissim had 16 apiece.


Unics and Krasnie Krilya celebrate pre-season victories - by Eurobasket News
Unics earned a comfortable pre-season victory over Sokhumi. Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC) stepped up with 21 points to lead the Russian team to a 101:81 success. Sokhumi led by four points after ten minutes but Unics turned things around in the next periods. The Kazan team erupted for 32 points in the second quarter to surge ahead. Unics maintained the lead throughout the second half posting a well-deserved win at the end. Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) and Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin) posted 13 points each in the victory.
In the meantime Krasnie Krilya played their first game in training camp in Spain. They faced Obradoiro and clinched a 64:57 victory. Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87, agency: Alti Sport) and Aleksei Surovtsev (202-G-84) stepped up with 13 points each in the win. Aaron Miles (186-G-83, college: Kansas) contributed 9 point for the Russian side. Krasnie Krilya built a 9-point halftime lead and never looked back en route to the victory.


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  SERBIA   


Crvena Zvezda signs former NBA player Adam Morrison - by Eurobasket News
Adam Morrison (203-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) is a new member of Crvena Zvezda. The American forward penned a deal for the next season, without NBA out clause. Morrison did not play last season at all. In 2009/10, he had 2.5 ppg and 1.1 rpg for 33 games with the Los Angeles Lakers. He played for the Lakers seven games also in 2008/09. Adam Morrison started that season with the Charlotte Bobcats, where he averaged 4.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 44 games. In 2006/07 with the Bobcats, Morrison shined with 11.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.1 apg for 78 games. It was his rookie NBA season. The Bobcats selected him as third overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. Morrison is a product of the Gonzaga University, where he graduated five years ago. According to various sources, Crvena Zvezda also wants to sign Igor Rakocevic.

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  SLOVENIA   


Zagreb hands 82-71 loss to Krka - by Eurobasket News
Zagreb CO - Krka 82-71

Croatian and Slovenian champions met in a friendly game last weekend. Zagreb was better celebrating 82-71 win. Damir Mulaomerovic (195-G-74, agency: FCM) was their leading scorer with 16 points. Joshua Heytvelt (211-F-86, college: Gonzaga) followed him with 15 points and Garrett added two points less. Papa Diasse (212-F-87, college: SMU) had 12 points in his debut for Zagreb. On the other side, Krka got 22 points from Smiljan Pavic (210-F/C-80). Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, college: S.Florida) and Jure Balazic (204-F-80) netted 13 and 12 points respectively. Zagreb shined in the second and last period, what was enough for the victory in this game. Quarters: 15:17, 24:16, 16:17, 27:21. Both teams will play more friendlies this pre-season.

Zagreb: Damir Mulaomerovic 16, Rancic 10, Halilovic 8, Prostran, Hezonja, Babic 6, Rikic, Garrett 13, Papa Diasse 12, Saric 10, Joshua Heytvelt 15, Novacic, McGhee 2, Mavra
Krka: Djurkovic 3, Kastelec 2, Rojc 2, Petrov 9, Bratoz, Smiljan Pavic 22, Stinson 6, Jimmy Baxter 13, Krivec 2, Jure Balazic 12

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  SPAIN   


Rihards Kuksiks joins Valencia - by Eurobasket News
Valencia strengthened their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Rihards Kuksiks (198-G/F-88). The deal is meant for one season with an option of extending for another one. Rihards Kuksiks has just graduated from the Arizona State University. He tallied 10.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game in his senior season. Rihards Kuksiks played for Latvia in the Qualifications to the 2011 European Championship. His stats read 13.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per appearance. The guard also used to play for Latvian U16, U18 and U20 selections. Rihards Kuksiks went overseas back in 2005. He played for Florida Air Academy before moving to the Arizona State University.



Kenny Adeleke gets short-term deal with Lagun Aro GBC - by Eurobasket News
Kenny Adeleke (205-C-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Hartford) signed a three-month deal with Lagun Aro GBC. He will temporarily replace injured Yaroslav Korolev. Adeleke finished last season in Turkey with Hacettepe University. He had 11.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 1 spg for them in four games. Adeleke helped Hacettepe to reach the TB2L Finals and to win the promotion for TBL. Adeleke started last season with Ukrainian Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk. He had 10.9 ppg and 8.4 rpg for 7 games. Kenny Adeleke spent some time with Chinese Shanxi Zhongyu and Italian Martos Napoli two years ago. He also played for Lukoil Akademik, Galatasaray, Banvit and Hapoel Galil Elyion in the past. Adeleke is a product of the Hartford University.

Lleida adds veteran Paco Vazquez - by Eurobasket News
Paco Vazquez (190-G-74) will continue his long career in Lleida. The veteran guard signed a deal for the next season. He spent last three years with Bilbao. In the latest one he had 2.7 ppg in EuroCup and 2.2 ppg in ACB. Bilbao reached Spanish league Finals. Vazquez had slightly better digits in 2009/10 and 2008/09. From 2003 to 2007, Paco Vazquez played for DKV Joventut. He helped them win the FIBA EuroCup title in 2006. From 2000 to 2003, the Spanish guard played for Unicaja Malaga. He helped them win Radivoj Korac Cup in 2001. Paco Vazquez spent couple of years with TDK Manresa in the past.

Unicaja edge Alicante in pre-season clash - by Eurobasket News
Alicante - Unicaja 69:76

Unicaja recorded a pre-season victory over Alicante. Nedzad Sinanovic (221-C-83) stepped up with 15 points to lead the winners.
Alicante and Unicaja stayed close throughout the opening frame. Alicante managed to eke out a narrow 17:16 lead after ten minutes. Unicaja pulled their noses in front 32:28 but the hosts answered with an 8:3 run to make it 36:35 at halftime. Alicante stretched the margin in the third frame. They ensured a 51:43 lead midway through the third period. Unicaja finished the frame strongly drawing things level at 55. Kristaps Valters (190-G-81) drained a triple to put Unicaja in front 69:67 late in the game. The visitors did not slow down and rallied to the victory at the end. Gerald Fitch (191-G-82, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky) posted 13 points, while Kristaps Valters contributed 12 points in the victory. Kyle Singler (203-F-88, college: Duke) answered with 15 points for Alicante. Mario Stojic (198-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) and Pedro Llompart (190-G-82) had 11 points each in the loss.

Alicante: Kyle Singler 15, Mario Stojic 11, Pedro Llompart 11
Unicaja: Nedzad Sinanovic 15, Gerald Fitch 13, Kristaps Valters 12


Joventut beats Cajasol, fails against Zaragoza - by Eurobasket News
FIATC Joventut played two friendly games last weekend. In the first game Joventut was too strong for Cajasol 88-71. Alejandro Barrera (199-F-92) top-scored for the winners with 20 points. Derrick Obasohan (199-F-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Texas Arlington) and Jordi Trias (207-F-80) helped with 12 points each. In Cajasol, Paul Davis (211-C-84, college: Michigan St.) delivered 18 points. Quarters: 21-17, 13-22, 15-25, 22-24.
FIATC Joventut failed against CAI Zaragoza on Sunday. It was a 71-83 loss. Alberto Fontet (212-C-86) was a key player for the Zaragoza team with 22 points. Carlos Cabezas (186-PG-80) followed him with 16 points. In Joventut, Latavious Williams (202-F-91) shined with 26 pts. Quarters: 20-20, 20-23, 14-17, 17-23.

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  SYRIA   


Syria NT official squad for Asia 2011 - by Ahmad Madwar
last week .. the mission of Syrian National team left to china to join in ASIA chmapion .. It's the first time for the NT to play in Asia champion a long time ago ..
the mission left syria with 10 players only, after 2 players had problems in the VISA , they have to be in China today ..
and this is the official squad which will play in Asia Champion :
Ioanis Deeb
Ramy El Khatib
Nour Al Saman
Watche Nalabandian
Wael Jlilati
Shadi Lebs
Sameer Al Dags
Mahmood Osfira
Eder Arjo Gorges
Abd Al Wahab Al Hamowi
Muhia Kasaballi
Joseph Abboud
Head Coach : Goran Miljevic
Asistant Coach : Alaa Jokhaji


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


Istanbul welcomes Two Nations Cup 2011 - by Pervin Elgin
As a part of The Two Nations Cup 2011, the event that brings Turkish and Greek athletes at the level of clubs or national teams together, the men's basketball tournament will be held in Istanbul on October 1st en 2nd. Anadolu Efes, Fenerbahce Ulker, Olympiacos and Panathinaikos will be the teams competing for the ultimate victory.

The event will be the first and only important practice of the Final Four 2012 to be held in Istanbul, where fans will be able to meet the new team line-ups and become acquainted with the new staffs. They'll see the stars of the 2012 FIBA European Basketball Championship, and former NBA players who have rushed to these strong clubs because of the NBA lock-out. The club giants, the stars and the values respresented by the common bonds of friendship between the two nations will without any doubt demonstrate the unifying power of sport in what promised to be a one of the biggest basketball events of the year.


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


Walker hoping to point Bobcats in right direction - by David Edole
By Gary Washburn
As he darted up and down the court with his NBA brethren in a scrimmage against some of the elite high school players in the country, Kemba Walker (185-PG-90, college: Connecticut) took mere moments to display why he should succeed in the league.

The speed of the undersized guard astonished those who hadnt seen him in person as he led Connecticut to the national championship last spring. Walker enjoyed a fascinating junior season, leading a young and unproven bunch to the programs first crown in seven years, an improbable run that began in the Big East tournament.

Walker was the star, the blazing-fast guard who dropped winning shots, using killer crossovers and stepbacks. He was the best player on the court, but that distinction ended the moment UConn won the title and he was evaluated by scouts whose job it was to determine whether Walker could flourish as a pro.

As the NBA draft approached, there was a sudden drop in regard for Walker, even though he was a first-team All-American. Teams apparently backed off because he is barely 6 feet and may lack true point guard skills.

Walkers goal in the final workouts before the draft was not to impress every team, but just one. And the ultimate decision-maker gave him a nod of approval.

Michael Jordan, owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, nabbed Walker with the ninth overall pick, placing the fate of his franchise in the guards eager hands.

Before the draft, I was hearing so many things, said Walker. You slipping, you might go 17. And I told my agent, Just dont tell me nothing else. Just let whatever happens, happen. Thats what he did.

I cant complain. Im definitely excited that Im with Charlotte and Michael Jordan. He had a huge input on what he wanted and that was exciting.

Charlotte has had trouble acquiring a franchise-caliber point guard that can lead the team to respectability in the Eastern Conference. Raymond Felton was drafted in 2005, but after an uneven tenure, he was allowed to leave and eventually signed with the Knicks. D.J. Augustin, taken in 2008, had his share of struggles.

Scouts questioned whether Walker was a pure point guard or just an undersized shooting guard. That is not an issue with him.

Im a 1 - theres no question that I am a point guard, said Walker, who averaged 24.6 points last season, primarily as a shooting guard. I can just score the basketball, thats it.

Why cant I do both? Why cant I do everything? Pass, score, rebound. Thats what I have been doing my whole life. Im an all-around player.

The Bobcats are in desperate need of a signature player. They traded Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace last season, leaving the opportunity for Walker and 19-year-old rebounding menace Bismack Biyombo to become cornerstones.

Walker was pleased to be Jordans handpicked selection.

It was a dream come true, of course, Walker said. I have been wearing [Air] Jordans my whole life.

It was a little surreal. He wanted me, he was trying to get me. So yeah, Im excited.

Like all NBA rookies, Walker has been prohibited from talking to Jordan, donning the Charlotte orange, or displaying that speed with his new teammates because of the lockout. And he is impatient.

Its been real difficult, he said. Of course as a rookie, I would love to be with my coach and my teammates.



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


Joseph Back At Heat - by Paul Nilsen
Fan favourite, Julius Joseph (193-F-75, college: Georgia Coll.) is delighted to be back with Guildford Heat for his third consecutive season with the club.

The 6ft 4in forward has been a professional basketball player for over a decade. He played for Manchester Giants, Belgian Euphony Bree, Colfontaine (Belgium) and Scottish Rocks prior to joining Guildford Heat in 2008. He has also played as a forward in both senior rosters of the England National Team and the Great Britain Team.

Creon Raftopoulos commented, ''As an ex GB player, JJ brings an invaluable amount of experience to the team. He was one of the top scorers for the Heat last season and is a consistently strong performer. He is highly committed to Guildford Heat and the club will benefit from having another returning player this season, helping to build on what we started last year.'

Julius Joseph commented, 'Guildford Heat has some of the best fans in the country and the organisation does a fantastic job - so I am very excited and motivated about returning to play for the club this season.

'I know what it takes to be successful and to play basketball at its highest level and I'm ready and focused to push our team to its maximum potential. Last season we were really close to capturing a piece of silverware and this year, I'm intent on winning a trophy. I will bring my strong work ethic and leadership skills to the team and give 110% on the court every game.'


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


Venezuela hope to host the South American Championship - by Jonathan Leon
The Venezuela basketball federation will meet up in a few days with the ministry of the popular power for the sport in order to try to have Venezuela hosting both the upcoming South American basketball championship and the World Cup playoff toward the 2012 London Olympics games
Since those types of international sports events are really expensive Carmelo Cortez (Venezuela Basketball Federation) will be meeting with Hector Rodriguez (Ministry of Sports) in order to look for sponsors in both, the government party and privates companies.

*****************************************************
  VTB UNITED LEAGUE   


ToPo will replace Honka in VTB League Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News
ToPo will represent Finland in the upcoming VTB League season. The team will replace Honka. The Espoo team announced bankruptcy and withdrawal from all the competitions. So the VTB League management have decided to include ToPo in the Qualifying Round. ToPo will play alongside Enisey, Dnipro, Siauliai, Krasnie Krilya and Anwil for two tickets into the leagues regular season. The Qualifying Round will be played between September 27 and October 2 in Suauliai, Lithuania.




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

Women News

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


Australian women finish fifth at 3x3 World Youth Challenge - by Eurobasket News
The Australian womens team have finished in fifth position at the inaugural 3x3 World Youth Challenge in Rimini, Italy.

The Australian team of WNBL AIS players Tessa Lavey (172-G-93) (Swan Hill, Victoria), Mikhaela Donnelly (177-94) (Brisbane, Queensland), Olivia Thompson (185-F-93) (Balaklava, South Australia) and Darcee Garbin (Perth, WA) beat England 17-14 in their final preliminary game to finish second in Pool A and enter the 1/16 final ranked 5th.

By a twist of the draw, the Aussies then faced the same England team for a spot in the Quarter Finals. Australia once again defeated the English with a 13-8 win. Australia got out to an early lead and proved too disciplined and experienced for the English. In a low scoring and physical battle Donnelly (5 points) and Thompson (5) were standouts in the scoring department. Lavey also did a great job of distributing the ball and Garbin was strong on the boards again for Australia.

The win advanced the Australians to a Quarter Final clash with Italy, but ultimately they fell short and were defeated 16-15 by the team that would go on to clinch silver.

After a tentative start Australia fought hard to come back from six down to the Italians in the first half against the home side and the vocal Italian fans. The game was tied with less than a minute to play and scores traded until the final buzzer. It was a high quality game and a gallant comeback from the Aussies in the second half but it proved not enough to overcome the emotional Italians on their home court. Thompson had 5 points to lead Australia while Donnelly and Lavey added four points each.

The loss left Australia to face a tough Czech Republic team in the 5-8 Classification Rounds but the Aussies were up to the task and scored a solid 19-12 victory. Lavey had a team-high nine points while Garbin added four, and Donnelly and Thompson chimed in with three apiece.

Australia then ended their tournament by defeating Sweden 19-15 to finish in fifth position. Thompson scored six points to lead Australia against the Swedish. Donnelly added five points, while Lavey and Garbin had four points apiece.

In the womens gold medal game, Spain defeated Italy 16-15, while New Zealand won the mens competition with a one point win over Bulgaria, 19-18.

The Official Website of the 3-on-3 Youth World Championship is www.Rimini2011.fiba.com.

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

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


CCC Polkowice wins Hradec Kralove tournament - by Eurobasket News
CCC Polkowice wins Hradec Kralove tournament with 4 teams participating. In the Final game the Polish representative outscored Strakonice 84:67. CCC Polkowice started the game with 28-18 and never looked behind. They added 25-17 in the second period and then produced a 20-16 in the third quarter. The team from Czech Republic won the last quarter and reduced to 17 points at the end. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78, agency: Josep and Nicolas) poured in 24 points and Zoll netted 14. Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) delivered 11 and Musina scored 9.
In the Semifinals CCC Polkowice thrashed Studanka Pardubice 105:73. Musina erupted with 17 points, while Joanna Walich (183-F/C-81) and Iva Perovanovic added 14 apiece.
KK ROW Rybnik lost to Czech Coal Aldast Strakonice 58:68. For the Polish side Harris notched 17 points, while Radwan and Katarzyna Suknarowska (170-G-87) scored 8 each.
In Day 2 KK ROW Rybnik won over Valosun Brno 72:54. Fitz stepped up with 17 points and Sybil Dosty (191-C-86, college: Arizona St.) as well as Harris posted 12 each.
CCC Polkowice edged Slovanka Praga 89:71. The favorites opened the game with 34-11 in the first frame and never looked behind in the game. Evanthia Maltsi chipped in 17 points and Musina scored 14.
In Day 1 KK ROW Rybnik outscored VSE Praga 85:59. Fitz posted 18 points and Katarzyna Suknarowska notched 12.
CCC Polkowice overcame VS Praga 83:47. Evanthia Maltsi ended up with 14 points and Zoll scored 13.


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  GERMANY - Women  


SV Halle Lions start pre-season tournaments - by Eurobasket News
SV Halle Lions start pre-season tournaments and just finished second in Poland. MBK Ruzomberok won the International Tournament in Jelenia Gora. The Polish place held the exciting clashes for 7 teams.
Halle won over Jelenia Gora 79:46 and then lost to Kara Trutnov 72:74. The German team however won over Inea Poznan 46:42 and advanced to the Final. MBK Ruzomberok rolled over SV Halle Lions 69:46 in the Final game. They started the game with 13-11 and added 21-12 in the second frame. Moreover the second half also belonged to the Slovakian team that produced 21-13 and 14-10 respectively in the third and the last quarters.
The tournament announced the Top Team: Szott (Artego Bydgoszcz), Zaplatova (BK Kara Trutnov), Alissa Pierce (182-G/F-86) (SV Halle Lions), Ashley Ellis-Milan (188-F/C-87, college: Minnesota) (SV Halle Lions), Stepanova (MBK Ruzomberok). Zuzana Brezaniova was named MVP of the tournament.






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  HUNGARY - Women  


UNIQA Euroleasing Sopron, Nanette FTC and Pecs 2010 start pre-season - by Eurobasket News
UNIQA Euroleasing Sopron, Nanette FTC and Pecs 2010 start pre-season actions. UNIQA Euroleasing Sopron just finished the International Tournament on the second place. In the Final game Good Angels Kosice edged UNIQA Euroleasing Sopron 71:59. The teams were tied at 16:16, while the Slovakian team produced a 22-16 in the second frame and had 6-point advantage at the halftime. Moreover Kosice added 19-10 in the third quarter and did not mind 14-17 in the last quarter. Helena Sverrisdottir (185-G-88, college: TCU) erupted with 21 points and Kupcikova posted 16.
UNIQA Euroleasing Sopron earlier overcame Dannax Sport Kosice 74:56. The Hungarian team started with 17-16 and produced massive 26-9 in the second quarter. Dannax Sport Kosice played well in the second half and managed to win even the third quarter 17-15. For Dannax Sport Zofia Hruscakova (190-C-95) posted 14 points and Balintova and Oravcova chipped in 11 each.
Nanette FTC meanwhile overcame FTC-Pecs 2010 66:56. Nikoletta Turoczi (187-F/C-80) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Orsolya Englert (170-G-80) notched 11. Krisztina Raksanyi (180-G-91) finished the night with 14 points in the losing effort.





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  ISRAEL - Women  


RAMAT HASHARON SIGN ALYSHA CLARK !!! - by Gil Goshen

Alysha Clark signed with Ramat Hasharon today.

2010: drafted by San Antonio Silver Stars (WNBA, 2rd (17))
2010: San Antonio Silver Stars (WNBA): only pre-season
2010-2011: Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion (Israel-D1, starting five): 20 games: 16.9ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT-3 (44.4%), FT: 85.4%
2011: San Antonio Silver Stars (WNBA): only pre-season.

She will join :

Jia Perkins, Porsha Phillips, Jessica Breland.

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  ITALY - Women  


Nuria Martinez signs with Umbertide - by Eurobasket News
Nuria Martinez (176-PG-84) is back to Italy after one year. The Spanish point guard penned a deal with Umbertide for the next season. She spent the last one with Ros Casares. For 16 Eurolegaue games Martinez had 3.5 ppg and 1.6 rpg. She added 5 ppg and 2.1 apg for 30 games in Spain. Nuria Martinez played for San Giovanni in 2009/10 season. She had 12.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2 apg and 4.3 spg for them in 24 league games. In 2008/09, Martinez was a member of Schio. She had 4.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 2.1 apg for 19 games in Italian league. In the past, Martinez played for Dynamo Moscow and Perfumerias. She won the Spanish league titles in 2003 and 2006, plus Spanish Cup in 2005. In 2007, Martinez won the EuroCup with Dynamo.

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  NCAA1 - Women  


Las Rozas lands American center Chelsea Cole - by Eurobasket News
Chelsea Cole (190-C) is ready to start her professional basketball career. The American center penned a one-year deal with Las Rozas. They will compete in the Spanish second division. Cole graduated at the University of Pittsburgh few months ago. She had 9.9 ppg, 10.3 rpg and 1.8 bpg for them as a senior. Cole was awarded with All-Big East Honorable Mention -11. In 2010, she was named All-Big East Conf. Honorable Mention -10. She had 9.1 ppg, 11.3 rpg and 1.4 bpg for 30 games that season. Pittsburgh reached NCAA Sweet 16 in 2009. Cole had limited playing time that year. In 2008, she was named Big East Conf. All-Freshman Team -08.

Tynikki Crook signs pro deal in Spain - by Eurobasket News
Tynikki Crook (6'1''-F-89, college: Marshall) is another American player who signed pro deal in Spain this summer. The 22-year-old forward joined Gernika KESB for the next season. Crook graduated this year at the Marshal University. She was one of their best players as a senior with 16.2 ppg, 9.2 rpg and 1.2 apg. In 2009/10 season Crook had slightly lower digits. At that time she had 13.4 ppg and 7.7 rpg. As a sophomore, Crook collected almost the same numbers. For her performance Tynikki Crook was named All-C-USA 3rd Team -09, 10. She also was awarded with C-USA All-Tournament Team -08, 09. Marshal University reached C-USA Tournament Semifinals twice. Gernika KESB will compete in Spanish second division.

Chelsie Wiley earns pro deal in Puerto Rico - by Eurobasket News
Chelsie Wiley (170-G, college: Cent.Florida) signed her first professional deal. The American guard joined Puerto Rican team Mets de Guaynabo. They compete in BSNF. Wiley is a product of the Central Florida University, where she graduated this year. For 33 games last season she had 14 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 2 apg. Her school was the C-USA Tournament Winner. They won it also in 2009. That year Chelsie Wiley was event better. She had 14.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.9 apg in 34 games. She was named C-USA All-Tournament Team -09. Wiley was also awarded with All-C-USA 3rd Team that year.

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  POLAND - Women  


Jelenia Gora held the Tournament for 7 - by Eurobasket News
MBK Ruzomberok won the International Tournament in Jelenia Gora. The Polish place held the exciting clashes for 7 teams.
MBK Ruzomberok overcame Odra Brzeg 67:51 and Bydgoszcz 72:66 to win Group A.
The tournament announced the Top Team: Szott (Artego Bydgoszcz), Petra Zaplatova (174-G/F-91) (BK Kara Trutnov), Alissa Pierce (182-G/F-86) (SV Halle Lions), Ellis-Milan (SV Halle Lions), Kamila Stepanova (192-C-88) (MBK Ruzomberok). Zuzana Brezaniova (167-G-87) was named MVP of the tournament.
In the game for the 5th place KS Odra Brzeg lost to Kara Trutnov 67:80. The team from Czech Republic started with 19-5 and never looked behind. They added another victory for 40-17 at the halftime and had 62:45 at the end of the third quarter. Starling ended up with 17 points and Inna Kochubei (174-G-82) scored 14.

Widzew Lodz meanwhile comes back from Slovakia as the team participated at the International Tournament. Widzew Lodz needed overtime to beat Dannax Sport Kosice 77:76. The teams were tied at 17:17, while the latter grabbed 9-point at the halftime after 16-7 in the second frame. Lodz posted 26-13 in the third quarter, but Kosice team closed the fourth quarter with 20-16 and lost only in overtime. For Dannax Sport Hruscakova netted 17 points and Nagyova added 14.
In Day 2 Good Angels Kosice stun Widzew Lodz 102:45. An easy start allowed the champions enjoy 20-9 after the first 10 minutes. Moreover they won another three quarters to seal the victory. Bojovic poured in 19 points and Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) added 18.ICIM Arad later beat Widzew Lodz 74:69.

1. MBK Ruzomberok
2. SV Halle Lions
3. Artego Bydgoszcz
4. INEA AZS Poznan
5. BK Kara Trutnov
6. KS Odra Brzeg
7. BasketPro Jelenia Gora




CCC Polkowice wins Hradec Kralove tournament - by Eurobasket News
CCC Polkowice wins Hradec Kralove tournament with 4 teams participating. In the Final game the Polish representative outscored Strakonice 84:67. CCC Polkowice started the game with 28-18 and never looked behind. They added 25-17 in the second period and then produced a 20-16 in the third quarter. The team from Czech Republic won the last quarter and reduced to 17 points at the end. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78, agency: Josep and Nicolas) poured in 24 points and Zoll netted 14. Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) delivered 11 and Musina scored 9.
In the Semifinals CCC Polkowice thrashed Studanka Pardubice 105:73. Musina erupted with 17 points, while Joanna Walich (183-F/C-81) and Iva Perovanovic added 14 apiece.
KK ROW Rybnik lost to Czech Coal Aldast Strakonice 58:68. For the Polish side Harris notched 17 points, while Radwan and Katarzyna Suknarowska (170-G-87) scored 8 each.
In Day 2 KK ROW Rybnik won over Valosun Brno 72:54. Fitz stepped up with 17 points and Sybil Dosty (191-C-86, college: Arizona St.) as well as Harris posted 12 each.
CCC Polkowice edged Slovanka Praga 89:71. The favorites opened the game with 34-11 in the first frame and never looked behind in the game. Evanthia Maltsi chipped in 17 points and Musina scored 14.
In Day 1 KK ROW Rybnik outscored VSE Praga 85:59. Fitz posted 18 points and Katarzyna Suknarowska notched 12.
CCC Polkowice overcame VS Praga 83:47. Evanthia Maltsi ended up with 14 points and Zoll scored 13.


Lider Pruszkow and Stefanie Murphy part ways - by Eurobasket News
Stefanie Murphy (193-F, college: Boston Coll.) is no longer a member of Lider Pruszkow. She joined the club recently, but the contract is terminated and Murphy is a free agent again. On April 2011 Connecticut Sun announced the signing of forward Stefanie Murphy to a training camp contract. Stefanie Murphy is the second leading rebounder in womens Boston College basketball team history, after pulling in 937 boards over the course of 132 games played at BC. This past season-her senior year-was certainly her best as she saw career highs in points per game 15.8, as well as rebounds per game 8.2. Stefanie Murphy earned the Team Co-Weight Room MVP along with teammate Jaclyn Thoman as given by Strength and Conditioning Coach Thomas Shruhan. She set a new single season career-high with 63 assists. Moreover she has hit 20 three-pointers, a new single season career-high. In 2009-10 she was named an All-ACC honorable mention. With the eight rebounds, she joined the 500-point and 500-rebound Club in BC's program. Lider Pruszkow already started their search for position 3 to replace Murphy.

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  PUERTO RICO - Women  


Renee Taylor returns to Valencianas de Juncos - by Eurobasket News
Renee Taylor (158-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: Miami, FL) is back to Puerto Rico. The American point guard penned a deal with Valencianas de Juncos. She already made season debut for her new/old team scoring 23 points against Guaynabo. In her second game Taylor exploded with 35 points against San Juan. It seems she will be amazing reinforcement for Juncos, again. Renee Taylor played for the same club in 2010. She had 18.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.9 apg and 2.2 spg for Juncos in 21 games. They reached BSNF Finals. Last season in Europe, Renee Taylor spent with Maccabi Ramat Hen. They played in Israeli league Semifinals and Cup Finals. In the past, Taylor played for Ourense, Bnei Yehuda and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Chelsie Wiley earns pro deal in Puerto Rico - by Eurobasket News
Chelsie Wiley (170-G, college: Cent.Florida) signed her first professional deal. The American guard joined Puerto Rican team Mets de Guaynabo. They compete in BSNF. Wiley is a product of the Central Florida University, where she graduated this year. For 33 games last season she had 14 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 2 apg. Her school was the C-USA Tournament Winner. They won it also in 2009. That year Chelsie Wiley was event better. She had 14.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.9 apg in 34 games. She was named C-USA All-Tournament Team -09. Wiley was also awarded with All-C-USA 3rd Team that year.

Stats Leaders - Superleague 25
Points Per Game
 Renee TAYLOR
  Juncos V.
  (158-G-85)
  Avg: 29
 1. Taylor, Juncos V.29.0 
 2. Martin, Guaynabo.23.2 
 3. Bingham, San G.21.0 
 4. Williams, Morovis21.0 
 5. Wiley, Guaynabo M.21.0 
 6. Laur, Carolina G.20.0 
 7. Raven, Morovis M.19.0 
 8. Ross, San Juan W.18.7 
 9. Teasley, Ponce L.17.0 
 10. Bland, Ponce L.16.6 
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. Blake, Carolina G.10.3 
 7. Martin, Guaynabo.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. McLean, Juncos V.3.5 
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. Mahan, San Juan W.3.2 
 5. Cabrera, Juncos V.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. Williams, Aguas B.1.0 
 7. Martin, Guaynabo.1.0 
 8. Jones, Juncos V.1.0 
 9. Raven, Morovis M.0.8 
 10. Rosche, Ponce L.0.8 


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  ROMANIA - Women  


CSM Targoviste became the winner of Cupa Chindia - by Eurobasket News
CSM Targoviste won Cupa Chindia with 4 teams participating. In the last game CSM Targoviste won over Dunav Ruse 69:39 to seal the first place. Chrissy Givens (180-F-85, college: Middle Tenn.St.) stepped up with 16 points and Olena Samburska (172-G-89, agency: LBM Management) scored 11. Voinova answered with 12 points in the losing effort.
ICIM Arad finished fourth in Slovakia at the Vekej ceny Kosic 2011. Good Angels Kosice overcame ICIM Univ. Goldis Arad 76:33 in the opener. The team from Slovakia started with 25-17 and added defensive 19-6 in the second period. The third quarter was a disaster for the Romanian team that could not score at all and lots 0-14. Erin Marie Lawless (188-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Purdue) led the way with 18 points and Salkauske netted 17. Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) posted 12, while Bojovic nailed 9.
ICIM Arad later beat Widzew Lodz 74:69. Whirlpool Poprad overcame the Romanian representative 68:60.


SCM U Craiova signs Irina Bors and Ersara Greer - by Eurobasket News
SCM U Craiova announced signing of Irina Bors (179-F/G-88) and Ersara Greer for the next season. Both players will join the club in the coming days. Irina Borsa heads to Craiova from CSS LMK BC Sepsi Sfantu, where she spent last two seasons. In the latest one she had 5.3 ppg, 1.3 rpg and 1.3 apf for 7 games in D1. In 2009/10, she had 3 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 1.3 apg for 7 games in EuroCup. In Romania, Bors was named Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Honorable Mention. Irina Bors played for CET Govora from 2005 to 2009. She also played for the Romanian U20 and U18 Romanian National Teams in the past. With Govora and Sepsi Sfantu, Bors reached Romanian Cup Semifinals in 2009 and this year as well. Sfantu also reached Romanian league Semis last season.

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  RUSSIA - Women  


UMMC celebrate back-to-back victories in Druskininkai - by Eurobasket News
UMMC opened the friendly tournament in Druskininkai with consecutive victories. The Russian powerhouse overcame Energy Ivanovo 84:46 in the opener. UMMC led from start to finish. They built a 45:20 halftime lead and rallied to the victory at the end. Sandrine Gruda (194-C-87) posted 23 points to pace the winners. Deanna Nolan (181-G/F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Georgia) contributed 16 points, while Maria Stepanova (203-C-79) provided 13 points for UMMC.
Next the Ekaterinburg team faced Dynamo Kursk. And once again UMMC had little problems posting a 68:51 win at the end. Olga Arteshina (183-F-82) nailed 13 points to lead the charge. Dynamo Kursk enjoyed a 15:14 lead after ten minutes. UMMC erased the deficit and levelled things up at 27 at halftime. The Ekaterinburg team exploded with 41 points after the long break and sealed the victory at the end. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) posted 10 points, while Tatiana Vidmer (191-C-86) added 9 points in the win.
UMMC will take on VICI-Kaunas for the trophy tonight.


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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Good Angels triumphed at the Kosic 2011 - by Eurobasket News
Good Angels Kosice triumphed at the Vekej ceny Kosic 2011.
Good Angels Kosice overcame ICIM Univ. Goldis Arad 76:33 in the opener. The team from Slovakia started with 25-17 and added defensive 19-6 in the second period. The third quarter was a disaster for the Romanian team that could not score at all and lots 0-14. Erin Marie Lawless (188-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Purdue) led the way with 18 points and Iveta Salkauske (196-F/C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Illinois) netted 17. Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) posted 12, while Bojovic nailed 9.
In Day 2 Good Angels Kosice stun Widzew Lodz 102:45. An easy start allowed the champions enjoy 20-9 after the first 10 minutes. Moreover they won another three quarters to seal the victory. Bojovic poured in 19 points and Lucia Kupcikova added 18.
In the Final game Good Angels Kosice edged UNIQA Euroleasing Sopron 71:59. The teams were tied at 16:16, while the Slovakian team produced a 22-16 in the second frame and had 6-point advantage at the halftime. Moreover Kosice added 19-10 in the third quarter and did not mind 14-17 in the last quarter. Sverrisdottir erupted with 21 points and Lucia Kupcikova posted 16.

UNIQA Euroleasing Sopron earlier overcame Dannax Sport Kosice 74:56. The Hungarian team started with 17-16 and produced massive 26-9 in the second quarter. Dannax Sport Kosice played well in the second half and managed to win even the third quarter 17-15. For Dannax Sport Zofia Hruscakova (190-C-95) posted 14 points and Balintova and Oravcova chipped in 11 each.
Widzew Lodz needed overtime to beat Dannax Sport Kosice 77:76. The teams were tied at 17:17, while the latter grabbed 9-point at the halftime after 16-7 in the second frame. Lodz posted 26-13 in the third quarter, but Kosice team closed the fourth quarter with 20-16 and lost only in overtime. For Dannax Sport Zofia Hruscakova netted 17 points and Nagyova added 14.

1. Good Angels Kosice
2. UNIQA Euroleasing Sopron
3. ZBK Whirlpool Poprad
4. ICIM Arad
5. Widzew Lodz
6. Dannax Sport Kosice

MBK Ruzomberok won the International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
MBK Ruzomberok won the International Tournament in Jelenia Gora. The Polish place held the exciting clashes for 7 teams.
MBK Ruzomberok overcame Odra Brzeg 67:51 and Bydgoszcz 72:66 to win Group A.
MBK Ruzomberok rolled over SV Halle Lions 69:46 in the Final game. They started the game with 13-11 and added 21-12 in the second frame. Moreover the second half also belonged to the Slovakian team that produced 21-13 and 14-10 resepctively in the third and the last quarters.
The tournament announced the Top Team: Agnieszka Szott (185-F-82, agency: Data Plus Group) (Artego Bydgoszcz), Petra Zaplatova (174-G/F-91) (BK Kara Trutnov), Alissa Pierce (182-G/F-86) (SV Halle Lions), Ashley Ellis-Milan (188-F/C-87, college: Minnesota) (SV Halle Lions), Kamila Stepanova (192-C-88) (MBK Ruzomberok). Zuzana Brezaniova (167-G-87) was named MVP of the tournament.
In the game for the 5th place KS Odra Brzeg lost to Kara Trutnov 67:80. The team from Czech Republic started with 19-5 and never looked behind. They added another victory for 40-17 at the halftime and had 62:45 at the end of the third quarter. Jessica Starling (186-G, college: S.Alabama) ended up with 17 points and Inna Kochubei (174-G-82) scored 14.


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  SPAIN - Women  


Nuria Martinez signs with Umbertide - by Eurobasket News
Nuria Martinez (176-PG-84) is back to Italy after one year. The Spanish point guard penned a deal with Umbertide for the next season. She spent the last one with Ros Casares. For 16 Eurolegaue games Martinez had 3.5 ppg and 1.6 rpg. She added 5 ppg and 2.1 apg for 30 games in Spain. Nuria Martinez played for San Giovanni in 2009/10 season. She had 12.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2 apg and 4.3 spg for them in 24 league games. In 2008/09, Martinez was a member of Schio. She had 4.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 2.1 apg for 19 games in Italian league. In the past, Martinez played for Dynamo Moscow and Perfumerias. She won the Spanish league titles in 2003 and 2006, plus Spanish Cup in 2005. In 2007, Martinez won the EuroCup with Dynamo.

Las Rozas lands American center Chelsea Cole - by Eurobasket News
Chelsea Cole (190-C) is ready to start her professional basketball career. The American center penned a one-year deal with Las Rozas. They will compete in the Spanish second division. Cole graduated at the University of Pittsburgh few months ago. She had 9.9 ppg, 10.3 rpg and 1.8 bpg for them as a senior. Cole was awarded with All-Big East Honorable Mention -11. In 2010, she was named All-Big East Conf. Honorable Mention -10. She had 9.1 ppg, 11.3 rpg and 1.4 bpg for 30 games that season. Pittsburgh reached NCAA Sweet 16 in 2009. Cole had limited playing time that year. In 2008, she was named Big East Conf. All-Freshman Team -08.

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  WNBA - Women  


Taurasi, Charles and Whalen WNBA's Peak Performers - by Eurobasket News
Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut), Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) and Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-G-82, college: Minnesota) won the 2011 WNBA Peak Performer Awards for scoring, rebounding, and assists.

The WNBA presents the Peak Performer awards annually to those who lead the league in each of those categories. Each player will receive a Tiffany trophy in honor of her accomplishments.

Taurasi edged Angel McCoughtry by less than one-tenth of a point - 21.63 compared to 21.56 - for the scoring title in the tightest race in league history. She earned her fourth consecutive and fifth overall Peak Performer award.

She also won the scoring title in 2010 (22.6), 2009 (20.4), 2008 (24.1), and 2006 (25.3).The eight-year veteran averaged more than 20 points for the fifth time in her career and shot 44.9 percent from the field.

Charles (11.o rebounds) bested runner-up Sylvia Fowles. The 2010 Rookie of the Year captured her second consecutive rebounding title.

Charles matched her single-game career high in rebounds (23) on June 28 against Los Angeles. She recorded 10 or more rebounds 23 times. Charles surpassed her previous league record of 22 double-doubles last season, with one more this year (23). She also recorded the second highest single-season rebound total in league history with 374.

Charles also holds her record for most rebounds (398), which she established last season. Charles' 16 rebounds in one half against Los Angles on June 28, tied the WNBA record for rebounds in a half.

Whalen recorded 5.9 assists per game to edge out San Antonio guard Becky Hammon; she handed out five or more assists in a game 26 times.

Additionally, on Sept. 8, Whalen became the first player to record at least 20 points and 10 assists without committing a turnover.

Courtesy of http://blogs.courant.com