EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/2/2011

Copyright © 1997-2011 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com


Men News

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


Stand-by period for the SETX Mavericks - by Gianni Pascucci
It has been officially announced yesterday that the Southeast Texas Mavericks will not play in any League this upcoming Fall of 2011. At the end of last season after Winning Back to Back Pro Basketball National Championships the Mavericks made the decision to leave the ABA. The intention at the time was to join the NBA D League. Obviously, for several reasons, that did not work out. The Mavericks have been approached by and have looked at several other opportunities which were just not good fits for the Professional Basketball Team & Organization.
The SETX Mavericks Pro Basketball Team & Organization has 'SET A STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE' for ALL others to follow over the past three seasons! With that said, the Mavericks also have established a Legacy & Tradition they want left intact and that will not be tarnished in anyway. The Mavericks will only move forward if they have an opportunity to play at what they perceive to be a level that enhances what has already been built.
The accomplishments of the Mavericks are long and distinguished! The SETX Mavericks stand among the best to ever play the Game of Professional Basketball on this level. What has been accomplished will live on... And in the future the Mavericks hope to add on to their Legacy & Tradition!
The SETX Mavericks Pro Basketball Organization will stay intact. Coach Steve Tucker will remain with the Organization as General Manager/Head Coach. They will remain active in the community & area. The Coach T Basketball School will be established. The Basketball Operations will remain active.
The Mavericks are still actively looking at options and developing them as well. In the future, it will be revealed on what is being looked at and worked on.
If there are any further questions or if you would like to set up an interview with SETX Mavericks owner Jerry Nelson or Coach Steve Tucker contact Ms. Tamika Humphrey the Director of Public Relations/Media Relations for Nutty Jerry's at #877/643-7508

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


All ready for new Torneo Federal - by Facundo Iatzky
After the last meeting it was confirmed the clubs that will participate in the new 'torneo federal' that is organized by CABB and replaced Liga B, third division of professional basketball in Argentina. The league will start in October and these are the teams that will participate on it:
North conference:
Division NEA: Hindu Club Resistencia, Sarmiento Resistencia, Social Las Brenas, Sarmiento Formosa, Mitre Posadas, Tokio Posadas, Santa Rita Esquina
Division NOA: Nicolas Avellaneda BBC, Independiente BBC, Alberdi Tucuman, Talleres Tafi Viejo, Gorriti Jujuy, Union Oran Salta, Municipal El Bordo
Litoral Conference:
Division Entre Rios: Sportivo San Salvador, La Union de Colon, Atletico Rosario, Penarol Rosario del Tala, Regatas Uruguay
Division Santa Fe: Alma Juniors, Brown San Vicente, Adelante Reconquista, Maria Juana, Union Santa Fe, Argentino Firmat
Center Conference:
Division Andina: Facundo La Rioja, San Martin La Rioja, Anzorena Mendoza, Olimpia Catamarca, Del Bono San Juan
Division mediterranea: Unin Electrica Cordoba, Barrio Parque Cordoba, Instituto Cordoba; El Chorrilero, Espanola San Luis
South conference:
Division Capital Federal: Velez Sarsfield, GEVP, Ramos Mejia LTC, Villa Mitre, Pedro Echague , Independiente Avellaneda
Division buenos Aires: Estudiantes Olavarria, Independiente Tandil, Estudiantes La Plata, San Martin Junin, San Lorenzo Chivilcoy, Sportivo Pilar
Division Patagonia: Hispano Americano Rio Gallegos, Perfora Plaza Huincul, Centro Espanol Plottier, Deportivo Roca, Progreso General Roca, Pacifico Neuquen, All Boys de La Pampa, Atletico Regina

Argentina stays perfect after two games in Mar del Plata - by Eurobasket News
ARGENTINA - URUGUAY 86-51

Argentina had no troubles to register another win in Mar del Plata. They cruised past Uruguay 86-51 for 2-0 record in Group B. Puerto Rico has the same score in this pool. It was the first appearance for Uruguay, who has 0-1 now. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) top-scored in victory with 18 points. Andres Nocioni (199-F-79) had double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83) also had 16 pts in this victory. Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) helped with 11 points and 5 boards. In Uruguay, Bruno Fitipaldo (183-G-91) delivered 11 points and was their best player. Martin Osimani (194-G-81, college: Duquesne) netted 8 pts. Quarters: 25-7, 28-12, 21-11, 12-21. Argentina will take a rest today. Uruguay will meet strong Puerto Rico.

Argentina: Luis Scola 18, Andres Nocioni 16+10 boards, Juan Gutierrez 16, Carlos Delfino 11+5 boards
Uruguay: Bruno Fitipaldo 11, Martin Osimani 8

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


Lebanon official squad for Asia 2011... - by Rabih Khoury
The Lebanese Basketball Federation sent the official 12 player list that will represent Lebanon in the Asian Cup in China taking place from 15 to 25 September. And here is the official squad:
-Rodrigue Akl (190-G-88) (Captain)
-Martinez, Miguel
-Ibrahim, Mohamad
-Rida, Ghaleb
-Stephan, Elie
- Abdel-Nour, Jean
-Bawji,Bassel
-Kanaan, Ali
-Farekh, Aboudi
-Hoskin, Sam (Nationalized Player)
-Tabet, Charles
-Bitar, Jad

Head Coach: Ghassan Sarkis
Assistant Coaches: Marwan Khalil and Charbel Dib

*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   


Taipans sign import Andrew Warren - by Eurobasket News
The Skytrans Cairns Taipans have added import Andrew Warren (195-G-87, agency: Interperformances) to its roster, giving the team a formidable backcourt for the 2011/12 NBL season.

Warren, a 198cm (6-6) shooting guard will tandem with fellow import Jamar Wilson to give the Skytrans Taipans plenty of scoring punch.

The Skytrans Taipans will be Warrens first professional gig, coming off his senior year at Bradley University in the Missouri Valley Conference of the NCAA Division One competition.

Warren started his college career as a freshman in 2006-06, but sat out the 2008-09 season with injury, before completing his final two years in impressive style.

As a redshirted junior in 2009-10 he averaged 14.4 points a game shooting 40 per cent from the field, 39 per cent of threes and 87 per cent from the charity stripe. He lifted those numbers to 18.8 points (41%FG, 39%3P and 88%FT) an outing in the 2011-12 season.

He was an all-conference first-team selection in 2011, coming off an honourable mention in 2010 while he made the conferences most improved team in 2008 and was a conference player of the week four times in his career.

His 1,621 points ranks him number 10 on the Bradley University all-time scorers list while he also ranks second in all-time free-throw percentage (84), third in three-pointers made (225) and seventh in three-point percentage (40).

Skytrans Taipans coach Aaron Fearne was excited about Warrens ability to shoot the ball and believes the 24-year-old can have a big impact in his debut professional season.

Andrew adds exactly what we need in our team, a flat out shooter and scorer, Fearne said.

Its going to be his (Warrens) first professional team, so not only have we got ourselves someone that has youth on his side, but he knows how to win and is hungry to do so.

I am excited to have Andrew in Snakes colours this season.

Warren is expected to arrive in Cairns on Friday the 2nd of September and will fly out straight away with the team to watch the pre-season outing against the Townsville Crocodiles.

The Skytrans Taipans team has just returned to Australia after its successful trip to China, where the team won through to the final including a blowout win against a team featuring NBA stars Paul Pierce and Michael Beasley before losing to Alba Berlin.

The trip gave Fearne plenty to ponder as he looks to finalise the Skytrans Taipans roster with the signing of one more Australian player.

It was an amazing experience and one that Im sure the team will be better for, Fearne said of the China trip.

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

*****************************************************
  BAHAMAS   


Huracanes de Tampico adds Douglas to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Huracanes de Tampico (LNBP) agreed terms with 26-year old Bahamas international forward Jamal Douglas (201-F-85, college: E.Kentucky, agency: Dynamics Global Management). Douglas played most recently at Aanekosken Huima (Finland). While playing 21 games for Huima last season he recorded 18.7ppg, 13.5rpg (2nd best in the league), 1.7apg and 1.2spg. It was a very successful year in Douglas career as he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Finnish 1st Division Honorable Mention Douglas played also pro basketball in Bahamas and Finland. He graduated Eastern Kentucky University in 2008 and it will be his fourth season in pro basketball. Douglas has been a member of Bahamas international program for some years. He played for senior national team this year and previously for U21 national team in 2004. Douglas represented Bahamas at the CBC Championships in Nassau (Bahamas) this year. His team won Silver and Douglas stats at this event were 5 games: 10.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 48.8%, FT: 77.8%.

By Eurobasket Data Center

*****************************************************
  BALTIC LEAGUE   


BC Sakalai keep Peciukevicius and Kadzevicius - by Eurobasket News
BC Sakalai keep Augustas Peciukevicius (191-G-91) and Mantas Kadzevicius (194-G-91) on loan from Zalgiris.
Mantas Kadzevicius appeared in Sakalai Vilnius (LKL): last season and in Baltic League after 7 games averaged 3.4ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.6apg. In Lithuanian League after 22 games his stats read 4.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.5apg.
This summer Mantas was a member of the Lithuanian University National Team -11. He recorded 7 points at the Quarter-Finals when Lithuania stunned USA to stay in the title race. Kadzevicius sank two free throws and then the teams went scoreless for almost 100 seconds as Lithuania escaped with a narrow win at the end.
Augustas Peciukevicius started for B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas (LKL) in 2010 and then moved to Aisciai Kaunas (LKL). In Lithuanian League after 14 games he had 5.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 17.4%, FT: 66.7%. In Baltic League his stats read 5.0ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.7apg, 1.7spg. The last season played for Sakalai Vilnius (LKL), in Dec.'10 got injured for at 2 months. In Baltic League scored 19 points in the single game, while in Lithuanian League after 14 games he averaged 9.1ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 65.2%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 47.5%.
Augustas Peciukevicius was also a member of the Lithuanian University National Team -11 and recorded 13 points in the opener versus Philippines.


Ernestas Ezerskis remain with Panevezys Techasas - by Eurobasket News
Ernestas Ezerskis remain with Panevezys Techasas for 2011/2012 season. The Lithuania Point Guard will play in his third season in a row for the team.
The season 2008-2009 he started with CS Rapid Neoset Bucuresti (Romania-Div.A), then moved to Aisciai Kaunas (LKL) and in Lithuanian League averaged 8.1ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 86.0%. In Baltic League (Challenge Cup) after 18 games his stats read 5.5ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 87.0%.
In 2009-2010 moved to Panevezys Techasas (LKL, starting five) and in Lithuanian League after 24 games had high 14.7ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-5 (4.5apg), 1.7spg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 74.1%. In Baltic League his stats read 13.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.3apg, 1.2spg, Blocks-3 (1.5bpg), FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 21.9%, FT: 88.4%.
The last season for Panevezys Techasas (LKL, starting five) after 25 games he averaged 9.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 82.3% in the local league and in Baltic League showed 7.3ppg, 2.5rpg, Assists-3 (5.1apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 73.9%.
This summer Ernestas Ezerskis was a member of the Lithuanian University National Team -11. Lithuania stepped on the pedestal at World University Games as they held off Russia in the consolation final. Ernestas Ezerskis scored 25 points to pace the winners.


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


Gent Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Optima Gent has found the final piece of the roster puzzle in Michael Jenkins (191-G-86, college: Winthrop). Jenkins comes to Gent after he played for Liege during the 2010-2011 season. he missed a big part of the season due to injury. In 13 regular season games for Liege he averaged 12.8 ppg and 4.3 rpg.
Before that he played in Germany for Tubingen during the 2009-2010 season. There he had averages of 14.0 ppg and 3.7 rpg. After his college career at Winthrop he also played in Bosnia for Buducnost.

EuroBasket 2011: Bulgaria pip Belgium in a real thriller - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria-Belgium 68:65

Bulgaria won the real thriller over Belgium in the start of Day 2 at EuroBasket 2011. Twelve times the score was tied in the game, while Bulgaria managed to grab 68:65 victory. Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86) tried to save the game but missed a three-pointer with the buzzer.
Bulgaria and Belgium entered the court winless as In Day 1 both of them lost their openers. They exchanged the lead several times in the opening period until Bulgaria grabbed 14:13 after the first 10 minutes. Tabu-Eboma and Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) exchanged the baskets early in the second, while Tomas Van Den Spiegel tied the game at 19:19. Belgium went on a lead and Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side) gave them 28:21, but Earl Rowland tied it all at 28:28. The latter also sent the teams to the lockers at 33:32, Bulgaria. Kostov nailed three to tie again at 35:35 and Faison made the same at 39:39. The teams were tied again several more times in the third frame but Earl Rowland gave Bulgaria 56:52 at the end of it. Moors brought 56:56, while Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky) scored for 63:59. Sam Van Rossom and Christophe Beghin tied it at 63:63, and the latter also gave Belgium 65:63 lead with less than 2 minutes. Filip Videnov and Ivanov responded for 3-point Bulgarian lead that became the final in the game. Sam Van Rossom tried to save the game but missed a three-pointer with the buzzer.
Earl Rowland stepped up with 22 points for the winners and Filip Videnov notched 17. Sam Van Rossom ended up with 17 points in defeat and Christophe Beghin added 13.

Bulgaria: Earl Rowland 22, Filip Videnov 17
Belgium: Sam Van Rossom 17, Christophe Beghin 13, Thomas Van Den Spiegel (214-C-78) 12


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


EuroBasket 2011: Teletovic's far-shot-range buried Montenegro - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina-Montenegro 94:86

Bosnia and Herzegovina overcame Montenegro in Group C that comprises four teams from former Yugoslavia. The later push allowed them to celebrate 94:86 win for 1-1 record. Montenegro meanwhile suffered their first loss and also has 1-1 record.
Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) and Domercant brought the first points for the winners and Domercant nailed another three for 10:6 lead. Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) and Kikanovic scored for 17:13, while Nihad Dedovic (196-F-90, agency: Beo Basket) brought 22:15. The latter also set up the final result at the end of the first period at 24:19. Bajramovic and Nihad Dedovic made it 32:19, while Ikonic scored three for 40:29. Bosnia and Herzegovina also won the second period and led 48:41 at the halftime. The third period however completely belonged to the Montenegrin team that bounced back with 27-19. Omar-Sharif Cook (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) gave his side 68:67 and Vladimir Dragicevic increased to 4 points. Mirza Teletovics far-shot-range however buried Montenegro. He scored 4 times from the perimeter in the last period to bring the necessary result for his team. Vasiljevic scored two free throws at the very end for the final score.
Mirza Teletovic led the way with 23 points and Nihad Dedovic netted 19. Nemanja Gordic (194-G-88) delivered 14 and three other teammates scored 9 each. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Omar-Sharif Cook ended up with 16 points each in the losing effort. Vladimir Dasic (207-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) collected 14 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists, while Vladimir Dragicevic scored 13.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mirza Teletovic 23, Nihad Dedovic 19, Nemanja Gordic 14
Montenegro: Nikola Pekovic 16, Omar-Sharif Cook 16, Vladimir Dasic 14+11 rebs+7 ast, Vladimir Dragicevic 13



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


Brazil outscores Canada 69-57 for perfect 2-0 record - by Eurobasket News
CANADA - BRAZIL 57-69

Brazil jumped to 2-0 in Mar del Plata. They handed 69-57 loss to Canada sharing the first place in Group A with also perfect Dominican Republic. Canada has 0-1 now as it was their first appearance at this event. Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports) was a key player for Brazil with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. He reached valuation 24. Alex Ribeiro (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) scored 13 points, while Marcelo Magalhaes (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) and Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) helped with 12 points each. Canada did not have anyone with double-digits in scoring. Their best players was Jermaine Anderson (188-G-83, college: Fordham) with 9 points, while Aaron Doornekamp (198-F-85, agency: Interperformances) (5 rebs) and Cory Joseph (190-PG-91, college: Texas) had one less than him. Quarters: 17-12, 11-21, 18-14, 11-22. Brazil will take a rest today. Canada will meet Dominican Republic.

Canada: Jermaine Anderson 9, Aaron Doornekamp 8+5 boards, Cory Joseph 8
Brazil: Marcelinho Huertas 17+5 boards+6 as, Alex Ribeiro 13, Marcelo Magalhaes 12, Guilherme Giovannoni 12

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


Lukoil Academik extends Lamont Mack - by Eurobasket News
Lukoil Academik announced signing of a one-year contract extension with Lamont Mack (201-F-87, college: Charlotte). The American forward joined them in January this year. He appeared 21 times in NBL averaging 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1 steal. Mack also added 4.8 ppg and 2.2 rpg for 5 games in EuroChallenge. Mack helped Lukoil to defend the NBL title. He participated at the NBL All-Star Game. Lamont Mack started last season with AEK Athens. He had 9.5 ppg and 3.4 rpg for them in 14 Greek league games. Mack played for AEK also in 2009/10. It was his rookie year in Europe. At that time Mack had 8.6 ppg and 4.3 rpg in 24 games. He is a University of Charlotte product.

Lukoil Akademik lands Andre Owens and Akida McLain - by Eurobasket News
Andre Owens (193-G-80, college: Houston) and Akida McLain (206-F-86, college: Indiana, PA) are new members of the Bulgarian powerhouse Lukoil Akademik.
Andre Owens heads to Lukoil from Donetsk, where he finished 2010/11. He had 9.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.9 apg for them in 23 Ukrainian league games. He helped them reach Playoff Finals. Owens started last season with Manresa and later moved to Granada. He received Bulgarian citizenship in 2009.
Akida McLain also arrives to Lukoil from Ukraine. He had 13 ppg and 5.8 rpg for Khimik in 13 league games. McLain shined with Cypriot Hasapis Omonia Nicosia before his move to Khimik. He had 16 ppg and 6.9 rpg in 14 league games. It was his first season as a pro.

EuroBasket 2011: Bulgaria pip Belgium in a real thriller - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria-Belgium 68:65

Bulgaria won the real thriller over Belgium in the start of Day 2 at EuroBasket 2011. Twelve times the score was tied in the game, while Bulgaria managed to grab 68:65 victory. Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86) tried to save the game but missed a three-pointer with the buzzer.
Bulgaria and Belgium entered the court winless as In Day 1 both of them lost their openers. They exchanged the lead several times in the opening period until Bulgaria grabbed 14:13 after the first 10 minutes. Tabu-Eboma and Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) exchanged the baskets early in the second, while Tomas Van Den Spiegel tied the game at 19:19. Belgium went on a lead and Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side) gave them 28:21, but Earl Rowland tied it all at 28:28. The latter also sent the teams to the lockers at 33:32, Bulgaria. Kostov nailed three to tie again at 35:35 and Faison made the same at 39:39. The teams were tied again several more times in the third frame but Earl Rowland gave Bulgaria 56:52 at the end of it. Moors brought 56:56, while Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky) scored for 63:59. Sam Van Rossom and Christophe Beghin tied it at 63:63, and the latter also gave Belgium 65:63 lead with less than 2 minutes. Filip Videnov and Ivanov responded for 3-point Bulgarian lead that became the final in the game. Sam Van Rossom tried to save the game but missed a three-pointer with the buzzer.
Earl Rowland stepped up with 22 points for the winners and Filip Videnov notched 17. Sam Van Rossom ended up with 17 points in defeat and Christophe Beghin added 13.

Bulgaria: Earl Rowland 22, Filip Videnov 17
Belgium: Sam Van Rossom 17, Christophe Beghin 13, Thomas Van Den Spiegel (214-C-78) 12


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


Giant recruit Sim Bhullar drops Xavier for New Mexico State - by Eurobasket News
Ordinarily, a player de-committing from Xavier to attend New Mexico State might not qualify as big recruiting news. But Sim Bhullar (7'4''-C-92) only makes big news.

He stands 7-5 and weighs somewhere well north of 300 pounds. So his decision not to join the Musketeers in the fall of 2012 and instead enroll at New Mexico State this fall is going to be noticed.

Bhullar committed to Xavier in the spring as part of its 2012 class, but Toronto-based recruiting site Flagrant Fouls reported late Tuesday that Bhullar instead will join the Aggies for the 2011-12 season. Bhullar, a Toronto native, had planned to spend this year attending prep school in West Virginia.

Xavier is a great program, and we are so appreciative of all the time they spent recruiting my brother, Avneet Bhullar told Personal Fouls. However, Sim has some unique clearinghouse issues that have forced us to really examine the best course of action for Sim's future.

'At this time, we feel more comfortable going forward with New Mexico State due to their experience with Canadians and eligibility. We feel that New Mexico State provides Sim the best chance to get on the floor playing college basketball in the quickest time frame possible.'

New Mexico State assistant coach Paul Wear also is a native of Toronto and has helped attract five Canadians to Las Cruces, N.M.

Knowing some of the guys is definitely going to make it easier, Bhullar told Flagrant Fouls. It's a good feeling to know I won't be down there alone.'

Xavier always seemed an odd fit for Bhullar given coach Chris Macks preference for a faster pace and 94-foot style of play. But the Musketeers have had success with low-post big man Kenny Frease and determined Bhullar could be a game-changing type of player because of his size.

Bhullar played in the summer with the Canada junior national team at the FIBA Under-19 World Championships in Latvia, averaging 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds for his team, which finished 11th. He toured the summer AAU circuit with the CIA Bounce squad out of Toronto and had some excellent moments, including a 12-point, eight-rebound performance when matched against elite high school junior Nerlens Noel.

But Bhullar does struggle with stamina issues and with changing ends and still is working on his touch around the goal. He shot 19-of-33 from the field at the Nike EYBL at the Peach Jam championships.

He told Sporting News in July he hopes to be in the NBA within two years -- and that was before he accelerated the timetable on his college enrollment.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

Stephen Sir joins Huracanes de Tampico - by Eurobasket Center
Huracanes de Tampico (LNBP) agreed terms with 29-year old Canadian guard Stephen Sir (195-G-82, college: N.Arizona). Sir played most recently at Abejas de Guanajuato (LNBP). While playing 3 games for Abejas last season he recorded 27.7ppg, 7.0rpg and 1.0spg. Sir is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Germany, Switzerland and Canada. Two years ago while playing for Erdgas Ehingen in German ProB, Sir was selected to Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Honorable Mention. He played also twice in the All-Star games, in Switzerland and U.S. bases IBL. Sir graduated Northern Arizona University in 2007 and it will be his fifth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Brazil outscores Canada 69-57 for perfect 2-0 record - by Eurobasket News
CANADA - BRAZIL 57-69

Brazil jumped to 2-0 in Mar del Plata. They handed 69-57 loss to Canada sharing the first place in Group A with also perfect Dominican Republic. Canada has 0-1 now as it was their first appearance at this event. Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports) was a key player for Brazil with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. He reached valuation 24. Alex Ribeiro (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) scored 13 points, while Marcelo Magalhaes (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) and Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) helped with 12 points each. Canada did not have anyone with double-digits in scoring. Their best players was Jermaine Anderson (188-G-83, college: Fordham) with 9 points, while Aaron Doornekamp (198-F-85, agency: Interperformances) (5 rebs) and Cory Joseph (190-PG-91, college: Texas) had one less than him. Quarters: 17-12, 11-21, 18-14, 11-22. Brazil will take a rest today. Canada will meet Dominican Republic.

Canada: Jermaine Anderson 9, Aaron Doornekamp 8+5 boards, Cory Joseph 8
Brazil: Marcelinho Huertas 17+5 boards+6 as, Alex Ribeiro 13, Marcelo Magalhaes 12, Guilherme Giovannoni 12

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


Yao asks that Hall nomination be delayed - by Eurobasket News
Ming Yao's (7'5''-C-80) agent has asked the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame to set aside Yao's nomination for a year.

Yao retired in July and was nominated by a member of the Chinese media as a contributor to the game, and would've been eligible for induction as early as 2012. But Hall of Fame president and CEO John Doleva says Yao's agent called Wednesday to request that Yao not be considered next year.

KRIV-TV first reported the request from John Huizinga. He did not immediately return a phone message.

Doleva says Huizinga told him that Yao feels it's too soon for him to be placed on the ballot. An eight-time All-Star whose career was derailed by injuries would be eligible to enter as a player in 2017.

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

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


EuroBasket 2011: F.Y.R. of Macedonia brings the first loud upset defeating Croatia - by Eurobasket News
F.Y.R. of Macedonia-Croatia 78:76

F.Y.R. of Macedonia brings the first loud upset defeating Croatia in Day 2 of Eurobasket 2011. After an overtime loss from Montenegro the team won over Croatia 78:76 as both teams are with 1-1 records in the middle of Group C.
Dontaye Draper (180-G-84, college: Charleston) and Todor Gechevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) started the game from the arc and Bo McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) later tied the game at 6:6. F.Y.R. of Macedonia showed their ambitions already in the start of the game and won the opening period 21:18. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) and Ante Tomic (217-C-87) scored the first five points in the second quarter and Dontaye Draper later gave Croatia 31:28. Krunoslav Simon (197-F-85) scored for 37:32 and Bo McCalebb closed the first half as Croatia had 4-point deficit. Damir Markota (210-C/F-85) and Barac increased to 49:37 but the game was not over. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) reduced to 56:51 and Bo McCalebb cut it to 58:56. Vlado Ilievski (189-PG-80, agency: World Sport Agency) later tied the game at 60:60 with one minute to play in the third. Tomas made the same at 65:65 and Zoric later at 72:72. Dontaye Draper made two free throws for 76:76, but Vlado Ilievski brought the victory for F.Y.R. of Macedonia.
Bo McCalebb paced all the winners with 19 points and Vlado Ilievski nailed 18. Pero Antic scored 15, while Todor Gechevski delivered 10. Dontaye Draper ended up with 13 points in the losing effort and Damir Markota scored 12. Bojan Bogdanovic delivered 11, whilst Krunoslav Simon and Ante Tomic posted 10 apiece.

F.Y.R. of Macedonia: Bo McCalebb 19, Vlado Ilievski 18, Pero Antic 15, Todor Gechevski 10
Croatia: Dontaye Draper 13, Damir Markota 12, Bojan Bogdanovic 11, Krunoslav Simon 10, Ante Tomic 10


Cibona signs Josip Blajic - by Eurobasket News
Josip Blajic (192-G-87, agency: Court Side) officially became a new member of Cibona. The Croatian guard penned a deal for the next season. He spent the last one with Trogir and Alkar. Blajic had 13.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 4.3 apg for 8 games with Trogir, after what they parted ways. In December, Blajic agreed with Alkar, where he added 11.2 ppg, 3 rpg and 3.9 apg for 20 games. Josip Blajic played for Trogir also in 2009/10. He averaged 8.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists that season for 31 games. Blajic spent few years in the past with Alkar. This summer Josip Blajic was a member of the Croatian B National Team. In the past, he played for U20 and U18 Croatia.

*****************************************************
  CYPRUS   


Former Apollon PG re-signs in Greece - by Nima Siar
After helping Pizza Express Apollon to a 10-6 finish and a share of 3rd place in the league, Dante Stiggers (187-PG-82, college: S.Mississippi) has signed by PAOK Thessaloniki in Greece. With a disappointing finish in the playoffs with Apollon, Stiggers was then signed to the playoff roster of PAOK Thessaloniki and helped them to the semi-finals of the A-1 Playoffs where they were swept by eventual champion Panathinaikos.

In 13 games with Apollon, Stiggers averaged 7.9 pts 4.1 ast & 1.4 stl. His 4.1 asissts ranked 3rd in the Cyprus League.

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


Levharti Chomutov Ink Veteran Forward Richard Anderson - by Surujh Roopnarine
2010-11 1.Liga Champions and Mattoni NBL newcomers Levharti Chomutov have signed veteran forward Richard Anderson (199-F-77) for the 2011-12 season. Anderson, who will turn 34 in November, has spent the last three season in Estonia, the last two of which were with BC Rakvere Tarvas. This past season he appeared in eight Baltic League games and averaged 6.6 points and 4.1 rebounds, while in 25 Domestic League contests, averaged 8.0 points and 5.5 rebounds. A former Canadian National Team Member (1999-2005), Anderson provides a rugged interior presence for Chomutov and is the second American import to join the team following last months signing of guard Rob Lowery. In related news, the team announced that 29-year old guard Ales Jiran (184-G-82) has moved to BA Sparta Praha for the 2011-12 season.

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


Bighorns, Reno's D-League basketball team, get new owners - by Eurobasket News
The Reno Bighorns have been purchased by a local group led by Reno lawyer Herb Santos Jr.

Santos Jr., along with partners Stephen and Jeffrey Adams, announced the purchase at the South Reno Athletic Club.

The Bighorns were previously owned by SK Baseball, which also owns the Reno Aces.

The club, which is affiliated with the Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings, will continue to play home games at the Reno Events Center.

The front office will now be docked at the South Reno Athletic Club. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The Bighorns, part of the NBA Developmental League, are without a coach, but the team is looking to replace Eric Musselman in the next few weeks.

Musselman coached just one year in Reno, but led the team to a 34-16 record, winning the Western Conference before losing in the semifinals of the D-League playoffs. He took the same job in Los Angeles.

Santos Jr. will be the managing partner while the Adams brothers will be partners. Stephen Adams owns two Weight Watchers in Reno.

Santos Jr. was seen on the sideline of many Reno Bighorns games over the past three years as a season ticket holder.

Courtesy of www.rgj.com

Pearl declines offer to coach Mavericks' D-League affiliate - by Eurobasket News
Former Tennessee basketball coach Bruce Pearl accepted a job as vice president of marketing with a Knoxville-based wholesale grocery company, bypassing the chance to coach the Texas Legends of the NBA's developmental league.

He will begin working at H.T. Hackney on Thursday. The company is led by Chairman and CEO Bill Sansom, a former University of Tennessee trustee.

'It's really an answer to prayer,' Pearl told The Associated Press on Tuesday. 'This is where my family is. This is where I want to be. Everybody looks at me as a coach, but I'm a father and a husband, and I've got to provide for my family.'

Pearl was fired in March after six seasons at Tennessee in the wake of a two-year NCAA investigation that culminated Wednesday with a three-year show-cause penalty against the coach. The sanction makes it nearly impossible for another school to hire him during that time.

He had considered an offer to coach the Legends of the NBA's developmental league, but he said he wanted to remain in Knoxville. His two oldest children live and work in Knoxville, while his youngest two children are in high school. His wife, Brandy, is from nearby Sevierville, Tenn.

Pearl majored in marketing and economics at Boston College. He said he would have pursued a career in marketing had he not gotten into coaching in 1982.

'I am a former basketball coach at the University of Tennessee, and I'm very proud of almost everything that we accomplished,' he said. 'I'm excited about this new challenge. I'm going to bring the same level of passion and intensity. This is a championship team already. Nobody in the industry does that better. I'm learning that quickly.'

Sansom said he asked Pearl several months ago if he'd considered taking a non-coaching job with a local company.

'A couple of weeks ago I was having dinner with Bruce and Brandy, and he was talking about Texas and if he really wanted to go to Texas, and I said, 'You ought to talk to us,'' Sansom said.

H.T. Hackney is a privately held company with annual revenues of about $4 billion. Sansom and Pearl declined to reveal Pearl's salary.

Sansom said he felt Pearl fit the company's culture and said he had no problem if Pearl wanted to pursue coaching again in three years.

'I hope Bruce has so much fun he won't want to leave, but if he's got that passion and has an opportunity, that's not a problem for either one of us if he wants to do that when the time comes,' Sansom said.

Courtesy of www.star-telegram.com

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


Alfred Horford lead Dominicans to 2-0 in Mar del Plata - by Eurobasket News
VENEZUELA - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 89-92

Dominican Republic grabbed 92-89 win against Venezuela in Day Two of the FIBA Americas Championship. Thanks to this win Dominican Republic stays perfect in Group A sharing the first place with Brazil. Venezuela dropped to 0-2. Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) once again stepped up for Dominicans. He had 19 points with just one miss for 36 minutes on the court. He also added 10 rebounds reaching valuation 35. Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) had 18 points and 14 boards, while Luis Flores (188-G-81, college: Manhattan) helped with 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) top-scored with 19 points. Greivis Vasquez (198-PG-87, college: Maryland) almost had triple-double (16 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists), while Windi Graterol (204-C-86) had 14 points and 6 rebs. Quarters: 26-22, 23-19, 25-22, 15-29. Today, Dominican Republic will play against Canada. Venezuela will meet Cuba.

Venezuela: Oscar Torres 19, Greivis Vasquez 16+10 boards+9 as, Windi Graterol 14+6 boards
Dominican Republic: Alfred Horford 19+10 boards, Jack Michael Martinez 18+14 boards, Luis Flores 10

*****************************************************
  EL SALVADOR   


Weekend results - by Jaime Arevalo
With a little of delay we can inform you that ExSal defeated Roll Royce, yet without any win, on the past weekend, 74-68. After a first half ended 42-29 for Roll Royce, ExSal dominated the third quarter, 22-7, keeping the same pace in the last partial, won 23-19. Martin Ignacio Ramos (170-PG-92) led the ExSal attack with 19 pts, followed by Guillermo Ochoa (190-F-93) with 14. Luis Gutierrez (193-F-87) scored 18 and Jorge Luis Solorzano 16 at the losing side.
In another game of the same round, Denver defeated 96-51 Leones-Automoto

Standings - Liga Superior
LEBES Standings
 1. Denver 10-1 
 2. San Marcos 7-1 
 3. ExSAL 6-4 
 4. Leones 5-5 
 5. Santa Tecla 3-6 
 6. UTEC 3-7 
 7. Roll Royce 0-10 


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


Steven Smith in Panathinaikos!! - by Chris Mammides
The top scorer of the Greek league (last season) Steven Smith (203-F-83, college: La Salle) is the new member of the European champions team of Coach Zeljko Obradovic , Panathinaikos. After Pat Kalathis (208-G/F-85, college: St.Joseph's) and David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis), the Greek champions agree financial terms with a great athlete and a very well known in the Greek fans, player. Steven Smith was the stand out in both seasons in the Greek championship with Kolossos Rodou (before his injury) and in Panellinios. A solid player, very coachable and with great basketball IQ.

The green team is back and right after the great losses of Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) and Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) the Greek champs 'stroke back'. They first renew the central African Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) and with less than 35% of their last seasons budget, Panathinaikos added youth and talent in his team as some new rumors bring the talented Nikos Pappas (194-G-90) (Bizkaia Bilbao Basket's player) in the Green team. While some other rumors do bring the ex Green player Vasilis Xanthopoulos (187-G-84) who is currently memebr of the Hellenic NT in the Eurobasket of Lithuania



Cibona signs Josip Blajic - by Eurobasket News
Josip Blajic (192-G-87, agency: Court Side) officially became a new member of Cibona. The Croatian guard penned a deal for the next season. He spent the last one with Trogir and Alkar. Blajic had 13.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 4.3 apg for 8 games with Trogir, after what they parted ways. In December, Blajic agreed with Alkar, where he added 11.2 ppg, 3 rpg and 3.9 apg for 20 games. Josip Blajic played for Trogir also in 2009/10. He averaged 8.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists that season for 31 games. Blajic spent few years in the past with Alkar. This summer Josip Blajic was a member of the Croatian B National Team. In the past, he played for U20 and U18 Croatia.

Andriuskevicius announced by PAOK - by Giorgos Diploidis
Martynas Andriuskevicius (218-C/F-86, agency: Interperformances) is officially player of PAOK Thessaloniki. The coach of the team Soulis Markopoulos was looking for his starting center for and he chose the Lithuanian. His back up will be Nikos Kalles and the small forward will come also from America. . Andriuskevicius last year in Meridiano Alicante had 7.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.0bpg in 34 games.

At the same time Corey Maggette (198-G-79, college: Duke) is in Thessaloniki and he is discussing the chance to sign a contract with the Greek team while the lock out is active in NBA.

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


Results and Stats from Day 2 in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
Group A
United Kingdom - Turkey 61-90
Turkey improved to 2-0 record in Group A after the victory over Great Britain on Thursday afternoon. Turkey led from the start until the end to seal 90:61 victory. Deng gave his side the first lead in the game at 1:0 as it became clear after it was the last one. Turkey responded with seven consecutive points and Omer Onan (194-G-78) later scored for 13:3. Ilyasova and Omer Asik (213-C-86) brought 17:3, while Reinking closed the period at 22:10. In the second frame Turkey also scored 22 points but allowed Great Britain to finish with 16. Deng closed the half at 44:26 and Omer Asik opened the scoring account in the third period for his side. Sullivan and v reduced to 49:33, while Turkoglu nailed three for 54:33. Ilyasova and Freeland exchanged for 59:37 and the latter also posted the last three points in the third quarter for 64:43. Turkey did not allow the opponents to come closer and did not even think of slowing down. Tunceri and Omer Onan made it 69:44, while Omer Asik scored for 74:49. Johnson and Izzet Turkyilmaz (210-F-90) left 25-points difference on the board and Akyol scored 6 in a row for 82:51. Boateng later gave Great Britain four consecutive points, while Johnson made the final result in the game. Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) poured in 15 points for the winners and Omer Onan notched 14. Savas chipped in 12, while Kanter added 11. Deng finished the game with 22 points and Kyle Johnson delivered 10.

Poland - Lithuania 77-97
Lithuania registered the second straight win at the home EuroBasket. They fired past Poland for 2-0 record in Group A. Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with 19 points, 6 boards and 6 assists to pace the charge. Lithuania surged ahead late in the opening quarter. They recorded a 25:20 lead after ten minutes. Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) scored 8 points in a row early in the second frame to give the hosts a 33:22 lead. Lithuania stretched the margin to 15 points at halftime. The margin just kept on growing in the third term. The home team entered the fourth frame up by 24 points 76:52. Poland fired 25 points in the final term but it could not rescue them eventually. Darius Songaila provided 14 points, while Rimantas Kaukenas added 11 points in the victory. Thomas Kelati answered with 16 points for Poland. Dardan Berisha (192-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82) had 10 points each in the loss.

Portugal - Spain 73-87
Spain turn on high-octane stuff against Portugal and easily won the second game at EuroBasket 2011. After the tough victory over Poland in Day 1, the defending champions rout Portugal 87:73. Spain did not waste time and went on a lead in the first period. Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) made it 22:11, while Fernandez closed the frame at 26:16. The latter also brought 33:19 early in the second and Pau Gasol added two more for 16-point deficit. Portugal however created a 6-0 run as Tavarez reduced to 35:25. Calderon and Reyes were the last to score at the half for 53:36 advantage. Pau Gasol and his brother ensured 57:38 early in the third, while Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) scored for 59:41. He made two three-points in a row later for 65:44 midway through the third quarter. Reyes scored four consecutive points at the end of the quarter for 77:52. In the last stanza Portugal started to play better and reduced to score a bit in the game. At first Fonseca and Miranda reduced to 79:52, while Andrade cut it to 80:60. Rubio increased the lead to 23 points, but Antonio Tavares (183-G-75) reduced to 18. Evora and Reyes exchanged the shots for 85:66, while Rubio made 87:66. Goncalves scored four in a row for 87:70 and Santos nailed three for the final result. Pau Gasol again top-scored for the winners, this time with 20 points. Juan Carlos Navarro netted 17, while Marc Gasol (212-C-85, agency: Interperformances) and Reyes notched 10 apiece. Antonio Tavares replied with 17 points in the losing effort and Miranda scored 13.

Group B
Italy - Germany 62-76
Germany needed a strong finish to win over Italy in the top game of Day 2 in Eurobasket. Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) and Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) were too much for the Italian side in a 76:62 victory. The teams were tied four times in the opening period, while Mordente tied it at 16:16 in the latest. He also gave Italians 2-point lead after the first 10 minutes, while Herber opened the third quarter from the perimeter and Ohlbrecht scored for 22:20. Robin Benzing (208-F-89) and Dirk Nowitzki scored for 36:30 that became the score at the halftime. Trailing 32:38 in the start of the third quarter, Italy erupted with an 8-0 run as Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) brought 40:38. Only Dirk Nowitzki needed the last shot in the third period for 46:45 after thirty minutes. The last quarter however completely belonged to Germany. They exploded with 30-17 in it and reached the second straight victory. Schwethelm made the last three-pointer in the game for the final result. Dirk Nowitzki top-scored for the German side with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Chris Kaman collected 17 points and 17 caroms. Robin Benzing posted 14, while Schaffartzik added 11. Danilo Gallinari (205-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) replied with 17 points and Marco Belinelli scored 15 in defeat.

Latvia - Serbia 77-92
Serbia celebrated the second straight win at the Eurobasket 2011. The Serbian squad edged Latvia 92:77 after 19-2 from the start. It was an easy start for Serbia that overcame Italy in Day 1 of the competition. Serbia scored the first 11 points in the game and later had 19:2. Perovic made a dunk to close the first period at 23:7. The Baltic side was too far to give up and erupted with a massive lead in the second quarter. Rolands Freimanis (207-C/F-88, agency: Players Group) tied the game at 29:29, while Serbia responded with a 7-0 run. Savanovic later scored for 37:31 and Krstic scored two frees for 42:36. Kuksiks nailed three and Strelnieks brought 46:41 in the end of middle of the third quarter. For Serbia it was an offensive period and after 32 points in it they enjoyed 70:58 going into the last quarter. Rolands Freimanis and Janis Blums (190-G-82) reduced to 6 points, but Macvan and Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) scored for 76:65. Strelnieks made two free throws for 76:70, while Strelnieks and Paunic exchanged the shots for 82:72. Serbia won the end of the game 10-5 and took the second straight win in Lithuania. Nenad Krstic paced all the winners with 23 points, while Savanovic netted 19. Paunic followed them with 10 and Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) as well as Perovic scored 9 apiece. Rolands Freimanis delivered 19 points in defeat, whilst Kuksiks posted 16. Janis Blums notched 15 and Strelnieks added 12.

Israel - France 68-85
France rolled to the second win at the start of EuroBasket. They stormed past Israel to stay undefeated in Group B. Tony Parker (183-PG-80) scored 21 points and issued 8 assists to pace the winners. France fired 24 points in the opening quarter to build a 10-point lead. Israel stopped the rot in the second term. They got within 7 points at the interval 35:42. But the third term turned things French way. Les Bleus stepped on the gas and rallied to a 64:48 advantage heading into the fourth frame. Israel got within 15 points but never threatened the margin as France cruised to the victory at the end. Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) posted 15 points, while Mickael Gelabale (201-F-83) added 13 points in the winning case. Lior Eliyahu (206-F/C-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) and Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) answered with 15 points each in the loss.

Group C
Bosnia - Montenegro 94-86
Bosnia and Herzegovina overcame Montenegro in Group C that comprises four teams from former Yugoslavia. The later push allowed them to celebrate 94:86 win for 1-1 record. Montenegro meanwhile suffered their first loss and also has 1-1 record. Dragicevic and Domercant brought the first points for the winners and Domercant nailed another three for 10:6 lead. Teletovic and Elmedin Kikanovic (210-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) scored for 17:13, while Dedovic brought 22:15. The latter also set up the final result at the end of the first period at 24:19. Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81) and Dedovic made it 32:19, while Ikonic scored three for 40:29. Bosnia and Herzegovina also won the second period and led 48:41 at the halftime. The third period however completely belonged to the Montenegrin team that bounced back with 27-19. Omar-Sharif Cook (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) gave his side 68:67 and Dragicevic increased to 4 points. Teletovic's far-shot-range however buried Montenegro. He scored 4 times from the perimeter in the last period to bring the necessary result for his team. Vasiljevic scored two free throws at the very end for the final score. Teletovic led the way with 23 points and Dedovic netted 19. Nemanja Gordic (194-G-88) delivered 14 and three other teammates scored 9 each. Pekovic and Omar-Sharif Cook ended up with 16 points each in the losing effort. Dasic collected 14 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists, while Dragicevic scored 13.

Finland - Greece 61-81
Greece celebrated the second straight victory at the Eurobasket 2011 in Lithuania. The Greek side won all the quarters over Finland to end with 81:61 success. Greece took 6-0 from the start of the game and Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) and Fotsis scored for 10:6. Mavroeidis delivered two at the end of the first period for 20:14 advantage. Finland started the second period more confident and Lee reduced to 24:19. Moreover Huff scored another three for minus 2. No matter how hard the Scandinavian team tried to come closer, Greece did not allow them to do that. Ioannis Bourousis brought 37:29 and Koponen closed the half at 41:32. The third quarter became the most defensive in the game as both sides shared 28 points. Greece added another 16-12 for 57:44 after thirty minutes. Kostas Koufos (213-C/F-89, college: Ohio St.) and Vasileiadis brought 61:47 and Zisis made two free throws for 64:50. Ioannis Bourousis immediately scored four from the line and Michael Bramos (196-G/F-87, college: Miami, OH) nailed a three for 73:52. He was also the last player for the winners to score 4 consecutive points and celebrate 81:61 victory. Ioannis Bourousis top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Zisis notched 14. Michael Bramos and Fotsis followed them with 9 points each. Koponen delivered 21 for the Scandinavian side and Lee added 13.

FYR Macedonia - Croatia 78-76
F.Y.R. of Macedonia brings the first loud upset defeating Croatia in Day 2 of Eurobasket 2011. After an overtime loss from Montenegro the team won over Croatia 78:76 as both teams are with 1-1 records in the middle of Group C. Dontaye Draper (180-G-84, college: Charleston) and Gechevski started the game from the arc and Bo McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) later tied the game at 6:6. F.Y.R. of Macedonia showed their ambitions already in the start of the game and won the opening period 21:18. Bogdanovic and Tomic scored the first five points in the second quarter and Dontaye Draper later gave Croatia 31:28. Simon scored for 37:32 and Bo McCalebb closed the first half as Croatia had 4-point deficit. Damir Markota (210-C/F-85) and Barac increased to 49:37 but the game was not over. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) reduced to 56:51 and Bo McCalebb cut it to 58:56. Ilievski later tied the game at 60:60 with one minute to play in the third. Tomas made the same at 65:65 and Zoric later at 72:72. Dontaye Draper made two free throws for 76:76, but Ilievski brought the victory for F.Y.R. of Macedonia. Bo McCalebb paced all the winners with 19 points and Ilievski nailed 18. Pero Antic scored 15, while Gechevski delivered 10. Dontaye Draper ended up with 13 points in the losing effort and Damir Markota scored 12. Bogdanovic delivered 11, whilst Simon and Tomic posted 10 apiece.

Group D
Ukraine - Slovenia 64-68
Poor Slovenia managed to escape the win over Ukraine in the end of Day 3 of Eurobasket 2011. After more than 20 points advantage in the start of the last period, Slovenia failed with 1-17 and then could win only 68:64 after a heart-breaker. Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) and Begic opened the game for Slovenia, while Zabirchenko tied the game at 6:6. Again Begic and Erazem Lorbek scored for 13:8, but again Zabirchenko reduced to 13:11. Slokar made two free throws at the end of the first period for 18:12, Slovenia. The second quarter was a masterpiece for the Slovenian team that needed 23-8 for 41:20 at the halftime. In the third quarter the difference was almost all the time by 20 points. Erazem Lorbek scored for 46:25 and he later brought 49:27. Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82, agency: Beo Basket) and Dragic exchanged for 51:33, while Serhiy Lishchuk and Udrih scored for 54:36. Burt made two free throws for 54:38 and Udrih closed the third period at 57:38. Fesenko opened the last period for minus 17 and Kolchenko reduced to 57:42. Ukraine kept Slovenia scoreless for more than two minutes as Slokar made one free throw for 58:42. Lukashov nailed three for 58:45 and Slovenia needed a timeout at that time. Lithuania scored only 1 single point in the first five minutes. Fesenko cut it to 58:48 and Kolchenko made two free throws for 58:55. Begic broke the silence for his side and increased to 5 points with 3 minutes to go. Lypovyy made it 60:57 and Begic made two free throws for 62:57. Erazem Lorbek and Dragic delivered for 65:58 and Burtt made two free throws for minus 5. Lukashov stole the ball and drove a lay-up for 65:62, but Lakovic increased the lead to four points. Serhiy Lishchuk cut it to 2 points with 4 seconds to play, but Saso Ozbolt (188-G-81, agency: World Sport Agency) made two free throws for the final result. Begic top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Erazem Lorbek notched 12. Smodis followed the with 9 points for 2-0 record. Burtt scored 14 in defeat and Fesenko posted 11.

Georgia - Russia 58-65
Russia grabbed 2-0 record in Group D of the EuroBasket 2011. Although the fans expected the more comfortable victory over Georgia, Russia enjoyed 65:58 win. Kirilenko scored the first points for the winners, while Georgia replied with 6-0 run. Antonov and Fridzon nailed threes for 8:6, while Monya and Fridzon closed the period from the perimeter for 20:16. Tskitishvili brought his side to 20:22, but Russia needed a small run to take the bigger lead. Monya and Kirilenko scored for 33:24, while Shved brought 40:27. Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) closed a 5-0 run for Georgia to delivered for 40:32, but Russia responded with 6-0 run as Kirilenko made a dunk for 46:32. The third quarter however belonged to Georgia and they made a huge comeback at the end of the frame. Markoishvili nailed three to close the quarter at 52:45 and then Shengelia scored for 52:50. Vorontsevich and Kirilenko increased the lead to 8 points but Zaza Pachulia and Haynes scored for 54:58. Zaza Pachulia later brought 56:61, but Vorontsevich, Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) and Bykov delivered the last points for the winners. Kirilenko poured in 20 points again in the second game to lead the charge. Monya netted 12, while Fridzon chipped in 9. Markoishvili answered with 21 points for Georgia and Zaza Pachulia had only 11. Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) followed them with 10 points in the losing effort.

Bulgaria - Belgium 68-65
Bulgaria won the real thriller over Belgium in the start of Day 2 at EuroBasket 2011. Twelve times the score was tied in the game, while Bulgaria managed to grab 68:65 victory. Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86) tried to save the game but missed a three-pointer with the buzzer. Bulgaria and Belgium entered the court winless as In Day 1 both of them lost their openers. They exchanged the lead several times in the opening period until Bulgaria grabbed 14:13 after the first 10 minutes. Tabu-Eboma and Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) exchanged the baskets early in the second, while Tomas Van Den Spiegel tied the game at 19:19. Belgium went on a lead and Beghin gave them 28:21, but Earl Rowland tied it all at 28:28. The latter also sent the teams to the lockers at 33:32, Bulgaria. Kostov nailed three to tie again at 35:35 and Faison made the same at 39:39. The teams were tied again several more times in the third frame but Earl Rowland gave Bulgaria 56:52 at the end of it. Moors brought 56:56, while Videnov scored for 63:59. Sam Van Rossom and Beghin tied it at 63:63, and the latter also gave Belgium 65:63 lead with less than 2 minutes. Videnov and Ivanov responded for 3-point Bulgarian lead that became the final in the game. Sam Van Rossom tried to save the game but missed a three-pointer with the buzzer. Earl Rowland stepped up with 22 points for the winners and Videnov notched 17. Sam Van Rossom ended up with 17 points in defeat and Beghin added 13.


France Crushes Israel in Day Two of the EuroBaket 85:68 - by David Pick
In a monstrous NBA like league, Group B of the 2011 EuroBakset tournament shows dazzling names such as Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Kaman, Andrea Bargnani, Marco Belinelli, Danilo Gallinari, Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, Joakim Noah and Nicolas Batum, promising great battles as all compete for one of the tickets to the next round.

Today's first of three group games saw Serbia come one win away for securing their qualification to the next round crushing Latvia 92:77. After falling 91:64 in an uncharacteristic manner to 'mighty' Germany, Israel faced a very athletic and powerful French team. Expectations of the tricolor team are nothing less from qualifying to this summer's final-four round. Yesterday, France overcame a tough Latvian team (89:78), who shot almost 48% for three, securing their first 'W'. Today, despite Israeli garbage time points, France led by double-digits during most of match earning their second win, leaving Israel searching for their first.

France takes an historical 5:2 winning record, as its latest victory, aside from today's game, came in 2001, 77:71. The last time Israel walked of the court victorious against the French squad was is 1997, 91:84.

France - Israel 85:68

France starting the game with four NBA players as Tony Parker, Nicolas Batum, Boris Diaw, and Joakim Noah took the floor, in addition to Mickael Gelabale. Israel opened with Yotam Halperin, David Blu, Guy Pnini, Yogev Ohayon and Yaniv Green.

France's fast pace game began right from the start as they pushed the ball inside over and over again, but, on the other end, Blu and Pnini continued their high three point percentage shooting efforts as each nailed a trey to close the gap, as the French took an 11:6 lead midway through the first period. A beautiful and-one alley-oop from Parker to Batum increased the favorite's gap, taking a double-digit 24:14, first quarter lead.

After France began a 4:0 second session run, Israel answered with its own 11:0 sprint, sending the French to talk things over, 28:22. Eliyahu reached double digit figures and Burstein kept shooting, adding five more points to Israel's bank. Pietrus on the other end made an easy bucket off the glass giving France a 30:27 edge. Five consecutive points by Blu gave Israel its first lead in the game, 35:34, with 90 second remaining in the first half, but one again, Parker (12 & 4) caught fire sending his team to the locker room in front, 42:35.

Like yesterday's game, Israel forgot to leave their locker room allowing France to take a 50:35 lead, three minutes into the third frame. Mazal Tov - Halperin scored Israel's first second half points after 4:45 minutes. Israel tried to give it one last push but France managed to win the third Q, 22:13, taking a 64:48 lead into the final ten minutes. Parker proved to be three levels above any Israeli guard as he dazzled his way to a game high with 21 points and 8 assist, securing his nations second tournament victory, 85:68.

Batum finished with 15 points and 6 steals, Gelabale added 13 points (3/3 for three), Joakim Noah had 9 points and 9 board and Diaw finished with 6 points and 8 rebounds. (France shot 57% from three point range scoring 8/14, and crushed the boards winning 40:20). Yotam Halperin and Lior Eliyahu each scored 15 points for Israel. David Blu and Gal Mekel added 14 and 9 respectively.

Later tonight Dirk Nowitzki's Germany plays Italy looking for their second 'W' to join Serbia and France at the top of Group B. Tomorrow's games will meet favorites, Serbia against Israel, Italy - Latvia, and Germany - France.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd


Standings Div.A (Men)
Standings
Group A
1. Spain2-0
2. Lithuania2-0
3. Turkey2-0
4. Poland0-2
5. Portugal0-2
6. U.Kingdom0-2
Group B
1. France2-0
2. Germany2-0
3. Serbia2-0
4. Israel0-2
5. Italy0-2
6. Latvia0-2
Group C
1. Greece2-0
2. FYR Macedon.1-1
3. Montenegro1-1
4. Bosnia1-1
5. Croatia1-1
6. Finland0-2
Group D
1. Russia2-0
2. Slovenia2-0
3. Bulgaria1-1
4. Georgia1-1
5. Ukraine0-2
6. Belgium0-2


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Petteri KOPONEN
  FIN
  (193-G-88)
  Avg: 13.8
 1. Koponen, FIN13.8 
 2. Miranda, POR12.5 
 3. Santos, POR12.0 
 4. Rannikko, FIN11.5 
 5. Trotter, HUN11.0 
 6. Huff, FIN10.5 
 7. Andrade, POR10.3 
 8. Keller, HUN10.3 
 9. Hanga, HUN9.5 
 10. Lorant, HUN9.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Carlos ANDRADE
  CPV
  (197-F-78)
  Avg: 7.8
 1. Andrade, POR7.8 
 2. Cunha, POR6.7 
 3. Bader, HUN6.3 
 4. Salin, FIN6.0 
 5. Huff, FIN6.0 
 6. Lorant, HUN5.5 
 7. Kotti, FIN5.0 
 8. Hanga, HUN5.0 
 9. Santos, POR4.3 
 10. Keller, HUN4.0 
Assists Per Game
 Filipe DA SILVA
  (185-F-86)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Da Silva, POR6.5 
 2. Koponen, FIN5.0 
 3. Hanga, HUN3.5 
 4. Rannikko, FIN3.0 
 5. Andrade, POR2.3 
 6. Huff, FIN2.0 
 7. Lorant, HUN2.0 
 8. Miranda, POR2.0 
 9. Trotter, HUN1.8 
 10. Horvath, HUN1.5 
Steals Per Game
 Obie TROTTER
  USA
  (186-G-84)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Trotter, HUN2.8 
 2. Kotti, FIN2.5 
 3. Miranda, POR2.3 
 4. Andrade, POR2.0 
 5. Hanga, HUN2.0 
 6. Huff, FIN1.3 
 7. Santos, POR1.3 
 8. Horvath, HUN1.0 
 9. Vojvoda, HUN0.8 
 10. Bader, HUN0.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Elvis EVORA
  CPV
  (205-C-78)
  Avg: 1
 1. Evora, POR1.0 
 2. Keller, HUN1.0 
 3. Muurinen, FIN0.8 
 4. Salin, FIN0.5 
 5. Fonseca, POR0.5 
 6. Kotti, FIN0.3 
 7. Santos, POR0.3 
 8. Trotter, HUN0.3 
 9. Lee, FIN0.3 
 10. Bader, HUN0.3 


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


Standings
Standings
Group A
1. Dominican R.2-0
2. Brazil2-0
3. Venezuela1-2
4. Canada0-1
5. Cuba0-2
Group B
1. P.Rico2-0
2. Argentina2-0
3. Panama1-1
4. Uruguay0-1
5. Paraguay0-3


Day Two in Mar del Plata - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Venezuela - Dominican Republic 89-92
Dominican Republic grabbed 92-89 win against Venezuela in Day Two of the FIBA Americas Championship. Thanks to this win Dominican Republic stays perfect in Group A sharing the first place with Brazil. Venezuela dropped to 0-2. Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) once again stepped up for Dominicans. He had 19 points with just one miss for 36 minutes on the court. He also added 10 rebounds reaching valuation 35. Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) had 18 points and 14 boards, while Luis Flores (188-G-81, college: Manhattan) helped with 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) top-scored with 19 points. Greivis Vasquez (198-PG-87, college: Maryland) almost had triple-double (16 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists), while Windi Graterol (204-C-86) had 14 points and 6 rebs. Quarters: 26-22, 23-19, 25-22, 15-29. Today, Dominican Republic will play against Canada. Venezuela will meet Cuba.

Canada - Brazil 57-69
Brazil jumped to 2-0 in Mar del Plata. They handed 69-57 loss to Canada sharing the first place in Group A with also perfect Dominican Republic. Canada has 0-1 now as it was their first appearance at this event. Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports) (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports) was a key player for Brazil with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. He reached valuation 24. Alex Ribeiro (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) scored 13 points, while Marcelo Magalhaes (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) and Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) helped with 12 points each. Canada did not have anyone with double-digits in scoring. Their best players was Jermaine Anderson (188-G-83, college: Fordham) with 9 points, while Aaron Doornekamp (198-F-85, agency: Interperformances) (5 rebs) and Cory Joseph (190-PG-91, college: Texas) had one less than him. Quarters: 17-12, 11-21, 18-14, 11-22. Brazil will take a rest today. Canada will meet Dominican Republic.

Group B
Argentina - Uruguay 86-51
Argentina had no troubles to register another win in Mar del Plata. They cruised past Uruguay 86-51 for 2-0 record in Group B. Puerto Rico has the same score in this pool. It was the first appearance for Uruguay, who has 0-1 now. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) top-scored in victory with 18 points. Andres Nocioni (199-F-79) had double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83) also had 16 pts in this victory. Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) helped with 11 points and 5 boards. In Uruguay, Bruno Fitipaldo (183-G-91) delivered 11 points and was their best player. Martin Osimani (194-G-81, college: Duquesne) netted 8 pts. Quarters: 25-7, 28-12, 21-11, 12-21. Argentina will take a rest today. Uruguay will meet strong Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico - Paraguay 101-55
Another easy win for Puerto Rico. This time they blasted Paraguay 101-55 for perfect 2-0 record in Group B. On the other side, Paraguay faced with their second loss so they have 0-2 now. Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83) came up with 19 points for 16 minutes on the court. Jose Juan Barea (181-PG-84, college: Northeastern) had 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, while Alexander David Galindo (198-F-85, college: FIU) and John Holland (195-G/F-88, college: Boston U.) netted 11 points each. In defeat, Guillermo Araujo (204-C-82) was better than the others with 18 points. Enrique Martinez (189-G-78, agency: Dream Team Management) and Daniel Perez (190-G/F-84) delivered 13 and 11 points respectively. Quarters: 15-10, 30-20, 30-12, 26-13. Next rival of Puerto Rico will be Uruguay. Paraguay will play against Panama also today.

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


EUROBASKET: Finland lost by 20 pts - by Rauno Hurmalainen
EuroBasket, Lithuania 2011. Group C - Alytus: Finland (Suomi) lost tonight vs Greece (Hellas) by 20 points 61-81 (32-41). Quarters: 14-20, 18-21, 12-16, 17-24.
Greece was better in everything. Greece defense was smart and tough, the shooting percentages were higher and bigger Greece won the rebounds 27-41. Finland had big troubles especially under the boards. Greece made eight blocks in the game and their block threat was there all 40 minutes. Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) had a double-double 19pts/10rbs. Shawn Huff (198-G/F-84, college: Valparaiso) played 100 time on Finland NT roster, but he as well as many other Finns want to forget this contest soon. Only Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) (21pts) and Gerald Lee Jr (13pts) scored over 10 points. Lee netted his all points during the first half.
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro 94-86 (48-41), F.Y.R. of Macedonia - Croatia 78-76 (37-41), Finland - Greece 61-81 (32-41). Finland: Petteri Koponen 21, Gerald Lee Jr 13, Sasu Salin 6, Petri Virtanen 6, Shawn Huff 5/1/2a. 1 - 46,2% (6/13), 2 - 35,9% (14/39), 3 - 34,6% (9/26). R: 14+13=27. TO: 16. Greece: Ioannis Bourousis 19/10/3b, Nikolaos Zisis 14, Antonios Fotsis 9, Michail Bramos 9. 1 - 81,8% (18/22), 2 - 68,6% (24/35), 3 - 33,3% (5/15). R: 32+9=41. TO: 22.

Standings: Greece 2-0, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1, Croatia 1-1, Montenegro 1-1, F.Y.R. of Macedonia 1-1, Finland 0-2.
Next games: 3.9. Finland - Bosnia&Herzegovina at 15:30, Greece - F.Y.R. of Macedonia at 18:00, Croatia - Montenegro at 21:00.



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


More rumors sent Tony Parker to ASVEL - by Eurobasket News
According to Leprogres.fr Tony Parker (183-PG-80) will play for ASVEL in October. The French Star will debut for the French side against Paris-Levallois.

According to BasketUSA , Parker said that if the season dont resume by December or January and the NBA is talking about the possibility of cancelling then season, then he would return to France and play for ASVEL. He played four seasons in the French league before coming to the NBA, and he is part owner of a team.

Over the last three years in NBA he had high 22.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 6.9apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 77.7% in 2008/2009 season. In 2009-2010 for San Antonio Spurs (NBA) was injured in Mar.'10 and was off for 6 weeks. After 66 games his stats read 16.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 5.6apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 73.3%. The last season in 84 games he improved to 17.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 6.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 76.7%.
Last night the French best player top-scored with 31 points in EuroBasket opener. France expected an easier start, but had to enjoy the tough victory over Latvia. Trailing in the majority of the game France pushed the tempo for good in the second half and grabbed 89:78 win.



Nancy outscored BCM Gravelines, other results - by Eurobasket News
French teams continue their friebldy campaigns mostly with each other to prepare better for 2011/2012 Regular Seasons. Nancy outscored BCM Gravelines 74:71. Both teams showed their great preparation skills for the upcoming season and stayed close to each other in the majority of the game. For BCM Rudy Jomby (197-G/F-88) scored 12 points and Osiris Eldridge (191-G-88, college: Illinois St.), Vaty and Valentin Bigote (197-F-92) netted 10 points each. Johnson followed them with 9, while Edwards posted 5.
Olympique d'Antibes overcame Golfe-Juan (NM2) 102:64. The teams were tied at 17:17, while the favorites needed an 8-0 run to take 25:17 after the first 10 minutes. They improved to 52:27 later in the half and went to the lockers for 57:31. Cecil Brown (193-G-83, college: UCSB) made it 80:41 after thirty minutes and then Olympique d'Antibes reached three digits numbers.
Boulazac Basket Dordogne (Pro B) meanwhile edged Stade Clermontois (NM1) 86:56.

EuroBasket 2011: France rally past Israel for second straight win - by Eurobasket News
France - Israel 85:68

France rolled to the second win at the start of EuroBasket. They stormed past Israel to stay undefeated in Group B. Tony Parker (183-PG-80) scored 21 points and issued 8 assists to pace the winners.
France fired 24 points in the opening quarter to build a 10-point lead. Israel stopped the rot in the second term. They got within 7 points at the interval 35:42. But the third term turned things French way. Les Bleus stepped on the gas and rallied to a 64:48 advantage heading into the fourth frame. Israel got within 15 points but never threatened the margin as France cruised to the victory at the end. Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) posted 15 points, while Mickael Gelabale (201-F-83) added 13 points in the winning case. Lior Eliyahu (206-F/C-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) and Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) answered with 15 points each in the loss.

France: Tony Parker 21, Nicolas Batum 15, Mickael Gelabale 13
Israel: Lior Eliyahu 15, Yotam Halperin 15


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


EuroBasket 2011: F.Y.R. of Macedonia brings the first loud upset defeating Croatia - by Eurobasket News
F.Y.R. of Macedonia-Croatia 78:76

F.Y.R. of Macedonia brings the first loud upset defeating Croatia in Day 2 of Eurobasket 2011. After an overtime loss from Montenegro the team won over Croatia 78:76 as both teams are with 1-1 records in the middle of Group C.
Dontaye Draper (180-G-84, college: Charleston) and Todor Gechevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) started the game from the arc and Bo McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) later tied the game at 6:6. F.Y.R. of Macedonia showed their ambitions already in the start of the game and won the opening period 21:18. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) and Ante Tomic (217-C-87) scored the first five points in the second quarter and Dontaye Draper later gave Croatia 31:28. Krunoslav Simon (197-F-85) scored for 37:32 and Bo McCalebb closed the first half as Croatia had 4-point deficit. Damir Markota (210-C/F-85) and Barac increased to 49:37 but the game was not over. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) reduced to 56:51 and Bo McCalebb cut it to 58:56. Vlado Ilievski (189-PG-80, agency: World Sport Agency) later tied the game at 60:60 with one minute to play in the third. Tomas made the same at 65:65 and Zoric later at 72:72. Dontaye Draper made two free throws for 76:76, but Vlado Ilievski brought the victory for F.Y.R. of Macedonia.
Bo McCalebb paced all the winners with 19 points and Vlado Ilievski nailed 18. Pero Antic scored 15, while Todor Gechevski delivered 10. Dontaye Draper ended up with 13 points in the losing effort and Damir Markota scored 12. Bojan Bogdanovic delivered 11, whilst Krunoslav Simon and Ante Tomic posted 10 apiece.

F.Y.R. of Macedonia: Bo McCalebb 19, Vlado Ilievski 18, Pero Antic 15, Todor Gechevski 10
Croatia: Dontaye Draper 13, Damir Markota 12, Bojan Bogdanovic 11, Krunoslav Simon 10, Ante Tomic 10


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


EuroBasket 2011: Russia pull away from Georgia - by Eurobasket News
Georgia-Russia 58:65

Russia grabbed 2-0 record in Group D of the EuroBasket 2011. Although the fans expected the more comfortable victory over Georgia, Russia enjoyed 65:58 win.
Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) scored the first points for the winners, while Georgia replied with 6-0 run. Antonov and Vitaly Fridzon (195-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) nailed threes for 8:6, while Sergey Monya (203-F-83) and Vitaly Fridzon closed the period from the perimeter for 20:16. Tskitishvili brought his side to 20:22, but Russia needed a small run to take the bigger lead. Sergey Monya and Andrei Kirilenko scored for 33:24, while Shved brought 40:27. Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) closed a 5-0 run for Georgia to delivered for 40:32, but Russia responded with 6-0 run as Andrei Kirilenko made a dunk for 46:32. The third quarter however belonged to Georgia and they made a huge comeback at the end of the frame. Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86) nailed three to close the quarter at 52:45 and then Shengelia scored for 52:50. Vorontsevich and Andrei Kirilenko increased the lead to 8 points but Zaza Pachulia and Haynes scored for 54:58. Zaza Pachulia later brought 56:61, but Vorontsevich, Khryapa and Bykov delivered the last points for the winners.
Andrei Kirilenko poured in 20 points again in the second game to lead the charge. Sergey Monya netted 12, while Vitaly Fridzon chipped in 9. Manuchar Markoishvili answered with 21 points for Georgia and Zaza Pachulia had only 11. Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) followed them with 10 points in the losing effort.

Georgia: Manuchar Markoishvili 21, Zaza Pachulia 11, Viktor Sanikidze 10
Russia: Andrei Kirilenko 20, Sergey Monya 12, Vitaly Fridzon 9


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


EuroBasket 2011: Germany needed a strong finish to win over Italy in the top game of Day 2 - by Eurobasket News
Italy-Germany 62:76

Germany needed a strong finish to win over Italy in the top game of Day 2 in Eurobasket. Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) and Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) were too much for the Italian side in a 76:62 victory.
The teams were tied four times in the opening period, while Mordente tied it at 16:16 in the latest. He also gave Italians 2-point lead after the first 10 minutes, while Herber opened the third quarter from the perimeter and Ohlbrecht scored for 22:20. Robin Benzing (208-F-89) and Dirk Nowitzki scored for 36:30 that became the score at the halftime. Trailing 32:38 in the start of the third quarter, Italy erupted with an 8-0 run as Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) brought 40:38. Only Dirk Nowitzki needed the last shot in the third period for 46:45 after thirty minutes. The last quarter however completely belonged to Germany. They exploded with 30-17 in it and reached the second straight victory. Schwethelm made the last three-pointer in the game for the final result.
Dirk Nowitzki top-scored for the German side with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Chris Kaman collected 17 points and 17 caroms. Robin Benzing posted 14, while Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) added 11. Danilo Gallinari (205-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) replied with 17 points and Marco Belinelli scored 15 in defeat.

Italy: Danilo Gallinari 17, Marco Belinelli 15, Stefano Mancinelli (203-F-83) 11
Germany: Dirk Nowitzki 21+12 rebs, Chris Kaman 17+17 rebs, Robin Benzing 14, Heiko Schaffartzik 11


Michael Tveidt Completes Roster For Phoenix Hagen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
According to www.derwesten.de, Phoenix Hagen have found a 3/4 man for the upcoming season with Michael Tveidt (200-F-87) Tveidt is a 23 year old 200cm forward from Pierre, South Dakota, who will be starting his professional basketball career in the Beko BBL. He played at N.Dakota St. (NCAA) from 2006-2011 and in his senior season played 29 games: 15.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 44.9%, FT: 80.0%. Tveidt is in a try out with Phoenix Hagen, but head coach Ingo Freyer has liked so far what he has seen from the American. 'He has a good shot and is making a good impression, but we cant make a decision yet after a few practices', stressed Phoenix Hagen head coach Ingo Freyer Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been IND Regular Season Runner-Up -07, Summit League Regular Season Champion -09, Summit League Tournament Winner -09, and All-Summit League 2nd Team -10, 11

Source: www.derwesten.de

Idris Hilliard Joins SSV Lok Bernau - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Recently SSV Lok Bernau had been shocked about the sudden departure of American John Wolosinczuk and quickly had to find a replacement and were successful finding Idris Hilliard (200-F-88). Hilliard is a 22 year old 202cm forward from Roselle,New Jersey that will start his professional basketball career in Germany. He played four years at St.Joseph's (NCAA) from 2007-2011.In his senior season, he played 33 games: 8.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 76.1%. 'Idris will help us a lot in Bernau. He can score near the basket and away from it. He is a team player and good defender. He had consistant stats at college the last years and I am happy that he is coming', stressed SSV Lok Bernau head coach Axel Ruber. His strongest season was his junior year where he played 30 games: 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 71.7%. Not only on the court was he successful, but also in the class room as he was awarded with the Senesky Award. He was a Atlantic 10 Tournament Winner in 2008


Source: SSV Lok Bernau

Justin Gray Makes One Forget The Departure Of Dashaun Wood Just A Bit Leading The Fraport Skyliners Past Japan 89-73 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
It was 90 days ago where the Deutsche bank Skyliners were as rudely kicked out of the semi finals of the 2011 Beko BBL playoffs by 8 time champion Alba Berlin in their own living room three times as if society lady Paris Hilton had been declined a room in a Hilton hotel in Paris and banned to a kitchen closet. With ex Skyliners DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) climbing the Great wall of China, Roger Powell getting ready for his first tour of duty as an assistant coach with Valparaiso, Dominik Bahiense De Mello looking for a rain coat and playing one on one with ex NBA player Bobby Brown in Oldenburg, Jevohn Shepherd (196-F-86, college: Michigan) getting ready to take flight in Holland with Leiden and Pascal Roller going about his dad role more thoroughly and giving reliable basketball information on Sport 1, basketball life in Frankfurt was starting all over again now with Fraport on board. Frankfurt played their first official exhibition game in preparation for the upcoming season beating the Japanese national team 89-73, but memories of last season were still around with players. It is always important to look forward, but we had a great season last year. We had great team chemistry and 90% of it had to do with Gordie Herbert. I am very happy for DaShaun Wood and my big brother Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) for winning the tournament in China. They are great guys and we will always have long term friendships. I think that Muli Katzurin will be able to bring team chemistry to this team. He is laid back, but can be tough to, but he just wants the best out of us. The biggest difference to last years team is that we are bigger inside this year, stressed Skyliner guard Jimmy Mckinney. We had good outside shooters last season, but this season with Gray Justin (188-G-84, college: Wake Forest) we have a real knock down three point shooter, stressed Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn) It is always nice not to forget the past, but fans that witnessed the win saw a new team that has a lot of potential. The Fraport Skyliners were never seriously in danger of losing against Japan. We were unselfish and ran the floor well. We got easy buckets on transition which helped, stated 2011 Milwauke Bucks NBA draft pick Jon Leuer (208-F-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wisconsin). If it hadnt been for the sharp shooting of Keijuro Matsui (188-G-85, college: Columbia) 26 points, Japan could of gone back to their hotel rooms at half time to watch the start of Germany-Israel as they would have been blown away early. We gave up too many wide open shots. We played zone, but they moved the ball well. Our defense broke down. We like to play a fast paced game which we did more in the second half. We were more aggressive and got more stops, stated ex Columbia guard Keijuro Matusi. We played together as a team, were aggressive and executed our offense, added Fraport Skyliner guard Quantez Robertson

The BCM training facility wasnt filled to capacity, but more than usual came out to support the first official appearance of the Fraport Skyliners and werent disappointed as the club quickly led 6-1. It is no secret that the success of a club is based on team basketball, but also quite obvious that a lot of the success will depend on the strong play of ex NBA player Jermareo Davidson (208-F-84, college: Alabama) and 2011 NBA Draft pick Jon Leuer (208-F-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wisconsin) this season. Both combined for the first three buckets. Both scored inside and one quickly could see the immense athletic ability of Davidson who is nearly unstoppable in the paint. As quickly as Frankfurt went on a run, Japan countered back with their own 6-3 run to trail only 9-7. Joji Takeuchi (206-F/C-85, agency: N.E.T.)i scored twice and Takumi Ishzaki scored inside. Last season more often than not it was DaShaun Wood that would get Frankfurt going and half way through the first quarter it was sharp shooter Gray Justin who scored three times from down town as he might have had the BCM rims in good memory after his visit back in 2008 with Nymburk in a test game against Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ). Frankfurt led 15-7, but Japan always had a trick in their pocket as they went on a mini 4-0 run with free throws and Tomoo Amno scoring on a pick and roll closing the gap to 15-11. Having a DaShaun Wood or Gray Justin explode for a quick 5-0 run is as normal as seeing Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) DiBa commercials on German TV, but having German Fabian Franke score 5 unanswered points is a bit harder to believe, but the German was as focused as ever and seemed to have gained some self confidence over the summer as he scored on a back door and then nailed a three pointer with a high rainbow that seemed like it might nip the BCM ceiling as Frankfurt led 20-11. Japan closed out the first quarter 5-3, but the Fraport Skyliners still led 23-16. Frankfurt was shooting 60%from the field and 67% from outside while Japan was shooting only 38% from the field and 0% from outside. Japan had the slight 9-8 rebound edge and four turnovers while Frankfurt had five turnovers.

Even though both teams started out sloppy in the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners were still better clawing themselves out on a 9-3 run to lead 32-19. Frankfurt was getting production from every one as 4 different players scored starting with a Marius Nolte lay in on the fast break, Quantez Robertson dropping a three point bomb from the corner, Gray Justin showing his speed scoring inside and Jermareo Davidson (208-F-84, college: Alabama) scoring inside on one of his many lay ins that easily could have been dunks. I think Davidson is more athletic than most five men in the league. He can handle the ball very well and step away from the basket and shoot it well, stressed Quantez Robertson The Fraport Skyliners continued to work on extending their lead as ex Paderborn center Marius Nolte drew two fouls, but only made 2/4 shots and Quantez Robertson showed a flash of brilliance nailing another three pointer and then splitting the defense getting past three players and scoring on a lay up as Japan trailed Frankfurt 40-27. The Fraport Skyliners went into halftime closing out the scoring 8-5 as American Jon Leuer (208-F-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wisconsin) scored all 8 points. Leuer has the height to get double figure rebounds, but he also shoots unbelievably well for his height from anywhere on the court. All four buckets were on mid distance jumpers and he saved the best for last hitting a beautiful step back jumper showing this beautiful soft touch which one doesnt see too often at the Beko BBL level. Leuer is very aggressive on offense and defense. He also is a great rebounder and defender. I would try everything to keep him here if the NBA called him, warned Quantez Robertson Frankfurt led 48-32 at halftime. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 60% from the field and 67% from the three point line while Japan was shooting 32% from the field and only 15% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 20-16 rebound edge, but nine turnovers while Japan had seven turnovers.

In the third quarter, it seemed like both teams had had a short winter hibernation as they came out sluggish on the court and for the first 2.25 minutes there were no points scored, but then a big roar erupted in the BCM gym as if Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) had just entered the building as Gray Justin lobbed up a pass towards the hoop and Super Tez Robertson took full flight and dunked the ball into the basket as Frankfurt led 50-32. Gray Justin than figured in the next three baskets as he first set up Jon Leuer (208-F-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wisconsin) for a lay up, then nailed a three pointer as Jon Leuer (208-F-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wisconsin) displayed his Harlem Globetrotter skills making a cute behind the back pass at the three point line to Gray and then the Wake Forest alumnist scored on a coast to coast sprint as the Fraport Skyliners led comfortably 57-36. However from this moment on Japan got more aggressive and made it very difficult for Frankfurt on offense contesting much more shots and limiting them to one shot as they closed out the third quarter with a 17-6 run to trail only 63-53. Keijuro Matsui was very hot in this run continuing his shooting clinic knocking down shots from all over the court. He also scored inside as did Ryota Sakurati as Frankfurt had some let downs on switching. The lone bright spot in this big Japan run for Frankfurt were in the waning seconds of the third quarter as the clock was winding down and Gray Justin who was being pressured by two defenders nailed a fade away jumper at the buzzer to preserve the 63-53 lead. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 52% from the field and 50% from the parking lot while Japan was shooting 37% from the field and 28% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 31-26 rebound edge, but 14 turnovers while Japan had 10 turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners quickly took care of business in the first few minutes of the fourth quarter as they still had much energy while Japan seemed to wilt like a dying flower as they allowed the German team to go on a 18-3 run to lead 81-56 and decide the game. Jon Leuer (208-F-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wisconsin) started the big run with a jumper. Fraport Sklyiner head coach Muli katzurin then inserted little used German talent Falko Thelig who quickly responded with a sharp pass to Davidson who just had to lay it in. Thelig then got on the board going hard to the hoop from the wing not shying away from getting banged. Gray Justin then scored in bunches with a three pointer, then stole the ball and went to the hoop and demonstrated a slick spin move and quick bucket as Frankfurt led 75-56. Davidson then continued to show his dangerous play in the low post scoring twice as Frankfurt led more than comfortably 81-56. Japan didnt want to leave Germany with another blow out and found their composure in the last five minutes giving more intensity on defense and closing out the game with a 17-8 run not to totally be blown out of the BCM. Matusi continued to show his shooting skills scoring from downtown a few times and Joji Takeuchi (206-F/C-85, agency: N.E.T.)i scored on a thunderous dunk and Tomoo Amno also scored. With a few minutes to go, Muli Katzurin filled the floor with German players with Falko Theilg, Danilo Barthel, Jan Novak (199-G/F-92), Amil Klisura and Tim Oldenburg. Ex USC Heidelberg German Danilo Barthel (206-F-91, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) closed out the scoring with a lay up as the Fraport Skyliners beat the Japanese national team with out any problems 89-73.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Gray Justin with 24 points, six rebounds and six assists. Jermareo Davidson (208-F-84, college: Alabama) added 15 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Jon Leuer (208-F-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wisconsin) added 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists and Quantez Robertson contributed 14 points also. The Japan national team was led by Keijuro Matusi with 26 points (8/10 three pointers). Joji Takeuchi (206-F/C-85, agency: N.E.T.)i added 14 points and Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) added 10 points. Gray has played in Europe most of his professional life, but recently averaged 24 points a game in the Chinese league and seemed at home against the Asian team. In Asia, the basketball is more open court while in Europe it is more of a half court game. I think that is why many Americans go to China. You have more freedom there and can just shoot when your open, stressed American Gray Justin.

The Fraport Skyliners did a good job shooting 55% from the field and 47% from outside. They won the rebounding battle 38-32 and points in the paint 44-24, but it wasnt a real test as Japan wasnt really very big inside. It is still very early and as the team will depart for Treviso, Italy for a one week training camp, there is still a lot to do and the one thing that still has to improve is the favorite Pat Riley slogan about defense winning championships. We have enough guys that can score, but we have to work on defense. Defense is always something that we can control, warned Wisconsin graduate Jon Leuer (208-F-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wisconsin). The Fraport Skyliners were caught napping a few times and know that they have to get back quicker on defense. We can work on our transition defense at getting better. Coach is having us work hard. We just have to continue doing that and not get down on ourselves, added Gray Justin. For Japan national player Keijuro Matsui who lists Kevin Durant (206-G/F-88, college: Texas) as the best player he ever played against was more than impressed with the Fraport Skyliners. They are a good team despite not being full yet. They are well structured and coached. They have good scorers and their big men finish well, stressed Keijuro Matsui. For Matsui who will be back in Japan this weekend, he will be following the Euro 2011 in Lithuania especially Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78). I remember watching Germany at the World Championships in 2006 in Japan. I think Germany will do ok and with Nowitzki on board have better chances. I remember when I was at Columbia, the Dallas Mavericks came and practiced in our gym before a New York Knicks game. I remember talking to Nowitzki. He was very friendly and his shooting that day in practice was unbelievable, added Keijuro Matusi. The Fraport Skyliners depart for Treviso, Italy for a one week training camp that will include games against Italian teams.



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


EuroBasket 2011: Greece celebrated the second straight victory - by Eurobasket News
Finland-Greece 61:81

Greece celebrated the second straight victory at the Eurobasket 2011 in Lithuania. The Greek side won all the quarters over Finland to end with 81:61 success.
Greece took 6-0 from the start of the game and Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) scored for 10:6. Mavroeidis delivered two at the end of the first period for 20:14 advantage. Finland started the second period more confident and Gerald Lee (208-F-87, college: ODU) reduced to 24:19. Moreover Huff scored another three for minus 2. No matter how hard the Scandinavian team tried to come closer, Greece did not allow them to do that. Ioannis Bourousis brought 37:29 and Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) closed the half at 41:32.
The third quarter became the most defensive in the game as both sides shared 28 points. Greece added another 16-12 for 57:44 after thirty minutes. Koufos and Vasileiadis brought 61:47 and Nikolaos Zisis (196-G-83) made two free throws for 64:50. Ioannis Bourousis immediately scored four from the line and Michael Bramos (196-G/F-87, college: Miami, OH) nailed a three for 73:52. He was also the last player for the winners to score 4 consecutive points and celebrate 81:61 victory.
Ioannis Bourousis top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Nikolaos Zisis notched 14. Michael Bramos and Antonis Fotsis followed them with 9 points each. Petteri Koponen delivered 21 for the Scandinavian side and Gerald Lee added 13.

Finland: Petteri Koponen 21, Gerald Lee 13
Greece: Ioannis Bourousis 19+10 rebs, Nikolaos Zisis 14, Michael Bramos 9, Antonis Fotsis 9


Andriuskevicius announced by PAOK - by Giorgos Diploidis
Martynas Andriuskevicius (218-C/F-86, agency: Interperformances) is officially player of PAOK Thessaloniki. The coach of the team Soulis Markopoulos was looking for his starting center for and he chose the Lithuanian. His back up will be Nikos Kalles and the small forward will come also from America. Andriuskevicius last year in Meridiano Alicante had 7.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.0bpg in 34 games.

At the same time Corey Maggette (198-G-79, college: Duke) is in Thessaloniki and he is discussing the chance to sign a contract with the Greek team while the lock out is active in NBA.

Steven Smith in Panathinaikos!! - by Chris Mammides
The top scorer of the Greek league (last season) Steven Smith (203-F-83, college: La Salle) is the new member of the European champions team of Coach Zeljko Obradovic , Panathinaikos. After Pat Kalathis (208-G/F-85, college: St.Joseph's) and David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis), the Greek champions agree financial terms with a great athlete and a very well known in the Greek fans, player. Steven Smith was the stand out in both seasons in the Greek championship with Kolossos Rodou (before his injury) and in Panellinios. A solid player, very coachable and with great basketball IQ.

The green team is back and right after the great losses of Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) and Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) the Greek champs 'stroke back'. They first renew the central African Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) and with less than 35% of their last seasons budget, Panathinaikos added youth and talent in his team as some new rumors bring the talented Nikos Pappas (194-G-90) (Bizkaia Bilbao Basket's player) in the Green team. While some other rumors do bring the ex Green player Vasilis Xanthopoulos (187-G-84) who is currently memebr of the Hellenic NT in the Eurobasket of Lithuania



Div.B Standing
B Standings
 1. Aias Evosmou 0-0 
 2. Aiolos Trikallon 0-0 
 3. Anagennisi 0-0 
 4. Diagoras 0-0 
 5. Doukas 0-0 
 6. Egaleo 0-0 
 7. Filathlitikos 0-0 
 8. Halkidona 0-0 
 9. Irakleio 0-0 
 10. Iraklis 0-0 
 11. KAP 0-0 
 12. Koroivos 0-0 
 13. MENT 0-0 
 14. Near East 0-0 
 15. Niki Volou 0-0 
 16. Stratoni 0-0 


Standings - A2
A2 Standings
 1. AEK 0-0 
 2. AEK/Argous 0-0 
 3. Amyntas Dafnis 0-0 
 4. Apollon Patras 0-0 
 5. Arkadikos 0-0 
 6. Doxa Lefkadas 0-0 
 7. Ermis Lagkada 0-0 
 8. Ikaroi Serron 0-0 
 9. Lavrio 0-0 
 10. Nea Kifisia 0-0 
 11. OFI 0-0 
 12. Pagrati 0-0 
 13. Panelefsiniakos 0-0 
 14. Panerythraikos 0-0 
 15. Perama Ermis 0-0 
 16. Periko/Arhelaos 0-0 


Standings - A1
A1 Standings
 1. AEK 0-0 
 2. AGOR 0-0 
 3. Aris 0-0 
 4. Ikaros 0-0 
 5. Ilysiakos 0-0 
 6. KAOD 0-0 
 7. Kavala 0-0 
 8. Marousi 0-0 
 9. Olympiakos 0-0 
 10. Panathinaikos 0-0 
 11. Panellinios 0-0 
 12. Panionios 0-0 
 13. PAOK 0-0 
 14. Peristeri GS 0-0 
 15. VAP Kolossos 0-0 


*****************************************************
  IRELAND   


James Ogilvy gets Irish citizenship - by Eurobasket News
Good news for Valencia. Center Andrew James Ogilvy (211-C-88, college: Vanderbilt) received Irish passport and he will no longer occupy an import spot in the team. He will play as Bosman now. Ogilvy joined Valencia in July. He signed a 1+1 year deal. Last season the Australian/Irish centre played in Turkey. Andrew James Ogilvy averaged 10.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in EuroCup. In TBL his stats read 12.9 points, 6.5 boards, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 assist per appearance. Ogilvy participated at 2011 TBL All-Star Game. Andrew James Ogilvy is active member of the Australian National Team. They will compete FIBA Oceania Championship next week.

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


France Crushes Israel in Day Two of the EuroBaket 85:68 - by David Pick
In a monstrous NBA like league, Group B of the 2011 EuroBakset tournament shows dazzling names such as Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Kaman, Andrea Bargnani, Marco Belinelli, Danilo Gallinari, Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, Joakim Noah and Nicolas Batum, promising great battles as all compete for one of the tickets to the next round.

Today's first of three group games saw Serbia come one win away for securing their qualification to the next round crushing Latvia 92:77. After falling 91:64 in an uncharacteristic manner to 'mighty' Germany, Israel faced a very athletic and powerful French team. Expectations of the tricolor team are nothing less from qualifying to this summer's final-four round. Yesterday, France overcame a tough Latvian team (89:78), who shot almost 48% for three, securing their first 'W'. Today, despite Israeli garbage time points, France led by double-digits during most of match earning their second win, leaving Israel searching for their first.

France takes an historical 5:2 winning record, as its latest victory, aside from today's game, came in 2001, 77:71. The last time Israel walked of the court victorious against the French squad was is 1997, 91:84.

France - Israel 85:68

France starting the game with four NBA players as Tony Parker, Nicolas Batum, Boris Diaw, and Joakim Noah took the floor, in addition to Mickael Gelabale. Israel opened with Yotam Halperin, David Blu, Guy Pnini, Yogev Ohayon and Yaniv Green.

France's fast pace game began right from the start as they pushed the ball inside over and over again, but, on the other end, Blu and Pnini continued their high three point percentage shooting efforts as each nailed a trey to close the gap, as the French took an 11:6 lead midway through the first period. A beautiful and-one alley-oop from Parker to Batum increased the favorite's gap, taking a double-digit 24:14, first quarter lead.

After France began a 4:0 second session run, Israel answered with its own 11:0 sprint, sending the French to talk things over, 28:22. Eliyahu reached double digit figures and Burstein kept shooting, adding five more points to Israel's bank. Pietrus on the other end made an easy bucket off the glass giving France a 30:27 edge. Five consecutive points by Blu gave Israel its first lead in the game, 35:34, with 90 second remaining in the first half, but one again, Parker (12 & 4) caught fire sending his team to the locker room in front, 42:35.

Like yesterday's game, Israel forgot to leave their locker room allowing France to take a 50:35 lead, three minutes into the third frame. Mazal Tov - Halperin scored Israel's first second half points after 4:45 minutes. Israel tried to give it one last push but France managed to win the third Q, 22:13, taking a 64:48 lead into the final ten minutes.
Parker proved to be three levels above any Israeli guard as he dazzled and dazzled his way to a game high with 21 points and 8 assist, securing his nations second tournament victory, 85:68.

Batum finished with 15 points and 6 steals, Gelabale added 13 points (3/3 for three), Joakim Noah had 9 points and 9 board and Diaw finished with 6 points and 8 rebounds. (France shot 57% from three point range scoring 8/14, and crushed the boards winning 40:20). Yotam Halperin and Lior Eliyahu each scored 15 points for Israel. David Blu and Gal Mekel added 14 and 9 respectively.

Later tonight Dirk Nowitzki's Germany plays Italy looking for their second 'W' to join Serbia and France at the top of Group B. Tomorrow's games will meet favorites, Serbia against Israel, Italy - Latvia, and Germany - France.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd


*****************************************************
  ITALY   


IN MEMORIAM: Stefano Pini (1979-2011) - by Eurobasket
Stefano Pini passed away after the fight with a sudden virus at the age of 32.
Stefano loved life and loved basketball. He was one of the most respected expert about Italian and European basketball. He was Eurobasket correspondent for many years.
Everybody loved him for his intelligence, his sense of humour and his sensibility.
Stefano was spending holidays with his girlfriend in Croatia, near Zadar.
He got sick of a respiratory virus that very unexpectedly turned worse very quickly, forcing him to go to the Zadar hospital where he passed away at night on August 30.
It's very possible the virus was ARDS (acure respiratory distress syndrome), an illness that derivates from a common respiratory virus (even flu..) that can be fatal, as it sadly was for Stefano.
Stefano was a very nice person who was always available and eager to help. He was also very active even with youths in Masnago oratory and in his parish church.
We will miss him and never forget. Ciao Ispettore.

Joe Smith has joined Virtus Roma for the preseason - by Antonello Varallo
Former Biella guard Joe Smith (193-G-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Al.-Huntsville) has joined Virtus Roma for a preseason trial.
Graduated from a little college, Smith has built a solid reputation in Europe. He in an Italian league veteran, having played with Montecatini, Biella (where he spent 3 seasons) Rieti (where he worked with the coach of Roma, Lino Lardo) and Reggio Emilia, where he began last season (15.5 ppg in 17 games) before moving to Elitzur Netanya (Israel-Premier League). During his career, he also played with Ventspills Nafta (Latvia), Spartak St.Petersburg (Russia-A Superleague) and, in the States, with St.Louis Sky Hawks (USBL),Rockford Lightning (CBA),Fresno Heat Wave (ABA).

Umana Venezia keep Clark Kiki and Slay Tamar - by Eurobasket News
Umana Venezia keep Kiki Clark (173-PG-84, college: St.Peter's) and Tamar Slay (204-F-80, college: Marshall) who were the top-scorers last season for the team. Both American players already started their pre-season games with the squad.
Kiki Clark moved to the team last season and averaged high 18.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 86.0%. He recorded 37 points in the Regular Season Round 3. At that time Umana Reyer beat Ferrara 94:88.
Tamar Slay also joined the team last season. In 43 games his stats read 16.3ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 75.3%. He recorded 28 points twice during the last season.
The team also announced keeping Marco Allegretti (204-F-81), Alberto Causin (198-G/F-76), Guido Meini (188-G-79), Marko Jovancic (195-F-93), Sylvere Bryan (208-C-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Tampa)
Tommaso Fantoni (203-F-85, agency: Players Group), Daniele Magro (207-F-87), Guido Rosselli (196-G-83), and Giovanni Tomassini (189-PG-88) are the newcomers for the team.


Italian teams start 2011/2012 pre-season friendlies - by Eurobasket News
Umana Venezia edged Krasnie Krilya Samara 86:64. The Italian team started with 24:18, but could only have 2 points lead at the halftime. Moreover the Russian squad came closer to just 1 entering the last stanza. Clark gave Italian team 76:70 and they managed to grab the victory in front of 1200 fans. Fantoni top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Clark posted 15. Tamar Slay (204-F-80, college: Marshall) netted 12 points and Rosselli added 11. Jarvis Hayes (201-G/F-81, agency: David Lee services, college: Georgia) ended up with 19 points in the losing effort, while Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87, agency: Alti Sport) and Kolesnikov scored 15 each.
La Fortezza Recanati lost to Fileni BpA Jesi 70:76. The most experienced team started with 14:13 and had 1-point advantage at the halftime. Later on they managed to keep the victory. Mickey McConnell (182-G-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: St.Mary's, CA) stepped up with 19 points for the winners and Brooks scored 18. Hoover followed them with 15, while Maggioli notched 12. Ceron ended up with 13 points in the losing effort and Marco Evangelisti (198-G-84) posted 12. Federico Gilardi (190-G-79, agency: Players Group) and Pierangeli delivered 11 points each in defeat.


Tezenis Verona pre season first friendlies - by Giulio Signorini
Italian legadue team Tezenis Verona starts the preseason with a friendlies with the american team of Oregon University.
The home team started with 18:15 in the first quarter, but could only have 2 points lead at the halftime. Moreover the USA squad overtakes the home team in the third quarter using his better athletic training. In the last quarter then Verona takes newly advantages and win the match with 72 - 67 using his more smartness. For the italian team great evidence for Mario West (196-G-84, college: Georgia Tech) and Dusan Vukcevic (201-F-75, agency: Interperformances) who scores respectively 20 and 21 points, the presence of supporters was also notable. For Verona Andrea Renzi (208-F/C-89, agency: Players Group) hasn't take part in the game because he is still in Lithuania for European games with Italian national team.

Tezenis-Oregon University 72-67 (18-15, 13-14, 10-14, 31-24)
Tezenis: Porta 3, Vukcevic 21, West 20, Banti 2, Edwards 4; Brusamarello, Colli 4, Boscagin 14, Mariani 4. Ne: Bordato, Viviani, Cordioli, Naso. Coach: Luigi Garelli.
Oregon University: Sim 2, Loyd 4, Jacob 4, Narea 3, Brown 11; Lucenti, Ashaolu 4, Kingma 8, Singler 13, Emory 5, Kuemper 2, Woods 13, Larson. Coach: Dana Altman.

EuroBasket 2011: Germany needed a strong finish to win over Italy in the top game of Day 2 - by Eurobasket News
Italy-Germany 62:76

Germany needed a strong finish to win over Italy in the top game of Day 2 in Eurobasket. Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) and Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) were too much for the Italian side in a 76:62 victory.
The teams were tied four times in the opening period, while Mordente tied it at 16:16 in the latest. He also gave Italians 2-point lead after the first 10 minutes, while Herber opened the third quarter from the perimeter and Ohlbrecht scored for 22:20. Robin Benzing (208-F-89) and Dirk Nowitzki scored for 36:30 that became the score at the halftime. Trailing 32:38 in the start of the third quarter, Italy erupted with an 8-0 run as Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) brought 40:38. Only Dirk Nowitzki needed the last shot in the third period for 46:45 after thirty minutes. The last quarter however completely belonged to Germany. They exploded with 30-17 in it and reached the second straight victory. Schwethelm made the last three-pointer in the game for the final result.
Dirk Nowitzki top-scored for the German side with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Chris Kaman collected 17 points and 17 caroms. Robin Benzing posted 14, while Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) added 11. Danilo Gallinari (205-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) replied with 17 points and Marco Belinelli scored 15 in defeat.

Italy: Danilo Gallinari 17, Marco Belinelli 15, Stefano Mancinelli (203-F-83) 11
Germany: Dirk Nowitzki 21+12 rebs, Chris Kaman 17+17 rebs, Robin Benzing 14, Heiko Schaffartzik 11


*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


EuroBasket 2011: Krstic delivered the second straight win for Serbia - by Eurobasket News
Latvia-Serbia 77:92

Serbia celebrated the second straight win at the Eurobasket 2011. The Serbian squad edged Latvia 92:77 after 19-2 from the start.
It was an easy start for Serbia that overcame Italy in Day 1 of the competition. Serbia scored the first 11 points in the game and later had 19:2. Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) made a dunk to close the first period at 23:7. The Baltic side was too far to give up and erupted with a massive lead in the second quarter. Rolands Freimanis (207-C/F-88, agency: Players Group) tied the game at 29:29, while Serbia responded with a 7-0 run. Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) later scored for 37:31 and Krstic scored two frees for 42:36. Rihards Kuksiks (198-G/F-88) nailed three and Janis Strelnieks (191-G-89) brought 46:41 in the end of middle of the third quarter. For Serbia it was an offensive period and after 32 points in it they enjoyed 70:58 going into the last quarter. Rolands Freimanis and Janis Blums (190-G-82) reduced to 6 points, but Macvan and Tepic scored for 76:65. Janis Strelnieks made two free throws for 76:70, while Janis Strelnieks and Ivan Paunic (194-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) exchanged the shots for 82:72. Serbia won the end of the game 10-5 and took the second straight win in Lithuania.
Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) paced all the winners with 23 points, while Dusko Savanovic netted 19. Ivan Paunic followed them with 10 and Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) as well as Kosta Perovic scored 9 apiece. Rolands Freimanis delivered 19 points in defeat, whilst Rihards Kuksiks posted 16. Janis Blums notched 15 and Janis Strelnieks added 12.

Latvia: Rolands Freimanis 19, Rihards Kuksiks 16, Janis Blums 15, Janis Strelnieks 12
Serbia: Nenad Krstic 23, Dusko Savanovic 19, Ivan Paunic 10, Milos Teodosic 9, Kosta Perovic 9


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


Lebanon official squad for Asia 2011... - by Rabih Khoury
The Lebanese Basketball Federation sent the official 12 player list that will represent Lebanon in the Asian Cup in China taking place from 15 to 25 September. And here is the official squad:
-Rodrigue Akl (190-G-88) (Captain)
-Martinez, Miguel
-Ibrahim, Mohamad
-Rida, Ghaleb
-Stephan, Elie
- Abdel-Nour, Jean
-Bawji,Bassel
-Kanaan, Ali
-Farekh, Aboudi
-Hoskin, Sam (Nationalized Player)
-Tabet, Charles
-Bitar, Jad

Head Coach: Ghassan Sarkis
Assistant Coaches: Marwan Khalil and Charbel Dib

*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


EuroBasket 2011: Lithuania thump Poland - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania - Poland 97:77

Lithuania registered the second straight win at the home EuroBasket. They fired past Poland for 2-0 record in Group A. Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with 19 points, 6 boards and 6 assists to pace the charge.
Lithuania surged ahead late in the opening quarter. They recorded a 25:20 lead after ten minutes. Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) scored 8 points in a row early in the second frame to give the hosts a 33:22 lead. Lithuania stretched the margin to 15 points at halftime. The margin just kept on growing in the third term. The home team entered the fourth frame up by 24 points 76:52. Poland fired 25 points in the final term but it could not rescue them eventually. Darius Songaila provided 14 points, while Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) added 11 points in the victory. Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Washington St.) answered with 16 points for Poland. Dardan Berisha (192-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82) had 10 points each in the loss.

Lithuania: Mantas Kalnietis 19, Darius Songaila 14, Rimantas Kaukenas 11
Poland: Thomas Kelati 16, Dardan Berisha 10, Szymon Szewczyk 10


Ernestas Ezerskis remain with Panevezys Techasas - by Eurobasket News
Ernestas Ezerskis remain with Panevezys Techasas for 2011/2012 season. The Lithuania Point Guard will play in his third season in a row for the team.
The season 2008-2009 he started with CS Rapid Neoset Bucuresti (Romania-Div.A), then moved to Aisciai Kaunas (LKL) and in Lithuanian League averaged 8.1ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 86.0%. In Baltic League (Challenge Cup) after 18 games his stats read 5.5ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 87.0%.
In 2009-2010 moved to Panevezys Techasas (LKL, starting five) and in Lithuanian League after 24 games had high 14.7ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-5 (4.5apg), 1.7spg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 74.1%. In Baltic League his stats read 13.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.3apg, 1.2spg, Blocks-3 (1.5bpg), FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 21.9%, FT: 88.4%.
The last season for Panevezys Techasas (LKL, starting five) after 25 games he averaged 9.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 82.3% in the local league and in Baltic League showed 7.3ppg, 2.5rpg, Assists-3 (5.1apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 73.9%.
This summer Ernestas Ezerskis was a member of the Lithuanian University National Team -11. Lithuania stepped on the pedestal at World University Games as they held off Russia in the consolation final. Ernestas Ezerskis scored 25 points to pace the winners.


BC Sakalai keep Peciukevicius and Kadzevicius - by Eurobasket News
BC Sakalai keep Augustas Peciukevicius (191-G-91) and Mantas Kadzevicius (194-G-91) on loan from Zalgiris.
Mantas Kadzevicius appeared in Sakalai Vilnius (LKL): last season and in Baltic League after 7 games averaged 3.4ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.6apg. In Lithuanian League after 22 games his stats read 4.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.5apg.
This summer Mantas was a member of the Lithuanian University National Team -11. He recorded 7 points at the Quarter-Finals when Lithuania stunned USA to stay in the title race. Kadzevicius sank two free throws and then the teams went scoreless for almost 100 seconds as Lithuania escaped with a narrow win at the end.
Augustas Peciukevicius started for B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas (LKL) in 2010 and then moved to Aisciai Kaunas (LKL). In Lithuanian League after 14 games he had 5.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 17.4%, FT: 66.7%. In Baltic League his stats read 5.0ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.7apg, 1.7spg. The last season played for Sakalai Vilnius (LKL), in Dec.'10 got injured for at 2 months. In Baltic League scored 19 points in the single game, while in Lithuanian League after 14 games he averaged 9.1ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 65.2%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 47.5%.
Augustas Peciukevicius was also a member of the Lithuanian University National Team -11 and recorded 13 points in the opener versus Philippines.


*****************************************************
  LUXEMBOURG   


Heffingen: McDonald out... ...de Souza Egidio in! Bojan Petrovic with BC Mess! - by John Thomas
US Heffingen has a new foreign player. His name is Marcos de Souza (208-C-82). The Brazilian center is 29 years old. Apparently, the american import player Mark MacDonald was unhappy with some of the conditions and decided to leave the club. The newly acquired 2'08'' center has a lot of experience. Here is a look at the clubs where he played in the past: Cabo Frio (Brazil), Coruna (Spain), Vigo (Spain), Clinicas Rincon (Spain) and Lusitania (Portugal). He has an Italian and a Brazilian passport.




The 23 year old Bojan Petrovic (206-F/C-88) signed recently with N2 club BC Mess. At 2'08''/ 109 kg, the Serbian will play the 4 and 5 spot as the foreign player. He played several times for the junior national team of Serbia and Montenegro. He also played in Serbia and Montenegro with BC Sloga, BC Borac and BC Jedinstvo, and he also competed in the Super League.




*****************************************************
  MEXICO   


Robert Hornsby is back at Huracanes de Tampico - by Eurobasket Center
Huracanes de Tampico (LNBP) signed for a third consecutive season 29-year old American power forward Robert Hornsby (196-F/C-82, college: Troy). Hornsby played most recently at Fuerza Guinda Nogales (CIBACOPA). While playing 5 games for Nogales last season he averaged 16.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.8apg and 1.2bpg. He earned selection to Latinbasket.com All-Mexican LNBP Honorable Mention team. Hornsby is a very experienced player. He graduated Troy University in 2005 and it will be his seventh season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Huracanes de Tampico sign Jason Edwin - by Eurobasket Center
Huracanes de Tampico (LNBP) signed 30-year old U.S. Virgin Islands international swingman Jason Edwin (197-G/F-81, college: Kent St.). Edwin played most recently at Al Hurriya (Syria). At the end of season he was selected Asia-Basket.com Syrian League All-Imports Team. This summer he won gold at the CBC Championships in Nassau (Bahamas) playing for U.S. Virgin Islands National team. In 5 games: Edwin averaged 5.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg and 1.0spg. Edwin is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Dominican Rep., Germany, Puerto Rico, Syria, Venezuela and U.S. Virgin Islands. Edwin graduated Kent State University in 2005 and it will be his seventh season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Stephen Sir joins Huracanes de Tampico - by Eurobasket Center
Huracanes de Tampico (LNBP) agreed terms with 29-year old Canadian guard Stephen Sir (195-G-82, college: N.Arizona). Sir played most recently at Abejas de Guanajuato (LNBP). While playing 3 games for Abejas last season he recorded 27.7ppg, 7.0rpg and 1.0spg. Sir is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Germany, Switzerland and Canada. Two years ago while playing for Erdgas Ehingen in German ProB, Sir was selected to Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Honorable Mention. He played also twice in the All-Star games, in Switzerland and U.S. bases IBL. Sir graduated Northern Arizona University in 2007 and it will be his fifth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Huracanes de Tampico adds Douglas to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Huracanes de Tampico (LNBP) agreed terms with 26-year old Bahamas international forward Jamal Douglas (201-F-85, college: E.Kentucky, agency: Dynamics Global Management). Douglas played most recently at Aanekosken Huima (Finland). While playing 21 games for Huima last season he recorded 18.7ppg, 13.5rpg (2nd best in the league), 1.7apg and 1.2spg. It was a very successful year in Douglas career as he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Finnish 1st Division Honorable Mention Douglas played also pro basketball in Bahamas and Finland. He graduated Eastern Kentucky University in 2008 and it will be his fourth season in pro basketball. Douglas has been a member of Bahamas international program for some years. He played for senior national team this year and previously for U21 national team in 2004. Douglas represented Bahamas at the CBC Championships in Nassau (Bahamas) this year. His team won Silver and Douglas stats at this event were 5 games: 10.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 48.8%, FT: 77.8%.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Standings - LNBP
LNBP Standings
 1. Barreteros 1-0 
 2. Corr.Victoria 1-0 
 3. Huracanes 1-0 
 4. Pioneros 1-0 
 5. Abejas 0-0 
 6. Aguilas Rojas 0-0 
 7. Fuerza Regia 0-0 
 8. Halc.Rojos 0-0 
 9. Halc.Xalapa 0-0 
 10. Soles 0-0 
 11. Toros 0-0 
 12. Panteras 0-1 
 13. Volcanes 0-1 
 14. Lechugueros 0-2 


*****************************************************
  MONTENEGRO   


EuroBasket 2011: Teletovic's far-shot-range buried Montenegro - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina-Montenegro 94:86

Bosnia and Herzegovina overcame Montenegro in Group C that comprises four teams from former Yugoslavia. The later push allowed them to celebrate 94:86 win for 1-1 record. Montenegro meanwhile suffered their first loss and also has 1-1 record.
Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) and Domercant brought the first points for the winners and Domercant nailed another three for 10:6 lead. Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) and Kikanovic scored for 17:13, while Nihad Dedovic (196-F-90, agency: Beo Basket) brought 22:15. The latter also set up the final result at the end of the first period at 24:19. Bajramovic and Nihad Dedovic made it 32:19, while Ikonic scored three for 40:29. Bosnia and Herzegovina also won the second period and led 48:41 at the halftime. The third period however completely belonged to the Montenegrin team that bounced back with 27-19. Omar-Sharif Cook (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) gave his side 68:67 and Vladimir Dragicevic increased to 4 points. Mirza Teletovics far-shot-range however buried Montenegro. He scored 4 times from the perimeter in the last period to bring the necessary result for his team. Vasiljevic scored two free throws at the very end for the final score.
Mirza Teletovic led the way with 23 points and Nihad Dedovic netted 19. Nemanja Gordic (194-G-88) delivered 14 and three other teammates scored 9 each. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Omar-Sharif Cook ended up with 16 points each in the losing effort. Vladimir Dasic (207-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) collected 14 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists, while Vladimir Dragicevic scored 13.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mirza Teletovic 23, Nihad Dedovic 19, Nemanja Gordic 14
Montenegro: Nikola Pekovic 16, Omar-Sharif Cook 16, Vladimir Dasic 14+11 rebs+7 ast, Vladimir Dragicevic 13



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


NBA lockout: Players, owners meet for 6 hours at Manhattan hotel - by Eurobasket News
Top negotiators for NBA owners and players met for about six hours Wednesday, just their second bargaining session since the league's lockout began.

Neither side offered any specifics or would say if progress was made, but said they hoped to have many more meetings in hopes of saving the entire season.

Commissioner David Stern, Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver and San Antonio owner Peter Holt, head of the labor relations committee, represented the owners at a Manhattan hotel. Executive director Billy Hunter, union president Derek Fisher of the Lakers and attorney Ron Klempner attended from the union.

The sides hadn't met since Aug. 1, despite saying they hoped to follow that with multiple sessions before the end of the month. They remain far apart on major issues, with training camps scheduled to open in October.

Stern said there is 'clearly enough time' to make a deal that would allow the regular season to open as scheduled on Nov. 1, and said he has no timetable for when cancelations might begin.

'We don't have any deadlines in mind,' he said. 'We just have meetings in mind and discussions in mind.'

Courtesy of www.newser.com

Yao asks that Hall nomination be delayed - by Eurobasket News
Ming Yao's (7'5''-C-80) agent has asked the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame to set aside Yao's nomination for a year.

Yao retired in July and was nominated by a member of the Chinese media as a contributor to the game, and would've been eligible for induction as early as 2012. But Hall of Fame president and CEO John Doleva says Yao's agent called Wednesday to request that Yao not be considered next year.

KRIV-TV first reported the request from John Huizinga. He did not immediately return a phone message.

Doleva says Huizinga told him that Yao feels it's too soon for him to be placed on the ballot. An eight-time All-Star whose career was derailed by injuries would be eligible to enter as a player in 2017.

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Magic Johnson defends friend, former Spartan teammate Jay Vincent in fraud scheme - by Eurobasket News
Former NBA great Magic Johnson (6'10''-G-59, college: Michigan St.) is defending friend and Michigan State University teammate Jayson Vincent who faces prison in a fraud scheme.

Johnson asked the judge to have mercy on his friend.

The government has recommended that Vincent serve nine years in prison the minimum under advisory sentencing guidelines.

Vincent, 52, is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday by U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker.

The government said Vincent's business, Foreclosure Bank Inspection Co., advertised for inspectors of foreclosed homes. The company required prospective inspectors to pay $149 for non-existent insurance coverage and $89 for a background check.

Investigators identified 18,000, many of who paid the $238 fee. No one was hired.

Vincent acknowledges victims lost about $1 million, said his attorney, Thomas Clement. The attorney asked that Vincent, who earned $11 million in his NBA career, be placed on probation so that he can earn money pay restitution.

Vincent is held in federal custody after he surrendered his bond in late July in response to allegations he continued a fraudulent scheme that could lead to additional charges in Indiana, records showed.

In his letter to the court, Johnson said he has known Vincent since we were little kids growing up in Lansing.

He asked the judge to consider giving Vincent a second chance and a light sentence so that he could reclaim his dignity and rejoin his family.

He said he and Vincent were friends growing up, often playing basketball together.

We were not only teammates at Michigan State where we won the 1979 NCAA Championship together, but we were roommates, Johnson wrote. And that's where I really got to know him. Jay was an incredible teammate with a tremendous heart. He got his motivation and determination from his close knit God-fearing family and was always focused on best and player he could be.

He acknowledged that Vincent did wrong, and hoped Vincent would pay victims back.

With all due respect to the parties involved, and my heart goes out to them, I ask again that you consider his time served and have mercy on him and not allow this one incident of bad decision making to change the course of his life.

Courtesy of www.mlive.com

Pearl declines offer to coach Mavericks' D-League affiliate - by Eurobasket News
Former Tennessee basketball coach Bruce Pearl accepted a job as vice president of marketing with a Knoxville-based wholesale grocery company, bypassing the chance to coach the Texas Legends of the NBA's developmental league.

He will begin working at H.T. Hackney on Thursday. The company is led by Chairman and CEO Bill Sansom, a former University of Tennessee trustee.

'It's really an answer to prayer,' Pearl told The Associated Press on Tuesday. 'This is where my family is. This is where I want to be. Everybody looks at me as a coach, but I'm a father and a husband, and I've got to provide for my family.'

Pearl was fired in March after six seasons at Tennessee in the wake of a two-year NCAA investigation that culminated Wednesday with a three-year show-cause penalty against the coach. The sanction makes it nearly impossible for another school to hire him during that time.

He had considered an offer to coach the Legends of the NBA's developmental league, but he said he wanted to remain in Knoxville. His two oldest children live and work in Knoxville, while his youngest two children are in high school. His wife, Brandy, is from nearby Sevierville, Tenn.

Pearl majored in marketing and economics at Boston College. He said he would have pursued a career in marketing had he not gotten into coaching in 1982.

'I am a former basketball coach at the University of Tennessee, and I'm very proud of almost everything that we accomplished,' he said. 'I'm excited about this new challenge. I'm going to bring the same level of passion and intensity. This is a championship team already. Nobody in the industry does that better. I'm learning that quickly.'

Sansom said he asked Pearl several months ago if he'd considered taking a non-coaching job with a local company.

'A couple of weeks ago I was having dinner with Bruce and Brandy, and he was talking about Texas and if he really wanted to go to Texas, and I said, 'You ought to talk to us,'' Sansom said.

H.T. Hackney is a privately held company with annual revenues of about $4 billion. Sansom and Pearl declined to reveal Pearl's salary.

Sansom said he felt Pearl fit the company's culture and said he had no problem if Pearl wanted to pursue coaching again in three years.

'I hope Bruce has so much fun he won't want to leave, but if he's got that passion and has an opportunity, that's not a problem for either one of us if he wants to do that when the time comes,' Sansom said.

Courtesy of www.star-telegram.com

Ron Artest guarantees Lakers will win 2012 NBA title - by Eurobasket News
There was a picture of Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) pouring the champagne over Ron Artest's (6'7''-G/F-79, college: St.John's) head which perfectly captures the excitement following the Lakers' Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics to secure the 2010 NBA title.

That champagne celebration happened just as Artest began to pour out his emotions. When reporters arrived moments later, Artest recapped the circuitous route he took to finally arrive at this point, a destination that proved as lengthy as his recollection. Then, in one of the most memorable postgame press conferences, Artest thanks his psychologist.

It may all feel like a distant memory considering how the Lakers ended the 2011 postseason with a four-game sweep to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals. But Artest guaranteed to ESPN Los Angeles' Stephen A. Smith in a 40-minute interview Wednesday that the Lakers will again pop the champagne bottles after winning the 2012 NBA title. Assuming there's a season of course.

'Win it all,' Artest said when asked what will the Lakers do in the 2011-2012 season. 'Win the whole thing. That's a guarantee.'

Artest didn't sound as confident about guaranteeing that he and his dance partner, Peta Murgatroyd, would win in 'Dancing with the Stars,' admitting 'that's going to be a problem. There may be a lot of uncertainty heading into next season, particularly with how Coach Mike Brown will lead a team whose years are dwindling in securing more titles. But consider Artest made a similar guarantee prior to the 2009-2010 season when he they should point it right at me, throwing tomatoes and everything.' We all know how that turned out.

Smith then asked what can the general public do to Artest should his guarantee go sour.

'We're going to win,' he answered. 'You can do anything you want to do. Whatever you want to do, you do it.'

Courtesy of http://lakersblog.latimes.com

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


Firm gets Iowa Hawkeyes sports rights worth $114 million through 2026 - by Eurobasket News
The University of Iowa athletics department has quietly given the company managing its sports marketing efforts a contract extension through 2026 and the right to sell the name of its basketball court in exchange for guaranteed payments totaling $114 million, contract documents show.

Missouri-based Learfield Communications Inc. beat out several other firms in a competitive bidding process in 2006 for a 10-year contract to exclusively broadcast Iowa athletic events on the radio, negotiate corporate sponsorship agreements and generate other advertising and marketing income. Iowa was guaranteed $55.1 million under that deal.

But in a move that escaped public scrutiny, Iowa agreed in November 2009 to extend the contract by 10 years while giving Learfield the ability to sell the naming rights to the court of Carver-Hawkeye Arena and the Outdoor Club at Kinnick Stadium, according to records released to The Associated Press. Mediacom, the cable television and Internet provider, earlier this year secured the naming rights to both spaces for terms that have not been released.

Long-term agreements and contract extensions are common in college sports marketing, but the length of Iowa's deal seems unusual even by those standards. Indiana, for instance, and Learfield announced this year they reached a 10-year extension through 2021. Wisconsin won approval in 2007 from its governing board for a deal with Learfield through 2019.

Sports marketing has also come under fresh scrutiny in Iowa.

Iowa and Iowa State were heavily criticized over the new Cy-Hawk football rivalry trophy that depicted a farm family gathered around a basket of corn. It was designed under a sponsorship agreement with the Iowa Corn Growers Association, and then scrapped after a backlash from fans.

Iowa last week renewed a partnership with the Iowa Lottery for a football-themed promotion involving a $2 scratch ticket despite criticism from some faculty members and NCAA guidelines discouraging gambling ads. And the Iowa Farm Bureau last month reached a wide-ranging, five-year marketing and licensing agreement with Iowa to promote the 'America Needs Farmers' brand at a time when its president also leads Iowa's governing board.

Iowa has refused to release the terms of those agreements as well as the naming rights deal with Mediacom, arguing they are not subject to public records law because they are between sponsors and Learfield even though the school sets the guidelines for sponsorships.

The university's purchasing policy requires competitive bidding on service contracts worth more than $25,000 and contracts to have specific end dates. But the policy also allows the school to include provisions to extend contracts past the original term, and the 2006 deal with Learfield had a clause allowing an extension to be negotiated at any time before 2014.

Contracts do not need approval from the Iowa Board of Regents, which delegates purchasing authority to the universities.

Iowa associate athletics director Rick Klatt said the long-term extension with Learfield was necessary to sell to Mediacom the naming rights to help pay for the recently completed $47 million renovation of Carver-Hawkeye, which built a new practice gym and workout center and made other improvements. He said the guaranteed annual payments, which comprise about 7 percent of the department's $75 million budget, helped the department plan for the future free of general university funding.

Klatt conceded the business of college sports could change drastically by 2026 but said the department was confident in the performance of Learfield, which manages sports marketing for more than 50 colleges.

'We're looking at a partner we've worked with for over two decades, one of the leaders in the industry nationally,' he said. 'They haven't missed a payment yet, if you want to get crass about it.'

The contract gives Learfield, which does business in Iowa City as Hawkeye Sports Properties, the exclusive right to broadcast Iowa athletics events on the radio, produce coaches' shows, negotiate sponsorships and sell advertising. Learfield gets revenue from ads on the department's website, on scoreboards and stadium signs, game programs and even on coaches' headsets. The Lottery contract, released last week, shows Learfield now sells postings on Iowa's Twitter and Facebook pages and ad space in e-mail blasts to fans.

In exchange, the athletics department is guaranteed annual payments that will rise from $5.8 million this year to $8 million in 2026. If Learfield generates revenue above certain target levels, the two sides will split anything above that amount.

Klatt said Iowa was comfortable renewing its partnership with the Lottery. He said it was important Iowa's two other public universities were participating and added the university does not agree with NCAA's anti-gambling position because the Lottery is a state agency.

Iowa and the Lottery ended their relationship in 2007 after the NCAA sent letters criticizing Iowa for partnering with gambling interests, which is discouraged but not banned. Iowa's contract extension with Learfield called for the school to receive $69,000 less from Learfield every year it did not have a sponsorship with the Lottery.

Klatt said he was comfortable the Farm Bureau did not receive any favorable treatment in the 'America Needs Farmers' agreement in which the university will promote farmers everywhere from inside the stadium to its Web site and license ANF-themed apparel. He said president Craig Lang, who appeared last month at a news conference to announce the agreement, was not involved in negotiations. Lang became president of the Iowa Board of Regents, which governs Iowa, in July and has said he abstained from the deal.

Klatt said the multi-pronged Farm Bureau agreement represented the increasing complexity of corporate sponsorships, which now go far beyond a simple 30-second radio ad.

'They want a relationship with the Hawkeyes that is alive on the radio, that is alive on game day and that is alive someplace else,' he said. 'It's the multiple layers of marketing that they want.'

Courtesy of ESPN

Texas A&M announces plans to leave Big 12 conference - by Eurobasket News
The official Texas A&M fight song includes a line that bids farewell to Texas, 'so long to the orange and white.' By this time next year, Texas A&M may have said goodbye to a lot more than its storied, century-old rivalry with Texas.

Texas A&M announced Wednesday that it will leave the Big 12 Conference by July 2012 if it can find another home, preferably in the SEC.

The decision could set off another round of conference realignment in college sports and it raises questions about the future of the Big 12, which is starting the football season with 10 teams after losing Nebraska and Colorado. The Big 12 said it would move quickly to find at least one replacement for the Aggies but offered no timeline.

'The presidents and chancellors of the nine remaining member institutions are steadfast in their commitment to the Big 12,' Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe said in a statement. 'As previously stated, the conference will move forward aggressively exploring its membership options.'

The Southeastern Conference said it had not received an application from Texas A&M to join the league and that it would have no further comment. The SEC has reaffirmed its 12-school membership, but remains open to expansion talks.

Leaving the Big 12 'is in the best interest of Texas A&M,' said university President R. Bowen Loftin, who formally notified the league with a letter after earlier securing details on the withdrawal process. He said he hopes the move can be amicable and presumably hopes to negotiate a reasonable exit fee.

'We are seeking to generate greater visibility nationwide for Texas A&M and our championship-caliber student-athletes, as well as secure the necessary and stable financial resources to support our athletic and academic programs,' Loftin said. 'This is a 100-year decision that we have addressed carefully and methodically.'

Texas A&M, which has been in the Big 12 since its founding in 1996, said it will submit an application to join another, unspecified conference. If accepted, Texas A&M will leave the Big 12, effective June 30, 2012.

Texas, blamed by some for running off Nebraska with its deal with ESPN to set up its Longhorns Network, said it remains committed to the Big 12 even with its historic rivalry with Texas A&M in jeopardy. But Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds didn't address the game or even A&M by name.

'As we stated last summer, we are strong supporters and members of the Big 12 conference,' Dodds said. 'Recent events have not altered our confidence in the league. A Big 12 committee is in place to look at all options, shaping the future of the conference so it will continue to be one of the top leagues in the country.'

Texas and Texas A&M first met in football in 1894 and the annual Thanksgiving game is a highlight of the season for many fans. Loftin said that a 'primary criterion' when negotiating with another conference would be the ability to continue the rivalry, but there's no guarantee the new conference or the Longhorns would agree to such a deal.

Like Texas, Baylor has been in the same league with Texas A&M since the beginning of the Southwest Conference in 1914. With no push by Texas A&M to continue playing the Bears, they were disappointed that their football rivalry, which began in 1899, will end.

Baylor President Ken Starr still believes the Big 12 has a 'bright future,' even without the Aggies.

'We know that the Big 12 is an exciting and attractive conference for many reasons, including the quality of our academic programs, the strength of our athletic teams, the support of our loyal fans and the depth of our vibrant traditions,' Starr said.

Nebraska (Big Ten) and Colorado (Pac-12) left the league in July a year after a wild round of realignment that also affected teams in the Mountain West, Big East and WAC.

So far, the only school to publicly express interest in joining the Big 12 is SMU, the former Southwest Conference team that now plays in Conference USA and has climbed back to respectability after receiving the NCAA's only 'death penalty' punishment after a pay-for-play scandal in the 1980s.

Another Conference USA team, Houston, could also be an option for the Big 12. Athletic director Mack Rhoades would not say Wednesday if he has been in touch with the Big 12 or any other conference.

'We're always going to look to get better, and look for opportunity,' Rhoades said. 'Whether that comes, whether that doesn't, I certainly can't answer that. But we're in a great conference right now, and we're going to continue to be a great member. But we're also going to do everything we can to get better.'

Rhoades said he believes A&M's decision could be the first domino in changes across the landscape of college football.

'Right now, let's face it, that's the world of college athletics,' he said. 'Whatever happens here in the next week, two weeks, three months, who knows what the timeline is? I don't think it ends there. I think it's going to continue to evolve over the next few years.'

The Big 12 has formed a committee to look for replacements.

'The chancellors and presidents of the Big 12 are committed to keeping our conference competitively and academically strong,' said Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton, who serves as the chairman of the Big 12 board of directors. 'We have a process in place that enables us to move aggressively regarding the possible expansion of the conference and to assure our members and student-athletes that we will take advantage of the most productive opportunities in the best interests of all.'

The SEC said earlier this month it was happy with its current membership but left the door open to expansion, and the Aggies certainly wouldn't have made this move if they didn't believe they could eventually join the conference. The Aggies would need the votes of nine of the 12 presidents from the member schools for the SEC to allow them into the league.

The Big 12 agreed to a 13-year television deal with Fox Sports in April worth more than $1 billion, a contract that technically could be voided with Texas A&M's departure and lead to legal issues for the Aggies.

A person familiar with that TV deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the league has indications from the network that if a suitable replacement can be found that 'they will be fine and keep the contract as is.' The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because the details are not supposed to be public, also said that the contract could remain in force at a discounted rate even if the Big 12 had only its remaining nine teams.

The Aggies will also likely face an exit fee for leaving the Big 12, although it's unclear how much that could be. Nebraska paid $9.25 million and Colorado paid $6.9 million.

Texas state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, said she had no plans to call for a public hearing on the Aggies' decision to leave. Zaffirini, who graduated from Texas, said she would be disappointed if the two schools end their football rivalry.

Courtesy of www.kolotv.com

Walker agrees to join Fredette in exhibition games in Utah - by Eurobasket News
Former UConn star Kemba Walker (6'1''-PG-90, college: Connecticut) has agreed to participate in a two-game exhibition with former BYU standout Jimmer Fredette (6'2''-PG-89, college: BYU) as players look to stay in shape during the NBA lockout.

Fredette's team of all-stars will be coached by BYU's Dave Rose. They will take on another group of NBA rookies coached by San Diego State coach Steve Fisher.

The games are set for Sept. 21 at the Maverik Center in Salt Lake City and Sept. 22 at Provo's Marriott Center.

Fredette was college basketball's player of the year last season and 10th overall pick by the NBA's Sacramento Kings.

Walker led UConn to the 2011 NCAA championship and was named the Bob Cousy Award winner as the nation's top point guard. The Charlotte Bobcats picked him 9th overall in the NBA draft.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Ex-Seton Hall basketball player Kelly Whitney pleads guilty to burglary - by Eurobasket News
Former Seton Hall basketball player Kelly Whitney (6'8''-F/C-83) will likely spend several years behind bars after pleading guilty today to burglary, authorities said.

Months after a June mistrial, Whitney, the 6-foot-8 former Pirates center, admitted today to breaking into an off-campus home in South Orange on March 15, 2010, and robbing the tenants, also Seton Hall students.

'These college students suffered through a very dangerous and distressing assault, said Assistant Essex County Prosecutor Ari Schneider, who helped try the case. 'Whitney will now have to face the serious penal consequences for assaulting these young men and women,'

Whitney, 28, pleaded guilty to burglary, criminal restraint, and conspiracy to commit burglary. He is expected to be given three years in state prison when he is sentenced Nov. 7, according to a statement issued by the prosecutors office.

Todays plea comes after a tortuous court battle during which Whitney was accused by Robert 'Styx' Mitchell his alleged co-conspirator of masterminding a plan to tie up residents of the Irving Avenue apartment and steal cash and other valuables.

Mitchell told jurors Whitney had on a mask and gloves and was holding a gun. Several people were on the floor, and Whitney was tying one up with Duct tape, shouting, 'Wheres the money? Wheres the weed?' Mitchell testified.

Mitchell, 24, who had been kicked off the Seton Hall basketball team a day before the incident, mitigated his own involvement in the robbery, essentially saying he was an unwilling participant. But the eight victims who testified claimed the two masked assailants both took an active role in the robbery, contradicting Mitchells account.

Mitchell, had pleaded guilty to reduced charges in exchange for his testimony.

Whitney, who graduated from Seton Hall in 2006 and ranks 17th on the schools all-time scoring list, was arrested after the robbery at a hotel near Newark Liberty International Airport where he was found with his girlfriend, police said.

But in early June, jurors told Superior Court Judge Alfonse Cifelli in Newark they were hopelessly deadlocked and Cifelli declared a mistrial.

At the time, the prosecutors office said it intended to retry Whitney on the charges.

Under todays plea agreement, Whitney will be sentenced under the No Early Release Act which means he must serve 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole, authorities said.

Courtesy of www.nj.com

Giant recruit Sim Bhullar drops Xavier for New Mexico State - by Eurobasket News
Ordinarily, a player de-committing from Xavier to attend New Mexico State might not qualify as big recruiting news. But Sim Bhullar (7'4''-C-92) only makes big news.

He stands 7-5 and weighs somewhere well north of 300 pounds. So his decision not to join the Musketeers in the fall of 2012 and instead enroll at New Mexico State this fall is going to be noticed.

Bhullar committed to Xavier in the spring as part of its 2012 class, but Toronto-based recruiting site Flagrant Fouls reported late Tuesday that Bhullar instead will join the Aggies for the 2011-12 season. Bhullar, a Toronto native, had planned to spend this year attending prep school in West Virginia.

Xavier is a great program, and we are so appreciative of all the time they spent recruiting my brother, Avneet Bhullar told Personal Fouls. However, Sim has some unique clearinghouse issues that have forced us to really examine the best course of action for Sim's future.

'At this time, we feel more comfortable going forward with New Mexico State due to their experience with Canadians and eligibility. We feel that New Mexico State provides Sim the best chance to get on the floor playing college basketball in the quickest time frame possible.'

New Mexico State assistant coach Paul Wear also is a native of Toronto and has helped attract five Canadians to Las Cruces, N.M.

Knowing some of the guys is definitely going to make it easier, Bhullar told Flagrant Fouls. It's a good feeling to know I won't be down there alone.'

Xavier always seemed an odd fit for Bhullar given coach Chris Macks preference for a faster pace and 94-foot style of play. But the Musketeers have had success with low-post big man Kenny Frease and determined Bhullar could be a game-changing type of player because of his size.

Bhullar played in the summer with the Canada junior national team at the FIBA Under-19 World Championships in Latvia, averaging 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds for his team, which finished 11th. He toured the summer AAU circuit with the CIA Bounce squad out of Toronto and had some excellent moments, including a 12-point, eight-rebound performance when matched against elite high school junior Nerlens Noel.

But Bhullar does struggle with stamina issues and with changing ends and still is working on his touch around the goal. He shot 19-of-33 from the field at the Nike EYBL at the Peach Jam championships.

He told Sporting News in July he hopes to be in the NBA within two years -- and that was before he accelerated the timetable on his college enrollment.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

*****************************************************
  NCAA2   


Golding announces '11-12 slate - by Eurobasket News
ABILENE ACU men's basketball coach Joe Golding announced the Wildcats' 2011-12 schedule on Sunday, a slate that features 16 home games in Golding's first season as a head coach.

The Wildcats will get the season started on Tuesday, Nov. 1, when they travel to Waco to take on Baylor in an exhibition game at the Ferrell Center. The game against the Bears will mark the first time ACU has played Baylor since the 1972-73 season when the Bears won, 72-69. Baylor holds an overall 3-1 edge in the series with the Wildcats' only win coming in 1957-58 (82-66).

ACU will not only be facing the Bears, but also assistant coach Grant McCasland , who became the ACU head coach in early April only to leave Abilene and join the Baylor coaching staff in mid-July. That opened the door for Golding to return to his alma mater and become the head coach.

'We're grateful to (Baylor head coach) Scott Drew for giving us a chance to play down there,' Golding said. 'It will obviously be a great opportunity for our guys to play against a Big 12 school and one of the top programs in the country. We're really looking forward to getting our season started at Baylor.'

The Wildcats' regular-season schedule will get started a few days later when they host the ACU Tip-Off Classic, Nov. 11-12. The Wildcats will welcome Lone Star Conference rival Angelo State as well as former LSC member East Central and Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) member Truman State to Moody Coliseum.

The Wildcats will open the regular season at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, when they host Truman State at Moody Coliseum. That game will mark just the second all-time meeting between the teams, and the first since Truman knocked off ACU, 76-69, in the championship game of the 1999 NCAA Division II South Central Region Tournament in Wichita Falls. ACU will host East Central the next night to complete the four-game classic.

ACU's other home non-conference contests will be against Texas-Permian Basin (Nov. 22), Southwest Adventist (Dec. 3), Dallas Baptist (Dec. 30), Paul Quinn (Jan. 26), and Arlington Baptist (Jan. 28).

The Wildcats will also play their usual tough slate of games against LSC foes in a new, slimmed-down conference. ACU will host Cameron, West Texas A&M, Eastern New Mexico, Midwestern State, Incarnate Word, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Texas A&M-Commerce, Tarleton State, and Angelo State, and will play each of those teams on the road.

'This has been one of the top leagues in NCAA Division II basketball for a long time, and it will continue to be that even without the Oklahoma schools,' Golding said. 'I like the setup of the league and going back to the old guard of the LSC.'
Courtesy of: http://acusports.com

D-I point guard Marcus Jackson joins UAA - by Eurobasket News
ANCHORAGE The Alaska Anchorage mens basketball team added a dynamic guard to its 2011-12 roster Thursday as head coach Rusty Osborne announced that Marcus Jackson (6'1''-G) has transferred from Division I Arizona State to play for the Seawolves.

The 6-2, 185-pound guard becomes the second player in as many seasons to come to UAA from ASU, joining former Sun Devils teammate Taylor Rohde, who earned First Team All-Great Northwest Athletic Conference honors last year.

Jackson, from Sacramento, Calif., spent two seasons at ASU, seeing action in 16 games. As a sophomore last year, he saw extended playing time in January, tallying four assists and two steals in a victory over Tulsa, and logging 15 minutes in a pair of Pacific-10 Conference games.

Marcus is a great addition to our program both on and off the floor, said Osborne, who starts his eighth season at the Seawolf helm in November. After losing Drew Robinson and Bryce Arnott, we had a need for another experienced point guard. Marcus brings Pac-10 experience to the position and will work well with our two returning point guards, Steve White and Kyle Fossman. He has good skill, and his size and leadership ability will be very valuable. We expect him to have an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.

As a prep, Jackson was a 4-year starter at Sheldon High School from 2005-09, where he was a first-team All-Delta League and Sacramento Area Metro Team pick in his junior and senior seasons. As a senior he led the Delta League with 6.3 assists per game while averaging 15.5 points, despite playing midseason injury. As a junior he averaged 16.1 points and 6.1 assists, and as a sophomore he captained the Huskies to the schools first-ever Sac-Joaquin Section championship.

Jackson is also an accomplished student, graduating eighth in his high school class of more than 500, and studying in ASUs prestigious Barrett Honors College. He will major in mechanical engineering at UAA.

Marcus is a tremendous student-athlete in every sense and will be a wonderful ambassador for our program and UAA, Osborne said.

Jackson becomes the third member of UAAs 2011-12 recruiting class, joining fellow transfer Colton Lauwers (G, 6-3, 235, Anchorage/Dimond HS/Adams [Colo.] State) and true freshman Christian Leckband (F, 6-5, 185, Nome).

Courtesy: UAA Sports Information


*****************************************************
  PARAGUAY   


Puerto Rico too much for Paraguay, 101-55 - by Eurobasket News
PUERTO RICO - PARAGUAY 101-55

Another easy win for Puerto Rico. This time they blasted Paraguay 101-55 for perfect 2-0 record in Group B. On the other side, Paraguay faced with their second loss so they have 0-2 now. Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83) came up with 19 points for 16 minutes on the court. Jose Juan Barea (181-PG-84, college: Northeastern) had 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, while Alexander David Galindo (198-F-85, college: FIU) and John Holland (195-G/F-88, college: Boston U.) netted 11 points each. In defeat, Guillermo Araujo (204-C-82) was better than the others with 18 points. Enrique Martinez (189-G-78, agency: Dream Team Management) and Daniel Perez (190-G/F-84) delivered 13 and 11 points respectively. Quarters: 15-10, 30-20, 30-12, 26-13. Next rival of Puerto Rico will be Uruguay. Paraguay will play against Panama also today.

Puerto Rico: Alejandro Carmona 19, Jose Juan Barea 14+8 boards+6 as, Alexander David Galindo 11, John Holland 11
Paraguay: Guillermo Araujo 18, Enrique Martinez 13, Daniel Perez 11

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


Siarka Tarnobrzeg announced LaMarshall Corbett - by Eurobasket News
Siarka Tarnobrzeg announced Lamarshall Corbett (190-G-88, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) for 2011/2012 season. The American Guard heads from Angelo St. (NCAA2, starting five).
In 2009-2010 he joined Angelo St. (NCAA2, starting five) and stayed there for two seasons. He became in Daktronics NCAA Division II All-South Central Region 1st Team -10, NABC Division II All-South Central Region 1st Team -10, All-LSC 1st Team -10, All-LSC Player of the Year -10, All-LSC Newcomer of the Year -10 and Daktronics Division II All-America 2nd Team -10.
Przemyslaw Karnowski (213-C-93) meanwhile will be another addition to the team. The Polish Center comes from SMS PZKosz Wladyslawowo. In 2008-2009 he joined MKS Katarzynka Torun cadet team and in 2009-2010 played for MMKS SIDEn VIII LO Torun (2Liga, starting five). In 14 games he averaged 12.2ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.2apg, Blocks-1 (2.5bpg), 2FGP: 56%, FT: 61.2%. The last season moved to SMS PZKosz Wladyslawowo (2Liga) and in 23 games showed 14.0ppg, 9.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, 2.1bpg, 2FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 54.0%. He played also at MKS Katarzynka Torun junior team.


Prospect Przemyslaw Karnowski joins Siarka Tarnobrzeg - by Eurobasket News
Przemyslaw Karnowski (213-C-93) will play for Siarka Tarnobrzeg next season. Karnowski heads to Tarnobrzeg from SMS PZKosz Wladyslawowo, where he spent last season. He had 14 ppg, 9.6 rpg and 1.3 apg for 23 games in 2Liga. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Polish 2Liga Center of the Year -11. The young prospect played for U18 Poland at the European Championships U18 in Wroclaw this summer. He had 11 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 1.8 bpg for 9 games. He was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U18 Best Center -11. Karnowski also played at the World Championships U19 in Latvia this summer. He shined with U18, U17 and U16 Poland in the past.
Lamarshall Corbett also joined Siarka for the next season. He is a product of the Angelo State University, where he graduated few months ago. This is the first professional deal for Corbett.

Zastal Zielona Gora beats Polpharma in a friendly, 81-53 - by Eurobasket News
Zastal Zielona Gora and Polpharma met in a friendly game. Zastal was much better celebrating 81-53 win at the end. Jeff Foote (212-C-88, college: Cornell) was their key player with 19 points. Jakub Dloniak (192-F-83, agency: Promotex) also was good netting three points less. Kamil Chanas (188-G-85) and Ryan Wittman (198-F-88, college: Cornell) helped with 8 and 7 points respectively. Everything started good for Polpharma. They shined in the first ten minutes making nice 11-18 lead. However, Zastal players totally took control on them after that. They made 22-11 in the second period and continued with 23-10 after the breather. Polpharma was not able to reply and they faced with 14-25 in the last ten minutes. At the end Jeff Foote and his teammates celebrated comfortable 81-53 victory.

EuroBasket 2011: Lithuania thump Poland - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania - Poland 97:77

Lithuania registered the second straight win at the home EuroBasket. They fired past Poland for 2-0 record in Group A. Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with 19 points, 6 boards and 6 assists to pace the charge.
Lithuania surged ahead late in the opening quarter. They recorded a 25:20 lead after ten minutes. Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) scored 8 points in a row early in the second frame to give the hosts a 33:22 lead. Lithuania stretched the margin to 15 points at halftime. The margin just kept on growing in the third term. The home team entered the fourth frame up by 24 points 76:52. Poland fired 25 points in the final term but it could not rescue them eventually. Darius Songaila provided 14 points, while Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) added 11 points in the victory. Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Washington St.) answered with 16 points for Poland. Dardan Berisha (192-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82) had 10 points each in the loss.

Lithuania: Mantas Kalnietis 19, Darius Songaila 14, Rimantas Kaukenas 11
Poland: Thomas Kelati 16, Dardan Berisha 10, Szymon Szewczyk 10


*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL   


EuroBasket 2011: Spain turn on high-octane stuff against Portugal - by Eurobasket News
Portugal-Spain 73:87

Spain turn on high-octane stuff against Portugal and easily won the second game at EuroBasket 2011. After the tough victory over Poland in Day 1, the defending champions rout Portugal 87:73.
Spain did not waste time and went on a lead in the first period. Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) made it 22:11, while Fernandez closed the frame at 26:16. The latter also brought 33:19 early in the second and Pau Gasol added two more for 16-point deficit. Portugal however created a 6-0 run as Tavarez reduced to 35:25. Calderon and Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) were the last to score at the half for 53:36 advantage. Pau Gasol and his brother ensured 57:38 early in the third, while Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) scored for 59:41. He made two three-points in a row later for 65:44 midway through the third quarter. Felipe Reyes scored four consecutive points at the end of the quarter for 77:52. In the last stanza Portugal started to play better and reduced to score a bit in the game. At first Fonseca and Miguel Miranda (205-F-78) reduced to 79:52, while Carlos Andrade (197-F-78, college: Queens, NC) cut it to 80:60. Rubio increased the lead to 23 points, but Antonio Tavares (183-G-75) reduced to 18. Evora and Felipe Reyes exchanged the shots for 85:66, while Rubio made 87:66. Goncalves scored four in a row for 87:70 and Santos nailed three for the final result.
Pau Gasol again top-scored for the winners, this time with 20 points. Juan Carlos Navarro netted 17, while Marc Gasol (212-C-85, agency: Interperformances) and Felipe Reyes notched 10 apiece. Antonio Tavares replied with 17 points in the losing effort and Miguel Miranda scored 13.

Portugal: Antonio Tavares 17, Miguel Miranda 13, Carlos Andrade 11
Spain: Pau Gasol 20, Juan Carlos Navarro 17, Marc Gasol 10, Felipe Reyes 10


*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO   


Puerto Rico too much for Paraguay, 101-55 - by Eurobasket News
PUERTO RICO - PARAGUAY 101-55

Another easy win for Puerto Rico. This time they blasted Paraguay 101-55 for perfect 2-0 record in Group B. On the other side, Paraguay faced with their second loss so they have 0-2 now. Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83) came up with 19 points for 16 minutes on the court. Jose Juan Barea (181-PG-84, college: Northeastern) had 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, while Alexander David Galindo (198-F-85, college: FIU) and John Holland (195-G/F-88, college: Boston U.) netted 11 points each. In defeat, Guillermo Araujo (204-C-82) was better than the others with 18 points. Enrique Martinez (189-G-78, agency: Dream Team Management) and Daniel Perez (190-G/F-84) delivered 13 and 11 points respectively. Quarters: 15-10, 30-20, 30-12, 26-13. Next rival of Puerto Rico will be Uruguay. Paraguay will play against Panama also today.

Puerto Rico: Alejandro Carmona 19, Jose Juan Barea 14+8 boards+6 as, Alexander David Galindo 11, John Holland 11
Paraguay: Guillermo Araujo 18, Enrique Martinez 13, Daniel Perez 11

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


Lokomotiv Kuban and Krasnie Krilya Samara were beaten away from home - by Eurobasket News
Lokomotiv Kuban and Krasnie Krilya Samara were beaten away from home in the friendly games.
Lokomotiv Kuban lost to Helios 79:85. The Slovenian team looked better in the majority of the game and upset the Russian squad. Nikolay Padius (197-G-80) scored 25 points for Lokomotov and Maxim Grigoryev (195-G-90) notched 14. Maksim Sheleketo (204-F-87) poured in 12 points, while Kolyushkin added 11. Maxim Krivosheev (207-F/C-88) notched 7, whilst Grigori Shukhovtsov (210-C-83) and Zubkov scored 5 apiece.
Umana Venezia edged Krasnie Krilya Samara 86:64. The Italian team started with 24:18, but could only have 2 points lead at the halftime. Moreover the Russian squad came closer to just 1 entering the last stanza. Clark gave Italian team 76:70 and they managed to grab the victory in front of 1200 fans. Fantoni top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Clark posted 15. Tamar Slay (204-F-80, college: Marshall) netted 12 points and Rosselli added 11. Jarvis Hayes (201-G/F-81, agency: David Lee services, college: Georgia) ended up with 19 points in the losing effort, while Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87, agency: Alti Sport) and Kolesnikov scored 15 each.


EuroBasket 2011: Russia pull away from Georgia - by Eurobasket News
Georgia-Russia 58:65

Russia grabbed 2-0 record in Group D of the EuroBasket 2011. Although the fans expected the more comfortable victory over Georgia, Russia enjoyed 65:58 win.
Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) scored the first points for the winners, while Georgia replied with 6-0 run. Antonov and Vitaly Fridzon (195-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) nailed threes for 8:6, while Sergey Monya (203-F-83) and Vitaly Fridzon closed the period from the perimeter for 20:16. Tskitishvili brought his side to 20:22, but Russia needed a small run to take the bigger lead. Sergey Monya and Andrei Kirilenko scored for 33:24, while Shved brought 40:27. Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) closed a 5-0 run for Georgia to delivered for 40:32, but Russia responded with 6-0 run as Andrei Kirilenko made a dunk for 46:32. The third quarter however belonged to Georgia and they made a huge comeback at the end of the frame. Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86) nailed three to close the quarter at 52:45 and then Shengelia scored for 52:50. Vorontsevich and Andrei Kirilenko increased the lead to 8 points but Zaza Pachulia and Haynes scored for 54:58. Zaza Pachulia later brought 56:61, but Vorontsevich, Khryapa and Bykov delivered the last points for the winners.
Andrei Kirilenko poured in 20 points again in the second game to lead the charge. Sergey Monya netted 12, while Vitaly Fridzon chipped in 9. Manuchar Markoishvili answered with 21 points for Georgia and Zaza Pachulia had only 11. Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) followed them with 10 points in the losing effort.

Georgia: Manuchar Markoishvili 21, Zaza Pachulia 11, Viktor Sanikidze 10
Russia: Andrei Kirilenko 20, Sergey Monya 12, Vitaly Fridzon 9


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


EuroBasket 2011: Krstic delivered the second straight win for Serbia - by Eurobasket News
Latvia-Serbia 77:92

Serbia celebrated the second straight win at the Eurobasket 2011. The Serbian squad edged Latvia 92:77 after 19-2 from the start.
It was an easy start for Serbia that overcame Italy in Day 1 of the competition. Serbia scored the first 11 points in the game and later had 19:2. Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) made a dunk to close the first period at 23:7. The Baltic side was too far to give up and erupted with a massive lead in the second quarter. Rolands Freimanis (207-C/F-88, agency: Players Group) tied the game at 29:29, while Serbia responded with a 7-0 run. Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) later scored for 37:31 and Krstic scored two frees for 42:36. Rihards Kuksiks (198-G/F-88) nailed three and Janis Strelnieks (191-G-89) brought 46:41 in the end of middle of the third quarter. For Serbia it was an offensive period and after 32 points in it they enjoyed 70:58 going into the last quarter. Rolands Freimanis and Janis Blums (190-G-82) reduced to 6 points, but Macvan and Tepic scored for 76:65. Janis Strelnieks made two free throws for 76:70, while Janis Strelnieks and Ivan Paunic (194-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) exchanged the shots for 82:72. Serbia won the end of the game 10-5 and took the second straight win in Lithuania.
Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) paced all the winners with 23 points, while Dusko Savanovic netted 19. Ivan Paunic followed them with 10 and Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) as well as Kosta Perovic scored 9 apiece. Rolands Freimanis delivered 19 points in defeat, whilst Rihards Kuksiks posted 16. Janis Blums notched 15 and Janis Strelnieks added 12.

Latvia: Rolands Freimanis 19, Rihards Kuksiks 16, Janis Blums 15, Janis Strelnieks 12
Serbia: Nenad Krstic 23, Dusko Savanovic 19, Ivan Paunic 10, Milos Teodosic 9, Kosta Perovic 9


Zoran Erceg in Besiktas, Goran Cakic in Kazahstan - by Zoran Popovic
According to Serbian sports news Zoran Erceg (210-C/F-85) finally sings contract with Besiktas Colaturka Istanbul. Last three seasons Erceg played for Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus and in his last season on 16 games in Euroleague Erceg average scored 5.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, on 29 games in Greek Championship averege scored 7.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game. During the career Erceg played for Polet Keramika Novi Becej, FMP Zeleznik and Olympiakos.
Goran Cakic (208-C/F-80, agency: Beo Basket) moves from Trabzonspor Turkey to BC Astana from Kazahstan. Last season Cakic played for Mega Vizura, Scavolini and Trabzonspor. On 4 games for Mega Vizura Cakic average scored 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, on 2 games for Scavolini average scored 4.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and on 21 game in Trabzonspor average scored 6.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. During the career Cakic played for Crvena Zvezda, Beobanka, Radnicki, Partizan, Apollon Patras, Khimik Yuzny, Azovmas and Banvit.


Crvena Zvezda Beograd wins in pre-season opener - by Eurobasket News
Crvena Zvezda Beograd played their first friendly game this pre-season. They handed 93-72 loss to Sloboda Uzice. Andreja Milutinovic (199-G-90) stepped up for the winners with 19 points. Mile Ilic (215-C-84, agency: Beo Basket) had 15 points, Dragan Tubak (216-C-87) scored 13 and Vasic added two points less than him. Markovic was the last one with double-digits for Crvena Zvezda Beograd with 10 points. Covic, Smiljanic, Nedovic, Subotic and Radivojevic also played in this game. Crvena Zvezda had nice beginning and never looked back. They created 32-19 lead in the first ten minutes and Sloboda was not able to respond. Actually, they improved in Q2, but did not come any closer (26-26). Crvena Zvezda Beograd made 18-15 in third and 17-12 in the last quarter for the final 93-72 win in their pre-season opener. Crvena Zvezda will play more friendlies in upcoming days.

Donetsk too strong for Radnicki Kragujevac in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
Radnicki Kragujevac - Donetsk 60-73

Donetsk and Radnicki Kragujevac met in a friendly game yesterday. The Ukrainian runner-up was better celebrating 73-60 victory. Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) was their leading player with 17 points. Dmytro Gliebov (198-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) scored 14 points and DeMarcus Nelson (193-G-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Duke) helped with 12. Former player of Radnicki Michael Lee (207-F-86) delivered 10 points in this meeting. For the hosts, David Simon (207-C-82, college: IPFW) was better than the others with 17 points. Darren Moore (190-G, college: Cal-Irvine) had 13 points and Stefan Bircevic (209-F/C-89) stopped to 9. Donetsk made 14-18 lead in the first ten minutes and continued with 11-12 for rest of the first half. Both teams improved offensively after the breather, but Radnicki was not able to come any closer. Q3 ended with 24-24 tie. Last period was the crucial one. David Simon and his teammates made 10-0 run and resolved question about the winner.

Radnicki Kragujevac: David Simon 17, Darren Moore 13, Stefan Bircevic 9
Donetsk: Ivan Radenovic 17, Dmytro Gliebov 14, DeMarcus Nelson 12, Michael Lee 10

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


Eurobasket 2011: Slovenia slowed down, escaped with the win over Ukraine - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine-Slovenia 64:68

Poor Slovenia managed to escape the win over Ukraine in the end of Day 3 of Eurobasket 2011. After more than 20 points advantage in the start of the last period, Slovenia failed with 1-17 and then could win only 68:64 after a heart-breaker.
Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) and Mirza Begic (216-C-85) opened the game for Slovenia, while Zabirchenko tied the game at 6:6. Again Mirza Begic and Erazem Lorbek scored for 13:8, but again Zabirchenko reduced to 13:11. Slokar made two free throws at the end of the first period for 18:12, Slovenia. The second quarter was a masterpiece for the Slovenian team that needed 23-8 for 41:20 at the halftime. In the third quarter the difference was almost all the time by 20 points. Erazem Lorbek scored for 46:25 and he later brought 49:27. Lishchuk and Dragic exchanged for 51:33, while Lishchuk and Udrih scored for 54:36. Burt made two free throws for 54:38 and Udrih closed the third period at 57:38.
Kyrylo Fesenko (213-C-86) opened the last period for minus 17 and Kolchenko reduced to 57:42. Ukraine kept Slovenia scoreless for more than two minutes as Slokar made one free throw for 58:42. Lukashov nailed three for 58:45 and Slovenia needed a timeout at that time. Lithuania scored only 1 single point in the first five minutes. Kyrylo Fesenko cut it to 58:48 and Kolchenko made two free throws for 58:55. Mirza Begic broke the silence for his side and increased to 5 points with 3 minutes to go. Lypovyy made it 60:57 and Mirza Begic made two free throws for 62:57. Erazem Lorbek and Dragic delivered for 65:58 and Burtt made two free throws for minus 5. Lukashov stole the ball and drove a lay-up for 65:62, but Lakovic increased the lead to four points. Lishchuk cut it to 2 points with 4 seconds to play, but Ozbolt made two free throws for the final result.
Mirza Begic top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Erazem Lorbek notched 12. Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) followed the with 9 points for 2-0 record. Burtt scored 14 in defeat and Kyrylo Fesenko posted 11.

Ukraine: Steve Bertt (185-G-84, college: Iona) 14, Kyrylo Fesenko 11
Slovenia: Mirza Begic 14, Erazem Lorbek 12, Matjaz Smodis 9


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


Joventut announced Derrick Obasohan and Federico Van Lacke - by Eurobasket News
Joventut announced Derrick Obasohan (199-F-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Texas Arlington) and Federico Van Lacke (191-G-80) for 2011/2012 season.
In 2010/2011 Derrick Obasohan played for Trabzonspor Basketbol (Turkey-TBL, starting five). In 26 games he averaged 11.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 83.1%. Last year the TBL newcomers have agreed on terms of contract with Derrick Obasohan. The 30-year-old forward played before in France. The US-Nigerian player tallied 19.8 points, 4.0 boards and 2.1 assists per game for Hyeres-Toulon. In 2008/09 Derrick Obasohan played in Strasbourg. He averaged 11.5 points, 3.4 boards and 1.1 assists per appearance in that season.
Federico Van Lacke played for CB Valladolid in the last three seasons.The 30-year-old guard joined the team in 2008 from Huelva. In his first season he helped Valladolid to win the LEB Gold and to earn a promotion to ACB. At that time Van Lacke averaged 13.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.9 steals for 34 LEB Gold games. At the end of the season he was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold 2nd Team. Last season, CB Valladolid finished as No.13 in ACB with 13-21 record. It was a nice success for the team, who got 11 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.5 apg and 1.8 spg in 33 games from Van Lacke.
In 2010-2011 for Blancos de Rueda Valladolid (Spain-ACB) his stats read 8.5ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 76.4%.


EuroBasket 2011: Spain turn on high-octane stuff against Portugal - by Eurobasket News
Portugal-Spain 73:87

Spain turn on high-octane stuff against Portugal and easily won the second game at EuroBasket 2011. After the tough victory over Poland in Day 1, the defending champions rout Portugal 87:73.
Spain did not waste time and went on a lead in the first period. Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) made it 22:11, while Fernandez closed the frame at 26:16. The latter also brought 33:19 early in the second and Pau Gasol added two more for 16-point deficit. Portugal however created a 6-0 run as Tavarez reduced to 35:25. Calderon and Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) were the last to score at the half for 53:36 advantage. Pau Gasol and his brother ensured 57:38 early in the third, while Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) scored for 59:41. He made two three-points in a row later for 65:44 midway through the third quarter. Felipe Reyes scored four consecutive points at the end of the quarter for 77:52. In the last stanza Portugal started to play better and reduced to score a bit in the game. At first Fonseca and Miguel Miranda (205-F-78) reduced to 79:52, while Carlos Andrade (197-F-78, college: Queens, NC) cut it to 80:60. Rubio increased the lead to 23 points, but Antonio Tavares (183-G-75) reduced to 18. Evora and Felipe Reyes exchanged the shots for 85:66, while Rubio made 87:66. Goncalves scored four in a row for 87:70 and Santos nailed three for the final result.
Pau Gasol again top-scored for the winners, this time with 20 points. Juan Carlos Navarro netted 17, while Marc Gasol (212-C-85, agency: Interperformances) and Felipe Reyes notched 10 apiece. Antonio Tavares replied with 17 points in the losing effort and Miguel Miranda scored 13.

Portugal: Antonio Tavares 17, Miguel Miranda 13, Carlos Andrade 11
Spain: Pau Gasol 20, Juan Carlos Navarro 17, Marc Gasol 10, Felipe Reyes 10


James Ogilvy gets Irish citizenship - by Eurobasket News
Good news for Valencia. Center Andrew James Ogilvy (211-C-88, college: Vanderbilt) received Irish passport and he will no longer occupy an import spot in the team. He will play as Bosman now. Ogilvy joined Valencia in July. He signed a 1+1 year deal. Last season the Australian/Irish centre played in Turkey. Andrew James Ogilvy averaged 10.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in EuroCup. In TBL his stats read 12.9 points, 6.5 boards, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 assist per appearance. Ogilvy participated at 2011 TBL All-Star Game. Andrew James Ogilvy is active member of the Australian National Team. They will compete FIBA Oceania Championship next week.

Ford Burgos signs Darren Phillip - by Eurobasket News
Darren Phillip (201-F-78, college: Fairfield) is a new member of Ford Burgos. The American forward signed a deal for the next season. He spent last five years with CAI Zaragoza. In the latest one Phillip averaged 5.8 points and 3 rebounds for 25 games in LEB Gold. In 2009/10, Darren Phillip exploded with 18.1 ppg and 7.5 rpg in 34 games. He ended as the best scorer of LEB Gold. Phillip was also named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold Player of the Year -10. He played for CAI Zaragoza when they competed in ACB. It was in 2008/09, but Zaragoza faced with relegation. They won the promotion from LEB Gold to ACB this year. Before Zaragoza, Darren Phillip played for Caja San Fernando Sevilla two years. He also has experience from Unicaja Malaga and Girona.

Oviedo extends Manu Parada and Jose Prieto - by Eurobasket News
Oviedo announced signing of one-year contract extensions with Manuel Parada (202-C-89) and Jose Prieto (193-G-85). Manuel Parada will play his sixth straight season for the club. He struggled to get minutes in the latest one averaging 2.7 points and 1.5 rebounds fro 27 games in LEB Silver. In 2009/10, Parada had 6.1 ppg and 3.2 rpg in 40 games. At that time Oviedo competed in EBA.
Jose Prieto is a member of Oviedo since 2006. He had 3.8 ppg and 1.6 rpg for 26 games last season. In 2009/10, Prieto averaged 6.7 points and 2.5 rebound in EBA. They were EBA Group A regular season champions. Before Oviedo, Prieto was a member of Denia BC - Diacon.

Reggie Williams one month out due to injury - by Eurobasket News
Another bad news for Caja Laboral. Reggie Williams (196-G/F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: VMI) will miss a month due to injury. The player sprained left knee. Williams joined Caja Laboral ten days ago. According to Adrian Wojarowski, the American player will earn $1.5 million during his campaign in Spain. The deal includes a $1 million buyout if lockout ends and Williams decides to return to the NBA this season. Under the NBA's previous collective bargaining agreement, NBA teams could contribute up to $500,000 to buy out a player's overseas contract. The guard, who is restricted free agent, played 80 games for the Golden State Warriors last season averaging 9.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists. In 2009/10, Reggie Williams exploded with 15.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 2.8 apg in 24 NBA games with the Warriors. He joined them in March of 2010. Before that, Williams had 26.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 3.2 apg for 31 games with D-League team Sioux Falls SkyForce. He was named USBasket.com All-D-League 1st Team -10 and participated at D-League All-Star games that season. Reggie Williams already played in Europe in the past. He was a member of French Dijon in 2008/09 season.

*****************************************************
  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO   


Central league starts! - by Albert-Lee Young
Despite the financial woes facing the National Basketball Federation T&T and the operations of the various zonal leagues, competition in the Central Zone was still able to commence.

Through the assistance of the parliamentary representative for the constituency, M.P. Jack Austin Warner, the Central Zone initiated a new competition known as the Chaguanas West Basketball League.

The league will feature twelve male teams and four teams in the women's division.

But for now, basketball in the other zones including North, South and Tobago are suspended pending assistance from the national body.

Sadly the North Zone, which is the longest standing league, originally planned to commence on September 11. However there are now growing concerns that being unable to secure a corporate sponsorship, the league might have to be rescheduled.

Meanwhile, action in the Central Zone saw AKA registering a close 62-61 win over Upstate on opening day (August 25) at the Central Regional Indoor Sports Complex.

Jason Hercules led AKA with 14pts, Darren Phillips added 13 and Learie Christopher chipped in with 12.

For Upstate, Kofi Campbell had a game high 24 points in a losing effort.


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


EuroBasket 2011: Turkey cruised past Great Britain in Panevezyz - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain-Turkey 61:90

Turkey improved to 2-0 record in Group A after the victory over Great Britain on Thursday afternoon. Turkey led from the start until the end to seal 90:61 victory.
Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) gave his side the first lead in the game at 1:0 as it became clear after it was the last one. Turkey responded with seven consecutive points and Omer Onan (194-G-78) later scored for 13:3. Ilyasova and Asik brought 17:3, while Reinking closed the period at 22:10. In the second frame Turkey also scored 22 points but allowed Great Britain to finish with 16. Luol Deng closed the half at 44:26 and Asik opened the scoring account in the third period for his side. Sullivan and v reduced to 49:33, while Turkoglu nailed three for 54:33. Ilyasova and Freeland exchanged for 59:37 and the latter also posted the last three points in the third quarter for 64:43. Turkey did not allow the opponents to come closer and did not even think of slowing down. Tunceri and Omer Onan made it 69:44, while Asik scored for 74:49. Johnson and Turkyilmaz left 25-points difference on the board and Akyol scored 6 in a row for 82:51. Boateng later gave Great Britain four consecutive points, while Johnson made the final result in the game.
Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) poured in 15 points for the winners and Omer Onan notched 14. Oguz Savas (208-C-87) chipped in 12, while Enes Kanter (208-C-92, college: Kentucky) added 11. Luol Deng finished the game with 22 points and Kyle Johnson (195-G-88) delivered 10.

Great Britain: Luol Deng 22, Kyle Johnson 10
Turkey: Emir Preldzic 15, Omer Onan 14, Oguz Savas 12, Enes Kanter 11


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


Huracanes de Tampico sign Jason Edwin - by Eurobasket Center
Huracanes de Tampico (LNBP) signed 30-year old U.S. Virgin Islands international swingman Jason Edwin (197-G/F-81, college: Kent St.). Edwin played most recently at Al Hurriya (Syria). At the end of season he was selected Asia-Basket.com Syrian League All-Imports Team. This summer he won gold at the CBC Championships in Nassau (Bahamas) playing for U.S. Virgin Islands National team. In 5 games: Edwin averaged 5.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg and 1.0spg. Edwin is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Dominican Rep., Germany, Puerto Rico, Syria, Venezuela and U.S. Virgin Islands. Edwin graduated Kent State University in 2005 and it will be his seventh season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

*****************************************************
  UKRAINE   


Donetsk too strong for Radnicki Kragujevac in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
Radnicki Kragujevac - Donetsk 60-73

Donetsk and Radnicki Kragujevac met in a friendly game yesterday. The Ukrainian runner-up was better celebrating 73-60 victory. Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) was their leading player with 17 points. Dmytro Gliebov (198-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) scored 14 points and DeMarcus Nelson (193-G-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Duke) helped with 12. Former player of Radnicki Michael Lee (207-F-86) delivered 10 points in this meeting. For the hosts, David Simon (207-C-82, college: IPFW) was better than the others with 17 points. Darren Moore (190-G, college: Cal-Irvine) had 13 points and Stefan Bircevic (209-F/C-89) stopped to 9. Donetsk made 14-18 lead in the first ten minutes and continued with 11-12 for rest of the first half. Both teams improved offensively after the breather, but Radnicki was not able to come any closer. Q3 ended with 24-24 tie. Last period was the crucial one. David Simon and his teammates made 10-0 run and resolved question about the winner.

Radnicki Kragujevac: David Simon 17, Darren Moore 13, Stefan Bircevic 9
Donetsk: Ivan Radenovic 17, Dmytro Gliebov 14, DeMarcus Nelson 12, Michael Lee 10

Eurobasket 2011: Slovenia slowed down, escaped with the win over Ukraine - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine-Slovenia 64:68

Poor Slovenia managed to escape the win over Ukraine in the end of Day 3 of Eurobasket 2011. After more than 20 points advantage in the start of the last period, Slovenia failed with 1-17 and then could win only 68:64 after a heart-breaker.
Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) and Mirza Begic (216-C-85) opened the game for Slovenia, while Zabirchenko tied the game at 6:6. Again Mirza Begic and Erazem Lorbek scored for 13:8, but again Zabirchenko reduced to 13:11. Slokar made two free throws at the end of the first period for 18:12, Slovenia. The second quarter was a masterpiece for the Slovenian team that needed 23-8 for 41:20 at the halftime. In the third quarter the difference was almost all the time by 20 points. Erazem Lorbek scored for 46:25 and he later brought 49:27. Lishchuk and Dragic exchanged for 51:33, while Lishchuk and Udrih scored for 54:36. Burt made two free throws for 54:38 and Udrih closed the third period at 57:38.
Kyrylo Fesenko (213-C-86) opened the last period for minus 17 and Kolchenko reduced to 57:42. Ukraine kept Slovenia scoreless for more than two minutes as Slokar made one free throw for 58:42. Lukashov nailed three for 58:45 and Slovenia needed a timeout at that time. Lithuania scored only 1 single point in the first five minutes. Kyrylo Fesenko cut it to 58:48 and Kolchenko made two free throws for 58:55. Mirza Begic broke the silence for his side and increased to 5 points with 3 minutes to go. Lypovyy made it 60:57 and Mirza Begic made two free throws for 62:57. Erazem Lorbek and Dragic delivered for 65:58 and Burtt made two free throws for minus 5. Lukashov stole the ball and drove a lay-up for 65:62, but Lakovic increased the lead to four points. Lishchuk cut it to 2 points with 4 seconds to play, but Ozbolt made two free throws for the final result.
Mirza Begic top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Erazem Lorbek notched 12. Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) followed the with 9 points for 2-0 record. Burtt scored 14 in defeat and Kyrylo Fesenko posted 11.

Ukraine: Steve Bertt (185-G-84, college: Iona) 14, Kyrylo Fesenko 11
Slovenia: Mirza Begic 14, Erazem Lorbek 12, Matjaz Smodis 9


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


EuroBasket 2011: Turkey cruised past Great Britain in Panevezyz - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain-Turkey 61:90

Turkey improved to 2-0 record in Group A after the victory over Great Britain on Thursday afternoon. Turkey led from the start until the end to seal 90:61 victory.
Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) gave his side the first lead in the game at 1:0 as it became clear after it was the last one. Turkey responded with seven consecutive points and Omer Onan (194-G-78) later scored for 13:3. Ilyasova and Asik brought 17:3, while Reinking closed the period at 22:10. In the second frame Turkey also scored 22 points but allowed Great Britain to finish with 16. Luol Deng closed the half at 44:26 and Asik opened the scoring account in the third period for his side. Sullivan and v reduced to 49:33, while Turkoglu nailed three for 54:33. Ilyasova and Freeland exchanged for 59:37 and the latter also posted the last three points in the third quarter for 64:43. Turkey did not allow the opponents to come closer and did not even think of slowing down. Tunceri and Omer Onan made it 69:44, while Asik scored for 74:49. Johnson and Turkyilmaz left 25-points difference on the board and Akyol scored 6 in a row for 82:51. Boateng later gave Great Britain four consecutive points, while Johnson made the final result in the game.
Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) poured in 15 points for the winners and Omer Onan notched 14. Oguz Savas (208-C-87) chipped in 12, while Enes Kanter (208-C-92, college: Kentucky) added 11. Luol Deng finished the game with 22 points and Kyle Johnson (195-G-88) delivered 10.

Great Britain: Luol Deng 22, Kyle Johnson 10
Turkey: Emir Preldzic 15, Omer Onan 14, Oguz Savas 12, Enes Kanter 11


Leopards sign big man Vilius Sumskis and returning guard Lukas Volskis - by Eurobasket News
London Leopards have announced two more signings as they prepare for the forthcoming England Basketball League season.

Leopards welcome big man Vilius Sumskis (213-C-84, agency: Interperformances) to the club and coach Dejan Mihevc is hoping that the big Lithuanian will be a force to be reckoned with:

'Vilius will be one of the most experienced players in our team and will for sure have a great impact on our younger guys. His 7'2' frame will be exceptional for rebounding and scoring under the basket and together with young Zak Wells will be our force in the paint on both sides of the floor.'

The other sigining is a familiar face to Leopards' fans as they welcome back point guard Lukas Volskis (183-G-89).

The 20-year-old joined the club in 2007 and stayed with them for three years before spending last season in college in the USA.

Mihevc is delighted to have the former Barking Abbey student back with Leopards: 'Lukas is a young player who has played for Leopards and he did a good job then. Now he is even more experienced after spending one year at JUCO [junior college] in USA and he is ready to work hard to improve and make the team and himself better. I am really happy to have such a committed player in our team.'

The Leopards' coach is also closing in on the signing of an American guard, with the club having applied for the work permit this week.

Leopards fans will have their first chance to see Sumskis in action, and the return of Volskis when they host Brentwood Fire at the Brentwood Centre in the National Cup Sunday September 24, tip-off 4pm.
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk



Worthing sign new guard Courtney Small - by Eurobasket News
Worthing Thunder Basketball Club are delighted to announce the signing of Courtney Small (191-G-88) for the upcoming 2011/2012 EBL season.

Small, an offensive minded 6-foot-3 combo guard comes to Thunder fresh from Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada - where he averaged over 16 points-per-game in his final year. He leaves Durham College as the third highest scorer in history.

Despite being born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario, Courtney crucially holds a British passport as his mother was born in England.

This will be Courtney's first overseas experience and he is looking forward to playing for Worthing this season.

''I'm very excited and generally overwhelmed of how fast I was signed, but either way, I'm glad to be part of the Thunder family,' Small said.

'I've heard good things about Worthing, and how they are rebuilding, so I wanted to be part of that and plus my family live down the road in Bognor. So being close to my family was another reason why I wanted to play for Worthing.'

Courtney has already taken part in a few of Thunder's off-season scrimmages, organised by coach Gary Smith and is settling in quickly to life in Sussex.

'It's been fun, I've met a lot of cool guys, and I've spoken to coach Gary and he's outlined what he wants and I'm just really looking forward to starting,' Small commented.

Courtney will make his Worthing debut when Thunder host BBL side, Guildford Heat on September 10th at the Worthing Leisure Centre, tip-off at 7:30pm in a game dedicated to the late Billy Hungrecker.
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk


Jenkins A Shark - by Paul Nilsen
The One Health Sharks are pleased to announce the signing of American Guard B.J. Jenkins (182-G-88) to join the roster in Sheffield for the 2011/12 season.

The 6'1' point guard graduated from Murray State University, where he was regarded as a strong leader who will be sorely missed, and averaged 38% from the 3 point line.

The first American passport holder on the roster for the coming season, Sharks play caller Atiba Lyons saw the impressive guard competing in summer tournaments back in his home town of New York and had looked immediately to get him on board.

'When I saw BJ play I thought he was a standout player in the team he was on, a pass first guard who was able to shoot and get to the basket, and basically can play either guard position,' said Coach Lyons. 'I think he will do very well in the BBL and with the rest of the team will develop his leadership skills and help us improve on our success,' continued Lyons.

The rookie from Virginia, transferred to Murray State from Liberty University, into what he felt was a more suitable programme for his development and went on to average 11 points, 5 steals and 4 assists per game.

Jenkins achieved many accolades for his performances and commendations for his leadership and toughness which led his side to 2 conference championships and a trip to NCAA and NIT finals.

'This is an exciting new direction for us, we are looking forward to a season which will have a reasonable amount of experience on board, so Robert will be able to settle in and show what he can do,' commented GM Sarah Backovic.


Smith Still An Eagle - by Paul Nilsen
The Newcastle Eagles have signed veteran forward Charles Smith (198-F-75, college: Rider) for an eighth season. Smith, nicknamed 'The Prince', is the Eagles all-time leading scorer with over 5,000 points in his illustrious career.

Last season Smith was voted into the all BBL first team by the league's coaches having averaged 21 points and six rebounds per game and shooting 40% from the three point line.

Smith, who is originally from Philadelphia but holds dual nationality, played college basketball with Rider University before spells in Venezuela and Taiwan . He first joined the Eagles in 1999 and, barring a season in Spain and a short lived association with the Scottish Rocks, he has been an Eagles regular ever since.

Fab Flournoy said: 'We are delighted to have Charles back for another year. He knows the league backwards and can score in a variety of ways. Due to injuries and illnesses we really had to rely on him last season and he did not let us down at any stage. He was the only player on our squad to play over 1000 minutes last year and I hope with the squad we are putting together this year that we will be able to keep him fresh through the whole season'.


*****************************************************
  URUGUAY   


Argentina stays perfect after two games in Mar del Plata - by Eurobasket News
ARGENTINA - URUGUAY 86-51

Argentina had no troubles to register another win in Mar del Plata. They cruised past Uruguay 86-51 for 2-0 record in Group B. Puerto Rico has the same score in this pool. It was the first appearance for Uruguay, who has 0-1 now. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) top-scored in victory with 18 points. Andres Nocioni (199-F-79) had double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83) also had 16 pts in this victory. Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) helped with 11 points and 5 boards. In Uruguay, Bruno Fitipaldo (183-G-91) delivered 11 points and was their best player. Martin Osimani (194-G-81, college: Duquesne) netted 8 pts. Quarters: 25-7, 28-12, 21-11, 12-21. Argentina will take a rest today. Uruguay will meet strong Puerto Rico.

Argentina: Luis Scola 18, Andres Nocioni 16+10 boards, Juan Gutierrez 16, Carlos Delfino 11+5 boards
Uruguay: Bruno Fitipaldo 11, Martin Osimani 8

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


Alfred Horford lead Dominicans to 2-0 in Mar del Plata - by Eurobasket News
VENEZUELA - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 89-92

Dominican Republic grabbed 92-89 win against Venezuela in Day Two of the FIBA Americas Championship. Thanks to this win Dominican Republic stays perfect in Group A sharing the first place with Brazil. Venezuela dropped to 0-2. Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) once again stepped up for Dominicans. He had 19 points with just one miss for 36 minutes on the court. He also added 10 rebounds reaching valuation 35. Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) had 18 points and 14 boards, while Luis Flores (188-G-81, college: Manhattan) helped with 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) top-scored with 19 points. Greivis Vasquez (198-PG-87, college: Maryland) almost had triple-double (16 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists), while Windi Graterol (204-C-86) had 14 points and 6 rebs. Quarters: 26-22, 23-19, 25-22, 15-29. Today, Dominican Republic will play against Canada. Venezuela will meet Cuba.

Venezuela: Oscar Torres 19, Greivis Vasquez 16+10 boards+9 as, Windi Graterol 14+6 boards
Dominican Republic: Alfred Horford 19+10 boards, Jack Michael Martinez 18+14 boards, Luis Flores 10



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

Women News

*****************************************************
  CANADA - Women  


Canadian G/F Janelle Bekkering gets pro deal in Spain - by Eurobasket News
Canadian National Team member Janelle Bekkering (182-G/F-88, college: Gonzaga) signed a deal in Spain. It is her first professional contract. Bekkering is a product of Gonzaga University, where she graduated this year. She helped Gonzaga to win WCC Tournament three years in a row. Last season she had 11.1 ppg and 4.2 rpg for 36 games with Gonzaga and they reached NCAA Elite Eight. In 2010, they played in NCAA Sweet 16. Bekkerin struggled to get minutes that year averaging 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds. She moved to Gonzaga in 2006. Janelle Bekkering is active member of the Canadian NT since 2009. She played 6 games for them at the World Championship 2010 in Czech Republic registering 2.5 ppg. In the past, Bekkering played for U19 Canada.

*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)
Points Per Game
 Doneeka LEWIS
  BUL
  (175-G-82)
  Avg: 20.3
 1. Hodges, BUL20.3 
 2. Tuukkanen, FIN18.3 
 3. Perovanovic, MNT16.4 
 4. Zherzherunov., UKR15.5 
 5. Meesseman, BEL15.0 
 6. Kobryn, POL14.7 
 7. Fegyverneky, HUN14.7 
 8. Babkina, LAT14.4 
 9. Mandir, CRO14.3 
 10. Elhotova, CZE14.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Zane TAMANE
  LAT
  (200-C-83)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Tamane, LAT9.1 
 2. Meesseman, BEL9.0 
 3. Stepanova, RUS8.9 
 4. Tuukkanen, FIN8.8 
 5. Bar, GER8.8 
 6. Zherzherunov., UKR8.3 
 7. Leuchanka, BLR8.2 
 8. Ress, ITA8.0 
 9. Perovanovic, MNT7.8 
 10. Kobryn, POL7.7 
Assists Per Game
 Elina BABKINA
  LAT
  (173-G-89)
  Avg: 4.2
 1. Babkina, LAT4.2 
 2. Bortelova, CZE4.1 
 3. Vardarli, TUR4.0 
 4. Mandir, CRO3.8 
 5. Dumerc, FRA3.8 
 6. Marchanka, BLR3.8 
 7. Dubljevic, MNT3.6 
 8. Pawlak, POL3.5 
 9. Zara, ITA3.3 
 10. Bar, GER3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Dimitra KALENTZOU
  (174-G-78)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Kalentzou, GRE2.7 
 2. Zherzherunov., UKR2.5 
 3. Lyttle, ESP2.5 
 4. Palau, ESP2.5 
 5. Mayombo, BEL2.5 
 6. Linkeviciene, LTU2.4 
 7. Bimbaite, LTU2.3 
 8. Zlatanova, BUL2.3 
 9. Skerovic, MNT2.3 
 10. Bar, GER2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Sandrine GRUDA
  FRA
  (194-C-87)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Gruda, FRA1.7 
 2. Kobryn, POL1.7 
 3. Marginean, ROM1.5 
 4. Veremeenko, BLR1.4 
 5. Tamane, LAT1.4 
 6. Khomenchuk, UKR1.3 
 7. Burgrova, CZE1.2 
 8. Popovic, MNT1.1 
 9. Jurcenkova, SVK1.0 
 10. Kupcikova, SVK1.0 


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


Aubrey Vandiver pens deal with CB Islas Canarias - by Eurobasket News
Another American player will start her professional career in Spain. Aubrey Vandiver (180-G-88) penned a one-season deal with CB Islas Canarias. She is a Wyoming University product, where she graduated this year. Vandiver was the best player of her school as a senior and she was also named All-MWC Player of the Year -11. Vandiver shined with 18.9 ppg, 9.2 rpg and 2.8 apg for 33 games. Of course, she was named All-MWC 1st Team -11. In 2009/10 season Aubrey Vandiver also was good. She had 14.5 ppg, 9.8 rpg and 2.4 apg. She missed 2008/09 season and 2006/07 as well. In the meantime she averaged 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds for 31 games in 2007/08. She was awarded with All-MWC 3rd Team -08 that year.

Canadian G/F Janelle Bekkering gets pro deal in Spain - by Eurobasket News
Canadian National Team member Janelle Bekkering (182-G/F-88, college: Gonzaga) signed a deal in Spain. It is her first professional contract. Bekkering is a product of Gonzaga University, where she graduated this year. She helped Gonzaga to win WCC Tournament three years in a row. Last season she had 11.1 ppg and 4.2 rpg for 36 games with Gonzaga and they reached NCAA Elite Eight. In 2010, they played in NCAA Sweet 16. Bekkerin struggled to get minutes that year averaging 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds. She moved to Gonzaga in 2006. Janelle Bekkering is active member of the Canadian NT since 2009. She played 6 games for them at the World Championship 2010 in Czech Republic registering 2.5 ppg. In the past, Bekkering played for U19 Canada.

Shaqwedia Wallace heads to Spain - by Eurobasket News
Shaqwedia Wallace (175-G) is set to start her professional basketball career. The American guard penned a one-year deal with UNB Obenasa Navarra Lacturale. She graduated few months ago at Temple University. For 33 games as a senior Wallace averaged 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 steals. Wallace helped Temple to reach the Atlantic 10 Tournament Semifinals. In 2009/10, they played in the Finals of this tournament. Shaqwedia Wallace had 10.6 ppg and 3 rpg for her school that year. In 2008, Temple also participated in the Finals. It was a freshmen season for Wallace and she had limited playing time. She drastically improved in 2008/09 (11 ppg and 3.1 rpg).

*****************************************************
  NCAA2 - Women  


Woods Added To Lady Jags Staff - by Eurobasket News
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- The Augusta State women's basketball program has added Donnie Woods as an assistant coach for the 2011-12 season, head coach Nate Teymer announced Thursday afternoon.

Woods previously worked as a student assistant coach and recruiting coordinator with the Iowa Western Community College women's basketball team the past two seasons.

'We are extremely lucky to have Donnie as a part of our Jaguar basketball family,' Teymer said. 'He is a tireless worker with an eagerness to teach our student-athletes, and will be a great asset to our program.'

While at Iowa Western, Woods helped coach the Reivers to a 50-13 record in two seasons, including their first Region XVI championship and a ranking of #3 in the final 2010-2011 National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association (NJCAA) poll.

Last year, the Reivers ranked first in the nation in free-throw percentage and 13th in team defense. They ran a two-season home win streak to 23 at one point and produced an All-American -- Tyisha Smith -- as well as two first-team, all-region selections in Smith and Marina Fox.

In the 2009-10 season, Iowa Western finished in the top 10 nationally in team field goal percentage (3-pt) and free throw percentage, and were led by the No. 4-ranked player in assists in Amber Peterson.

Woods lettered in basketball and soccer while playing at Nebraska Christian College and Grace University before graduating with a degree in sports management from Bellevue University. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Kinesiology while at ASU.

He has a one-year-old son, Jaxson Xavier Woods.
Courtesy of: www.jaguarsroar.com


Golden Eagles Add Maryum Jenkins To Basketball Roster - by Eurobasket News
LOS ANGELES Cal State L.A.s womens basketball team has added a former Division I Youngstown State guard, Maryum Jenkins (5'8''-G), to its program, Golden Eagle head coach Janell Jones announced on Tuesday.

Jenkins is from Southern California and played at Monrovia High School.

Jenkins played in 58 games during her two seasons at Youngstown State and started 16 times. She averaged 3.8 points and 2.9 rebounds while averaging 19.8 minutes per game as a freshman in 2009-10, including a season-high 15 points against Canisius.

As a sophomore, Jenkins averaged 3.7 points and 2.5 rebounds while averaging 21.1 minutes per game and started nine times. She had a career-high 16 points that included four 3-pointers against Stetson. She was second in the Horizon League in steals with 62 and that total was the fifth-best for a sophomore in program history.

Maryum is a great competitor who has a knack for grabbing rebounds and loose balls, Jones said. She has a great feel for the game and loves to get after it on the defensive end of the floor. She will bring instant toughness to our team.

Jenkins competed in basketball, track and field and tennis at Monrovia High School. She averaged 15 points, five assists and four rebounds as a senior and started all four years in high school. She helped Monrovia to Rio Hondo League titles in her freshman, sophomore and junior years.
Courtesy of: www.csulaathletics.com

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


Lotos Gdynia lands American scorer Jolene Anderson - by Eurobasket News
Jolene Anderson (173-G-86, college: Wisconsin) will continue her career in Poland. The American guard penned a deal with Lotos Gdynia. Anderson heads to Gdynia from Botas, where she spent last season. She exploded with 20.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.7 apg and 2 spg for 27 games in Turkish top Division. Anderson was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL Guard of the Year -11. Before Botas, Jolene Anderson spent two years with French Villeneuve. She had 10.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 2.6 apg for them in 9 Euroleague games, season 2009/10. Anderson also added 13.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 3.1 apg for 25 games in French league that season. She was named Eurobasket.com French LFB All-Imports Team -10. Jolene Anderson also has experience from the WNBA. She played for the Connecticut Sun in 2008.

*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO - Women  


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


Top draft pick Flores begins pro play in Puerto Rico - by Eurobasket News
CAROLINA, PUERTO RICO-Barton College four-year letter winner Estefania Esty Flores (160-G, college: Barton, NC) helped lead Carolina Gigantes to a season-opening victory on Friday night after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 Baloncesto Superior Nacional Femenico (BSNF) league draft on June 15.

Flores made an immediate impact in her professional debut with the Carolina Gigantes scoring 11 points, swiping a game-high four steals and handing out a team-high six assists in front of the home crowd en route to a 77-68 season-opening victory over Juncos Valenciana.

The 5-foot-3 point guard was the top-overall draft pick in the BSNF earlier in the summer. Flores signed just a one-year contract with the Carolina Gigantes because she is considered a rookie in the Puerto Rican league. The one-year contract does entitle Flores to have freedom to play overseas in Europe once the four-month season ends in November.

Being drafted No. 1 completely by far left me in shock, said Flores. I was confident that I would have an opportunity to play in this league and would be drafted, due to the hard work of my agent Corey McCoy and myself, but No .1 overall was more than I could have ever dreamed or hoped for. Its always been a dream of mine to play in Puerto Rico and learn more about my culture first hand and to feel more connected with the people and lifestyle.

Flores was a two-time Conference Carolinas Player of the Year and four-time All-Conference selection at Barton. Flores was named a DII Bulletin All-American her senior season (only player in the league to earn that distinction in 2010) after averaging conference best totals of 17.1 points, 3.5 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game.

To highlight numerous awards won in her collegiate career, Flores was tabbed the Kiwanis Female Athlete of the Year at Barton College in 2009 and 2010 after leading the Lady Bulldogs basketball teams to consecutive Conference Carolinas regular season titles. Flores totaled 1,769 points, 388 assists, 289 steals, 262 rebounds and 159 made three-pointers in a Royal Blue and White uniform at Barton.

Flores continued to take the court after Barton playing with three other organizations before taking the next step to Puerto Rico and the BSNF. Flores played one season of semi-pro ball with USA Elite based out of Greensboro, N.C., before returning home to Virginia Beach, Va., and playing for the semi-pro team MI Express (Barton womens basketball scrimmaged MI Express in the 2010 preseason). Flores also played with Slam City, a pro-am club, where she teaming up with current sophomore Lady Bulldog and Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Year Nyeshea Willie.

I wanted to send a thank you to the Barton community which is and always will be a part of me wherever I may go, expressed Flores. Barton gave me the opportunity to attend college and play basketball, which has changed my life!

Flores arrived in Carolina, Puerto Rico in early August for preseason and scrimmages before beginning regular season play on Friday. Carolina is located on the northeast coast of the island and is only about 15 miles from the capital city of San Juan. Fans can keep up with Flores and the Carolina Gigantes throughout the season with box scores posted on the www.bsnfpr.com website (in Spanish).
Courtesy of: www2.barton.edu

*****************************************************
  SPAIN - Women  


Shaqwedia Wallace heads to Spain - by Eurobasket News
Shaqwedia Wallace (175-G) is set to start her professional basketball career. The American guard penned a one-year deal with UNB Obenasa Navarra Lacturale. She graduated few months ago at Temple University. For 33 games as a senior Wallace averaged 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 steals. Wallace helped Temple to reach the Atlantic 10 Tournament Semifinals. In 2009/10, they played in the Finals of this tournament. Shaqwedia Wallace had 10.6 ppg and 3 rpg for her school that year. In 2008, Temple also participated in the Finals. It was a freshmen season for Wallace and she had limited playing time. She drastically improved in 2008/09 (11 ppg and 3.1 rpg).

Aubrey Vandiver pens deal with CB Islas Canarias - by Eurobasket News
Another American player will start her professional career in Spain. Aubrey Vandiver (180-G-88) penned a one-season deal with CB Islas Canarias. She is a Wyoming University product, where she graduated this year. Vandiver was the best player of her school as a senior and she was also named All-MWC Player of the Year -11. Vandiver shined with 18.9 ppg, 9.2 rpg and 2.8 apg for 33 games. Of course, she was named All-MWC 1st Team -11. In 2009/10 season Aubrey Vandiver also was good. She had 14.5 ppg, 9.8 rpg and 2.4 apg. She missed 2008/09 season and 2006/07 as well. In the meantime she averaged 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds for 31 games in 2007/08. She was awarded with All-MWC 3rd Team -08 that year.

Janelle Bekkering joins Arranz-Jopisa Burgos - by Eurobasket Center
Canadian/Dutch forward Janelle Bekkering (182-G/F-88) signs a two years contract with spanish LFB newcomer of Arranz-Jopisa Burgos. Bekkering is part of the canadian National Team and will play the Fiba-Americas tournament in Neiva Huila (Colombia) from September 24 to October 1st.
Bekkering just graduated from College of Gonzaga where she averaged 11.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.2apg, 47.2% 2PT, 34.7% 3PT, 75.4% FT in her senior season.



Real Canoe gets bigger with Noelia Otero - by Eurobasket News
Real Canoe is one of the most active teams in Spain over the past few weeks. The team added another player, which will help them under the basket. It is power forward/center Noelia Otero (184-F/C-85). The 26-year-old player spent last season with Arranz-Jopisa Burgos. She appeared 30 times for them averaging 8.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals. Otero helped Burgos to win Group B of the LF2 championship. Before Burgos, she spent one year with Proffasa Badajoz Extremadura. There Noelia Otero had 10.6 ppg and 7.7 rpg for 29 games. Extremadura also competed in LF2. In the past, Otero also played for Viaonetti Vinaroz.

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


Sylvia Fowles named WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month - by Eurobasket News
Chicago Sky center Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) was named the WNBA's Eastern Conference Player of the Month for regular season games played in August.

Fowles kept Chicago (5-5 during August) in the race for a playoff berth, by ranking in the top three in five major statistical categories during August.

The former No. 2 selection in the 2008 WNBA Draft, Fowles led the league in rebounds (11.9 rpg) and field goal percentage (.680 on 83 of 122 shooting from the field), while ranking second in minutes played (35.0 mpg). She also ranked third in the WNBA and second in the Eastern Conference in scoring (20.5 ppg) and blocks (1.8 bpg).

Fowles scored in double figures in every game during the month, topping 20 points in six of 10 outings, and set a WNBA record for consecutive double-doubles in a single season with eight.

Highlights of Fowles' month included an outstanding three-game stretch:

Aug. 12 vs. Minnesota: Scored a game-high 28 points (including an 11-for-13 effort from the field and 6-for-6 shooting from the free throw line) and grabbed 13 rebounds.

Aug. 14 at San Antonio: Recorded a season-high 17 rebounds and a game-high 28 points (including 12-for-16 shooting from the field)

Aug. 20 at Washington: Tallied game- highs of 25 points and 11 boards

For the season, Fowles leads the WNBA in double-doubles (20), field goal percentage (.600) and blocks (2.17 bpg), ranks second in rebounding (10.3 rpg) and minutes played (34.6 mpg), and third in scoring (20.0 ppg).

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Lindsay Whalen named Western Conference Player of the Month - by Eurobasket News
The WNBA today named Minnesota Lynx point guard Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-G-82, college: Minnesota) its Western Conference Player of the Month for August. Whalen, won earns the monthly award for the first time in her career, is the third different Lynx player to earn the monthly honor this season, joining Rebekkah Brunson (June) and Seimone Augustus (July).

Over 13 games in August, Whalen averaged 14.2 points and 5.8 assists per game, both tops among Western Conference point guards. Whalen hit on 50.7 percent of her shots over the month, leading the Lynx to an 11-2 record. Whalen registered double-figure scoring nights in 11 of 13 games (9-2) and 5+ assists 10 times this month (9-1). Whalen's month was highlighted by a season-best 24-point, nine-assist outing in an 84-78 Lynx win at Los Angeles on August 7. The 2011 WNBA All-Star closed out her month with 21 points on 10-of-12 shooting as the Lynx defeated Washington Tuesday night, 73-56.

Highlights of Whalen's month include: August 7 at Los Angeles: Scored a season-high 24 points and dished out eight assists in Minnesota's 84-78 win at Los Angeles. August 12 at Chicago: Registered 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting as the Lynx won their single-season franchise record eighth road win of the season. August 16 at Connecticut: Totaled 16 of her 20 points in the second quarter in a loss to Connecticut. The 16 points were two off Seimone Augustus' franchise record for points in a quarter (18). August 26 at San Antonio: Dished out nine assists to go along with 14 points as the Lynx defeated San Antonio 85-75. August 30 vs. Washington: Poured in 17 of her 21 points in the first half in Minnesota's 73-56 win over Washington. Whalen made her first nine shots of the floor and finished 10-of-12 shooting.

Now in her eighth year in the WNBA, Whalen is enjoying perhaps the best season of her career. Through 30 games, she is averaging career highs in scoring (14.3 ppg), assists (5.8 apg), field goal percentage (.521) and three-point field goal accuracy (.436). Whalen, who earlier this season became the sixth player in the WNBA history to record 3,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists, leads the WNBA in assists per game, and is first among all guards in field goal percentage (fifth-best in the league). If Whalen were to finish the season averaging 14.0 points and 6.0 assists per game, she would become just the second player in WNBA history to accomplish that feat over a full season. Whalen needs just nine assists over her last four games to beak her career high and the Lynx franchise record for assists in a single season (184, 2010).

The Lynx, winners of six straight and 17 out of their last 19, can clinch the best overall record in the WNBA and home court advantage through the 2011 WNBA Playoffs with a win Friday night vs. New York. Tip at Target Center is set for 7:00 pm. With four games remaining, the Lynx (24-6) have a chance of tying the single-season WNBA record for wins (28 - Los Angeles, 2001 and 2002; Seattle, 2010).

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Lynx give Brunson multi-year extension - by Eurobasket News
The Minnesota Lynx have signed All-Star forward Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) to a multi-year contract extension.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but Brunson would have become a free agent after the season.

In 30 games this year, Brunson is averaging 10.7 points and 9.3 rebounds. She is third in the league in rebounding with 280.

'We are very happy to announce the signing of one of the WNBA's best rebounders, Rebekkah Brunson to a multi-year contract extension,' said Roger Griffith, Lynx executive vice president. 'She's one of the cornerstones of our team and has played a vital role in our success this season. She plays with such a relentless intensity that is so much fun for our fans to watch. We're thrilled that she's decided to continue her career in Minnesota and we look forward to having her in a Lynx uniform for many years to come.'

Brunson shattered every single-season franchise rebounding record in 2010, totaling 310 rebounds.

'I'm really happy to be able to continue my career with the Lynx,' said Brunson. 'I love the Twin Cities and truly want to thank all the fans for the support they've given me and my teammates this year. Obviously this season has been really special and we hope to bring home a championship for the fans.'

Brunson played the first six seasons of her career with Sacramento, and helped guide the Monarchs to a championship in 2005. She was acquired by Minnesota in the dispersal draft.

Over 252 career games (167 starts), Brunson has averaged 9.3 points and 7.1 rebounds.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Maya Moore named WNBA Rookie of the Month - by Eurobasket News
Miss Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut) was voted an WNBA All-Star Game starter and is an important component of the league's best team right now, the Minnesota Lynx.

So it is no surprise to hear that she's been named the WNBA's Rookie of the Month for July.

Maya led all rookies in scoring (13.0) steals (1.6) and minutes (29.4) in the month. She also ranked second in rebounds (4.4) and assists (3.6) among them.

She scored a career-high 26 points, shooting 6 of 9 from three in a win over Connecticut July 9. In eight games, Moore scored double digits five times, helping the Lynx to a league-best 7-1 record.

Miss Maya is averaging more than 13 points and four rebounds.

Highlights of Moore's month:
July 9 vs. Connecticut: Scored a career-high 26 points on 6-for-9 shooting from three point range in a 90-67 win.
July 15 vs. Indiana: 18 points, seven rebounds in an 80-70 win.
July 16 vs. Seattle: Career-high nine rebounds, three assists in a 69-62 win.
July 20 vs. Phoenix: Career-high four steals and 14 points in a 106-98 win.

Minnesota (13-4) comes to Connecticut for the only time this season Aug. 16 at 7:30.

Courtesy of http://blogs.courant.com

Monique Currie to return from ACL injury Thursday - by Eurobasket News
When Washington Mystics forward Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, college: Duke) tore the ACL in her left knee in January, the team expected her to miss the entire 2011 season. But after progressing through the rehab process ahead of schedule, Currie will return to the Mystics lineup Thursday night when Washington hosts Atlanta, according to a team-issued press release.

Mystics Coach Trudi Lacey had hinted in July that Currie might be able to make a late-season return, and it appears that scenario will come to fruition. Barring a setback, Currie will be available to play in four of Washingtons final five games. She will not play Friday at Atlanta (16-13), the Mystics second contest in as many days.

Washington (5-24) has lost 10 of its past 11 games including nine straight defeats and will look to receive a boost from Currie, who averaged 14.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per contest in 2010. Currie, a six-year veteran, also shot 44.6 percent from three-point range last season. The Mystics are shooting 33.6 percent from beyond the arc this year, which ranks No. 10 in the 12-team WNBA.

As a dismal season winds to a close, Washington has been in a bit of flux recently. Lacey restructured the starting lineup during Tuesdays game at Minnesota to include three new members. Rookie point guard Jasmine Thomas, forward DeMaya Walker and Kerri Gardin joined forward Crystal Langhorne and guard Matee Ajavon as starters. It was the first time this summer Lacey altered the starting lineup by choice and not due to injury.

Thomas, Walker and Gardin combined to shoot 6 for 23 (26 percent) from the field, and the Mystics lost, 73-56.

Courtesy of http://www.washingtonpost.com