EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/18/2011

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Men News

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


Crvena Zvezda Beograd inks Petar Popovic - by Eurobasket News
Petar Popovic (211-C-79) is back to Crvena Zvezda. He signed a one-year deal with his new/old club. Popovic arrives to Crvena Zvezda from Spartak St.Petersburg where he spent last season. Popovic appeared 32 times in Russian league averaging 7.3 points and 2.8 rebounds. He also added 9 ppg and 4 rpg in 14 EuroChallenge games. Petar Popovic played for Estudiantes from 2008 until the last summer. Before that, he spent one year with DKV Joventut. Petar Popovic was a member of Crvena Zvezda in 2006/07. He also played for them in 2000/01. Popovic has experience from Benetton Treviso and Hemofarm, with whom he won the Adriatic league title in 2005. With DKV Joventut Popovic won the ULEB Cup and Spanish Cup in 2008. With Spartak he celebrated in Russian Cup this year.

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  ARGENTINA   


TNA 2011/12 rosters: San isidro San Francisco - by Facundo Iatzky
Jorge Toriano (177-G-76)
Marcos Jovanovich (202-F/C-83)
Miguel Isola (197-F-83)
Juan Angel Lopez (190-G/F-84, agency: Dream Team Management)
Bruno Barovero (194-F-90)
Andres Mariani (188-F-87)
Felipe Pais (185-G-90)
Roberto Acuna (200-C-90)
Juan Giaveno (175-PG-92)
Agustin Lozano (172-G-93)
Federico Barra (192-F-93)
Mateo Silveira (180-G-93)
Guillermo Comba (200-F-91)
Brandon Crawford (201-F-84, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Albion)


TNA 2011/12 rosters: Asociacion Italiana - by Facundo Iatzky
Gaston Essengue (203-F-83, college: UNLV)
Facundo Ortega (193-F/C-86)
Damian Pineda (194-G/F-88)
Lucas Ortiz (190-G-87)
Dragan Capitanich (190-G-90)
Nicolas Bessone (202-C-87)
Erbel De Pietro (184-G-88)
Leandro Cecchi (201-G/F-88)
Sebastian Sevegnani (198-F-83)
Enrri Conrradi (193-G/F-91)
Gustavo Lencinas (94)
Juan Diaz (G/F-95)
Facundo Alegre (181-G-92)

Mariano Ramos (92)
Walter Rodriguez (193-F-92)




Atenas bring in Angel Alamo - by Eurobasket News
Atenas de Cordoba secured the services of Angel Alamo (206-F/C-85) for the next season. The 26-year-old centre spent the last season with Quebradillas Pirates. He tallied 6.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in BSN. Angel Alamo played for Puerto Rico at Marchand Cup this year. His stats read 3.0 points and 3.0 boards per game. The centre also participated at Fiba Americas Championship with Puerto Rico. Angel Alamo posted 4.8 points and 3.2 rebounds in Mar del Plata.


TNA 2011/12 rosters: Asociacion Espanola - by Facundo Iatzky
Derrick Miller (202-C/F-78, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Georgetown, KY)
Sebastian Pardal (202-C-81)
Martin Cequeira (180-G-88)
Jose Naon (192-G-73)
Antonino Forte (190-G/F-90)
Eduardo Calvelli (196-G-82)
German Frencia
Fernando Mendez (200-C-71)
Sebastian Rodriguez (194-F-83)
Nicolas Correnti (180-G-91)
Cristian Reigenborn (200-C-91)
Marcelo Corazza (193-G-91)
Emiliano Paz (175-G-91)


TNA 2011/12 rosters: Atletico Echague - by Facundo Iatzky
Mauro Rotschy (192-G-77)
Mauro Negri (200-C-81)
David Oviedo (180-G-86)
Carlos Sepulveda (200-F-81)
Roman Rodriguez (192-G-85)
Lucas Calleja (178-G-89)
Alvaro Todone (180-G-85)
Marcus Sikes (203-F-84, college: Cincinnati)
Juan Todone (185-G-91)
Leonardo Catelotti (200-F-91)
Leandro Furlan (192-G-93)
Lucas Diaz (198-F-92)
Nicolas Silva (194-F-91)
Franco Vesco (
Ezequiel Isaac (

-

.



Banda Norte Rio Cuarto - by Facundo Iatzky
Juan Martinez (183-G-85)
Matias Cudos (192-G-81)
Santiago Arese (196-F-87)
Ricardo Centeno (204-C-79)
Sebastian Festa (179-G-72)
Juan Ignacio Mateo (195-G-85)
Gaston Campana (201-F/C-79)
Lisandro Villa (198-C/F-87)
Asim McQueen (203-F-88, agency: Interperformances, college: Tulane)
Guillermo Giuliodori (196-F-91)
Pedro Meneguzzo (192-F-93)
Agustin Arganaraz (182-G-93)
Cristian Chilano (181-G-92)
Hernan Grasseler (186-G-92)



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  ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Standings
Standings
Group E
1. Iran2-0
2. S.Korea2-0
3. Lebanon1-1
4. Taiwan1-1
5. Uzbekistan0-2
6. Malaysia0-2
Group F
1. China2-0
2. Japan2-0
3. Philippines1-1
4. Jordan1-1
5. Syria0-2
6. UAE0-2
Group Places 13-16
1. Bahrain0-0
2. Indonesia0-0
3. India0-0
4. Qatar0-0


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Rasheim WRIGHT
  USA
  (192-G-81)
  Avg: 22.7
 1. Wright, JOR22.7 
 2. Al Zaabi, UAE18.5 
 3. Rida, LEB17.5 
 4. Chang, TAI16.7 
 5. Kawamura, JPN16.7 
 6. Douthit, PHI16.0 
 7. Moon, KOR14.3 
 8. Yi, CHN14.0 
 9. Takeuchi, JPN13.7 
 10. Malabes, BHR13.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Joji TAKEUCHI
  (206-F/C-85)
  Avg: 11
 1. Takeuchi, JPN11.0 
 2. Haddadi, IRI10.7 
 3. Takeuchi, JPN10.0 
 4. Yi, CHN9.7 
 5. Zhang, CHN9.3 
 6. Kazemi, IRI8.3 
 7. Douthit, PHI8.0 
 8. Labes, SYR8.0 
 9. Abbaas, JOR7.7 
 10. Abdalla, UAE7.7 
Assists Per Game
 Hee-Jong YANG
  (194-F-84)
  Avg: 9
 1. Yang, KOR9.0 
 2. Deeb, SYR5.0 
 3. Daghles, JOR5.0 
 4. Lee, TAI5.0 
 5. Guganeswaran, MAS5.0 
 6. Yang, KOR5.0 
 7. Wuysang, IDN4.7 
 8. Alapag, PHI4.7 
 9. Barroca, PHI4.3 
 10. Ibrahim, LEB4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Dong-Geun YANG
  (181-G-81)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Yang, KOR2.3 
 2. Sun, CHN2.3 
 3. Hirose, JPN2.3 
 4. Lee, TAI2.0 
 5. Malallah, BHR2.0 
 6. Bawji, LEB2.0 
 7. Chen, TAI2.0 
 8. Kamrani, IRI2.0 
 9. Lin, TAI2.0 
 10. Yi, CHN1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Abd Al Wahab HAMOWI
  (217-C-90)
  Avg: 4
 1. Hamowi, SYR4.0 
 2. Haddadi, IRI2.7 
 3. Douthit, PHI2.0 
 4. Singh, IND1.8 
 5. Zaghab, JOR1.7 
 6. Sitepu, IDN1.3 
 7. Kanaan, LEB1.0 
 8. Akbar, BHR1.0 
 9. Labes, SYR1.0 
 10. Li Wei, MAS1.0 


China, Iran, Korea, Japan Move to Second Round Undefeated - by Arthur Volbert
China, Iran, Korea and Japan moved into the second round of the FIBA Asian Championship with undefeated records and are clearly the class teams of the tournament.

Iran and Korea head up Group E while China and Japan are in Group F.

GROUP E
Team W L Pts GA
I.R.Iran 2 0 4 2.41
Korea 2 0 4 1.46
Lebanon 1 1 3 1.07
Ch. Taipei 1 1 3 0.98
Malaysia 0 2 2 0.64
Uzbekistan 0 2 2 0.51

GROUP F
Team W L Pts GA
China 2 0 4 1.25
Japan 2 0 4 1.22
Philippines 1 1 3 1.20
Jordan 1 1 3 1.03
Syria 0 2 2 0.76
United Arab Emirates 0 2 2 0.67


Preliminary Round comes to an end in Wuhan - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Malaysia - Lebanon 59-87
Lebanon made it look easy as they recorded the second win at the Asian Championship in Wuhan. Elie Estephane (194-G/F-86, college: Alabama So. CC) posted 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists to propel Lebanon past Malaysia. So the winners climbed at 2-1 record in Group A, while Malaysia slipped at 1-2. It was practically all over for Malaysia in the opening frame. Lebanon went on a 27:8 rally to secure a comfortable buffer after ten minutes. Malaysia did not surrender and cut the deficit to 16 points at halftime. But the difference was too obvious as Lebanon regained composure and stretched the gap to 27 points at the final intermission 67:40. Lebanon controlled the game in the final stanza driving to a well-deserved win at the end. Charles Tabet (205-C-88, college: S.Alabama) posted 20 points and 16 boards, while Bassel Bawji contributed 15 points in the winning effort. Yoong Jing Kwaan (200-C-90) replied with 13 points for Malaysia. Ban Sin Ooi (180-G/F-83) and Shee Fai Loh (192-G/F-89) produced 7 points each in the losing case.

South Korea - India 84-53
South Korea recorded the third win in a row at 2011 Asian Championship. They eased past India to finish the preliminary round at 3-0 record on top of Group A. Kang Byung-Hyun (193-G/F-85) delivered 22 points in the victory. India suffered the third loss in a row. South Korea started the game aggressively. They quickly pulled ahead and built a 27:11 lead after ten minutes. South Korea maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They posted a 46:28 halftime advantage. India had little to answer with after the big break. The Korean side piled up a 66:34 lead with ten minutes to go and never looked back en route to the victory. Moon Tae-Jong (199-F-75, agency: Alti Sport, college: Richmond) notched 14 points, while Cho Sung-Min (189-F-83) accounted for 12 points in the win. Trideep Rai (190-F-83) responded with 11 points for India. Hareesh Koroth (185-G-84) and Yadwinder Singh (197-C-86) had 8 points each in the loss.

Group B
Taiwan - Qatar 94-78
Taiwan recorded the second win at the Asian Championship preliminary round. They outscored Qatar to clinch 2-1 record in Group B. Tsung-Hsien Chang (192-G-88) scored 35 points to lead the effort. Qatar used just five players in the game and suffered the third straight loss at the tournament. Taiwan knocked down 23 points in the opening frame to build an 8-point buffer. They stretched the margin in the second frame. Taiwan ensured a 50:40 halftime lead. Qatar did not surrender cutting the deficit in the third stanza. They got within 7 points at the final break 61:68. But Taiwan quickly stretched the gap to 15 points in the final quarter and never looked back en route to the victory. Lee Hsueh-Lin (176-PG-84) posted 15 points, 7 assists and 5 boards, while Wen-Ting Tseng (202-C/F-84) added 14 points for the winners. Omer Abdelkader Salem (206-C-83) answered with 30 points and 12 rebounds for Qatar. Erfan Ali Saeed (198-F-83) finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds in the losing case.

Iran - Uzbekistan 132-38
Iran registered the third straight win at the start of 2011 Asian Championship. They drubbed Uzbekistan to clinch the top position in Group B. Seven players scored in double figures for Iran. Arsalan Kazemi (199-F-90) and Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85) accounted for 18 points each in the win. Uzbekistan slipped at 1-2 record in the ladder. Iran unloaded 38 points in the opening quarter to take a 24-point lead. The margin just kept on growing in the second frame. Iran erupted for 41 points in the quarter to establish a 79:25 halftime lead. Iran easily reached 100-point mark in the third term posting a 107:34 advantage at the final intermission. They never looked back afterwards cruising to the victory at the end. Asghar Kardoust (212-C-86, agency: SportsList Inc.) posted 17 points and 9 rebounds, while Saeid Davarpanah (191-G/F-87) had 14 points in the win. Aleksandr Kozlov (201-F-82) answered with 12 points for Uzbekistan. Samender Juginisov (202-F-87) netted 7 points in the loss.

Group C
Jordan - Indonesia 89-59
Jordan celebrated the second victory at the Asian Championship in Wuhan. They prevailed against Indonesia for 2-1 record in Group C. Rasheim Wright (192-G-81, college: District of Col.) led the charge with 18 points. Indonesia suffered the third consecutive loss at the tournament. Jordan quickly surged ahead in this one. They established a 22:16 lead after ten minutes of action. Jordan tipped off the second term with a 13:3 run to boost the lead. They piled up a 44:29 halftime advantage. Tab Baldwin team maintained the pressure in the third stanza. They entered the fourth quarter up by as many as 21 points 65:44. Jordan did not slow down in the fourth period running for a comfortable win at the end. Wesam Al-Sous (189-G-83) and Islam Abbaas (200-C-80) contributed 14 points each for the winners. Christian Ronaldo Sitepu (200-C/F-86) answered with 15 points for Indonesia. Amin Prihantono (188-F-82) posted 12 points in the loss.

Syria - Japan 55-77
Japan registered the third consecutive win at the 2011 Asian Championship. They prevailed against Syria to top Group C ladder. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) posted 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the opening frame before Takuya Kawamura (193-G-86) gave Japan a 17:15 lead. Kosuke Takeuchi ignited a 12:0 run from Japan at the start of the second term as they claimed a 29:15 advantage. Japan ensured a 34:24 lead at the interval. Takuya Kawamura nailed 10 points early in the third term to give Japan a 44:27 advantage midway through the third term. They maintained the lead posting a 57:42 lead with ten minutes to go. Japan never loosened the grasp in the final term rallying to the victory at the end. Takuya Kawamura notched 17 points, while Kenta Hirose (193-G-85) and Joji Takeuchi (206-F/C-85, agency: N.E.T.) added 12 points each in the win. Ioanis Deeb (184-G-86) answered with 15 points for Syria. Sameer Al Dags (196-F-84) had 13 points in the loss.

Group D
China - United Arab Emirates 75-60
China registered the third straight win at the 2011 Asian Championship. The hosts overcame UAE to finish the preliminary round undefeated on top of Group D. Zhang Bo (199-G/F-89) stepped up with 15 points to lead the effort. UAE suffered the second defeat in three games played and occupied the third spot in the ladder. China capped the first period on a 10:3 run to post a 22:8 lead. But UAE did not allow the hosts to clear off in the second term. The visitors narrowed the deficit to just 8 points at the interval. China took over in the third term. They limited UAE to just 10 points in the quarter and ensured a 19-point buffer before the fourth term. The home team stayed in charge in the fourth frame and sealed the victory at the end. Yue Sun (206-G/F-85) posted 13 points and 7 rebounds, while Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) and Yu Shulong (185-G-90) accounted for 7 points each in the win. Rashed Al Zaabi (189-G-88) answered with 21 points and 6 rebounds for UAE. Khalil Salem (178-G-91) chipped in 13 points in the loss.

Bahrain - Philippines 71-113
Philippines registered a comfortable win over Bahrain on the third day of action at Asian Championship in Wuhan. Japeth Aguilar (208-C-85, college: W.Kentucky) stepped up with 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead Philippines as they improved at 2-1 record in Group D. Bahrain suffered the third loss in a row. Philippines unloaded 30 points in the starting quarter to clear off. They established a comfortable 12-point lead ten minutes into the game. Bahrain however did not allow their opponents to enlarge the margin in the second term. Philippines led by 11 points at halftime 40:51. Philippines opened the third term on a 19:0 run to leave Bahrain behind. Philippines piled up an 86:47 advantage at the final intermission and never looked back en route to the victory. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) notched 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Joseph Casio (177-PG-86) added 15 points in the victory. Bader Abdulla Malabes (87) replied with 15 points and 7 assists for Bahrain. Hesham Sarhan (92) had 13 points in the losing effort.



*****************************************************
  BAHRAIN   


2011 Asian Championship: Philippines fire past Bahrain - by Eurobasket News
Philippines - Bahrain 113:71

Philippines registered a comfortable win over Bahrain on the third day of action at Asian Championship in Wuhan. Japeth Aguilar (208-C-85, college: W.Kentucky) stepped up with 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead Philippines as they improved at 2-1 record in Group D. Bahrain suffered the third loss in a row.
Philippines unloaded 30 points in the starting quarter to clear off. They established a comfortable 12-point lead ten minutes into the game. Bahrain however did not allow their opponents to enlarge the margin in the second term. Philippines led by 11 points at halftime 40:51. Philippines opened the third term on a 19:0 run to leave Bahrain behind. Philippines piled up an 86:47 advantage at the final intermission and never looked back en route to the victory. Marcus Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) notched 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Joseph Casio (177-PG-86) added 15 points in the victory. Bader Abdulla Malabes (87) replied with 15 points and 7 assists for Bahrain. Hesham Sarhan (92) had 13 points in the losing effort.

Philippines: Japeth Aguilar 21+12 boards, Marcus Douthit 18, Joseph Casio 15
Bahrain: Bader Abdulla Malabes 15, Hesham Sarhan 13


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


Belgian Division II overview: who's hot or not! - by Bert Larsimont
The Belgian Division II season began two weeks ago and a few upsets already occurred. On Day One, for instance, Gembo BBC of Serbian Coach Aleksander Peldic defeated Bent Schoenen Waregem 84-74 while 2008 Belgian Division II Champion CEP Fleurus of President Giovanni Mureddu went to defeat 2011 champs of BBC Kangaroes in Boom 62-68. Division II newcomers of K.Sint-Niklase Condors with Head Coach Steve Ibens left no chance to Dexia Mons Hainaut 2nd Team Hainaut II as they won 69-52 on the first day of 2011-12 action. Another team has had a perfect run so far: the young team Belgacom Liege Basket 2nd team Basket II of Coach Yvan Fassotte with two wins in a row.

On the brink of starting the 2011-12 Division II season, a few teams were considered as favourites. First of all, last season champion BBC Kangaroes-Boom of Coach Paul Vervaeke and Assistant Coach Eric Struelens will probably try to play for the title again in 2011-12. They are still hoping to join Division I and get the licence to be granted the right to play with the Belgian elite at some point. Royal Aera Excelsior Brussels, seeking to become a great club in the Brussels area, will probably play for the title too. Excelsior Brussels has a nice roster with experienced players such as Emmanuel Mampuya (200-F-79, agency: Promotex), Nathan Hervelle (192-G-84, Axel's brother), Nick Verrept (192-G/F-80) and Sam Semijejero (196-F/C-77). The dream of having a major basketball club in the European capital is still much present and Coach Serge Crevecoeur and the Excelsior staff will do anything they can to make this dream come true. But in order to achieve this, efforts to attract supporters are also necessary and the club will continue to encourage a large number of fans to join the gym. Essor Charleroi (last season's playoff surprising team) should also be a great challenger in 2011-12. 2011 eurobasket.com's coach of the year Pascal Chouli will count on US player Blake Bender (200-C-88, college: Westmont), young French center Thomas Wachowiak (203-F/C-91), Belgian talent Boris Penninck (204-C-88, arriving from CEP Fleurus and having trained with Spirou Charleroi this summer) and experienced guard Dieter Souveryns (194-G-83). Essor has lost veteran David Kalut who retired last May but the team keeps being impressive on paper. CEP Fleurus of Coach Tom Poppe with great talents like Christian Ilongo (194-F-85, agency: Promotex), Ludovic Pourtoit (182-G-88), Amaury Marion (196-F-91, the son of Belgian international Tony Marion), Mitchel Gorremans (190-G-85) and Christian Manzanza (193-F-85, college: Peninsula JC) remains a real favourite too. Playing at the CEP premises in front of an attendance of basketball connoisseurs remains very tough. The Salle Andre Robert will host some great Division II games again this season. The CEP team has been reshaped after very disappointing results in 2010-11.

Also keep an eye on Sint-Jan Basket Antwerpen of Lars Tielens, Vincent Verbeeck and Herve Djoumbi (basketball tradition is huge in the Antwerp area), experienced squad of Bent Schoenen Waregem with Thomas Van De Vondel (197-F/G-80), Olivier Foucart (195-G-84), Ahmet Gueye (203-C/F-82, college: Hawaii) and Bart Willy Samaey (199-C-87) as well as the team of BBC De Westhoek Zwevezele which lost Broderick Bobb and Brian Heinle at the end of last season but with former Belgian Lion Matthias Desaever (194-G/F-76, agency: Court Side) in the squad.

The possible surprises during the 2011-12 season could come from BC Duva Fruit Gistel Oostende, Gembo BBC or the Division I farmer teams of Dexia Mons Hainaut and Belgacom Liege Basket. Dexia Mons-Hainaut II and Belgacom Liege Basket II are two teams with young talents and interesting prospects indeed. Gembo BBC and BC Duva Fruit Gistel Oostende will be tough to play on their homecourt.

According to several observers, three teams might have to go through difficult moments: Point Chaud Sprimont, Basics Melsele and K.Sint-Niklase Condors. With some courage and self-discipline in this competition in which anything is possible, they could nevertheless grab some unexpected wins. Basics Melsele built the team around Broderick Bobb, Slavisa Vasovic, Hugo Sterk and Pieter Van Hoecke. Point Chaud Sprimont of Coach Pascal Horrion will count on Frederic Delsaute, Gilles Vrancken and several young local players to challenge the Division II favourites. Just like on Day One, when well structured club K.Sint-Niklase of Coach Steve Ibens (a former Belgian Lion guard) defeated Dexia Mons-Hainaut II of Coach Patrick Verdun at home, the Condors of Sint Niklaas could show much enthusiasm and record some successes this season.

As the new season begins, the same question as last year is being raised again: how can Division II teams be motivated if none of them can reach the Ethias League next season? Some observers wonder what a Division II title really means nowadays if it does not allow the winning team to automatically reach the upper division (like it used to be several years ago). No matter what these observers may think, the 2011-12 Division II competition will be a nice and spectacular one and eurobasket.com will have a close look at some of its actors as usual.

Bosman and import players to watch: Thomas Wachowiak and Blake Bender (Essor Charleroi); Sead Muric (CEP Fleurus); Thomas Clement (Belgacom Liege Basket II); Herve Djoumbi (Sint Jan Antwerpen); Raimondas Petrauskas (Duva Fruit Gistel Oostende); Leigh Enobakhare (BBC Kangaroes-Boom); Broderick Bobb and Slavisa Vasovic (Basics Basics Melsele); Ahmet Gueye (Senegal).

Belgian players to be watched this season: Boris Penninck, Yannick Moray and Dieter Souveryns (Essor Charleroi); Joris De Schepper and Emma Mampuya (Royal Aera Excelsior Brussels); Christian Ilongo, Christian Manzanza, Amaury Marion and Mitchel Gorremans (CEP Fleurus); Yannick Desiron and Ward Lemaire (Gembo BBC), Vincent Verbeeck, Lars Tielens, Vinnie Haerbos and Maarten Goethaert (Sint Jan Antwerpen); Thomas Lamot (K.Sint-Niklase Condors); Bram Verdickt, Laurent Lhote and Jonathan Fiers (BBC De Westhoek Zwevezele); Jeremy Delobbe (BC Duva Fruit Gistel Oostende); Kevin Jonniaux, Sebastien Vermeulen and Brett Hartshorne (BBC Kangaroes-Boom); Lorenzo Giancaterino, Amaury Gorgemans, Julien Nesbitt and Kevin Tumba (Dexia Mons-Hainaut II); Hugo Sterk, Pieter Van Hoecke, Ward Leten and Yannick Wilms (Basics Melsele); Frederic Delsaute (Point Chaud Sprimont); Arne Steinbach, Stan Naudts, Thomas Van De Vondel, Bart Willy Samaey, Olivier Foucart and Stijn Dhondt (Bent Schoenen Waregem).


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


Brotnjo signs Goran Jelcic - by Eurobasket News
Bronjo announced signing of Goran Jelcic (182-G-81) for the next season. The Bosnian guard heads to his new team from Grude. Jelcic spent last seven years with Grude. Before that, he played few years for Siroki Brijeg. They won the Bosnian league title in 2003. With Siroki, Velcic also won the League Cup in 2002. In 2008, Velcic reached Bosnian Cup Semis with Grude.
Brotnjo managed to keep most of their players from the last season. They extended deals with captain Pinjuh, than Lesko, Brecic, Planinic, Cutura and Stefanovic. The team signed Dejan Markovic from Sloboda. Coach Dugandzic will lead the team next season. Brotnjo will compete in D1.

Mirza Teletovic shines in pre-season with Caja Laboral - by Eurobasket News
Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) played at EuroBasket in Lithuania recently and he already joined Caja Laborals preparations for the next season. Teletovic is in great shape and he led his Spanish team to a pre-season win against Granada. Caja Laboral celebrated 67-78 road victory and Teletovic shined with 22 points. The game was played tonight. Teletovic was one the best Caja Laboral players last season and the same is expected this year as well. Mirza Teletovic appeared five times at the EuroBasket with Bosnian NT. He averaged 13.8 points and 5.8 rebounds, but Bosnians were not able to reach the second stage. They outplayed Montenegro and Croatia, but it was not enough. Teletovic is a member of the Bosnian NT since 2003. He will play his sixth straight season with Caja Laboral (former Tau Ceramica).

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


Lukoil hands 82-70 loss to Partizan - by Eurobasket News
Lukoil Akademik - Partizan 82-70

Partizan failed in the second game of the tournament in Pravets. The Serbian powerhouse was defeated but the Bulgarian champion Lukoil Akademik 82-70. Both teams outplayed Aris Thessaloniki in their first games. Bruno Sundov (221-C-80, agency: Alti Sport) stepped up for Lukoil with 19 points. Andre Owens (193-G-80, college: Houston) had 16 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, while experienced Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances) added 10 pts and 6 assists to this victory. In Partizan, Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) delivered 16 points. Danilo Andjusic (197-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) and Acie Law (190-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Texas A&M) had 13 and 8 points respectively. Lukoil did a great job in the first half. They started the game with 24-13 lead in the first quarter and continued with 23-17 for rest of the first half. Partizan faced with minus 17 at the HT and was not able to replay in the next 20 minutes. Actually they won Q3 and Q4 (13-15, 22-25), but that was not enough.

Lukoil: Bruno Sundov 19, Andre Owens 16+7 boards+6 as, Todor Stoykov 10+6 as
Partizan: Miroslav Raduljica 16, Danilo Andjusic 13, Acie Law 8

10 teams in Men's group A, 4 in Women second group - by Valentin Anguelov
10 men and 4 women teams have submitted bids for the group A for the new season. Past friday was the deadline for submission after which became clear the name of the participants. Among them will be two new teams, and one of them is Overgas - the winner of the 2009/2010 season. The other one is Shumen Basket. Beside those teams in are champion from last year Dunav 2007, Beroe, Academic Plovdiv Vidabasket, Balkan, Cherno More, Academic Blagoevgrad and Chavdar Troyan.

From last year competition teams that are missing are Sportsman Svoge, NSA and the second team of Rilski sportist.

A leader in women's group A from last season Rilski sportist is already in the female National league. Furthermore in the second group will be no more Tony 7, BC Sofia and September. Requests are submitted by the NSA, Minyor Pernik, Cherno More Odessos and Academic Plovdiv.

Spartak Pleven adds Stanislav Slaveykov - by Eurobasket News
Stanislav Slaveykov (198-F-86) is a new member of Spartak Pleven. The Bulgarian small forward penned a one-year deal with his new club. Slaveykov heads to Spartak from Levski, where he started as a teenager and played until this summer. He had 5.5 ppg and 2.4 rpg for 36 NBL games last season. Slaveykov also added 6 ppg and 2.7 rpg for 9 games in BIBL. Stanislav Slaveykov helped Levski to win the Balkan league title in 2010. He had 3.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 11 games that season. With Levski, Slaveykov won the Bulgarian Cup in 2009 and 2010. They also reached NBL Finals in 2010 and last season as well. Stanislav Slaveykov played for the Bulgarian NT two years ago.

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


Mill Rats eyeing NBA player - by Eurobasket News
The Saint John Mill Rats could have an NBA player under contract by the beginning of next month.

Ian McCarthy , general manager and team president, said Friday the team is also in contact with 'three to five other NBA' players will interest in the Mill Rats.

'There is at least one player who has said he'll sign Oct. 1 if he's not back in the NBA or signed a significant deal overseas,' McCarthy said.

The plan would be to pair the NBA mystery man with Anthony Anderson, creating a formidable backcourt in Saint John. The 5-11 Anderson led the team in scoring last season at 19.05 points per game, earning first-team Premier Basketball League honours.

'Coach (Jaren Jackson) is comfortable with Anthony playing shooting guard because of his scoring ability despite his size. So we're looking to pair them together to replace Dwuan (Rice).'

The Mill Rats lost Rice (Germany), Jeffrey Ferguson (Japan) and Stanley Ocitti (Japan) from last year's roster. While forward Ross DeMasi has taken a teaching job in New Hampshire.

Anthony Anderson's brother Antonio, who was considering Saint John, has also signed a contract to play overseas.

That leaves forwards Marc Egerson and Steve DeLuca, along with Anthony Anderson as the only players the Mill Rats have signed. Saint John's training camp opens Oct. 17.

Saint John isn't the only NBL team making NBA noise. The Halifax Rainmen have scheduled a press conference for 11 a.m. Monday to announce to a player signing team president Andre Levingston describes as 'undoubtedly the largest in franchise history'.

With the current labour strife in the National Basketball Association, the fledgling Canadian league has been courting NBA players as an alternative to Europe.

'I've been trying to get it out of Andre but he's playing it pretty close,' McCarthy said. 'I just know that it is an NBA player.'

Courtesy of http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com

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


China, Iran, Korea, Japan Move to Second Round Undefeated - by Arthur Volbert
China, Iran, Korea and Japan moved into the second round of the FIBA Asian Championship with undefeated records and are clearly the class teams of the tournament.

Iran and Korea head up Group E while China and Japan are in Group F.

GROUP E
Team W L Pts GA
I.R.Iran 2 0 4 2.41
Korea 2 0 4 1.46
Lebanon 1 1 3 1.07
Ch. Taipei 1 1 3 0.98
Malaysia 0 2 2 0.64
Uzbekistan 0 2 2 0.51

GROUP F
Team W L Pts GA
China 2 0 4 1.25
Japan 2 0 4 1.22
Philippines 1 1 3 1.20
Jordan 1 1 3 1.03
Syria 0 2 2 0.76
United Arab Emirates 0 2 2 0.67

Today's scores:
Japan 77 Syria 55
Philippines 113 Bahrain 71
Korea 84 India 53
Chinese Taipei 94 Qatar 78
Iran 132 Uzbekistan 78
China 75 UAE 60
Jordan 89 Indonesia 59
Lebanon 87 Malaysia 59

Standings:
GROUP A
Team W L Pts GA
Korea 3 0 6 1.50
Lebanon 2 1 5 1.06
Malaysia 1 2 4 0.76
India 0 3 3 0.83

GROUP B
Team W L Pts GA
I.R.Iran 3 0 6 2.80
Ch. Taipei 2 1 5 1.09
Uzbekistan 1 2 4 0.60
Qatar 0 3 3 0.57

GROUP C
Team W L Pts GA
Japan 3 0 6 1.26
Jordan 2 1 5 1.17
Syria 1 2 4 0.89
Indonesia 0 3 3 0.73

GROUP D
Team W L Pts GA
China 3 0 6 1.49
Philippines 2 1 5 1.34
United Arab Emirates 1 1 3 0.99
Bahrain 0 3 3 0.57

China Defeats UAE 75-60, Reaches Second Round Undefeated - by Arthur Volbert
China defeated the United Arab Emirates 75-60 today to move undefeated into the second round of the FIBA Championship.

China led 22-8 after the first quarter, then coasted the rest of the way. The score was 40-32 at the half and 61-42 after three quarters.

Wang Zhizhi did not play. Yi Jianlian played only 12 minutes. Liu Wei and Zhu Fangyu played 13. This is good tournament strategy to rest the veteran starters when the team has such little quality depth. Zhang Bo (199-G/F-89) led China with 15 points and Sun Yue had 13. Zhang Zhaoxu had 6 points and 13 rebounds. Ding Jinhui had 4 points and 8 rebounds. China shot only 41 percent from the floor and 54 percent from the free throw line. One wonders why China's free throw shooting tends to be so terrible.

Rashed Alzaabi led UAE with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Khalil Salem had 13 and Ali Alhattawi had 10.

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


FEDERATION CUP 2011, DAY 1 RESULTS - by Victor Garcia
Guerreros de Bogota defense was to hard for a young Indervalle team, Taylor , Mosquera and Walker lead the team, 11 of 12 players of Guerreros scored, Taylor had 21 pts, Sergio Velandia the young player of the Club played 3 minutes at the end of the game, Mosquera also post 14 rebounds, Indervalle looks tired in the second half , Lancaster and Jeffers leaded the red team with 12 points each, the youg Leonardo Salazar had a nice start with 8 points including two three pointers
Guerreros de Bogota 90- Kammron Taylor 21 pts, Adinson Mosquera 14 pts + 14 rebs.
Indervalle 54 Ryan Lancaster 12 pts, Kyle Jeffers 12 pts.

Orgullo Paisa (formerly Arrieros) need to get into the overtime to get its first victory over the season against Cucuta Norte, Stalin Ortiz leaded the way for the green team.
Orgullo Paisa 87
Cucuta Norte 85

San Andres Caribbean hean got a very important victory against the Bucaros, a game with low scoring in a wet and hot night in the Island.
Caribbean Heat 71
Bucaros 68

Standings
Copa Federacion Standings
 1. Caribbean Heat 1-0 
 2. Guerreros 1-0 
 3. Orgullo Paisa 1-0 
 4. Cangrejeros 0-0 
 5. Los Pastos 0-0 
 6. Patriotas 0-0 
 7. Piratas 0-0 
 8. Bucaros 0-1 
 9. Cucuta Norte 0-1 
 10. InderValle 0-1 


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


Alkar keeps Zeljko Zupic - by Eurobasket News
Alkar announced important news today. The Croatian squad penned a one-year contract extension with Zeljko Zupic (205-F-81, college: Denver). The player had 9.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 1.7 apg for 31 games last season. He is expected to be one of Alkar key figures in 2011/12. Zupic joined Alkar last summer from KAO Dramas. He spent two years with the Greeks averaging 8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists in their second season together. Zupic had slightly better numbers in 2008/09. In the past, Zeljko Zupic already played for Alkar. It was in 2004/05 season. Meanwhile, he was a member of Olimpiada Patron and Siroki Prima Pivo. With Siroki, Zupic won the Bosnian title and Cup.

Cibona grabbed overtime win over Krka, KK Zagreb lost in the opener of the International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Cibona grabbed 86:85 win over Krka in overtime. The Croatian team started with 28-15 and even added 19-18 in the second period. The Slovanian Champion needed 29-8 in the third frame to take the lead. Cibona meanwhile won the fourth period 21-14 and then added 10-9 in overtime. Antwain Barbour (196-G/F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Kentucky) stepped up with 18 points for the winners and Brian Chase (178-G-81, college: Virginia Tech) scored 12. Balazic finished the game with 18 points for Krka nd Jordan scored 14.
Fenerbahce Ulker overcame KK Zagreb 82:65 at Rixos Cup. The Turkish side had 11:9 lead after the first five minutes, but trailed 15:20 later in the half. The second period fully belonged to the Croatian side that took 45:27 lead but could not win the game. The Croatian team had 58:51 after three quarters but fell at 65:82.Papa Diasse (212-F-87, college: SMU) scored 16 points and Josh Heytveldt netted 15. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) led the winners with 17 points and Vidmar posted 12.


Cedevita loans Roko Rogic to Alkar - by Eurobasket News
Roko Rogic (185-G-92) will play next season for Alkar. The Croatian prospect is sent to Alkar on loan from Cedevita. It is expected that he will get more chance to play. Last season Rogic played for Zabok, also on loan. He had 4.1 ppg, 1.4 rpg and 1.4 apg for 15 games. In 2009/10, he played for A2 team Mladost Zagreb. Roko Rogic is active member of the Croatian U20 National Team. He played for them at European Championships U20 in Bilbao this summer. For 9 games Rogic had 3.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.3 apg. A year ago he played for U18 Croatia at the European Championships U18 in Vilnius. For 9 games at this event Rogic collected 10.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 1.3 apg.

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


BC Kolin, BC Decin and Turi Svitavy won the latest games - by Eurobasket News
BK Loko INTERCONEX Plzen lost to BC Kolin 69:85. Field paced all the winners with 22 points, while Jelinek and David Machac (204-F-80) notched 11 each. Barnes followed them with 10, whilst Benacek, Michal Hubalek (195-G-87) and Ames scored 7 apiece.

Turi Svitavy overcame MBK REIKER Komarno 84:77. The winners got 37:35 lead after the first half and managed to increased the lead at the end of the game. George paced all the winners with 24 points and Mroz added 15. Hathes replied with 20 points in the losing effort, whilst Martin Bilik (194-F-87) and Klar added 15 apiece.

Rudupis lost to BC Decin 76:80. The Lithuanian team started with 24-22 but could not keep the score for good. The team from Czech Republic won the second frame 22-17 and added 16-15 in the third stanza. Due to 20-20 in the last period the board showed the same difference at the end of the game. Pavel Houska (201-F-84) netted 23 points rto lead the charge and Tomas Pomikalek (200-F-89) added 12. Butkevicius replied with 19 points in the losing effort and Gediminas Orelikas (200-G/F-90) scored 12.


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


PAOK signs swingman Giddens - by Eurobasket News
PAOK Thessaloniki added some scoring punch by signing swingman J.R. Giddens (196-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) for the season. Giddens (1.96 meters, 26 years old) made his Turkish Airlines Euroleague debut last season with Asseco Prokom, for whom he averaged 9 points on 47.4% three-point shooting and 5.2 rebounds in 10 games. His best game was his very first: 20 points on 9-for-9 two-point shooting and 10 rebounds in a losing effort against Khimki Moscow Region. Later in the season Giddens briefly joined Valencia Basket in Spain, but left before ever appearing in a game for the Spanish club. Giddens played college basketball for the University of Kansas and later for the University of New Mexico, where he was named the 2008 Mountain West Conference co-Player of the Year. He then spent parts of two seasons in the NBA with Boston and New York before coming to Europe.

Courtesy of Euroleague

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


Lithuania edge Greece, both clinch a place in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Places 5-6
Slovenia - Serbia 72-68
Slovenia claimed the seventh overall position at the EuroBasket. They held off Serbia on the final day of the competition. Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) scored 21 points to pace the winners. Slovenia opened the game with six points in a row. They quickly cleared off to a double-digit lead. But Serbia slowly picked up the tempo and surged ahead for a 20:19 advantage late in the period. But Saso Ozbolt (188-G-81, agency: World Sport Agency) drained a pair of triples and Muric added a dunk as Slovenia secured a 27:20 lead after ten minutes of action. Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) gave Slovenia back a double-digit advantage midway through the second term. Slovenia stayed in charge posting a 44:39 halftime lead. Saso Ozbolt, Lorbek and Jaka Lakovic made it 64:49 for Slovenia late in the third term. But Serbia refused to give up easily. Milan Macvan triggered a 13:0 run that drew things level at 64. Goran Dragic stopped the bleeding with a free throw but Stefan Markovic soon put Serbia in front 66:65. Jaka Lakovic drained a triple and Lorbek came up with a jumper that sealed the win for Slovenia. Jaka Lakovic delivered 15 points, while Saso Ozbolt posted 9 points in the victory. Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) answered with 13 points for Serbia. Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances), Dusko Savanovic and Milan Macvan had 12 points each in the loss.

Places 7-8
Lithuania - Greece 73-69
Lithuania edge Greece, both clinch a place in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The hosts of the tournament won 73:69 to take the fifth position at home tournament. Fotsis and Bourousis opened the game for Greece, while Papanikolaou brought 8:2. Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) reduce to just one points, while Lithuania could not closer in the first period. Calathes and Fotsis ensured 20:14 lead at the end of the first period. Koufos opened the second frame with 4 consecutive points to give Greece 24:14. Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) later made two free throws for 26:20 and Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) reduced to 29:25. The hosts did their best to tie the game but failed in the first half. Papanikolaou scored three free throws at the end of the half for 37:32 lead. The third quarter was successful for the Baltic State. Jankunas nailed three for 40:39 as it became the first advantage of the home side. Mantas Kalnietis increased to 44:39 and he made also 50:43. Kaukenas brought the biggest lead at that time for 54:44, whilst Vasileiadis closed the period at 56:48. Greece kept Lithuania scoreless for about three minutes in the fourth quarter and managed to cut it to 56:53. The hosts needed a 5-0 run for 61:53, but Vasileiadis reduced to 61:58. Again Kostas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) kept the guests alive at 63:60 and Calathes scored for 65:62. Moreover Fotsis tied the game at 65:65. Kaukenas and Darius Songaila gave Lithuania 69:65 with 30 seconds remaining, but Calathes nailed three for 69:68. Mantas Kalnietis later made two free throws for 73:69 and Martynas Pocius top-scored for the winners with 13 points and Darius Songaila nailed 12. Calathes brought 16 points in the losing effort, whilst Fotsis and Vasileiadis delivered 13 each.



Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Luol DENG
  ENG
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 24.6
 1. Deng, ENG24.6 
 2. Bargnani, ITA22.8 
 3. Parker, FRA21.7 
 4. McCalebb, MKD21.3 
 5. Gasol, ESP20.4 
 6. Nowitzki, GER19.5 
 7. Rowland, BUL18.0 
 8. Navarro, ESP17.9 
 9. Tomic, CRO16.6 
 10. Eliyahu, ISR16.4 
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. Gasol, ESP8.1 
 6. Noah, FRA8.0 
 7. Sanikidze, GEO8.0 
 8. Dasic, MNT7.6 
 9. Gasol, ESP7.4 
 10. Bargnani, ITA7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Dontaye DRAPER
  USA
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 7
 1. Draper, CRO7.0 
 2. Da Silva, POR6.5 
 3. Teodosic, SRB5.7 
 4. Vasiljevic, BIH5.4 
 5. Khryapa, RUS5.1 
 6. Bertt, UKR4.8 
 7. Jasikevicius, LTU4.6 
 8. Koszarek, POL4.4 
 9. Parker, FRA4.3 
 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. Kotti, FIN2.1 
 4. Batum, FRA2.1 
 5. Kelati, POL2.0 
 6. Hanga, HUN2.0 
 7. McCalebb, MKD1.9 
 8. Stojanovski, MKD1.8 
 9. Andrade, POR1.8 
 10. Parker, FRA1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Mirza BEGIC
  BIH
  (216-C-85)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Begic, SLO1.9 
 2. Kaman, GER1.8 
 3. Kravtsov, UKR1.6 
 4. Bargnani, ITA1.6 
 5. Gasol, ESP1.6 
 6. Mozgov, RUS1.5 
 7. Asik, TUR1.5 
 8. Mbenga, BEL1.2 
 9. Koufos, GRE1.1 
 10. Valanciunas, LTU1.1 


Blue Team won the U18 All-Star Game - by Eurobasket
Almost 10,000 excited fans streamed into the Kauno Arena to watch the U18 All Star Game on the penultimate day of EuroBasket.
They were entertained by a dramatic contest as Team Blue won a real thriller against Team White 81-80 and also treated to a half-time dunk contest won by Sergey Karasev (200-F-93) of Russia.
The event brought together the cream of young talent from right across Europe with both teams drawn from the summer's top performers at the U18 European Championship and FIBA U19 World Championship.
It was Team Blue who started more strongly with William Magarity (207-F-93) of Sweden sinking a three-ball to hand his team a 5-2 lead during the early exchanges. For Team White, it was Rasmus Larsen (212-C-94) of Denmark who lit things up with a flying dunk as his team posted an 11-6 run to move in front.
There was then perhaps the biggest cheer of the entire game when home favourite Paulius Semaska (183-PG-93) was introduced into the action.
Unfortunately for his supporters, he could do little to prevent Team White streaking into a commanding 31-22 first quarter lead after back to back scores from downtown by Italian Matteo Imbro (190-PG-94).
It wasn't long before Tobias Borg (183-PG-93) of Sweden handed Team White a double-digit lead for white with a really nice move and finish at the hoop before Team Blue finally came alive once again midway through the period.
A nice baby hook shot from Polish center Przemyslaw Karnowski (213-C-93) helped to bring them back into contention although they still trailed 50-42 at the interval. Much of the best work by Team White was down to the flawless first-half shooting lines of Croatian Dario Saric (207-F/C-94) and German Bogdan Radosaviljevic.
Team Blue coach Mathias Eckhoff needed his team to respond during the third quarter and they did. A big dunk in transition by Aleksandr Gudumak (204-F-93) had the fans on their feet in appreciation and when Danish guard Esben Reinholt (196-G-93) made a triple, it was a one-shot game.
Moments later, Finnish forward Joonas Caven (210-C/F-93) made a strong move to the hoop to level the scores before a Karnowski jump-shot on the buzzer completed the fight-back to give Team Blue a 65-63 lead heading into the last ten minutes.
With the result hanging in the balance, French guard Hugo Invernizzi (196-G/F-93) stepped up for Team White and having missed his first three shots from outside, made two from long-range to help his team move 73-68 in front.
But, it was to be Team Blue who would show the resolve and composure needed to win the game down the stretch.
While Spaniard Alejandro Suarez (205-F/C-93) made a big three from the corner to make it 80-79, a cool running jumper by Serbian Aleksandar Cvetkovic (185-PG-93) proved to be the game winning bucket as Team White failed to execute with the last possession.


Slovenia beats Serbia and finishes at 7th position - by Greg
Slovenia-Serbia 72:68

Slovenian National Team finished on the seventh position in Lithuania. Tonight the team beat Serbians 72:68 after a close game. Slovenia started the game with an authority. They started the game with a 12:2 run. At first Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) made and one action, then Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) made two straight three pointers, followed by another three pointer by Edo Muric (202-F-91). Then Serbia started to cut the gap at the end of the quarter. Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) gave his team 20:19 lead after two free throws made. But later then Slovenia added 7 points in the final minute and closed the opening fram at 27:20. Slovenia started to increase the lead in the second quarter by hitting another two shots from behind the arch. After the timeout for Serbian team they made quick 6:0 run for 33:26. Rest of the quarter it was a close game. Result after two period 44:39 for Slovenia. Third frame started with Goran Dragics show. 25-year old guard was on fire adding 10 points in less than two minutes for 56:44. Slovenia kept scoring from behind the arch. In 29th minute of the game Lakovic hit his fourth three pointer for 64:49. Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) reduces the lead to 64:51 at the end of third frame as he made two free throws. In the fourth period Milan Macvan made it 64:53 and Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) followed him with the fastbreak dunk reducing the lead to 9 points, but it was not enough for Serbian. Stefan Markovic (194-G-88) made an easy lay-up and Kosta Perovic completed and-one drive to the basket for 64:60. Milan Macvan added another two points followed by beautiful alley-oop by Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) and Marko Keselj (205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) for tie the game! 64:64 and 15:0 run for Serbia! Slovenia was completely out of the power. The first point in the final chapter scored Goran Dragic from the free throw line. Nemanja Bjelica from the paint to take the lead 66:65. 1:20 to the end of the game....Jakovic hit a big three pointer and made it 70:68 for Slovenia. Erazem Lorbek with a jump shot made and Slovenia lead by 4. At the end Dragic missed two free throws, but Serbian couldnt answer. The final score 72:68.

Slovenia: Dragic 21, Lakovic 15 (5rbs, 5 as), Ozbolt 9, Lorbek 8 (5rbs), Muric 8
Serbia: Perovic (5rbs), Bjelica 12 (9rbs), Savanovic 12, Macvan 12 (6rbs), Markovic 9 (4rbs, 4ass)

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


KORISLIIGA: KTP roster full - by Rauno Hurmalainen
KTP (Kotka) roster is full. The last change was not signing with American C-F Gregory Washington (208-F-84, college: Hofstra), but finding a replacement from Holland as Tim Blue (205-F-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) decided to leave Dutch basketball courts and continue the pro career in Finland. Blue has played four sesons in Holland and was Dutch Champion 2009-10 (Groningen). KTP has signed earlier with Americans Bennett Davison (203-F-75, college: Arizona) and Terrell Bell (198-G/F-89, college: Virginia Tech) and also with Bojan Sarcevic (190-G-88) from Bosnia and Herzegovina. KTP season will start on September 30.

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


Maccabi Tel-Aviv close in on Fournier - by Alain Bernard
Israeli Powerhouse Maccabi Tel-Aviv are closing in on French starlet Evan Fournier (200-G/F-92) with a Lucrative 4 years contract according to report in France.
The French U20 Star who plays for ProA outfit Poitiers had a good U20 European Championship averging 16.9ppg 3.3rp and 1.8apg.
Fournier who can play as a shooting guard or a small forward,had a first soild season in ProA with Poitiers playing 29 games with 6.4ppg, 2.0rpg.
The Saint-Maurice born was offered a long term deal to play with Israeli Champions -Maccabi Tel-Aviv who will most likely loan him to other European club.


Victories for Le Mans, Chalon, Bourg and Roanne - by Eurobasket News
Le Mans overcame Budivelnyk Kiev 81:70 at the Salle Marcel Cerdan (Brest). Both teams nailed 22 points each in the first period, while Le Man grabbed a minimum lead after 20-19 in the second frame. Moreover the French side won the third 18-16 and then had easy 21-13 in the last quarter. Joao Paulo Batista (207-F/C-81, college: Gonzaga) stepped up with 21 points and Taylor Rochestie netted 18. Alex Acker scored 13 and Marcellus Sommerville added 12. Jack McClinton (185-G-85, college: Miami, FL) finished the game with 18 points in defeat and Zach Morley (203-F-83, college: Wisconsin) scored 12.
Roanne beat Nancy 91:78. Page top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Barrett scored 14. Samnick Victor and Shuler Jamal posted 14 points in the losing effort.
Cholet lost to Chalon 76:93 as the latter got 24 points from Alade Amidou. Ilian Evtimov nailed 18, while Malcom Delaney notched 16. Romain Duport (215-C-86) ended up with 20 points and Parson Chandler scored 12.
Bourg outscored Fribourg 101:69. The French side had 47:45 advantage in the middle of the game but pushed the tempo for good later in the game. Ousmane Barro (208-C/F-84, college: Marquette) paced all the winners with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Moses Sonko (196-F-83, college: Co.Carolina) added 15. Jonathan Kazadi (195-G-91) replied with 24 points in defeat and Yates collected 16 points and 8 rebounds.


Champion Nancy too much for runner-up Cholet in a friendly, 83-67 - by Eurobasket News
Cholet - Nancy 67-83

Nancy and Cholet met in a friendly game tonight. The reigning French champion was better than the runner-up 67-83. Jamal Shuler (191-G-86) was a key player in victory with 24 points. Moussa Badiane (205-C-81, college: E.Carolina) also was great adding 19 points and 7 rebs, and Kenny Grant (188-G-82, college: Davidson) scored 12 pts in this win. On the other side, Cholet got 21 points from guard Fabien Causeur (193-G-87). Chandler Parsons (205-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida) had 11 points, while Luc-Arthur Vebobe (203-F-80, college: Hawaii) collected 9 points and 7 rebs. Ends of periods: 16-23, 30-43, 54-62, 67-83. Nancy won the ProA title last season thanks to thriller win against Cholet in the Finals. Former Cholet player John Linehan was a hero of that meeting. He made a game winning lay-up at the very end.

Cholet: Fabien Causeur 21, Chandler Parsons 11, Luc-Arthur Vebobe 9+7 boards
Nancy: Jamal Shuler 24, Moussa Badiane 19+7 boards, Kenny Grant 12

Latest friendly games - by Eurobasket News
Chalons-Reims lost at home against the Belgian team Pepinster 78-88. Visitors had great first and third quarter, what was enough for the victory in this meeting (20-30, 23-16, 14-27, 21-15). Devan Downey (175-G-87, college: S.Carolina) and Jason Love (206-F/C-87, college: Xavier) led Pepinster with 15 points each. Nate Carter (199-F/C-83, college: Oklahoma) shined for the hosts with 23 points.
Evreux handed 79-53 loss to Quimper. Austen Rowland (186-G-81, agency: Court Side, college: Lehigh) stepped up for the hosts with 16 points. Jeremy Williams (200-F-87, college: UTEP) scored 19 pts in loss. Quarters: 19-9, 22-14, 32-13, 6-17.
Fos Ouest Basket grabbed 87-86 thriller win against the Swiss Geneve Lions. The game was played at the Fos Ouest home court. Bill Clark (195-G/F-88, college: Duquesne) led the hosts with 24 points. Mamadou Dia (202-F-78) followed him with 20 points and Philippe Haquet (199-F-86) helped with 16 points. On the other side, Sean Barnette netted 24 points. Quarters: 28-19, 9-32, 26-12, 24-23.

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  FYR MACEDONIA   


Import helps FYROM find unity - by Eurobasket News
A look at the scoring leader board at the European championships reveals some familiar names - Deng, Bargnani, Parker and Gasol, to name a few. But sitting fourth, averaging 20.9 points a game, is a previously obscure player from New Orleans playing for Macedonia - population two million - which earned a highly improbable berth Wednesday in the tournaments semifinals with a 67-65 win over host Lithuania.

That man is Bo McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans), nicknamed Borche McCalebbovski after attaining national hero status with a 27-point performance in a preliminary round upset of Greece, which has effectively blocked Macedonias entry into the European Union and NATO in a dispute over the countrys name.

On Friday, McCalebb, 26, will lead Macedonia into a David vs. Goliath matchup against Spain, the defending European champion, which is led by Pau and Marc Gasol. But how did a guy from New Orleans end up starring in what could be the sequel to Hoosiers in an obscure former Yugoslav republic?

'I was playing in Serbia last year and I got a call from the Macedonians they asked me to play for them', explained McCalebb, who grew up in the Algiers section of New Orleans and went on to play at the University of New Orleans. He bounced around professional leagues in Turkey and Serbia before signing a contract with an Italian club, Montepaschi Siena, last summer. 'I didn't ask any questions about the place', he said. 'I just said, Yes, and I got a plane for Skopje the next day.'

Three days later, Bo McCalebb had morphed into Borche McCalebbovski, a newly minted citizen of a country he was previously only vaguely aware of.

Every team has the right to one naturalized player, explained Dejan Lekic, the secretary general of Macedonias basketball federation. He came, he liked our country, he liked us and everyone liked him. He is Macedonian in full now.

Passed over by elite N.C.A.A. programs and N.B.A. scouts, McCalebb would indeed seem to be a perfect fit for Macedonia, which has experienced armed conflict, trade embargos and severe economic deprivation since gaining independence in 1991.

But McCalebbs decision to play for Macedonia was not entirely based on a shared us-against-the-world mentality. He and 14 other American-born players are playing in the tournament largely because gaining citizenship in a European country makes them more marketable in leagues on the continent.

Lekic said some European countries paid non-Europeans large sums to play for their teams, but added that Macedonia could not afford to pay McCalebb. Our annual budget for our entire federation is only 350,000 euros, which is like pocket change for some of the stars playing in this tournament, Lekic said.

After the win over Lithuania, the team danced and sang in the locker room, while revelers in Skopje poured into the streets brandishing flags and jugs of homemade rakija, the national drink, as the sounds of honking horns and fireworks ensured that few got any sleep not that anyone minded.

Borche and the players have positioned us shoulder to shoulder with giant nations and have shown us that Macedonia is a great nation, Georgi Filipovski, an information technology specialist from Skopje, said in a telephone interview. They wiped out our inferiority complex about being losers from a small, insignificant country.

Lekic said that the teams triumphs and McCalebbs popularity had crossed ethnic and religious lines no small feat in a country that experienced a brief but violent conflict between ethnic Albanian nationalists and the central government in 2001.

When we play, the entire country stops what they are doing, he said. Even our Albanian population is rooting for us, which is important for unifying us a country.

The team is led by McCalebb, but has succeeded thanks in part to contributions from players like Vlado Illievski, who knocked down a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left to beat Lithuania, and Pero Antic, who plays for Spartak St. Petersburg in Russia.

Despite the national euphoria in Macedonia, Betfair has established the team as the biggest underdog left in the field, at 40-1, to win the tournament. Few are betting on Macedonia to shock Spain, but a host of other teams that took the squad lightly have already been ushered out of the tournament.

McCalebb said that neither he, nor his new country, had lost the desire to prove doubters wrong. McCalebb said he would represent Macedonia in the 2012 London Olympics if the team qualified. He lives in a hotel in Skopje for just a month each year, and cannot speak Macedonian, but his teammates have taught him some swear words, which he said he hoped he would not need against Spain.

'To be honest, I feel like one of them now', he said.

Courtesy of www.nytimes.com

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  GERMANY   


Kenny Wiliams Disappers And The Walter Tigers Tuebingen Have To React And Bring In Velimir Radinovic - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
It must have felt as if Hollywood had arrived in the small basketball crazed Schwaben city of Tuebingen a few days ago, because a basketball player just suddenly disappearing only happens in the movies, but the Walter Tigers Tuebingen experienced real life as fan favorite Kenneth Wiliams (203-F-85, college: Mississippi) was all of a sudden gone.The disapparance of Wiliams is difficult to understand, because there were no real signs of any reason of him not wanting to return for a fourth season. According to team sources, Wiliams disappeared in the night between September 14th and 15th. Head coach Igor Perovic had planned for Wiliams to be captain and everything seemed normal on September 12th. However on Tuesday there seemed to come a radical change with Wiliams. He asked the club for an advanced payment from his salary which wasnt anything out of the ordinary. He also sold his own television and protein shakes and asked the club for a new travel bag since his had broke. On September 14th, Wiliams didnt go to the morning shoot around and has been missing since. 'Kenny had fought back hard from his sickness and had been in good shape. We dont know why he left, but this is one of the greatest disappointments for me',expressed Tigers head coach Igor Perovic The club still have not been able to contact the American or know why he left the team.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen had to react and quickly brought in Velimir Radinovic (212-C-81, college: Ohio St.). Radinovic is no stranger to the Beko BBL has he played for MBC the last two seasons. Radinovic is a 30 year old 212cm center with the Canadian/Serbian citzenship. Last season for MBC, he played 27 games: 6.6ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 52.6%, FT: 68.8%. 'Radinovic brings us the needed height. He has a lot of experience, knows the league and moves well. His strength is on defense and his pick and role is distinct', stressed Tigers head coach', stressed Tigers head coach Igor Perovic. Radinovic started his basketball career in 2000 for Ohio State (NCAA) where he played until 2004. In his senior year, he played 30 games: 10.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 24ast. In 2005-2006, he started his professional basketball career playing for Reflex Beograd (SCG-1A): ULEB Cup: 10 games: 4.4ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 51.7%; Adriatic League: 30 games: 6.0ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 56.0%; 1A League: 14 games: 5.4ppg, 1.7rpg, 0.3apg. In 2005-2006, he played for FMP Zeleznik Beograd (SCG-1A): ULEB Cup: 4 games: 1.0ppg; Adriatic League: 10 games: 2.1ppg, 1.4rpg, in Dec.'05 signed at KK Hemofarm Vrsac (SCG-1A): ULEB Cup: 6 games: 7.3ppg, 1.8rpg, 2FGP: 88.9%; Adriatic League: 14 games: 3.1ppg, 1.8rpg; SCG Superleague: 5 games: 5.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 0.8apg. In 2006-2007, he played for KK Hemofarm Vrsac (SCG-A): Adriatic League: 26 games: 4.9ppg, 2.6rpg; ULEB Cup: 12 games: 9.3ppg, 4.1rpg, 2FGP: 64.1%, 3FGP: 0%, FT: 66.7%. In 2007-2008, he played for Stade Clermontois Basket Auvergne (France-ProA, starting five): 28 games: 5.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 2FGP: 57.3%, FT: 79.6%. In 2008-2009, he played for Iraklis Thessaloniki (Greece-A2): 29 games: 7.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 2FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 87.0%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Canadian U21 National Team -00, Under-21 Tournament of Americas -00, Nike 2000 World Championships, Big Ten Foreign Tour Team -02, Big 10 Conf. Tournament Finalist -03, Canadian University National Team -03, World University Games -03, All-Big 10 Conf. 3rd Team -04, Serbia and Montenegro Cup Winner -05, Adriatic League Semifinals -05, 06, 07, Canadian National Team -05, Serbia and Montenegro League Semifinals -05
Serbia and Montenegro Cup Finalist -06, ULEB Cup Semifinals -06, Radivoj Korac (Serbian Cup) Semifinals -07, Serbian League Regular Season Champion -07, and Serbian League Semifinals -07

Source: Walter Tigers Tuebingen

EWE Baskets Oldenburg and Artland Dragons faced the Ukrainian opponent - by Eurobasket News
EWE Baskets Oldenburg grabbed 92:90 victory over Donetsk. Brown top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Rickey Paulding (196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) notched 17. Hasbrouck scored 13, whilst Chubb added 10. Vule Avdalovic (189-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 18 points and 5 assists. Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) collected 16 points and 8 rebounds for the Ukrainian side.
Artland Dragons handed BC Donetsk 78:72 loss. The German team started with 24-19 and had 40:46 halftime advantage. The Dragons also won the third quarter 25-18, while BC Donetsk bounced back with 18-13 in the last quarter. David Holston (170-G-86, college: Chicago St.) led the way with 22 points and Hilliard scored 14. Vule Avdalovic produced 19 points in defeat and Ivan Radenovic netted 14.
Galatasaray overcame ALBA 82:70 in the start of the Pnar Cup. The teams were tied at 24:24 and then the Turkish side had 64:53 lead later in the game. Furkan Aldemir top-scored for the winners with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports) scored 16 points for the German team.

Brian Moten Replaces Trey Montgomery For The VFB Giessen Pointers - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Shortly before the start of the PRO B season, VfB Giessen Pointers have made a change at the guard position bringing in Brian Moten (193-G-86, college: Bowling Green) for Trey Montgomery. Moten will be starting his second professional season and was a rookie in Germnay. Moten is a 25 year old 193cm combo guard that is very athletic and is a good shooter. He didnt play last season, but 2 years ago played for UBC Hannover Tigers (Germany-ProA): 30 games: 15.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 76.9%. 'I could not have stayed at home for a whole season and am ready to show that many teams made a mistake not to takeme. I also want to show that I ammore than just a one dimensional scorer.Giessen is a city with a lot of basketball tradition and I hope that I can help have a good season', expressed Brian Moten (193-G-86, college: Bowling Green). Moten played at Bowling Green from 2005-2009 and in his senior year played : 33 games: 11.2ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 38.0%, 3Pts: 34.5%, FT: 81.0%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been MAC East Division Regular Season Co-Runner-Up -09,MAC Tournament Semifinals -09. and All-MAC Honorable Mention -09

SourceVFB Giessen Pointers

Antonio Anderson Joins Ratiopharm Ulm - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Ratiopharm Ulm have brought in versatile Antonio Anderson (198-G-85, college: Memphis) and given him a one year contract. Anderson is a 26 year old 198cm shooting guard from Lynn, Massachussetts that will be starting his third professional basketball season. The main reason for the club getting the American is on account of the injury to American Roderick Trice (191-F-84, agency: Lanshire Group, college: S.Carolina). Ratiopharm Ulm start with a very difficult schedule playing 8 of the first 11 games on the road. 'To replace Roderick Trice is almost impossible. But with Antonio we have a very talented player that comes closet to him the most', stressed Ratiopharm Ulm head coach Thorsten Leibenath Anderson is a player that was one of the nation's top defensive players in the NCAA , was assigned to guard the opponents' top perimeter player, is a versatile performer that can play the one, two or three, creative with the ball, a solid all-around player and a dual threat who can shoot the three-pointer or drive to the basket. The last two seasons, he missed making the NBA being cut in pre season. Last season he played for the Houston Rockets (NBA), only pre-season, in Nov.'10 moved to Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League): 17 games: 7.7ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 65.1%; in Jan.'11 signed at Maine Red Claws (D-League, starting five): 23 games: 9.7ppg, 4.5rpg, 4.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 70.7%.

Anderson started his basketball career at the NCAA power house Memphis (NCAA) and played there from 2005-2009. There he was able to hold his won on the court despite playing along one of the current top point guards in the NBA Derrick Rose (193-G-88, college: Memphis). In his senior year, he played : 37 games: 10.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 4.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.0%, 3Pts: 25.4%, FT: 73.3%. In the summer of 2009, he took part at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) and was drafted by Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League,1rd (12). He then started his professional basketball career with the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA), only pre-season, in Nov.'09 moved to Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League): 48 games: 16.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 6.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 24.4%, FT: 75.4%. In May 2010, he signed at Caciques de Humacao (Puerto Rico-BSN, starting five): 5 games: 16.2ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 58.8%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been C-USA Regular Season Champion -06, 07, 08, 09, C-USA Tournament Winner -06, 07, 08, 09, NCAA Elite Eight -06, 07, C-USA All-Tournament Team -07, 08, C-USA All-Defensive Team -07, 08, 09, All-C-USA Tournament MVP -08, NCAA Finalist -08NABC Division I All-District 11 Second Team -09, All-C-USA 2nd Team -09, C-USA Defensive Player of the Year -09, D-League All-Star Game -10, and USBasket.com All-D-League Honorable Mention -.10.

Source: RatiopharmUlm

Michael Kool-Aid Juice Thompson (Fraport Skyliners) Tiramisu Looks Really Good, Tastes Good And Is The Perfect Ally-Op Dessert 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

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. 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.

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 dessert 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 dessert plays ready in leading the team into the playoffs.

Michael Thompson (177-PG-89, college: Northwestern)

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  GREECE   


Partizan beats Aris in Pravets, 81-69 - by Eurobasket News
Partizan - Aris 81-69

Partizan celebrated in the first day of the tournament in Pravets. The Serbian powerhouse handed 81-69 loss to Aris Thessaloniki. Partizan took control on its rival from the beginning. They made 25-18 lead in the first ten minutes and continued with 25-20 in Q2. Aris improved after the breather and third quarter belonged to them 12-19, but Partizan had an answer. They jumped to plus 16 during the last period and later celebrated 81-69 win. Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) nailed 16 points in his debut for Partizan. Vladimir Lucic (202-F-89, agency: Beo Basket) had 14 points and Dusan Kecman (197-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) added one less. In the loosing squad, Dan Mavraides (193-G-88, college: Princeton) delivered 14 points. Mihalis Tsairelis (206-F/C-88) and Darryl Watkins (211-C-84, college: Syracuse) netted 12 and 10 points respectively.

Partizan: Miroslav Raduljica 16, Vladimir Lucic 14, Dusan Kecman 13
Aris: Dan Mavraides 14, Mihalis Tsairelis 12, Darryl Watkins 10

The Patriarch of Greek Basketball passed away! - by Chris Mammides
The Patriarch of the Hellenic Basketball is no longer among us, he passed into eternal life earlier on today.
Faidon Matthaiou was a retired Greek professional basketball coach and basketball player. He began and end his career with the team of Aris Thessaloniki (his greatest love) and he was always worn the jersey with number one! At the beginning of his career he was a center but after the first couple of years he became a great point guard. He represented Greece twice at the Summer Olympics, as a rower in 1948 and as a basketball player in 1952.

He began playing professional basketball as well as many other sports (those days such as water polo, tennis, shooting, table tennis and motor car racing), with Aris BC in 1945. In 1949, he was transferred to Panathinaikos BC where he won three Greek championships in 1950, 1951, and in 1954. He played as well with Panionios BC, Pallacanestro Varese and Sporting BC.

Its worth mentioned the fact that he was the first Greek basketball player ever to play abroad and in the Italian league.

After his playing career ended, he coached the Hellenic national squad at 3 European Championship tournaments, the 1961 European Championship, the 1965 European Championship and the 1969 European Championship.

He also coached professional sport clubs of the Greek League such as AEK Athens BC, PAOK BC, Olympiacos BC and Peristeri BC.

The patriarch of the Hellenic Basketball also played for the Hellenic national basketball team, as one of its leading members for 44 games, and he scored a total of 539 points (12.25 points per game). He also played in the very first official game of the Hellenic national squad, which was played at the 1949 (15th of May, 1949 against the National team of the Netherlands) for the First ever European Championship which took place in Cairo of Egypt. The Hellenic National team won the bronze medal. He was the team's leading scorer at that tournament with 66 points, while the Hellenic national team also won the tournament's bronze medal. He participated as a player in 2 European Championship tournaments, the 1949 European Championship and the 1951 European Championship, and also in the Olympic Basketball Tournament of 1952 in Helsinki, Finland.

Before that at the Olympic Games of 1948 he was a member of the Hellenic National team of Rowing in the Mens Single Sculls in London of UK.
Faidon Matthaiou had a basketball career for over 60 years both as a player and as a head coach; he was an active coach until the mid 90s!



He was born on the 12th of July 1924, and died on the 17th, September 2011 at the age of 87!




Aris and PAOK are defeated in the friendly clashes - by Eurobasket News
Partizan outscored Aris 81:69 taking the lead from the very beginning. The Serbian team grabbed 25-18 after the first 10 minutes of the game and added 25-20 in the second period. The third and the last quarters brought the same result, however the teams exchanged wins with 19-12. Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) led the way with 16 points and Lucic scored 14. Dan Mavraides (193-G-88, college: Princeton) answered with 14 points in defeat, while Carelis scored 12.
Turk Telekom beat PAOK 74:69. The teams were tied at 17:17 after the first period, while the Turkish side grabbed 37:32 at the halftime. Turk Telekom led 54:52 at the end of the third quarter and managed to increase to 5 points at the end. Darius Washington (188-G-85, college: Memphis) stepped up with 19 points, NBA-er Mehmet Okur (210-C/F-79) collected 15 points and 9 rebounds. Kaspars Kambala (206-C-78, agency: Alti Sport, college: UNLV) followed them with 12 points.

EuroBasket 2011: Lithuania overcame Greece in their last game - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania-Greece 73:69

Lithuania edge Greece, both clinch a place in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The hosts of the tournament won 73:69 to take the fifth position at home tournament.
Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) and Bourousis opened the game for Greece, while Papanikolaou brought 8:2. Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) reduce to just one points, while Lithuania could not closer in the first period. Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida) and Antonis Fotsis ensured 20:14 lead at the end of the first period.
Koufos opened the second frame with 4 consecutive points to give Greece 24:14. Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) later made two free throws for 26:20 and Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) reduced to 29:25. The hosts did their best to tie the game but failed in the first half. Papanikolaou scored three free throws at the end of the half for 37:32 lead.
The third quarter was successful for the Baltic State. Jankunas nailed three for 40:39 as it became the first advantage of the home side. Mantas Kalnietis increased to 44:39 and he made also 50:43. Kaukenas brought the biggest lead at that time for 54:44, whilst Vasileiadis closed the period at 56:48.
Greece kept Lithuania scoreless for about three minutes in the fourth quarter and managed to cut it to 56:53. The hosts needed a 5-0 run for 61:53, but Vasileiadis reduced to 61:58. Again Vasileiadis kept the guests alive at 63:60 and Nick Calathes scored for 65:62. Moreover Antonis Fotsis tied the game at 65:65. Kaukenas and Darius Songaila gave Lithuania69:65 with 30 seconds remaining, but Nick Calathes nailed three for 69:68. Mantas Kalnietis later made two free throws for 73:69 and
Martynas Pocius top-scored for the winners with 13 points and Darius Songaila nailed 12. Nick Calathes brought 16 points in the losing effort, whilst Antonis Fotsis and Vasileiadis delivered 13 each.

Lithuania: Martynas Pocius 13, Darius Songaila 12, Mantas Kalnietis 11
Greece: Nick Calathes 16, Antonis Fotsis 13, Kostas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) 13


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  HUNGARY   


Missing former NT player's body found - by Balazs Radics
120 caped National Team member Laszlo Orosz (207-C-71, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) body found on thursday in the forrests of Soprons National Park. Orosz was missing since 27th of May, left only a letter over to his wife that he was going away for a long time. The cause of his death was most probably suicide. The player played during his career in Budapest Honved, Szolnok, Pecs, Kaposvar, was Hungarian Champion in 1995 and 1997, Hungarian Cup Winner in 2002, and was member of the Nation Team in 1999, playing at the European Championship. Rest in Peace Beno!

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  INDIA   


2011 Asian Championship: South Korea stay undefeated with win over India - by Eurobasket News
South Korea - India 84:53

South Korea recorded the third win in a row at 2011 Asian Championship. They eased past India to finish the preliminary round at 3-0 record on top of Group A. Kang Byung-Hyun (193-G/F-85) delivered 22 points in the victory. India suffered the third loss in a row.
South Korea started the game aggressively. They quickly pulled ahead and built a 27:11 lead after ten minutes. South Korea maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They posted a 46:28 halftime advantage. India had little to answer with after the big break. The Korean side piled up a 66:34 lead with ten minutes to go and never looked back en route to the victory. Moon Tae-Jong (199-F-75, agency: Alti Sport, college: Richmond) notched 14 points, while Cho Sung-Min (189-F-83) accounted for 12 points in the win. Trideep Rai (190-F-83) responded with 11 points for India. Hareesh Koroth (185-G-84) and Yadwinder Singh (197-C-86) had 8 points each in the loss.

South Korea: Kang Byung-Hyun 22, Moon Tae-Jong 14, Cho Sung-Min 12
India: Trideep Rai 11, Hareesh Koroth 8, Yadwinder Singh 8



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  INDONESIA   


2011 Asian Championship: Jordan beat Indonesia in Wuhan - by Eurobasket News
Jordan - Indonesia 89:59

Jordan celebrated the second victory at the Asian Championship in Wuhan. They prevailed against Indonesia for 2-1 record in Group C. Rasheim Wright (192-G-81, college: District of Col.) led the charge with 18 points. Indonesia suffered the third consecutive loss at the tournament.
Jordan quickly surged ahead in this one. They established a 22:16 lead after ten minutes of action. Jordan tipped off the second term with a 13:3 run to boost the lead. They piled up a 44:29 halftime advantage. Tab Baldwin team maintained the pressure in the third stanza. They entered the fourth quarter up by as many as 21 points 65:44. Jordan did not slow down in the fourth period running for a comfortable win at the end. Wesam Al-Sous (189-G-83) and Islam Abbaas (200-C-80) contributed 14 points each for the winners. Christian Ronaldo Sitepu (200-C/F-86) answered with 15 points for Indonesia. Amin Prihantono (188-F-82) posted 12 points in the loss.

Jordan: Rasheim Wright 18, Wesam Al-Sous 14, Islam Abbaas 14+10 boards
Indonesia: Christian Ronaldo Sitepu 15, Amin Prihantono 12


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  IRAN   


2011 Asian Championship: Iran shatter Uzbekistan in Wuhan - by Eurobasket News
Iran - Uzbekistan 132:38

Iran registered the third straight win at the start of 2011 Asian Championship. They drubbed Uzbekistan to clinch the top position in Group B. Seven players scored in double figures for Iran. Arsalan Kazemi (199-F-90) and Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85) accounted for 18 points each in the win. Uzbekistan slipped at 1-2 record in the ladder.
Iran unloaded 38 points in the opening quarter to take a 24-point lead. The margin just kept on growing in the second frame. Iran erupted for 41 points in the quarter to establish a 79:25 halftime lead. Iran easily reached 100-point mark in the third term posting a 107:34 advantage at the final intermission. They never looked back afterwards cruising to the victory at the end. Asghar Kardoust (212-C-86, agency: SportsList Inc.) posted 17 points and 9 rebounds, while Saeid Davarpanah (191-G/F-87) had 14 points in the win. Aleksandr Kozlov (201-F-82) answered with 12 points for Uzbekistan. Samender Juginisov (202-F-87) netted 7 points in the loss.

Iran: Arsalan Kazemi 18+14 boards, Hamed Haddadi 18+11 boards, Asghar Kardoust 17
Uzbekistan: Aleksandr Kozlov 12, Samender Juginisov 7


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  JAPAN   


2011 Asian Championship: Kosuke Takeuchi leads Japan to third win in a row - by Eurobasket News
Japan - Syria 77:55

Japan registered the third consecutive win at the 2011 Asian Championship. They prevailed against Syria to top Group C ladder. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) posted 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge.
The lead changed hands for several times throughout the opening frame before Takuya Kawamura (193-G-86) gave Japan a 17:15 lead. Kosuke Takeuchi ignited a 12:0 run from Japan at the start of the second term as they claimed a 29:15 advantage. Japan ensured a 34:24 lead at the interval. Takuya Kawamura nailed 10 points early in the third term to give Japan a 44:27 advantage midway through the third term. They maintained the lead posting a 57:42 lead with ten minutes to go. Japan never loosened the grasp in the final term rallying to the victory at the end. Takuya Kawamura notched 17 points, while Kenta Hirose (193-G-85) and Joji Takeuchi added 12 points each in the win. Ioanis Deeb (184-G-86) answered with 15 points for Syria. Sameer Al Dags (196-F-84) had 13 points in the loss.

Japan: Kosuke Takeuchi 19+11 boards, Takuya Kawamura 17, Kenta Hirose 12, Joji Takeuchi 12
Syria: Ioanis Deeb 15, Sameer Al Dags 13


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  JORDAN   


2011 Asian Championship: Jordan beat Indonesia in Wuhan - by Eurobasket News
Jordan - Indonesia 89:59

Jordan celebrated the second victory at the Asian Championship in Wuhan. They prevailed against Indonesia for 2-1 record in Group C. Rasheim Wright (192-G-81, college: District of Col.) led the charge with 18 points. Indonesia suffered the third consecutive loss at the tournament.
Jordan quickly surged ahead in this one. They established a 22:16 lead after ten minutes of action. Jordan tipped off the second term with a 13:3 run to boost the lead. They piled up a 44:29 halftime advantage. Tab Baldwin team maintained the pressure in the third stanza. They entered the fourth quarter up by as many as 21 points 65:44. Jordan did not slow down in the fourth period running for a comfortable win at the end. Wesam Al-Sous (189-G-83) and Islam Abbaas (200-C-80) contributed 14 points each for the winners. Christian Ronaldo Sitepu (200-C/F-86) answered with 15 points for Indonesia. Amin Prihantono (188-F-82) posted 12 points in the loss.

Jordan: Rasheim Wright 18, Wesam Al-Sous 14, Islam Abbaas 14+10 boards
Indonesia: Christian Ronaldo Sitepu 15, Amin Prihantono 12


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  LATVIA   


Tarragona signs Latvian center Andrej Selakovs - by Eurobasket News
Andrejs Selakovs (210-C-88, agency: Players Group) will continue his career in Spain. The Latvian big guy signed a deal with LEB Gold team Tarragona Basket 2017. Selakovs heads to Tarragona from VEF Riga, where he spent last few seasons. In the latest one he had 6.1 ppg and 5.1 rpg for 16 games in Latvian league. Selakovs added 2.3 ppg and 3.3 rpg. VEF Riga won the Latvian league title and reached Baltic league Finals. Selakovs also played for VEF Riga juniors. In the past, Andrejs Selakovs was a member of ASK Riga and BA Riga/Juniors. He is active member of the Latvian NT. Selakovs appeared five times in EuroBasket 2011 averaging 5.8 points and 5.4 rebounds. Latvia failed to reach the second stage.

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  LEBANON   


2011 Asian Championship: Elie Estephane carries Lebanon past Malaysia - by Eurobasket News
Lebanon - Malaysia 87:59

Lebanon made it look easy as they recorded the second win at the Asian Championship in Wuhan. Elie Estaphane posted 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists to propel Lebanon past Malaysia. So the winners climbed at 2-1 record in Group A, while Malaysia slipped at 1-2.
It was practically all over for Malaysia in the opening frame. Lebanon went on a 27:8 rally to secure a comfortable buffer after ten minutes. Malaysia did not surrender and cut the deficit to 16 points at halftime. But the difference was too obvious as Lebanon regained composure and stretched the gap to 27 points at the final intermission 67:40. Lebanon controlled the game in the final stanza driving to a well-deserved win at the end. Charles Tabet (205-C-88, college: S.Alabama) posted 20 points and 16 boards, while Bassel Bawji (203-F/C-89, college: Tulsa) contributed 15 points in the winning effort. Yoong Jing Kwaan (200-C-90) replied with 13 points for Malaysia. Ban Sin Ooi (180-G/F-83) and Shee Fai Loh (192-G/F-89) produced 7 points each in the losing case.

Lebanon: Elie Estephane (194-G/F-86, college: Alabama So. CC) 24, Charles Tabet 20+16 boards, Bassel Bawji 15
Malaysia: Yoong Jing Kwaan 13, Ban Sin Ooi 7, Shee Fai Loh 7


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  LITHUANIA   


EuroBasket 2011: Lithuania overcame Greece in their last game - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania-Greece 73:69

Lithuania edge Greece, both clinch a place in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The hosts of the tournament won 73:69 to take the fifth position at home tournament.
Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) and Bourousis opened the game for Greece, while Papanikolaou brought 8:2. Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) reduce to just one points, while Lithuania could not closer in the first period. Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida) and Antonis Fotsis ensured 20:14 lead at the end of the first period.
Koufos opened the second frame with 4 consecutive points to give Greece 24:14. Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) later made two free throws for 26:20 and Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) reduced to 29:25. The hosts did their best to tie the game but failed in the first half. Papanikolaou scored three free throws at the end of the half for 37:32 lead.
The third quarter was successful for the Baltic State. Jankunas nailed three for 40:39 as it became the first advantage of the home side. Mantas Kalnietis increased to 44:39 and he made also 50:43. Kaukenas brought the biggest lead at that time for 54:44, whilst Vasileiadis closed the period at 56:48.
Greece kept Lithuania scoreless for about three minutes in the fourth quarter and managed to cut it to 56:53. The hosts needed a 5-0 run for 61:53, but Vasileiadis reduced to 61:58. Again Vasileiadis kept the guests alive at 63:60 and Nick Calathes scored for 65:62. Moreover Antonis Fotsis tied the game at 65:65. Kaukenas and Darius Songaila gave Lithuania69:65 with 30 seconds remaining, but Nick Calathes nailed three for 69:68. Mantas Kalnietis later made two free throws for 73:69 and
Martynas Pocius top-scored for the winners with 13 points and Darius Songaila nailed 12. Nick Calathes brought 16 points in the losing effort, whilst Antonis Fotsis and Vasileiadis delivered 13 each.

Lithuania: Martynas Pocius 13, Darius Songaila 12, Mantas Kalnietis 11
Greece: Nick Calathes 16, Antonis Fotsis 13, Kostas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) 13


Siauliai wins, Rudupis loses to Czech representative - by Eurobasket News
Siauliai overcame Ventspils 102:97. The Latvian side opened the game with 21-17 and had 4-point advantage at the halftime after 28-28 in the second period. The Lithuanian team responded with 19-16 in the third period and added massive 38-32 in the last stanza. Denzel Bowles (208-F-89, college: JMU) stepped up with 26 points and Arvydas Siksnius (196-F-87, college: Weatherford JC) notched 23. Young answered with 27 points for the Latvian team and Janis Strelniekas added 24.
Rudupis lost to BC Decin 76:80. The Lithuanian team started with 24-22 but could not keep the score for good. The team from Czech Republic won the second frame 22-17 and added 16-15 in the third stanza. Due to 20-20 in the last period the board showed the same difference at the end of the game. Pavel Houska (201-F-84) netted 23 points rto lead the charge and Pomikalek added 12. Povilas Butkevicius (203-F-87) replied with 19 points in the losing effort and Gediminas Orelikas (200-G/F-90) scored 12.


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  MALAYSIA   


2011 Asian Championship: Elie Estephane carries Lebanon past Malaysia - by Eurobasket News
Lebanon - Malaysia 87:59

Lebanon made it look easy as they recorded the second win at the Asian Championship in Wuhan. Elie Estaphane posted 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists to propel Lebanon past Malaysia. So the winners climbed at 2-1 record in Group A, while Malaysia slipped at 1-2.
It was practically all over for Malaysia in the opening frame. Lebanon went on a 27:8 rally to secure a comfortable buffer after ten minutes. Malaysia did not surrender and cut the deficit to 16 points at halftime. But the difference was too obvious as Lebanon regained composure and stretched the gap to 27 points at the final intermission 67:40. Lebanon controlled the game in the final stanza driving to a well-deserved win at the end. Charles Tabet (205-C-88, college: S.Alabama) posted 20 points and 16 boards, while Bassel Bawji (203-F/C-89, college: Tulsa) contributed 15 points in the winning effort. Yoong Jing Kwaan (200-C-90) replied with 13 points for Malaysia. Ban Sin Ooi (180-G/F-83) and Shee Fai Loh (192-G/F-89) produced 7 points each in the losing case.

Lebanon: Elie Estephane (194-G/F-86, college: Alabama So. CC) 24, Charles Tabet 20+16 boards, Bassel Bawji 15
Malaysia: Yoong Jing Kwaan 13, Ban Sin Ooi 7, Shee Fai Loh 7


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  MEXICO   


Halcones UV Xalapa lands Shaw - by Eurobasket Center
Halcones UV Xalapa (LNBP) strengthened their roster with addition of 33-year old American guard Demetric Shaw (191-G-78, college: Kent St.). He played most recently at Al Qadsia (Kuwait). He played in LNBP previously for Halcones UV Cordoba and a year ago for Fuerza Regia Monterrey (2 games: 16.5ppg, 9.0rpg, 4.0apg) before leaving for the Middle East. Shaw is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Argentina, Australia, Chile, China, Colombia, Cyprus, Iceland, Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Poland, Qatar, Sweden, Syria, Venezuela and USA. Shaw graduated Kent State University in 2002 and it will be his tenth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Allen is back at Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun - by Eurobasket Center
Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun (LNBP) signed 32-year old American center Rammel Allen (210-C-103kg-79, college: Bridgeport). Its actually Allens comeback to Pioneros as she played here before. Allen was just tested at Atenas Cordoba (Argentina), but did not sign with them. He is a very experienced player. Allen played also pro basketball in Argentina, Lebanon, Puerto Rico, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Venezuela and USA. He graduated Bridgeport University in 2005 and it will be his seventh season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Correcaminos UAT Victoria adds Selleaze to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Correcaminos UAT Victoria (LNBP) agreed terms with 35-year old American forward Ronald Selleaze (197-F-105kg-76, college: CSU Bakersfield, agency: Dream Team Management). Selleaze played most recently at Libertad Sunchales (Argentina). While playing 34 games for Libertad S. last season he recorded 12.4ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.0apg and 2.1spg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. He has played in different Mexican leagues for many years. In 2008 he won LNBP championship title while playing for Lobos Grises de la UAD Durango. Selleaze is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Argentina, Germany, Israel, Paraguay, Poland, Sweden and USA. Selleaze graduated Cal State - Bakersfield in 2000 and it will be his 12th season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Correcaminos UAT Victoria sign Franco Harris - by Eurobasket Center
Correcaminos UAT Victoria (LNBP) signed 28-year old naturalized Mexican guard Franco Harris (183-G-83, college: Boise St.). Harris played most recently at Caballeros de Culiacan (CIBACOPA). While playing 13 games for Culiacan last season his stats were: 12.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.1apg, 1.7bpg. He helped them to make it to the final. Harris is a very experienced player. He played in both CIBACOPA and LNBP (last season for Potros ITSON). Harris won CIBACOPA championship in 2009 together with Mineros de Cananea. He graduated Boise State University in 2005 and it will be his seventh season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Correcaminos UAT Victoria sign Franco Harris - by Eurobasket Center
Correcaminos UAT Victoria (LNBP) signed 28-year old naturalized Mexican guard Franco Harris (183-G-83, college: Boise St.). Harris played most recently at Caballeros de Culiacan (CIBACOPA). While playing 13 games for Culiacan last season his stats were: 12.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.1apg, 1.7bpg and left in April. He helped them to make it to the final. Harris is a very experienced player. He graduated Boise State University in 2005 and it will be his seventh season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Huracanes de Tampico adds Venezuelan Colmenares to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Huracanes de Tampico (LNBP) added to their roster 24-year old Venezuelan international forward Nestor Colmenares (203-F-107kg-87, college: Campbellsville). Colmenares played most recently at Cocodrilos de Caracas (Venezuela). He helped them to win regular season and make it to the final. Colmenares played also pro basketball in Argentina and Venezuela. He graduated Campbellsville University in 2010 and it will be his second season in pro basketball. Colmenares played for Venezuelan senior national team this year. He represented Venezuela at the FIBA Americas in Mar del Plata (Argentina) this year. His stats were: 4.7ppg, 2.0rpg and 2.0apg in 3 games.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Correcaminos UAT Victoria lands Allen - by Eurobasket Center
Correcaminos UAT Victoria (LNBP) strengthened their roster with addition of 32-year old American guard Myron Allen (180-G-79, college: Lee JC). Allen played most recently at B-Meg Llamados (Philippines). He played also twice in the LNBP for Lobos Grises de la UAD Durango. He is a very experienced player. Allen played also pro basketball in Bosnia, China, Israel and Philippines. He graduated Lee College in 2003 and it will be his nineth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Steve Monreal comes back for his third season in Mexico - by Eurobasket Center
Correcaminos UAT Victoria (LNBP) signed American guard Steve Monreal (180-G, college: Cal.St.-Monterey). Monreal played most recently at Rayos de Hermosillo (CIBACOPA). While playing 27 games for Hermosillo last season his stats were: 14.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.9apg, 1.1spg and 1.0bpg. He helped them to make it to the final. A very impressive season as he was selected to Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA Honorable Mention. He played already last year in LNBP. Monreal started it with Abejas de Guanajuato (2 games: 23.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.0apg, 2.5spg), and then in Dec.'10 moved to Potros ITSON (13 games: 10.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.3apg). Monreal graduated Cal.St.-Monterey Bay in 2009 and it will be his third season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center



LNBP Round 5: Barreteros keep a leadership position - by Eurobasket
This is still too early stage of the Regular Season in LNBP and we should expect many changes in upcoming rounds.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Barreteros as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Barreteros defeated 10th ranked Correcaminos in Zacatecas 91-85. The hosts trailed by 8 points after first quarter, but they rallied back and won the game by 6 points. Barreteros shot 25 for 34 from the free-throw line, while Correcaminos only scored seven points from the stripe. Barreteros forced 20 Correcaminos turnovers. American guard Melvin Council (191-82, college: Robert Morris) orchestrated the victory by scoring 31 points and 5 steals (was perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line !!!). Savador Cuevas contributed with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. Barreteros' coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Ronald Selleaze (197-76, college: CSU Bakersfield, agency: Dream Team Management) answered with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for Correcaminos. Undefeated Barreteros (5-0) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Correcaminos lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with four games lost. They share the position with Panteras and Aguilas Rojas. Correcaminos will play next round against Panteras trying to get back on the winning streak. Barreteros will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Huracanes in Tampico.
Halcones UV Xalapa's fans can celebrate the first win of their team after three consecutive loses. The victory is especially important as they outplayed much higher ranked Pioneros (3-2) 107-73. American guard Davin White (186-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge) stepped up and scored 19 points and 7 assists for the winners and Adam Parada chipped in 11 points and 11 rebounds. American forward John Millsap (198-82, college: UTSA) responded with 19 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Halcones UV Xalapa (1-3) left bottom position moving up to ninth place. Pioneros at the other side dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. They share it with Soles and Huracanes. Halcones UV Xalapa will play against bottom-ranked Volcanes (#14) in Toluca in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Pioneros will play on the road against Halcones Rojos (#5) in Veracruz and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Bottom-ranked Volcanes is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their fifth consecutive match to seventh ranked Halcones Rojos (3-1) 128-72 on Thursday evening. Paul Stoll nailed a double-double by scoring 23 points and 15 assists for the winning side. Carlos M. Toussaint came up with 29 points and 5 rebounds for Volcanes in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the third consecutive win for Halcones Rojos. They moved-up to fifth place. Volcanes lost their fifth game in a row. They still closes the standings with five games lost. Halcones Rojos will meet at home Pioneros (#7) in the next round. Volcanes will play against Halcones UV Xalapa (#9) and hope to get finally their first victory.
The game in Nuevo Laredo was also worth to mention about. 5th ranked Soles (3-2) played at the court of sixth ranked Toros (4-1). Toros defeated Soles 95-79. The best player for the winners was Devon Pearson who had a double-double by scoring 25 points and 15 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). The victory was the third consecutive win for Toros. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Fuerza Regia. Soles at the other side dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. Toros' next round opponent will be Aguilas Rojas (#10) in San Juan and are hoping to win another game. Soles will play on the road against Fuerza Regia (#3) in Monterrey.

In the last two games of round 5 Aguilas Rojas were smashed by Fuerza Regia on the road 97-72. Panteras lost to Huracanes on its own court 85-92.


Fuerza Regia - Aguilas Rojas 97-72

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Fuerza Regia (4-1) crushed 9th ranked Aguilas Rojas (1-4) in Monterrey 97-72. The game without a history. Fuerza Regia led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Aguilas Rojas' 22. They outrebounded Aguilas Rojas 45-27 including 32 on the defensive glass. Fuerza Regia players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Aguilas Rojas' players. The best player for the winners was American point guard Mike Mitchell (181-83, college: N.Mexico St.) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists. His fellow American import forward Jeremis Smith (203-86, college: Georgia Tech) chipped in a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Four Fuerza Regia players scored in double figures. Fuerza Regia's coach Reginald Jordan felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Naturalized American guard Forrest Fisher (193-84) produced 27 points and 5 rebounds and power forward Felipe Sanchez (202-74) added 14 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Fuerza Regia maintains third place with 4-1 record behind leader Barreteros, which they share with Toros. Aguilas Rojas at the other side dropped to the tenth position with four games lost. Fuerza Regia's next round opponent will be Soles (#8) in Mexicali which should be theoretically another easy game. Aguilas Rojas will play on the road against Toros in Nuevo Laredo.
Top scorers:
Fuerza Regia: J.Smith 18+10reb+2ast, M.Mitchell 16+5reb+10ast, A.Joseph Tyronzic 14+4reb+2ast, C.Roberts 13+3reb+5ast, M.Strobbe 9+6reb, T.Thomas 7+9reb+2ast
Aguilas Rojas: F.Fisher 27+5reb, F.Sanchez 14+5reb+1ast, C.Silva 10+2reb+2ast, E.Hare 7+8reb+2ast, C.Gryne 6+2reb, I.Silva 2
gschID: 137667


Panteras - Huracanes 85-92

Rather expected game when 11th ranked Panteras (1-4) lost to eighth ranked Huracanes (3-2) in Aguascalientes 85-92. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Panteras won fourth quarter 24-22. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Omar Quintero (183-81, college: S.Nazarene) who scored 22 points and 7 assists. Canadian guard Stephen Sir (195-82, college: N.Arizona) chipped in 22 points. American guard Marlyn Bryant (193-82, college: S.Florida) produced 18 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import guard Devon Ford (193-77, college: Idaho) added 16 points respectively for the hosts. Four Huracanes and five Panteras players scored in double figures. Huracanes moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Soles and Pioneros. Panteras lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the tenth position with four games lost. Huracanes' next round opponent will be league's leader Barreteros in Zacatecas and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Panteras will play at home against Correcaminos (#11) in Ciudad Victoria and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Huracanes: S.Sir 22+3reb+2ast, O.Quintero 22+7ast, A.Fuqua 16+8reb+1ast, R.Hornsby 12+7reb+8ast, J.Edwin 7+3reb+2ast, J.Farrera 5+2reb
Panteras: M.Bryant 18+7reb+2ast, D.Ford 16+1reb+3ast, K.Malpica 14+3reb+1ast, I.Lopez 13+4reb+1ast, J.Casillas 10+2reb, L.Rangel 4+2reb+2ast
gschID: 137668


Barreteros - Corr.Victoria 91-85

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Barreteros as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Barreteros defeated 10th ranked Correcaminos in Zacatecas 91-85. The hosts trailed by 8 points after first quarter, but they rallied back and won the game by 6 points. Barreteros shot 25 for 34 from the free-throw line, while Correcaminos only scored seven points from the stripe. Barreteros forced 20 Correcaminos turnovers. American guard Melvin Council (191-82, college: Robert Morris) orchestrated the victory by scoring 31 points and 5 steals (was perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line !!!). Savador Cuevas contributed with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. Barreteros' coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Ronald Selleaze (197-76, college: CSU Bakersfield, agency: Dream Team Management) answered with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import forward James Penny (198-76, college: TCU) added 20 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Correcaminos. Four Correcaminos players scored in double figures. Barreteros (5-0) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Correcaminos lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with four games lost. They share the position with Panteras and Aguilas Rojas. Correcaminos will play next round against Panteras trying to get back on the winning streak. Barreteros will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Huracanes in Tampico.
Top scorers:
Barreteros: M.Council 31+2reb+2ast, S.Cuevas 16+5reb+8ast, C.Twan Briggs 12+8reb, J.Reaves 9+5reb+2ast, M.Thomas 8+4reb+2ast, R.Loera Almanza 6+1reb+2ast
Corr.Victoria: J.Penny 20+5reb+2ast, R.Selleaze 18+9reb+4ast, S.Monreal 15+3reb+2ast, F.Harris 13+2reb+7ast, D.Lamont 7+5reb+1ast, D.Rose 6+1reb
gschID: 137669


Halc.Xalapa - Pioneros 107-73

Halcones UV Xalapa's fans can celebrate the first win of their team after three consecutive loses. The victory is especially important as they outplayed much higher ranked Pioneros (3-2) 107-73. The game without a history. Halcones UV Xalapa led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Pioneros' 38 and made 20-of-23 charity shots (87.0 percent) during the game. Halcones UV Xalapa players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Pioneros' players. American guard Davin White (186-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge) stepped up and scored 19 points and 7 assists for the winners and the former international center Adam Parada (213-81, college: Cal-Irvine) chipped in 11 points and 11 rebounds. Four Halcones UV Xalapa players scored in double figures. American forward John Millsap (198-82, college: UTSA) responded with 19 points and the former international swingman Romel Beck (203-82, college: UNLV, agency: Interperformances) scored 20 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Halcones UV Xalapa (1-3) left bottom position moving up to ninth place. Pioneros at the other side dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. They share it with Soles and Huracanes. Halcones UV Xalapa will play against bottom-ranked Volcanes (#14) in Toluca in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Pioneros will play on the road against Halcones Rojos (#5) in Veracruz and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Halc.Xalapa: D.White 19+1reb+7ast, L.Real Aguilar 15+7reb+1ast, C.Hernandez 12+2reb, A.Parada 11+11reb+1ast, D.Shaw 11+4reb+3ast, V.Mariscal 11+1ast
Pioneros: R.Beck 20+2reb+1ast, J.Millsap 19+4reb+1ast, H.Llamas 11+2reb, C.Turley 9+2reb, S.Soriano 6+5reb, A.Esparza 4+1reb+1ast
gschID: 137664


Halc.Rojos - Volcanes 128-72

Bottom-ranked Volcanes is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their fifth consecutive match to seventh ranked Halcones Rojos (3-1) 128-72 on Thursday evening. The game without a history. Halcones Rojos led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They were well out of reach of Volcanes shooting 73.6 percent from the field. Halcones Rojos had a 31-15 advantage in offensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three sinking 16 long-distance shots on high 59.3 percentage. Halcones Rojos looked well-organized offensively handing out 36 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Volcanes' players. International guard Paul Stoll (178-85) nailed a double-double by scoring 23 points and 15 assists for the winning side and international forward Noe Alonzo (200-83, college: Grand Canyon) accounted for 13 points and 5 assists. Five Halcones Rojos players scored in double figures. Guard Carlos M. Toussaint (190-91) came up with 29 points and 5 rebounds and American swingman Anthony Clyde Nunn (201-79, college: Richmond) added 13 points respectively for Volcanes in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the third consecutive win for Halcones Rojos. They moved-up to fifth place. Volcanes lost their fifth game in a row. They still closes the standings with five games lost. Halcones Rojos will meet at home Pioneros (#7) in the next round. Volcanes will play against Halcones UV Xalapa (#9) and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Halc.Rojos: P.Stoll 23+15ast, L.Bethelmy 17+3reb, N.Alonzo 13+3reb+5ast, A.Solares 12+3reb+3ast, I.Gutierrez 12+6reb, M.Ayala 11+2reb+1ast
Volcanes: C.M. Toussaint 29+5reb+2ast, Z.Alvidres 15+2reb, A.Clyde Nunn 13+4reb+1ast, F.Ibarra 7+8reb+2ast, L.Morinia 4+2ast, J.Rivera 2
gschID: 137665


Toros - Soles 95-79

The game in Nuevo Laredo was also worth to mention about. 5th ranked Soles (3-2) played at the court of sixth ranked Toros (4-1). Toros defeated Soles 95-79. It looked good early as Soles took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Toros had a 30-15 second period charge getting the lead and Soles were not able to take back game control losing it eventually 79-95. The best player for the winners was American forward Devon Pearson (198-84, college: SMU) who had a double-double by scoring 25 points and 15 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). His fellow American import guard Rene Rougeau (198-86, college: UNLV) chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds. American power forward Robert Gleen (201-89, college: IUPUI) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds and the former international guard Pedro Meza Rogel (186-85, college: Arizona W. CC) added 14 points respectively for the guests. Five Toros and four Soles players scored in double figures. The victory was the third consecutive win for Toros. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Fuerza Regia. Soles at the other side dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. Toros' next round opponent will be Aguilas Rojas (#10) in San Juan and are hoping to win another game. Soles will play on the road against Fuerza Regia (#3) in Monterrey.
Top scorers:
Toros: D.Pearson 25+15reb+1ast, W.Pagan 16+1reb+3ast, R.Rougeau 16+7reb+2ast, J.Brownlee 11+3reb+2ast, J.Lopez 11+4reb+2ast, L.Ellis Vasquez 8+3reb+1ast
Soles: R.Gleen 21+10reb+2ast, P.Meza Rogel 14+1reb+1ast, R.Lopez 12+3reb+1ast, J.Griffin 12+2reb+1ast, C.Edwards 7+4reb+1ast, G.Smith 6+4reb+1ast
gschID: 137666




*****************************************************
  NBA   


Kevin Durant, John Wall scrimmage - by Eurobasket News
Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) made his points on and off the court Saturday, throwing down several thunderous alley-oops during a charity pickup game and saying afterward that the players will not give in to the owner's demands in the ongoing NBA labor negotiations.

With the lockout delaying the start of the season, Durant, John Wall (6'4''-PG-90, college: Kentucky) and other NBA players headlined the 'Clash of the Superstars' at Coolidge High School in Washington, D.C.

Several hundred spectators watched the glorified scrimmage, one of numerous games players have organized across the country to reach out to fans and keep their skills sharp while they wait for the union and the league to reach a new collective bargaining agreement.

Training camps are scheduled to open on Oct. 3 and the regular season on Nov. 1.

Courtesy of ESPN

Steve Javie retires as one the NBA's top refs - by Eurobasket News
Steve Javie, rated as one of the league's top officials during the past 15 years, is retiring because of an arthritic right knee, writes ESPN's Ric Bucher.

Javie has been an NBA official for 25 years.

Javie worked both Games 1 and 6 of the 2011 Finals, making him one of six referees to officiate two games. It is an honor reserved for the league's highest-rated referees and reflects that Javie is going out on top.

'I would like to stay at it and end it on my own terms, but in a way I feel as if I'm doing that in that I got to work that 25th year,' he said. 'Adrenaline is an amazing drug. The two weeks after the season, the knee was so painful I couldn't believe it. My doctor said it was because the adrenaline from the season had finally worn off. Every time I start to think maybe I still could do it, my knee has let me know, one way or another, that I can't.'

In 1999 during the previous lockout, Javie was one of 15 referees charged with income-tax evasion for downgrading plane tickets provided by the league and not reporting the funds saved.

Javie, alone, pleaded not guilty and won his case. 'You have to fight for your name,' he said at the time.

Bob Delaney, who also reached the 25-year milestone last season, is retiring as well, a decision he announced at the start of last season.

But 71-year-old Dick Bavetta, the league's oldest official, has not filed and apparently plans to return for a 37th season, according to several sources.

Courtesy of www.cleveland.com

PAOK signs swingman Giddens - by Eurobasket News
PAOK Thessaloniki added some scoring punch by signing swingman J.R. Giddens (196-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) for the season. Giddens (1.96 meters, 26 years old) made his Turkish Airlines Euroleague debut last season with Asseco Prokom, for whom he averaged 9 points on 47.4% three-point shooting and 5.2 rebounds in 10 games. His best game was his very first: 20 points on 9-for-9 two-point shooting and 10 rebounds in a losing effort against Khimki Moscow Region. Later in the season Giddens briefly joined Valencia Basket in Spain, but left before ever appearing in a game for the Spanish club. Giddens played college basketball for the University of Kansas and later for the University of New Mexico, where he was named the 2008 Mountain West Conference co-Player of the Year. He then spent parts of two seasons in the NBA with Boston and New York before coming to Europe.

Courtesy of Euroleague

Court approves Artest's name change to Metta World Peace - by Eurobasket News
Ron Artest's (6'7''-G/F-79, college: St.John's) bid to become Mr. World Peace was delayed, but not denied.

A court commissioner granted the Lakers forward's request to officially change his name to Metta World Peace on Friday, three weeks after the bid was blocked because Artest had unpaid traffic tickets.

Artest, 31, did not attend a brief hearing Friday.

Superior court spokeswoman Patricia Kelly said Artest's new last name will be World Peace.

His publicist, Courtney Barnes, said the player chose Metta because it is a traditional Buddhist word that means loving and kindness toward all.

'Changing my name was meant to inspire and bring youth together all around the world,' World Peace said in a statement released after the hearing. 'After this short delay, my tickets have been paid and I'm glad that it is now official.'

He requested the change in June, citing only personal reasons. He is scheduled to appear on the next season of Dancing With the Stars.

Barnes wrote in an email that World Peace will now have to get a new driver's license to reflect his new name, but the switch won't affect his contracts with the Lakers or any endorsement deals.

Artest helped the Lakers win an NBA title in 2010 and in April he received an award for outstanding service and dedication to the community.

He has testified before Congress to support mental health legislation.

Artest isn't the first athlete to adopt an unusual name.

Lloyd Bernard Free, a professional basketball player who played in the league from 1975-88, had his first name legally changed to World in 1981. A friend had given him the nickname because of his 44-inch vertical leaps and 360-degree dunks.

In the NFL, wide receiver Chad Johnson legally changed his last name to Ochocinco in August 2008 to reflect his jersey number. The name means 'eight five' in Spanish. Ochocinco is now with the New England Patriots.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Kobe Bryant still mulling playing abroad - by Eurobasket News
Kobe Bryant said that he's still considering playing overseas because an owners' lockout of players threatens to sabotage the upcoming NBA season.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar told the Associated Press on the sidelines of a youth basketball clinic in Singapore that he didn't know if there will be a 2011-12 season and hasn't ruled out playing abroad.

'I could,' Bryant said Saturday. 'I'm playing abroad right now.'

Bryant said he may join informal workouts with Lakers teammates in the future, but that no such sessions have been scheduled yet.

Turkish club Besiktas said in July it was in talks with Bryant's representatives about possibly playing for the team. At least one team in China has also expressed interest in the 33-year-old Bryant, who has won five NBA championships and been an All-Star 13 times.

Meanwhile, other NBA players are committing to playing next season in leagues outside the U.S.

Denver Nuggets free agents Wilson Chandler and J.R. Smith plan to play in China, Denver's Ty Lawson will play in Lithuania and New Jersey Nets All-Star Deron Williams signed with Turkey's Besiktas.

The NBA season usually begins in late October, but owners and players have so far failed to agree on a new labor deal. The two sides are at loggerheads over how to divide the league's revenue, a salary cap structure and the length of guaranteed contracts, and have made no significant progress in talks to end the lockout.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

*****************************************************
  NBLCANADA   


Mill Rats eyeing NBA player - by Eurobasket News
The Saint John Mill Rats could have an NBA player under contract by the beginning of next month.

Ian McCarthy , general manager and team president, said Friday the team is also in contact with 'three to five other NBA' players will interest in the Mill Rats.

'There is at least one player who has said he'll sign Oct. 1 if he's not back in the NBA or signed a significant deal overseas,' McCarthy said.

The plan would be to pair the NBA mystery man with Anthony Anderson, creating a formidable backcourt in Saint John. The 5-11 Anderson led the team in scoring last season at 19.05 points per game, earning first-team Premier Basketball League honours.

'Coach (Jaren Jackson) is comfortable with Anthony playing shooting guard because of his scoring ability despite his size. So we're looking to pair them together to replace Dwuan (Rice).'

The Mill Rats lost Rice (Germany), Jeffrey Ferguson (Japan) and Stanley Ocitti (Japan) from last year's roster. While forward Ross DeMasi has taken a teaching job in New Hampshire.

Anthony Anderson's brother Antonio, who was considering Saint John, has also signed a contract to play overseas.

That leaves forwards Marc Egerson and Steve DeLuca, along with Anthony Anderson as the only players the Mill Rats have signed. Saint John's training camp opens Oct. 17.

Saint John isn't the only NBL team making NBA noise. The Halifax Rainmen have scheduled a press conference for 11 a.m. Monday to announce to a player signing team president Andre Levingston describes as 'undoubtedly the largest in franchise history'.

With the current labour strife in the National Basketball Association, the fledgling Canadian league has been courting NBA players as an alternative to Europe.

'I've been trying to get it out of Andre but he's playing it pretty close,' McCarthy said. 'I just know that it is an NBA player.'

Courtesy of http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com

*****************************************************
  NCAA1   


Hall of Famer Dave Gavitt dies at 73 - by Eurobasket News
Dave Gavitt had an impact on the world of basketball. From a career as a successful coach to changing the face of college sports to introducing the Olympics to a Dream Team, Gavitt's touch was everywhere.

His death Friday night after a long illness was confirmed by his family Saturday. He died in a hospital near his hometown of Rumford, R.I. He was 73.

Gavitt coached Providence to the NCAA tournament five times, including the Final Four in 1973. He was the driving force behind the formation of the Big East Conference and was its first commissioner. He was selected to coach the U.S. Olympic team in 1980, but the United States boycotted the Moscow Games. Gavitt was president of USA Basketball and oversaw the introduction of NBA players onto the U.S. Olympic roster, including the Dream Team at the 1992 Games.

'He was not only a great basketball coach and organizer of the Big East but he was a great, great statesman for basketball, college and international,' former St. John's coach and fellow Naismith Hall of Famer Lou Carnesecca said Saturday.

Gavitt was the Big East's commissioner from 1979 until 1990. He served on the NCAA's Division I Basketball Committee from 1980-84 and was its chairman from 1982-84 when the tournament expanded to 64 teams and the first of its TV contracts with CBS was negotiated.

When he left the Big East, Gavitt joined the Boston Celtics front office as a vice president, succeeding Red Auerbach in running the franchise. He was fired in 1994.

Gavitt served as chairman of the Basketball Hall of Fame, to which he was inducted in 2006. He was president of the NCAA Foundation and worked as tournament director of the Maui Invitational from 2005 until 2009.

His biggest impact, however, was in the lives he affected during his decades in basketball.

'While he was changing the face of college basketball with the Big East and NCAA Selection Committee, he was still able to influence so many, including me personally,' Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun said Saturday. 'He never didn't have time to talk about the game. His legacy will always include his kindness as well as his greatness. He will be greatly, greatly missed.'

Born Oct. 26, 1937, in Westerly, R.I., Gavitt played basketball and baseball at Dartmouth, graduating from the Ivy League school in 1959. He was an assistant coach to Joe Mullaney at Providence for two years before starting his head coaching career in 1967 at Dartmouth, where he was 18-33 in two seasons.

He succeeded Mullaney at Providence in 1969 and led the Friars to a 209-84 record over 10 seasons for a .713 winning percentage that is still the best in school history. His Final Four team in 1973 featured Ernie DiGregorio and Marvin Barnes. He became the school's athletic director in 1971.

The Big East formed in 1979, with Providence, Georgetown, Syracuse, St. John's, Seton Hall, Boston College and Connecticut the original members. Villanova joined the next year. One of Gavitt's biggest moves was to have the new league become working partners right away with another new entity, ESPN.

'That ESPN came along as we did was very fortunate for us, and how we worked together benefited both tremendously,' Gavitt said.

He also moved the conference postseason tournament to New York's Madison Square Garden, where it has played before sellout crowds since 1983. The conference's high point came in 1985 when it became the only league to have three teams in the Final Four.

'We were so fortunate in so many ways at the outset,' Gavitt said in 2006. 'We put together a solid foundation with a good plan, but we were fortunate to have four coaches who were going to be at their schools for a long time in John Thompson, Louie Carnesecca, Jimmy Boeheim and Rollie Massimino, and having them stay in place was very significant.'

On the day Gavitt died the news in sports was about Big East members Pittsburgh and Syracuse possibly leaving for the Atlantic Coast Conference as the landscape of college sports faced its biggest change in decades.

'It is especially sad, considering today is certainly one of those days, with everything in the news about our league, I would love nothing more than to call him and ask him simply, 'What do you think and what should we do?'' Calhoun said. 'Sadly, we cannot do that.'

Gavitt led USA Basketball from its days of a strictly amateur organization to one that would bring the NBA and its players to a worldwide stage every four years starting with the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Gavitt knew he needed the NBA to be a partner with USA Basketball.

'I wanted USA Basketball to be the 28th NBA team, outside the family,' Gavitt said. 'I wanted NBA Properties, who are so good at what they do, to take our mark and represent us as our licensee and to help us get sponsorship.'

Gavitt's business acumen drew as much praise as his coaching.

'The rest of the world has learned much from Dave Gavitt about basketball and he has taught us much more than just on the court,' said Alexander Gomelsky, coach of the Soviet Union's 1988 gold medal team. 'He understands basketball as a business and has shown many countries the right way to do things. Everybody studies this because it is a fantastic business.'

Mike Tranghese was an assistant to Gavitt at the Big East from the start and he succeeded him as commissioner, retiring from that position in 2009.

'I wish I had the ability to properly express my feelings,' Tranghese said Saturday. 'We lost a giant. He helped so many people in the game of basketball and had such a profound influence. ... I think he's the most influential commissioner in the history of college athletics and at the same time was a Hall of Fame basketball coach who quit at age of 40 to spend time with his family. He had the ability to get things done and above all that he was your friend and it wasn't just to the powerful people.'

Gavitt is survived by his wife, Julie, and three sons, including Dan, an assistant commissioner with the Big East.

Courtesy of www.deseretnews.com

Kansas loses recruit Anderson after ruling by NCAA - by Eurobasket News
Highly touted prospect Braeden Anderson (6'8''-F/C) will not attend Kansas this academic year after the NCAA declared the power forward to be a partial qualifier.

Anderson would have been eligible for financial aid with the possibility of practicing during the second semester without playing games, but Big 12 rules stipulate partial qualifiers must be approved by the league's faculty athletic representatives.

Coach Bill Self said Friday that Anderson's case was not approved.

Self said the 6-foot-8 Anderson was 'crushed' after learning of the decision. Self said part of the problem may stem from the time Anderson attended high school in Canada before he went to Wilbraham and Monson, a prep school in Massachusetts.

Self said he was 'extremely disappointed in the outcome.'

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

AP source: Pittsburgh, Syracuse apply to join ACC - by Eurobasket News
The Atlantic Coast Conference has received application letters from Pittsburgh and Syracuse to join the league, according to a high-ranking ACC official.

At least 10 schools have reached out to the ACC during the recent period of uncertainty about conference realignment, the official told The Associated Press on Saturday. The official declined to identify those schools.

The official said presidents of the league's 12 schools recently unanimously approved raising the exit fee to $20 million - up from $12 million to $14 million - for any member leaving the conference. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the league has not announced any of the moves.

North Carolina State Chancellor Randy Woodson said he expects the league to make an announcement Sunday or Monday, but would not confirm the letters of application from Pitt and Syracuse.

'The great thing is that the conference is strong and committed to a unanimous commitment to staying together,' Woodson said. 'And to the extent that this is kind of a dramatic shift in conferences, we're trying to be proactive and stay strong.'

The Big East's exit fee is $5 million, though schools wanting to leave must provide 27 months' notice.

A jump by Pittsburgh and Syracuse could lead to another dramatic shuffle in college athletics. Texas A&M already has announced its intention to join the Southeastern Conference, leaving the future of the Big 12 in doubt. The board of regents at Oklahoma and Texas are meeting Monday to discuss the possibility of the universities leaving that conference.

Big East spokesman John Paquette declined to comment on the possible defections. Pittsburgh spokesman E.J. Borghetti said athletic director Steve Pederson also wouldn't comment. Syracuse AD Daryl Gross also declined comment.

If the move goes forward, Pittsburgh and Syracuse would become the fourth and fifth schools to leave the Big East for the ACC in the past decade. Virginia Tech and Miami joined in 2004, and Boston College followed a year later as the ACC's 12th member.

Syracuse is a founding member of the Big East, and Pittsburgh joined the league in 1982. The ACC official said their letters of application were for full membership.

North Carolina athletic director Dick Baddour said the ACC created a committee last year of athletic directors, university presidents and faculty athletic representatives to examine possible scenarios of both expansion and defections. Baddour, one of the four athletic directors on the committee, wouldn't reveal specifics of those discussions nor comment specifically on Syracuse and Pittsburgh.

'If you think about this nationally, it's obvious that the world is turning upside down and you want the ACC ... to be in a position where we are strong in all areas, that all of our sports are strong, that our television packages are strong as well,' Baddour said shortly before kickoff of the Virginia-North Carolina game.

Speaking on a pregame radio show, Virginia Tech athletic director Jim Weaver said: 'We want to move forward and be the best we can be, and that's what we're going to do.'

The New York Times first reported news of the talks involving the ACC on Friday, and CBSSports.com first reported Saturday the schools had filed applications with the ACC.

Until now, the focus of this most recent round of conference realignment had been on the Big 12, with the board of regents at Oklahoma and Texas meeting Monday to discuss their conference futures. Oklahoma could be heading to the Pac-12 and taking Oklahoma State with it. Texas has stated its desire to keep the Big 12 together, but the Pac-12 could be an option as well as football independence, a la Notre Dame, which competes in the Big East in all other sports.

Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott attended 23rd-ranked Texas' meeting with UCLA at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, but said he had no plans to meet with Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds or President Bill Powers.

Scott talked with Texas, Oklahoma and several other Big 12 teams last year while his conference added Utah and Colorado, signing a massive television contract along the way.

Scott reiterated the Pac-12's stance on expansion: The conference is 'not being proactive,' but has been approached by universities and is willing to consider growing again. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State have been linked with a Pac-12 move for several weeks, and Scott has confirmed several unidentified schools recently approached him for preliminary discussions.

'I'm surprised there's been so much activity so quickly,' Scott said, alluding to the upheaval in conference alignment talks the past few weeks. 'There's been a lot of transition in a short time.'

Scott said no school has applied for admission to the Pac-12, but also said the conference has no formal application policy.

There also have been reports linking Texas to the ACC, a move that likely would include Texas Tech.

When the Big Ten was looking to expand last summer, there was plenty of speculation about Big East schools on the Big Ten's target list.

But the Big Ten added only Nebraska (from the Big 12). A few months later the Big East announced TCU from the Mountain West Conference was joining the league in 2012 as its ninth football member and 17th overall.

'Nothing ... surprises me because it's been happening, the rumors have been going on for weeks now of who's going to where,' TCU AD Chris Del Conte said.

The Big East was close to signing a contract extension for its television rights with ESPN this year, walking away from a nine-year deal that reportedly was worth about $1 billion.

Big East Commissioner John Marinatto said in August that the Big East felt it was in a position of strength as the last major football conference to negotiate a deal because there would be more bidders on the market with NBC expanding its cable presence and Fox becoming more involved in college football.

The Big East's situation is tricky because of seven nonfootball members - such as Georgetown and Villanova - that help make it one of the nation's strongest basketball conferences. The basketball schools and football schools often have different agendas. But losing Pitt and Syracuse would be a huge blow to Big East basketball as well as football.

The other football-playing members of the Big East are Rutgers, Connecticut, Louisville, South Florida and Cincinnati.

There already has been speculation that West Virginia would be a target for the SEC to balance out that conference and grow to 14 members if and when Texas A&M finally joins.

The ACC would end up with 14 members if it adds Syracuse and Pitt, but 16 might make more sense. Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany has said his league is set with 12, but could reconsider if other conferences make additions.

It seems likely that the latest news about conference realignment won't be the last.

'I think some things will take shape in the near future,' Weaver said.

Courtesy of www.kansascity.com

*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND   


Breakers make it two from two - by Mike Lacey
The Sky City New Zealand Breakers completed a double header over the weekend against the Wollongong Hawks, The first game played at the Claudelands Arena in Hamilton was won 78-70 by the Breakers and the second encounter played 48 hours later at the impressive Baypark Arena was won 75-74

Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis would have been happy with the outcome as he and the bulk of the player had been on international duty until two days prior to the games. Lemanis rested Tom Abercrombie and Mika Vukona from both games due to their heavy recent work load and therefore took the opportunity to give extended court time to new squad members Leon Henry, Darryl Corletto, Jarrod Kenny and import Cedric Jackson.
Corletto looks a good pick up for the Breakers as he slotted seamlessly into the teams offensive patterns scoring 17 points in the first game and 14 points in game two. Leon Henry, awarded a starting spot alongside Jackson, CJ Bruton, Dillon Boucher and Gary Wilkinson top scored with 18 points in game one and added 10 points in game two.
The Breakers have two more training days before heading to Brisbane on Wednesday for the pre season Sunshine State Challenge.
Game 1
NZ Breakers 78 (Henry 18, Corletto 17, Jackson 11)
Wollongong Hawks 70 (Donavan Monroe 13, Oscar Forman 11)
Game 2
NZ Breakers 75 (Gary Wilkinson 14, Corletto 14, Jackson 13, Henry 10)
Hawks74 (Martin 23, Demos 15)


Breakers make it two from two - by Mike Lacey
The Sky City New Zealand Breakers completed a double header over the weekend against the Wollongong Hawks, The first game played at the Claudelands Arena in Hamilton was won 78-70 by the Breakers and the second encounter played 48 hours later at the impressive Baypark Arena was won 75-74

Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis would have been happy with the outcome as he and the bulk of the player had been on international duty until two days prior to the games. Lemanis rested Tom Abercrombie and Mika Vukona from both games due to their heavy recent work load and therefore took the opportunity to give extended court time to new squad members Leon Henry, Darryl Corletto, Jarrod Kenny and import Cedric Jackson.
Corletto looks a good pick up for the Breakers as he slotted seamlessly into the teams offensive patterns scoring 17 points in the first game and 14 points in game two. Leon Henry, awarded a starting spot alongside Jackson, CJ Bruton, Dillon Boucher and Gary Wilkinson top scored with 18 points in game one and added 10 points in game two.
The Breakers have two more training days before heading to Brisbane on Wednesday for the pre season Sunshine State Challenge.
Game 1
NZ Breakers 78 (Henry 18, Corletto 17, Jackson 11)
Wollongong Hawks 70 (Donavan Monroe 13, Oscar Forman 11)
Game 2
NZ Breakers 75 (Gary Wilkinson 14, Corletto 14, Jackson 13, Henry 10)
Hawks74 (Martin 23, Demos 15)


*****************************************************
  NORWAY   


BLNO Round 2: Undefeated Centrum loses their first game against Froya Basket - by Eurobasket
There were only 2 rounds played so far and it's still very beginning of the Regular Season in BLNO.

The most crucial game of the last round was the loss of Centrum (1-1) in Laksevag on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by Froya Basket (2-0) 99-72. It was a key game for the top position in the league as both teams had the same 1-0 record before this meeting. The game without a history. Froya Basket led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. 24 personal fouls committed by Centrum helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Latvian guard Reno Silavs (180-91) scored 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the former international forward Miilah Kombat (200-88, college: N.Idaho JC) chipped in 18 points during the contest. Guard Christian Hinsch (187-88, agency: Court Side) responded with 17 points (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Froya Basket keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Asker Aliens. Newly promoted Centrum keeps the third place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Froya Basket is looking forward to face Baerum Basket (#5) in Bekkestua in the next round. Centrum's supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Oslo to the arena Ammerud Bskt.
Very significant was Asker Aliens' (#2) 38-point road victory against top-ranked Ammerud Bskt 100-62. It was a key game for the top position in the league. American guard Tony Lee (185-86, college: Robert Morris) notched a double-double by scoring 12 points, 17 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort and Magnus Midtvedt supported him with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Asker Aliens' coach Jamie Andrisevic felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds by forward Roy Nwachukwu (196-90, college: Seminole St.CC) did not help to save the game for Ammerud Bskt. Defending champion (2-0) keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Froya Basket. Ammerud Bskt at the other side dropped to the third place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Asker Aliens will play against Gimle BBK (#6) in Bergen in the next round where they are favorite. Ammerud Bskt's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Oslo Centrum.
Quite upsetting was Tromso's home defeat in a game versus Gimle BBK 80-75. The best player for the winners was Marius Sumskis who scored 23 points and 6 rebounds. Gimle BBK's coach Brent Hackman used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Morten Sahlertz produced 34 points (!!!) for the hosts. Gimle BBK (1-1) left bottom position moving up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Tromso still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Langhus. Gimle BBK will meet league's leader Asker Aliens on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Tromso will play against Langhus IL (#7) in Oslo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 2 winless Langhus was destroyed by Baerum Basket on the opponent's court 95-73.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 31 points and 4 assists by Stian Mjos of Baerum Basket.

Froya Basket - Centrum 99-72

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Centrum (1-1) in Laksevag on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by Froya Basket (2-0) 99-72. It was a key game for the top position in the league as both teams had the same 1-0 record before this meeting. The game without a history. Froya Basket led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. 24 personal fouls committed by Centrum helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Latvian guard Reno Silavs (180-91) scored 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the former international forward Miilah Kombat (200-88, college: N.Idaho JC) chipped in 18 points during the contest. Four Froya Basket players scored in double figures. Guard Christian Hinsch (187-88, agency: Court Side) responded with 17 points (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and the former international point guard Mustafa Mahnin (182-80) scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Froya Basket keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Asker Aliens. Newly promoted Centrum keeps the third place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Froya Basket is looking forward to face Baerum Basket (#5) in Bekkestua in the next round. Centrum's supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Oslo to the arena Ammerud Bskt.
Top scorers:
Centrum: C.Hinsch 17+3reb+1ast, M.Mahnin 10+8reb+2ast, B.Aunan 10+4reb+1ast, K.Kanu 9, M.Bradascio 8+1reb, T.Vangen 8+5reb+5ast
Froya Basket: K.Otabor 20+2reb, M.Kombat 18+4reb, R.Silavs 13+7reb+4ast, A.Nzeyimana 11+1ast, E.Gabrans 11+5reb+6ast, A.Ouakkaha 9+5reb+4ast
gschID: 144918


Ammerud Bskt - Asker Aliens 62-100

Very significant was Asker Aliens' (#2) 38-point road victory against top-ranked Ammerud Bskt 100-62. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by Asker Aliens. Ammerud Bskt was better in third quarter 18-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Ammerud Bskt 39-27 including 29 on the defensive glass. Asker Aliens shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 57.1 percentage. American guard Tony Lee (185-86, college: Robert Morris) notched a double-double by scoring 12 points, 17 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort and point guard Magnus Midtvedt (182-90) supported him with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Five Asker Aliens players scored in double figures. Asker Aliens' coach Jamie Andrisevic felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds by forward Roy Nwachukwu (196-90, college: Seminole St.CC) did not help to save the game for Ammerud Bskt. The former international forward Thor Hagen (196-80) added 21 points for the hosts. Defending champion (2-0) keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Froya Basket. Ammerud Bskt at the other side dropped to the third place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Asker Aliens will play against Gimle BBK (#6) in Bergen in the next round where they are favorite. Ammerud Bskt's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Oslo Centrum.
Top scorers:
Ammerud Bskt: T.Hagen 21+1reb+1ast, R.Nwachukwu 14+12reb+1ast, O.Okoroafor 13+2ast, M.Bryn 5+5reb, Z.Mahojlovic 4+1reb, A.Haddad 3
Asker Aliens: F.Bohn 21+5reb, E.Stien 21+5reb+2ast, C.Land 20+3reb+1ast, M.Midtvedt 16+7reb+6ast, T.Lee 12+17reb+5ast, S.Gustavsen 7+1reb
gschID: 144915


Baerum Basket - Langhus 95-73

Everything could happen in Bekkestua at the game between two tied teams. Both fifth ranked Baerum Basket and bottom-ranked Langhus IL had identical 0-1 record. This time Baerum Basket used a home court advantage and crushed the opponent from Oslo 95-73 on Saturday night. The best player for the winners was guard Stian Mjos (182-89) who scored 31 points and 4 assists (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field). American power forward Donald Oatis (206-79, college: Wilberforce, agency: Prossin Sports Management) chipped in 17 points and 7 rebounds. Guard Ole Egeland (186-83) produced 17 points and 5 rebounds and guard Emari O'Garrow (190-78) added 15 points respectively for the guests. Four Baerum Basket and five Langhus IL players scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Baerum Basket (1-1) left bottom position moving up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Langhus IL still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Tromso. Baerum Basket will meet at home league's second-placed Froya Basket in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Langhus IL will play against Tromso (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Langhus: O.Egeland 17+5reb+2ast, E.O'Garrow 15+4reb+2ast, G.Klubnes 10+4reb, T.Randolph 10+6reb+4ast, J.Stian Olsen 10+4reb+1ast, B.Andersen 6+3reb
Baerum Basket: S.Mjos 31+4reb+4ast, D.Oatis 17+7reb+1ast, T.Mjos 12+4reb+6ast, B.Andreassen 11+4reb, M.Elgmork 9+4reb+3ast, L.Harto 5+3reb
gschID: 144916


Tromso - Gimle BBK 75-80

Quite upsetting was Tromso's home defeat in a game versus Gimle BBK 80-75. Tromso was trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 6-point lead after three quarters before a 27-16 charge of Gimle BBK, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was Lithuanian center Marius Sumskis (203-88) who scored 23 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Anders Stien (195-90) chipped in 14 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Four Gimle BBK players scored in double figures. Gimle BBK's coach Brent Hackman used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Danish forward Morten Sahlertz (198-89) produced 34 points (!!!) and American forward Brad Byerson (201-85, college: Virginia Union) added 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the hosts. Gimle BBK (1-1) left bottom position moving up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Tromso still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Langhus. Gimle BBK will meet league's leader Asker Aliens on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Tromso will play against Langhus IL (#7) in Oslo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tromso: M.Sahlertz 34+4reb, B.Byerson 19+9reb+4ast, H.Issalhi 10+8reb+10ast, A.Solem 6+4reb, G.Mihaylov 4+3reb+2ast, D.Johansen 2+1reb+1ast
Gimle BBK: M.Sumskis 23+6reb+1ast, A.Stien 14+7reb+8ast, S.Enge 13+5reb+2ast, D.Berg 12+4reb+2ast, E.Fjaerestad 6+3reb, S.de Lange 6+2reb+4ast
gschID: 144917




Standings - BLNO
BLNO Standings
 1. Asker Aliens 2-0 
 2. Froya Basket 2-0 
 3. Centrum 1-1 
 4. Ammerud Bskt 1-1 
 5. Baerum Basket 1-1 
 6. Gimle BBK 1-1 
 7. Langhus 0-2 
 8. Tromso 0-2 


BLNO Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Stian MJOS
  Baerum B.
  (182-G-89)
  Avg: 26.5
 1. Mjos, Baerum B.26.5 
 2. Sahlertz, Tromso23.5 
 3. Sumskis, Gimle BBK23.0 
 4. Land, Asker Aliens21.0 
 5. Hagen, Ammerud20.0 
 6. Kombat, Froya B.19.0 
 7. Wallace, Tromso18.0 
 8. Stien, Asker Aliens17.5 
 9. Lee, Asker Aliens17.5 
 10. Hinsch, Centrum17.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Tony LEE
  Asker Aliens
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 18.5
 1. Lee, Asker Aliens18.5 
 2. Bullock, Froya B.9.0 
 3. Lepovic, Centrum9.0 
 4. Mahnin, Centrum8.0 
 5. Oatis, Baerum B.8.0 
 6. Issalhi, Tromso7.5 
 7. Byerson, Tromso7.5 
 8. Ouakkaha, Froya B.7.0 
 9. Nwachukwu, Ammerud7.0 
 10. Wallace, Tromso7.0 
Assists Per Game
 Anders STIEN
  Gimle BBK
  (195-G-90)
  Avg: 8
 1. Stien, Gimle BBK8.0 
 2. Issalhi, Tromso6.5 
 3. Midtvedt, Asker A.6.0 
 4. Vangen, Centrum5.0 
 5. Lee, Asker Aliens5.0 
 6. Gabrans, Froya B.5.0 
 7. Stien, Asker Aliens4.0 
 8. Ferranti, Baerum B.4.0 
 9. Mjos, Baerum B.4.0 
 10. Mjos, Baerum B.4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Hani ISSALHI
  Tromso
  (187-G-84)
  Avg: 2
 1. Issalhi, Tromso2.0 
 2. Sumskis, Gimle BBK2.0 
 3. Westerlund, Ammeru.2.0 
 4. Mjos, Baerum B.2.0 
 5. Silavs, Froya B.1.5 
 6. Land, Asker Aliens1.5 
 7. Andersen, Langhus1.5 
 8. Lee, Asker Aliens1.5 
 9. Mjos, Baerum B.1.5 
 10. Stien, Asker Alie.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Donald OATIS
  Baerum B.
  (206-F/C-79)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Oatis, Baerum B.2.5 
 2. Lee, Asker Aliens1.5 
 3. Byerson, Tromso1.5 
 4. Hinsch, Centrum1.0 
 5. Bullock, Froya B.1.0 
 6. Nwachukwu, Ammerud1.0 
 7. Andreassen, Baerum1.0 
 8. Mahojlovic, Ammeru.0.5 
 9. Sjostrom, Baerum B.0.5 
 10. Land, Asker Aliens0.5 


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


2011 Asian Championship: Philippines fire past Bahrain - by Eurobasket News
Philippines - Bahrain 113:71

Philippines registered a comfortable win over Bahrain on the third day of action at Asian Championship in Wuhan. Japeth Aguilar (208-C-85, college: W.Kentucky) stepped up with 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead Philippines as they improved at 2-1 record in Group D. Bahrain suffered the third loss in a row.
Philippines unloaded 30 points in the starting quarter to clear off. They established a comfortable 12-point lead ten minutes into the game. Bahrain however did not allow their opponents to enlarge the margin in the second term. Philippines led by 11 points at halftime 40:51. Philippines opened the third term on a 19:0 run to leave Bahrain behind. Philippines piled up an 86:47 advantage at the final intermission and never looked back en route to the victory. Marcus Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) notched 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Joseph Casio (177-PG-86) added 15 points in the victory. Bader Abdulla Malabes (87) replied with 15 points and 7 assists for Bahrain. Hesham Sarhan (92) had 13 points in the losing effort.

Philippines: Japeth Aguilar 21+12 boards, Marcus Douthit 18, Joseph Casio 15
Bahrain: Bader Abdulla Malabes 15, Hesham Sarhan 13


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


Slask Wroclaw and Spiska Nova Ves open Zielona Gora Tournament with wins - by Eurobasket News
Slask Wroclaw celebrated victory on the first day of Zielona Gora Tournament. They defeated PGE Turow 88:70 behind 24 points from Slavisa Bogavac (200-G/F-80, agency: BeoExcell). Slask Wroclaw led by just 3 points at halftime 44:41. But Slask gradually stretched the margin in the second half and eventually came away with an easy victory at the end. Pawel Buczak (206-C-88, college: Princeton) posted 15 points, while Robert Skibniewski (182-G-83) added 11 points for the winners. Pawel Jankowski (180-G-81) and Daniel Kickert (208-C-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) answered with 12 points each for PGE Turow.
In the meantime hosting Zastal came up short against Slovakian Nova Ves 92:93. The hosts established a comfortable 52:44 halftime lead. But Nova Ves erupted for 29 points in the fourth frame and escaped with a narrow victory at the end. Michal Batka (204-C-87) notched 26 points to pace the winners. Gistrap contributed 23 points for Nova Ves. Ryan Wittman (198-F-87, college: Cornell) replied with 19 points for Zastal Zielona Gora. Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida) chipped in 16 points in the loss.


Rembis Cup in Inowroclaw - by Maciej Paszyn
1-liga club Polomarket ISS Sportino Inowroclaw is a home team of pre-season 'Rembis Cup' turnament. Special quest of turnamnet is B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas Young team ( reserves of Euroleague team ). Organizers invited also two others 1-liga teams : KS Start Gdynia and KS Spojnia Stargard Szczecinski.

On the first day of competition Spojna Stargard smashed Inowroclaw 71 - 48 (22:15, 16:10, 17:17, 16:6). Young Sportino players had got the biggest problems with opponent guards. Four key guards of Spojnia ( Adam Parzych (190-G-86, agency: Promotex, college: Bryant), Tomasz Stepien (193-G-86), Jaroslaw Kalinowski (180-PG-79) Tomasz Ochonko (185-PG-86) ) scored one point less than all Polomarket team. Supporting by experienced center - Wiktor Grudzinski (208-C-78) - Stargard players hadn't lose any quarter.

POLOmarket Sportino: Hubert Wierzbicki (196-F-91, agency: Promotex) 10, Tomasz Zablocki (202-F-78, agency: Promotex) 8, Dawid Adamczewski (190-G-91) 7, Maciej Strzelecki (204-F/C-87) 7, Jedrzej Jankowiak (183-G-83, agency: Promotex) 4, Grzegorz Kukielka (192-G-83) 4, Karol Michalek (204-F-87) 2, Pawel Mowlik (182-G-89) 2, Przemyslaw Rychlowski (194-G/F-92) 2, Piotr Wisniewski (195-F-85) 2.

Spjnia: Adam Parzych 14, Tomasz Stepien 13, Jaroslaw Kalinowski 11, Wiktor Grudzinski 9, Tomasz Ochonko 9, Hubert Pabian (202-F-89, agency: Promotex) 7, Lukasz Bodych (204-F/C-90, agency: Promotex) 3, Mariusz Wojcik (197-F-79) 3, Arkadiusz Soczewski (202-F/C-82) 2.

In second friday game Zalgiris Young team won with KS Start Gdynia 63 - 54

Full Schedule of last 2 days :

Saturday
16:00 KS Spojnia Stargard Szczecinski - B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas 2
18:00 Polomarket ISS Sportino Inowroclaw - KS Start Gdynia

Sunday
11:00 KS Spojnia Stargard Szczecinski - KS Start Gdynia
13:00 Polomarket ISS Sportino Inowroclaw - B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas 2



Anwil Wloclawek fails again - by Eurobasket News
Anwil Wloclawek faced with the second pre-season loss. The Polish squad played a friendly game against Czech Decin tonight. The home squad registered easy 90-70 victory in this meeting. Anwil managed to resist only in the second quarter, what of course was not enough. Dardan Berisha (192-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) scored 16 points for Anwil tonight. John Allen (194-G/F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Seton Hall), Louis Hinnant (193-PG-84, college: Boston Coll.) and Marshall Moses (198-F-89, college: Oklahoma St.) and added 11 points each. Quarters - 27:20, 8:13, 29:17, 26:20.
During the week, Anwil Wloclawek failed in a friendly game against Rudupis Prienai 86-95. Visitors exploded in the last quarter 21-35 to take this victory. Seid Hajric (203-F-83) scored 21 points for the Polish squad. Marshall Moses and Dardan Berisha netted 16 and 14 points respectively.

Robert Tomaszek heads to Germany - by Eurobasket News
Robert Tomaszek (204-F-81, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Texas Tech) will continue his career in Germany. The experienced Polish power forward signed a one-year deal with S. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg. It is important to mention that Tomaszek also has German citizenship. He spent last season with PGE Turow Zgorzelec. In 40 PLK games Tomaszek averaged 7 points and 4.5 rebounds. He helped Turow to reach PLK Finals and was named Eurobasket.com Polish League All-Defensive Team -11. Before Turow, Robert Tomaszek spent half of the season with PBG Basket Poznan. In the past, he played for Nymburk, Prostejov, Casale, ASVEL and Bremerhaven. He graduated at the Texas Tech University in 2004.

'He is very experienced and has played in some strong leagues. We were looking for a guy that concentrates on defense and are happy to have found him', stressed S.Oliver Baskets head coach John Patrick.

*****************************************************
  QATAR   


2011 Asian Championship: Taiwan edge Qatar - by Eurobasket News
Taiwan - Qatar 94:78

Taiwan recorded the second win at the Asian Championship preliminary round. They outscored Qatar to clinch 2-1 record in Group B. Tsung-Hsien Chang (192-G-88) scored 35 points to lead the effort. Qatar used just five players in the game and suffered the third straight loss at the tournament.
Taiwan knocked down 23 points in the opening frame to build an 8-point buffer. They stretched the margin in the second frame. Taiwan ensured a 50:40 halftime lead. Qatar did not surrender cutting the deficit in the third stanza. They got within 7 points at the final break 61:68. But Taiwan quickly stretched the gap to 15 points in the final quarter and never looked back en route to the victory. Lee Hsueh-Lin (176-PG-84) posted 15 points, 7 assists and 5 boards, while Wen-Ting Tseng (202-C/F-84) added 14 points for the winners. Omer Abdelkader Salem (206-C-83) answered with 30 points and 12 rebounds for Qatar. Erfan Ali Saeed (198-F-83) finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds in the losing case.

Taiwan: Tsung-Hsien Chang 35, Lee Hsueh-Lin 15, Wen-Ting Tseng 14
Qatar: Omer Abdelkader Salem 30+12 boards, Erfan Ali Saeed 19+13 boards


*****************************************************
  RUSSIA   


Ural and Nizhniy Novgorod taste latest victories - by Eurobasket News
Nizhniy Novgorod edged Maribor 67:64 in Belgrade. The Russian team started the game with 23-10 in the first period, but the squad from Slovenia replied with 22-16 in the second period. Nizhniy Novgorod won the third stanza 13-12, while Maribor replied with 20-15 in the last period. Ignerski Michal poured in 15 points to lead the charge and Nemanja Protic (182-G-86) nailed 14. Stevan Tapuskovic (209-F/G-89) and Sasa Mucic (202-F-83) answered with 13 points each in defeat and Pelko Jure added 12.
Ural rolled over Spartak Primorye 78:72 in Croatia. It was a strange first half of the game cause first Ural won the opening quarter 19-10. In the second frame Spartak erupted with 15-1, but could not keep the lead. Ural needed 30-22 in the third quarter to take the lead and finished with 28-25 in the last quarter. Nikola Lepojevic (199-F-82, agency: BeoExcell) stepped up with 25 points, while Shaskov Semen scored 14. Torey Thomas (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) replied with 21 points and Viktor Uskov (182-G-86) netted 17.


*****************************************************
  SAINT KITTS   


Palencia inks 2-month deal with Kyle Swanston - by Eurobasket News
Palencia Baloncesto announced signing of Kyle Swanston (201-F-86, college: JMU) for the next two months. He is not a new face in Spain. Swanston played for Clavijo in LEB Silver last season. He appeared 28 times in the league averaging 13.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assist. Eurobasket awarded him with Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver Honorable Mention -11. Clavijo was the LEB Silver champion and won the promotion to LEB Gold. Season 2009/10, Kyle Swanston spent in Finland. He was a member of Lapuan Korikobrat. For 27 games there he exploded with 21.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg. Lapuan Korikobrat reached Finals and Swanston was top-scorer of the competition.

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


Radnicki wins tournament in Kraljevo - by Eurobasket News
Radnicki Kragujevac - Crvena Zvezda 96-92

Radnicki Kragujevac is the winner of tournament in Kraljevo. They grabbed 96-92 victory against Crvena Zvezda in the Finals. This is the first pre-season loss for Crvena Zvezda. Anton Gaddefors (200-F-89) was the leading player in Radnicki with 22 points. Stefan Bircevic (209-F/C-89) and David Simon (207-C-82, college: IPFW) followed him with 18 and 16 points respectively. Stefan Sinovec (195-G-88) helped with 14 points. In the loosing squad, Petar Popovic (211-C-79) was better than the others with 17 points. Vuk Radivojevic (197-G-83) stopped to 16 pts. Quarters - 21:19, 16:21 27:18, 32:34. Crvena Zvezda recently won the Mega Vizura Cup.

Radnicki Kragujevac: Anton Gaddefors 22, Stefan Bircevic 18, David Simon 16, Stefan Sinovec 14
Crvena Zvezda: Petar Popovic 17, Vuk Radivojevic 16

Partizan beats Aris in Pravets, 81-69 - by Eurobasket News
Partizan - Aris 81-69

Partizan celebrated in the first day of the tournament in Pravets. The Serbian powerhouse handed 81-69 loss to Aris Thessaloniki. Partizan took control on its rival from the beginning. They made 25-18 lead in the first ten minutes and continued with 25-20 in Q2. Aris improved after the breather and third quarter belonged to them 12-19, but Partizan had an answer. They jumped to plus 16 during the last period and later celebrated 81-69 win. Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) nailed 16 points in his debut for Partizan. Vladimir Lucic (202-F-89, agency: Beo Basket) had 14 points and Dusan Kecman (197-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) added one less. In the loosing squad, Dan Mavraides (193-G-88, college: Princeton) delivered 14 points. Mihalis Tsairelis (206-F/C-88) and Darryl Watkins (211-C-84, college: Syracuse) netted 12 and 10 points respectively.

Partizan: Miroslav Raduljica 16, Vladimir Lucic 14, Dusan Kecman 13
Aris: Dan Mavraides 14, Mihalis Tsairelis 12, Darryl Watkins 10

Lukoil hands 82-70 loss to Partizan - by Eurobasket News
Lukoil Akademik - Partizan 82-70

Partizan failed in the second game of the tournament in Pravets. The Serbian powerhouse was defeated but the Bulgarian champion Lukoil Akademik 82-70. Both teams outplayed Aris Thessaloniki in their first games. Bruno Sundov (221-C-80, agency: Alti Sport) stepped up for Lukoil with 19 points. Andre Owens (193-G-80, college: Houston) had 16 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, while experienced Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances) added 10 pts and 6 assists to this victory. In Partizan, Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) delivered 16 points. Danilo Andjusic (197-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) and Acie Law (190-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Texas A&M) had 13 and 8 points respectively. Lukoil did a great job in the first half. They started the game with 24-13 lead in the first quarter and continued with 23-17 for rest of the first half. Partizan faced with minus 17 at the HT and was not able to replay in the next 20 minutes. Actually they won Q3 and Q4 (13-15, 22-25), but that was not enough.

Lukoil: Bruno Sundov 19, Andre Owens 16+7 boards+6 as, Todor Stoykov 10+6 as
Partizan: Miroslav Raduljica 16, Danilo Andjusic 13, Acie Law 8

EuroBasket 2011: Slovenia finish on a high note - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia - Serbia 72:68

Slovenia claimed the seventh overall position at the EuroBasket. They held off Serbia on the final day of the competition. Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) scored 21 points to pace the winners.
Slovenia opened the game with six points in a row. They quickly cleared off to a double-digit lead. But Serbia slowly picked up the tempo and surged ahead for a 20:19 advantage late in the period. But Saso Ozbolt (188-G-81, agency: World Sport Agency) drained a pair of triples and Muric added a dunk as Slovenia secured a 27:20 lead after ten minutes of action. Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) gave Slovenia back a double-digit advantage midway through the second term. Slovenia stayed in charge posting a 44:39 halftime lead. Saso Ozbolt, Lorbek and Jaka Lakovic made it 64:49 for Slovenia late in the third term. But Serbia refused to give up easily. Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) triggered a 13:0 run that drew things level at 64. Goran Dragic stopped the bleeding with a free throw but Stefan Markovic soon put Serbia in front 66:65. Jaka Lakovic drained a triple and Lorbek came up with a jumper that sealed the win for Slovenia. Jaka Lakovic delivered 15 points, while Saso Ozbolt posted 9 points in the victory. Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) answered with 13 points for Serbia. Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances), Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) and Milan Macvan had 12 points each in the loss.

Slovenia: Goran Dragic 21, Jaka Lakovic 15, Saso Ozbolt 9
Serbia: Kosta Perovic 13, Nemanja Bjelica 12, Dusko Savanovic 12, Milan Macvan 12


Crvena Zvezda Beograd inks Petar Popovic - by Eurobasket News
Petar Popovic (211-C-79) is back to Crvena Zvezda. He signed a one-year deal with his new/old club. Popovic arrives to Crvena Zvezda from Spartak St.Petersburg where he spent last season. Popovic appeared 32 times in Russian league averaging 7.3 points and 2.8 rebounds. He also added 9 ppg and 4 rpg in 14 EuroChallenge games. Petar Popovic played for Estudiantes from 2008 until the last summer. Before that, he spent one year with DKV Joventut. Petar Popovic was a member of Crvena Zvezda in 2006/07. He also played for them in 2000/01. Popovic has experience from Benetton Treviso and Hemofarm, with whom he won the Adriatic league title in 2005. With DKV Joventut Popovic won the ULEB Cup and Spanish Cup in 2008. With Spartak he celebrated in Russian Cup this year.

*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA   


Slask Wroclaw and Spiska Nova Ves open Zielona Gora Tournament with wins - by Eurobasket News
Slask Wroclaw celebrated victory on the first day of Zielona Gora Tournament. They defeated PGE Turow 88:70 behind 24 points from Slavisa Bogavac (200-G/F-80, agency: BeoExcell). Slask Wroclaw led by just 3 points at halftime 44:41. But Slask gradually stretched the margin in the second half and eventually came away with an easy victory at the end. Pawel Buczak (206-C-88, college: Princeton) posted 15 points, while Robert Skibniewski (182-G-83) added 11 points for the winners. Pawel Jankowski (180-G-81) and Daniel Kickert (208-C-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) answered with 12 points each for PGE Turow.
In the meantime hosting Zastal came up short against Slovakian Nova Ves 92:93. The hosts established a comfortable 52:44 halftime lead. But Nova Ves erupted for 29 points in the fourth frame and escaped with a narrow victory at the end. Michal Batka (204-C-87) notched 26 points to pace the winners. Gistrap contributed 23 points for Nova Ves. Ryan Wittman (198-F-87, college: Cornell) replied with 19 points for Zastal Zielona Gora. Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida) chipped in 16 points in the loss.


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


Update on Krka, Zlatogor and Maribor - by Eurobasket News
Cibona grabbed 86:85 win over Krka in overtime. The Croatian team started with 28-15 and even added 19-18 in the second period. The Slovanian Champion needed 29-8 in the third frame to take the lead. Cibona meanwhile won the fourth period 21-14 and then added 10-9 in overtime. Antwain Barbour (196-G/F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Kentucky) stepped up with 18 points for the winners and Chase scored 12. Jure Balazic (204-F-80) finished the game with 18 points for Krka nd Jordan scored 14.
Zlatorog smashed UBSC Graz 112:73. The Slovenian team opened the game with 29-18 and added massive 36-16 in the second period. The second half also belonged to Zlatogor that tasted 28-21 in the third and 19-18 in the last quarters respectively. John Roberson (180-G-88, college: Texas Tech) and Nikolic paced all the winners with 16 points each, while Jure Skific (202-F/C-88) nailed 12. Moric replied with 20 points in the losing case, while Ambrois and Knurr had 19 apiece.
Nizhniy Novgorod edged Maribor 67:64 in Belgrade. The Russian team started the game with 23-10 in the first period, but the squad from Slovenia replied with 22-16 in the second period. Nizhniy Novgorod won the third stanza 13-12, while Maribor replied with 20-15 in the last period. Ignerski Michal poured in 15 points to lead the charge and Nemanja Protic (182-G-86) nailed 14. Stevan Tapuskovic (209-F/G-89) and Mucic Sasa answered with 13 points each in defeat and Jure Pelko (190-G-90) added 12.


EuroBasket 2011: Slovenia finish on a high note - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia - Serbia 72:68

Slovenia claimed the seventh overall position at the EuroBasket. They held off Serbia on the final day of the competition. Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) scored 21 points to pace the winners.
Slovenia opened the game with six points in a row. They quickly cleared off to a double-digit lead. But Serbia slowly picked up the tempo and surged ahead for a 20:19 advantage late in the period. But Saso Ozbolt (188-G-81, agency: World Sport Agency) drained a pair of triples and Muric added a dunk as Slovenia secured a 27:20 lead after ten minutes of action. Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) gave Slovenia back a double-digit advantage midway through the second term. Slovenia stayed in charge posting a 44:39 halftime lead. Saso Ozbolt, Lorbek and Jaka Lakovic made it 64:49 for Slovenia late in the third term. But Serbia refused to give up easily. Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) triggered a 13:0 run that drew things level at 64. Goran Dragic stopped the bleeding with a free throw but Stefan Markovic soon put Serbia in front 66:65. Jaka Lakovic drained a triple and Lorbek came up with a jumper that sealed the win for Slovenia. Jaka Lakovic delivered 15 points, while Saso Ozbolt posted 9 points in the victory. Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) answered with 13 points for Serbia. Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances), Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) and Milan Macvan had 12 points each in the loss.

Slovenia: Goran Dragic 21, Jaka Lakovic 15, Saso Ozbolt 9
Serbia: Kosta Perovic 13, Nemanja Bjelica 12, Dusko Savanovic 12, Milan Macvan 12


Union Olimpija travels to Turkey for Rixos Cup - by Matej Bergant
Slovenia's Euroleague only team Union Olimpija Ljubljana will participate at Rixos Cup in Antalya, Turkey this weekend. Besides them, there will be also Croatian KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje, Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul, Turk Telekom Ankara, Greek PAOK Thessaloniki and home town team Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye. Union Olimpija is in a group B with both Euroleague clubs Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul and KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje.

Schedule of Rixos Cup, Antalya, Turkey:

Group A: Turk Telekom Ankara, PAOK Thessaloniki, Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye
Group B: Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbu, Union Olimpija Ljubljana, KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje

Friday, September 16th
16.00, Turk Telekom Ankara - PAOK Thessaloniki
18.15, KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje - Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul

Saturday, September 17th
16.00, Turk Telekom Ankara - Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye
18.15, KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje - Union Olimpija Ljubljana

Sunday, September 18th
16.00, PAOK Thessaloniki - Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye
18.15, Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul - Union Olimpija Ljubljana

Monday, September 19th
14.00, 3A - 3B
16.15, 2A - 2B
18.30, 1A - 1B

* times are in CET

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


2011 Asian Championship: South Korea stay undefeated with win over India - by Eurobasket News
South Korea - India 84:53

South Korea recorded the third win in a row at 2011 Asian Championship. They eased past India to finish the preliminary round at 3-0 record on top of Group A. Kang Byung-Hyun (193-G/F-85) delivered 22 points in the victory. India suffered the third loss in a row.
South Korea started the game aggressively. They quickly pulled ahead and built a 27:11 lead after ten minutes. South Korea maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They posted a 46:28 halftime advantage. India had little to answer with after the big break. The Korean side piled up a 66:34 lead with ten minutes to go and never looked back en route to the victory. Moon Tae-Jong (199-F-75, agency: Alti Sport, college: Richmond) notched 14 points, while Cho Sung-Min (189-F-83) accounted for 12 points in the win. Trideep Rai (190-F-83) responded with 11 points for India. Hareesh Koroth (185-G-84) and Yadwinder Singh (197-C-86) had 8 points each in the loss.

South Korea: Kang Byung-Hyun 22, Moon Tae-Jong 14, Cho Sung-Min 12
India: Trideep Rai 11, Hareesh Koroth 8, Yadwinder Singh 8



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  SPAIN   


Caceres and Gran Canaria clinch pre-season victories - by Eurobasket News
Caceres overcame Real Madrid in the pre-season clash yesterday. Jose Angel Antelo (203-F/C-87) scored 22 points as the hosts ran away with an 83:81 win at the end. Real Madrid led by three points after ten minutes of action. The Madrid team stretched the gap to 5 points at halftime 47:42. But Caceres turned things around in the second half. They home team pulled ahead in the third term and maintained it till the final buzzer. Daniel Rodriguez (180-PG-84) netted 14 points, while Carleton Scott (200-F-88, college: Notre Dame) contributed 11 points in the victory. Jaycee Carroll (188-PG-83, agency: Priority Sports) answered with 23 points for Real Madrid. Sergio Daniel Rodriguez (191-G-86) had 16 points in defeat.
Gran Canaria nipped Caja Laboral 67:65 in Teguise. Spencer Nelson (203-F-80, college: Utah St.) knocked down 15 points to pace the effort. The teams stayed close throughout the first half. Gran Canaria posted a narrow 31:30 lead at halftime. Caja Laboral surged in front in the third term but Gran Canaria bounced back late in the game snatching a narrow win at the end. Rasual Butler (201-F-79, college: La Salle) posted 13 points, while Javier Beiran (200-F-87) added 10 points for the winners. Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 19 points for Caja Laboral. Pau Ribas (193-PG-87) finished with 17 points in the loss.


Tarragona signs Latvian center Andrej Selakovs - by Eurobasket News
Andrejs Selakovs (210-C-88, agency: Players Group) will continue his career in Spain. The Latvian big guy signed a deal with LEB Gold team Tarragona Basket 2017. Selakovs heads to Tarragona from VEF Riga, where he spent last few seasons. In the latest one he had 6.1 ppg and 5.1 rpg for 16 games in Latvian league. Selakovs added 2.3 ppg and 3.3 rpg. VEF Riga won the Latvian league title and reached Baltic league Finals. Selakovs also played for VEF Riga juniors. In the past, Andrejs Selakovs was a member of ASK Riga and BA Riga/Juniors. He is active member of the Latvian NT. Selakovs appeared five times in EuroBasket 2011 averaging 5.8 points and 5.4 rebounds. Latvia failed to reach the second stage.

Palencia inks 2-month deal with Kyle Swanston - by Eurobasket News
Palencia Baloncesto announced signing of Kyle Swanston (201-F-86, college: JMU) for the next two months. He is not a new face in Spain. Swanston played for Clavijo in LEB Silver last season. He appeared 28 times in the league averaging 13.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assist. Eurobasket awarded him with Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver Honorable Mention -11. Clavijo was the LEB Silver champion and won the promotion to LEB Gold. Season 2009/10, Kyle Swanston spent in Finland. He was a member of Lapuan Korikobrat. For 27 games there he exploded with 21.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg. Lapuan Korikobrat reached Finals and Swanston was top-scorer of the competition.

FIATC Joventut beats Menorca in thriller - by Eurobasket News
FIATC Joventut and Menorca played a friendly game tonight. It was a very exciting meeting and Joventut grabbed 77-75 thriller win. Pooh Jeter (179-PG-83, college: Portland) led the winners with 14 points. Derrick Obasohan (199-F-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Texas Arlington) and Marco Todorovic (199-F-92) had 13 and 11 pts respectively. Oliver Arteaga (211-C-83) responded with 19 points in loss. Roberto Morentin (206-F/C-81, college: Cent.Florida) and David Navarro (192-G/F-83) had 14 points apiece. Teams were tied after each period, except of the last one of course. Ends of quarters: 24-24, 43-43, 60-60, 77-75. Menorca was the host of this game.
Also tonight, Navarra was better than Lagun Aro 71-68. Inaki Narros (194-G-81) shined with 19 points in Navarra. Andy Panko (204-F-77, college: Lebanon Valley) delivered 21 points in loss.

Caja Laboral too much for Granada, Valladolid beats Estu - by Eurobasket News
More friendly games were played tonight.
Caja Laboral was too strong for Granada on the road 67-78. Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) was the leading player in victory with 22 points. Pau Ribas (193-PG-87) and Brad Oleson (191-G-83, agency: Duran International, college: Alaska-Fairb.) netted 17 and 13 points respectively. In Granada, Jose Manuel Coego (204-C/F-78) and Jesus Fernandez (204-C-75) scored 13 points each.
Obradoiro blasted Coruna 81-56. Nigerian Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma) led Obradoiro in scoring with 14 points. Javier Bulfoni (192-G-76) added one less than him. In Coruna, Javier Roman (207-F/C-80) shined with 16 points. Quarters: 24-13, 19-15, 14-17, 24-11.
Valladolid handed 79-70 loss to Estudiantes.

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


Geneve Lions loose in thriller to Fos Ouest Basket - by Eurobasket News
Fos Ouest Basket- Geneve Lions 87-86

Geneve Lions played another friendly game in France. This time the Swiss squad lost in thriller against Fos Ouest Basket 87-86. The game was played at the Fos Ouest home court. Bill Clark (195-G/F-88, college: Duquesne) stepped up for the hosts with 24 points. Mamadou Dia (202-F-78) followed him with 20 points and Philippe Haquet (199-F-86) helped with 16 points. On the other side, Sean Barnette (195-F-86, college: Wingate) shined with 24 points. Babacar Toure (205-F/C-85) scored 21 pts, while Vladimir Buscaglia (197-G-80, college: American) and Tony Brown (193-G-79, college: Arkansas St.) helped with 10 points each. Quarters: 28-19, 9-32, 26-12, 24-23.
Before Fos-sur-Mer, Geneva Lions played a friendly against Boulazac. The French team celebrated 85-71 win.

Fos-sur-Mer: Bill Clark 24, Mamadou Dia 20, Philippe Haquet 16
Geneve Lions: Sean Barnette 24, Babacar Toure 21, Vladimir Buscaglia 10, Tony Brown 10

Update on Fribourg, BBC Nyon and BBC Monthey - by Eurobasket News
Bourg outscored Fribourg 101:69. The French side had 47:45 advantage in the middle of the game but pushed the tempo for good later in the game. Ousmane Barro paced all the winners with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Moses Sonko (196-F-83, college: Co.Carolina) added 15. Kazadi replied with 24 points in defeat and Ronald Yates (201-F-83, college: St.Peter's) collected 16 points and 8 rebounds.
BBC Nyon was beaten by BBC Monthey 55:67. BBC Nyon actually started better and had 13:12 lead after the first 10 minutes. BBC Monthey meanwhile grabbed the lead at the end of the second period having 31:21 at the halftime. They enjoyed 10-point deficit at the end of the third quarter s well and increased to 12 at the end of the game. Laurynas Mikalauskas (205-F-85, agency: FCM, college: Virginia) and Smith top-scored for the winners with 15 points each, while Ian Boylan (197-G/F-83, college: Cal.St. Northridge) posted 14. Srdjan Zivkovic (200-G/F-86, agency: 011 Sports) delivered 19 points in the losing effort, while Thomas had 17.


Erroyl Bing joins Geneve Lions - by Eurobasket News
According to Catch-and-shoot, Erroyl Bing (198-F/C-82, college: E.Carolina) will continue his career in Switzerland. Reportedly, the American PF/C signed a deal with Geneve Lions. Bing had good last season with JDA Dijon. He appeared 40 times in ProB averaging 10 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists. Eurobasket awarded Bing with Eurobasket.com All-French ProB Honorable Mention -11. They reached ProB Finals and were regular season runners-up. Before Dijon, Erroyl Bing spent two years with Clermont. He already has experience from Switzerland as he started 2007/08 season there. However, Bing got injured after just 12 games with Fribourg and they parted ways. He had 11.5 ppg and 5.8 rpg in LNA before the injury.

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


2011 Asian Championship: Kosuke Takeuchi leads Japan to third win in a row - by Eurobasket News
Japan - Syria 77:55

Japan registered the third consecutive win at the 2011 Asian Championship. They prevailed against Syria to top Group C ladder. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) posted 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge.
The lead changed hands for several times throughout the opening frame before Takuya Kawamura (193-G-86) gave Japan a 17:15 lead. Kosuke Takeuchi ignited a 12:0 run from Japan at the start of the second term as they claimed a 29:15 advantage. Japan ensured a 34:24 lead at the interval. Takuya Kawamura nailed 10 points early in the third term to give Japan a 44:27 advantage midway through the third term. They maintained the lead posting a 57:42 lead with ten minutes to go. Japan never loosened the grasp in the final term rallying to the victory at the end. Takuya Kawamura notched 17 points, while Kenta Hirose (193-G-85) and Joji Takeuchi added 12 points each in the win. Ioanis Deeb (184-G-86) answered with 15 points for Syria. Sameer Al Dags (196-F-84) had 13 points in the loss.

Japan: Kosuke Takeuchi 19+11 boards, Takuya Kawamura 17, Kenta Hirose 12, Joji Takeuchi 12
Syria: Ioanis Deeb 15, Sameer Al Dags 13


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


2011 Asian Championship: Taiwan edge Qatar - by Eurobasket News
Taiwan - Qatar 94:78

Taiwan recorded the second win at the Asian Championship preliminary round. They outscored Qatar to clinch 2-1 record in Group B. Tsung-Hsien Chang (192-G-88) scored 35 points to lead the effort. Qatar used just five players in the game and suffered the third straight loss at the tournament.
Taiwan knocked down 23 points in the opening frame to build an 8-point buffer. They stretched the margin in the second frame. Taiwan ensured a 50:40 halftime lead. Qatar did not surrender cutting the deficit in the third stanza. They got within 7 points at the final break 61:68. But Taiwan quickly stretched the gap to 15 points in the final quarter and never looked back en route to the victory. Lee Hsueh-Lin (176-PG-84) posted 15 points, 7 assists and 5 boards, while Wen-Ting Tseng (202-C/F-84) added 14 points for the winners. Omer Abdelkader Salem (206-C-83) answered with 30 points and 12 rebounds for Qatar. Erfan Ali Saeed (198-F-83) finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds in the losing case.

Taiwan: Tsung-Hsien Chang 35, Lee Hsueh-Lin 15, Wen-Ting Tseng 14
Qatar: Omer Abdelkader Salem 30+12 boards, Erfan Ali Saeed 19+13 boards


Taiwan makes second round - by Chris Wang
Tsung-Hsien Chang (192-G-88) scored a game-high 35 points in Taiwan's 94-78 victory over Qatar Saturday in the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship for Men and helped Taiwan advance to the 12-team second round.

Taiwan made the second round as second place of the Group B with a 2-1 record, behind the undefeated Iran (3-0).

Qatar, which was plagued by naturalization issues with FIBA Asia and saw six of its players suspended, used five players for the entire game. In protest of the shocking development, Qatar basically gave up its previous two games by fouling out players before deciding to play today.

Chang made 10-of-18 shots, including 6-of-10 from three. He was not proud of his 35 points though, telling the media after the game that the game was not competitive.

'We were a little bit hesitant in the beginning because we didn't know how Qatar would play this game, ' said Lee Hsueh-lin, who had 15 points and seven assists.

Tseng Wen-ting, who seemed to be not in his best condition in the preliminary round, had 14 points and seven rebounds.

Head coach Chou Jun-san said it was not an easy game for Taiwan NT, because Qatar had been stripped of several players and could not play the game with its full squad.

Chou was not happy with Taiwan NT's rebounding effort in the first three games, saying that it would be an important factor in the next round.

Omar Salem led Qatar with 30 points and 12 rebounds. Erfan Ali Saeed had 19 and 13 while Abdulrahman Saad chipped in 18 and 10.

Preliminary round standing: (top three teams advance)
Group A
Korea 3-0
Lebanon 2-1
Malaysia 1-2
India 0-3

Group B
Iran 3-0
Taiwan 2-1
Uzbekistan 1-2
Qatar 0-3

Group C
Japan 3-0
Jordan 2-1
Syria 1-2
Indonesia 0-3

Group D
China 3-0
Philippines 2-1
UAE 1-2
Bahrain 0-3

Second round brackets:
Group E
Korea
Taiwan
Uzbekistan
Lebanon
Malaysia
Iran

Group F
Japan
Philippines
Jordan
Syria
UAE
China


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  TURKEY   


Fenerbahce Ulker beats KK Zagreb in the Rixos Antalya Cup - by Pervin Elgin
In the fourth annual Rixos Antalya Cup Basketball Tournament, Fenerbahce Ulker beat Croation KK Zagreb 82-65. Ulkers next match will be september 18th against Greek Union Olimpija.

Fenerbahce started the match with no less than eight missing players, including national team players Oguz Savas, Emir Preldzic and Omer Onan. Despite struggling with the lack of these players, Ulker managed to dominate the game from start to finish. After a rapid start of Zagreb, Fenerbahce took the lead with five minutes on the clock, 11- 9. Scores by Kaya Peker, Vidmar and Bogdanovic increased the lead to 20-15 at the period buzzer.

In the second period Fenerbahce showed its defensive hardness. Zagreb only managed to score 7 points, resulting a clear 45-27 dominance at halftime for Ulker.

In the second half Ulker cooled down. KK succesfully closed the gap to 6 points, 47-41, but Fenerbahce closed ranks and finished the third quarter with 58-51 superiority.

In the final quarter Ulker was dominant again. With four minutes left on the clock, Fener extented the lead to a comfortable 72-59. In the remaining minutes the Istanbul team remained in control, and left the field victorious with a clear 82-65 victory.



Pinar Karsyaka and Galatasaray opened Pinar Cup on a high note - by Eurobasket News
Pinar Karsyaka and Galatasaray opened Pinar Cup on a high note. Galatasaray overcame ALBA 82:70 in the start of the Pnar Cup. The teams were tied at 24:24 and then the Turkish side had 64:53 lead later in the game. Furkan Aldemir (207-F-91) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports) scored 16 points for the German team.
Pnar Karsyaka rolled over KK Buducnost 86:76. The first period belonged to the hosts of the tournament that started with 20:17. KK Buducnost played a bit better in the second period and reduced to 37:35 at the halftime. The third quarter became decisive in the game as Pnar Karsyaka fully dominated the court. They increased to 67:51 and did not mind narrow win of the Montenegrin team in the last stanza.
Tonight Alba Berlin will face KK Buducnost in the opener of Day 2. Pnar Karsyaka will take on Galatasaray in the second game of the day.


Fenerbahce Ulker and Turk Telekom successfully start Rixos Cup - by Eurobasket News
Fenerbahce Ulker and Turk Telekom successfully start Rixos Cup. Fenerbahce Ulker overcame KK Zagreb 82:65. The Turkish side had 11:9 lead after the first five minutes, but trailed 15:20 later in the half. The second period fully belonged to the Croatian side that took 45:27 lead but could not win the game. The Croatian team had 58:51 after three quarters but fell at 65:82.Papa Diasse (212-F-87, college: SMU) scored 16 points and Josh Heytveldt netted 15. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) led the winners with 17 points and Vidmar posted 12.
Turk Telekom beat PAOK 74:69. The teams were tied at 17:17 after the first period, while the Turkish side grabbed 37:32 at the halftime. Turk Telekom led 54:52 at the end of the third quarter and managed to increase to 5 points at the end. Darius Washington (188-G-85, college: Memphis) stepped up with 19 points, NBA-er Mehmet Okur (210-C/F-79) collected 15 points and 9 rebounds. Kaspars Kambala (206-C-78, agency: Alti Sport, college: UNLV) followed them with 12 points.


More friendly games - by Eurobasket News
Tofas and Aliaga also met in a friendly game yesterday. Tofas cruised past their rival to celebrate 82-64 victory. Jurica Zuza (207-C-78, agency: Alti Sport) and Inanc Koc (202-F-79) were the leading players in victory with 16 points each. Ronald Steele (187-PG-86, agency: SportsTalent, college: Alabama) and Tomislav Ruzic (208-F/C-79) netted 12 and 10 points respectively. In the loosing squad, Ryan Toolson (193-G-85, college: Utah Valley St.) shined with 22 points. Brian Qvale (210-C-88, college: Montana) had 13, while Ersin Gorkem (195-F-77) was the last one with double-digits in scoring with 12 pts.
Olin Edrine blasted Trabzon 69-51 in another friendly. Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88) and Chris Wright (185-G-89, college: Georgetown) scored 11 points for the winners. Andrew Washington (191-G-84, college: Delaware) and Kerem Ozkan (201-F-88, agency: 1x1 Sports) had 9 points each for Trabzon.
More friendly games will be played today and tomorrow.

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  UKRAINE   


Budivelnyk and BC Donetsk were beaten in the pre-season clashes - by Eurobasket News
Le Mans overcame Budivelnyk Kiev 81:70 at the Salle Marcel Cerdan (Brest). Both teams nailed 22 points each in the first period, while Le Man grabbed a minimum lead after 20-19 in the second frame. Moreover the French side won the third 18-16 and then had easy 21-13 in the last quarter. Joao Paulo Batista (207-F/C-81, college: Gonzaga) stepped up with 21 points and Taylor Rochestie netted 18. Alex Acker (196-G-83, college: Pepperdine) scored 13 and Marcellus Sommerville added 12. Jack McClinton finished the game with 18 points in defeat and Zach Morley (203-F-83, college: Wisconsin) scored 12.
EWE Baskets Oldenburg grabbed 92:90 victory over Donetsk. Brown top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Paulding notched 17. Hasbrouck scored 13, whilst Chubb added 10. Vule Avdalovic (189-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 18 points and 5 assists. Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) collected 16 points and 8 rebounds for the Ukrainian side.
Artland Dragons handed BC Donetsk 78:72 loss. The German team started with 24-19 and had 40:46 halftime advantage. The Dragons also won the third quarter 25-18, while BC Donetsk bounced back with 18-13 in the last quarter. David Holston (170-G-86, college: Chicago St.) led the way with 22 points and Hilliard scored 14. Vule Avdalovic produced 19 points in defeat and Ivan Radenovic netted 14.


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  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES   


2011 Asian Championship: China record third straight win - by Eurobasket News
China - UAE 75:60

China registered the third straight win at the 2011 Asian Championship. The hosts overcame UAE to finish the preliminary round undefeated on top of Group D. Zhang Bo (199-G/F-89) stepped up with 15 points to lead the effort. UAE suffered the second defeat in three games played and occupied the third spot in the ladder.
China capped the first period on a 10:3 run to post a 22:8 lead. But UAE did not allow the hosts to clear off in the second term. The visitors narrowed the deficit to just 8 points at the interval. China took over in the third term. They limited UAE to just 10 points in the quarter and ensured a 19-point buffer before the fourth term. The home team stayed in charge in the fourth frame and sealed the victory at the end. Yue Sun (206-G/F-85) posted 13 points and 7 rebounds, while Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) and Yu Shulong (185-G-90) accounted for 7 points each in the win. Rashed Al Zaabi (189-G-88) answered with 21 points and 6 rebounds for UAE. Khalil Salem (178-G-91) chipped in 13 points in the loss.

China: Zhang Bo 15, Yue Sun 13, Jianlian Yi 7, Yu Shulong 7
UAE: Rashed Al Zaabi 21, Khalil Salem 13



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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Men's National Cup tips off - by Eurobasket News
One of the oldest competitions in English Basketball, the Men's National Cup, tips off this weekend as the first round gets underway around the country.


In January 2011, Brixton Topcats won their first ever National Cup title after defeating 2010 champions, Bristol Academy Flyers, at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield, the home of this season's final on 29 January 2012. For the fourth time this season, specialist sports insurance brokers Sportscover will sponsor the Men's and Women's National Cup finals.


With lower division teams having to face Division 1 and 2 clubs in more than 20 first round games this weekend, there are undoubtedly some supporters of the underdogs pulling for an upset. Even with the four semi finalists from last season's Cup getting byes to the next round, there are still several top level teams who could be out of the tournament come Monday.


Many of this weekend's ties are local derbies as well and BA London Leopards coach Dejan Mihevc is aware of the importance as they prepare for EBL newcomers Brentwood Fire: 'This weekend will be a tough test for us. We play two important games in a row, with Sunday's Cup game being one that we have to win, because there are no second chances.'


Medway Park Crusaders open their home Cup campaign against Division 3's Hackney White Heat, and as a former White Heat junior, their new point guard Damoy Robertson knows what to expect: 'Like all London teams they will be aggressive defensively and have a never say die attitude. We have to approach the game like any other and not focus on them being a Division 3 team.'


Coach Jamie Maudsley and the Derby Trailblazers face Shropshire Warriors and the young Blazers coach went so far as to scout the Division 3 team ahead of Sunday's clash: 'They have a good mix of young talent and experienced players and Coach [Dave] McLean does a great job of blending the group together. All in all, they seem to have an excellent set up and the reports I've had suggest their game day presentation is also first class.'


National Cup History


Currently a knock-out tournament for all teams in the men's senior national league (from EBL Division 4 to Division 1), the first National Cup was won in 1936 in Birmingham when Hoylake YMCA defeated London Polytechnic 32-21. Since that time, the National Cup final has been played in venues as well-known as the Albert Hall and Wembley Arena to smaller leisure centres such as Moorways in Derby.


It's difficult to pinpoint a particular team that has been continuously successful in the National Cup, as the tournament has featured champions from the very amateur level (Liverpool Police, 1970) to the professional (Brighton Bears, 2003). There are, however, several clubs who have multiple National Cup titles including London Polytechnic, Central YMCA, Kingston and more recently Sheffield Sharks and Manchester Magic.
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

Patrons Cup preview - by Eurobasket News
Six teams - including two Division 2 new boys - are in action in the first weekend of the 2011/12 Patrons Cup.

BIRMINGHAM METS v DERBYSHIRE ARROWS

Saturday 17 September, 3:15pm, Birmingham Metropolitan College



Mets are new to Division 2 and the Patrons Cup having finished last season with a 20-2 record in Division 3 North, winning the National Shield (the knockout competition for Division 3 and 4 teams) and finishing runners-up in the Division 3 Playoffs.


Stephen Barnes' team won 18 consecutive league games to finish the regular season one win ahead of Sheffield Saints and chalked up victories against Plymouth Marjon and Glamorgan Gladiators in the Playoffs before falling to London Westside in the final. They will be hoping for a fast start to their first ever Patrons Cup campaign as they face an Arrows side looking to put a calamitous 2010/11 season behind them.


Arrows won just two league games out of twenty as coach Pete Kelly turned to a youth policy with an eye on the future of the club. They also finished winless in their Patrons Cup campaign last season, losing to Mansfield Giants, Tees Valley Mohawks and Team Northumbria (their game with Bradford Dragons was cancelled due to weather and was not replayed as it couldn't affect the standings).

TEAM NORTHUMBRIA v LONDON UNITED

Saturday 17 September, 6pm, Sport Central



Last season's runners up London United face the long trip to Newcastle to open their 2011/12 campaign.

Jack Majewski's team defeated Hemel Storm, Westminster Warriors and Medway Park Crusaders in pool play last year and dispatched Mansfield Giants 94-74 in the semi-final, but they were downed in the final in a rematch against Hemel in a match that came down to the final possession, with United's three pointer to tie the game being blocked in the waning seconds.


Team Northumbria are under the direction of new coach Marc Steutel for the new season and they will be aiming for an improved performance in both the Patrons Cup (where they won one game out of four and missed the knockout games) and in League play (where they finished 8-12 and claimed the eighth and final playoff spot). They have added former Coventry Crusader Siman Stewart to their ranks and will be looking for a home win to get their season off on the right foot.


LONDON WESTSIDE v EASTSIDE EAGLES

Saturday 17 September, 6:30pm, Kensington Leisure Centre



Westside versus Eastside rounds out the first weekend of action in the Patrons Cup as two London teams do battle.

Neither team was in the competition last season - Westside because they were in Division 3, Eastside because they did not enter it.


Westside complete a 19-1 regular season in Division 3 South last season and won three more games to secure the Playoff title. They will be facing an Eastside team that finished 11-9 in their first season in Division 2 and who will be hoping that the addition of former London Leopard Carl Latham-Henry can catapult them to title contention.
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

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  UZBEKISTAN   


2011 Asian Championship: Iran shatter Uzbekistan in Wuhan - by Eurobasket News
Iran - Uzbekistan 132:38

Iran registered the third straight win at the start of 2011 Asian Championship. They drubbed Uzbekistan to clinch the top position in Group B. Seven players scored in double figures for Iran. Arsalan Kazemi (199-F-90) and Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85) accounted for 18 points each in the win. Uzbekistan slipped at 1-2 record in the ladder.
Iran unloaded 38 points in the opening quarter to take a 24-point lead. The margin just kept on growing in the second frame. Iran erupted for 41 points in the quarter to establish a 79:25 halftime lead. Iran easily reached 100-point mark in the third term posting a 107:34 advantage at the final intermission. They never looked back afterwards cruising to the victory at the end. Asghar Kardoust (212-C-86, agency: SportsList Inc.) posted 17 points and 9 rebounds, while Saeid Davarpanah (191-G/F-87) had 14 points in the win. Aleksandr Kozlov (201-F-82) answered with 12 points for Uzbekistan. Samender Juginisov (202-F-87) netted 7 points in the loss.

Iran: Arsalan Kazemi 18+14 boards, Hamed Haddadi 18+11 boards, Asghar Kardoust 17
Uzbekistan: Aleksandr Kozlov 12, Samender Juginisov 7


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  VENEZUELA   


Huracanes de Tampico adds Venezuelan Colmenares to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Huracanes de Tampico (LNBP) added to their roster 24-year old Venezuelan international forward Nestor Colmenares (203-F-107kg-87, college: Campbellsville). Colmenares played most recently at Cocodrilos de Caracas (Venezuela). He helped them to win regular season and make it to the final. Colmenares played also pro basketball in Argentina and Venezuela. He graduated Campbellsville University in 2010 and it will be his second season in pro basketball. Colmenares played for Venezuelan senior national team this year. He represented Venezuela at the FIBA Americas in Mar del Plata (Argentina) this year. His stats were: 4.7ppg, 2.0rpg and 2.0apg in 3 games.

By Eurobasket Data Center

*****************************************************
  ZIMBABWE   


Raiderz Begin Title Defence - by Carlos Pereira
CHAMPIONS Raiderz start the defence of their Ghetto Basketball League with a match against Hustlers at Mufakose courts today.

A total of 12 teams have entered for the GBL, which serves as a warm-up event to the Harare Basketball League.
The GBL will move to Mabvuku tomorrow before the semi-finals next Saturday at Dzivaresekwa courts
The finals are expected next Sunday at Hellenics Sports Club.
Two top teams from the pools will proceed to the semi-finals next week and Ngoni Mukhukhula, the Raiderz coach, will be hoping to start on a winning note.
Raiderz have Norest Shenje in the line-up while the veteran player will look forward to the support from the long serving Costa Mashati and Tatenda Maturure.
Hustlers could give the seasoned campaigners a good run for their money if their top players Brady Mungofa and Warren Teguma come to the party.
Another potentially interesting clash today will see Jammers taking on Cameo.
Jammers' trump card is Micheal Koffie while pointguard Lloyd Munyanduri and his brother Lawrence are likely to make the team.
The two sides are rekindling their rivalry from the old Mashonaland Basketball Association which gave way to the HBA. Last season Cameo were playing in a different league after their director Roderick
Takawira refused to recognised the HBA executive led by Gilcrest Magezah.





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Women News

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  BULGARIA - Women  


Juanita Ward stays in Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News
Juanita Ward (180-G-86, agency: Merit Sports, college: Syracuse) will play at least one more season in Bulgaria. The American guard penned a deal with Levski. Ward was the leading NBL scorer last season. She appeared 14 times with Beroe averaging 24.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals. Ward was awarded with Eurobasket.com Bulgarian League All-Imports Team -11. She was also named Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League 2nd Team -11 and Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Defensive Player of the Year -11. As mentioned above, Ward was the top scorer, but she also finished as the second rebounder of the competition. Juanita Ward is a product of the Syracuse University, where she graduated a year ago. She had 9.5 ppg and 5.8 rpg for her school as a senior. They reached NIT Elite Eight.

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  LUXEMBOURG - Women  


Basket Esch land Larrissa Williams - by Eurobasket News
Basket Esch brought in import player. They agreed on terms of contract with Larrissa Williams (191-F-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Tulsa). The forward started her pro career last season. She signed with Elitzur Rishon Le-Zion in Israel. Larrissa Williams averaged 11.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 blocks per game in D1. Larrissa Williams graduated from Tulsa University in 2010. Her stats read 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game in senior season. Larrissa Williams was named All-C-USA Defensive Player of the Year in 2010. She also made it onto C-USA All-Defensive Team for the second season in a row. The forward spent 2010/11 pre-season with the Chicago Sky but never made it into the roster.


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  NCAA1 - Women  


Tecza Leszno keeps Mercedes Fox-Griffin, adds rookie Marke Freeman - by Eurobasket News
Mercedes Fox-Griffin (170-G-87, college: Oregon St.) and rookie Marke Freeman (165-G-88) will play next season for Tecza Leszno.
Mercedes Fox-Griffin signed a one-year contract extension with the club. She had 13.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.8 spg for 27 games last season. Before Leszno, Fox-Griffin spent one year in Israel. She was a member of Maccabi Tel Kabir Tel Aviv collecting 17.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 5 apg and 2.7 spg for 16 games. She graduated two years ago at the Oregon State University.
Marke Freeman signed her first professional deal. She graduated few months ago at the Northern Illinois University. Freeman had 16.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.3 apg and 2.5 spg for her school as a senior. In 2010, she was named All-MAC 2nd Team -10. Two years ago Freeman was awarded with MAC Sixth Man of the Year -09.

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  POLAND - Women  


CCC Polkowice enter the Final game in Trutnov - by Eurobasket News
CCC Polkowice enter the Final game in Trutnov at the International Tournament. CCC POLKOWICE overcame TSV WASSERBURG 95:65 in the opener. The Polish side started with 28-12 and added 27-18 in the second period. Moreover CCC had 28-15 in the third quarter and did not mind 20-12 in the last stanza from the German side. Valeriya Musina (183-G-87, college: Lee) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Aleksandra Dziwinska (172-PG-91) notched 15.
In Day 2 CCC POLKOWICE edged DYNAMO KURSK 68:60. The Polish team opened the game with 21-14 and had 5-point advantage at the halftime. The Russian squad reduced to three more as they won the third quarter 19-16, but CCC needed 17-11 to win the game. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78, agency: Josep and Nicolas) poured in 15 points and Valeriya Musina scored 12. Sharnee Zoll (170-PG-86, college: Virginia) and Perovanovic had 11 each, while Petronyte netted 7.
CCC POLKOWICE outscored USK PRAGA 72:65 to enter the Finals. The teams notched 21 points each in the first period and only 14-13 in the second period allowed CCC to take the minimum lead. The third quarter however brought 21-15 and then again both teams notched 16 apiece in the last stanza. Sharnee Zoll ended up with 13 points for the winners, while Valeriya Musina, Evanthia Maltsi, Perovanovic and Walich all scored 10.


Tecza Leszno keeps Mercedes Fox-Griffin, adds rookie Marke Freeman - by Eurobasket News
Mercedes Fox-Griffin (170-G-87, college: Oregon St.) and rookie Marke Freeman (165-G-88) will play next season for Tecza Leszno.
Mercedes Fox-Griffin signed a one-year contract extension with the club. She had 13.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.8 spg for 27 games last season. Before Leszno, Fox-Griffin spent one year in Israel. She was a member of Maccabi Tel Kabir Tel Aviv collecting 17.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 5 apg and 2.7 spg for 16 games. She graduated two years ago at the Oregon State University.
Marke Freeman signed her first professional deal. She graduated few months ago at the Northern Illinois University. Freeman had 16.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.3 apg and 2.5 spg for her school as a senior. In 2010, she was named All-MAC 2nd Team -10. Two years ago Freeman was awarded with MAC Sixth Man of the Year -09.

Pre-season tournament starts in Brzeg - by Eurobasket News
Odra Brzeg and LKS Lodz came out winners on the first day of the pre-season tounrmanent in Brzeg.
Odra Brzeg prevailed against Ostrovia Ostrow 65:42. Odra dominated from start to finish. They recorded a 38:18 lead at the interval. Odra Brzeg stayed in charge in the second half and recorded a well-deserved win at the end. Ebony Ellis (190-C-88, college: N.Illinois) posted 16 points for the winners. Inna Kochubei (174-G-82) contributed 12 points for Odra Brzeg. Magdalena Parysek (184-C-89) responded with 14 points for Ostrovia Ostrow. Martyna Cebulska (168-G-91) netted 10 points in the loss.
LKS Lodz fired past Widzew Lodz. Katarzyna Kenig (185-F-79) scored 19 points to lead LKS Lodz to a 77:61 victory. Nataliya Trafimava (186-F-79) contributed 18 points for LKS Lodz. Leona Jankowska (190-C-77) and Anna Tondel (183-F/C-77, agency: Promotex) answered with 13 points each for Widzew Lodz.


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  ROMANIA - Women  


Romanian Cup opened 2011/2012 season - by Eurobasket News
Romania became the first country in Europe to start with the Cup. The teams recently showed the great preparation for the upcoming season.
CSM Bucuresti Sportul Studentesc and CS Olimpia Brasov were the first teams to open the season on September 15th. CSM Bucuresti Sportul Studentesc managed to grab CS Olimpia Brasov 93:69 victory. Gaati Werema (183-G-88, college: Prairie View A&M) stepped up with 27 points and Liliana Otrocol Scarlat notched 18. Starr Fairbanks (191-F/C-87, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Oklahoma City) finished the game with 22 points in the losing effort.
CSM Targoviste edged CSU Alba Iulia 77:54. Chrissy Givens (180-F-85, college: Middle Tenn.St.) became the MVP of the game. ICIM Arad enjoyed the road win over BCM Danzio Timisoara 65:52. Another results are listed below:

CSM Bucuresti Sportul Studentesc-CS Olimpia Brasov 93:69
CS Nova Vita Targu Mures -CST BC Alexandria 78:39
BCM Danzio Timisoara-ICIM Arad 52:65
Universitatea Cluj-Napoca-CSM U Oradea 64:72
CSM Satu Mare-SCM CSS U Craiova 99:48
CSM Targoviste-CSU Alba Iulia 77:54
BC LMK Sepsi Sfantu Gheorghe-CS Olimpia Bucuresti 61:55
CS Rapid Bucuresti-Politehnica National Iasi 48:46


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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


MBK Ruzomberok tab Ann Andersson - by Eurobasket News
MBK Ruzomberok tab Ann Andersson (183-F-80, agency: Promotex, college: Minnesota) for the upcoming season. The Swedish Forward arrived from Gran Canaria La Caja de Canarias.
Last year Gran Canaria La Caja de Canarias added to their roster 30-year old Swedish international forward Ann Andersson. Andersson played most recently at 08 Stockholm.
She had a terrific season two years ago and was named Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Damligan Player of the Year, Damligan Forward of the Year and Domestic Player of the Year. Andersson also was selected to the Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Damligan 1st Team and to the Eurobasket.com Swedish Damligan All-Domestic Players Team.
At the Qualifications to European Championships with the jersey of Sweden, she averaged 7.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 38.1%, FT: 58.3% in 3 games.
In 2010-2011 for Gran Canaria La Caja de Canarias (Spain-LFB) in EuroCup after 9 games her stats read 7.6ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 54.0%, FT: 77.8%. In Spanish League after 24 games she averaged 4.9ppg, 2.0rpg.


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  SPAIN - Women  


Rivas Ecopolis beats Perfumerias in pre-season game - by Eurobasket News
Rivas Ecopolis - Perfumerias Avenida 56-48

Spanish teams started with pre-season games. Rivas Ecopolis is one of them and they celebrated in one of their first meetings. Rivas handed 56-48 loss to Perfumerias Avenida. It was pretty exciting game and Rivas managed to win it at the end. Laura Nicholls (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) led her team to victory with 13 points. Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: George Washington) followed with 12 and was the last one with double-digits in Rivas. Clara Bermejo (178-G-81) helped with 8 points. In the loosing squad, Allison Feaster-Strong (181-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Harvard) top-scored with 10 points. Isabel Sanchez (180-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Lucila Pascua (195-C-83) had 9 points each. Both teams will play more friendly games this pre-season.

Rivas Ecopolis: C. Bermejo (8), E. Elisa Aguilar (12), A. Cruz (2), L. Laura Nicholls (13), I. Sliskovic (6), M. Lizarazu (6), V. Gimeno (2), K. Treffers (7)
Perfumerias Avenida: M. Xargay (5), M. Fernandez, A. Allison Feaster-Strong (10), A. Vajda (5), L. Lucila Pascua (9), L. Antoja (3), Isabel Sanchez (9), J. Freixanet

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  SWEDEN - Women  


MBK Ruzomberok tab Ann Andersson - by Eurobasket News
MBK Ruzomberok tab Ann Andersson (183-F-80, agency: Promotex, college: Minnesota) for the upcoming season. The Swedish Forward arrived from Gran Canaria La Caja de Canarias.
Last year Gran Canaria La Caja de Canarias added to their roster 30-year old Swedish international forward Ann Andersson. Andersson played most recently at 08 Stockholm.
She had a terrific season two years ago and was named Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Damligan Player of the Year, Damligan Forward of the Year and Domestic Player of the Year. Andersson also was selected to the Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Damligan 1st Team and to the Eurobasket.com Swedish Damligan All-Domestic Players Team.
At the Qualifications to European Championships with the jersey of Sweden, she averaged 7.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 38.1%, FT: 58.3% in 3 games.
In 2010-2011 for Gran Canaria La Caja de Canarias (Spain-LFB) in EuroCup after 9 games her stats read 7.6ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 54.0%, FT: 77.8%. In Spanish League after 24 games she averaged 4.9ppg, 2.0rpg.


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  USBA - Women  


WUSBA to activate community programs in team city; coats, toys, food and school supplies are the focus - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (September 17, 2011) --- The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) has announced the installation of three youth outreach initiatives in an effort to aid those in need in the community. These programs will be provided by the WUSBA, Pocket Money Direct Mail Advertising Guide, the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) not for profit sister company of the WUSBA and a small army of local and national companies. The initiatives will be overseen by staff of the Board of Education in each school district.

The first initiative is called the Overcoat, Mitten and Scarf Extravaganza. This event will run from October 25, 2001 to November 15, 2011. This event will be sponsored by Burlington Coat Factory, Wal Mart, Pocket Money and the WUSBA. The WUSBA and the Pocket Money Direct Mail Advertising Guide have arranged to purchase coats, mittens, scarves and shoes from companies such as Burlington Coat Factory, located in New Jersey and Wal Mart of Bentonville, Arkansas. The collected items will be distributed to the community on a need basis. 'Last year we saw the need for this assistance in my daughters school, kids wearing wind breakers to school in 20 degree temperature, we may not be able to get a coat for all the kids in need, however, we will supply as many as we can', said Pocket Money president, Duane Allen Jenkins

The second initiative is called the Can Slam and Toy Fest Extravaganza. This event will be in partnership with the Boys and Girls Holiday Basketball Tournament in each team city. 'The U.S.M.C Toys for Tots and Feeding America are allowing us to arrange this food and toy collection. Golden Corral, Wal Mart, Honda and Papa John's Pizza will co-sponsor along with Pocket Money and the WUSBA. We did this in five cities two years ago and it was a success in each city. In Savannah at the Savannah Chatham County Holiday Basketball Tournament, we were able to help collect 262 toys for the kids and right around 1100 cans and boxes of food products for the Savannah City Mission', said Jenkins. 'Again it was a small gesture, but we feel if everyone would do a little bit, we all could get a whole lot done'. 'This year we are targeting 500 toys and 3000 can goods in each city, We're going to dig in and help bulldoze hunger right into the ground'.

The third initiative is called the Great Mid Term School Re-Supply Event. This event will run from January 2, 2012 to January 25, 2012. The WUSBA, Pocket Money, Wal Mart, Staples and Office Depot will gather school supplies in each city. 'This will help re-supply the elementary schools and help eliminate the financial burden of purchasing additional supplies, from the teachers'. 'Everybody gives school supply donations in August of each year, the second need is in January', said Jenkins. 'Half way through the school year the classes need to be re-supplied, well, this is our plan and our partners agree. I named this program after my daughter; we call it Elizabeths Book Bag'.

The WUSBA, Pocket Money and the basketball teams have arranged the initiatives with the help of Wal Mart, Target, Office Depot, Kroger, Staples, and Sams Club and others. Recently the effort began to unite these companies in a gigantic effort to provide students with the collection of winter apparel, toys, food and school supplies in each of the league team cities. This winter, these companies are launching the first of many collaborative community involvement drives. 'We need everything from crayons to back packs to coats, scarves and mittens to all kinds of food products for the families in need', said Jenkins, 'We installed these collection programs in Augusta, Charlotte and Nashville, in the past and it was moderately successful, now by enlisting the help of Wal Mart, Burlington and the others, we decided to expand our efforts to make this a extremely successful event in all our cities'.

When approached about these programs, Yvonne Lewis, Community Coordinator of Birmingham City Public Schools, stated, 'We are extremely pleased to be included with these programs, particularly the school supply effort and the overcoat and mitten drive'. 'We have undertaken a school supply drive each year and we need additional donations each year'. 'We are faced with a growing need for supplies and winter apparel for our children'. 'We relish this opportunity to combine our efforts with the WUSBA and Pocket Money'.

WUSBA players and coaches and Pocket Money marketing representatives will be active on and off the court, assisting in a very wide variety of community outreach programs, charitable fund raising events, youth advocates programs, RSVP retired senior citizen programs, and family progress initiatives. These programs will aid the community and its citizens as a whole. The WUSBA and Pocket Money prides themselves on being an advocate within the community. 'From the youngest child to the oldest senior citizen, helping people is our strongest commitment'. The WUSBA has built relationships by its loyalty and its faith based participation in each community. All WUSBA players, coaches, and team staff members will visit senior facilities, hospitals, Boys and Girls Clubs, and local schools, help raise money for local charities, collect food for local food banks and be a positive mentor to children who are housed in juvenile retention facilities and children who are live in foster care facilities. The WUSBA and the WUSBA Youth Outreach have partnered with the United States Marine Corps and the 'Toys for Tots' holiday program. 'The WUSBA's coaches, players, staff and the WUSBA Youth Outreach will serve as a great role model to other and will always be a positive inspiration to all, thus being an important asset to all team cities and their communities.We have had a tremendous response from every school system in our teams cities', said Jenkins, 'It is our pleasure to partner with the school districts in each of our cities, we intend to assist these folks in any way we can'.

The WUSBA community assistance programs will team up with a league wide community service partnership that will join with the city, the county, the private sector, the local business community and major industry to instill the ideals of educational values, ethical performance, honesty, sportsmanship, fair play and integrity to the youth of the local community. These programs will allow youth to develop a personal positive educational commitment and practice Faith based contributions to their community.

The purposes of the WUSBA Youth Outreach programs is to provide the youth in the community with a positive role model through a series of free educational programs:

*Goals for Graduation
Through the Goals for Graduation program, the league have developed programs to assist students from grade 6 through grade 12. The WUSBA and the WUSBA Youth Outreach will offer free tutoring sessions in all the core subjects with local college students. The sessions will be held in a positive and secure learning environment. This tutoring program is available to all students. The goal of all communities is to have 100% of its student graduate and attend a higher learning center, whether it is vocational or academic. A 100% graduation rate may seem impossible; however, at one time in history the majority of the people on earth believed the world was flat. With the Goals for Graduation everyone wins, particularity the students who earnestly participate in this program.

* Kids Kamp
Kids Kamp is another example of a student tutoring program specifically developed for younger students in the 4th and 5th grade levels. Student with special needs can better prepare themselves for middle school. Kids Kamp promotes volunteerism with older school age children. Any group of students, who volunteer their weekends in a community project, can join the WUSBA and others to help clean up roadways, neighborhoods, clear the local parks and lakes of litter and trash, help senior citizen with small jobs around their homes, read to young children at school or at the public library or any other organized project. The WUSBA will award such community spirit with a $25.00 Visa gift card to students who will donate a Saturday to help others and their community.

* Book-a Lious
Reading is fun. Book-a-lious is a program that will allow students and adults, who can't afford to purchase books, to select new books to keep for their family to enjoy. This will allow a household to begin to establish their own personal library. With the assistance of a host of Publishing companies and a major retail book store, people will have an opportunity, to receive, read, keep or swap free books with their family and friends.

* Mount-Read Moor
Through the Mount-Read-Moor program, local area students will discover that reading and comprehension skills can be greatly improved with the proper practice. This program will also promote literacy among youth and young adults. This free program will encourage school age students and young adults to read through the guidance and help of volunteer college student. The WUSBA and the WUSBA Youth Outreach will work in conjunction with Reading is Fundamental (RIF). This is a program where youth can develop their reading skills to greatly improve their learning capabilities so they can experience the adventure and entertainment of reading.

* Math Berry Pie
The Math Berry Pie program is designed to assist students through a free tutorial agreement with collegiate math students. The program will cover all segments of math from 'one plus one' to 'pre-calculus'. Assistance in this area will give students the skills they need to meet and exceed federal requirements. Math is a critical core subject that is essential for a child's advancement to collegiate levels.

* Father, Mother, and Child Reunion
The successful family unit is proven to be the single most important factor in a child's educational achievements. The WUSBA Youth Outreach will work in conjunction with local Family Services, Church Groups, and other family oriented organizations to assist families in the areas of housing, nutrition, family counseling, job placement assistance, medical assistance and other interdiction programs when deemed needed to assist the family.

* Star Vision
When President John F. Kennedy looked toward the moon he must have felt what all children see every night as they gaze at the stars. Science, in all its many categories has been at the heart of human curiosity. Many students love science. The WUSBA and the WUSBA Youth Outreach will organize after school and summer science introduction sessions that will be run by volunteer students and faculty from the local colleges. This will include field trips to scientific venues. The careers that can be found in the fields surrounding science seldom get explored by a large segment of the student population. With these programs students will be able to get a glimpse of a career field they may never have attempted to explore.

* Elizabeth's Book Bag
Through the Elizabeth's Book Bag program students will have access to free book bags, paper, notebooks, pencils, markers, pens and all other material that are a requirement to start the new school year. Each year the school sends a material list to the parents of what items are needed in that grade for the first day of school. The Elizabeth's Book Bag program will make all required materials available to all students, twice a year, in August and in January (students will have additional access to materials if needed during the course of the school year). This program is sponsored by the WUSBA Youth Outreach, the WUSBA and the sponsors and advertisers This is a free program to all families in need. Having all the materials needed, will help a student strive for a successful school year.

* Grandma Coras Kitchen
The difference in a persons ability to improve their lives could hang on the balance of a hot meal. The WUSBA believes that no person should go hungry. The WUSBA will join forces with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), local churches and other faith based organizations to open a series of restaurants that will be open to the public with the sole purpose allowing anyone to fulfill their daily nutritional requirements. The WUSBA has made arrangements will major industry sponsors and governmental entities to fully fund this endeavor. The oldest senior citizen to the youngest child will be welcome to sit down at the table and break bread with other neighbors. This program will also include emergency grocery vouchers for families with children in need.

* Patricia's Closet
A warm blanket, a new pair of socks, a overcoat in winter or a umbrella during the spring rain in most times are taken for granted by most people, but to some others it may be a luxury they can't afford but they so desperately need. The WUSBA will assist The Salvation Army and others to help collect wearable goods for those in need. The WUSBA has made arraignments with clothing and other manufacturers to acquire goods for the needy. Children can compete in school more effectively, when they show confidence in their appearance. An extra blanket in winter can be a warm feeling to a child, a new pair of shoes will keep a child's feet dry, a new shirt, a pair of slacks or a new stylish dress could be the difference in a helping, bolstering a childs self confidence. This program will be open to everyone in the community and will offer new clothing and other unused products from participating manufactures.

* The Queens English
Through the Queens English program, area community elementary through high school students will discover that speaking proper English will open doors across the educational and business communities. The WUSBA and the WUSBA Youth Outreach will partner with communication students from local colleges to tutor students in the importance of using correct enunciation and proper speech structure. The WUSBA will sponsor a competition spelling bee that will pit students of schools against each other to establish a champion. Prizes and certificates of recognition of accomplishment will be awarded to all students. The WUSBA encourages all students to participate in this program.

* The Toy Fest and Can Slam Basketball Games
This program was a great success in 2009 and 2010. We coordinated with High Schools, the USMC Toys for Tots and Feeding America to collect food and toys during the holiday season. Sempra Fi

*The Overcoat and Mitten Collection Event
This program will collect slightly used and new winter coats, mittens, scarves and shoes to keep our children warm in the wintertime. With the help of the school system, we will discretely approach teachers and parents to deliver the coats and mittens to the children.

'The WUSBA have adopted these programs to share with all participating cities. Everyone will have equal access to any program offered by the Womens United States Basketball Association and Pocket Money Direct Mail Advertising Guide'.



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  WNBA - Women  


Conference Semifinals: First games - by Eurobasket News
East
Indiana F. - New York L. 74-72
Erin Phillips (5'8''-G-85) made a turnaround jumper with 1.5 seconds left that gave the Indiana Fever a 74-72 win over the New York Liberty in the opener of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Thursday night. New York's Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) missed a 3-pointer that would have won the game as time expired. Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) led the Fever with 25 points. Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) scored 15 and Tamara Sutton-Brown (6'4''-C-78, college: Rutgers) added 14. The Fever lost a 15-point lead in the second half but recovered. Pondexter led the Liberty with 18 points. She had scored at least 20 in six consecutive playoff games against the Fever, dating to her days with Phoenix in 2009. Nicole Powell scored 12 points and Kia Vaughn added 10. New York will host Game 2 of the best-of-three series on Saturday. The Fever led 71-70 in the fourth quarter when Phillips threw a bad pass that was intercepted by Essence Carson. Indiana's Tangela Smith was called for a clear path foul, giving the Liberty two shots and the ball. Carson missed both free throws, and New York failed to score on the extra possession. New York tied the game at 72 on a pair of free throws by Kia Vaughn with 50.7 seconds left. The Liberty then had a chance to take the lead on a fastbreak after an Indiana miss, but Catchings caught up with Pondexter and forced her into a turnover. That gave Phillips the chance to make her game-winning shot. Indiana led 28-16 at the end of the first quarter as Catchings scored 10 points in the period. Catchings was hit in the nose during the second quarter and briefly left the game. She returned, and the Fever led 44-34 at halftime. New York cut Indiana's lead to 44-37 early in the third quarter before Douglas drained two 3-pointers during an 8-0 run that gave the Fever a 52-37 lead and forced New York to call timeout. The Liberty rallied again, and a three-point play by Kara Braxton cut Indiana's lead to 52-48. New York cut the deficit to two before Indiana got a basket in close by Jessica Davenport and a fast-break layup by Douglas to push the lead to 60-54. Indiana led 62-58 at the end the third quarter, then went cold in the fourth. Courtesy of www.boston.com

Connecticut S. - Atlanta D. 84-89
Lindsey Harding (5'8''-G-84, college: Duke) had a game-high 21 points and four steals as the Atlanta Dream beat the Connecticut Sun in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series Friday, 89-84, before 7,373 at Mohegan Sun Arena. Game 2 is at Atlanta Sunday (3 p.m.) Erika De Souza (6'6''-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 16 points and nine rebounds for Atlanta (21-14). It won with star Angel McCoughtry (16 points, 10 rebounds) playing 24 minutes due to foul trouble. Asjha Jones had 16 points and six rebounds for the Sun (21-14) and Tina Charles added 12 points and seven rebounds. *Courtesy of www.theday.com

West
Minnesota L. - S.Antonio SS 66-65
On a night when their head coach and rookie teammate collected league honors, Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-G-82, college: Minnesota) and Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) showed why the Minnesota Lynx might not be done accepting trophies this year. Whalen scored 20 points and Augustus added 19 as Minnesota's MVP candidates carried the Lynx past the San Antonio Silver Stars 66-65 in Game 1 of their WNBA Western Conference semifinal on Friday. Whalen also made the game's biggest defensive play to seal the victory. With 4 seconds left, the Silver Stars ran an inbound play on Minnesota's end of the court, looking for the game-winning shot. But Whalen tipped Danielle Robinson's entry pass to Maya Moore, who dribbled out the clock for the win. 'I told Lindsay that's the biggest deflection I've seen in my life,' Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said. 'Lindsay's just been important to us all season long and tonight was no different. She just poses problems in the pick-and-roll game and she had a great bounce in her step.' Rebekkah Brunson grabbed 14 rebounds, Whalen added five assists and Moore chipped in 10 points just hours after she officially was selected as the WNBA Rookie of the Year and Reeve earned Coach of the Year honors. Danielle Adams and Becky Hammon each scored 16 points for San Antonio, while Jia Perkins and Sophia Young added 10 points apiece. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Seattle S. - Phoenix M. 80-61
Tanisha Wright (5'11''-G-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Penn St.) scored 21 points, and Camille Little (6'2''-F/G-85, college: N.Carolina) had 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead the defending WNBA champion Seattle Storm over the Phoenix Mercury 80-61 on Thursday night in the opener of the Western Conference semifinals. Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) added 13 points, six rebounds and three blocks for Seattle, which led 69-42 after three quarters. Swin Cash added 10 points and 11 rebounds. Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut), who averaged 21.6 for Phoenix to lead the WNBA in scoring for the fourth straight year, had just 11 points. She shot 3 of 11 from the field, including 1 of 5 on 3-pointers. Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) scored 13, and DeWanna Bonner (6'4''-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Auburn) added 10 - all in the first half - to lead the Mercury. Phoenix will host Game 2 of the best-of-three series on Saturday. Little and Cash scored six points apiece as Seattle outscored Phoenix 29-11 in the third quarter. The Storm used a 14-0 run over the final three minutes to take a 69-42 lead at the end of the period. Taurasi was 0 of 5 from the field as the Mercury shot 4 of 22 (18.2 percent) in the third quarter. Seattle shot 9 of 17 (52.9 percent). Wright and Little both had 11 points, and Jackson added nine to help the Storm to a 40-31 halftime lead. Wright netted seven points during a 17-7 run to close the first half after Phoenix led 24-23 early in the second quarter. Bonner scored 10, including two 3-pointers, to help the Mercury tie it at 19 after one quarter. Seattle was 9 of 9 on free throws in the first half. Phoenix was 1 of 2. The game turned physical as Taurasi received a technical foul in the third quarter after kicking her leg at Wright after a foul by Wright. Little was given a technical in the second quarter after getting tangled with Taurasi away from the ball. The Storm won the season series 3-1, including an 85-70 victory last week to earn the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Mercury starting center Nakia Sanford missed the game because of a sore knee. She averages 4.2 points and rebounds per game. Seattle has won 11 of 12 games against the Mercury, including a sweep in the West finals last year. The Storm improved to 16-2 at home this season. Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Liberty C Kia Vaughn receives WNBAs most improved player award - by Eurobasket News
Liberty center Kia Vaughn (6'4''-C-87, college: Rutgers) received the WNBAs most improved player award before New York faced Indiana in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Saturday.

Vaughn, selected by the Liberty eighth overall in 2009, was thrust into a starting role this season with the absences of the teams top two rebounders from last year - Taj McWilliams-Franklin, who signed with Minnesota, and Janel McCarville, who sat out. Vaughn averaged 10.1 points and 6.7 rebounds - up from last seasons 2.1 and 1.4, respectively - as her minutes increased from 8.1 a year ago to 28.1. The former Rutgers star started every game this year after starting just one the previous two.

That was the opportunity she had, Liberty coach John Whisenant said. Losing McCarville and Taj just opened the door for Kia and (Quanitra Hollingsworth) to step in and improve themselves in the WNBA, and Kia did a good job of that. She worked hard and listened to our post coach, Mo Ambers.

Vaughn set a career high with 24 points against Tulsa on June 23, and had a career-best 12 rebounds in consecutive games against Los Angeles (June 21) and the Shock (June 23). She also had double-digit rebounds against Connecticut (11) on Aug. 18, and Phoenix (10) on July 30.

Im excited, she said. Just glad that my hard work actually showed out.

Vaughn is the second straight New York player and fourth overall to be picked for most improved. Leilani Mitchell was selected last year, McCarville in 2007 and Tari Phillips in 2000. Liberty teammate Nicole Powell also received the award in 2005 while she played for Whisenant with Sacramento.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Lyttle re-signs with the Dream - by Eurobasket News
The Atlanta Dream re-signed forward Sancho Lyttle (6'4''-C-83, college: Houston) to a multi-year contract on Friday.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Lyttle was the fifth overall selection by the Houston Comets in the 2005 draft and played four seasons with Houston before being selected by the Dream in the 2008 dispersal draft.

A two-time WNBA All-Defensive Second Team selection, Lyttle averaged 10.0 points and 6.3 rebounds this season while leading the league with 2.4 steals per game.

'We are happy a player of her caliber is excited to re-sign here,' said Dream general manager and head coach Marynell Meadors. 'Sancho is a great player and she's been a huge reason for our success.'

Atlanta finished the regular season with a 20-14 record and will open the playoffs Friday against the second-seeded Connecticut Sun.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

DeWanna Bonner named 2011 WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year - by Eurobasket News
Phoenix Mercury guard-forward DeWanna Bonner (6'4''-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Auburn) has been named the 2011 WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year, the league announced today. Bonner received 20 votes from a national panel of 40 sportswriters and broadcasters to earn the award. New York Liberty guard-forward Essence Carson and Connecticut Sun guard Kara Lawson received eight votes each, while Indiana Fever center Jessica Davenport garnered three votes and San Antonio Silver Stars guard Jia Perkins garnered one vote.

In honor of being named the Sixth Woman of the Year, Bonner will receive $5,000 and a specially-designed trophy from Tiffany & Co.

In 34 games this season, including 29 off the bench, Bonner averaged 10.7 points and a career-high 7.0 rebounds. Bonner also shot a career-best .909 from the free throw line. Her 7.0 rpg ranked second on the Mercury behind Candace Duprees 8.2 rpg.

Bonner recorded five 20-point games this season and scored at least 10 points off the bench 12 times; she scored a career-high 25 points on two occasions. Bonner had a three-game stretch (Aug. 7-11) in which she outscored the opposing teams bench each time. She recorded five double-doubles and posted double-digit rebounds nine times, leading the team in boards 11 times. .

On Sept. 6, she earned the first WNBA Player of the Week Award of her career for games played Aug. 29-Sept. 4, as she ranked third in the WNBA and second in the West in rebounding (9.3 rpg) while her 19.0 points per game placed her fourth overall and third in the Conference in scoring.

A standout at Auburn, Bonner was drafted fifth overall by the Mercury in the 2009 WNBA Draft. As a senior, she was named the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year and led the SEC in scoring, becoming the first Auburn player to do so. Bonner was a three-time All-SEC First Team member during her four-year stint as a Tiger.


Below are the results of the 2011 WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year voting and a list of previous winners:


2011 WNBA SIXTH WOMAN OF THE YEAR RESULTS
20 DeWanna Bonner Phoenix Mercury
8 Essence Carson New York Liberty
8 Kara Lawson Connecticut Sun
3 Jessica Davenport Indiana Fever
1 Jia Perkins San Antonio Silver Stars


WNBA SIXTH WOMAN OF THE YEAR WINNERS

2011 DeWanna Bonner Phoenix Mercury
2010 DeWanna Bonner Phoenix Mercury
2009 DeWanna Bonner Phoenix Mercury
2008 Candice Wiggins Minnesota Lynx
2007* Plenette Pierson Detroit Shock

* Inaugural award

Courtesy of www.sportspagemagazine.com