EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/16/2011

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Men News

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


Anderson joins the Aces - by Gianni Pascucci
The Las Vegas Aces ABA team has just agreed to a 3year deal with former NBA player Willie Anderson (6'9''-F-67, college: Georgia Tech), as Director of Player Personnel. Team Owner Todd Triplett said he is pleased that Willie will join us, he will bring more experince and wisdom to the Aces. 'Willie said in a interview yesterday that he loves the city Las Vegas and can't wait to get to work, and work with and old friend Todd Triplett '.

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


TNA 2011/12 rosters: Alianza Viedma - by Facundo Iatzky
Nicolas Paletta (180-G-87)
Lucas Bianco (198-F-80)
Facundo Brizuela (203-F/C-80)
Martin Trovellesi (185-G-80)
Jervaughn Scales (200-F-71, college: Southern)
Patricio Rodriguez (193-F-84, agency: Players Group)
Martin Aguirrezabala (198-G/F-80, college: Cisco JC)
Rodrigo Pascal (198-C-85)
Scott Cutley (196-F-85, college: Cal.St. Fullerton)
Anibal Buzzo (189-G-91)
Rodrigo Garcia (183-G-91)
Lorenzo Capponi (185-G-94)
Franco Bazani (180-G-96)



TNA 2011/12 rosters: Alvear Villa Angela - by Facundo Iatzky
Sebastian Bernasconi (201-C-86)
Cristian Cadillac (194-G-83)
Leonardo Segura (207-C-77)
Juan Gallo (197-F-87)
Alejo Barovero (203-F-85, college: Barton, NC)
Javier Ledesma (188-G-81)
Ignacio Fernandez (195-F-90)
Matias Villalba (192-G-87, agency: Dream Team Management)
Aaron Williams (203-C/F-83, agency: Dream Team Management, college: W.Chester)
Cristian Wolkowisky (C-94)
Jonathan Brusian
Eric Segovia (G-91)
Federico Alvarez (195-F-92)



TNA 2011/12 rosters: Argentino Junin - by Facundo Iatzky
Santiago Gonzalez (203-C-83)
Leonardo Peralta (204-C-85)
Jonatan Slider (188-G-87)
Julian Olmedo (188-G-77)
Javier Ceci (184-G-79)
Juan Cangelosi (195-G-81)
Luciano Tantos (185-G-88)
Chuck Robinson (201-F-72, agency: Dream Team Management, college: E.Carolina)
Joaquin Gamazo (195-F-91)
Andres Miguel (G-94)
Sebastian Andollo (200-F-92)
Camilo Paniagua (200-F-95)
Ezequiel Villegas (190-F-92)
Franco Farina (190-F-92)
Juan Pablo Chami (180-G-95)
Eduardo Alejandro Spalla (197-F-89, agency: Dream Team Management)


*****************************************************
  ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Day 1 in Wuhan - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Malaysia - South Korea 42-89
South Korea earned the opening win at the 2011 Asian Championship. Hur Jae team coasted past Malaysia in Group A action. Cho Sung-Min (189-F-83) stepped up with 16 points to lead the effort. South Korea stunned their opponents in the opening period. They held Malaysia to miserable three points in the quarter posting a 29:3 lead after ten minutes. The margin grew at 30-point mark midway through the second frame. South Korea established a 47:22 lead at halftime. South Korea continued to remain in charge throughout the third frame. They posted a 76:30 lead with ten minutes to go in the game. South Korea did not loosen the grasp and earned a well-deserved win at the end. Oh Sek-Eun chipped in 13 points, while Lee Jung-Suk (184-G-82) and Tae-Jong Moon netted 11 points apiece in the win. Yoong Jing Kwaan (200-C-90) answered with 9 points and 9 rebounds for Malaysia. Ban Sin Ooi (180-G/F-83) finished with 6 points in defeat.

Lebanon - India 71-68

Lebanon earned the first win at the 2011 Asian Championship. They overcame a major scare from ambitious India to escape with a narrow win at the end. Jean Abed El Nour (198-F/G-83) stepped up with eight points in the final moments of the game to propel Lebanon to a tough win at the end. He finished with game-high 24 points to pace Lebanon.
Lebanon ensured a 20:16 lead after ten minutes of action. Bassel Bawji gave Lebanon a 37:27 lead midway through the second term. Stephan made it 40:27 at halftime. Jean Abed El Nour stretched the margin to 15 points early in the second half. But India refused to surrender. They ignited a 30:12 run to grab a 59:54 lead with ten minutes to go. Hareesh Koroth (185-G-84) kept India in charge 64:57 with just over four minutes to go. However Lebanon triggered a 9:2 rally to regain the lead 69:66. Jean Abed El Nour sank two free throws and sealed the victory at the end. Ghaleb Rida knocked down 15 points, while Bassel Bawji contributed 9 points in the win. Hareesh Koroth answered with 20 points for India. Talwinderjit Singh (185-G/F-86) finished with 18 points, 6 boards and 4 assists in the loss.

Group B
Taiwan - Iran 37-49
Iran earned the first win at the Asian Championship in China. They outmuscled Taiwan in Group B opener. Samad Nikkhah (198-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) stepped up with 18 points to lead the winners. Iran opened the game with a 6:1 run to jump in front. Iran stayed in charge posting a 10:8 lead after ten minutes. Taiwan surged ahead late in the second term and posted a 19:17 halftime advantage. Taiwan used an 11:1 run in the third term to post a 30:20 advantage. However Iran reacted with a 19:1 rally of their own to take a 39:31 lead early in the fourth frame. Taiwan cut the deficit back to just two points but Iran answered with ten points in a row and sealed the victory at the end. Hamed Haddadi posted 8 points and 18 rebounds, while Arsalan Kazemi (199-F-90) had 8 points in the winning effort. Wu Tai-Hao (202-C-85, college: BYU-Hawaii) responded with 15 points for Taiwan. Lin Chih-Chieh delivered 8 points in the loss.

Qatar - Uzbekistan 12-27
Uzbekistan started their 26th FIBA Asia Championship with the victory over GCC champions. Qatar lost Group B game by default 12:27. Qatar started the game with five players. They committed five personal fouls in the first six minutes of the game. Denisov opened the scoring account in the game, while Matalkeh gave Qatar 2:1 lead. Saad also remained Qatar in front at 5:3, while Evgeniy Shatrov (192-G-86) scored for 7:5. The latter also brought 11:7, while Juginisov Samender closed an 11-0 run for his side. Saad nailed three for 18:10, while Uzbekistan erupted with another 9-0 run. Matalkeh scored for 27:12 and then he received his last fifth foul. According to Art 21 of Official Basketball Rules 2010, 'a team shall lose a game by default if, during the game, the team has fewer than two players on the playing court ready to play. Evgeniy Shatrov stepped up with 10 points for the winners and Juginisov Samender nailed 9. Yevgeniy Pereverzev (183-G-87) followed them with 4 points. Saad ended up with 8 points in defeat and Hammam posted 4.

Group C
Syria - Jordan 58-71
Jordan opened win count at 2011 Asian Championship in Wuhan. They held off pesky Syria in Group C opener. Rasheim Wright (192-G-81, college: District of Col.) stepped up with 20 points to pace Jordan. Jordan managed to post an 18:12 lead ten minutes into the game. But Jacques Nalbandian drained 8 points in a 10:2 run from Syria early in the second term as they jumped into lead. The teams traded baskets before Wael Jlilati (199-G/F-90) knocked down 8 points in a row giving Syria a 36:31 lead at the interval. Wael Jlilati opened the second half with two points as Syria established a 40:31 advantage. But Jordan stepped on the gas late in the period. They capped the period with a 13:1 rally to grab a 56:46 lead with ten minutes remaining. Syria cut the deficit to just two points midway through the fourth frame 58:60. However Rasheim Wright came up with a timely three-pointer and Jordan ran away for the victory in the final minutes. Daghles Osama (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) posted 19 points, 6 boards and 6 assists for Jordan. Islam Abbaas and Abbas Zaid (203-F-83) added 8 points each in the win. Wael Jlilati answered with 13 points for Syria. Jacques Nalbandian chipped in 11 points in the loss.

Japan - Indonesia 81-59
Japan registered the first win at the 2011 Asian Championship. They bruised Indonesia in Group C opener. Joji Takeuchi (206-F/C-85, agency: N.E.T.) scored 11 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to pace well-balanced effort from Japan. Japan grabbed the lead early in the game. They limited Indonesia to only 8 points in the starting quarter to build a 7-point lead. However Indonesia went on a 13:2 run in the second frame to take a 21:18 lead. But Japan answered with a 17:2 surge late in the half to establish a 37:24 lead at the interval. Japan stayed in charge throughout the third term. They boosted the margin to 20 points to clear off. Japan entered the fourth quarter up by 22 points 61:39 and never looked back en route to the victory. Takuya Kawamura and Shinsuke Kashiwagi (183-PG-81) delivered 10 points apiece in the winning effort. Andi Poedjakesuma (187-F-80) responded with 12 points for Indonesia. Christian Ronaldo Sitepu top-scored with 14 points in the loss.

Group D
Philippines - United Arab Emirates 92-52
SEABA champions won over United Arab Emirates at their start of the 26th FIBA Asia Championship. Philippines won all the quarters to taste 92:52 victory. United Arab Emirates surprised the opponents with 5-0 run early in the game, while Barroca scored for 7:7. Philippines celebrated 17:12 after the first 10 minutes and had 29:18 midway through the second period. Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) later sent the teams to the lockers at 41:22. The third quarter proved the ambitions of the winners for a bigger advantage as they produced 28-13 in it. Another 23-17 in the last stanza brought the 40-point deficit win for Philippines in the opener. Baracael Marnel stepped up with 15 points for the winners and Pauliasi Taulava (208-C-73) collected 13 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Douthit also scored 13, while Casio Joseph added 11. Husain Ahmed (180-G-89) replied with 12 points in defeat and Al Hattawi Ali notched 11.

Bahrain - China 49-101
Bahrain returned to FIBA Asia Championship after 14 years and lost the opener of the 26th Asia Championship. China destroyed Bahrain 101:49. Bahrain stayed tough in the opening period and trailed only 13:16 after the first 5 minutes. China grabbed 25:20 lead at the end of 10 minutes and erupted later in the game. The defensive 24-6 in the second quarter was too much for Bahrain. China had 22-0 run and continued their dominance in the second half as well. The board showed 62:35 after 25 minutes of the game and China enjoyed 77:45 after three quarters. Another defensive 24-4 in the last stanza brought the first victory for China. Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) and Liu Wei paced all the winners with 15 points each, while Zhu FangYu (201-F-83) netted 13. Yue Sun (206-G/F-85) ended up with 11 points. Bader Abdulla Malabes (87) ended up with 17 points in defeat and Maitam Isa (182-G-90) nailed 9.



Standings
Standings
Group A
1. S.Korea1-0
2. Lebanon1-0
3. Malaysia0-1
4. India0-1
Group B
1. Uzbekistan.1-0
2. Iran1-0
3. Qatar0-1
4. Taiwan0-1
Group C
1. Jordan1-0
2. Japan1-0
3. Syria0-1
4. Indonesia0-1
Group D
1. China1-0
2. Philippine.1-0
3. United Ara.0-1
4. Bahrain0-1


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Rasheim WRIGHT
  USA
  (192-G-81)
  Avg: 20
 1. Wright, JOR20.0 
 2. Daghles, JOR19.0 
 3. Nikkhah, IRI18.0 
 4. Malabes, BHR17.0 
 5. Cho, KOR16.0 
 6. Yi, CHN15.0 
 7. Baracael, PHI15.0 
 8. Wu, TAI15.0 
 9. Liu, CHN15.0 
 10. Sitepu, IDN14.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Hamed HADDADI
  IRI
  (218-C-85)
  Avg: 18
 1. Haddadi, IRI18.0 
 2. Zhang, CHN15.0 
 3. Takeuchi, JPN12.0 
 4. Taulava, PHI11.0 
 5. Abdalla, UAE10.0 
 6. Kwaan, MAS9.0 
 7. Yi, CHN9.0 
 8. Abbas, JOR9.0 
 9. Ding, CHN9.0 
 10. Takeuchi, JPN8.0 
Assists Per Game
 Hee-Jong YANG
  (194-F-84)
  Avg: 9
 1. Yang, KOR9.0 
 2. Yang, KOR7.0 
 3. Daghles, JOR6.0 
 4. Guganeswaran, MAS5.0 
 5. Barroca, PHI5.0 
 6. Wuysang, IDN5.0 
 7. Alapag, PHI4.0 
 8. Wang, CHN4.0 
 9. Deeb, SYR4.0 
 10. Lee, TAI4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Mahdi KAMRANI
  (186-PG-82)
  Avg: 4
 1. Kamrani, IRI4.0 
 2. Kang, KOR4.0 
 3. Situmorang, IDN3.0 
 4. Sun, CHN3.0 
 5. Hirose, JPN3.0 
 6. Ishizaki, JPN3.0 
 7. Lee, TAI2.0 
 8. Park, KOR2.0 
 9. Chang, TAI2.0 
 10. Salem, UAE2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Hamed HADDADI
  IRI
  (218-C-85)
  Avg: 4
 1. Haddadi, IRI4.0 
 2. Hamowi, SYR4.0 
 3. Williams, PHI3.0 
 4. Douthit, PHI2.0 
 5. Kim, KOR2.0 
 6. Kazemi, IRI1.0 
 7. Ng, MAS1.0 
 8. Sakurai, JPN1.0 
 9. Akbar, BHR1.0 
 10. Sitepu, IDN1.0 


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  AUSTRIA   


Jason Detrick joins Lleida - by Eurobasket News
Jason Detrick (198-G-80, college: Oklahoma) will stay in Spain for at least one more season. The American/Austrian guard signed a one-year deal with Lleida. Detrick shined with Melilla last season averaging 15.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists. She finished as the fourth scorer of LEB Gold. Before Melilla, Jason Detrick played one year for Lagun Aro. He had 4.4 ppg and 1.2 rpg in 34 ACB league games. From 2007 to 2010, he played for La Laguna. Jason Detrick also has experience from Austrian Furstenfeld and Oberwart, plus Dutch Groningen. He is active member of the Austrian National Team since 2009. In Qualifications to European Championships Division B 2011, Detrick had 17.3 ppg, 3 rpg and 3.3 apg.

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  BAHRAIN   


2011 Asian Championship: Bahrain returned to FIBA Asia Championship after 14 years - by Eurobasket News
Bahrain-China 49:101

Bahrain returned to FIBA Asia Championship after 14 years and lost the opener of the 26th Asia Championship. China destroyed Bahrain 101:49.
Bahrain stayed tough in the opening period and trailed only 13:16 after the first 5 minutes. China grabbed 25:20 lead at the end of 10 minutes and erupted later in the game. The defensive 24-6 in the second quarter was too much for Bahrain. China had 22-0 run and continued their dominance in the second half as well.
The board showed 62:35 after 25 minutes of the game and China enjoyed 77:45 after three quarters. Another defensive 24-4 in the last stanza brought the first victory for China.
Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) and Liu Wei paced all the winners with 15 points each, while Zhu FangYu (201-F-83) netted 13. Yue Sun (206-G/F-85) ended up with 11 points. Bader Abdulla Malabes (87) ended up with 17 points in defeat and Maitam Isa (182-G-90) nailed 9.

Bahrain: Bader Abdulla Malabes 17, Maitam Isa 9
China: Jianlian Yi 15, Liu Wei 15, Zhu FangYu 13, Yue Sun 11

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  BOSNIA   


Tournament in Sibenik: Siroki advances to Finals - by Eurobasket News
Zadar - Siroki 44-66

Siroki will play in the Finals of the Tournament in Sibenik. The reigning Bosnian champion was too strong for Zadar in the Semis 66-44. Siroki took control on Zadar from the beginning and never looked back. They will meet Split in the Finals. Fran Pilepic (192-G-89) was the leading player in victory with 17 points. Darko Planinic (211-C-90) had 11 and Boris Barac (206-F-92) helped with 9 points. On the other side, Zadar did not have anyone with double-digits in scoring. Ante Delas (201-G/F-88) and Ive Ivanov (201-C-85) were their best players with 9 points each. Quarters: 10:15, 12:17, 11:14, 11:20. In the other Semifinals game, Split handed 79-70 loss to Jolly JB Sibenik.

Zadar: Ante Delas 9, Ive Ivanov 9
Siroki: Fran Pilepic 17, Darko Planinic 11, Boris Barac 9

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


Standings - Paulista, Carioca, Minas G. leagues
Paulista Standings
 1. Winner/Limeira 8-1 
 2. Itabom/Bauru 8-1 
 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. L.S.B. 4-6 
 11. Jacarei 3-6 
 12. Americana 3-6 
 13. Inter Santos 2-7 
 14. America 2-8 
 15. XV/Cosan 1-8 
 16. Sao Caetano 1-9 


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


Miracles coach has passion for life and hoops - by Eurobasket News
Norris Bell came from a very poor background as a kid growing up in Atlanta.

'Basketball has given me what I have in life. It has given me this moment,' said the head coach of the Moncton Miracles, an expansion team in the National Basketball League of Canada.

'If it wasn't for basketball, I never would've had an opportunity to go to Europe. I never would've had a chance to see different walks of life. I wouldn't be in front of you fine people now in Moncton with the opportunity to build something special with you.

'Basketball is my soul. I'm going to coach this team with my soul. I want players here that have a passion for the game, that have a passion for each other, that have a passion for people, that have a passion to be of service. I want guys that play with a love for the game, spirit and determination.'

Bell spoke yesterday morning to the Greater Moncton Sunrise Rotary Club. One thing that's clear is this is a man who sees the big picture.

'There's somebody higher than us,' he said.

'When you leave this world the only thing you're going to be judged by is your service. What have you done to help other people? That's what my life is all about.'

The NBL Canada will have seven teams in its inaugural season. The others are the Saint John Mill Rats, Halifax Rainmen, Summerside Storm, Quebec Kebs, London Lightning and Oshawa Power.

Moncton will open the 36-game regular season on the road against Quebec on Oct. 29. The Miracles will play their first five outings in enemy territory before their home opener versus Saint John on Nov. 20 at the Moncton Coliseum.

Bell had a meet and greet session with players, coaches and parents from the Moncton Kiwanis Minor Basketball Association last night. He's doing the same with those from Riverview minor basketball tonight.

He will attend the United Way campaign kickoff luncheon tomorrow at noon. Then in the evening he will spend time at Northrop Frye School working with minor basketball players in the mini and bantam divisions.

'It's not just lip service when we say this team is going to be involved in the community,' he said. 'We want to let Moncton know that we're serious about community involvement and working with the kids in the local minor basketball associations.

'I'm going to be accessible to everybody. You call me and say 'Hey coach, can you be here?' I'm there because I know that's part of my responsibilities. It's not just me coaching a basketball team.'

Season tickets and individual game tickets for the Miracles are now on sale at the Moncton Coliseum box office or by calling 857-4100. There's a 10 per cent discount on season tickets that are ordered by tomorrow.

Tickets are $10-18 depending on the section of the stadium and whether it's for adult, student/senior or youth. There's also more upscale seating next to the team benches and two court side party suites which are designed as hospitality areas. The seating chart is available online (www.tickets.moncton.ca).

There's complimentary food and beverages included with the seating next to the team benches.

The court side party suites each hold a maximum of 20 people, they have high top tables and chairs, and these ticket packages include the option for food and private bar.

Miracles owner Steven Conville has spoken about his desire to provide an NBA type environment on a common man's budget.

The Miracles plan to have a professional dance team, junior dance team, mascot and other elements to enhance stadium atmosphere.

Moncton Miracle is a term that's commonly used to descrbe the city's rebound from recession in the mid 1980s to a thriving economy today.

Moncton is the fastest growing urban centre in Atlantic Canada, the 10th fastest growing Census Metropolitan Area in Canada and it's known as the retail hub of the Maritimes. The city has also established itself as the entertainment capital of Atlantic Canada by hosting numerous high-profile sporting events and mega converts in the past few years.

'Moncton has history with its struggles and everything it's been through,' said Bell. 'We want this team to be an important part of the community, something people can feel proud of knowing that we represent them.

'We're working hard to get players that fit the history of Moncton. We're looking for guys that have good character and drive. We want guys that have good hearts. We want guys that fit with our vision in terms of reaching out into the community and helping the younger kids.'

The Greater Moncton Sunrise Rotary Club, which is still accepting members, is the first new rotary club in New Brunswick since 1992. This club was founded in May and Bell was its first guest speaker.

Miracles assistant coach Will Njoku and Norval McConnell, the team's manager of community and player relations, also attended yesterday's club breakfast. Njoku, born in Ghana and raised in Halifax, is a former professional basketball player who will be inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame on Oct. 8.

'We're a brand new club and I think it's very appropriate that we have the head coach of our brand new professional basketball team for our first guest speaker,' said Russ Mallard, president of the Greater Moncton Sunrise Rotary Club.

'We're very excited about having a professional basketball team in Moncton and we're looking forward to supporting the them. Norris Bell is a very exciting speaker. I'm sure everyone in the room felt his passion for the game and his desire to have the team involved in the community.

'I can hardly wait to see the expression on the kids faces when the Miracles coaches and players come to speak to them. I know the kids are going to respond well to having a professional basketball team in Moncton. Kids can dream about playing for them some day.'

Bell, 51, played professionally in Europe for 13 seasons and he's fluent in French after suiting up for seven seasons in France. Since retiring, he coached the Atlanta Celtics to two national AAU championships in a four-year period. He had a .970 winning percentage in the AAU which is the high school age level.

Bell is a two-time AAU Coach of the Year, an original member of the Nike Skill Academy and he's trained hundreds of Atlanta high school players who have received college basketball scholarships. In 1990, the Atlanta Journal Constitution voted him the No. 1 Playground Legend.

Bell enjoys working with minor basketball players to help them develop their skills so they can maximize their potential.

He spoke about the Miracles going to the grassroots level and establishing a development program for young kids.

'For kids who have an ambition to play basketball, I recommend they also play soccer,' he said. 'It's good for the physical conditioning aspect. It also helps them with their footwork because they're using both legs. I think Steve Nash's soccer background helped him in basketball.

'A lot of kids play basketball with one leg and don't even realize it. Using both legs gives you more options when you play. Our goal is to implement the right techniques and the right way to teach young kids to play the game.'

Bell points out that he's watched basketball go through a transformation in the past few years. It's about more than flair and the slam dunk now.

'The game has gone back on the ground,' he said. 'Look at Steve Nash, a two-time Most Valuable Player in the NBA. He's not big and he can't jump, but he can shoot and his basketball IQ is incredible. We've got to teach our kids and develop them the way that he plays the game.'

NBL Canada franchises are expected to have an annual operating budget of between $500,000 to $750,000. Under the league's business model, teams should be financially viable with an average of 2,000 fans per game when this is combined with other revenue such as corporate support.

Moncton will open training camp in mid October. The Miracles head coach spoke about Nash's passion for the game and tenacity.

'He plays the game like he doesn't have any money in the bank and needs a pay cheque,' said Bell. 'Those are the type of players we want in Moncton. We're going to have an exciting team that the community can embrace.

'This is my second trip to Moncton and both times I feel support. I can feel the hunger people have when it comes to having their own professional basketball team. Everybody I meet has the attitude 'What can I do to help?' I genuinely feel that people here want this team to succeed.'

Courtesy of http://timestranscrpt.canadaeast.com

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


Jiangsu Nangang in the United States - by Eurobasket
The Jiangsu Nangang Dragons Nanjing team is set to be in the United States on Thursday September 15,2011, the exact whereabouts and who they are seeing at this point is not clear, but sources place them in various places to see high level imports to sign for the upcoming CBA 2011-12 season. The team finished 4th last season and was a semi-finalist before losing to eventual runner-up Xinjiang.

The team lost their center, in former 2 time MVP Tang Zhengdong to Xinjiang, so a big void will need to be filled in this offseason. Sources say they are looking for an NBA level guard and a NBA level center prospect. They are one of a handful of teams that have yet to sign any player for the upcoming season, time is of the essence as players are defecting to Europe and signing elsewhere.

Fiba Asia Championship Game - by Robert Wang
China's first game in Fiba Asia Championship just finished tonight and China beat Bahrain at 101:49. This is the fifth time that china play against Bahrain in the Asia Championship history. And China won all the past games. Here is the score for each quartor. 1st: 25-20, 2nd: 26-4, 3rd: 26-21 and 4th: 24-4. All chinese players showed up during the games and Yao Ming was the commentator of this game. Yi Jian Lian received 15 pts and 9rebounds. Liu Wei got 15 pts with 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Zhu Fang Yu got 4 3-pts at 13 pts totally. Sun Yue got 11 pts and 3 steals. Zhang Zhao Xu got 7 pts and 15 rebounds. Wang Zhi Zhi got 6 pts and 6 rebounds with 4 assists. Ding Jin Hjui got 1 pt and 9 rebounds. The starting line up is Liu Wei, Sun Yue, Zhu Fang Yu, Wang Zhi zhi and Yi Jian Lian.

China Blast Bahrain 101-49 in FIBA Asia - by Arthur Volbert
China defeated Bahrain 101-49 in its first game in the FIBA Asia Championship. But Bahrain was a vastly overmatched opponent and China's first true test will be when it faces the Phillipines tomorrow.

China only led 25-20 after the first quarter, then exploded 26-4 in the second quarter to take a 51-24 halftime lead. It led 77-45 after three quarters, then outscored Bahrain 24-4 in the fourth.

Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) led China with 15 points and 9 rebounds in 18 minutes. Liu Wei scored 15 and Zhu Fangyu had 13. Sun Yue had 11 points and 4 rebounds in 18 minutes. Yi Li scored 9 and Zhang Bo and Xirelijiang each had 8. Wang Zhizhi only played 11 minutes in this easily-won game and had 6 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Zhang Zhaoxu had 7 points and 15 rebounds in 14 minutes and has a history of ringing up big numbers against inept international opponents. Ding Jinhui had 9 rebounds in 18 minutes but only took one shot and scored 1 point.

But this game was not a real test for China and we cannot yet say if this team has any chance to win this tournament.


FIBA Asia Championship -- Scores and Standings - by Arthur Volbert
Scores:
South Korea 89 Malayia 42
Lebanon 71 India 68
Iran 49 Ch. Taipei 37
Uzbekistan 27 Qatar 12 forfeit
Jordan 71 Syria 58
Japan 81 Indonesia 59
Philippines 92 UAE 52
China 101 Bahrain 49

FIBA Asia Standings:
Group D
China 1 0
Philippines 1 0
UAE 0 1
Bahrain 0 1

Group A
Korea 1 0
Lebanon 1 0
India 0 1
Malaysia 0 1

Group B
Iran 1 0
Uzbekistan 1 0
Qatar 0 1
Ch. Taipei 0 1

Group C
Japan 1 0
Jordan 1 0
India 0 1
Indonesia 0 1

*****************************************************
  COLOMBIA   


INDERVALLE THE YOUNG SQUAD - by Victor Garcia
Indervalle keeps the procces alive and will play with its young players like Luis Guillermo Moreno, Gerson Pena, Jacobo Ceter and Leonardo Salazar, they will also add back from the U.S. the Colombian forward John Velez who finishes his career at TCU, coach Moreno always has good eye for the imports and this years brings guard Ryan Lancaster, forward Adam Brooke and center Kyle Jeffers, Indervalle will be a hard contender for the main favourites.
CARLOS MOSQUERA (1,85 G)
GERSON PENA (1,85 G)
JACOBO CETER (1,85 G/F)
JOHN VELEZ (2,00 F)
HARVIN GUEVARA (1,97 F)
LUIS MOREN0 (1,80 G)
LEONARDO SALAZAR (2,00 F)
EDWIN CORTEZ (1,98 F)
BRYAN RAMIREZ
RYAN LANCASTER (1,93 G- USA)
KYLE JEFFERS (2,08 C- USA)
ADAM BROOKE (2,00 F- USA)
SALOMON MOSQUERA (1,78 G)

COACH: GUILLERMO MORENO

SAN ANDRES, THE CARIBBEAN HEAT IS BACK - by Victor Garcia
San Andres starts a new project, the Caribbean Heat managed by ex player Javier Gordon, and with the support of Sopesa, the team will give the chances to the local player, but Joe Manuel will be its main star and the symbol of the Islander Basketball, but they also brings back Michael Jackson who will take the offensive load among the Islanders, Americans Devaughn Washington and Patrick Culver are going to add the size to the team while Ronnie Childs is going to prove its talent.
CARIBBEAN HEAT ROSTER.
RONNIE CHILDS (1,90 G)
MICHAEL JACKSON (1,96 F/G)
JOE MANUEL (1,96 F)
DEVAUGHN WASHINGTON (2,02 F)
PATRIK CULVER (2,08 C)
FRANKLIN FORBES (1,80 G)
EDWARD STEEL (1,86 F)
JARED CORPUS (1,92 F)
DARIO CUERO (2,00 F)
DOEL FORBES (2,02 C)
LARRY POMARE (1,85 G)
JORRY DOWNS (1,90 G)
HILBOR PUSSEY
JULIAN HOOKER
LARRY CARDONA


ARRIEROS GOES FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT CUP - by Victor Garcia
Arrieros is trying to make its roster, the team is looking for a couple of players to fill the places of Aragon and Mosquera who left the team, and is closing to reach agreements with Jorge Leon and Jesus Urbina both dual citizenship players , Stalin Ortiz is already in Medellin ready to start the trainings, and Heissler Guillent will arrive to Medellin next week, the team is also working to agreed terms with Alejandro Flores who has reported to get another offers in the last week, but according to team sources the agreement is close, the unofficial roster of the Arrieros will be, stiil pending for the agreement of Alejandro Flores.
NombrePosEst
HEISSLER GUILLENT (1,85 G - VENEZUELA)
STALIN ORTIZ (1,90 G)
YADER FERNANDEZ (1,97 F)
ALEJANDRO FLORES (2,05 F/C - DOMINICAN REP)
JOSE JUAN BRAVO (2,02 C - VENEZUELA)
HUMBERTO SOLER (1,80 G)
ANDRES ARCILA (1,87 G/F)
SANTIAGO JARAMILLO (1,80 G)
DEIBY AGUIRRE (1,95 F)
ADISON BLANDON (2,00 F)
ALVARO CONTRERAS (1,78 G)
JORGE LEON (1,88 G)

COACH: HERNAN GIRALDO CORREA

PATRIOTAS WANTS TO COMPETE - by Victor Garcia
Patriotas put together a good group of players, with Adriano Dillone driving the team, they can have good options this year to reach the semifinals, Dillone choose to keep part of the same roster he had last year, with Rodrigo Caicedo, Sebastian Marquez and Cruz Salcedo as main Colombians, but also the help of American center Nakiea Miller will be a great addition to a roster without big size in the pots, Jorge Diaz and Fernando Lucena will be also solid contributors.
Patriotas roster will be:
Nombre
FERNANDO LUCENA (1,85 G)
CRUZ SALCEDO (1,92 G/F)
JEROME RICHARDSON (1,94 F-USA)
KAVON LYTCH (1,98 F - USA)
NAKIEA MILLER (2,04 C- USA)
RODRIGO CAICEDO (1,80 G)
JORGE DIAZ (1,94 F)
JOSE LOPEZ (1,94 F)
SEBASTIAN MARQUEZ (1,96 F)
DIEGO QUIROZ (1,82 G)
MIGUEL FERNANDEZ (1,94 F)

COACH: ADRIANO DILLONE


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)
DIOMEDES CASIANI (2,00 C)
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)
NORBEY ARAGON (1,94 F)
ADINSON MOSQUERA (2,00)
CESAR SILVA (1,90 G/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)
JOHN PEREZ (1,80-G)

COACH; YESID RIVERO

ROSTER CHANGESIN BUCAROS AND GUERREROS - by Victor Garcia
Bucaros had to realease dual citizenship player Cesar 'Oso' Silva due to League limitations in the number of dual citizenship players per team, and add to its roster veteran center Diiomedes Casiani (2,00) , Casiani has played most of its career in Piratas, and also played in Ecuador.

Guerreros de Bogota strenght iits roster with arrivals of Colombians Norbey Aragon (1,93 G/F) and Adinson Mosquera (2,00 F), the team also added the dual citizenship player Cesar 'Oso' Silva (1,90 G).

Arrieros reported agreement with dual citizenship player Jorge Leon, Leon played last year with Cangrejeros in Cartagena, and this will be its second season in Medellin, the team is also waiting for Jesus Urbina get its Colombian Passport, Urbina will be a major addition to the team.

Indervalle announces the signing of Americans, Ryan Lancaster (1,93 G - USA), Adam Brooke (2,00 F- USA) and Kyle Jeffers (2,06 C), also the return of veteran guard Salomon Mosquera.

Patriotas announces the return of Dominican Adriano Dillone as head coach, and the agreement with welll known center Nakiea Miller (2,05 C - USA), the forward Kavon Lytch (1,98 F), and the guard Jerome Richardson (1,94 F).

San Andres landed Patrick Culver (2,08 -C- USA) for the second time, and Devaughn Washington (2,02 F- USA) as big men, and Ronnie Childs (1,90 G- USA) as its perimeter import.

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


Split heads to Finals in Sibenik - by Eurobasket News
Split and Siroki TT Kabeli will meet in the Finals of the friendly tournament in Sibenik.
Split was better than the home team Jolly Jadranska Banka in the Semis 79-70. Ivan Mimica (193-G-80) shined for the winners with 21 points. Josip Sobin (203-G/F-89) and Toni Dijan (205-F-83) netted 13 and 11 points respectively. In Jolly JBS, Ronald Ross (188-G-83, college: Texas Tech) top-scored with 19 points and Stipe Rezic (201-G/F-89) had 16. Quarters - 12:18, 23:19, 22:16, 13:26.
The reigning Bosnian champion Siroki TT Kabeli was too strong for Zadar in the Semis 66-44. Siroki took control on Zadar from the beginning and never looked back. They will meet Split in the Finals. Fran Pilepic (192-G-89) was the leading player in victory with 17 points. Planinic had 11 and Barac helped with 9 points. On the other side, Zadar did not have anyone with double-digits in scoring. Ante Delas (201-G/F-88) and Ive Ivanov (201-C-85) were their best players with 9 points each. Quarters - 10:15, 12:17, 11:14, 11:20.

Zadar tests Filip Toncinic, wants to sign Goran Vrbanc - by Eurobasket News
Zadar brought in Filip Toncinic (212-F-84, college: Texas A&M - C.C.) for try-out. He will play for Zadar in the upcoming friendly games, after what the team will make a decision. Toncinic played in Syria last season. He was a member of Al Wehda Damascus. Filip Toncinic is a product of the Texas A&M University, where he graduated a year ago. He had 3.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 1 bpg for his school as a senior. In the past, Toncinic was a member of Triglav Osiguranje Rijeka.
Meanwhile, Zadar also looks to sign Goran Vrbanc (194-G-84). The player was close to sign abroad, but it did not happen. It is expected that Vrbanc makes a decision until the end of the week.

Zagreb parts ways with Gary McGhee - by Eurobasket News
According to various sources, Gary McGhee (208-C-88, college: Pittsburgh) is no longer a member of Zagreb. The reigning Croatian champion decided to release the player before the any official game. They look to sign other position 5 player now. Gary McGhee is a rookie who graduated few months ago at the University of Pittsburgh. He had 6.9 ppg and 7.7 rpg in 34 games as a senior. Pittsburgh was the Big East regular season champion this year. McGhee participated at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft). He had 9 ppg and 8.5 rpg for two games. Gary McGhee won the Big East Tournament with Pittsburg in 2008. He was freshman at that time.

Aleksandar Ugrinoski joins Las Rozas - by Eurobasket News
Aleksandar Ugrinoski (192-G-88, agency: Interperformances) will continue his career in Spain. He signed a deal with the LEB Silver team Las Rozas. Ugrinoski started last season with Montepaschi Siena, but did not appear in any official game with them. In November, Ugrinoski signed a one-month deal with Lega Due team Immobiliare Spiga Rimini. He appeared just twice for them after what they parted ways. Ugrinoski was tested by Lottomarica Roma later, but did not sign. In 2009/10, Aleksandar Ugrinoski played for Bulgarian Rilski and Macedonian Vardar Osiguruvanje. He had 5.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg and 2.5 apg for 13 games in NBL with Rilski. He also added 4 ppg and 2.4 apg for five games in BIBL. Later with Vardar he registered 6.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.8 apg for 16 games in Macedonian league. Vardar reached Playoff Finals. Aleksandar Ugrinoski won the title with Vardar in 2009. In the past, he played for Cibona and Dubrava. Aleksandar Ugrinoski also was a member of the Croatian U18 and 16 NT.

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


Rostislav Uhlir signs in Spain - by Eurobasket News
Rostislav Uhlir (198-F-86) signed a deal in Spain. He became a new member of the LEB Silver team Las Rozas. Uhlir heads to his new team from Slovakian Prievidza. He played 30 games for them last season averaging 9.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1 assist. Before Prievidza, Uhlir spent three years with Nova Hut Ostrava. In their last season together he had 3 ppg and 2 rpg, but appeared just four times in the league. In 2008/09 season, Uhlir averaged 5.4 points and 1.7 rebounds for 39 games. Rostislav Uhlir played for Real Madrid II in 2006/07 season. He had 4.5 ppg and 1.3 rpg for them in 15 LEB2 games. Before that, he spent few more years with Nova Hut Ostrava. Rostislav Uhlir played for U20 Czech Republic in the past. He also was a member of the University NT.

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


Morten Christensen heads to Aalborg Vikings, Jonas Bro signs with Horsholm 79ers - by Eurobasket News
Jonas Bro (186-PG-87) will play for Horsholm 79ers. The Danish Point Guard arrived from Falcon. In 2007-2008 he started for SISU Copenhagen (Basketliga) and in 21 games averaged 1.0ppg. In 2010-2011 played for Falcon (1st Division, starting five). He became Danish 1st Division Regular Season Runner-Up -11 and Danish 1st Division Finalist -11.
Morten Christensen (198-F-88) meanwhile heads to Aalborg Vikings. The Danish Forward played for Horsholm 79ers (Ligaen), last year but in Jan.'11 moved to SISU Copenhagen (Ligaen). In 12 games he averaged 3.6ppg, 1.7rpg. He closed the season with 8 points at the Quarter-Finals Round 2 when SISU lost to Naestved 99-112. The guests trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 59-44 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Naestved looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Five Naestved and four SISU players scored in double figures.


Sebastian Gram moves to Bakken Bears - by Eurobasket News
Sebastian Gram (196-F-90) moves to Bakken Bears for the upcoming season. The Danish Forward will also play for Aarhus BFS.
Sebastian Gram will practice and play Bakken Bears. He will get double license, so he mainly to play matches with Aarhus BFS team in first division but with opportunity to play at Bears team in case of injury or if he trains past the established names. Sebastian Gram plans to study in Aarhus, and it helps to move him to the city.
In 2007-2008 he played for Horsholm 79ers (Basketligaen) and in 17 games showed 0.4ppg. In 2008-2009 moved to Randers Cimbria Basketball (Basketligaen) and in 23 games had 1.0ppg. In 2009-2010 continued with Randers Cimbria Basketball (Basketligaen),but team folded in Feb.'10. In 20 games he improved to 3.7ppg, 2.5rpg.
He became Danish League Regular Season Runner-Up -09, reached Danish League Semifinals -09 and Danish Cup Semifinals -10.


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


Former NBA player Crittenton to face murder charge - by Eurobasket News
Former Washington Wizards basketball player Javaris Crittenton (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) will be returned to Atlanta from Los Angeles on Thursday to face a murder charge, police said.

Crittenton, a former star player at Georgia Tech, will be transported to jail by a fugitive unit of the Atlanta police department, spokesman officer John Chafee said Wednesday.

Authorities said Crittenton was being returned to face the charge in the death of 22-year-old Julian Jones, a mother of four who was hit by gunfire during a drive-by shooting. Police said the shots were aimed at someone walking with her. Crittenton denies involvement.

Crittenton was detained at the John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif., two weeks ago when he was about to board a flight to Atlanta.

Defense attorney Brian Steel said when Crittenton appeared in court in Los Angeles that his client had agreed to return to Atlanta voluntarily and had even bought a plane ticket, but law enforcement authorities decided to arrest him anyway.

He waived extradition to Atlanta and has been held in Los Angeles pending his return. Crittenton lives in the Atlanta suburb of Fayeteville.

He pleaded guilty to a gun charge after a locker room altercation with Wizards teammate Gilbert Arenas last year and served a year of unsupervised probation.

After starring at Georgia Tech, Crittenton was the 19th overall pick of the 2007 NBA draft, selected by the Los Angeles Lakers. He is on the roster of an NBA developmental league team.

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Springfield Armor introduce Bob MacKinnon, Jr. as their new head coach - by Eurobasket News
MacKinnon Bob, Jr., has succeeded in the NBA Development League before and plans to do so once again.

The 44-year-old MacKinnon was introduced as the new coach of the Springfield Armor Wednesday afternoon at the MassMutual Center.

I think this is a great time to be a part of the Springfield Armor and with the Nets its kind of a new start for everybody and an exciting time, MacKinnon said. Its a great situation, maybe the best in the league for a coach because you have solid ownership here, a great organization in New Jersey so whats better than that?

MacKinnon was one of more than 10 coaches interviewed for the Armor job by Nets general manager for minor league operations Milton Lee and Nets coach Avery Johnson. He replaces Dee Brown, who coached the first two years of the Armor existence and is now part of the Detroit Pistons coaching staff.

When Avery Johnson asked me OK, Im interviewing Bob, why am I interviewing him, Lee said. The number one thing that came out of my mouth is Avery, youre going to love him, hes a basketball junkie.

He comes from a basketball family, hes been coaching college for 25 years, the last seven years hes been in the D-League, or scouting for the NBA or over in China, Lee added. He is a basketball junkie.

MacKinnons father, Bob McKinnon, Sr., coached in the NBA, which included a stint as the coach of the Nets as well as their general manager from 1981-85. The son has a pretty strong resume as well, having been an assistant coach at George Washington University, Niagara, Notre Dame, North Carolina and Marshall as well as head coach at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

More importantly, MacKinnon had two successful seasons coaching in the D-League, the first with the defunct Colorado 14ers where he led them to the D-League championship in 2009, and then with the Idaho Stampede in 2010 where he had a 25-25 record.

The Armor have had a total of 20 wins over two seasons.

Over the course of the two years when I was a head coach in the D-League we had seven players called up to the NBA, seven different call ups and that to me is what this league is all about, MacKinnon said. Its about developing players, its about developing coaches, its about developing staff, its about developing PR people, owners, all these people that have gone on to make the NBA what it is.

The fact that we can help the players move on and advance their careers, I take a lot of pride in that, he added. If you are going to be a good player and get a chance to play in the NBA or at the next level, you have to show that you can win at this level and our goal here with the Springfield Armor is to win a championship.

MacKinnons D-League teams have been some of the highest scoring teams in the league. His 14ers team twice set the D-League mark for points in game, the first time at 147, which they topped a month later with 155 points.

Oddly enough, two months before taking the job at Idaho in 2009, MacKinnon interviewed for the Armor job, which went to Brown.

It just didnt work out and quite frankly we felt that Dee was the person to get this franchise off the ground, Armor managing partner Michael Savit said. Yes, we didnt win enough games, but won-loss not withstanding, Dee was a great coach for us, a great guy to work with and a great guy for the community.

MacKinnons task will be to build on what Brown started, mix in more wins, develop some players for the Nets and make the Armor a postseason contender.

Courtesy of www.masslive.com

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


Jose Manuel Calderon doubtful for EuroBasket Semis due to injury - by Eurobasket News
Bad news for the Spanish National Team. Jose Manuel Calderon (190-PG-81) suffered ankle injury (posterior tibial tendonitis) during the game against Slovenia and he is doubtful for Semifinals. Spain blasted Slovenia in the QFinals 86-64. Calderon had 9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. He averages 5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists in EuroBasket. Calderon scored 12 points against Lithuania, 9 against Slovenia and 8 against Serbia. Jose Manuel Calderon missed World Championship in Turkey and EuroBasket in Poland two years ago. He had 7.3 ppg and 3 rpg at the Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing. Spain won the Silver at this event. Calderon also won the Silver with Spain at the EuroBasket 2007. Spain was the host, but Russia took the Gold from them in thriller. Calderon had 12.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 2.6 apg at this event. At the World Championship 2006 in Japan he averaged 7.2 points, 2 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Spain won the Gold.

Russia and France complete semifinal picture - by Eurobasket News
Q-Finals
Russia - Serbia 77-67
Russia completed the semifinal picture at the 2011 EuroBasket in Lithuania. They held off Serbia in an intense battle tonight to seal their semifinal appearance. Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) stepped up with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort. Russia will now take on France for the place in the championship game. Serbia opened the game with four points in a row but Russia quickly erased the deficit. They pulled in front and posted a 16:12 lead after ten minutes. Monya, Shved and Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) ensured a 7:0 start for Russia in the second frame. David Blatt team stayed in control throughout the period posting a 34:27 halftime advantage. Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) and Macvan dragged Serbia within a single point early in the third quarter 38:39. But Russia did not allow their opponents to pull ahead. They secured a 54:48 advantage at the final intermission. The margin grew at 8-point mark but Serbia would not go away. They narrowed the gap to just 5 points with under three minutes to go. However Andrei Kirilenko sank four free throws in the dying minutes and Russia marched on to the victory at the end. Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) and Viktor Khryapa posted 11 points each in the win. Shved added 10 points for Russia. Milos Teodosic answered with 20 points for Serbia. Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) finished with 13 points in the loss.



France - Greece 64-56
France won over Greece in the Quarterfinal game on Thursday. The French outfit had a slow start but won 64:56. Greece surprised France with 7-0 run in the start of the game and then Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) scored for 10:4. Calathes and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) increased to 11 points in the middle of the first period. De Colo and Tony Parker (183-PG-80) scored the last points in the frame for 17:14, Greece. Antonis Fotsis and Papanikolaou increased to 21:14 early in the second period, while De Colo tied the game at 21:21. France however could not jump in front in the first half and trailed in the rest of the second quarter. Ioannis Bourousis brought 27:23 and Bramos delivered two for 29:25. Ioannis Bourousis closed the half at 31:27 as Greece won the second period 14-13. Ioannis Bourousis scored for 39:32, but France started to play better in the second half. Tony Parker tied the game at 40:40, while Calathes gave Greece 43:40. Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) tied it all at 45:45 from the perimeter and Tony Parker tasted the first lead with his side in the last quarter. Nicolas Batum brought 52:47, while Tony Parker delivered two for 56:50 with 4 minutes to go. Ioannis Bourousis made two free throws for 56:52 and kept the chances alive for the victory. Again Ioannis Bourousis and Antonis Fotsis made only the second attempts in the free throws line for 56:54, while Nicolas Batum increased the lead back to 4 points. Nicolas Batum and then Zisis made it 60:56, while De Colo scored two free throws for 62:56. Noah also made two free throws and set up the final result in the game. Tony Parker top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Nando De Colo (202-G-87) notched 16. Nicolas Batum followed them with 15 points in a win. Ioannis Bourousis collected 17 points and 11 caroms in defeat, while Antonis Fotsis notched 9.


Placed 5-8
Slovenia - Lithuania 77-80
Lithuania survived a Classification Game for the 5-8 places against Slovenia. The hosts of Eurobasket 2011 grabbed 80:77 and will play for the 5th place. Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) and Lakovic gave Slovenia 4-0 lead and Zoran Dragic scored for 6:2. It looked that Lithuania was far from the best game after the loss last night to FYR Macedonia. Zoran Dragic scored another 4 for 14:6, while Erazem Lorbek brought 16:11. Jankunas meanwhile managed to close the period at 20:19. Pocius however gave the hosts 21:20 early in the second, while Smodis tied it all at 23:23. Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) scored for 28:27, while Javtokas delivered for Lithuania lead at 31:28. The latter also made it 34:28 and Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) scored for 38:32. Valanciunas and Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) gave the hosts 44:33 halftime advantage that was the biggest lead in the game. Erazem Lorbek reduced to 46:39 and Ozbolt nailed three for 49:42. Mirza Begic brought Slovenia within 3 points and Smodis scored for 61:57. Lithuania managed to grab 6-point lead at the end of 30 minutes as Mantas Kalnietis scored for 63:57. Lakovic, Erazem Lorbek and Smodis gave Slovenia 64:63 early in the fourth period. Ozbolt nailed three for 68:65 and Mantas Kalnietis replied for 68:68. Kaukenas later made the same at 74:74 with 2 minutes, but Erazem Lorbek scored from the arc for 77:76. Mantas Kalnietis answered with a three for 79:77 with 20 seconds on the board. Lakovic had a chance to tie the game but missed a lay-up, while Mantas Kalnietis made only one free throw for 3-point advantage. Goran Dragic had a chance to tie the game but missed a long shot. Mantas Kalnietis top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) and Sarunas Jasikevicius scored 12 points apiece. Erazem Lorbek and Goran Dragic posted 16 points each in defeat, while Mirza Begic nailed 11.



Standings Div.A (Men)
Standings
Group E
1. Spain4-1
2. France4-1
3. Lithuania3-2
4. Serbia2-3
5. Turkey1-4
6. Germany1-4
Group F
1. Russia5-0
2. FYR Macedon.4-1
3. Greece3-2
4. Slovenia2-3
5. Finland1-4
6. Georgia0-5
Group Places 13-24
1. Belgium0-0
2. Bosnia0-0
3. Bulgaria0-0
4. Croatia0-0
5. U.Kingdom0-0
6. Israel0-0
7. Italy0-0
8. Latvia0-0
9. Montenegro0-0
10. Poland0-0
11. Portugal0-0
12. Ukraine0-0


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Luol DENG
  ENG
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 24.6
 1. Deng, ENG24.6 
 2. Bargnani, ITA22.8 
 3. Parker, FRA21.6 
 4. McCalebb, MKD20.9 
 5. Gasol, ESP20.3 
 6. Nowitzki, GER19.5 
 7. Rowland, BUL18.0 
 8. Tomic, CRO16.6 
 9. Eliyahu, ISR16.4 
 10. Blums, LAT16.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Chris KAMAN
  USA
  (213-C-82)
  Avg: 10
 1. Kaman, GER10.0 
 2. Deng, ENG9.4 
 3. Antic, MKD8.8 
 4. Asik, TUR8.5 
 5. Sanikidze, GEO8.0 
 6. Noah, FRA8.0 
 7. Dasic, MNT7.6 
 8. Bargnani, ITA7.4 
 9. Clark, ENG7.2 
 10. Gasol, ESP7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Dontaye DRAPER
  USA
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 7
 1. Draper, CRO7.0 
 2. Da Silva, POR6.5 
 3. Teodosic, SRB6.0 
 4. Vasiljevic, BIH5.4 
 5. Khryapa, RUS5.1 
 6. Jasikevicius, LTU5.0 
 7. Bertt, UKR4.8 
 8. Parker, FRA4.5 
 9. Koszarek, POL4.4 
 10. Cook, MNT4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Andrei KIRILENKO
  RUS
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Kirilenko, RUS2.9 
 2. Trotter, HUN2.8 
 3. Batum, FRA2.2 
 4. Kotti, FIN2.1 
 5. Hanga, HUN2.0 
 6. McCalebb, MKD2.0 
 7. Kelati, POL2.0 
 8. Stojanovski, MKD1.9 
 9. Fernandez, ESP1.8 
 10. Andrade, POR1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Chris KAMAN
  USA
  (213-C-82)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Kaman, GER1.8 
 2. Gasol, ESP1.8 
 3. Mozgov, RUS1.6 
 4. Kravtsov, UKR1.6 
 5. Bargnani, ITA1.6 
 6. Asik, TUR1.5 
 7. Begic, SLO1.5 
 8. Valanciunas, LTU1.2 
 9. Mbenga, BEL1.2 
 10. Koufos, GRE1.1 


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


Finnish teams start friendly campaigns - by Eurobasket News
Korihait won over FoKoPo 79:71. Mikko Jalonen (186-G-82) stepped up with 23 points for the winners and Shawn Vanzant added 20. Petri Heinonen (207-F/C-88) ended up with 17, while Justin Howard added 8. Tracy Robinson produced 22 points in defeat and Boo Bojang scored 21.
Karhu Kauhajoki also beat Swedish LF Basket 107:104.For the Swedish side Justin Safford erupted with 35 points. Rudy Mbemba (181-G-87) notched 20 and Keith Ramsey scored 14.
Korihait overcame LF Basket 88:76. For Swedish team Martin Pahlmblad (193-G-86) and Justin Safford netted 19 points apiece.
German MBC won the tournament in Finland. In Day 1 the German team overcame Karhu Kauhajoki 84:76. Reid top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Leutloff scored 14. Darius Hargrove (193-G-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Virginia Union) posted 12, while Marcus Smallwood (198-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: N.Illinois) delivered 9. Skamo replied with 18 points in defeat and Beidler notched 14.
In Day 2 MBC beat Pyrinto Tampere 89:86. Darius Hargrove led the way with 26 points and Heyden nailed 15. Williams answered with 20 points for the Finnish side, while Bailey and Love added 15 each.
In Final MBC rolled over Karhu Kauhajoki 95:78. Malte Schwarz (188-G-89, agency: Court Side) poured in 22 points and Cook nailed 15. Hendley produced 19 points in the losing effort and Hannah nailed 14.



KORISLIIGA: Keena Young on YMCA Lahti roster - by Rauno Hurmalainen
YMCA Lahti has signed with American F Keena Young (198-F-85, college: BYU). Young has played pro basketball in South Korea, Kosovo and Israel - by now. Last season Young averaged 17,4 ppg - 6,1 rpg in National League (Elitzur Ramla) in Israel. American C Justin Howard (208-C-81, college: Mercer) instead didn't get a contract from Korihait (Uusikaupunki) GM and Head Coach Tom Westerholm , who is after a new Center. Finnish F Carl Lindbom (204-F-91) is returning back home from Germany and ex-KTP (Kotka) captain Ville-Pertti Lind (197-F-80) returns back to Tarmo (Porvoo) and on the second highest level, 1. Division.

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


EuroBasket 2011: France eliminates Greece, Parker steps closer to MVP title - by Eurobasket News
France-Greece 64:56

France won over Greece in the Quarterfinal game on Thursday. The French outfit had a slow start but won 64:56.
Greece surprised France with 7-0 run in the start of the game and then Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) scored for 10:4. Calathes and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) increased to 11 points in the middle of the first period. De Colo and Tony Parker (183-PG-80) scored the last points in the frame for 17:14, Greece.
Antonis Fotsis and Papanikolaou increased to 21:14 early in the second period, while De Colo tied the game at 21:21. France however could not jump in front in the first half and trailed in the rest of the second quarter. Ioannis Bourousis brought 27:23 and Bramos delivered two for 29:25. Ioannis Bourousis closed the half at 31:27 as Greece won the second period 14-13.
Ioannis Bourousis scored for 39:32, but France started to play better in the second half. Tony Parker tied the game at 40:40, while Calathes gave Greece 43:40. Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) tied it all at 45:45 from the perimeter and Tony Parker tasted the first lead with his side in the last quarter. Nicolas Batum brought 52:47, while Tony Parker delivered two for 56:50 with 4 minutes to go. Ioannis Bourousis made two free throws for 56:52 and kept the chances alive for the victory. Again Ioannis Bourousis and Antonis Fotsis made only the second attempts in the free throws line for 56:54, while Nicolas Batum increased the lead back to 4 points. Nicolas Batum and then Zisis made it 60:56, while De Colo scored two free throws for 62:56. Noah also made two free throws and set up the final result in the game.
Tony Parker top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Nando De Colo (202-G-87) notched 16. Nicolas Batum followed them with 15 points in a win. Ioannis Bourousis collected 17 points and 11 caroms in defeat, while Antonis Fotsis notched 9.

France: Tony Parker 18, Nando De Colo 16, Nicolas Batum 15
Greece: Ioannis Bourousis 17+11 rebs, Antonis Fotsis 9

Standings - N1
NM1 Standings
 1. Angers BC 49 0-0 
 2. Blois 0-0 
 3. Brest 0-0 
 4. CFBB 0-0 
 5. Challans 0-0 
 6. Charleville 0-0 
 7. Chartres 0-0 
 8. Clermont 0-0 
 9. Cognac 0-0 
 10. GSEXEMPT 0-0 
 11. Le Puy 0-0 
 12. Lievin 0-0 
 13. Montbrison 0-0 
 14. Orchy 0-0 
 15. Rueil 0-0 
 16. Sorgues 0-0 
 17. Souffel 0-0 
 18. St Quentin 0-0 


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


Michael Kool-Aid Juice Thompson (Fraport Skyliners) Tiramisu Looks Really Good, Tastes Good And Is The Perfect Ally-Op Desert Between Me And Tez - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
For new Skyliner Michael Thompson, jumping on a plane recently and jetting to wine country Treviso,Italy to join the Fraport Skyliners for a one week training camp must have felt as comfortable for the man that is known as the juice as if Paris Hilton had involuntarily been caught at a Mcdonalds, but finding swank delicious caviar in her Happy meal, actor George Clooney arriving anywhere in the world and being given not one, but two sexy Miss Universe ladies for both arms and Justin Bieber not having men jeans ready for him upon arrival in his hotel room, but ladies jeans since they fit better than pieces designed for men. There are many different kind of juices, but the fact remains that wine is a juice which is a beverage made of the fermented juice of any of various kinds of grapes, usually containing from 10 to 15 percent alcohol by volume. Thompson is a rookie coming from Northwestern and has a try-out with the Fraport Skyliners and at the age of 22 still a young buck which could due to time graduate from innocent Cool-Aid juice to the disciplined and elegant taste of fabulous Italian wine.

Michael Thompson is a 22 year old 177cm point guard from Chicago, Illinois that has come to Europe to start his basketball career with the Fraport Skyliners getting a three week try-out. He played four years at Northwestern in Chicago which has had as much success with not winning on the basketball court as the Chicago Cubs have had not winning on the baseball field, the Buffalo Bills looking depressed after 48 minutes in Super Bowl finals and Ivan Lendl wondering why he was never able to win on the hallow cow pastures of Wimbeldon. Even though Northwestern were basketball national champs in 1931, the school has been more known recently for the womans lacrosse team that won 5 consecutive NCAA titles from 2005-2009 and their football program which has been in the AP top 10, 73 times since 1936 and reached bowl games like the Citrus, Alamo and Rose, but havent won a bowl game since the 1949 Rose Bowl. The biggest success that Thompson had on the court was reaching the NIT Elite 8 in 2011, so it may not be uncommon that his nickname juice might have stirred more interest at times then the chances of Northwestern beating a Duke. His nickname has less to do with his quick moves, but more with his shot from Michigan avenue. The nickname Juice originated in 7th grade. Playing basketball at a local gym I would say Juice every time I shot a 3 pointer and that day I made almost all of my 3 pointers. People asked why I would say Juice and I would tell them that my jump shot is 100% pure like juice. Since that day the name Juice has stuck with me and everyone calls me Juice, stressed Michael Thompson (177-PG-89, college: Northwestern) It also doesnt bother Thompson that he has the same nickname as the infamous OJ Simpson who will most likely be known more for his famous summer 1994 Bronco chase on the Los Angeles free ways or trying to fit the black gloves on his hands than rushing 11,236 yards in the NFL placing him currently at 17th place. I think its cool to have the same nickname as a great football player who accomplished many things in his professional football career. However, I want to create my own identity in the basketball world with the same nickname. Athletically I want to have an impact similar to what OJ Simpson had on the professional football world in the later years of his career beginning in the 1972 season. Simpson was an explosive athlete that set many records and I want to go down in history as a great professional basketball player like OJ Simpson did..stressed Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson played at Northwestern from 2007-2011 and quickly showed that shooting successfully and over 40% from downtown Chicago is as natural as Dashaun Wood scrambling in the lane, getting past 3 defenders and falling to his right and some how releasing the ball and seeing it trickle in as he is watching from the floor, Tim Thomas somehow keeping his net clean and making the most incredible saves the past season for the Boston Bruins and leading them to the Stanley Cup win or Charlie Sheen ordering champagne and chicks for a snack in Malibu. Thompson nearly shot over 40% from the parking lot for all four season just missing with 39,3% in his senior year. Despite his nickname Juice for his three point accuracy, the American sees his game as so much more versatile, which he needs to have as a point guard. My biggest strength on the court is my ability to run a team. Being a Point Guard is more than dribbling the ball up the court, as a Point Guard you got to be able to play defense, control the tempo of the game, and be able to score or set up your teammate in the right position. So overall I think my feel for the game and ability to understand what is needed in certain situations is my biggest strength along with my jump shot, stressed Michael Thompson This season there will be many smaller point guards in the Beko BBL like s. Oliver Baskets Achmadschah Zazai or David Holston from the Artland Dragons and Michael Thompson will also belong to this group. A Dashaun Wood who will run the Alba Berlin team will seem like a giant at 185cm. Thompson who describes his game to Dallas Mavericks standout Jose Barrea knows that showing pit bull qualities will be a must in order to withstand the court wildernesses of the Beko BBL. My toughness is a strength that doesnt get noticed right away, when people see me they automatically assume Im not good and Im just some undersized basketball player, but once people watch me I think they notice how hard I play along with my passion and love for the game of basketball, warned Michael Thompson

Despite never reaching the big show at the NCAA tournament and making a name at March Madness, Thompson was known as a player that knew how to lead the team. As Henry Kissinger once said, The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been. One needs to experience situations where a team can count on you. Thompson showed time in and time out again of stepping up for Northwestern in times of adversity. In his senior year, Thompson played 34 games averaging 16.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 82.5%. The American seemed to get better as his senior year wore on and his leadership qualities shone as bright as the sun in the Sahara desert and was never brighter than when needing a win to keep NIT hopes alive in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, the Juice posted 35 points on 11-for-22 shooting and a shooting percentage of 67.8 shooting. In the three NIT games, he averaged 20.0 points per game and shot 42.9 percent from outside and 56.1 percent field goal percentage. He didnt disappoint in his final 10 games at Northwestern as he averaged 20.7 points per game, shot 44.0 percent from the three point line and a 56.0 percent field goal percentage. He helped Northwestern reach the elite 8 at the NIT tournament. The NIT tournament wasnt the NCAA tournament, but his leadership was never more in demand than in these last months of the 2010- 2011 season. Leadership qualities came from years of studying game film which I still do to this day, I watch other great Point Guards and leaders and try to take things away from them. I also ask my coaches a lot of questions so I can be an extension of the court on the court. I also try my best to understand each of my teammates strengths and weaknesses so I can put them in the best position possible so they can succeed. Each day, I try to become a better leader, stressed Michael Thompson During the course of the season leading up to the NIT tournament, Thompson had many memorable games even the 65-62 loss to top NCAA club 65-62 where he scored 9 of the teams last 12 points in the loss. The comeback in the bitter loss to Michigan State was unforgettable even though we didnt complete the comeback and win the game. The atmosphere in the arena was amazing, everyone was on their feet and we felt as though we were going to win the game. Michigan State is a great team with a great coach and they came together and pulled out the win, but for us (Northwestern Wildcats) we learned a lot from that game and carried that momentum forward to the remainder of the season, expressed Michael Thompson Despite all the basketball memories at Northwestern and new ones to be made in the Beko BBL with the Fraport Skyliners, he has one memory still in his head from his childhood. The most amazing thing Ive ever done in a game was when I was a kid playing in the semi-finals of a basketball league. My team was down 3 points and I got fouled with 2 seconds left in the game. I made the first free throw, missed the second free throw on purpose, got my own rebound and made the shot as time expired to send the game into overtime. I dont know how I got my own rebound and made the shot in 2 seconds, but I wasnt going to argue that. Fortunately, my team was able to win the game in overtime to advance to the championship, added Michael Thompson

Thompson now is in the midst in a basketball try-out with the Fraport Skyliners and didnt have it easy coming a few weeks after the start of training camp to the team in Italy. He showed positive strides in his first two test games in Italy, but the transition from the NCAA to Europe is about as big as a sub that New England Patriots offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer might eat as a pre game meal. The transition from NCAA to pro ranks has been tough, but with the guidance from veteran players such as Justin Gray and Quantez Robertson my transition hasnt been as difficult as I thought it would be. I know there is still a lot of room for improvement, but as of now I am happy with the way things are going, smiled Michael Thompson A player that seems to have taken the American under his wing is new Skyliner Justin Gray who played together in the NCAA with Chris Paul and has played in countries like Belgium, the Czech Republic and China. Gray can score from downtown like Thompson, but most importantly is that leadership is something that they have in common which has helped him adjust more easily. Justin Gray is a great player offensively and defensively. He is also a leader. Im always asking him questions about his professional experience. He is a veteran with a lot of knowledge. He is teaching me how to lead and he doesnt even know it. Justin has taught me a lot on the court. He has helped me with the offense, explains to me what coach wants in certain situations, and most importantly he is showing me what works and doesnt work professionally. Playing professional basketball in Europe is a lot different than college and with the help of Justin I feel I am making the transition pretty smoothly, commented Michael Thompson Not only has Thompson been able to learn from Justin Gray, but has picked up important basketball tips from Skyliner head coach Muli Katzurin. Ive learned a lot from coach Muli Katzurin in one week. He is molding me into a better professional point guard. First off coach Muli Katzurin is a winner, so Im learning what it takes to win at the professional level. Ive learned what pace to play at during certain times of the game, what and what isnt a good shot selection, and many defensive tactics. Each time coach gives us a new defense he explains in depth why we use it and how it should be ran, I think that is important for teams so they understand exactly how things should be done, said Michael Thompson

As a rookie, Thompson wont have easy shoes to fill as he will have heard the one or other amazing basketball story about 2011 Beko BBL MVP Dashaun Wood from Marius Nolte, Quantez Roberston or Jimmy Mckinney, but Skyliner fans no doubt will have the quickness of Dashaun Wood still dancing in their heads like an NBA title is in the head of Lebron James and might see even a smaller version of Mr road runner Dashaun Wood sprinting into the zone this season with Thompson. Quickness will play a major role in my success. Im only 510 so for the most part Ill be the smallest guy on the court, so when I have someone guarding me that is taller than me I have to use my quickness and speed to get around them and create a scoring opportunity for my teammates or myself. Defensively, I have to use my quickness to cause chaos for the other team whether Im guarding a guard, forward, or center. Quickness will be huge for my success, stressed Michael Thompson There are many unique things in life like seeing a falling star, finding a four leaf clover or seeing a total eclipse of the sun, but a unique thing about Michael Thompson is that he plays bigger than he really is. With shoes Im 510, but I play like Im 64. Im not afraid to go inside and battle with people that are a foot taller than me or much stronger than me. I play each game, each possession, each second like its my last time playing. I feel if I was any taller I wouldnt be the person that I am and I wouldnt be as unique, warned Michael Thompson

After getting his first impression of Europe enjoying the beautiful area of Treviso/Venice, he is back in Franfurt preparing with the team for the upcoming season. Thompson got a quick idea of how professional the Fraport Skyliners organization is and of course will give his all in staying past the try-out period and making a name in his rookie season. He will have fond memories of the first few days in Italy where he seemed to be anything but home sick. My coolest experience in Italy would be the team bonding event. The entire team went canoeing with the coaching staff, sponsors, and other representatives of the Fraport Skyliners organization. Canoeing was a new experience for me, but being with my teammates and us helping each other through and encouraging one another really brought us closer together, added Michael Thompson Last season, Skyliner fans were pampered with electrifying dunks from ex NBA player Roger Powell or Lufthansa flights to the basket by Quantez Robertson who were usually set up by Dashaun Wood. This season, it very well could be Thompson who will be feeding the ball to Quantez Super Tez Robertson. Frankfurter Krantz cake is a well known desert from Frankfurt, but not on the menu from the American who has another special unique sweet ally-op offering between him and Quantez Robertson ready. Quantez Robertson is very athletic and explosive so the plan is definitely to throw him a lot of alley-oops. We have some other people on the team that are athletic so I expect to throw a lot alley-oops. The perfect alley-op between me and Tez in desert style would be a piece of Tiramisu. Tiramisu looks really good, taste good, and in Italy was a desert that our team couldnt get enough of, stated Michael Thompson No matter what Thompson will do on the court this season for the Fraport Skyliners, he will have sweet desert plays ready in leading the team into the playoffs.


Artur Kolodziejski Retires - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

A sad announcement was made today as likeable Beko BBl player Artur Kolodziejski (195-F/G-79) decided to retire, because his health made it difficult for the German to play for the Artland Dragons. The 31 year old Koldziejski had been playing professional basketball since 1996 when he started with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He recently joined the Artland Dragons to replace the injured Christian Hoffman, but had problems with his adductors. 'We had agreed with Artur that we see how his situation is since he openly and truthfully told us that he had problems with his adductors. After the first practices, we knew that we had to slowly bring him along for any chance for him to be able to function. However the risk was too high for us to have a player to replace another injured player and have a question mark about his health. We feel sorry for Artur, because we really liked him. We wish him all the best', stressed Artland Dragons head coach Stefan Koch

Artur Kolodziejski (195-F/G-79) played 8 seasons for the Telekom Baskets Bonn and was their fan favorite. He also got experience playing for Rhondorf , The Mitteldeutscher BC, Ratiopharm Ulm, Bayer Giants Leverkusen and last season played for FC Bayern Munich. 'Even though the offer from Artland surprised me, I was excited to play, because the team has a lot of potential. I felt very comfortable here. But it is no use to play, if the body says no. Now it is time to find new challenges. I want to thank Stefan Koch for his trust', stated Artur Kolodziejski (195-F/G-79). Awards/Achievements in his basketball career were German Bundesliga Finalist -99, 08, 09, German University National Team 01, World University Games in Benjin (China) 01 (Semifinals), German Bundesliga All-Star Game -02, German Bundesliga Cup Finalist -09, EuroChallenge Quarterfinals -09, and German 2.Bundesliga Pro A Champion -11.

Source: Artland Dragons

MBC won the tournament in Finland - by Eurobasket News
In Day 1 the German team overcame Karhu Kauhajoki 84:76. Reid top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Sascha Leutloff (202-F-82, agency: Limelight Hoops) scored 14. Hargrove posted 12, while Marcus Smallwood (198-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: N.Illinois) delivered 9. Skamo replied with 18 points in defeat and Beidler notched 14.
In Day 2 MBC beat Pyrinto Tampere 89:86. Hargrove led the way with 26 points and Phillipp Heyden (208-C-88) nailed 15. Williams answered with 20 points for the Finnish side, while Bailey and Love added 15 each.
In Final MBC rolled over Karhu Kauhajoki 95:78. Malte Schwarz (188-G-89, agency: Court Side) poured in 22 points and Cook nailed 15. Todd Hendley (206-F-84, college: NC-Wilmington) produced 19 points in the losing effort and Hannah nailed 14.


*****************************************************
  GREECE   


EuroBasket 2011: France eliminates Greece, Parker steps closer to MVP title - by Eurobasket News
France-Greece 64:56

France won over Greece in the Quarterfinal game on Thursday. The French outfit had a slow start but won 64:56.
Greece surprised France with 7-0 run in the start of the game and then Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) scored for 10:4. Calathes and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) increased to 11 points in the middle of the first period. De Colo and Tony Parker (183-PG-80) scored the last points in the frame for 17:14, Greece.
Antonis Fotsis and Papanikolaou increased to 21:14 early in the second period, while De Colo tied the game at 21:21. France however could not jump in front in the first half and trailed in the rest of the second quarter. Ioannis Bourousis brought 27:23 and Bramos delivered two for 29:25. Ioannis Bourousis closed the half at 31:27 as Greece won the second period 14-13.
Ioannis Bourousis scored for 39:32, but France started to play better in the second half. Tony Parker tied the game at 40:40, while Calathes gave Greece 43:40. Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) tied it all at 45:45 from the perimeter and Tony Parker tasted the first lead with his side in the last quarter. Nicolas Batum brought 52:47, while Tony Parker delivered two for 56:50 with 4 minutes to go. Ioannis Bourousis made two free throws for 56:52 and kept the chances alive for the victory. Again Ioannis Bourousis and Antonis Fotsis made only the second attempts in the free throws line for 56:54, while Nicolas Batum increased the lead back to 4 points. Nicolas Batum and then Zisis made it 60:56, while De Colo scored two free throws for 62:56. Noah also made two free throws and set up the final result in the game.
Tony Parker top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Nando De Colo (202-G-87) notched 16. Nicolas Batum followed them with 15 points in a win. Ioannis Bourousis collected 17 points and 11 caroms in defeat, while Antonis Fotsis notched 9.

France: Tony Parker 18, Nando De Colo 16, Nicolas Batum 15
Greece: Ioannis Bourousis 17+11 rebs, Antonis Fotsis 9

*****************************************************
  HOLLAND   


Standings - Eredivisie
Eredivisie Standings
 1. Den Bosch 0-0 
 2. Groningen 0-0 
 3. Leeuwarden 0-0 
 4. Leiden 0-0 
 5. Nijmegen 0-0 
 6. Rotterdam 0-0 
 7. Weert 0-0 
 8. Zwolle 0-0 


GasTerra Flames lands Rising Star Koenis - by Fred Roggen
GasTerra Flames announced an agreement with Dutch power forward/Center Thomas Koenis (207-F/C-89, agency: Court Side) until the end of the 2013-14 season. Thomas Koenis arrives from WCAA Giants, where he averaged 7.5 points and 6.1 rebounds in 17 Dutch Basketball league games last season.
Condition is that he passes the medical examination well. He helped the Dutch-20 national team to win the 2009 European Championship Division B and was named Eurobasket.com All-Dutch Eredivisie Most Improved Player of the Year in 2009.


*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


Standings - A Division
A Division Standings
 1. Albacomp 0-0 
 2. Atomeromu 0-0 
 3. Falco-Szova 0-0 
 4. FS Debrecen 0-0 
 5. Jaszberenyi 0-0 
 6. Kaposvari 0-0 
 7. Kecskemeti 0-0 
 8. Kormend 0-0 
 9. Marso NYKK 0-0 
 10. PVSK Pannon 0-0 
 11. Soproni 0-0 
 12. Szedeak 0-0 
 13. Szolnok 0-0 
 14. ZTE KK 0-0 


Szolnok OLAJ KK triumphs at the U Mobitelco BT City Cup - by Eurobasket News
Szolnok OLAJ KK triumphs at the U Mobitelco BT City Cup. In the opener 'U' Mobitelco BT Cluj overcame CSM Oradea 72:51. Kyndall Dykes (191-G/F-87, agency: Edge Sports, college: New Orleans) stepped up with 13 points for the winners and Mihai Paul added 12. Nemanja Maric (196-G-83) and Markovic replied with 9 points each in the losing effort.
Szolnok OLAJ KK rolled over KK Maribor Messer 77:66. Obie Trotter (186-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) paced all the winners with 19 points.
In Day 2 U Mobitelco Cluj-Napoca lost to Szolnok Olaj KK 71:80. Soos paced all the winners with 20 points and Marton Bader (212-C-80, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) delivered 16. Morris and Kyndall Dykes posted 15 points each in the losing effort.
In the last day Szolnok OLAJ KK outscored CSM Oradea 81:66 to win it all. Obie Trotter top-scored for the winners with 27 points, whilst Jones followed him with 26. Topchov responded with 17 points in defeat and Nemanja Maric added 14.
Best five: Obie Trotter (Szolnok OLAJ KK), Nemanja Maric (CSM Oradea), Kyndall Dykes ('U' Mobitelco BT Cluj), Zoran Krstanovic (205-C-82) ('U' Mobitelco BT Cluj), Marton Bader (Szolnok OLAJ KK).
Obie Trotter from Szolnok OLAJ KK was named MVP of the tournament.


*****************************************************
  INDIA   


2011 Asian Championship: Lebanon narrowly defeat India - by Eurobasket News
Lebanon - India 71:68

Lebanon earned the first win at the 2011 Asian Championship. They overcame a major scare from ambitious India to escape with a narrow win at the end. Jean Abed El Nour (198-F/G-83) stepped up with eight points in the final moments of the game to propel Lebanon to a tough win at the end. He finished with game-high 24 points to pace Lebanon.
Lebanon ensured a 20:16 lead after ten minutes of action. Bassel Bawji (203-F/C-89, college: Tulsa) gave Lebanon a 37:27 lead midway through the second term. Stephan made it 40:27 at halftime. Jean Abed El Nour stretched the margin to 15 points early in the second half. But India refused to surrender. They ignited a 30:12 run to grab a 59:54 lead with ten minutes to go. Hareesh Koroth (185-G-84) kept India in charge 64:57 with just over four minutes to go. However Lebanon triggered a 9:2 rally to regain the lead 69:66. Jean Abed El Nour sank two free throws and sealed the victory at the end. Ghaleb Rida (192-G-81) knocked down 15 points, while Bassel Bawji contributed 9 points in the win. Hareesh Koroth answered with 20 points for India. Talwinderjit Singh (185-G/F-86) finished with 18 points, 6 boards and 4 assists in the loss.

Lebanon: Jean Abed El Nour 24, Ghaleb Rida 15, Bassel Bawji 9
India: Hareesh Koroth 20, Talwinderjit Singh 18


*****************************************************
  INDONESIA   


2011 Asian Championship: Japan roll past Indonesia in Wuhan - by Eurobasket News
Japan - Indonesia 81:59

Japan registered the first win at the 2011 Asian Championship. They bruised Indonesia in Group C opener. Joji Takeuchi (206-F/C-85, agency: N.E.T.) scored 11 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to pace well-balanced effort from Japan.
Japan grabbed the lead early in the game. They limited Indonesia to only 8 points in the starting quarter to build a 7-point lead. However Indonesia went on a 13:2 run in the second frame to take a 21:18 lead. But Japan answered with a 17:2 surge late in the half to establish a 37:24 lead at the interval. Japan stayed in charge throughout the third term. They boosted the margin to 20 points to clear off. Japan entered the fourth quarter up by 22 points 61:39 and never looked back en route to the victory. Takuya Kawamura (193-G-86) and Shinsuke Kashiwagi (183-PG-81) delivered 10 points apiece in the winning effort. Andi Poedjakesuma (187-F-80) responded with 12 points for Indonesia. Christian Ronaldo Sitepu (200-C/F-86) top-scored with 14 points in the loss.

Japan: Joji Takeuchi 11, Takuya Kawamura 10, Shinsuke Kashiwagi 10
Indonesia: Christian Ronaldo Sitepu 14, Andi Poedjakesuma 12


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  IRAN   


2011 Asian Championship: Iran open with win over Taiwan - by Eurobasket News
Iran - Taiwan 49:37

Iran earned the first win at the Asian Championship in China. They outmuscled Taiwan in Group B opener. Samad Nikkhah (198-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) stepped up with 18 points to lead the winners.
Iran opened the game with a 6:1 run to jump in front. Iran stayed in charge posting a 10:8 lead after ten minutes. Taiwan surged ahead late in the second term and posted a 19:17 halftime advantage. Taiwan used an 11:1 run in the third term to post a 30:20 advantage. However Iran reacted with a 19:1 rally of their own to take a 39:31 lead early in the fourth frame. Taiwan cut the deficit back to just two points but Iran answered with ten points in a row and sealed the victory at the end. Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85) posted 8 points and 18 rebounds, while Arsalan Kazemi (199-F-90) had 8 points in the winning effort. Wu Tai-Hao (203-C-85, college: BYU-Hawaii) responded with 15 points for Taiwan. Lin Chih-Chieh (192-F/G-82) delivered 8 points in the loss.

Iran: Samad Nikkhah 18, Hamed Haddadi 8+18 boards, Arsalan Kazemi 8
Taiwan: Wu Tai-Hao 15, Lin Chih-Chieh 8


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  IRELAND   


Standings - EBS Superleague
SuperLeague Standings
North Conference
 1. 11890 Killester 0-0 
 2. Belfast Star 0-0 
 3. DCU Saints 0-0 
 4. UCD Marian 0-0 
South Conference
 1. B.Gais Neptune 0-0 
 2. Moycullen 0-0 
 3. UCC Demons 0-0 
 4. UL Eagles 0-0 


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


Standings - National League
National League Standings
 1. Elitzur Ramla 0-0 
 2. Elitzur Yavne 0-0 
 3. Hapoel Afula 0-0 
 4. Hapoel K/S 0-0 
 5. Hapoel T-A 0-0 
 6. Hod Hasharon 0-0 
 7. Ironi K-A 0-0 
 8. Ironi Nes-Ziona 0-0 
 9. Ironi Ramat Gan 0-0 
 10. Kiryat Tivon 0-0 
 11. Lev Hasharon 0-0 
 12. Macc.B.Yaakov 0-0 
 13. Megido/Yokneam 0-0 


Late Dinner With NBAer Trevor Booker - by David Pick
Last night, as I was walking towards a local restaurant to meet Herzeliya-Hasharon's newest member Trevor Booker and his business manager Oliver Hill, for a one-on-two dinner, I thought to myself, what should we focus on? The NBA lockout, Israel, his new team, the 12-hour flight, women or perhaps whether or not he brought his X-box or PlayStation for the ride?
www.slamonline.com
Well, as I introduced myself to the 6-foot-7 gigantic forward/center, I came across an extremely shy, outgoing but curious and educated personality who was essentially out of his comfort zone and for the first time in his professional career, in a foreign country. Getting to know each other, I found myself being the middle man translating from Hebrew to English helping him order his first Holy-Land meal -- home fries, salad and a medium-well hamburger that included grilled onions, 'I never knew you can put grilled onions as a toping on your burger,' said Booker, 'I'm going to have to try that.'
Going through the list of NBA players and recognized names currently in the league, our attention shifted towards the TV screen, showing highlights of Jordan Farmar's first game on Israeli soil, as I interrupted the meaningless narrator (Booker doesnt understand Hebrew), and asked, are you looking forward to playing anyone in particular? Lying on the somewhat comfortable couches, Booker frowned and said 'not really, I'm just focused on taking things day by day, learning from and enjoying this opportunity.'
The chilled atmosphere, English conversation along with the Heinz ketchup and mustard gave Booker the impression that maybe he didnt land in Timbuktu after all. However, under the circumstances that brought him here, Booker was feeling unfortunate he didnt receive the good luck blessing from NBA coach Flip Saunders. 'The sad part about this whole situation is that due to the lockout I was unable to talk to anyone from the Wizards' management or coaching staff before coming to Israel. They couldnt even say goodbye or good luck.'

Did any of your NBA teammates talk to you before you hoped on the plane?http://www.ckhid.com
'Yes, I can't remember who exactly but most of my teammates wished me luck. Nick Young sent me message on Twitter and other players from teams around the league gave me a shout and took an interest.'
As the in between 'small-talk' continued, the main course was served and Hill's fried chicken dish met the table, or shall we say his 'Shnitzal'. After a few good bites, we got into specifics and I tried to understand how one could possibly go from playing in the Goodman/Melo all-stars game with NBA superstars such as Kevin Durant, Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony, to hooping in the Israeli league, 6,000 miles away with less than a handful of people you know.
'NBA guys came to the Israeli league because it has good competition. I wanted to come overseas and experience playing basketball in two different countries. This is my first time doing something like this. Professionally, it doesnt really matter where or who I play against as long as I'm on the court. Now I'm here with Hasharon, I'll put in the work and give my best everyday hoping I'll be satisfied.'
Accompanied by Hill, who will stay in Israel until Tuesday, assisting Booker with getting comfortable in his sixth-floor Mediterranean ocean view luxury apartment, I asked the two if they had any second thoughts about getting on the plane with all the latest NBA lockout meetings.
'We were hearing different things about the lockout. That it would go on for a while, then that the season was going to begin soon, honestly, we didnt know what to believe.' Both Booker and Hill commented.

http://blogimages.thescore.comAside from knowing a few players in the league (Dan Grunfeld, D.J. Strawberry and Craig Brackins), in order to have a successful season, Booker will have to rely first and foremost on his teammates who have already took initiative and went over to Booker's flat welcoming their new big man.
But I was still snooping, Out of all the places in Europe, why Israel?
'I've talked to other players and guys who've been here in the past and they said how nice it was and that the league has good competition. Wizards' GM Ernie Grunfeld's son Dan, who is playing here this year told me a lot about the country so overall; I'm excited to be out here.
Arguably, being the biggest name to ever play for his new organizations, and only one season after former NBA vet' Lee Nailon led his team and the league in scoring, one leagues lose is definitely another's advantage and Booker, who respects his opponents, focuses on winning it all and tries to concentrate more on what his team needs to do to become successful, 'everyone is talking about Maccabi Tel-Aviv. I heard they were a good team but I definitely think we can give them a run for the title. We'll let our game speak for itself.'
Oh yea, we skipped dessert.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd



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  ITALY   


Umana Venezia takes third place in Mega Vizura Cup - by Eurobasket News
Umana Venezia won third place in Mega Vizura Cup, which ended last night in Belgrade.
In the semifinals of this tournament Umana Venezia failed against Crvena Zvezda 87-102. Andreja Milutinovic paced Crvena Zvezda to victory with 23 points. Mile Ilic and Bojan Radetic helped with 14 points each. In the loosing squad, Guido Rosselli (196-G-83) delivered 18 points. Kiki Clark (173-PG-84, college: St.Peter's) had one point less. Quarters - 19:24, 22:16, 26:25, 35:22.
In the battle for third place, Umana Venezia handed 93-75 loss to the host team Mega Vizura. Alberto Causin (198-G/F-76) shined for the Italians with 18 points. Tommaso Fantoni (203-F-85, agency: Players Group) had 16 and Marco Allegretti (204-F-81) added 12 points. Kiki Clark and Guido Rosselli helped 11 pts each in this victory. Vasilije Micic (192-PG-94, agency: Beo Basket) delivered 21 points for Mega Vizura.

Legadue team continues preparation with other friendlies - by Giulio Signorini
During the week other friendlies were played by legadue team.

Benetton Treviso won the game played with Tezenis Verona for 80 to 75. For Treviso Gentile and Motiejunas didn't take part in the game. The game was essentially balanced, Treviso seems far from good condition. For Benetton in great evidence Jeff Adrien (202-F/C-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Connecticut) with 15 points and 11 rebounds, for Verona as usual in the last times Mario West (196-G-84, college: Georgia Tech) make a great match with 25 points and an impressive 4 on 4 from 3 points shot.

MarcoPoloShop.it Forli won the match with Biancoblu Basket Bologna for 89 to 82. Tony Easley (206-F-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Murray St.) was the absolute protagonist of the match and lead Forl to victory with an impressive 34 points score. For Bologna in great evidence Egidijus Dimsa (205-C-85) who scored 23 points and captured 23 rebounds, and Zoran Vrkic (200-G-87) who scored 25 points. For Bologna were absent Blizzard, Canavesi and the newly arrived Kelley for Forl the absent were Huff, Natali and the coach Vucinic.

Aget Service Imola won the match with Centrale del Latte Brescia. Great protagonist of the match was Trent Whiting (185-G-76, college: BYU) who is bit by bit finding the condition and scored in this match 23 points. Other than him also Erik Daniels (204-G/F-82, college: Kentucky) scored 13 points and seem more inserted in team than in the last friendlies. For Brescia the list of the absences was long infact Rombaldoni, Ghersetti, Gergati and Rezzano didn't take part on the match for injuries. In the match as usual in great evidence was Deividas Busma (213-C-87, college: Idaho St.) who scores 18 points, instead after the great match played with Verona Goldwire make a relatively bad game with 'only' 12 points far away from his possibiliy.

Cimberio Varese and Pepsi Caserta celebrate in friendly games - by Eurobasket News
Cimberio Varese and Pepsi Caserta celebrated in friendly games which were played this week.
Cimberio Varese grabbed 85-83 thriller win against Novipiu Casale. Diego Fajardo (208-C-76, agency: Players Group) stepped up for Varese with 19 points. Luca Garri (207-C/F-82) and Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) helped with 13 and 11 points respectively. On the other side, Matt Janning (193-G/F-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Northeastern) delivered 22 points for Casale. Ends of periods: 24-18; 41-45; 65-58; 83-85.
Pepsi Caserta blasted Sant Antimo 95-69. Andre Smith (203-F-85, college: N.Dakota St.) led the winners with 25 points. Andre Collins (183-PG-82, college: Loyola, MD) and Andrija Stipanovic (208-C-86) had 15 and 12 points. In loss, David Teague (196-G-83, college: Purdue) shined with 21 pts. Quarters: 27-21, 23-17, 21-14, 24-17.

Milano wins first Memorial Tarcisio Vaghi - by Eurobasket News
Olimpia EA7 Emporio Armani Milano - Vanoli Braga Cremona 88-71

Milano is the winner of the first Memorial Tarcisio Vaghi. They handed 88-71 loss to Cremona in the Finals. Milano was a better team from the start. They opened this meeting with 22-11 lead and later jumped to 29-16. During he second quarter Milano was 40-18 and 52-19 up. Of course, question about the winner was already resolved and Milano slowed down. Cremona drastically improved after breather and somehow managed to avoid humiliating loss at the end. Mason Rocca (204-F-77, college: Princeton) top-scored in Milano with 17 points. Stefano Mancinelli (203-F-83) and Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) netted 11 and 10 points to help their team. Cremona got 19 points from Jasmin Perkovic (203-F-80) and Brandon Thomas (198-G/F-84, college: Massachusetts) stopped to 17 pts.

EA7 - Emporio Armani Milano: Giachetti 4, Drew Nicholas 10, Stefano Mancinelli 11, Melli 7, Mason Rocca 17; Cook 9, Filloy 9, Hairston 8, Viggiano 4, Cukinas 7, Di Giuliomaria 2, Szabo
Vanoli Braga Cremona: D'Ercole, Wafer 10, Brandon Thomas 17, Milic 7, Jasmin Perkovic 19, Tabu 6, Cinciarini 5, Bavcic 8, Antonelli, Djapa, Mazic, Lottici

Cantu and Turk Telekom meet in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
Bennet Cantu - Turk Telekom 66-56

Bennet Cantu and Turk Telekom met in a friendly game yesterday. The Italian team was better celebrating 66-56 win. Last quarter was the crucial one in this game as Cantu won it 20-13. Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) and David Lighty (195-G/F-88, college: Ohio St.) stepped up for Cantu with 13 points each. Andrea Cinciarini (193-PG-86) and Benjamin Ortner (206-F/C-83, college: Metro St.) followed with 10 points each. Former Barcelona player Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) stopped to 3 points in this meeting. In Turkish squad, Michael Wright (203-F-80, college: Arizona) was better than the others with 12 points. Darius Washington (188-G-85, college: Memphis) and Kaspars Kambala (206-C-78, agency: Alti Sport, college: UNLV) had 10 and 8 points respectively. Ends of periods: 13-13, 30-24, 46-43, 66-56. Both teams will play more friendly games this pre-season.

Bennet Cantu: David Lighty 13, Vladimir Micov 13, Benjamin Ortner 10, Marconato 9, Bianchi 2, Parakhouski 6, Broggi ne, Gianluca Basile 3, Bradley, Andrea Cinciarini 10
Turk Telekom: Guler 2, Yucel 6, Michael Wright 12, Darius Washington 10, Yarangume 6, Gokalp, Karabiyik, Okur 4, Ogut 4, Haciyeva, Altay 4, Kaspars Kambala 8

DNA Market News - by Armando Caporaso
Giovanni Perdichizzi is the new coach of the Orlandina Basket. This isn't the first time for the coach with the team after the 4 seasons between LegaA1 and LegaA2 (2004-2007). For the ex of Brindisi (in the last 3 years), Messina and Barcellona 5 promotions in his career, two from the LegaA2 to the LegaA1 (with the Orlandina in 2004-2005 and with Brindisi 2 years ago). Also Siena announced the new coach that will be Matteo Mecacci from the young team. For Matteo this will be the first experience as head coach.
San Severo takes the pivot Giovanni Fattori (202-F-85) from Latina. Grown at Siena with the Montepaschi, in the last season 7 games with Scafati in LegaA2 (4,4ppg and 2,3rpg) and 12 games with Latina (7,9ppg and 4,3rpg) after the experiences with Osimo, Forli, Montecatini and Cecina and with the Italian under 20 national team during the European Championships U20 in Moscow (2005) with 10,3ppg in 6 games. Moreover Antonio Serpentino (202-F/C-90) leaves the team, arrived this summer from Gualdo Tadino (9,2ppg and 5,6rpg in the last season in B Dil.). Gianluca Tomasiello (188-G-80) after 5 years with Siena (121 matches) changes team and agrees with Ruvo di Puglia. For the player ex S.Antimo and Scafati, frist to sign with Siena, in the last year 9,8ppg, 3,7apg (one of the best of the league) and 2,1spg in 33 minutes. Luca Marmugi (202-F/C-84), near to sign with Reggio Calabria, closed with Castelletto after the last year passed with Pavia (4,3ppg in 29 games) and some important experiences with Foggia, Ancona and Civitanova. Moreover there are other two big arrivals for the SBS: Simone Cotani (201-G/F-81) and Maurizio Cucinelli (196-F-79)! Cotani, ex Livorno, Bologna, Biella & Varese in the last season played with Torino (10ppg, 5,7rpg and 3,2spg) after just 5 games with Varese in LegaA1. In his long carrer many matches in LegaA1 and LegaA2 (more of 250) and also a gold medal in the Military Games with the Italian national team. Cucinelli arrives from Massafra where in the last season closed with 13,9ppg and 3,7rpg. First to play with the Cisa some experiences with Molfetta, Ferentino, Modena, Treviglio & Matera. Domenico 'Mimmo' Morena (210-F/C-70) will be the new captain of the CUS Bari! Arrived this summer from Ostuni where played for 4 consecutive seasons, closes the last year with 10,7ppg and 6,1rpg (his best season in 2009-2010 with 15,7ppg and 9.0rpg with 47% by 3). Grown at Napoli, played with Varese, Forli, Jesi and Scafati first to back home playing 5 seasons with the Basket Napoli (2002-2007) winning the Italian Cup in 2006, reaching the semifinals in the Italian League and disputing 4 games of Euroleague in 2006-2007 with 3.3ppg. Moreover the team closes with 2 important young players: Samuel Deguara (224-C-91) and Fabio Mian (195-F-92)! The Maltese center arrived on loan from the Benetton Treviso. The giant has always been a very good prospect but unfortunately has suffered some serious injuries that have limited its growth. In July 2007 signed a 9 years contract with the Benetton, in the last season played with Caorle (B Dil.) closing the season with 10,0ppg, 8,4rpg, 1,3bpg in 24 games. Mian, grown at Udine, is a forward with experiences with the Italian under national teams playing in the European Championships U16 in Italy (2008) and in the European Championships U18 in France (2009) and Lithuania (2010). In the last 2 years with the Cimberio Varese 20 games in LegaA1 and 12 total points in the last season. Moreover in 2008 was the only Italian convened for the Jordan Brand Classic Tournment in New York. Oleksander Kuschev (201-C-90) is a new player of Perugia. The young Ukrainian with Italian passport (called also with the Italian under 18 national team in 2008) arrived in Italy with the Virtus Roma in 2007, in the last 2 seasons played with Omegna (35 games in 2 years).
Other transfers:
Gian Andrea Fratini (193-G-90), grown with the Fortitudo Bologna, after the year with Recanati (21 games) agrees with Ferentino;
The Virtus Bologna confirms the loan of Filippo Baldi Rossi (207-F/C-91) for another season at Perugia (7,6ppg and 4,5 rpg);
Chieti takes on loan from Siena Tommaso Ingrosso (205-F-92) (Italian U20 National Team in 2011);
Michele Castoro (190-G-89), ex Melfi (3,6ppg in the last season), complete the roster of Matera;
Antonio De Fabritiis (190-G-90) leaves Recanati and back at home with the Stella Azzurra Roma;
Firenze brings on loan from the Virus Bologna Simone Fabiani (207-F/C-92) (in the last year just 2 games with Ozzano).

*****************************************************
  JAPAN   


2011 Asian Championship: Japan roll past Indonesia in Wuhan - by Eurobasket News
Japan - Indonesia 81:59

Japan registered the first win at the 2011 Asian Championship. They bruised Indonesia in Group C opener. Joji Takeuchi (206-F/C-85, agency: N.E.T.) scored 11 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to pace well-balanced effort from Japan.
Japan grabbed the lead early in the game. They limited Indonesia to only 8 points in the starting quarter to build a 7-point lead. However Indonesia went on a 13:2 run in the second frame to take a 21:18 lead. But Japan answered with a 17:2 surge late in the half to establish a 37:24 lead at the interval. Japan stayed in charge throughout the third term. They boosted the margin to 20 points to clear off. Japan entered the fourth quarter up by 22 points 61:39 and never looked back en route to the victory. Takuya Kawamura (193-G-86) and Shinsuke Kashiwagi (183-PG-81) delivered 10 points apiece in the winning effort. Andi Poedjakesuma (187-F-80) responded with 12 points for Indonesia. Christian Ronaldo Sitepu (200-C/F-86) top-scored with 14 points in the loss.

Japan: Joji Takeuchi 11, Takuya Kawamura 10, Shinsuke Kashiwagi 10
Indonesia: Christian Ronaldo Sitepu 14, Andi Poedjakesuma 12


Allow me to introduce myself! - by Brian Harper
What up world!!!!! Let me start by introducing myself, my name is Brian Harper (208-F/G-85, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Paine) Im a 69 SF and for the last four years I have been playing professional basketball. Its crazy saying that lol, I'm a pro ball player!! It's a dream come true being able to do what I love and get paid for it is definitely a blessing!! I'm originally from Tennessee but have lived in Atlanta since I was eight or so .......so Atl is home! God has blessed me so much in my life and continues to do so all the time!
Ok now let's talk ball for a min......... I love this game, I breathe it! I put the work in on and off the court and because of that the game has been good to me. I approach this game like I do everything else in my life with discipline, hard work, respect and dedication. I played my college ball at Paine College; a D2 HBCU in Augusta Ga , and since turning pro have played in Norway, South Korea, The NBA-DL, and Japan. This will be my second full season in Japan and will be my second full season playing in the BJ League for the Toyama Grouses. When I arrived in Japan I instantly knew I was going to like it! Not only is it a beautiful place but the people are some of the nicest people you will ever met and the fans are some of the best in the world shout out to the Grouses Fans...y'all know I gota rep!! Last season was tough but necessary one for my team. We didn't do as well as we wanted but as a young team we grew a lot ...man I know I did! Life overseas in its own is can be crazy, being away from home, your loved ones, and being tossed into a culture that at times can be vastly different then your on can sometimes be a lot. But when the lights come on and it's time to ball.....IM HOME!!!!
I'm really excited about this up coming season! We have made some new additions to the team both domestic and foreign and I think we have the kind of team that can really make some noise this year. We have a team full of skilled and super athletic Americans, and added some great Japanese talent to the roster! Toyama coming dis year if ya don't know now ya know!!!!!!!! As for me I'm looking to add on to what was a productive last season. My main goal this season is to do everything I can to lead this team to a BRAKE out season!!! With the group of guys we got this year it might just get ugly.....................

Im looking forward to sharing this season with you all the good and the bad! Stay tuned its about to be a crazy ride!!!!

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  JORDAN   


2011 Asian Championship: Jordan tame Syria - by Eurobasket News
Jordan - Syria 71:58

Jordan opened win count at 2011 Asian Championship in Wuhan. They held off pesky Syria in Group C opener. Rasheim Wright (192-G-81, college: District of Col.) stepped up with 20 points to pace Jordan.
Jordan managed to post an 18:12 lead ten minutes into the game. But Jacques Nalbandian drained 8 points in a 10:2 run from Syria early in the second term as they jumped into lead. The teams traded baskets before Wael Jlilati (199-G/F-90) knocked down 8 points in a row giving Syria a 36:31 lead at the interval. Wael Jlilati opened the second half with two points as Syria established a 40:31 advantage. But Jordan stepped on the gas late in the period. They capped the period with a 13:1 rally to grab a 56:46 lead with ten minutes remaining. Syria cut the deficit to just two points midway through the fourth frame 58:60. However Rasheim Wright came up with a timely three-pointer and Jordan ran away for the victory in the final minutes. Daghles Osama (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) posted 19 points, 6 boards and 6 assists for Jordan. Islam Abbaas (200-C-80) and Abbas Zaid (203-F-83) added 8 points each in the win. Wael Jlilati answered with 13 points for Syria. Jacques Nalbandian chipped in 11 points in the loss.

Jordan: Rasheim Wright 20, Daghles Osama 19, Islam Abbaas 8, Abbas Zaid 8
Syria: Wael Jlilati 13, Jacques Nalbandian 11


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  LEBANON   


2011 Asian Championship: Lebanon narrowly defeat India - by Eurobasket News
Lebanon - India 71:68

Lebanon earned the first win at the 2011 Asian Championship. They overcame a major scare from ambitious India to escape with a narrow win at the end. Jean Abed El Nour (198-F/G-83) stepped up with eight points in the final moments of the game to propel Lebanon to a tough win at the end. He finished with game-high 24 points to pace Lebanon.
Lebanon ensured a 20:16 lead after ten minutes of action. Bassel Bawji (203-F/C-89, college: Tulsa) gave Lebanon a 37:27 lead midway through the second term. Stephan made it 40:27 at halftime. Jean Abed El Nour stretched the margin to 15 points early in the second half. But India refused to surrender. They ignited a 30:12 run to grab a 59:54 lead with ten minutes to go. Hareesh Koroth (185-G-84) kept India in charge 64:57 with just over four minutes to go. However Lebanon triggered a 9:2 rally to regain the lead 69:66. Jean Abed El Nour sank two free throws and sealed the victory at the end. Ghaleb Rida (192-G-81) knocked down 15 points, while Bassel Bawji contributed 9 points in the win. Hareesh Koroth answered with 20 points for India. Talwinderjit Singh (185-G/F-86) finished with 18 points, 6 boards and 4 assists in the loss.

Lebanon: Jean Abed El Nour 24, Ghaleb Rida 15, Bassel Bawji 9
India: Hareesh Koroth 20, Talwinderjit Singh 18


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  LITHUANIA   


EuroBasket 2011: Lithuania pip Slovenia on Thursday opener - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia-Lithuania 77:80

Lithuania survived a Classification Game for the 5-8 places against Slovenia. The hosts of Eurobasket 2011 grabbed 80:77 and will play for the 5th place.
Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) and Lakovic gave Slovenia 4-0 lead and Zoran Dragic scored for 6:2. It looked that Lithuania was far from the best game after the loss last night to FYR Macedonia. Zoran Dragic scored another 4 for 14:6, while Erazem Lorbek brought 16:11. Jankunas meanwhile managed to close the period at 20:19.
Pocius however gave the hosts 21:20 early in the second, while Smodis tied it all at 23:23. Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) scored for 28:27, while Javtokas delivered for Lithuania lead at 31:28. The latter also made it 34:28 and Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) scored for 38:32. Valanciunas and Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) gave the hosts 44:33 halftime advantage that was the biggest lead in the game.
Erazem Lorbek reduced to 46:39 and Ozbolt nailed three for 49:42. Mirza Begic (216-C-85) brought Slovenia within 3 points and Smodis scored for 61:57. Lithuania managed to grab 6-point lead at the end of 30 minutes as Mantas Kalnietis scored for 63:57.
Lakovic, Erazem Lorbek and Smodis gave Slovenia 64:63 early in the fourth period. Ozbolt nailed three for 68:65 and Mantas Kalnietis replied for 68:68. Kaukenas later made the same at 74:74 with 2 minutes, but Erazem Lorbek scored from the arc for 77:76. Mantas Kalnietis answered with a three for 79:77 with 20 seconds on the board. Lakovic had a chance to tie the game but missed a lay-up, while Mantas Kalnietis made only one free throw for 3-point advantage. Goran Dragic had a chance to tie the game but missed a long shot.
Mantas Kalnietis top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) and Sarunas Jasikevicius scored 12 points apiece. Erazem Lorbek and Goran Dragic posted 16 points each in defeat, while Mirza Begic nailed 11.

Slovenia: Erazem Lorbek 16, Goran Dragic 16, Mirza Begic 11
Lithuania: Mantas Kalnietis 17, Darius Songaila 12, Sarunas Jasikevicius 12

Arinze Onuaku is a newcomer at Neptunas Klaipeda - by Eurobasket Center
Neptunas Klaipeda added to their roster 24-year old American forward Arinze Onuaku (206-F-116kg-87, college: Syracuse). Onuaku played most recently at Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League) in the U.S. While playing 11 games for Rio Grande VV last season he averaged 4.4ppg and 3.3rpg. He helped them to make it to the final. That was his first season as a proffesional player. Onuaku has graduated from Syracuse University in 2010

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  MALAYSIA   


2011 Asian Championship: South Korea breeze past Malaysia - by Eurobasket News
South Korea - Malaysia 89:42

South Korea earned the opening win at the 2011 Asian Championship. Jae Hur team coasted past Malaysia in Group A action. Cho Sung-Min (189-F-83) stepped up with 16 points to lead the effort.
South Korea stunned their opponents in the opening period. They held Malaysia to miserable three points in the quarter posting a 29:3 lead after ten minutes. The margin grew at 30-point mark midway through the second frame. South Korea established a 47:22 lead at halftime. South Korea continued to remain in charge throughout the third frame. They posted a 76:30 lead with ten minutes to go in the game. South Korea did not loosen the grasp and earned a well-deserved win at the end. Oh Sek-Eun (201-C-87) chipped in 13 points, while Lee Jung-Suk (184-G-82) and Tae-Jong Moon netted 11 points apiece in the win. Yoong Jing Kwaan (200-C-90) answered with 9 points and 9 rebounds for Malaysia. Ban Sin Ooi (180-G/F-83) finished with 6 points in defeat.

South Korea: Cho Sung-Min 16, Oh Sek-Eun 13, Lee Jung-Suk 11, Tae-Jong Moon 11
Malaysia: Yoong Jing Kwaan 9, Ban Sin Ooi 6


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  MONTENEGRO   


Ivan Koljevic signs deal in Poland - by Eurobasket News
Ivan Koljevic (185-G-84, agency: BeoExcell) will stay in Poland for at least one more season. He signed a deal with Polpharma. Koljevic heads to Polpharma from PGE Turow Zgorzelec, where he spent 2010/11. He appeared 18 times for them in PLK averaging 7 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists. They parted ways during the season. In 2009/10, Ivan Koljevic changed three teams. He started with Turkish Bornova averaging 7.5 points and 2 rebounds in TBL. In January of 2010, Koljevic moved to Khimik Yuzhny and later he joined Greek Kavala. Koljevic also has experience from Cherkassy Monkeys, Ural Great Perm, Lietuvos Rytas and Lagun Aro Bilbao. In Montenegro, he played for Buducnost and Lovcen.

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  NBA   


Former NBA player Crittenton to face murder charge - by Eurobasket News
Former Washington Wizards basketball player Javaris Crittenton (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) will be returned to Atlanta from Los Angeles on Thursday to face a murder charge, police said.

Crittenton, a former star player at Georgia Tech, will be transported to jail by a fugitive unit of the Atlanta police department, spokesman officer John Chafee said Wednesday.

Authorities said Crittenton was being returned to face the charge in the death of 22-year-old Julian Jones, a mother of four who was hit by gunfire during a drive-by shooting. Police said the shots were aimed at someone walking with her. Crittenton denies involvement.

Crittenton was detained at the John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif., two weeks ago when he was about to board a flight to Atlanta.

Defense attorney Brian Steel said when Crittenton appeared in court in Los Angeles that his client had agreed to return to Atlanta voluntarily and had even bought a plane ticket, but law enforcement authorities decided to arrest him anyway.

He waived extradition to Atlanta and has been held in Los Angeles pending his return. Crittenton lives in the Atlanta suburb of Fayeteville.

He pleaded guilty to a gun charge after a locker room altercation with Wizards teammate Gilbert Arenas last year and served a year of unsupervised probation.

After starring at Georgia Tech, Crittenton was the 19th overall pick of the 2007 NBA draft, selected by the Los Angeles Lakers. He is on the roster of an NBA developmental league team.

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

NBA's Hornets closer to negotiating with new buyers - by Eurobasket News
The NBA's appointed governor of the league-owned New Orleans Hornets said Wednesday that he is nearly ready to begin negotiations with 'a handful' of potential buyers who have expressed interest in purchasing the club and keeping it in Louisiana.

Jac Sperling, who was appointed by NBA commissioner David Stern to oversee the Hornets when the NBA bought the club last December, said the franchise has made substantial progress toward securing the revenue streams necessary to remain in New Orleans long-term.

'We have improved the financial situation of the team, and now we're getting ready to start to talk, to have serious dialogues ... with potential buyers,' Sperling said Wednesday night while attending a social event aimed at boosting community support.

In June, the Hornets launched a 100-day series of social events, many of them intimate gatherings in the homes of season ticket-holders, aimed at attracting more local fan and business backing for the NBA team. The initiative has built the Hornets' full season ticket base to 9,007, Sperling said. The goal of the initiative was to hit 10,000 season tickets sold, so it will now continue beyond the initial 100-day period until the goal is met.

'We're focused on reaching 10,000 tickets and we're focused on trying to make the team more attractive for a local buyer,' said Sperling, a New Orleans native and sports business attorney who has also served as vice chairman of the NHL's Minnesota Wild. 'We don't believe we're going to fail. It's important for the city.'

Once a little more progress has been made in terms of ticket sales, sponsorships and a new lease of the state-owned New Orleans Arena, Sperling said he will initiate serious negotiations with prospective buyers.

The Hornets have added two major sponsors this summer, bringing their total of sponsors with seven-figure commitments to five for the first time in club history. The Hornets have sold more new season tickets during the past 100 days than any other NBA team, Sperling said.

'That's a testimony to the fans in the city and how much they care about the Hornets and how much they care about the city,' Sperling said. 'They understand what's at stake here.'

Recent gains in season ticket sales, which are now up from about 6,300 last season, have occurred during an NBA labor stoppage that has threatened to delay or possibly wipe out next season. While a new labor agreement, which is expected to make smaller market clubs more competitive, would likely enhance the prospects of selling the team, Sperling said the completion of a new labor deal is not a prerequisite to selling the club.

Sperling said he has had informal discussions with some potential buyers who live in Louisiana, as well as some who live elsewhere but are interested in keeping the team where it is.

'The potential buyers out there who I have talked to are aware of what's going on in New Orleans,' Sperling said. 'They're very impressed with what's happened here and they're very positive about it. So I like our chances.'

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

P.J. Carlesimo expected to join Nets' staff - by Eurobasket News
P.J. Carlesimo will be returning to New Jersey.

The former Seton Hall coach is expected to join Nets coach Avery Johnson's staff when the lockout ends.

Johnson said John Loyer, a Nets assistant the past two years, is leaving to join Lawrence Frank's staff in Detroit. A source said Carlesimo will fill the void.

Johnson wouldn't confirm that, but spoke glowingly about Carlesimo.

'P.J. is a guy I have a great relationship with,' Johnson said Tuesday.

'He and I go back a ways. He's a terrific assistant coach, very knowledgeable. Obviously he has a pretty solid track record in this part of the world. He has a lot of friends and people in this area that he's still close to. We just have to wait and see what happens.'

Carlesimo, who last worked as a Toronto Raptors assistant, would become Johnson's top assistant. That was Sam Mitchell's role last season, but his Nets' future is uncertain.

Since June, there have been reports Mitchell wouldn't return.

He was a candidate for the Minnesota opening that Rick Adelman ultimately got. Johnson said Mitchell still is on the staff but couldn't say definitively he would be whenever training camp starts.

'As of right now, yes, that's what we anticipate,' Johnson said. 'We'll see what happens.'

Longtime Nets' assistant coach Tom Barrise, Popeye Jones and Doug Overton will return to Johnson's staff.

Courtesy of www.northjersey.com

Warriors to retire Mullin's jersey No. 17 - by Eurobasket News
The Golden State Warriors announced they will retire Hall of Famer Chris Mullin's (6'8''-F-63, college: St.John's) jersey No. 17 at a ceremony on January 20, when the team is scheduled to host the Indiana Pacers.

Mullin, who spent 13 years of his 16-season NBA career as a member of the Warriors, will become the sixth player in team history to have his jersey number retired, joining Alvin Attles, Rick Barry, Wilt Chamberlain, Tom Meschery and Nate Thurmond.

'This is certainly a tremendous honor and one that I will cherish, especially when you consider the few, elite gentlemen who have preceded me,' said Mullin.

Mullin was a five-time NBA All-Star and collegiate standout at St. John's, where he is still the all-time scoring leader and was named Big East Player of the Year an unprecedented three times. In addition to his 1992 gold medal, he also won Olympic gold as a collegian in 1984, then played 16 NBA seasons for Golden State and Indiana, amassing 17,911 points. He was enshrined into the Hall of Fame this summer.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

Derrick Caracter optimistic the Lakers will re-sign him - by Eurobasket News
Derrick Caracter (6'9''-F-88, college: UTEP) averaged only two points on 48.5% shooting in 5.2 minutes a game his rookie season, and admitted lacking the necessary conditioning and preparation to excel in the NBA. Yet, Lakers backup center Derrick Caracter remains optimistic the Lakers will exercise their $788,872 option to keep him next season.

Im pretty confident that theyll pick it up based on our conversations [in my exit interview], Caracter said in a phone interview. If they dont, Im still Derrick Caracter and the basketball player Im trying to be. My goal in trying to get better doesnt change.

Thats why Dan Barto, the IMG Basketball Academys pro/college training coordinator who has worked with Caracter for the last three summers, views his stint with the Impact Basketball Academy league in Las Vegas as particularly important in showing he can defend, rebound consistently and finish in the post.

Courtesy of The Los Angeles Times blog (by Mark Medina)

Source: NFLPA's Smith to address NBA union - by Eurobasket News
NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith will speak to the NBA players' union at Thursday's NBA Players Association meeting in Las Vegas, a source told ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard.

Sports Illustrated first reported that Smith, whose union endured a lengthy lockout, court fight and mediated negotiations with football's owners to reach a season-saving deal, would address the NBA players, who were entering the 77th day of their lockout on Thursday.

Smith will speak to the players about the importance of staying unified, the source said.

In addition, with the league's biggest agents pushing the players to decertify the union, Smith will speak about the detriments of decertification and why it did not work for the NFL.

Smith is speaking at the invitation of union president Derek Fisher of the Los Angeles Lakers. Smith had informed Fisher that he would be in Vegas for the Floyd Mayweather-Victor Ortiz fight and Fisher extended an invitation to Smith to speak at Thursday's meeting.

Union executive director Billy Hunter hoped to deliver good news to the players on Thursday. But no progress was made toward ending the 2-month lockout during a meeting with owners Tuesday, and Hunter might have to tell players to look elsewhere if they want to be paid to play basketball anytime soon.

'There are a lot of guys, many marquee players now, who have offers to go outside the country. And the question is, what do they do?' Hunter said. 'I mean, do they hold off making the decision, or do they wait in hopes that we get a deal in place sometime in the immediate future?'

Hopes of that diminished after Tuesday's meeting between the union's executive committee and the owners' labor relations committee ended with the sides still divided over the salary cap system, despite a hint of economic compromise.

Hunter reiterated Tuesday that players are unified in their refusal to accept the owners' current proposal.

But players might be considering overseas alternatives now more than ever.

'As time passes, guys are going to definitely defect, and you won't be able to find the same combination of skill and talent and character that the 450 of us NBA players possess,' NBPA vice president Maurice Evans of the Wizards said. 'You're not just going to go out and find that at random to replace this product; that should definitely be noted.'

To date, Nets All-Star point guard Deron Williams' deal with Turkish team Besiktas is still the only one signed by a top NBA player since the lockout began July 1. Commissioner David Stern has downplayed the overseas option, believing there isn't the money or comforts to entice his superstars. But lower-level players might choose any contract over no guaranteed payment back home anytime soon.

More than 40 players are in Las Vegas this week taking part in a league at the Impact Basketball academy, so union leaders decided to go there to speak with them. Meanwhile, owners will be meeting in Dallas. Stern has said there won't be any decisions at Thursday's session to cancel training camps, which were scheduled to begin in less than three weeks.

Despite Tuesday's lack of progress, Fisher said his message won't change much Thursday -- because it's been cautious all along.

'I don't think we've minced our words in terms of our guys understanding that this was a moment that we expected to find ourselves in starting over two years ago,' Fisher said. 'We expected to be here, we anticipated that, we felt like our owners were strong enough in their position ... that they'd be possibly willing to risk time lost in the season to get the things they needed in this particular round of collective bargaining.'

Hunter and Fisher likely will have to address the concept of decertification during their presentation. NFL players dissolved their union this year so they could file an antitrust lawsuit against the league, though they ultimately resolved their dispute with owners.

Hunter's preferred course has been to wait for a ruling on a charge the union filed against the league with the National Labor Relations Board for unfair bargaining practices.

'We've never really had any discussions about decertification,' Hunter said. 'As you're aware, we've obviously been experiencing some pressure, at least in the media, from some of the agents about decertification. But that's not a message that's crossed our lips.'

Courtesy of ESPN

Jermaine Taylor also signs in China - by Eurobasket News
Another NBA player will spend next season in China. Jermaine Taylor (6'4''-G-86, college: Cent.Florida) penned a deal with Liaoning. He finished last season with the Sacramento Kings averaging 7.1 points, 2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 26 games. Taylor started last season with the Houston Rockets. He had 4.9 ppg and 1.1 rpg for 8 games with them. Jermaine Taylor played 28 games for the Rockets also in 2009/10. He registered 4.4 ppg and 1.6 rpg at that time. He spent some time with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers collecting 19.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 2.1 apg for 8 games in D-Legaue. Jermaine Taylor is a product of the Central Florida University. He graduated there two years ago.

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  NBLCANADA   


Miracles coach has passion for life and hoops - by Eurobasket News
Norris Bell came from a very poor background as a kid growing up in Atlanta.

'Basketball has given me what I have in life. It has given me this moment,' said the head coach of the Moncton Miracles, an expansion team in the National Basketball League of Canada.

'If it wasn't for basketball, I never would've had an opportunity to go to Europe. I never would've had a chance to see different walks of life. I wouldn't be in front of you fine people now in Moncton with the opportunity to build something special with you.

'Basketball is my soul. I'm going to coach this team with my soul. I want players here that have a passion for the game, that have a passion for each other, that have a passion for people, that have a passion to be of service. I want guys that play with a love for the game, spirit and determination.'

Bell spoke yesterday morning to the Greater Moncton Sunrise Rotary Club. One thing that's clear is this is a man who sees the big picture.

'There's somebody higher than us,' he said.

'When you leave this world the only thing you're going to be judged by is your service. What have you done to help other people? That's what my life is all about.'

The NBL Canada will have seven teams in its inaugural season. The others are the Saint John Mill Rats, Halifax Rainmen, Summerside Storm, Quebec Kebs, London Lightning and Oshawa Power.

Moncton will open the 36-game regular season on the road against Quebec on Oct. 29. The Miracles will play their first five outings in enemy territory before their home opener versus Saint John on Nov. 20 at the Moncton Coliseum.

Bell had a meet and greet session with players, coaches and parents from the Moncton Kiwanis Minor Basketball Association last night. He's doing the same with those from Riverview minor basketball tonight.

He will attend the United Way campaign kickoff luncheon tomorrow at noon. Then in the evening he will spend time at Northrop Frye School working with minor basketball players in the mini and bantam divisions.

'It's not just lip service when we say this team is going to be involved in the community,' he said. 'We want to let Moncton know that we're serious about community involvement and working with the kids in the local minor basketball associations.

'I'm going to be accessible to everybody. You call me and say 'Hey coach, can you be here?' I'm there because I know that's part of my responsibilities. It's not just me coaching a basketball team.'

Season tickets and individual game tickets for the Miracles are now on sale at the Moncton Coliseum box office or by calling 857-4100. There's a 10 per cent discount on season tickets that are ordered by tomorrow.

Tickets are $10-18 depending on the section of the stadium and whether it's for adult, student/senior or youth. There's also more upscale seating next to the team benches and two court side party suites which are designed as hospitality areas. The seating chart is available online (www.tickets.moncton.ca).

There's complimentary food and beverages included with the seating next to the team benches.

The court side party suites each hold a maximum of 20 people, they have high top tables and chairs, and these ticket packages include the option for food and private bar.

Miracles owner Steven Conville has spoken about his desire to provide an NBA type environment on a common man's budget.

The Miracles plan to have a professional dance team, junior dance team, mascot and other elements to enhance stadium atmosphere.

Moncton Miracle is a term that's commonly used to descrbe the city's rebound from recession in the mid 1980s to a thriving economy today.

Moncton is the fastest growing urban centre in Atlantic Canada, the 10th fastest growing Census Metropolitan Area in Canada and it's known as the retail hub of the Maritimes. The city has also established itself as the entertainment capital of Atlantic Canada by hosting numerous high-profile sporting events and mega converts in the past few years.

'Moncton has history with its struggles and everything it's been through,' said Bell. 'We want this team to be an important part of the community, something people can feel proud of knowing that we represent them.

'We're working hard to get players that fit the history of Moncton. We're looking for guys that have good character and drive. We want guys that have good hearts. We want guys that fit with our vision in terms of reaching out into the community and helping the younger kids.'

The Greater Moncton Sunrise Rotary Club, which is still accepting members, is the first new rotary club in New Brunswick since 1992. This club was founded in May and Bell was its first guest speaker.

Miracles assistant coach Will Njoku and Norval McConnell, the team's manager of community and player relations, also attended yesterday's club breakfast. Njoku, born in Ghana and raised in Halifax, is a former professional basketball player who will be inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame on Oct. 8.

'We're a brand new club and I think it's very appropriate that we have the head coach of our brand new professional basketball team for our first guest speaker,' said Russ Mallard, president of the Greater Moncton Sunrise Rotary Club.

'We're very excited about having a professional basketball team in Moncton and we're looking forward to supporting the them. Norris Bell is a very exciting speaker. I'm sure everyone in the room felt his passion for the game and his desire to have the team involved in the community.

'I can hardly wait to see the expression on the kids faces when the Miracles coaches and players come to speak to them. I know the kids are going to respond well to having a professional basketball team in Moncton. Kids can dream about playing for them some day.'

Bell, 51, played professionally in Europe for 13 seasons and he's fluent in French after suiting up for seven seasons in France. Since retiring, he coached the Atlanta Celtics to two national AAU championships in a four-year period. He had a .970 winning percentage in the AAU which is the high school age level.

Bell is a two-time AAU Coach of the Year, an original member of the Nike Skill Academy and he's trained hundreds of Atlanta high school players who have received college basketball scholarships. In 1990, the Atlanta Journal Constitution voted him the No. 1 Playground Legend.

Bell enjoys working with minor basketball players to help them develop their skills so they can maximize their potential.

He spoke about the Miracles going to the grassroots level and establishing a development program for young kids.

'For kids who have an ambition to play basketball, I recommend they also play soccer,' he said. 'It's good for the physical conditioning aspect. It also helps them with their footwork because they're using both legs. I think Steve Nash's soccer background helped him in basketball.

'A lot of kids play basketball with one leg and don't even realize it. Using both legs gives you more options when you play. Our goal is to implement the right techniques and the right way to teach young kids to play the game.'

Bell points out that he's watched basketball go through a transformation in the past few years. It's about more than flair and the slam dunk now.

'The game has gone back on the ground,' he said. 'Look at Steve Nash, a two-time Most Valuable Player in the NBA. He's not big and he can't jump, but he can shoot and his basketball IQ is incredible. We've got to teach our kids and develop them the way that he plays the game.'

NBL Canada franchises are expected to have an annual operating budget of between $500,000 to $750,000. Under the league's business model, teams should be financially viable with an average of 2,000 fans per game when this is combined with other revenue such as corporate support.

Moncton will open training camp in mid October. The Miracles head coach spoke about Nash's passion for the game and tenacity.

'He plays the game like he doesn't have any money in the bank and needs a pay cheque,' said Bell. 'Those are the type of players we want in Moncton. We're going to have an exciting team that the community can embrace.

'This is my second trip to Moncton and both times I feel support. I can feel the hunger people have when it comes to having their own professional basketball team. Everybody I meet has the attitude 'What can I do to help?' I genuinely feel that people here want this team to succeed.'

Courtesy of http://timestranscrpt.canadaeast.com

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  NCAA1   


Houston picks up two four-star commitments - by Rick Ross
Courtesy of CBSSPORTS.COM

Houston might have had its biggest recruiting day since the early 1980s on Sunday.

Danuel House and Danrad Chicken Knowles, two consensus top-100 recruits,
both announced their commitments to the Cougars.

Texas Pro AAU coach Marland Lowe informed CBSSports.com of their decisions
immediately after they announced it at the Rucker on Wood event in Texas.

Danuel House and Chicken Knowles have just chosen head coach
James Dickey and the Univ. [of] Houston as their college choice,
the text stated.

House, ranked No. 37 in CBSSports.coms Top 100, is a
6-foot-6 small forward from Hightower (Tex.) who uses his
athleticism and aggressiveness to make plays at the rim.
He runs the floor tremendously well and is very difficult to stop in transition.
House handles the ball fairly well, and his outside shot is getting more consistent.
Due to his length and leaping ability, he has a solid defender and rebounder.

House began receiving in-home visits on Friday, with Baylor,
Georgetown, Ohio State, Texas and Kansas as the other finalists.

Knowles, a 6-foot-10 forward from Texas, blew up at the
NBPA Top 100 camp and continued his strong play on the AAU circuit in July.
Hes very long and athletic, but has great face-up ability out to the
3-point line. Knowles, ranked No. 79 in the top 100, can
dribble the ball fairly well for someone his size, and is a
major matchup problem for most opponents due to his skill-set.

The last schools on Knowles' list included Baylor, Arkansas and Missouri.



FSU monitoring conference realignment - by Eurobasket News
Florida State athletic director Randy Spetman said Wednesday while the university is keeping a watchful eye on the changing landscape of collegiate athletics, he added the Seminoles are comfortable in the ACC.

Spetman downplayed brief 'informal' discussions some school officials have had about possible conference realignments at the end of last week's board meeting.

'Clearly the potential for change in the college landscape has never been so dramatic,' he said. 'The truth is it would appear nobody knows where everything is going to shake out at the end of the day.'

Whatever happens, Florida State can't afford to be caught by surprise.

But trustees chairman Andy Haggard said Wednesday that it would be up to Florida State President Eric Barron to determine whether to form a committee to stay abreast of the changing landscape.

The latest move happened in the Southeastern Conference.

The SEC accepted Texas A&M as its latest member, and once the move becomes official, the SEC will have an odd number of teams at 13. Florida State has been mentioned as a possible 14th team, but Haggard said there has not been any talk with the SEC about switching leagues.

Whether FSU forms a committee to monitor the situation or not, Haggard and Spetman were clear they are closely following the developments.

'I have no magic message but we do know the collegiate structure is changing,' Spetman said. 'Television has driven it to where it is.'

He said that FSU's share of the ACC television contract is between $13 and $14 million, compared to $24 million that each of the Pac-12 conference members receive.

'The move now for extending the size of a conference is TV contracts,' Spetman said. 'That's the only way to make more money.'

If Florida State would be approached by another conference, any decision on leaving the ACC would have to be Barron's, Haggard said. The university president was traveling Wednesday and not immediately available to comment.

Florida State's fan base has always been split about the school's decision to join the ACC. Most of the faculty favors being in the ACC because of the league's academic reputation, but many of the more hard core football fans believe the school should be in the SEC.

Florida State joined the ACC in 1991 under former President Bernie Sliger. The Seminoles have won 12 ACC football championships in two decades and are favored to capture a 13th this season.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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  PERU   


The playoffs to begin on September 28th - by Timothy
The playoffs are set to start on September 28th and all the teams have loaded up there rosters with imports from all over the world. Most teams have brought in the maximum number
of import players which is three players,but some are going to take their chances with only two. Regatas is coming into the playoffs as the favorite to win the championship again. It
will be a tough road for them as some of the other top teams are gunning for their first championship. Regatas has taking the crown for many years so the other clubs are looking to
change that this season.

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  PHILIPPINES   


DAY 1 OF THE 2011 FIBA-ASIA MEN'S TOURNEY & ELIGIBILITY COMMENTARY - by Enzo Flojo

JORDAN over SYRIA, 71-58
JOR 71 - Wright 20, Dahglas 19, Abbaas 8, Abbas 8, Zaghab 5, Soobzokov 5, Al-Sous 5, Abuquora 1, Al-Khas 0
SYR 58 - Jlilati 13, Nalbandian 11, Al-Hamowi 8, Daks 7, Kasaballi 7, Lubus 5, Deeb 3, Al-Saman 2, Osfira 2, Al-Khatib 0
QS: 18-12, 31-36, 56-46, 71-58
- Behind the hot shooting of Wael Jlilati and Vache Nalbandian, Syria was able to mount a lead in the first half, but the Jordanians, thanks to Rasheim Wright and Sam Dahglas, put on a run in the 3rd stanza that gave them some separation.
- Syrian big man Abdulwahab Al-Hamowi had some good moments in the fourth, but Jordan proved to be too much. It's clear Syria is missing star scorer Michael Madanly, and maybe even another player whose eligibility was being questioned (Eder Araujo Georges).
- Jordan pulled through at just the right time to avoid a stressful endgame and ready themselves for a big one against the Japanese tomorrow. Islam Abbaas helped the Jordanians keep in step with Syria in the first half, where he scored 7 of his 8 markers.

IRAN over TAIWAN, 49-37
IRI - Bahrami 18, Kazemi 8, Haddadi 8, Sahakian 6, Davoudi 3, Davari 2, Kamrani 2, Afagh 2, Kardoust 0
TPE - Wu 15, Lin 8, Chen HA 7, Chien 4, Tseng 3, Lee 0, Su 0, Lu 0, Ho 0, Chang 0
QS: 10-8, 17-19, 32-31, 49-47
- The Taiwanese held on for dear life throughout most of the game until Samad Nikkhah Bahrami showed up and strutted his stuff, scoring 16 points in 7 minutes to lead Iran past Chinese-Taipei in what was a very low-scoring affair.
- Wu Tai-Hao, coming off sick bay, held his own against Iranian giant Hamed Haddadi in the first half, where he scored all but 2 of his points. Coach Chou Jun-San's wards, however, weren't able to take advantage of their numerous looks from downtown as they only hit 2 of 20 triples. Leading sniper Lin Chih-Chieh shot 0-of-7 from deep.
- Coach Vaselin Matic's boys showed good resolve in coming from as many as 10 points down to thwart Taiwan's upset hopes. Nobody aside from Samad broke into double-digits, but almost everyone did score, save for Asghar Kardoust. It was a slow start that should motivate Iran to play tougher in their next game against depleted Qatar.

JAPAN over INDONESIA, 81-59
JPN 81 - Takeuchi J 11, Kawamura 10, Takeuchi K 10, Hirose 8, Shonaka 8, Amino 7, Matsui 6, Sakurai 6, Ishizaki 6, Kashiwagi 5, Ota 4, Takeda 0
INA 59 - Sitepu 14, Poedjakesuma 12, Prawiro 9, Gunawan 6, Prihantono 5, Wuysang 5, Chandra 4, Situmorang 4, Gerungan 0, Derwanto 0, Haryoko 0, Indrawan 0
QS: 15-8, 37-24, 61-39, 81-59
- For a while there, it seemed like the Indons were going to make this one interesting, but the Japanese turned up the jets late in the 2nd quarter to leave the SEABA bridesmaids in the dust. They sustained the pressure in the last 2 periods to open their FIBA-Asia campaign on a good note.
- Christian Sitepu and Andi Poedjakesuma fought hard early on as the Indons were able to stick it to their East Asian foes, but, alas, they just didn't have enough skill to keep up with the spirited Japanese. Sitepu and Poedjakesuma combined for 5 of Indonesia's 8 treys.
- The Takeuchi twin towers lorded it underneath for coach Tom Wisman. They outrebounded and just thoroughly outplayed the Indons, showing the results of their long, hard training in Europe. A tougher opponent, however, awaits them tomorrow in the form of Jordan.

SOUTH KOREA over MALAYSIA, 89-42
KOR 89 - Cho 16, Oh 13, Lee 11, Stevenson 11, Ha 10, Yang DG 8, Kang 6, Kim YH 6, Kim JK 6, Kim JS 2, Park 0
MAS 42 - Kwaan 9, Ooi 6, Batumalai 5, Loh 5, Kuek 5, Lau 4, Chin 4, Soo 2, Wee 2, Kuppusamy 0, Ng 0, Chee 0
QS: 29-3, 47-22, 76-30, 89-42
- From the opening whistle, the Koreans just made minced meat out of Malaysia. Cho Sung-Min scored majority of his 16 points in a tragically lopsided 1st quarter where the Koreans just stamped their class. They had more rebounds, steals and assists than the hapless Malaysians, and hit 13 treys.
- Nobody cracked 10 points for Malaysia, and they had absolutely zero chance in this one. Perhaps they can have better luck against India tomorrow.
- The Koreans hardly broke any sweat in this one and should ride the momentum against an interesting match-up with the Lebanese next.

PHILIPPINES over UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 92-52
PHL 92 - Baracael 15, Taulava 13, Douthit 13, Casio 11, Barroca 9, Tiu 9, De Ocampo 7, Alapag 6, Williams 5, Aguilar 4
UAE 52 - Ahmed 12, Al-Hattawi 11, Ahmad 10, Al-Zaabi 7, Salem 6, Al-Braiki 3, Abdalla 3, Al-Sari 0, Banihammad 0
QS: 17-12, 41-22, 69-35, 92-52
- Bucking a strange ruling that held the eligibility of wingmen Chris Lutz & Marcio Lassiter, the Filipinos still played tough and ran roughshod over the UAE five. Coach Rajko Toroman played all 10 guys on his active roster, and all scored at least 4 points to help the Pinoys start the pivotal tournament on a positive note.
- PBA call-ups Jimmy Alapag, Ranidel De Ocampo, and Kelly Williams all did well in their debut and they should lift their play even more as the games get considerably tougher from here moving forward.The Pinoys actually had more turnovers than the Emirats, but they made up for it by having more rebounds and assists. It'll be exciting to see how they'll match-up with the hulking Chinese tomorrow.
- The Emirates actually started full of energy and spunk, gaining a 5-0 lead in the first few minutes, but when the Philippines turned it on they just had no answer.

UZBEKISTAN over QATAR, 27-12
UZB 27 - Shatrov 10, Juginisov 9, Belokurov 4, Nuraliev 2, Denisov 2, Yahin 0
QAT 12 - Saad 8, Matalkeh 4, Adam 0, Saeed 0, Salem 0
QS: 27-12
- After 5 of its players were deemed ineligible a day before the start of competitions, Qatar chose to end this one early by letting its players all foul out before the 1st period even ended.
- The following suited up but sat on the sidelines: Tanguy Ngombo, Ousseynou N'Diaye, Mansour El-Hadary, Hassan Mohamed, and Mame Ndour. Unless Qatar can submit papers proving their compliance with eligibility requirements found in the 2010 FIBA rule book, then those aforementioned cagers won't play.
- The Uzbeks unexpectedly won their first assignment, but in controversial fashion. Nevertheless, they'll take this win and use the momentum to square off against the Taiwanese tomorrow.

LEBANON over INDIA, 71-68
LIB 71 - Abdelnour 24, Reda 15, Bawji 9, Hoskin 8, Kanaan 5, Martinez 4, Stephan 3, Tabet 2, Akl 1, Ibrahim 0
IND 68 - Koroth 20, Singh T 18, Singh J 9, Grewal 7, Bhriguvanshi 5, Singh Y 4, Singh Al 3, Singh At 2, Bharama 0, Mishra 0
QS: 20-16, 40-27, 54-59, 71-68
- If not for the heroics of Jean Abdelnour, this would've been the biggest upset of Day 1. It looked like Lebanon would blow out the Indians after leading by 13 at the half, but coach Ken Natt's boys didn't give up and even took a late lead before Abdelnour's clutch play.
- Also hounded by the now infamous 'eligibility' hullabaloo, the Lebanese looked lax on the floor, especially in the 2nd half, where they allowed the Indians to mount a serious rally that almost spelled disaster for returning head coach Ghassan Sarkis. Naturalized big man Sam Hoskin didn't impress too much, so he'll have to play much better if Lebanon is to advance to the 2nd round.
- Hareesh Koroth and Talwinderjit Singh were sniping revelations as the Indians converted on 8 of their 21 rainbow tries. If they continue playing like this, then advancing to the next round won't be a problem.


CHINA over BAHRAIN, 101-49
CHN 101 - Liu 15, Yi J 15, Zhu 13, Sun 11, Yi L 9, Zhang B 8, Xirelijiang 8, Zhang Z 7, Wang 6, Su 5, Yu 3, Ding 1
BRN 49 - Malabes 17, Isa 9, Al-Tawash 6, Khamis 6, Ali 5, Akber 4, Sarhan 2, Mahri 0, Al-Derazi 0, Mubarak 0, Ashoor 0, Malallah 0
QS: 25-20, 51-24, 77-45, 101-49
- The Chinese bucked a slow start to demolish a clearly overmatched Bahrain five. The Bahrainis started hot, taking a 6-point lead behind the stellar play of Bader Malabes, but once the Chinese settled down and tightened their defense, Bahrain gave up any semblance of resistance.
- China's veterans took charge here and left nothing to chance. As expected, Liu Wei, Yi Jianlian, Zhu Fangyu and Sun Yue led the team to this resounding opening win that should help them against the dangerous Filipinos tomorrow.
- Malabes, the Fil-Bahraini and former DLSU Green Archer, finished with 17 markers on the strength of 3 triples. In this team, he could be the star he never was back in Manila.

ON ELIGIBILITY:

The Good: At least now FIBA is cracking down on the true ineligibles and enforcing their rules more strictly. This is especially true for the Qataris, who are notorious for fielding players with questionable ties to the home state.

The Bad: Timing is everything, and the timing of these eligibility-related decisions just screams of misguided transparency. How can FIBA allow the eligibility-checks just a day ahead of the biggest continental tourney of the past 2 years? Again, I applaud their desire to lay down the law. It is, after all, the right thing to do, BUT they haven't done it in the best way possible. Doing the right thing for the right reasons at the wrong time and in the wrong way doesn't make things better. In this case, it makes things worse. Now that Qatar, Syria and the Philippines have 'lost' some key players, they are forced to make impromptu adjustments. All the time & resources they put into their programs have gone down the drain because of FIBA's ill-planned, and perhaps karma-driven, efforts at curbing sloppy management by FIBA-Asia.

The Ugly: So what will happen now? Syria will be without one of its top bigs (Eder Araujo Georges). Qatar will play without its starting 5. The Philippines will suffer because it lacks its two top wing defenders/shooters. And what's uglier is that these are guys who've donned the national colors before in the SEABA, SEA Games, Asian Games, Stankovic Cup and Champions Cup. Why didn't FIBA check their eligibility then? Why did FIBA allow them to play in the first place?

When asked on the reason (and the precedent!) that some of these players were allowed to play in prior tourneys, FIBA-Asia Sec-Gen Hagop Khajirian replied with this, I cannot judge how they played there, maybe they presented documents that we need now.

What does this imply? It basically implies that FIBA-Asia hasn't set a good precedent and hasn't managed its sub-orgs well enough, and now its the teams and players who have to pay for FIBA-Asia's mismanagement and inefficient information dissemination.

I won't be surprised at all if the 'ineligible' players will no longer play in this, or even future, tourneys. But the way it was done and the timing, again, is smack-dab terrible.

The articles being disputed are Section 3 Articles 16 and 21 of the FIBA Internal Regulations on Players that can be found on FIBA.com.

Heres the gist:

Article 16 -- Any player who with TWO NATIONALITIES, whether by birth or naturalization, may play for his nation of choice AT ANY AGE he chooses.

Article 21 -- A national team in any FIBA tournament may have only ONE player on its team who has acquired the legal nationality of that country by naturalization or by any other means after having reached the age of sixteen (16).

In the event of doubts, any player claiming to have acquired a legal nationality before having reached the age of sixteen (16) requires a decision by the Secretary General confirming that he does not fall under the aforementioned restriction.

Secretary General shall take into account the following criteria:
- the number of years during which the player has lived in the country, for the
national team of which he wishes to play;
- the number of seasons during which the player has participated in domestic
competitions in the country of the national team for which he wishes to play;
- any other criteria capable of establishing a significant link between the player and
the country, for the national team of which he wishes to play.

Implications: The way I understand it, Art 16 allows Chris Lutz & Marcio Lassiter to play for the NT, BUT Art 21 designates them as Naturalized players (like Marcus Douthit) UNLESS it is established that they have a SIGNIFICANT LINK with the country or NT. This, I believe, should be enough to let both Lutz and Lassiter play, as their links are aplenty -- their mothers are Pinays, they've played in the domestic league, they've played for the NT for the past couple of years, they've lived in Manila for a significant amount of time -- BUT it's all the prerogative of our 'beloved' FIBA-Asia Sec-Gen, Hagop Khajirian. Please be enlightened Mr. Khajirian. Lutz and Lassiter weren't plucked to play for the NT and then pick up and leave after the tourney. They are Pinoys. By blood. By choice. By law. Let them play.

Source: HoopNut.blogspot.com

2011 Asian Championship: SEABA champions won over United Arab Emirates - by Eurobasket News
Philippines - United Arab Emirates 92:52

SEABA champions won over United Arab Emirates at their start of the 26th FIBA Asia Championship. Philippines won all the quarters to taste 92:52 victory.
United Arab Emirates surprised the opponents with 5-0 run early in the game, while Barroca scored for 7:7. Philippines celebrated 17:12 after the first 10 minutes and had 29:18 midway through the second period. Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) later sent the teams to the lockers at 41:22. The third quarter proved the ambitions of the winners for a bigger advantage as they produced 28-13 in it. Another 23-17 in the last stanza brought the 40-point deficit win for Philippines in the opener.
Marnel Baracael (193-F/G-85) stepped up with 15 points for the winners and Pauliasi Taulava (208-C-73) collected 13 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Douthit also scored 13, while Joseph Casio (177-PG-86) added 11. Husain Ahmed (180-G-89) replied with 12 points in defeat and Al Hattawi Ali notched 11.

Philippines: Marnel Baracael 15, Pauliasi Taulava 13+11 rebs, Marcus Douthit 13, Joseph Casio 11
United Arab Emirates: Husain Ahmed 12, Al Hattawi Ali 11

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  QATAR   


2011 Asian Championship: Qatar lost to Uzbekistan by default - by Eurobasket News
Qatar-Uzbekistan 12:27 default

Uzbekistan started their 26th FIBA Asia Championship with the victory over GCC champions. Qatar lost Group B game by default 12:27.
Qatar started the game with five players. They committed five personal fouls in the first six minutes of the game. Denisov opened the scoring account in the game, while Matalkeh gave Qatar 2:1 lead. Saad also remained Qatar in front at 5:3, while Evgeniy Shatrov (192-G-86) scored for 7:5. The latter also brought 11:7, while Samender Juginisov (202-F-87) closed an 11-0 run for his side. Saad nailed three for 18:10, while Uzbekistan erupted with another 9-0 run. Matalkeh scored for 27:12 and then he received his last fifth foul. According to Art 21 of Official Basketball Rules 2010, a team shall lose a game by default if, during the game, the team has fewer than two players on the playing court ready to play.
Evgeniy Shatrov stepped up with 10 points for the winners and Samender Juginisov nailed 9. Yevgeniy Pereverzev (183-G-87) followed them with 4 points. Saad ended up with 8 points in defeat and Hammam posted 4.

Qatar: Saad 8, Hammam 4
Uzbekistan: Evgeniy Shatrov 10, Samender Juginisov 9, Yevgeniy Pereverzev 4

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  ROMANIA   


Various friendly games - by Eurobasket News
BC Mure edged MJUS-Fortress Kormend 89:80. The Hungarian team started with 18-15, but the hosts took 1-point lead at the halftime due to 21-17 in the second quarter. Kormend grabbed the lead after the third period winning the frame 24-20, but the last stanza belonged to Mures. The latter needed 33-21 to seal the victory. Virgil Stanescu (207-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Alabama) paced all the winners with 20 points and Forte notched 18. Flavius Lapuste (201-F-78) delivered 13 and Tudor scored 12. Mladenovics ended up with 20 point in the losing effort and Flavia Ferenczi (175-F-91) as well as Nemeth posted 15 each.
U Mobitelco BT hosted the City Cup. In the opener 'U' Mobitelco BT Cluj overcame CSM Oradea 72:51. Kyndall Dykes (191-G/F-87, agency: Edge Sports, college: New Orleans) stepped up with 13 points for the winners and Mihai Paul added 12. Maric and Markovic replied with 9 points each in the losing effort.
Szolnok OLAJ KK rolled over KK Maribor Messer 77:66. Trotter paced all the winners with 19 points.
In Day 2 U Mobitelco Cluj-Napoca lost to Szolnok Olaj KK 71:80. Soos paced all the winners with 20 points and Marton Bader (212-C-80, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) delivered 16. Morris and Kyndall Dykes posted 15 points each in the losing effort.
CSM Oradea stun Maribor 78:55. Topchov led the way with 18 points and Markovic scored 12. Bratina answered with 10 points in defeat and Tratnik delivered 9.
In the last day 'U' Mobitelco BT Cluj overcame KK Maribor Messer 80:57 to finish second. Krstanovic poured in 19 points, while Kyndall Dykes nailed 17. Remus finished the night with 18 points and Bratina brought 14.
Szolnok OLAJ KK outscored CSM Oradea 81:66 to win it all. Trotter top-scored for the winners with 27 points, whilst Jones followed him with 26. Topchov responded with 17 points in defeat and Maric added 14.
Best five: Trotter (Szolnok OLAJ KK), Maric (CSM Oradea), Kyndall Dykes ('U' Mobitelco BT Cluj), Krstanovic ('U' Mobitelco BT Cluj), Marton Bader (Szolnok OLAJ KK).
Trotter from Szolnok OLAJ KK was named MVP of the tournament.



Ivan Siriscevic moved to BC Timisoara - by Eurobasket News
Ivan Siriscevic (198-G/F-87) moved to BC Timisoara for the upcoming season. The Croatian player arrived from Kecskemeti Univer KSE.
In 2010-2011 for Kecskemeti Univer KSE (Hungary-A Division, starting five) in 31 games he averaged 13.2ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 76.8%.
Earlier Ivan Siriscevic arrived to Kecskemeti from the Bosnian champion Siroki TT Kabeli. He helped them to win the Bosnian title in 2009 and to defend it last season. They also competed in Adriatic league, where Siriscevic collected 5.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg. In 2008/09, he shined with 16.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 1.5 in four games in EuroChallenge. Before Siroki TT Kabeli, Siriscevic played many years for Split. He started there as a kid back in 2001.
Last season he erupted with 29 points at the Quarter-Finals Round 2 when Kecskemeti beat Kormend 83-63. Kecskemeti led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. It was a great shooting night for Kecskemeti especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 57.9 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Croatian swingman Ivan Siriscevic notched 29 points and 5 rebounds (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and Croatian swingman Hrvoje Orsulic supported him with 8 points and 7 rebounds.


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  RUSSIA   


Krasnie Krilya wins Amstel Cup - by Eurobasket News
Krasnie Krilya edged Caceres 2016 C.B. 83:73 to win Amstel Cup. The Russian team opened the game with 16-15, but the Spanish outfit responded with 24-22 in the second quarter to take 1-point lead at the halftime. After 23-21 in the third period the Russian squad took the advantage back and erupted with 22-13 in the last stanza. Jarvis Hayes (201-G/F-81, agency: David Lee services, college: Georgia) stepped up with 16 points, while Rush added 15. Leon Williams (203-F/C-86, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Ohio) responded with 13 points in the losing effort.
Spartak Primorye meanwhile rolled over Croatian Borik 81:70. The hosts started the game with 21-19, but the second quarter was decisive in the game as Spartak needed 31-15 for 50:36 lead at the halftime. Both sides exchanged the victories in the second half for the final result. Nesterov, Thomas, Sergey Karaulov (214-C-82, agency: Alti Sport) and Golyahov top-scored with 12 points each. Marino Sarlija (207-F/C-89) ended up with 15 points in defeat and Cakarun Marijan notched 14.



Triumph tab Daniil Soloviev - by Eurobasket News
Triumph tab Daniil Soloviev (211-C-87) for 2011/2012 season. The Russian Center comes from BC Irkut Irkutsk.
In 2004-2005 Soloviev appeared for Spartak Primorie Vladivostok (B Superleague) and averaged 4,6ppg, 6.7rpg. In 2005-2006 for Spartak Primorie Vladivostok (A Superleague) his stats read 1.5ppg, 1.5rpg. After another few seasons there he played for Spartak Primore Vladivostok U23 (U-23 Youth League, starting five), played also at Spartak Primorie Vladivostok (A Superleague).
In 2009-2010 for Spartak Primorie Vladivostok (B Superleague) showed 7.7ppg, 6.4rpg. Last season Daniil Soloviev started for Spartak Primorie Vladivostok (Superleague) and in 22 games showed 4.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 2FGP: 48.1%, FT: 85.4%. Then moved to BC Irkut Irkutsk (Superleague) and in 10 games had 15.1ppg, 11.1rpg, 2FGP: 45.3%, FT: 54.0%.
In 2005 he became Russian Superleague B Champion.


Khimky losses to Barca in a friendly, 64-81 - by Eurobasket News
FC Barcelona Regal - Khimky 81-64

Khimky met reigning Spanish champion FC Barcelona Regal in a friendly game last night. The game was played in Palamos and Barca celebrated easy 81-64 win. They took control on Khimky from the beginning and never looked back. Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) exploded in Barca with 28 points. Chuck Eidson (202-F/G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina) had 16 and Xavier Rabaseda (198-G/F-89) added 14 points in this victory. In Khimky, Egor Vyaltsev (192-G-85) top-scored with 17 points. Chris Quinn (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) and Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) netted 16 and 12 points respectively. Barca made 21-13 lead in the first ten minutes and continued with 18-14 in the second period. Khimky improved after the breather, but was not able to come any closer (25-25). Last quarter belonged to Barca 17-12 for the final 81-64 victory.

FC Barcelona Regal: Eidson (16), Rabaseda (14), Mickeal (28), Vazquez (10), CJ Wallace (3), Marzo (0), Creus (0), Ivan Garca (2), Aparicio (0), Ndong (8), Abdoulaye (0), Josep Perez (0), Spires (0), Zhigulin (0)
BC Khimki: Planinic (12), Vyaltsev (17), Kelati (4), Zhukanenko (6), Loncar (8), Quinn (16), Pushkov (0), A.Karpeko (0), E.Karpeko (0), Plotnikov (0), Dudu (0)

EuroBasket 2011: Russia beat Serbia to reach semifinal - by Eurobasket News
Russia - Serbia 77:67

Russia completed the semifinal picture at the 2011 EuroBasket in Lithuania. They held off Serbia in an intense battle tonight to seal their semifinal appearance. Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) stepped up with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort. Russia will now take on France for the place in the championship game.
Serbia opened the game with four points in a row but Russia quickly erased the deficit. They pulled in front and posted a 16:12 lead after ten minutes. Monya, Shved and Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) ensured a 7:0 start for Russia in the second frame. David Blatt team stayed in control throughout the period posting a 34:27 halftime advantage. Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) and Macvan dragged Serbia within a single point early in the third quarter 38:39. But Russia did not allow their opponents to pull ahead. They secured a 54:48 advantage at the final intermission. The margin grew at 8-point mark but Serbia would not go away. They narrowed the gap to just 5 points with under three minutes to go. However Andrei Kirilenko sank four free throws in the dying minutes and Russia marched on to the victory at the end. Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) and Viktor Khryapa posted 11 points each in the win. Shved added 10 points for Russia. Milos Teodosic answered with 20 points for Serbia. Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) finished with 13 points in the loss.

Russia: Andrei Kirilenko 14+11 boards, Andrey Vorontsevich 11, Viktor Khryapa 11
Serbia: Milos Teodosic 20, Nenad Krstic 13


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  SERBIA   


EuroBasket 2011: Russia beat Serbia to reach semifinal - by Eurobasket News
Russia - Serbia 77:67

Russia completed the semifinal picture at the 2011 EuroBasket in Lithuania. They held off Serbia in an intense battle tonight to seal their semifinal appearance. Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) stepped up with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort. Russia will now take on France for the place in the championship game.
Serbia opened the game with four points in a row but Russia quickly erased the deficit. They pulled in front and posted a 16:12 lead after ten minutes. Monya, Shved and Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) ensured a 7:0 start for Russia in the second frame. David Blatt team stayed in control throughout the period posting a 34:27 halftime advantage. Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) and Macvan dragged Serbia within a single point early in the third quarter 38:39. But Russia did not allow their opponents to pull ahead. They secured a 54:48 advantage at the final intermission. The margin grew at 8-point mark but Serbia would not go away. They narrowed the gap to just 5 points with under three minutes to go. However Andrei Kirilenko sank four free throws in the dying minutes and Russia marched on to the victory at the end. Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) and Viktor Khryapa posted 11 points each in the win. Shved added 10 points for Russia. Milos Teodosic answered with 20 points for Serbia. Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) finished with 13 points in the loss.

Russia: Andrei Kirilenko 14+11 boards, Andrey Vorontsevich 11, Viktor Khryapa 11
Serbia: Milos Teodosic 20, Nenad Krstic 13


Crvena Zvezda wins 'Mega Vizura Cup', Nemanja Nedovic MVP - by Eurobasket News
Nizhny Novgorod - Crvena Zvezda 71-76

Crvena Zvezda Beograd is the winner of 'Mega Vizura Cup'. They handed 76-71 loss to Nizhny Novgorod in the Finals. Nemanja Nedovic (192-PG-91, agency: Beo Basket) was the leading player in victory with 17 points. At the same time he was named MVP of the Tournament. Andreja Milutinovic (199-G-90) also scored 17 points in the Finals and Filip Covic (180-G-89, agency: Interperformances) helped with 10. On the other side, the Russian team got 18 points from Nemanja Protic (182-G-86). Michal Ignerski (207-F-80, agency: Stanley International, college: Mississippi St.) and Ernest Bremer (195-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: St.Bonaventure) had 13 and 12 points respectively. Nizhny Novgorod opened this meeting better with 22-17 lead in the first ten minutes. Crvena Zvezda replied with 21-25 in Q2 and 14-20 after the breather. Russians were not able to reply and Crvena Zvezda celebrated 71-76 win at the end.

Nizhny Novgorod: Nemanja Protic 18, Michal Ignerski 13, Ernest Bremer 12
Crvena Zvezda: Nemanja Nedovic 17, Andreja Milutinovic 17, Filip Covic 10

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  SLOVENIA   


Maribor Messer enjoyed the Romanian trip - by Eurobasket News
Maribor Messer enjoyed the Romanian trip but could not win any of the games. Hungarian Szolnok OLAJ KK triumphed at the 'U' Mobitelco BT City Cup.
In the opener Szolnok OLAJ KK rolled over KK Maribor Messer 77:66. Obie Trotter (186-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) paced all the winners with 19 points.
In Day 2 CSM Oradea stun Maribor 78:55. Topchov led the way with 18 points and Markovic scored 12. Matej Bratina (189-G-89) answered with 10 points in defeat and Jan Tratnik (190-G-89) delivered 9.
In the last day 'U' Mobitelco BT Cluj overcame KK Maribor Messer 80:57 to finish second. Zoran Krstanovic (205-C-82) poured in 19 points, while Kyndall Dykes (191-G/F-87, agency: Edge Sports, college: New Orleans) nailed 17. Remus finished the night with 18 points and Matej Bratina brought 14.
Obie Trotter from Szolnok OLAJ KK was named MVP of the tournament.



EuroBasket 2011: Lithuania pip Slovenia on Thursday opener - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia-Lithuania 77:80

Lithuania survived a Classification Game for the 5-8 places against Slovenia. The hosts of Eurobasket 2011 grabbed 80:77 and will play for the 5th place.
Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) and Lakovic gave Slovenia 4-0 lead and Zoran Dragic scored for 6:2. It looked that Lithuania was far from the best game after the loss last night to FYR Macedonia. Zoran Dragic scored another 4 for 14:6, while Erazem Lorbek brought 16:11. Jankunas meanwhile managed to close the period at 20:19.
Pocius however gave the hosts 21:20 early in the second, while Smodis tied it all at 23:23. Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) scored for 28:27, while Javtokas delivered for Lithuania lead at 31:28. The latter also made it 34:28 and Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) scored for 38:32. Valanciunas and Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) gave the hosts 44:33 halftime advantage that was the biggest lead in the game.
Erazem Lorbek reduced to 46:39 and Ozbolt nailed three for 49:42. Mirza Begic (216-C-85) brought Slovenia within 3 points and Smodis scored for 61:57. Lithuania managed to grab 6-point lead at the end of 30 minutes as Mantas Kalnietis scored for 63:57.
Lakovic, Erazem Lorbek and Smodis gave Slovenia 64:63 early in the fourth period. Ozbolt nailed three for 68:65 and Mantas Kalnietis replied for 68:68. Kaukenas later made the same at 74:74 with 2 minutes, but Erazem Lorbek scored from the arc for 77:76. Mantas Kalnietis answered with a three for 79:77 with 20 seconds on the board. Lakovic had a chance to tie the game but missed a lay-up, while Mantas Kalnietis made only one free throw for 3-point advantage. Goran Dragic had a chance to tie the game but missed a long shot.
Mantas Kalnietis top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) and Sarunas Jasikevicius scored 12 points apiece. Erazem Lorbek and Goran Dragic posted 16 points each in defeat, while Mirza Begic nailed 11.

Slovenia: Erazem Lorbek 16, Goran Dragic 16, Mirza Begic 11
Lithuania: Mantas Kalnietis 17, Darius Songaila 12, Sarunas Jasikevicius 12

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  SOUTH KOREA   


Coach Hur is upset for unfair operation of Championship - by JungHwan Seo
Korean national team head coach Hur Jae is very upset for unfair operation of Asian Basketball Championship 2011 in Wuhan.

According to coach, Korean team could not get any enough practice time & good facilities before their first match against Malaysia.

'We could touch the court for the first time just 10 minutes before the game. We could not have any practice time on the court floor before the game. This is totally crazy' Hur said after defeated Malaysia to 89-42.

'Yesterday, I asked a practice time on the main court. However, that request was denied. Organizing committee explained that every team can not practice on the main court. But we already knew that Chinese National team has been playing on the main court everyday' Coach added.

Training time on the sub court was also incomprehensible to coach. Korean team played at 3:30 PM today. However assigned practice time for Korea was 8 AM.

There is another nonsensical situation. Korea will face India at 17th 1:30 PM. But they have no training time before the match. Because Korean team's practice time is 8 PM on the same day. It is about 5 hours later when they finished the game.

Korean team borrowed private facilities to fix these problems by themselves. But that gym is so far from their hotel. On the other hands, referees are staying in the same hotel with Chinese players. That made some complaints from many countries including Iran and Korea.

'I focused on sharing playing time to save strength of my guys today. Team chemistry is very good now. We are not going to depend on HA and Jarod too much. We will share many offense chances. We are very confident against Lebanon tomorrow' Hur expected.


2011 Asian Championship: South Korea breeze past Malaysia - by Eurobasket News
South Korea - Malaysia 89:42

South Korea earned the opening win at the 2011 Asian Championship. Jae Hur team coasted past Malaysia in Group A action. Cho Sung-Min (189-F-83) stepped up with 16 points to lead the effort.
South Korea stunned their opponents in the opening period. They held Malaysia to miserable three points in the quarter posting a 29:3 lead after ten minutes. The margin grew at 30-point mark midway through the second frame. South Korea established a 47:22 lead at halftime. South Korea continued to remain in charge throughout the third frame. They posted a 76:30 lead with ten minutes to go in the game. South Korea did not loosen the grasp and earned a well-deserved win at the end. Oh Sek-Eun (201-C-87) chipped in 13 points, while Lee Jung-Suk (184-G-82) and Tae-Jong Moon netted 11 points apiece in the win. Yoong Jing Kwaan (200-C-90) answered with 9 points and 9 rebounds for Malaysia. Ban Sin Ooi (180-G/F-83) finished with 6 points in defeat.

South Korea: Cho Sung-Min 16, Oh Sek-Eun 13, Lee Jung-Suk 11, Tae-Jong Moon 11
Malaysia: Yoong Jing Kwaan 9, Ban Sin Ooi 6


Standings
KBL Standings
 1. Anyang KGC 0-0 
 2. Daegu Orions 0-0 
 3. Dongbu Promy 0-0 
 4. ET Land 0-0 
 5. KCC Egis 0-0 
 6. LG Sakers 0-0 
 7. Mobis Phoebus 0-0 
 8. Samsung Th. 0-0 
 9. SK Knights 0-0 
 10. Sonic Boom KT 0-0 


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


LEB Gold friendlies update - by Eurobasket News
PALENCIA Baloncesto beat Grupo Iruna Navarra 71:65. Carles Bravo (192-F/G-79) stepped up with 17 points and Fernando Fernandez as well as Kike Garrido nailed 11 each. Jorge Garcaa replied with 13 points in defeat, while Kevin Langford (204-F/C-85, college: TCU) and Ondrej Starosta (215-C-79) scored 11 each.
Krasnie Krilya edged Caceres 2016 C.B. 83:73. The Russian team opened the game with 16-15, but the Spanish outfit responded with 24-22 in the second quarter to take 1-point lead at the halftime. After 23-21 in the third period the Russian squad took the advantage back and erupted with 22-13 in the last stanza. Jarvis Hayes (201-G/F-81, agency: David Lee services, college: Georgia) stepped up with 16 points, while Rush added 15. Leon Williams (203-F/C-86, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Ohio) responded with 13 points in the losing effort.
Baloncesto Leon edged Oviedo Baloncesto 91:77. Jonathan Durley and Manny Quezada led the way with 20 points each, while Javier Mugica (200-F/C-83) scored 15. Adrian Macia (196-F-76) and Ortega replied with 18 points each in defeat.


Jose Manuel Calderon doubtful for EuroBasket Semis due to injury - by Eurobasket News
Bad news for the Spanish National Team. Jose Manuel Calderon (190-PG-81) suffered ankle injury (posterior tibial tendonitis) during the game against Slovenia and he is doubtful for Semifinals. Spain blasted Slovenia in the QFinals 86-64. Calderon had 9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. He averages 5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists in EuroBasket. Calderon scored 12 points against Lithuania, 9 against Slovenia and 8 against Serbia. Jose Manuel Calderon missed World Championship in Turkey and EuroBasket in Poland two years ago. He had 7.3 ppg and 3 rpg at the Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing. Spain won the Silver at this event. Calderon also won the Silver with Spain at the EuroBasket 2007. Spain was the host, but Russia took the Gold from them in thriller. Calderon had 12.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 2.6 apg at this event. At the World Championship 2006 in Japan he averaged 7.2 points, 2 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Spain won the Gold.

Latest LEB Silver signings - by Eurobasket News
Plasencia announced signing of Joseba Iglesias (201-F-83) for the next season. He arrives from EBA team Cafes Aitona San Sebastian. Iglesias averaged 13.6 points and 7.5 rebounds in 22 games last season. Before Cafes Aitona San Sebastian, he played for Bidegintza - Cepsa Conten and Promobys.
Las Rozas added Rostislav Uhlir (198-F-86) and Aleksandar Ugrinoski (192-G-88, agency: Interperformances) also for the next season. Rostislav Uhlir heads to his new team from Slovakian Prievidza. He played 30 games for them last season averaging 9.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1 assist. Before Prievidza, Uhlir spent three years with Nova Hut Ostrava. In their last season together he had 3 ppg and 2 rpg, but appeared just four times in the league. In 2008/09 season, Uhlir averaged 5.4 points and 1.7 rebounds for 39 games. Rostislav Uhlir played for Real Madrid II in 2006/07 season. He had 4.5 ppg and 1.3 rpg for them in 15 LEB2 games. Before that, he spent few more years with Nova Hut Ostrava. Rostislav Uhlir played for U20 Czech Republic in the past. He also was a member of the University NT.
Aleksandar Ugrinoski started last season with Montepaschi Siena, but did not appear in any official game with them. In November, Ugrinoski signed a one-month deal with Lega Due team Immobiliare Spiga Rimini. He appeared just twice for them after what they parted ways. Ugrinoski was tested by Lottomarica Roma later, but did not sign. In 2009/10, Aleksandar Ugrinoski played for Bulgarian Rilski and Macedonian Vardar Osiguruvanje. He had 5.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg and 2.5 apg for 13 games in NBL with Rilski. He also added 4 ppg and 2.4 apg for five games in BIBL. Later with Vardar he registered 6.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.8 apg for 16 games in Macedonian league. Vardar reached Playoff Finals. Aleksandar Ugrinoski won the title with Vardar in 2009. In the past, he played for Cibona and Dubrava. Aleksandar Ugrinoski also was a member of the Croatian U18 and 16 NT.

Jason Detrick joins Lleida - by Eurobasket News
Jason Detrick (198-G-80, college: Oklahoma) will stay in Spain for at least one more season. The American/Austrian guard signed a one-year deal with Lleida. Detrick shined with Melilla last season averaging 15.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists. She finished as the fourth scorer of LEB Gold. Before Melilla, Jason Detrick played one year for Lagun Aro. He had 4.4 ppg and 1.2 rpg in 34 ACB league games. From 2007 to 2010, he played for La Laguna. Jason Detrick also has experience from Austrian Furstenfeld and Oberwart, plus Dutch Groningen. He is active member of the Austrian National Team since 2009. In Qualifications to European Championships Division B 2011, Detrick had 17.3 ppg, 3 rpg and 3.3 apg.

Wins for Fuenlabrada, Caja Laboral, UCAM Murcia and Barcelona in pre-season action - by Eurobasket News
Fuenlrabrada overcame Valladolid 85:57 in the pre-season clash. Alvaro Munoz (195-F-90) stepped up with 11 points to lead the effort. Fuenlabrada used a massive 24:0 run in the third term to clear off for good in this one. Ayon and Vega posted 10 points each in the win. Garcia answered with 14 points for Valladolid. Nacho Martin (205-F-83) had 10 points in the loss.
Caja Laboral shot down Ford Burgos 83:68 on the road. Ford Burgos led by as many as 7 points after ten minutes of action but Caja Laboral turned things around in the second frame. The visitors ensured a 39:36 halftime lead. Caja Laboral went on a 27:15 run in the third term to run away for the victory at the end. Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) fired 22 points to pace Caja Laboral. Brad Oleson (191-G-83, agency: Duran International, college: Alaska-Fairb.) contributed 19 points in the winning effort. Jerome Tillman (198-F/C-87, college: Ohio) answered with 26 points for Ford Burgos.
UCAM Murcia held off Valencia Basket 71:54. Andres Miso (199-G-83) stepped up with 13 points to lead the effort. Sergio Perez (206-F-79, agency: Interperformances) contributed 12 points for the winners. Rafael Nacho Martinez (191-G-82) and Vitor Faverani (211-C-88) top-scored with 13 points each for Valencia Basket.
FC Barcelona Regal took care of Khimki 81:64. Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) erupted for 28 points to lead the charge. Chuck Eidson (202-F/G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina) contributed 16 points for Barcelona. Egor Vyaltsev (192-G-85) notched 17 points for Khimki. Chris Quinn (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) produced 16 points in the losing effort.


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


08 Stockholm bring Helgi Magnusson and Stefan Nguyen - by Eurobasket News
08 Stockholm bring Helgi Magnusson (198-G/F-82, college: Catawba) and Stefan Nguyen (189-G-92) for the 2011/2012 season.
Helgi Magnusson is an Icelandic National team player. Last year he had signed a one year contract with Solna Vikings in Sweden. Magnusson played last two years at KR in Iceland and won Icelandic Champion with the team.In 2010-2011 for Uppsala Basket (Sweden-Basketligan, starting five) after 41 games he averaged 8.0ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 71.0%.
Stefan Nguyen comes from Lulea where he played for his whole career. In 2008-2009 he joined the team and remained until the last season. In 2010-2011 for Lulea BG (Basketettan, starting five) he played also at LF Basket junior team and in 18 games averaged 14.6ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.9apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 13.6%, FT: 74.0%.


LF Basket and Uppsala Basket won pre-season clashes - by Eurobasket News
LF Basket and Uppsala Basket won pre-season clashes. Uppsala Basket rolled over Akropol 66:56. Johan Jeansson (197-G-85) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Stefan Grundberg notched 11. Mannos Nakos (179-G-88) and Odin Lindell (203-F-90) netted 9 apiece, while Alexander Gorski added 8.
LF Basket edged Orebro 86:64. The winners started with 13-3 and had 39:28 later in the half. LF Basket managed to keep the victory and rightfully clinched it. Tyrone Levett (195-F-80, college: Alabama St.) poured in 18 points and Rudy Mbemba notched 16. Terrance Woodbury delivered 14, while Gustav Nystrom (189-G-89, college: Hope, MI) scored 12. Johan Akesson (210-C-84, agency: Warren Sports International) brought 11, John Rosendahl added 9 and Martin Pahlmblad posted 4.


Friendly games update - by Eurobasket News
Swedish teams started the preparation for 2011/2012 season. Uppsala Basket rolled over Akropol 66:56. Johan Jeansson (197-G-85) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Stefan Grundberg notched 11. Mannos Nakos and Odin Lindell (203-F-90) netted 9 apiece, while Alexander Gorski added 8.
Karhu Kauhajoki beat Swedish LF Basket 107:104.For the Swedish side Justin Safford (205-F, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Missouri) erupted with 35 points. Rudy Mbemba notched 20 and Keith Ramsey (206-F-87, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Missouri) scored 14.
Korihait overcame LF Basket 88:76. For Swedish team Martin Pahlmblad (193-G-86) and Justin Safford netted 19 points apiece.


*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


Benetton Fribourg fails against Maurienne in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
Aix-Maurienne - Benetton Fribourg 91-80

Benetton Fribourg played a friendly game in Cluses on Tuesday evening. Their rival was French Prob team Maurienne and Fribourg faced with 91-80 loss. Last quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. Everything looked good for Fribourg before that, but Maurienne exploded in the last ten minutes and thanks 25-9 run secured victory in this game. Wilbert Brown (200-F-84, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Niagara) stepped up for Maurienne with 25 points. Dar Tucker (193-F-88, college: De Paul) and Joachim Ekanga-Ehawa (188-G-77) helped with 17 and 14 points respectively. For the Swiss squad, Stefan Petkovic (186-G-92) top-scored with 21 points. Jonathan Kazadi (195-G-91) and Dave Esterkamp (200-F-78, college: Bowling Green) had 16 points each. Roberto Kovac (182-G-90) was their last player with double-digits in scoring, 10 pts. Quarters: 27-30, 15-16, 24-25, 25-9. Both teams will play more friendlies this pre-season.

Aix-Maurienne: Wilbert Brown 25, Dar Tucker 17, Joachim Ekanga-Ehawa 14
Benetton Fribourg: Stefan Petkovic 21, Jonathan Kazadi 16, Dave Esterkamp 16, Roberto Kovac 10

*****************************************************
  SYRIA   


2011 Asian Championship: Jordan tame Syria - by Eurobasket News
Jordan - Syria 71:58

Jordan opened win count at 2011 Asian Championship in Wuhan. They held off pesky Syria in Group C opener. Rasheim Wright (192-G-81, college: District of Col.) stepped up with 20 points to pace Jordan.
Jordan managed to post an 18:12 lead ten minutes into the game. But Jacques Nalbandian drained 8 points in a 10:2 run from Syria early in the second term as they jumped into lead. The teams traded baskets before Wael Jlilati (199-G/F-90) knocked down 8 points in a row giving Syria a 36:31 lead at the interval. Wael Jlilati opened the second half with two points as Syria established a 40:31 advantage. But Jordan stepped on the gas late in the period. They capped the period with a 13:1 rally to grab a 56:46 lead with ten minutes remaining. Syria cut the deficit to just two points midway through the fourth frame 58:60. However Rasheim Wright came up with a timely three-pointer and Jordan ran away for the victory in the final minutes. Daghles Osama (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) posted 19 points, 6 boards and 6 assists for Jordan. Islam Abbaas (200-C-80) and Abbas Zaid (203-F-83) added 8 points each in the win. Wael Jlilati answered with 13 points for Syria. Jacques Nalbandian chipped in 11 points in the loss.

Jordan: Rasheim Wright 20, Daghles Osama 19, Islam Abbaas 8, Abbas Zaid 8
Syria: Wael Jlilati 13, Jacques Nalbandian 11


*****************************************************
  TAIWAN   


2011 Asian Championship: Iran open with win over Taiwan - by Eurobasket News
Iran - Taiwan 49:37

Iran earned the first win at the Asian Championship in China. They outmuscled Taiwan in Group B opener. Samad Nikkhah (198-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) stepped up with 18 points to lead the winners.
Iran opened the game with a 6:1 run to jump in front. Iran stayed in charge posting a 10:8 lead after ten minutes. Taiwan surged ahead late in the second term and posted a 19:17 halftime advantage. Taiwan used an 11:1 run in the third term to post a 30:20 advantage. However Iran reacted with a 19:1 rally of their own to take a 39:31 lead early in the fourth frame. Taiwan cut the deficit back to just two points but Iran answered with ten points in a row and sealed the victory at the end. Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85) posted 8 points and 18 rebounds, while Arsalan Kazemi (199-F-90) had 8 points in the winning effort. Wu Tai-Hao (203-C-85, college: BYU-Hawaii) responded with 15 points for Taiwan. Lin Chih-Chieh (192-F/G-82) delivered 8 points in the loss.

Iran: Samad Nikkhah 18, Hamed Haddadi 8+18 boards, Arsalan Kazemi 8
Taiwan: Wu Tai-Hao 15, Lin Chih-Chieh 8


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


Fenerbahce Ulker will attend the International Rixos Tournament in Antalya - by Pervin Elgin
Fenerbahce Ulker will attend the International Rixos Tournament in Antalya

Fenerbahce Ulker Basketball Team, along with six other teams (Turk Telekom, the Greek Team PAOK, Antalya Buyuksehir Belediyesi, the Croatian Team Union Olimpija, KK Zagreb and the Slovenian Team) will participate in the tournament which will be held at 16-19 September in Antalya. The tournament will be live broadcasted at FB TV and CNN Turk.



Besiktas beats Astana, Olind Edrine fails against Sassari - by Eurobasket News
Besiktas was better than Kazakhstan team Astana 76-67. Marcelus Kemp (196-G-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Nevada) was a key player in victory with 26 points. Zoran Erceg (210-C/F-85) scored 14 and Serhat Cetin (197-G-86) added 12 points. Erwin Dudley helped Besiktas with 11 pts. The game was played yesterday.
Olin Edrine also played a friendly game, but lost against Dinamo Sassari in Italy 58-72. The Italians exploded in third quarter to take this victory (21-7). Travis Diener -scored for Dinamo with 12 points. Brian Sacchetti and Drake Diener added 11 points each. In Olin Edrine, Chris Wright (185-G-89, college: Georgetown) delivered 17 points. Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88) had 13 and Vladimir Stimac (209-C-87, agency: Interperformances) 10 pts. Ends of periods: 17-10, 40-30, 61-37, 72-58.

Cantu and Turk Telekom meet in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
Bennet Cantu - Turk Telekom 66-56

Bennet Cantu and Turk Telekom met in a friendly game yesterday. The Italian team was better celebrating 66-56 win. Last quarter was the crucial one in this game as Cantu won it 20-13. Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) and David Lighty (195-G/F-88, college: Ohio St.) stepped up for Cantu with 13 points each. Andrea Cinciarini (193-PG-86) and Benjamin Ortner (206-F/C-83, college: Metro St.) followed with 10 points each. Former Barcelona player Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) stopped to 3 points in this meeting. In Turkish squad, Michael Wright (203-F-80, college: Arizona) was better than the others with 12 points. Darius Washington (188-G-85, college: Memphis) and Kaspars Kambala (206-C-78, agency: Alti Sport, college: UNLV) had 10 and 8 points respectively. Ends of periods: 13-13, 30-24, 46-43, 66-56. Both teams will play more friendly games this pre-season.

Bennet Cantu: David Lighty 13, Vladimir Micov 13, Benjamin Ortner 10, Marconato 9, Bianchi 2, Parakhouski 6, Broggi ne, Gianluca Basile 3, Bradley, Andrea Cinciarini 10
Turk Telekom: Guler 2, Yucel 6, Michael Wright 12, Darius Washington 10, Yarangume 6, Gokalp, Karabiyik, Okur 4, Ogut 4, Haciyeva, Altay 4, Kaspars Kambala 8

Hidayet Turkoglu and Kerem Tunceri retire from Turkish NT - by Eurobasket News
Hidayet Turkoglu (206-F-79) and Kerem Tunceri (190-G-79) decided to retire from the Turkish National Team after they failed to reach the EuroBasket Quarterfinals in Lithuania. Turkey will miss the Olympic Games in London, so it was expected decision by both players.
Hidayet Turkoglu and Kerem Tunceri played for the Turkish NT since 1998. They won the Silver at the EuroBasket 2001. Last summer, Turkey won the Silver at the World Championship. It was their biggest success ever. Hidayet Turkoglu averaged 9.8 points and 4.2 rebounds for 9 games at this event. Kerem Tunceri had 6.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 4 apg for 8 games. He became a hero in the Semifinals, where he scored a winning lay-up in thriller against Serbia. At the EuroBasket in Lithuania Tunceri had 3.3 ppg and 2.1 apg in 8 games. Turkoglu averaged 10.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists.

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


2011 Asian Championship: SEABA champions won over United Arab Emirates - by Eurobasket News
Philippines - United Arab Emirates 92:52

SEABA champions won over United Arab Emirates at their start of the 26th FIBA Asia Championship. Philippines won all the quarters to taste 92:52 victory.
United Arab Emirates surprised the opponents with 5-0 run early in the game, while Barroca scored for 7:7. Philippines celebrated 17:12 after the first 10 minutes and had 29:18 midway through the second period. Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) later sent the teams to the lockers at 41:22. The third quarter proved the ambitions of the winners for a bigger advantage as they produced 28-13 in it. Another 23-17 in the last stanza brought the 40-point deficit win for Philippines in the opener.
Marnel Baracael (193-F/G-85) stepped up with 15 points for the winners and Pauliasi Taulava (208-C-73) collected 13 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Douthit also scored 13, while Joseph Casio (177-PG-86) added 11. Husain Ahmed (180-G-89) replied with 12 points in defeat and Al Hattawi Ali notched 11.

Philippines: Marnel Baracael 15, Pauliasi Taulava 13+11 rebs, Marcus Douthit 13, Joseph Casio 11
United Arab Emirates: Husain Ahmed 12, Al Hattawi Ali 11

*****************************************************
  UZBEKISTAN   


2011 Asian Championship: Qatar lost to Uzbekistan by default - by Eurobasket News
Qatar-Uzbekistan 12:27 default

Uzbekistan started their 26th FIBA Asia Championship with the victory over GCC champions. Qatar lost Group B game by default 12:27.
Qatar started the game with five players. They committed five personal fouls in the first six minutes of the game. Denisov opened the scoring account in the game, while Matalkeh gave Qatar 2:1 lead. Saad also remained Qatar in front at 5:3, while Evgeniy Shatrov (192-G-86) scored for 7:5. The latter also brought 11:7, while Samender Juginisov (202-F-87) closed an 11-0 run for his side. Saad nailed three for 18:10, while Uzbekistan erupted with another 9-0 run. Matalkeh scored for 27:12 and then he received his last fifth foul. According to Art 21 of Official Basketball Rules 2010, a team shall lose a game by default if, during the game, the team has fewer than two players on the playing court ready to play.
Evgeniy Shatrov stepped up with 10 points for the winners and Samender Juginisov nailed 9. Yevgeniy Pereverzev (183-G-87) followed them with 4 points. Saad ended up with 8 points in defeat and Hammam posted 4.

Qatar: Saad 8, Hammam 4
Uzbekistan: Evgeniy Shatrov 10, Samender Juginisov 9, Yevgeniy Pereverzev 4



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

Women News

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


Standings - Women
SM-sarja Standings
 1. Catz 0-0 
 2. Espoo Team 0-0 
 3. FoA 0-0 
 4. HoNsU 0-0 
 5. Huima 0-0 
 6. Kerava 0-0 
 7. PeKa 0-0 
 8. ToPo 0-0 


*****************************************************
  FRANCE - Women  


French teams started pre-season campaigns - by Eurobasket News
Challes-les-Eaux Basket overcame Swiss BCF Elfic Fribourg 76:43. The French team started with 21-6 and never looked behind after.
Lyon Basket Feminin and Challes-les-Eaux Basket finished the game at 62:62. For Lyon Aziz top-scored with 19 points and Elodie Bertal (190-C-84) posted 14. Pedrug scored 16 points for Challes and Mims posted 13.
Tarbes outscored Urgell 74:47. The French outfit controlled the entire game and rightfully reached the victory.
Bourges edged Nantes Reze 59:49. Bourges had 28:26 lead at the halftime and managed to increase to 10 points in the second half. For Nantes Reze Doriane Tahane (192-C-89) posted 12 points and Caroline Aubert (168-G-80, college: Colorado) added 11. Gomis scored 9, while Williams netted 6.


*****************************************************
  HUNGARY - Women  


Standings - Women
A Standings
 1. Atomeromu 0-0 
 2. Bajai NKK 0-0 
 3. BSE-FCSM 0-0 
 4. Cegledi EKK 0-0 
 5. DKSK 0-0 
 6. ELTE-BEAC 0-0 
 7. Nanette FTC 0-0 
 8. Pecs 2010 0-0 
 9. SEAT-SZESE 0-0 
 10. UNIQA Eurol. 0-0 
 11. Vasas 0-0 
 12. ZTE 0-0 


*****************************************************
  ISRAEL - Women  


Standings (W)
D1 Standings
 1. B.C. Habikaa 0-0 
 2. Elitzur Holon 0-0 
 3. Elitzur Netanya 0-0 
 4. Elitzur Ramla 0-0 
 5. H.R. Le-Zion 0-0 
 6. Hap.Petah Tikva 0-0 
 7. Hapoel T-A 0-0 
 8. Maccabi Ashdod 0-0 
 9. Maccabi R.Hen 0-0 
 10. Raanana Her. 0-0 
 11. Ramat Hasharon 0-0 


*****************************************************
  ITALY - Women  


Standings A2 Women - by Eurobasket
A2 Standings
North
 1. Alghero 0-0 
 2. Biassono 0-0 
 3. Bologna 0-0 
 4. Bolzano 0-0 
 5. Borgotaro 0-0 
 6. Cagliari V. 0-0 
 7. Cervia 0-0 
 8. Marghera 0-0 
 9. Milano 0-0 
 10. Muggia 0-0 
 11. Piemonte 0-0 
 12. San Martino 0-0 
 13. Udine 0-0 
 14. Vigarano 0-0 
South
 1. Ancona 0-0 
 2. Battipaglia Carp. 0-0 
 3. Battipaglia Cipl. 0-0 
 4. Chieti 0-0 
 5. Firenze 0-0 
 6. Napoli BK 0-0 
 7. Napoli S.Dike 0-0 
 8. Orvieto 0-0 
 9. Pomezia 0-0 
 10. R. La Spezia 0-0 
 11. Ragusa 0-0 
 12. Siena 0-0 
 13. T. La Spezia 0-0 
 14. Viterbo 0-0 


*****************************************************
  NCAA1 - Women  


UConn coach wary about 2012 title expectations - by Eurobasket News
Connecticut women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma says he doesn't think his Huskies will win an eighth national title this season.

Auriemma told a group of business leaders Wednesday that while fans have come to believe that UConn should play for a championship every year, those expectations are not realistic for a team that no longer includes two-time national player of the year Maya Moore.

Moore led UConn to four straight Final Four appearances, winning national titles in 2009 and 2010, and became the top pick in the WNBA draft in the spring.

'I wouldn't want to lower the expectations,' Auriemma said during an appearance at an East Hartford Chamber of Commerce breakfast. 'But I will say, I don't think we're going to win a national championship this year. Sorry, I would like to, but I don't think we are. Now if the other guys screw up, which they are capable of doing, then we've got a chance.'

Auriemma said those 'other guys' - the teams who should be favored to win - are Notre Dame, Tennessee and Baylor, each of whom return a veteran core.

The coach puts UConn on the next tier of about six or eight programs with a chance to be very good.

The Huskies, who went 36-2 and lost to Notre Dame in last year's national semifinals, return a talented group of players, including guards Bria Hartley and Tiffany Hayes, and center Stephanie Dolson.

They will be joined by a highly touted recruiting class led by Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, a player Auriemma said may be the best pure shooter he's ever had at UConn. Seven of the 11 players on the roster are either freshmen or sophomores.

'I think we can be as good as anybody in the country, but our inexperience might cost us,' he said.

'I think we've got some pretty good kids that have been standing around for the last couple of years watching Maya play and now they're going to get a chance to play and they're going to get a chance to show everybody, 'This is what I do,' he added.

He said the Huskies also may be hurt by a lack of depth at center, where Dolson played the bulk of the minutes last season, averaging over 10 points and six rebounds a game. He is hoping junior Heather Buck and 6-foot-3 freshman Kiah Stokes can give her some help this year.

Stokes, Mosqueda-Lewis and point guard Brianna Banks are likely to see significant playing time as freshmen, he said.

But the key to UConn's success may be the play of junior guard Caroline Doty, who sat out last season with her third major knee injury. She can shoot the jumper, run the offense and has already played on championship teams, Auriemma said.

'If we had Caroline on the floor last year, I think things might have been a little bit different at the Final Four,' he said.

The Huskies open the season against Holy Cross on Nov. 13, but already have played several exhibition games together during a trip to Italy in August.

Auriemma said the Huskies didn't face any stiff competition overseas, but the trip helped him evaluate where his team stands going into the season, and where it might end up.

'It's one of those years where we're going to have to catch a couple of breaks, which is good,' Auriemma said. 'But next year and the year after,' he deadpanned, 'we won't lose a game.'

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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


Amber Holt signed for Lider Pruszkow - by Lukasz Lukaszewski
26 years old forward from WNBA will play in Poland. She joins to the 5th club in the league from last season Matizol Lider Pruszkow. Amber Holt (183-G/F-85, college: Middle Tenn.St.) will appear in Pruszkow 28th September. She needs some days for a recovery because She is tired after WNBA season. Fans will see Amber Holt and her new teammates during official team presentation on 29th July.

Amber Holt is 26 years old forward. She graduated Middle Tennessee State University in 2008. Then she was drafted to WNBA by Connecticut Sun with nr 9 in the first round. She had been playing for this club in 2008 and 2009. After that she moved to Tulsa Shock. In 2010 she was a starting five player. She averaged: 8,7 points and 3,1 rebounds. In this year She caught an injury in June and she was off 6 weeks. She had played only in 26 games. She had been scoring: 6,7 points per game, 3,1 rebounds per game and 2,4 assists per game.

Overseas, she spent last 3 years in Hungary, in UNIQA Euroleasing Sopron. She have an experience from Euroleague and Hungarian League. In last season (2010/2011) she
averaged: 12,8 points, 4,5 rebounds and 2,2 assists in 13 games of Euroleague Women and 14,6 points (4th score in the entire league) and 4,7 rebounds in Hungarian league.


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  SPAIN - Women  


CB Aros Leon signs Eva Lozano - by Eurobasket News
Eva Lozano (180-F-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas) is a new member of CB Aros Leon. The Spanish forward signed a deal for the next season. Lozano arrives to Aros Leon from Moguerza Real Canoe, where she spent 2010/11. She appeared 26 times in LF2 averaging 14.9 points and 5.1 rebounds. Real Canoe was Group B regular season runner-up. Before Real Canoe, Eva Lozano spent one year with Burgos. She had 12.6 ppg and 2.4 rpg for them in 31 games. Burgos also competed in LF2. In the past, Lozano played for Conquero and was their best player with 18.8 ppg. She also has experience from Caceres. Aros Leon will compete in LF2 next season.

Cadi la Seu brings in American Mandisa Stevenson - by Eurobasket News
Cadi la Seu announced signing of Mandisa Stevenson (191-C-82, college: Auburn) for the next season. The American center will replace Diana Delva. Stevenson spent last season with Extrugasa Vilagarcia. She had 8.8 ppg and 5.6 rpg for 25 games in LFB. Before Extrugasa, she split 2009/10 season between Latvian Cesis and French Lattes Montpellier. With Cesis she had 12.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 2.1 apg in LSBL. Later with Montpelier, Stevenson added about 9 ppg and 7 rpg in six games. She played for Extrugasa also in 2008/09. In the past, Mandisa Stevenson was a member of Badajoz, Union Hainaut, Nice and Ranana Herzeliya. Cadi la Seu will compete in LFB again.

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  TURKEY - Women  


Tarsus signs WNBA player Jessica Adair - by Eurobasket News
Jessica Adair (6'4''-C-86, agency: LBM Management, college: George Washington) will play at least one more season in Turkey. The American center signed a deal with Tarsus. Adair currently plays for the WNBA team Minnesota Lynx. She averages 4.4 points and 3 rebounds in 30 games so far. Jessica Adair spent last season with Samsun. She shined with 14.4 ppg, 10.5 rpg and 1.2 spg in 24 games. Adair finished as third rebounder of the competition. Eurobasket awarded her All-Turkish TKBL Honorable Mention -11. Jessica Adair is a product of the George Washington, where she graduated in 2009. She had 13.7 ppg and 7.4 rpg for her school as a senior.

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  WNBA - Women  


Tarsus signs WNBA player Jessica Adair - by Eurobasket News
Jessica Adair (6'4''-C-86, agency: LBM Management, college: George Washington) will play at least one more season in Turkey. The American center signed a deal with Tarsus. Adair currently plays for the WNBA team Minnesota Lynx. She averages 4.4 points and 3 rebounds in 30 games so far. Jessica Adair spent last season with Samsun. She shined with 14.4 ppg, 10.5 rpg and 1.2 spg in 24 games. Adair finished as third rebounder of the competition. Eurobasket awarded her All-Turkish TKBL Honorable Mention -11. Jessica Adair is a product of the George Washington, where she graduated in 2009. She had 13.7 ppg and 7.4 rpg for her school as a senior.

Mystics look forward after dreadful WNBA season - by Eurobasket News
Her teams season already lost long ago, Washington Mystics Coach Trudi Lacey spent the final six games of the 2011 season making a concerted effort to plan for the future. She moved three reserves into a starting lineup - including a rookie she allowed to run the offense - and she mixed in a former all-star who was recovering from a torn knee ligament suffered in January.

The results? During that stretch, the team - which finished in the basement of the WNBAs Eastern Conference with a 6-28 record - did not visibly improve. The Mystics gave up 82.8 points per game and scored 67.5. They won once. So what, exactly, did Lacey learn?

I learned they need more time together, Lacey said.

Whether theyll get it remains to be seen. Forward Marissa Coleman is the only Mystics player with more than one season of WNBA experience who is signed through next season. Lacey and her staff have a number of crucial decisions to make in the coming months that will determine whether next summer will be an extended getting-to-know-you session, as well.

The top two items on Laceys priority list are ensuring forward Crystal Langhorne remains in Washington and re-signing forward Monique Currie. Langhorne the teams leading scorer, rebounder and lone all-star this season is a restricted free agent, which means the Mystics will have an opportunity to match any offer she receives from another team.

Our intent is to keep Crystal here as long as we can, said Lacey, who also is the teams general manager.

Currie, meantime, is an unrestricted free agent. After missing the first three months of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, Currie returned to play in four of Washingtons final five games. She averaged 11.8 points per contest and shot 42.9 percent from the field. But more than that, Currie provided the Mystics a degree of aggressiveness theyd previously lacked.

Lacey took notice.

Curries stock certainly went up for me, Lacey said. I was so impressed with her determination and her competitiveness and her toughness. She is definitely somebody we would love to have come back.

Lacey said she has not yet decided whether shell attempt to re-sign veteran guard Alana Beard, whose past two seasons have been derailed by foot and ankle injuries. Beard is continuing to rehabilitate her left foot.

What Lacey is looking for is a group of players who can play the type of rugged defense she desires. The Mystics seldom reached that level this season, and Lacey attributed that to the teams youth and inexperience.

Defense is mental toughness, having a mind-set that the other team isnt going to score, said guard Matee Ajavon, who tallied a team-high 57 steals. And we lacked that a lot, whether it was gambling on getting steals or not taking away the other teams strengths. Its just us knowing our game plan and sticking to it.

Ajavon, who was the teams second-leading scorer, also is an unrestricted free agent. Lacey said she didnt want to speak too soon as to whether Washington will attempt to re-sign Ajavon, but the coach noted Ajavon gained some valuable experience this season.

Indeed, Ajavon averaged 16.7 minutes per game more this year than she had the previous season. Ajavon said she hadnt put much thought into whether she wants to return to Washington next summer.

Lacey did say that she plans to try to re-sign forwards DeMya Walker and Kerri Gardin, two midseason acquisitions who ended up in the starting lineup down the stretch. Both were brought in for their defensive acumen and provided guidance to some of Washingtons younger players, such as rookie point guard Jasmine Thomas.

Thomas (Oakton High) started the final six games of the season, and in that span, she averaged 10.3 points in 30.8 minutes per contest. In the previous 28 games, she had averaged 5.6 points in 16.8 minutes per game.

While Lacey said it was too early to say whether Thomas would be the teams starting point guard next season, she did call Thomas an extension of me on the floor.

Sometimes in the good and the bad of having a season where you dont feel like theres much to be proud of, you have a player like [Thomas], who was not getting much playing time because she was a rookie, Walker said. And you can allow her to get out there and flourish.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Lynx open playoffs, favorites to win WNBA title - by Eurobasket News
Minnesota talked about winning the WNBA championship during training camp four months ago. The Lynx then had such a dominant season they lost consecutive games just once and won 22 of the last 26 to set the franchise record for victories.

Now, they know they'll need to keep up their intensity when they open the conference semifinals Friday night against San Antonio - a team the Lynx went 4-0 against during the season.

'So far we are right on track to do what we set out to do in the beginning of the season,' rookie Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut) said. 'Every time we step out on the court, we're working for a championship, we're working to win.'

Minnesota (27-7) started out with three losses in their first eight games, then had just four more the rest of the way. The Western Conference champions finished nine wins better than their previous franchise-best and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2004 - and the third time overall.

However, the Lynx also aren't getting ahead of themselves, and know they need to beat the Silver Stars (18-16) in the next step toward their goal. They swept San Antonio, but two wins came on last-second shots.

'We'll take it one game at a time,' veteran point guard Lindsay Whalen said. 'We're just focused on San Antonio this weekend. We had a great regular season and that's over now. So on to the playoffs. We'll have the same pressure as everyone to win and stay alive.'

The postseason begins Thursday night with New York (19-15) visiting Indiana (21-13) in the East and Seattle (21-13) hosting Phoenix (19-15) in a West series. Connecticut (21-15) hosts Atlanta (20-14) in the opener of the other East series on Friday night.

Minnesota's biggest challenge in the West figures to come from the Storm, who played without three-time MVP Lauren Jackson for a 20-game stretch due to a hip injury. Sue Bird and Swin Cash helped keep the defending champions in contention in Jackson's absence, and Seattle won eight of its last nine to take the conference's No. 2 seed.

'Minnesota got out early and they had a wonderful season, but if you look at everyone else's record, we were right there,' Cash said. 'We kind of got through our trials and stuff and over some obstacles through the regular season. I think we're mentally tough and we understand what it takes obviously to win a championship. We have core players on our team that have experienced that.'

One year after finishing 17-0 at home in the regular season and then 4-0 in the playoffs during their title run, the Storm were 15-2 at Key Arena tying Connecticut for the league's best home record. Now, the Storm face a Mercury team they've beaten eight of the last nine meetings the last two seasons, including a sweep in the West finals a year ago.

'You have to beat the defending champions if you want to go anywhere,' said Phoenix's Diana Taurasi, who won her fourth straight scoring title. 'It'll probably be the toughest task we have all year.'

In the East, things are a lot tighter as two games separated first and fourth place in the standings, and the teams matched up in the conference semis split the four meetings with their opponents during the season.

None of the teams in the East have won a championship, although Liberty coach John Whisenant and four of the players Cappie Pondexter (Phoenix in 2007, 2009), Plenette Pierson (Detroit 2006, 2008), Nicole Powell (Sacramento 2005, coached by Whisenant) and Kara Braxton (Detroit 2006, 2008) did with other teams.

'At this point, it's a matter of who wants it the most,' Pondexter said. 'We can add all our championships up and it still doesn't matter. It's a matter of us going out there and trying to win and be the champions this year. Hopefully we're good enough, we can make a good run and win it.'

New York, which had a chance to earn the conference's second seed on the last day, finished fourth and opens against a Fever squad that lost six of its last nine, including the final two after locking up the conference's No. 1 seed. Indiana, which reached the finals two years ago, reached 21 wins for the sixth time in seven years.

The road team won the first two meetings before the home team took the last two, including New York's win last Friday.

Indiana also has dealt with some injuries this year, though coach Lin Dunn said point guard Erin Phillips who missed the last two games with an ankle injury and seven-time All-Star Tamika Catchings who has been nursing a sprained knee and sat out the season finale will be ready to go.

Connecticut held off New York for the second seed, beating the Liberty on Sunday. The Sun face Angel McCoughtry and a Dream team that won 17 of its last 22 just one year after a surprising run to the WNBA finals.

The home team won all the matchups in the regular season, something that would favor the Sun in this series especially they since have seven players with less than three years' experience, including MVP contender Tina Charles.

'For the first series and the first game, it is important for our group to have the first experience of the playoffs be here at home,' veteran guard Kara Lawson said. 'You're just more settled and more confident. It's more routine.'

San Antonio won seven of eight to start the season, and then five of six to end it. In between, the Silver Stars struggled and went through a stretch in which they lost 10 of 12. Danielle Adams was the rookie of the month for June before missing some time with a foot injury.

With everyone healthy now, San Antonio is hoping to build off its finish. Coach Dan Hughes acknowledged the tough task facing his team against the league-best Lynx.

'They're a solid team in every statistical way. Cheryl (Reeve) has them executing well across the board,' Hughes said. 'Where I think the separation has been is their rebounding advantage with us and a lot of teams.'

Courtesy of www.seattlepi.com