EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/30/2011

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Men News

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  ABA   


Gwizzlies ink Yeoman - by Gianni Pascucci
The ABA Georgia Gwizzlies are pleased to announce that Adam Yeoman (6'8''-F/C, college: Genesee CC) has just joined the team.'Adam is a welcome addition as we try to build a successful team for the upcoming season' states Embry Malone .
The Gwizzlies first regular season ball game is December 3rd in Athens. For mmore informations, go to www.gogwizzlies.com

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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Radnicki Kragujevac extends Danilo Mijatovic - by Eurobasket News
Danilo Mijatovic (205-F-83) will play for Radnicki Kragujevac for at least one more year. The Serbian forward signed contact extension this week. Mijatovic appeared 16 times for the club in domestic championship last season averaging 6.5 points and 2.5 rebounds. They reached Playoff Semifinals. Mijatovic also added 6.2 ppg and 2.7 rpg in 24 Adriatic league games. He had almost the same numbers in 2009/10. Before Radnicki, Danilo MIjatovic spent two years with Swisslion Takovo. He had 7 ppg and 2.5 rpg in their first season together. After that, his number dropped. In the past, Mijatovic played for Spartak, Novi Sad and Vrbas.

Siroki TT land Coleman Collins - by Eurobasket News
Siroki TT brought in import player. They added Coleman Collins (206-F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Virginia Tech) to the roster. The forward spent the previous season in Germany. Coleman Collins played for Ratiopharm Ulm. He tallied 8.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in 1Bundesliga. Previously Coleman Collins had spells for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and Ludwigsburg.


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  ARGENTINA   


San Martin bring in Ronald Davis - by Eurobasket News
San Martin have agreed on terms of contract with Ronald Davis (190-G-82, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee). The guard will replace Russell Carter (196-G-85, college: Notre Dame) on the roster. Ronald Davis spent the last season in Italy. He played for Scafati Basket in LegaDue. The guard posted 15.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 1.5 assists per appearance. Eurobasket.com gave Ronald Davis All-Italian LegaDue Honourable Mention. Ronald Davis used to play in Italy, Cyprus and Israel before.


Mariano Castets joins Penarol - by Eurobasket News
Penarol Mar del Plata signed a deal with Mariano Castets (186-G-83). The guard will replace Pablo Sebastian Rodriguez (188-G-78) who has retired. Mariano Castets spent the last season with Asociacion Espanola. The guard posted 12.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game in TNA. Mariano Castets played in various Argentinean teams as well as in Italy and Spain.


LigaA Round 2: Quimsa keeps a leadership position - by Charles Ramsdell
There were only 2 rounds played so far and it's still very beginning of the Regular Season in LigaA. There was no lack of excitement in the last round games. The round ended with derby games and favorites losing the games.

The game had a very big importance for fifth-ranked Quimsa as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Quimsa defeated 4th ranked Olimpico de La Banda in Santiado Estero 83-74. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 34-14. But Olimpico de La Banda won second period 22-9. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Quimsa won last quarter 28-21. 26 personal fouls committed by Olimpico de La Banda helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American power forward James Williams (204-79, college: Brown Mackie, agency: Dream Team Management) had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international forward Diego Lo Grippo (198-78) chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Venezuelan forward Axiers Sucre (198-78) responded with 12 points and 9 rebounds. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with 4 other teams. Olimpico de La Banda at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Lanus and San Mart.C.. Olimpico de La Banda will play next round against La Union trying to get back on the winning streak. Quimsa will try to continue on its current victory against fifth ranked Sionista in Parana.
Undefeated Libertad Sunchales (1-1) recorded its first loss at the home court. Hosts were defeated by third ranked Atenas (2-1) 81-71. American forward Marcus Melvin (203-82, college: N.Carolina St., agency: Strategic Sports) notched 25 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and Juan Manuel Rivero supported him with 25 points (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). Even a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds by American center Robert Battle (204-81, college: Drexel, agency: Dream Team Management) did not help to save the game for Libertad Sunchales. Libertad Sunchales' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Atenas maintains third position with 2-1 record having just -1 point less than leader Quimsa. Libertad Sunchales at the other side dropped to the fourth place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Atenas will play against league's second-placed Regatas Corrientes at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Libertad Sunchales will play against San Martin Corrientes to get more than just one victory in their record.
Quite upsetting was Quilmes MP's 16-point home defeat in a game versus Obras 90-74. The best player for the winners was Juan Gutierrez who scored 30 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (on 12-of-14 shooting from the field). Brian Morris produced 24 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Obras (1-2) left bottom position moving up to sixth place, which they share with La Union. Newly promoted Quilmes MP still closes the standings with three games lost. Obras' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Buenos Aires to the arena Lanus.
A very interesting game took place in Rio Tercero. It ended with only two-point defeat on the road of second-ranked GECR Indalo (1-1) to eighth ranked Club 9 (1-1) 74-72 in the game for the fourth place. Jazwin Cowan orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. Club 9 left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated GECR Indalo. Club 9's next round opponent will be Quilmes MP (#8) in Mar del Plata. GECR Indalo will play at home against Penarol (#3) in Mar del Plata and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Corrientes: Regatas Corrientes (#6) and San Martin Corrientes (#7). Regatas Corrientes (2-0) smashed visiting San Martin Corrientes (0-2) by 16 points 86-70. Nicolas Romano scored 17 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. Regatas Corrientes' coach Nicolas Casalanguida used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Regatas Corrientes keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Newly promoted San Martin Corrientes still closes the standings with two games lost. Regatas Corrientes will face Atenas (#3) in Cordoba in the next round, which may be the game of the day. San Martin Corrientes will play at home against Libertad Sunchales (#4).

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 2: La Union lost to Atenas on the opponent's court 74-87. La Union unfortunately lost to Sionista in a home game 81-87. Winless Lanus lost to undefeated Wuber-Est.Bahia on the road 63-77. Obras lost to undefeated Boca Jrs on its own court 73-81.

Quimsa - Olimpico LB 83-74

The game had a very big importance for fifth-ranked Quimsa as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Quimsa defeated 4th ranked Olimpico de La Banda in Santiado Estero 83-74. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 34-14. But Olimpico de La Banda won second period 22-9. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Quimsa won last quarter 28-21. 26 personal fouls committed by Olimpico de La Banda helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American power forward James Williams (204-79, college: Brown Mackie, agency: Dream Team Management) had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international forward Diego Lo Grippo (198-78) chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Venezuelan forward Axiers Sucre (198-78) responded with 12 points and 9 rebounds and Puerto Rican forward Alexander David Galindo (198-85, college: FIU) scored 13 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with 4 other teams. Olimpico de La Banda at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Lanus and San Mart.C.. Olimpico de La Banda will play next round against La Union trying to get back on the winning streak. Quimsa will try to continue on its current victory against fifth ranked Sionista in Parana.
Top scorers:
Olimpico LB: M.Ibarra 13+2reb+3ast, A.David Galindo 13+4reb+2ast, A.Sucre 12+9reb, F.Malara 10+6reb, E.Villares 8+2reb+3ast, C.Amicucci 8+5reb
Quimsa: D.Lo Grippo 19+6reb+2ast, J.Williams 17+10reb+1ast, B.Robinson 16+2reb+2ast, N.Aguirre 13+5reb+2ast, D.Tintorelli 9+5reb+1ast, C.Schattmann 4+4reb+1ast
gschID: 136235


Regatas C. - San Mart.C. 86-70

Another interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Corrientes: Regatas Corrientes (#6) and San Martin Corrientes (#7). Regatas Corrientes (2-0) smashed visiting San Martin Corrientes (0-2) by 16 points 86-70. The game was mostly controlled by Regatas Corrientes. San Martin Corrientes was better in second period 20-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Regatas Corrientes made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. Power forward Nicolas Romano (197-87) scored 17 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international guard Paolo Quinteros (186-79) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Five Regatas Corrientes players scored in double figures. Regatas Corrientes' coach Nicolas Casalanguida used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American forward William McFarlan (201-76, college: St.Thomas Aquinas, agency: Dream Team Management) responded with 20 points and 6 rebounds and naturalized Spanish guard Lucas Victoriano (190-77, agency: Interperformances) scored 13 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Regatas Corrientes keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Newly promoted San Martin Corrientes still closes the standings with two games lost. Regatas Corrientes will face Atenas (#3) in Cordoba in the next round, which may be the game of the day. San Martin Corrientes will play at home against Libertad Sunchales (#4).
Top scorers:
San Mart.C.: W.McFarlan 20+6reb+1ast, L.Victoriano 13+5reb+7ast, F.Ramirez 13+5reb, R.Carter 8+2reb, H.Rollins 7+7reb, A.Carabajal 7+2reb
Regatas C.: N.Romano 17+5reb+2ast, L.Roe 15+5reb+2ast, P.Quinteros 15+5reb+3ast, D.Cavaco 13+3reb+1ast, J.Martinez 11+3reb+1ast, D.Kante 7+7reb
gschID: 136236


Quilmes MP - Obras 74-90

Quite upsetting was Quilmes MP's 16-point home defeat in a game versus Obras 90-74. The game was mostly controlled by Obras. Quilmes MP managed to win fourth quarter 27-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was international power forward Juan Gutierrez (205-83) who scored 30 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (on 12-of-14 shooting from the field). American forward Larry Lewis (201-69, college: Morehouse) chipped in 20 points and 6 rebounds. American forward Brian Morris (205-87, college: Humboldt St.) produced 24 points and 8 rebounds and naturalized American guard Mac Hopson (188-87, college: Idaho) added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for the hosts. Four Quilmes MP players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Obras (1-2) left bottom position moving up to sixth place, which they share with La Union. Newly promoted Quilmes MP still closes the standings with three games lost. Obras' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Buenos Aires to the arena Lanus.
Top scorers:
Quilmes MP: B.Morris 24+8reb+1ast, N.Ferreyra 14+1reb+2ast, P.McHopson 13+5reb+5ast, F.Pinero 10+2reb+1ast, T.Newbold 5+5reb+1ast, G.Eseverri 4+1reb+1ast
Obras: J.Gutierrez 30+5reb+4ast, L.Lewis 20+6reb+3ast, J.Mazzaro 15, A.Elsener 10+1ast, P.Espinoza 6+6reb+1ast, A.Konsztatd 4+1reb+3ast
gschID: 150140


Atenas - La Union 87-74

Everything could happen in Cordoba at the game between two tied teams. Both third ranked Atenas and 5th ranked La Union had identical 1-1 record. This time Atenas used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Formosa 87-74 on Wednesday night. The hosts trailed by 9 points after first quarter, but they stormed back and won the game by 13 points. Atenas dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to La Union's 32. It was a great shooting night for Atenas especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 56.3 percentage. The former international swingman Matias Lescano (196-79) scored 20 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and the former international guard Facundo Sucatzky (176-72) chipped in 13 points and 10 assists during the contest. The former international forward Gabriel Mikulas (201-80, college: E.Carolina, agency: Interperformances) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and American forward John DeGroat (198-85, college: Pittsburgh) scored 14 points and 7 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Atenas maintains third position with 2-1 record having just -1 point less than leader Quimsa. Loser La Union dropped to the sixth place with two games lost. Atenas will face league's second-placed Regatas Corrientes at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. La Union will play against Olimpico de La Banda (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
La Union: G.Mikulas 18+10reb+2ast, J.DeGroat 14+7reb+1ast, A.Pau 13+2reb+1ast, J.Caceres 12+1reb, D.Farabello 8+1reb+3ast, R.Wolkowyski 5+5reb
Atenas: M.Lescano 20+4reb+3ast, A.Alamo 14+3reb+1ast, J.Manuel Rivero 13, F.Sucatzky 13+3reb+10ast, R.Garces 8+10reb, M.Melvin 7+6reb
gschID: 150141


Libertad S. - Atenas 71-81

Undefeated Libertad Sunchales (1-1) recorded its first loss at the home court. Hosts were defeated by third ranked Atenas (2-1) 81-71. The game without a history. Atenas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. It was a great shooting night for Atenas especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 61.5 percentage. American forward Marcus Melvin (203-82, college: N.Carolina St., agency: Strategic Sports) notched 25 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and guard Juan Manuel Rivero (191-85) supported him with 25 points (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). Even a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds by American center Robert Battle (204-81, college: Drexel, agency: Dream Team Management) did not help to save the game for Libertad Sunchales. His fellow American import power forward Stevie Johnson (198-78, college: Iowa St.) added 15 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for the hosts. Libertad Sunchales' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Atenas maintains third position with 2-1 record having just -1 point less than leader Quimsa. Libertad Sunchales at the other side dropped to the fourth place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Atenas will play against league's second-placed Regatas Corrientes at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Libertad Sunchales will play against San Martin Corrientes to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Libertad S.: S.Johnson 15+3reb+3ast, R.Battle 14+11reb, J.Emiliano Fernandez 12+2reb+1ast, M.Saglietti 8+2reb+1ast, J.Pittman 8+2reb, J.Treise 7+2reb+2ast
Atenas: M.Melvin 25+4reb+3ast, J.Manuel Rivero 25+3reb, R.Garces 10+13reb, M.Lescano 9+4reb+1ast, M.Gerlero 6+1reb+2ast, F.Sucatzky 4+4reb+7ast
gschID: 136229


Club 9 - GECR Indalo 74-72

A very interesting game took place in Rio Tercero. It ended with only two-point defeat on the road of second-ranked GECR Indalo (1-1) to eighth ranked Club 9 (1-1) 74-72 in the game for the fourth place. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 20-14. But GECR Indalo won second period 21-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. 26 personal fouls committed by GECR Indalo helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American power forward Jazwin Cowan (205-83, college: Hampton, agency: Dream Team Management) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Martin Melo (197-82) contributed with 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Cowan is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American forward Cedric McGowan (198-85, college: Cincinnati, agency: Court Side) replied with 14 points and 8 rebounds and the former international forward Roberto Gabini (198-75, agency: Interperformances) added 12 points and 4 assists in the effort for GECR Indalo. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Club 9 left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated GECR Indalo. Club 9's next round opponent will be Quilmes MP (#8) in Mar del Plata. GECR Indalo will play at home against Penarol (#3) in Mar del Plata and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
GECR Indalo: C.McGowan 14+8reb, F.Funes 12+2reb+3ast, A.Feeley 12+2reb, R.Gabini 12+2reb+4ast, D.Romero 10+3reb, I.Ofoegbu 7+7reb
Club 9: G.Luchino 15+4reb, M.Melo 14+7reb+2ast, J.Cowan 13+10reb+2ast, K.Gayden 11+7reb+1ast, P.Orlietti 8+1reb, D.Gerbaudo 5+1ast
gschID: 136230


La Union - Sionista 81-87

There was a small surprise in Formosa where eighth ranked Sionista (1-1) defeated 5th ranked La Union (1-2) 87-81 on Sunday. La Union trailed by 18 points at halftime and as many as 24 after three quarters before a 33-15 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 81-87 at the end of the game. Sionista made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. The former international guard Luis Cequeira (180-85) scored 23 points and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the former international swingman Matias Sandes (201-84) chipped in 17 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Five Sionista players scored in double figures. Sionista's coach Sebastian Svetliza allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Guard Ariel Pau (186-84) responded with 25 points and the former international forward Gabriel Mikulas (201-80, college: E.Carolina, agency: Interperformances) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds. Sionista left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser La Union dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. Sionista will face league's leader Quimsa in Santiado Estero in the next round and it may be the game of the week. La Union will play on the road against Olimpico de La Banda (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
La Union: A.Pau 25, R.Wolkowyski 18+4reb, G.Mikulas 14+11reb, J.Caceres 8+3reb+1ast, J.DeGroat 7+9reb, L.Perez 6+1reb+2ast
Sionista: L.Cequeira 23+2reb+4ast, J.Villegas 17+5reb, M.Sandes 17+8reb+1ast, F.Ferrini 12+1ast, E.Nelson 10+6reb, A.Zilli 7+4reb
gschID: 136231


Wuber-Est.Bahia - Lanus 77-63

There was an upset in Bahia Blanca where higher ranked Lanus (0-2) was defeated by top-ranked Wuber-Est.Bahia (2-0) 77-63 on Sunday. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Wuber-Est.Bahia made 22-of-27 free shots (81.5 percent) during the game. Wuber-Est.Bahia outrebounded Lanus 44-29 including a 32-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Lanus was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. American-Puerto Rican guard Javier Mojica (190-84, college: Cent.Conn.St., agency: Alti Sport) had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Puerto Rican power forward Ricardo Sanchez (212-87) chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. The former international guard Mariano Byro (195-82) responded with 20 points and American center Terrell Taylor (203-81, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Dream Team Management) scored 18 points. Lanus' coach Silvio Jose Santander tested eleven players saving starting five for next games. Wuber-Est.Bahia keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Lanus still closes the standings with two games lost. Wuber-Est.Bahia will face league's leader Boca Juniors in Buenos Aires in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Lanus' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Buenos Aires Obras.
Top scorers:
Lanus: M.Byro 20+4reb+1ast, T.Taylor 18+3reb, J.Levy 7+2reb+2ast, F.Giorgi 7+2reb, J.Pablo Cantero 4+3reb+1ast, A.Boccia 3+6reb+1ast
Wuber-Est.Bahia: J.Mojica 18+10reb+3ast, R.Sanchez 14+9reb+1ast, J.Meyinsse 13+3reb+1ast, J.Espil 10+3reb+1ast, F.Aguerre 9+7reb, J.Ignacio Sanchez 8+5reb+7ast
gschID: 136232


Obras - Boca Jrs 73-81

Everything went according to plan in Buenos Aires where top-ranked Boca Juniors (2-0) beat 7th ranked Obras (1-2) 81-73 on Sunday. Boca Juniors made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. The former international guard Maximiliano Stanic (178-78, agency: Players Group) scored 15 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American guard Larry OBannon (194-83, college: Louisville, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 20 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. International power forward Juan Gutierrez (205-83) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds and Uruguayan guard Martin Osimani (194-81, college: Duquesne) scored 11 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Boca Juniors maintains first position with 2-0 record, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Obras dropped to the sixth place with two games lost. Boca Juniors will face league's second-placed Wuber-Est.Bahia in Bahia Blanca in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Obras' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Buenos Aires to the arena Lanus.
Top scorers:
Obras: J.Gutierrez 16+11reb+1ast, J.Mazzaro 13+3reb, A.Elsener 12+5reb+4ast, M.Osimani 11+5reb+9ast, T.Field 7+1reb+1ast, L.Lewis 7+1reb+1ast
Boca Jrs: L.OBannon 20+5reb+1ast, M.Stanic 15+8reb+8ast, F.Martina 13+3reb, D.Alston 12+3reb, A.Diez 10+7reb+3ast, W.Graves 9+11reb+1ast
gschID: 136233




Standings - LigaA
LigaA Standings
North
 1. Quimsa 2-0 
 2. Regatas C. 2-0 
 3. Atenas 2-1 
 4. Libertad S. 1-1 
 5. Sionista 1-1 
 6. La Union 1-2 
 7. Olimpico LB 0-2 
 8. San Mart.C. 0-2 
South
 1. Boca Jrs 2-0 
 2. Wuber-Est.Bahia 2-0 
 3. Penarol 2-0 
 4. Club 9 1-1 
 5. GECR Indalo 1-1 
 6. Obras 1-2 
 7. Lanus 0-2 
 8. Quilmes MP 0-3 


Standings - Liga B
Torneo Federal Standings
Andina
 1. Anzorena 0-0 
 2. Del Bono 0-0 
 3. Esp.San Luis 0-0 
 4. Facundo 0-0 
 5. San Martin LR 0-0 
Buenos Aires
 1. Estudian.O 0-0 
 2. Estudiantes LP 0-0 
 3. Independ.T. 0-0 
 4. Pilar B.Aires 0-0 
 5. San Lorenzo Ch. 0-0 
 6. San Martin J. 0-0 
Capital Federal
 1. G. E. V. P. 0-0 
 2. Independien.AV 0-0 
 3. P.Echague 0-0 
 4. Ramos Mejia 0-0 
 5. Velez Sarsfield 0-0 
 6. Villa Mitre 0-0 
Entre Rios
 1. La Union 0-0 
 2. Penarol Tala 0-0 
 3. Regatas U. 0-0 
 4. Rosario Tala 0-0 
 5. Sportivo SS 0-0 
Mediterranea
 1. Barrio Parque 0-0 
 2. El Chorrillero 0-0 
 3. Instituto Cor. 0-0 
 4. Olimpia C. 0-0 
 5. Union Electrica 0-0 
Nea
 1. Faustino Sarm. 0-0 
 2. Hindu 0-0 
 3. Las Brenas 0-0 
 4. Mitre 0-0 
 5. Santa Rita 0-0 
 6. Sarmiento 0-0 
 7. Tokio Deportivo 0-0 
Noa
 1. Alberdi 0-0 
 2. Gorriti de Jujuy 0-0 
 3. Independ.S. 0-0 
 4. Municipal Bordo 0-0 
 5. Nicolas Avellan. 0-0 
 6. Talleres TV 0-0 
 7. Union Oran 0-0 
Patagonica
 1. All Boys LP 0-0 
 2. Atletico Regina 0-0 
 3. Centro Espanol 0-0 
 4. Deportivo R. 0-0 
 5. Hispano Am. 0-0 
 6. Pacifico Neuquen 0-0 
 7. Perfora 0-0 
 8. Progreso Roca 0-0 
Santa Fe
 1. Adelante 0-0 
 2. Alma Juniors 0-0 
 3. Argent.Firmat 0-0 
 4. Brown 0-0 
 5. Maria Juana 0-0 
 6. Union SF 0-0 


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


Townsville sign Jacob Holmes - by Eurobasket News
The Townsville McDonalds Crocodiles can today announce Jacob Holmes (201-F-83) as the replacement player for injured skipper Russell Hinder (208-F/C-79, college: Augusta St.) in 2011/12.

The 201cm forward who has an extensive NBL career with both the Adelaide 36ers and the Melbourne South Dragons is a solid pick up for the Crocs.

Crocodiles CEO Ian Smythe says hes surprised a player of Holmes talent was still available with the NBL season set to start in less than two weeks.

Holmes has had a consistent career in the NBL and its unbelievable that we were able to pick him up this late in the season, he said.

We needed an all rounder and I know we have found the right player.

Holmes is set to leave his home town of Adelaide after the 36ers failed to renew his contact in 2011/12, and should arrive at the Crocs to commence training just a little over one week out from the first game of the regular season.

He has a big role to play at the Crocs, but his knowledge of the NBL, and the fact he has played under Crocs Assistant Coach Liam Flynn both at the Adelaide 36ers and the ABA team the Stuart Sabres, means the Crocs have taken no risk on the unknown.

Head Coach Paul Woolpert agrees that now is not the time to be taking risks and has praised the forwards ability.

He will definitely bring experience, a high basketball IQ and he is an outstanding rebounder, said Head Coach Paul Woolpert.

Hell have to fit in, its that simple. We will have some extra practices to help him adjust, but with his experience Im sure hell fit in and help us achieve what we are trying to accomplish.

Holmes will land in Townsville tomorrow, Thursday September 29 and will commence training with the team Friday September 30 at 9:30am.

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

Sixers release import John Williamson - by Eurobasket News
The Adelaide 36ers announced today that US import player John Williamson (198-C-86, college: Cincinnati) will no longer be a part of the playing team for the 2011/12 season.

A recent knee injury sustained at training last week has resulted in John requiring surgery to repair the damage, followed by an extensive rehabilitation program.

Leeanne Grantham, CEO of the Adelaide 36ers, has said that the club has taken the last week to provide John with access to the best medical practitioners and time to assess the situation before making a final decision.

John requires surgery to his left knee to repair the lateral cartilage. Our number one priority over the last week has been our duty of care in relation to John and ensuring he can make an in-formed decision to ensure longevity in his playing career and for his life time, said Grantham.

This is an extremely difficult time for the club and John is obviously upset with the outcomes of this situation which is the fault of no one. We ask the fans and the media to support John through this process.

Johns USA based agent has been a part of this consultation process being well aware of the clubs legal and contractual obligations. John is considering whether he will undergo surgery here in Adelaide or back in the USA.

Marty Clarke, Head Coach has said that unfortunately this is professional sport and a situation like this can arise at any time without warning.

We are all disappointed that John will not be on the court with us this season but his number one priority is fixing this problem to make sure he can return to playing basketball at the highest level, said Marty Clarke.

The Adelaide 36ers will now look to fill the position left vacant by John Williamson on the roster as soon as possible.

The Adelaide 36ers 2011/12 iiNet NBL season starts on 8 October 2011 against the Perth Wildcats at the Adelaide Arena.

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

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


Naglis tab Bilal Benn - by Eurobasket News
Naglis Palangos are getting their roster shaped before the start of LKL season. They recently bolstered their backcourt. Naglis inked a deal with Bilal Benn (196-G/F-86, college: Niagara). The deal is meant for one season. The shooting guard played in PBL this year. He had a stint with the Vermont Frost Heaves. Bilal Benn tallied 3.0 points, 1.0 assist and 1.0 steal per game. The guard graduated from the Niagara University in 2010. Bilal Benn then started his pro career in Portugal. He tallied 7.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists for Ovarense in LPB.


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


Charleroi suspends Mickael Gelabale indefinitely - by Eurobasket News
Charleroi decided to suspend Mickael Gelabale's (201-F-83) contract indefinitely. The reigning Belgian champion will make a final decision about the French player after the Euroleague Qualifying Tournament. Gelabale will have to miss 4-6 weeks due to ankle injury which he suffered during the EuroBasket in Lithuania. Charleroi stated that Gelabale had only X-rays after the injury and not MRI, despite it should be done. He will not be able to help Charleroi in Euroleague qualifications.
Mickael Gelabale joined Charleroi during the summer. He spent last season with ASVEL averaging 14.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists for 36 games in ProA. Gelabale also added 12.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 2.8 apg for 6 games in EuroCup. Before ASVEL, he spent one season with Cholet and helped them win the ProA title. Gelabale was a member of the Seattle Supersonics from 2006 to 2008.
Mickael Gelabale helped France to win the Silver at the EuroBasket in Lithuania. He had 7.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1 apg for 9 games.

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


Siroki TT land Coleman Collins - by Eurobasket News
Siroki TT brought in import player. They added Coleman Collins (206-F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Virginia Tech) to the roster. The forward spent the previous season in Germany. Coleman Collins played for Ratiopharm Ulm. He tallied 8.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in 1Bundesliga. Previously Coleman Collins had spells for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and Ludwigsburg.


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


Power sign five including top draft pick, three Canadians - by Eurobasket News
The Oshawa Power announced the signing of five players at a press conference at the Travelodge Hotel in Oshawa, Ontario on Wednesday September 28, 2011. National Basketball League of Canada number one overall draft pick Morgan Lewis (193-F-87, agency: Numbers Sports Agency, college: Findlay, OH) and Canadians Tut Ruach (188-G-85), Antwi Atuahene (191-G-84, college: Arizona St.) and Paul Blake (196-G/F) were introduced to the public and media. Aaron Perry (203-C/F-83, college: Sacramento St.), a Detroit, Michigan native was also signed by the Power.

Lewis, a 6'5' shooting guard from Painesville Ohio attended the University of Findlay and is coming off two seasons of playing professionally overseas. He was selected as the NBL Canada's #1 overall pick in its inaugural draft by the Oshawa Power on August 21 2011. Last year Lewis was the fourth leading scorer in the German Pro A league averaging 18.1ppg and 8.6rpg for ETB Wohnbau. In 2009 Lewis was named the MVP of the NCAA Division II basketball tournament in which the Oilers won the Division II National title. He was also selected to the All-Tournament team.

Lewis loved the energy in the Travelodge Hotel Oshawa Whitby, 'Feels good and blessed. I'm excited to get the season started. It's fun but we all know it's time to work. Some of the opportunities that this experience is bringing like meeting the Mayor and my future teammates and Oshawa Family is amazing. We want to continue to spread the word and fill the General Motors Centre to capacity. We visited the Arena and it's exactly what we need and we know if we fill it up there will be a lot of energy in there. '

6'2' combo guard Ruach, is a graduate of York University and although not selected in the inaugural NBL draft, Ruach came back with a determination and hunger to do well in the Power's Showcase on September 10 to September 11 at Durham College. Ruach had a solid weekend and thus earned himself the opportunity to be signed by the Power. In 2010/2011 Ruach averaged 20.5ppg, 5.4apg and 4.3rpg for Itzehoe in Germany

'Excited...anxious and ready to go. I'm not one to get excited but just being around Oshawa today I feel the Power has the chance to be something really big.', said Rauch.

6'3' guard Antwi Atuahene (pronounced antwee antwa-heen) is a Mississauga native who attended Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School. Was named the Toronto Sun's Mr. Basketball by the time his high school career was done, averaging 34.5ppg, 11.5apg and 10 rpg. He went on to play at Arizona State University in the Pac-10 Conference and averaged 7ppg in his two best years. He has played professionally, including a stint in Mexico for Leones Regios de Monterrey. Atuahene would not want to be anywhere else than Oshawa today, 'It was an uplifting feeling. To be able to play in front of friends and family would be great. I'm really looking forward to representing the City of Oshawa to my highest ability. We will bring some exciting basketball to the city!'

6'5' Blake, is a Toronto native who played his collegiate basketball at Cape Breton University in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. He was a conference All-Star in his last three seasons for the Capers and is the team's all-time leader in 3-point field goals made with 138. In his final season the forward averaged 16.6ppg and 6.6rpg from Cape Breton. Blake impressed Power Management with his shot making ability and energy during the team Showcase at Durham College. Blake felt really proud to be there today and expressed his feelings,

'Excited, happy, shocked and just thanking God for this opportunity I've been blessed with. Oshawa is nice, everybody is happy for the team. People are excited for the outcome and I think it will be great. I got to meet the Mayor of Oshawa, Hon. John Henry. I've never met a Mayor before and it was a great opportunity to talk about the community and the league and his support for the Oshawa Power.'

6'8' Detroit, Michigan native, Aaron Perry. Perry had a very strong showing at the Oshawa Power Showcase at Durham College where he showed toughness and defensive tenacity and a consistent ability

to knock down mid-range jump shots for his size. He played two years of college basketball at Sacramento State. In 2004-2005 he played in 28 games for the Hornets.

Perry was not in attendance at the Press Conference.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Globetrotter among Lightning roster members - by Eurobasket News
The National Basketball League of Canadas (NBL) London Lightning announced its first five roster players for the upcoming 2011-12 campaign.

The list features a former Harlem Globetrotter, Brandon Dean (6'2''-G-79, college: Arkansas).

Dean, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound guard from Monroe, Louisiana is the first official London Lightning player ever. His experience includes collegiate ball at the University of Arkansas, time with the Globetrotters and seasons in both the Premier Basketball League (PBL) and American Basketball Association.

DeAnthony Bowden (6'1''-G-80, college: Creighton), a 6-foot-1, 190-pound point guard from Hammond, Indiana will also suit up for the Lightning. His experience includes collegiate ball at Creighton University as well as seasons in both the Continental Basketball Association and PBL.

Eddie Smith (6'2''-G-83, college: Ill.-Springfield), a 6-foot-1, 180-pound guard from Springfield, Illinois is the third player to sign with the Forest City NBL franchise. His experience includes collegiate ball at Texas A & M and time in the PBL.

Gabe Freeman (6'6''-F-85, college: Costa Mesa JC), a 6-foot-6, 205-pound forward from southern Utah, is the fourth of five players announced by London. His experience includes collegiate ball at Costa Mesa Junior College and time in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Tyrone Levett (6'5''-F-80, college: Alabama St.), a 6-foot-7, 240-pound forward from Notasulga, Alabama is the final player on the Lightnings initial roster. His experience includes collegiate ball at Alabama State University as well as time playing professional basketball in Portugal, Sweden and Japan.

The NBL kicks off its regular season Oct. 29 as the Quebec Kebs host the Moncton Miracles at the University of Laval.

On Nov. 3, the Lightning play host to the Halifax Rainmen at the John Labatt Centre to open up its inaugural 36-game season.

Courtesy of www.londoncommunitynews.com

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


Earl Clark Leaving China - by Edward Bothfeld
It was a short-lived Chinese experience for Earl Clark (206-F-88, college: Louisville) (206-F-88, college: Louisville), who just signed with the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions in August. News has surfaced that he will be leaving his new team to return to the U.S. to attend to his pregnant girlfriend. Zhejiang Guangsha was primed for a huge season with the additions of Clark, Wilson Chandler (203-F/G-87, college: De Paul), and coach Jim Cleamons. But with Clark's departure, the Lions will have a gaping hole at the PF and C position and need someone to help Wilson Chandler carry the scoring load.

Clark averaged only nine minutes per game with the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic of the NBA last season. With the NBA in the third month of a bitter lockout, Clark signed in China citing his desire to play more. As a member of Zhejiang Guangsha, he figured to play an integral role with an abundance of minutes. A highly touted prospect out of Louisville, Clark never got the opportunities he hoped for in his two NBA seasons.

Clark's departure from the CBA sets an interesting precedent for other foreign players playing in China. With the NBA locked out and many of its players looking abroad for playing opportunities, the CBA made a bold statement by not allowing out-clauses in foreign players' contracts. Thus, if the NBA lockout ends, foreign players cannot simply skip town and return to the NBA. With Clark already getting out of his contract before the season has even begun, the precedent for other players like Kenyon Martin (203-F/C-77, college: Cincinnati) and J.R. Smith to leave due to 'personal reasons' (or the lockout ending) has been set.


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


Joshua Heytvelt to get Croatian citizenship - by Eurobasket News
Joshua Heytvelt (211-F-86, college: Gonzaga) could become a citizen of Croatia very soon. Croatian Basketball Federation gave a green light to this process and Heytvelt could play for their National Team in the future. The American big guy is currently a member of Zagreb. He joined them in January this year. For 11 games in Adriatic league Joshua Heytvelt had 7.5 ppg and 2.7 rpg. He also added 9.6 ppg and 5.6 rpg for 18 games in Croatian championship. Zagreb won the title and Cup last season. Heytvelt started 2010/11 with Lottomatica Virtus Roma. He had 5.3 ppg and 2.9 rpg for them in 10 Euroleague games. In Italy, Heytvelt had almost the same digits. In 2009/10, he played for Turkish Oyak Renault Bursa averaging impressive 17.3 points, 10 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 blocks. Joshua Heytvelt is a product of the Gonzaga University, where he graduated two years ago.

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


Stats Leaders - NBL
Points Per Game
 Rob LOWERY
  Chomutov
  (188-G-87)
  Avg: 28
 1. Lowery, Chomutov28.0 
 2. Bridgewaters, Inte.27.0 
 3. Wright, Chomutov25.0 
 4. Sedmak, USK Praha24.0 
 5. Pumprla, CEZ N.23.0 
 6. Barnes, BC Kolin22.0 
 7. Luettgerodt, NH O.22.0 
 8. Sanders, BK Decin22.0 
 9. Toth, Plzen21.0 
 10. Hughes, NH Ostra.19.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Petr BENDA
  CEZ Nymburk
  (203-F/C-82)
  Avg: 12
 1. Benda, CEZ Nymburk12.0 
 2. Votroubek, USK P.9.0 
 3. Venta, BK Prostej.9.0 
 4. Toth, Plzen9.0 
 5. Hughes, NH Ostrava9.0 
 6. Kovanda, Plzen8.0 
 7. Sokolovsky, CEZ N.8.0 
 8. Pistecky, BK Decin8.0 
 9. Field, BC Kolin7.0 
 10. Muirhead, BK Pard.7.0 
Assists Per Game
 Stepan VRUBL
  Plzen
  (186-G-76)
  Avg: 6
 1. Vrubl, Plzen6.0 
 2. Sotnar, USK Praha6.0 
 3. Marko, BC Kolin5.0 
 4. Muirhead, BK Pardu.5.0 
 5. Stehlik, NH Ostrava4.0 
 6. Inge, NH Ostrava4.0 
 7. Sanders, BK Decin4.0 
 8. Hampton, BK Pardu.4.0 
 9. Ames, BC Kolin4.0 
 10. Eitutavicius, BK3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Radim KLECKA
  B&W Opava
  (188-G-90)
  Avg: 5
 1. Klecka, B&W Opava5.0 
 2. Brlit, B&W Opava4.0 
 3. Pumprla, CEZ N.4.0 
 4. Grant, Levice3.5 
 5. Longmire, Usti n.3.0 
 6. Honomichl, Plzen3.0 
 7. Lenzly, CEZ N.3.0 
 8. Sedmak, USK Praha3.0 
 9. Ames, BC Kolin2.0 
 10. McFadden, Usti n.2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Bertengeh GADRI-NICHOLSON
  BK Prost.
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 3
 1. Cadri-N., BK Prost.3.0 
 2. Slavik, USK Praha2.0 
 3. Grant, Levice1.5 
 4. Kuffa, Inter B.1.0 
 5. Lawrence, CEZ N.1.0 
 6. Ames, BC Kolin1.0 
 7. Lenzly, CEZ N.1.0 
 8. Beckles, Inter B.1.0 
 9. Longmire, Usti n.1.0 
 10. Bohacik, BK Pardu.1.0 


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


Standings - Basketligaen
Ligaen Standings
 1. Falcon 2-0 
 2. Bakken 1-0 
 3. Naestved 1-0 
 4. Svendborg 1-0 
 5. Horsholm 1-1 
 6. SISU 1-1 
 7. Vaerlose 1-1 
 8. Horsens IC 0-1 
 9. Aabyhoj 0-2 
 10. Aalborg 0-2 


Stats Leaders - Basketligaen
Points Per Game
 Matthew KINGSLEY
  Svendborg
  (206-F-86)
  Avg: 34
 1. Kingsley, Svendborg34.0 
 2. Harris, Horsens IC32.0 
 3. White, Aalborg30.0 
 4. Rutherford, SISU28.5 
 5. Rasmussen, Vaerl.22.5 
 6. Bak, Horsholm22.0 
 7. Christoffers., Bak.20.0 
 8. Benjamin, Horsholm17.5 
 9. Nielsen, Falcon16.5 
 10. Iversen, Bakken16.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Matthew KINGSLEY
  Svendborg
  (206-F-86)
  Avg: 14
 1. Kingsley, Svendborg14.0 
 2. Benjamin, Horsholm13.5 
 3. Iversen, Bakken11.0 
 4. St.John, Horsens11.0 
 5. Karason, Vaerlose9.5 
 6. Osgood-R., Vaerlose9.5 
 7. Dennis, SISU7.5 
 8. Rutherford, SISU7.5 
 9. Dejworek, Bakken7.0 
 10. Nielsen, Falcon7.0 
Assists Per Game
 Martin MARIEGAARD
  Svend.
  (183-PG-81)
  Avg: 6
 1. Mariegaard, Svend.6.0 
 2. McFarlane, Falcon5.5 
 3. Sakne, Horsens IC5.0 
 4. Magaard, Svendborg5.0 
 5. Dennis, SISU4.5 
 6. Bak, Horsholm4.5 
 7. Darboe, Svendborg4.0 
 8. Elgmork, Aalborg4.0 
 9. Thuesen, Bakken4.0 
 10. Simonsen, Vaerlose3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Matiss SAKNE
  Horsens IC
  (191-G-91)
  Avg: 4
 1. Sakne, Horsens IC4.0 
 2. Iversen, Bakken4.0 
 3. Dennis, SISU3.0 
 4. White, Aalborg3.0 
 5. Kristiansen, Aalbo.2.5 
 6. Benjamin, Horsholm2.5 
 7. McFarlane, Falcon2.5 
 8. Nielsen, Bakken2.0 
 9. Simonsen, Vaerlose2.0 
 10. Nielsen, Bakken2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Will HARRIS
  Horsens IC
  (198-F-86)
  Avg: 2
 1. Harris, Horsens IC2.0 
 2. Eleraky, Aalborg2.0 
 3. Christoffers., Bak.2.0 
 4. Jukic, Horsholm1.5 
 5. Kingsley, Svendborg1.0 
 6. Thuesen, Bakken1.0 
 7. Sorensen, Aalborg1.0 
 8. Colman, Svendborg1.0 
 9. Marinkovic, Horsho.1.0 
 10. Grinbergs, Horse.1.0 


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


Cavs' D-League team to train at Edgewood - by Eurobasket News
The Cleveland Cavaliers new Canton NBA Development League team today announced that Edgewood Community Center will be the teams official practice and training facility. This is another major step for the franchise as it puts all the pieces in place to begin its 2011-12 inaugural season in November at the Canton Memorial Civic Center.

Our excitement and anticipation for a great future in the Canton community just continues to grow, Wes Wilcox, the teams general manager, said in a press release. In the Edgewood Community Center we have found the right space and amenities necessary to create a great practice and training environment for the team, and we look forward to a great partnership with Edgewood.

Edgewood Community Center opened to the public in March 2007 to enrich the Canton communitys physical, emotional and spiritual health through fitness, sports, arts, recreation and wellness. The center has available space to meet the teams requirements and the gymnasium can be configured into a regulation NBA court.

On behalf of our board, staff and members, we are extremely excited to welcome Cantons new NBA Development League team and make them a part of our Edgewood family, said Denise Allen, executive director of ECC.

The Canton NBA Development League team home opener is on Nov. 25 against the defending NBA Development League Champion Iowa Energy.

Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

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


Leones win LNB title! - by Eurobasket News
LNB Finals, Game 6: Cocolos - Leones 70-82 (2-4)

Leones won the LNB title for season 2011. They outplayed Cocolos 82-70 in Game Six for 4-2 victory in the Finals series. Walker Russell (183-G-82, college: Jacksonville St.) exploded for Leones last night with 29 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Jesse Pellot-Rosa (193-G-84, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: VCU) secured a great help adding 15 points and 10 rebounds. Manuel Fortuna followed them with 13 points, 6 rebs and 5 assists. On the other side, Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) was impressive. He had monster double-double of 25 points and 18 rebounds. Evan Brock (204-F-84, college: Alabama) collected 14 points and 9 rebs in this defeat. Quarters: 16-24, 16-13, 18-20, 20-25.
Leones finished regular season as the second ranked team of Group South. They eliminated Reales with almost perfect 3-1 in the Semis.

Cocolos: Jack Michael Martinez 25+18 boards, Evan Brock 14+9 boards
Leones: Walker Russell 29+6 boards+7 as, Jesse Pellot-Rosa 15+10 boards, Manuel Fortuna 13+6 boards+5 as

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


San Marcos leads Final Series - by Jaime Arevalo
After that both San Marcos and Leones-Automoto had won 2-0 the Semifinals, the two best teams in 2011 'Liga de Baloncesto de El Salvador' met together in Game 1 of Final Series.
The final result ot this match seems very clear about who is the favourite: 99-77 for San Marcos, a team that managed to lead in the score even by 25 points during the third quarter. With 21 points, Edwin Lopez (183-G/F-85) was the top scorer at the winning side, while Arturo Escamilla (185-F-77) produced the best losing effort, being also the game top scorer at 25.



*****************************************************
  ESTONIA   


Zalgiris and Kalev opened 2011/2012 VTB Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Kalev-Zalgiris 70:84

Zalgiris and Kalev opened 2011/2012 VTB Regular Season. While 4 other teams struggle for the last 2 tickets to the Regular Season, Zalgiris and Kalev started the campaign in Tallinn tonight as the Lithuanian titan clinched 84:70 victory.
Kalev surprised the favorites with 23-22 in the first period. Zalgiris needed a strong defense in the second quarter and limited the hosts to just 9 points. Tadas Klimavicius (204-F-82, agency: Interperformances) gave his side 42:34 lead at the halftime. Kalev did not give up and Armands Skele (192-G-83) reduced to 42:41 early in the third. Gregor Arbet made a jump shot to close the third quarter as Kalev trailed 5 points with 10 minutes remaining. Zalgiris however won the last stanza 27-18 and grabbed the first victory.
Tadas Klimavicius top-scored for the winners with 15 points, while Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC), Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) and Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) added 13 apiece. Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) followed them with 10 points in a win. Armands Skele delivered 19 points for the home side and Tanel Sokk (184-G-85) as well as Gert Dorbek (194-G-85) added 14 apiece.

Kalev: Armands Skele 19, Tanel Sokk 14, Gert Dorbek 14
Zalgiris: Tadas Klimavicius 15, Marko Popovic 13, Milovan Rakovic 13, Sonny Weems 13, Mantas Kalnietis 10


*****************************************************
  EUROCUP   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Alade AMINU
  Chalon
  (208-F-87)
  Avg: 20
 1. Aminu, Chalon20.0 
 2. Rochestie, Le Mans17.0 
 3. Chatman, Karsiyaka17.0 
 4. Owens, Cedevita17.0 
 5. Hilliard, Art.Drag.17.0 
 6. Sommerville, Le Ma.16.0 
 7. Haynes, Gran C.14.0 
 8. Schilb, Chalon14.0 
 9. Karaman, Karsiyaka14.0 
 10. Batista, Le Mans14.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ilkan KARAMAN
  Karsiyaka
  (205-F-90)
  Avg: 15
 1. Karaman, Karsiyaka15.0 
 2. Rey, Gran Canaria8.0 
 3. Owens, Cedevita8.0 
 4. Aminu, Chalon7.0 
 5. Bazdaric, Cedevita7.0 
 6. Jean-B., Chalon6.0 
 7. Rochestie, Le Mans6.0 
 8. Chatman, Karsiyaka6.0 
 9. Koffi, Le Mans6.0 
 10. Kahudi, Le Mans6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Mire CHATMAN
  Karsiyaka
  (187-G-78)
  Avg: 6
 1. Chatman, Karsiyaka6.0 
 2. Rochestie, Le Mans6.0 
 3. Tchicamboud, Cha.5.0 
 4. Acker, Le Mans5.0 
 5. Holston, Art.Drag.4.0 
 6. Warren, Cedevita4.0 
 7. Bellas, Gran Canar.4.0 
 8. Vukusic, Cedevita4.0 
 9. Schilb, Chalon4.0 
 10. Peavy, Art.Dragons3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Raymar MORGAN
  Karsiyaka
  (202-F/C-88)
  Avg: 3
 1. Morgan, Karsiyaka3.0 
 2. Draper, Cedevita3.0 
 3. Chatman, Karsiyaka3.0 
 4. Kahudi, Le Mans2.0 
 5. Princ, Cedevita2.0 
 6. Stanojevic, Karsi.2.0 
 7. Delaney, Chalon2.0 
 8. Fenn, Art.Dragons2.0 
 9. Peavy, Art.Dragons2.0 
 10. Grunheid, Art.Dra.1.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Adolphe Michel JEAN-BAPTISTE
  Chalon
  (205-C-79)
  Avg: 2
 1. Jean-B., Chalon2.0 
 2. Owens, Cedevita2.0 
 3. Kouguere, Le Mans1.0 
 4. Martinez, Gran C.1.0 
 5. Karaman, Karsiyaka1.0 
 6. Rey, Gran Canaria1.0 
 7. Grunheid, Art.Drag.1.0 
 8. Koffi, Le Mans1.0 
 9. Lauvergne, Chalon1.0 
 10. Evtimov, Chalon0.0 


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


Standings
Euroleague Standings
Group A
 1. Bennet Cantu 0-0 
 2. Olympiakos 0-0 
 3. Caja Laboral 0-0 
 4. Fener.Ulker 0-0 
 5. Nancy 0-0 
 6. Bizkaia Bilbao 0-0 
Group B
 1. KK Zagreb CO 0-0 
 2. Zalgiris 0-0 
 3. Brose Baskets 0-0 
 4. Unicaja 0-0 
 5. CSKA 0-0 
 6. Panathinaikos 0-0 
Group C
 1. Anadalo Efes 0-0 
 2. Real Madrid 0-0 
 3. Armani MI 0-0 
 4. Maccabi T-A 0-0 
 5. Partizan 0-0 
Group D
 1. Regal Barca 0-0 
 2. Montepaschi 0-0 
 3. Asseco Prokom 0-0 
 4. Union Olimpija 0-0 
 5. Unics 0-0 
Qualifying Round
 1. Lietuvos Rytas 1-0 
 2. ALBA 1-0 
 3. Cibona 1-0 
 4. PAOK 0-0 
 5. PGE Turow 0-0 
 6. Khimky 0-0 
 7. CEZ Nymburk 0-0 
 8. BC Donetsk 0-0 
 9. Banvit 0-0 
 10. ASVEL 0-0 
 11. Gravelines 0-0 
 12. Galatasaray 0-0 
 13. Charleroi 0-0 
 14. Cholet 0-1 
 15. VEF Riga 0-1 
 16. Buducnost 0-1 


Qualifications begin today - by Eurobasket News
Euroleague Qualification Tournaments are set to start. Four games will be played today.

In Vilnius, Cibona will meet Cholet at 17:00 CET. In second game, the home team Lietuvos Rytas will meet Buducnost Podgorica. That meeting is scheduled for 19:45 CET. Tomorrow, ASVEL will play against Gravelines and PAOK will take on Galatasaray.

In Charleroi, ALBA and VEF Riga will play in Game One (18:00 CET). Also today Charleroi will meet Donetsk. Tomorrow, Khimky will play against Turow and CEZ Nymburk vs. Banvit.

Round Two is scheduled for Saturday and Finals for Sunday. The winner of Tournament in Vilnius will be placed to regular season Group C. Their rivals will be Real Madrid, Maccabi Electra, Partizan, Anadolu Efes and Emporio Armani Milan. The winner of Charleroi Tournament will go to Group D. Participants of this pool are also Regal Barcelona, Montepaschi Siena, Unics Kazan, Asseco Prokom and Union Olimpija.

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


VTB United League: ToPo lost in Poland - by Rauno Hurmalainen
VTB United League, Qualifying: Anwil, Wloclawek (Poland) - Torpan Pojat, Helsinki (Finland) 94-72 (43-36). Quarters: 22-14, 21-22, 29-17, 22-19.
It was ToPo's first game with this roster and the result does not quite give the right picture of the contest. ToPo was quite long in the game, but the third quarter and American Corsley Edwards (205-C/F-79, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Cent.Conn.St.) were the key factors Anwil ran away. Edwards scored game high 35 points. Carl Lindbom (204-F-91) led ToPo with 16 pts.
Anwil, Wloclawek: Corsley Edwards 35, John Allen 13, Dardan Berisha 12, Lukasz Majewski 12. ToPo: Carl Lindbom 16, Jonathan Heard 11, JaSon Stamper 11, Tim Frost 7, Chase Griffin 7, Timo Heinonen 7, Tuomas Iisalo 4, Eero Lehtinen 4, Sad Niskanen 3, Jarkko Kyllonen 2.

KORISLIIGA: Kataja and YMCA Lahti winning - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, Round 1: Two contests tonight. Kataja (Joensuu) defeated YMCA Lappeenranta 99-87 (51-46) and YMCA Lahti beat Kouvot (Kouvola) 88-67 (46-33). Two home victories where better shooting hosts winning and starting the new season with smiling faces. In Joensuu NT PG Petri Virtanen (183-G-80) gave 13 assists. Antti Kanervo (193-G/F-89) led Kataja with 25 pts. YMCA LPR got 23 pts from DeAndre Haynes (187-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Kent St.) and Tyler Tiedeman (201-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Boise St.).
Torpan Pojat (Helsinki) still qualifying in the VTB United League. Tonight Enisey Krasnoyarsk was too strong: 85-56 (51-30). Quarters: 15-16, 36-14, 13-15, 21-11. Andrey Trushkin (206-C/F-81) led Enisey with 14pts/8rbs. Marko Marinovic (183-G-83) scored 14 pts as well. ToPo had just one player in double digits: Timothy Frost (208-C-80, college: Utah) netted 13 pts. The other scorers: Timo Heinonen 9, Jason Stamper 9, Chase Griffin 8, Tuomas Iisalo 7, Jonathan Heard 5/8r, Eero Lehtinen 3 and Sad Niskanen 2.

Enisey wins First Stage A of VTB League Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News
ToPo-Enisey 56:85

Enisey wins First Stage A of VTB League Qualifying Round. The Russian team overcame ToPo 85:56 and advanced to the Final stage to be played with 4 teams in total.
ToPo surprised the Russian representative with 16-15 in the first period. The second one however was a nightmare for them. Enisey erupted with 36-14 and took 51:30 halftime advantage.
In the third quarter the Finnish team again celebrated 15-13 victory to reduce to 19 points with 10 minutes in the game. Enisey needed 21-11 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Andrei Andrey Trushkin (206-C/F-81) and Marko Marinovic (183-G-83) top-scored for the winners with 14 points each. Jasmin Hucic netted 12, while Lonny Baxter (204-C-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) scored 10. Timothy Frost (208-C-80, college: Utah) ended up with 13 points in the losing effort, whilst Timo Heinonen (198-F-81) and Jason Stamper notched 9 apiece.

Enisey will play Dnipro tomorrow in the opener of the Final stage.

ToPo: Timothy Frost 13, Timo Heinonen 9, Jason Stamper 9
Enisey: Andrey Trushkin 14, Marko Marinovic 14, Jasmin Hucic 12, Lonny Baxter 10



Standings - Korisliiga
Korisliiga Standings
 1. Kataja 1-0 
 2. Namika Lahti 1-0 
 3. Pyrinto 1-0 
 4. Kauhajoki 0-0 
 5. KTP 0-0 
 6. Nilan Bisons 0-0 
 7. Salon Vilpas 0-0 
 8. ToPo 0-0 
 9. Korihait 0-1 
 10. Kouvot 0-1 
 11. LrNMKY 0-1 


Standings - Division I
1st Division Standings
 1. BC Nokia 0-0 
 2. FoKoPo 0-0 
 3. Huima 0-0 
 4. Jyvaskyla 0-0 
 5. Lapua 0-0 
 6. Oulun NMKY 0-0 
 7. Porvoon Tarmo 0-0 
 8. Pyrinto II 0-0 
 9. SayRi 0-0 
 10. Tapiolan Honka 0-0 
 11. ToPo Adatemia 0-0 
 12. Ura Basket 0-0 


Stats Leaders - Korisliiga
Points Per Game
 Antti KANERVO
  Kataja
  (193-G/F-89)
  Avg: 25
 1. Kanervo, Kataja25.0 
 2. Moore, Korihait23.0 
 3. Haynes, LrNM.23.0 
 4. Hamm, LrNM.20.0 
 5. Crouch, Korihait18.0 
 6. Lehto, Pyrinto18.0 
 7. Williams, Pyrinto18.0 
 8. Williams, Pyrinto17.0 
 9. Bailey, Pyrinto17.0 
 10. Tapio, LrNM.15.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Antti NIKKILA
  Pyrinto
  (210-F/C-78)
  Avg: 9
 1. Nikkila, Pyrinto9.0 
 2. Heinonen, Korihait8.0 
 3. Williams, Pyrinto7.0 
 4. Johnson, Korihait7.0 
 5. Kanervo, Kataja6.0 
 6. Riihela, LrNM.6.0 
 7. Lehtoranta, Kataja6.0 
 8. Ahvenniemi, Pyrinto6.0 
 9. Haynes, LrNM.5.0 
 10. Jalonen, Korihait5.0 
Assists Per Game
 Damon WILLIAMS
  Pyrinto
  (201-F-73)
  Avg: 14
 1. Williams, Pyrinto14.0 
 2. Virtanen, Kataja13.0 
 3. Walker, Kataja7.0 
 4. Jalonen, Korihait6.0 
 5. Haynes, LrNM.6.0 
 6. Williams, Pyrinto5.0 
 7. Riihela, LrNM.4.0 
 8. Moore, Korihait4.0 
 9. Vanjoki, LrNM.3.0 
 10. Lehto, Pyrinto2.0 
Steals Per Game
 DeAndre HAYNES
  LrNM.
  (187-G-84)
  Avg: 6
 1. Haynes, LrNM.6.0 
 2. Williams, Pyrinto6.0 
 3. Sten, Kataja4.0 
 4. Newson, Kataja3.0 
 5. Moore, Korihait2.0 
 6. Williams, Pyrinto2.0 
 7. Walker, Kataja2.0 
 8. Heinonen, Korihait2.0 
 9. Terwilliger, Kataja1.0 
 10. Latimer, Korihait1.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Pyry RAINAMAA
  Korihait
  (194-G-90)
  Avg: 1
 1. Rainamaa, Korihait1.0 
 2. Hamm, LrNM.1.0 
 3. Walker, Kataja1.0 
 4. Latimer, Korihait1.0 
 5. Williams, Pyrinto1.0 
 6. Moore, Korihait1.0 
 7. Williams, Pyrinto1.0 
 8. Heinonen, Korihait1.0 
 9. Niemi, Pyrinto1.0 
 10. Lehtoranta, Kata.1.0 


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


Orleans and Roanne win in friendly games - by Eurobasket News
Orleans and Roanne celebrated in friendly games which were played yesterday.
Orleans blasted SNB with huge 103-62. Cedrick Banks (190-G-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Ill.-Chicago) exploded with 25 points and 6 rebounds in this victory. Yohann Sangare (193-G-83) followed him with 15 points, 7 boards and 5 assists. On the other side, SNB got 11 points and 7 rebs from Karim Ouattara (198-F-79, college: Albany). They second scorer was Negueba Samare with 9 points (8 rebs).
Roanne hosted Dijon and handed them 86-62 loss. Roanne was much better team during the entire game. Their best player was Philippe Braud (194-G-85). He scored 22 points, including six triples (6/11).
ProA begins in two weeks.

Charleroi suspends Mickael Gelabale indefinitely - by Eurobasket News
Charleroi decided to suspend Mickael Gelabale's (201-F-83) contract indefinitely. The reigning Belgian champion will make a final decision about the French player after the Euroleague Qualifying Tournament. Gelabale will have to miss 4-6 weeks due to ankle injury which he suffered during the EuroBasket in Lithuania. Charleroi stated that Gelabale had only X-rays after the injury and not MRI, despite it should be done. He will not be able to help Charleroi in Euroleague qualifications.
Mickael Gelabale joined Charleroi during the summer. He spent last season with ASVEL averaging 14.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists for 36 games in ProA. Gelabale also added 12.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 2.8 apg for 6 games in EuroCup. Before ASVEL, he spent one season with Cholet and helped them win the ProA title. Gelabale was a member of the Seattle Supersonics from 2006 to 2008.
Mickael Gelabale helped France to win the Silver at the EuroBasket in Lithuania. He had 7.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1 apg for 9 games.

Ian Mahinmi refuses offer made by SIG Strasbourg - by Eurobasket News
Ian Mahinmi (6'9''-F/C-86) will not join SIG Strasbourg. The French team offered Mahinmi a six-week deal, but the player refused it. He expected bigger salary. Mahinmi should temporarily replace injured Nicolas De Jong. Ian Mahinmi won the NBA title last season with Dallas Mavericks. He appeared 59 times for the club averaging 3.1 points and 2.1 rebounds. Before Dallas, Ian Mahinmi spent three years with the San Antonio Spurs. In first two Mahinmi mostly played for the Austin Toros in D-League. In 2009/10, he had 4.6 ppg and 2.3 rpg for the Spurs (24 games). In France, Ian Mahinmi played for Pau-Orthez and Le Havre. He played for the French National Team in 2009 and last year as well.

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


Jason Crowe Signs With Phoenix Hagen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
4 days before the start of the 2011-2012 Beko BBL season, Phoenix Hagen has brought in experience experience and experience with Jason Crowe (193-G-76, college: Cal.St. Northridge) something that the team can surely use especially at the point guard position.Crowe is a 35 year old 193cm guard that has played in 11 countries. He is a versatile and talented point guard, who is very coachable, willing to adapt his game to the needs of his coach and team. He can either be the true point guard, sacrificing his own points to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, or he can be the scorer. Crowe has excellent athleticism (speed and quickness), a stable handle, sees the floor, passes well and shoots it with range and touch. He also is a strong asset on the defensive side, able to put strong pressure on the ball and cause turnovers. Last season, he played for Waikato Pistons (New Zealand-NBL, starting five): 11 games: 12.0ppg, 5.0rpg, Assists-1 (6.7apg), Steals-1 (3.2spg), FGP: 28.1%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 69.2%. 'I see him as an intelligent player that can help us on and away from the court. We saw last season how important an experienced player can be with david Bell. That Jason Crowe can be like that, he has shown in the past', stressed Phoenix Hagen head coach Ingo Freyer.

Crowe started his basketball career at Cal.St.-Northridge (NCAA) where he played from 1996-1999. In 1999-2000, he played fro La Crosse Bobcats (CBA).In 2001-2002, he played for BC Kiev (Ukraine). In 2003-2004,he played for Los Angeles Clippers (NBA): released in Oct.'03, in Feb.'04 signed at Long Beach Jam (ABA). In 2004-2005, he played for Klima-Vill Kaposvar SE (Hungary-A Division): released before the season started, in Feb.'05 signed at MOL Szolnoki Olajbanyasz (Hungary-A Division): 5 games: 9.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.8apg, 3.8spg, 2FGP: 37.0%, 3FGP: 30.0%. In 2005-2006, he played for Petrochimi Imam Harbour (Iran-Superleague): 22.3 ppg., 7.4 apg., 5.8 rpg, 5.6 spg. In 2006-2007, he played for : In Nov.'06 tested by WTK Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-DBL, starting five), but not signed, then moved to SKS Polphamra-Pakmet Starogard Gd. (Poland-DBL, starting five), left in Feb.'07: 11 games: 9.5ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.9apg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 72.7%. In 2007-2008, he played for Gold Coast Blaze (Australia-NBL, starting five): 30 games: 16.8ppg, 6.3rpg, Assists-3 (5.4apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 68.9%. In 2008-2009, he played for In Jan.'09 signed at Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun (Mexico-LNBP, starting five): 11 games: 19.5ppg, 6.2rpg, 6.8apg, 3.7spg, 2FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 47.8%, FT: 69.2%. In 2010-2011, he played for Levski Sofia (Bulgaria-NBL, starting five): Bulgarian League: 24 games: 11.3ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-1 (5.6apg), Steals-1 (2.4spg), FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 78.3%; Balkan League: 9 games: 7.8ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 26.2%, FT-3 (92.9%), left in Apr.'11. Awards/Achievements in his career have been CBA Finalist -00
Ukrainian League Finalist -02, Ukrainean League Semifinals -03, Iranian Superleague Regular Season Runner-Up -06, Iranian Superleague Finalist -06, New Zealand NBL Semifinals -07, 11, New Zealand NBL Regular Season Runner-Up -07, Australiabasket.com All-Australian NBL Honorable Mention -08, New Zealand NBL Regular Season Runner-Up -08, 11, New Zealand NBL Champion -08, Ukrainian All-Star Game -10, Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague Defensive Player of the Year -10, Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague 2nd Team -10, Balkan League Semifinals -11, Australiabasket.com All-New Zealand NBL Import Player of the Year -11, Australiabasket.com All-New Zealand NBL 1st Team -11,and Australiabasket.com New Zealand NBL All-Imports Team -11

Source: Phoenix Hagen

Standings - Pro B
ProB Standings
Group North
 1. Dorsten 1-0 
 2. Rist Wedel 1-0 
 3. Stahnsdorf 1-0 
 4. Vechta 1-0 
 5. Wulfen 1-0 
 6. Hannover 0-0 
 7. Herten 0-0 
 8. ALBA Berlin II 0-1 
 9. Bayer Giants 0-1 
 10. Bernau 0-1 
 11. Schwelm 0-1 
 12. SU Medien 0-1 
 13. Wolfenbuettel 0-1 
Group South
 1. Gotha 2-0 
 2. Hanau 1-0 
 3. Langen 1-0 
 4. Leipzig 1-0 
 5. Licher Baeren 1-0 
 6. Noerdlingen 1-0 
 7. BG Illertal 0-1 
 8. BSW Sixers 0-1 
 9. Dragons 0-1 
 10. Fraport SKY II 0-1 
 11. Giessen 0-1 
 12. TSV Troester 0-1 


Can The Fraport Skyliners Defense Force Bobby Brown To Shout Dont Be Cruel When They Meet The Ewe Baskets Oldenburg October 3rd? - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
When Dominik Bahiense De Mello comes out of the runway and enters the Fraport arena he wont go right, but left to warm up and will be wearing the untypical yellow and blue which will get some getting used to like it is not see Charlie Sheen and his womanizing ways on Two and a half men, seeing Manuel Neuer in a Bayern Munich jersey and not Schalke uniform or thinking actor Nicholas Cage could be a vampire and have been around during the American civil war as an antique picture was revealed of a man that has a scary resemblance to the Con Air man. De Mello played 6 years in Frankfurt for 6 different coaches and who could forget his strong performance in a 2005 game in the Festhalle in a loss to Bonn or his 19 point effort in a 80-81 loss to Alba Berlin in game one of the playoffs last season. It is no secret that De Mello didnt always have an easy time playing for Murat Didin, but as new coach Gordon Herbert took the reigns in April 2010, the tide started to turn for the Bonn native. Last season, his first full season for Herbert, De Mello started many games averaging 17,2 minutes per game and 5.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 76.9%. At 26 years of age, the German has matured well, but how well will he come to terms with the style, mentality and moods of head coach Predrag Krunic ? Dominik will make it in Oldenburg. I feel that he will play a good role. He will get his minutes and know how to use them best. He has so much talent and he will gain the confidence of Krunic once he shows his aggressive defense, stressed Skyliner captain Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops). De Mello wont have it any easier in Oldenburg as he did in Frankfurt fighting for playing time as his new team went on a successful shopping spree this summer it will depend how the German shows up to play. De Mello has a new situation and a good team. I dontknow what his role will be, but it is up to him how he will show is talent best, warned Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak . I think Domink will do great in that system. He just has to play his game and he will be a key piece this season. he is a solid back up and will give them a shooter and play solid defense as well, added TBB Trier guard John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). On October 3, the Fraport arena will see De Mello again and just hope that his three pointer isnt on fire.

Since their amazing 2009 Beko BBl title where they beat Bonn in a nail biting 5th game 71-70, the team has reached the playoffs the last two years, but for fans and critics have stayed behind their expectations losing in the quarterfinals of the playoffs each time. Last season, the EWE Baskets Oldenburg finished the season in sixth place with a record of 20-14. The teams biggest wins last season were sweeping the Artland Dragons and wins against Frankfurt, Bremerhaven and Goettingen, but were swept by Bamberg and Alba Berlin. Oldenburg had done a good job again with getting strong individual players, but had no real knowledge of team basketball. In the Beko BBL playoffs, the EWE Baskets Oldenburg showed a spirited fight against 8 time Beko BBL champion Alba Berlin coming back after being in the hole 0-2, they won the next two games including an exciting 80-79, win in game 4, but then had no power left in their thunderbird wings as they were destroyed 99-68 in the 0-2 arena.

After a serious house cleaning last year, they have felt content to do it again this season as 10 players left. The first order of business was keeping 29 year old Rickey Paulding (12.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 79.5%)who will be playing his 5th season in Oldenburg, brought back 28 year old 207cm Serb Miljan Mastorovic who played in the ACB last season for Assignia Manresa playing 33 games: 6.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 64.9% who was the three point killer who was instrumental in the 2009 championship for Oldenburg and 24 year old 208cm German /Dutch Robin Schmeulders (: EuroCup: 6 games: 5.3ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 55.0%, FT: 83.3%; German League: 17 games: 2.6ppg, 1.6rpg). Just looking at their roster, you know that they will be at the top. They will belong to the top, warned Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak . This season, they have brought in strong players again led by Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) who brings 108 NBA games experience. The club hopes some of his albatross magic from the 2008 Beko BBL title will still be with him and rub off on the Thunderbirds team. One never knows exactly what Skyliner head coach Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ) is thinking, but his eye brows rose after describing the unending capabilities of Oldenburg. Oldenburg have improved their inside game. Oldenburg is aiming high and are a top 4 team for me. They are simply impressive on paper, warned Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ). Oldenburg will be very solid this season. The addition of Brown gives them a steady scoring pg, and Chubb brings a low post pressence and a very good leader on and off the court. They will have a lot of success, warned John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.).

One of the biggest signings this summer in the Beko BBL was Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton). Brown is a 28 year old 188cm guard from Los Angeles that is a very athletic combo guard with great scoring and leaping ability. He brings 108 NBA games experience having played for the Kings, Timberwolves, Hornets and Clippers. Last season, he played for Asseco Prokom Gdynia (Poland-PLK): 4 games: 23.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.3apg, 1.8spg; Polish League: Euroleague: 6 games: 10.7ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 87.5%; Polish League: VTB League: 5 games: 12.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 38.5%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 56.3%; left in Dec.'10, same month moved to Aris Thessaloniki (Greece-A1, starting five): Greek League: 29 games: 11.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 67.9%; EuroCup: 9 games: 14.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 75.0% . The club hopes some of his Albatross magic from the 2008 Beko BBL title will still be with him and rub off on the Thunderbirds team. Brown has a nice resume. He won his only time in Germany with Alba Berlin and he will want it again with Oldenburg. He is a top level player with NBA experience. He is tough to guard and with all the players around him like Paulding makes it all the more difficult, stressed Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ). When Skyliner captain Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops) hears the name Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) only the basketball player comes to mind. Brown is an excellent player and his name stands for success. We will see how well he can lead Oldenburg. When I hear his name I dont think about the singer Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton). That is not my kind of music, joked Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops). Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) the singer comes to mind for sure, but when you step on the court all the thoughts about the singer go to rest because his game does the talking. As far as the song goes I would say my prerogative cause at times it seems that he does what he wants to do, joked John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.).

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg added a lot of substance this summer getting some ex Beko BBL players with Adam Chubb (208-F/C-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Pennsylvania) and Ronald Burrell. Chubb is a 30 year old 208cm power forward/center from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania that is a Very athletic big man, runs the floor extremely well. Sound fundamental player who has good hands, fine low-post presence and is a good passer to players who are open or cutting to the basket. Can defend a center in the low-post as well as a power forward perimeter player. He will be starting his 8th professional season and 6th in Germany.After starting his professional basketball career in Korea in 2004, he then played in Germany for Giessen, Bremerhaven, Artland and Alba Berlin before getting some valuable experience last season for CAI Zaragoza (Spain-ACB): 34 games: 7.4ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 52.0%, FT: 69.4%. He won a Beko BBL cup for Artland and Alba Berlin. Ronald Burrell is a 28 year old 204cm power forward from Montclair, New Jersey. After an NCAA career at North Carolina-Greensboro, he came to Europe in 2005 to France to play for Levallois SCB. He then came to Germany and played for Rhein Energy Cologne and the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He then played for Polish Euroleague team Asseco Prokom Gdynia winning 3 Polish titles and amassing 45 Euroleague games. Last season, he played Euroleague: 9 games: 3.7ppg, 3.4rpg; Polish League: 34 games: 5.8ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 73.8%. The team also got talented Kenny Hasbrouck (191-G-86, college: Siena) who is a 25 year old 191 cm guard from Capital heights, Maryland who is a smooth, mature, creative off guard, plays game with great confidence, composure and pace, tremendous all-around talent with great leadership qualities and is a big game player. The American played at Siena and will be playing his third professional season after playing in the D-league and last season playing for the Miami heat in preseason before playing for Meridiano Alicante in the ACB playing 20 games: 10.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 74.3%.

Predrag Krunic mostly has had the right feel for getting the right players from the east block and might have found another player with Sead Sehovic who is a 22 year old 199cm forward that is most likely the most talented young player in Montenegro for his At 201cm he plays equally well at PG, SG, and SF. Can dunk the basketball almost from the free throw line at age of 17. Has great handles for his size and can score from anywhere on the court. Can shoot in transition, off the dribble, and off the catch. He played for top Montenegro team BC Buducnost Podgorica since 2007 and last season played Adriatic League: 26 games: 5.9ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 77.6%; Euroleague Qualifying Round: 2 games: 8.5ppg, 1.5rpg. The club also hauled in Germans Jannik Freese (211-F/C-86) and Christopher Razis. Freese who is 211cm is a Beko BBL veteran at the age of 25.He played many years in Braunschweig, but never getting a real chance to showcase his talent until he got to Giessen in 2008. In the last 3 years, he played 76 beko BBL games and last season averaged 4,1ppg and 2,7rpg. The team also brought in Razis who is a 22 year old 193cm guard that was born in Switzerland, but also has the Cyprus citizenship. He is a point guard who can play at the off guard as well. Nice ball handler with good Point guard abilities. He has very high level Basketball IQ, he can always find the open man in offense. He can hit the 3-pointer as well as the two pointer from any given spot in the court. Christopher has excellent attitude on and off the floor. He is very coach able and basketball lover he can work out many hours per day as he really targets the sport and he sees him self seriously into the court, in the short term future. He is persistence and always optimist in and out of the court. He is perfectionist and tries always to get the maximum out of his ability. He needs to improve his defense, especially on the man-to-man. Last season, he played for Keravnos Strovolou (Cyprus-Division A): Cyprus League: 2 games: 0pts, 1.5rpg; : EuroChallenge Qualifying Round: 2 games: 0pts, 2.5rpg, 1.5apg, in Nov.'10 moved to Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD Agios Dometios (Cyprus-Division A): 10 games: 3.8ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg.

The Fraport Skyliners start a new era as they begin the 2011-2012 Beko BBl season with their third new sponsor name Fraport after having Opel and Deutsche Bank previously. Last season as the Deutsche Bank Skyliners, the club finished their 12th season losing in the semi finals in five games to Alba Berlin. Even though it was a team effort, a lot of the load lied on the shoulders of 2011 beko BBL MVP DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.). In early summer, Frankfurt fans were hoping that Wood and Gordon Herbert would stay for another season, but instead Herbert fled to Berlin who couldnt resist the wallet of Marco Baldi and Wood soon followed. For new coach Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ) who led Nymburk to 4 league and cup titles in the Czech Republic and was a hair away from leading Alba Berlin to the 2011 beko BBL title, success is his middle name. We want to play a nice style so people will want to come see us play. Each player has been working hard and giving their best effort. The rest will follow with time. It takes time to build a new team and team chemistry, stressed Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ). I think Frankfurt will have a great season. They did lose DaShaun Wood but they kept some key pieces to last seasons team. Mckinney is a steady player and does so many things for that team that didnt get noticed last season because of the success that Wood had, stressed John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). The Fraport Skyliners have had a successful preseason record of 7-2 and giving the young German PRO B players the chance to get involved has been very important. It is really great that they can get the experience to practice at the top level. I felt very old in practice having 6 19 year olds standing around me, joked Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops). The PRO B players have been a huge help in practice, added Kamil Novak . The Fraport Skyliners have shown in preseason that when their ball movement is flowing that the sky is the limit in the amount of points that they can score. I think that we can average 80 points this season, but it is important that the opponent scores less. Our offense and defense are not at the same level now. We have to improve our defense. We are lacking toughness and the players dont know the system so well yet, but I see good signs. It takes time, warned Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ).
The Fraport Skyliners kept a healthy core of players from last season including new captain Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops) (EuroCup Qualifying Round: 2 games: 4.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.0spg; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 5.2ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 55.6%, FT: 61.1%; German League: 42 games: 5.1ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 56.1%, FT: 71.4%). Marius is the best captain. It is not always good to say good things when that person is sitting next to me. He is a veteran and excellent team player. He always works hard and shows a great example for the young players. For me it is just natural that he is captain, commented Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ).

Quantez Super Tez Robertson (EuroChallenge: 6 games: 6.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 83.3%; German League: 38 games: 7.7ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 68.9%) and Jimmy slick and suave Mckinney (EuroCup Qualifying Round: 2 games: 12.0ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.0apg; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 8.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 36.0%, 3PT: 43.5%; German League: 37 games: 9.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 79.4%. remain. The team brought in German national player Johannes Herber who is a 28 year old 197cm guard from Darmstadt that is a big SG, great 3-points shooter, with a strong body. Scores the most of his points from the perimeter, but his bulk allow him to battle inside, and this is why he's a good rebounder too. Defends well, even because he's got a great knowledge of the game. He played at West Virginia (NCAA) where he reached the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight in 2005 and NCAA Sweet 16 in 2006. He then played for Alba Berlin from 2006-2009, but was plagued by injuries playing only 63 Beko BBL games. Last season, he played for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 34 games: 6.6ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 66.7%. The club got German national player Tim Ohlbrecht who is a 23 year old 211cm forward from Wuppertal. He is a has excellent fundamentals, very good shooting mechanics, has a nice frame, with big, strong shoulders. He is very versatile and can play any of the 2-5 positions, exceptional at running the floor. Tim is an explosive leaper with quickness and athleticism, he hits the three consistently when left open He is an athletic shot-blocker with good timing, finishes well around the basket. He has a nice repertoire of moves in the paint. Lastly he possesses good vision and passing skills. He started his basketball career with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen where he already played BBL at age 17. He then went to Bamberg and played with Bonn the last two seasons, but his stats dipped last season to 6.7ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 33.3%. He has a contract until December with an option and to hear that this might be his last chance at 23 sounds disheartening. he was in the final with Bonn and can still develop much. I dont know if it is his last chance, but I know that he has a very big chance in Frankfurt to get his career going again, warned Kamil Novak .

With the departure of DaShaun Wood, the Fraport Skyliners had to find a new point guard and did With Justin Gray (188-G-84, college: Wake Forest). Gray is a 27 year old 188cm guard from Charlotte, North Carolina that is versatile enough to excel at point guard as well as the big guard. An enthusiastic, high-energy guard who brings a swagger to the team. he is a team vocal leader, possesses great quickness and is an exceptional perimeter shooter. He played at Wake Forest playing with NBa superstar Chris paul and played the last years in Belgium, Poland, Czech Republick, Greece and recently for Guangzhou Free Man (China-NBL, starting five): 9 games: 24.4ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.0apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 37.8%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 85.4%. It didnt hurt that Katzurin had coached Gray for Nymburk. The point guard is the most important position on the court. It is important that he can play the position one and two. It is important that a player is like two players. He is a special player for me, because he has the right attitude. He understands the game and has gathered more experience in the last years. He has a great basketball IQ and very important is that he is unselfish. He could score 40 points a night, but he shares the ball and takes what the defense gives him, stressed Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ). Gray knows Katzurin and knows the system of coach exactly. Gray has shown in the test games how important he has become.Wood was an unbelievable good player. Gray is at similar level. Gray has shown that he can score and also be a good playmaker. Gray doesnt have to hide behind Wood, added Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops). The club also got Jermario Davidson who is a 26 year old 208cm forward/center from Atlanta, Georgia. He played at Alabama (NCAA) from 2003-2007. He then was drafted by the Golden State Warriors and played 50 NBA games for the Bobcats and Warriors. Since then he has played in countries like Turkey, Puerto Rico and most recently Krasnie Krilya Samara (Russia-PBL): Russian League: 7 games: 4.6ppg, 4.0rpg; EuroCup: 4 games: 9.8ppg, 4.3rpg, left in Dec.'10, same month moved to Idaho Stampede (D-League): 30 games: 15.3ppg, Reb-3 (10.1rpg), 1.5bpg, FGP: 52.2%, FT: 75.9%. The club also signed Jon Leuer (208-F-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wisconsin) who is a Beko BBL rookie who is a 22 year old 208 cm forward from Long Lake, Minnesota who is a solid power forward that has great team mentality and defensive smartness. Knows how to score (and to gain fouls) in the low post, has a good outside shooting too. He played at Wisconsin (NCAA) from 2007-2011 and in his senior year played 34 games 18.3ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 84.3%. recently, he was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round at position 40. There is a clause in his contract stating if the NBA resumes that he is free to go if a team wants him. The team recently gave try-out player Michael Thompson (177-PG-89, college: Northwestern) a contract until the end of December2011. Thompson is a 23 year old 177cm guard from Chicago, Illinois who played at Northwestern from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played 34 games: 16.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 82.5%. Interesting to note that he nearly shot over 40% his whole career except for his senior year. The club also signed young German Danilo Barthel who is a 19 year old 206cm forward. He played at USC Heidelberg from 2008-2011 and last season played 14 games: 4.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.0apg.

When the 2011 beko BBl season kicks off on Monday October 3rd, not only basketball will be on the minds of fans, but also the day of the German unification. It never matters to me when we play, but this is the first game of the season and it is important to get off to a good start. I remember when I was a child and telling me to come to the TV saying that this day will be in the history books one day. I am so happy about one Germany. It was the right decision, expressed Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops). As for me it is something special to play on a day like this. It is a meaningful day in Germany and being American i feel that we should adapt to the culture surrounding us. It is a special day not just for Germany but around the world as well, commented John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.).The Fraport Skyliners will be very excited to finally get going, but may feel some pressure about winning their first game with the new sponsor against the tough EWE Baskets Oldenburg. There will be a lot of emotion in this game. We will fight and present ourselves as a team, stressed Kamil Novak . As captain, Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops) exactly what to tell his team in the pre game huddle. We will play with a high intensity and a lot of passion. Our goal is to be mentally strong. The team that wants it more will win, warned Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops). Frankfurt is unbelievably deep and solid at each position and if they can get their ball movement going at any time, then they will put many points on the board. Key to winning the first game will be keeping Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) in check and controlling the rebounds which should be a strength this season with so many bigs. The game will also feature the return of De Mello and its always a delight to see the two friends from Missouri (NCAA) Mckinney and Paulding go head to head to achieve bragging rights for another year.The Fraport Skyliners host the EWE Baskets Oldenburg October 3rd at 17:00.

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  GREECE   


Ilisiakos tab Kyle Johnson - by Eurobasket News
Ilisiakos bolstered their backcourt prior to the start of the new season. They signed deal with Kyle Johnson (195-G-88). The guard will start his pro career in Greece. Kyle Johnson just graduated from the Long Island University. He tallied 10.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in his senior season. The guard finished 11th-ranked on LIU all-time scoring list. Kyle Johnson is the member of British National Team. He participated at the European Championship last month. The guard produced 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game in Lithuania. The guard participated at Nike Global Challenge in Portland, Oregon back in 2007.


Rethymno Aegean bring in Tarick Johnson - by Eurobasket News
Rethymno Aegean strengthened their roster. They landed Tarick Johnson (192-G/F-81, college: Campbell). The forward spent the last season in Cyprus. He tallied 6.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per EuroChallenge game for Etha Engomis. In Cyprus League Tarick Johnson posted 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.6 steals per appearance. Previously Tarick Johnson had stints in Germany, Netherlands, Spain.


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  ICELAND   


Courtney Beasley sign in Iceland - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
6'3' guard From Southern Mississippi Courtney Courtney Beasley (191-G-85) sign with Thor Thorlakshofn for upcoming season. Thor moved up to Iceland Express league after last season.
Courtney Courtney Beasley (191-G-85) had a standout career at S.Mississippi.
James Bartolotta (193-G-86, college: MIT) is back at IR, the combo guard with USA/Italian passport played half of last season with the Club. Bartolotta had a good season with Club.
With him back Andrew Brown (180-G, college: Lafayette) lost his job at the Club

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  INDONESIA   


Standings - IBL
NBL Standings
 1. Aspac 5-0 
 2. CLS Knights 5-0 
 3. Pelita Jaya 4-1 
 4. Garuda 3-1 
 5. Satria Muda 2-2 
 6. Stadium Jak. 2-2 
 7. Bima Sakti 2-3 
 8. Comfort Mobile 1-3 
 9. Muba Hangtuah 1-3 
 10. Satya Wacana 1-3 
 11. NSH GMC Riau 0-4 
 12. Pacific Caesar 0-4 


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  ITALY   


Standings - SerieA
SerieA Standings
 1. Angelico BI 0-0 
 2. Armani MI 0-0 
 3. Banca Tercas 0-0 
 4. Banco di Sard. 0-0 
 5. Benetton TV 0-0 
 6. Bennet Cantu 0-0 
 7. Cimberio VA 0-0 
 8. CS Bologna 0-0 
 9. Fabi Shoes 0-0 
 10. Lottomatica 0-0 
 11. Montepaschi 0-0 
 12. Novipiu CM 0-0 
 13. Pepsi Caserta 0-0 
 14. Scavolini PS 0-0 
 15. Sidigas AV 0-0 
 16. Umana Venezia 0-0 
 17. Vanoli CR 0-0 


Standings - Lega 2
Lega2 Standings
 1. Aget Imola 0-0 
 2. Assi Ostuni 0-0 
 3. Biancoblu BO 0-0 
 4. Centrale Latte 0-0 
 5. Enel Brindisi 0-0 
 6. Fileni BPA 0-0 
 7. Giorgio Tesi PT 0-0 
 8. Givova Scafati 0-0 
 9. MarcoPoloShop 0-0 
 10. Morpho Basket 0-0 
 11. Prima Veroli 0-0 
 12. S.Antimo 0-0 
 13. Sigma Barcel. 0-0 
 14. Tezenis Verona 0-0 
 15. Trenkwalder 0-0 


Montegranaro tabs Ivan Zoroski - by Giovanni Bargna
After being looking for a point-guard in the last week Fabi Shoes Montegranaro has announced Ivan Zoroski (195-G-79).
The italian team signed Edgar Sosa (188-PG-88, college: Louisville) and Fabio Di Bella (187-PG-78) this summer in order to have a very skilled roster in the point-guard position, but Sosa suffered a terrible injury (broken leg) less than a month ago while playing with his National team at the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship. The injury will keep him sidelined for the whole season.
That is why Fabi Shoes Montegranaro and its general manager Gianmaria Vacirca got on the market immediately looking for another point guard to face the upcoming season.
Ivan Zoroski, at Banca Tercas Teramo last season, is another great addition to the roster. Though they had to replace Sosa in such a short time they found a very skilled player who knows the italian legue very well.
The Serbian was one of the best players of the last Lega A tournament in his role. He averaged 16 points per game, 3.8 assists. He's been the third best scorer of the whole tournament.

Ivan Zoroski grew-up at Zeleznik Belgrade, then moved to Olympiacos where made his debut in the Euroleague with 13.8 points scored per game.
After that he played for Charleroi (Belgium), Dinamo Moscow, Valladolid in the ACB, then got back to Greece at Panionios before signing with Teramo.

The player will join the team early next week.

Kobe Bryant says Italy move 'very possible' - by Eurobasket News
Kobe Bryant (198-G-78) said it was 'very possible' he will play in Italy during the NBA lockout, adding the country is like home because he spent part of his childhood there.

Virtus Bologna has made numerous contract offers to the Los Angeles Lakers star. Bryant discussed the offer with the Gazzetta dello Sport during a sponsor's appearance in Milan on Wednesday.

'It's very possible. It would be a dream for me,' Bryant said, according to the Gazzetta. 'There's an opportunity that we've been discussing over the last few days. It's very possible and that's good news for me.'

Virtus told The Associated Press that the latest talks are centered on a $2.5 million offer for 10 games over 40 days from Oct. 9 to Nov. 16. That would come out to about $1.5 million after taxes.

The deal would allow Bryant to return to the Lakers immediately if the lockout ends.

The 33-year-old Bryant spent several years in Italy when his father, Joe Bryant, played on five teams from 1984-91. The elder Bryant, who once owned a small part of Olimpia Milano, now coaches the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA.

'Italy is my home. It's where my dream of playing in the NBA started. This is where I learned the fundamentals, learned to shoot, to pass and to (move) without the ball,' Kobe Bryant said, according to the Gazzetta. 'All things that when I came back to America the players my age didn't know how to do because they were only thinking about jumping and dunking.'

Turkish club Besiktas and at least one team in China have expressed interest in Bryant, a winner of five NBA championships and 13-time All-Star. However, he seems most interested in the Virtus offer.

'It's a huge honor for me to return to Italy. It's home for me,' Bryant said in fairly fluent Italian in a video posted on the Gazzetta website. 'It's always been a dream for me to play in Italy. We've got to wait and see what happens.'

Virtus also recently reached out to Manu Ginobili, who played with Bologna before joining the San Antonio Spurs in 2002. Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari rejoined his former Italian club Olimpia Milano last week.

The NBA season usually begins in late October, but owners and players have failed to agree on a new labor deal. The two sides are at odds over how to divide the league's revenue, a salary cap structure and the length of guaranteed contracts.

Last week, NBA officials announced the postponement of training camp and the cancellation of 43 preseason games.

Virtus has won 15 Italian league titles but none since 2001, when it also won the Euroleague for the second time.

Bologna opens the Italian league against Roma on Oct. 9. It did not qualify for this season's Euroleague, although the team has big ambitions after signing former Clemson point guard Terrell McIntyre, who led Siena to four consecutive Italian titles before transferring to Malaga in Spain last season.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Gallinari first game with Olimpia Milano is a W - by Edoardo Tamalio
The Olympia preseason continues through victories and beats the Benetton Treviso 90-81 in the triangular Costa del Sol, repeating the success against Treviso in Caorle ten days ago. It was the debut of Danilo Gallinari (205-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) with the red and white jersey and the No. 13 has just left its mark on the match, closing a total of 12 personal points, as well as Nicholas and Bourousis (in a double-double with 10 rebounds). In Treviso, not enough the Gentile's performance with 22 points.
The first part of the game is balanced with the two teams meet head-on and but in the second quarter Milano lead the game with Nicholas,Cook and Hairston.
The game takes the Olimpia's road in the third quarter, when the team reached double figures advantage, thanks to improved teamwork and the domain under the boards.
There was Jeff Viggiano, who has suffered an 'accidental distortion of the left ankle injury' during the last training session. The conditions of the player will be revalued over the next few days. The Olympia will be again on the basketball court tomorrow night (always at 20.30) against the hosts dell'Unicaja Malaga, in the last and decisive round of the triangular.

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  JAMAICA   


KK Mornar Basket Bar signed Akeem Scott - by Eurobasket Center
Akeem Scott (186-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point) is the latest signing of Mornar Bar. The 28 years old Harlem ( NYC) native, arrived in Montenegro yesterday and signed a one year deal. This will not be his first experience in Europe. He also played for UU- Korihait Uusikaupunki, Vantaan Pussihukat and Honka Espoo Playboys, where he played under current Mornar coach Mihajlo Pavicevic. They won the Finnish league in 2008 and Scott was awarded MVP of the finals.

Mornar was close to sign guard Blake Hoffarber (193-G-88) from the University of Minnesota. He signed a 1+1 deal and was supposed to arrive in Montenegro last Thuesday. But the ex Golden Gopher had problems with his passport and the management of the club decided to sign Scott to replace him.



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  KAZAKHSTAN   


Asseco Prokom prevail against BC Astana in Krasnodar - by Eurobasket News
Asseco Prokom - BC Astana 75:68

Asseco Prokom clinched the third position at the Russian Railways Tournament in Krasnodar. They overcame BC Astana yesterday. Alonzo Gee (198-G-87, college: Alabama) stepped up with 14 points to pace the effort.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. BC Astana denied the deficit in the second frame. They levelled things up at 41 at the interval. The sides exchanged baskets throughout the close third term. The teams entered the fourth frame tied at 56. Prokom and BC Astana were knotted up at 66 with just two minutes remaining in regulation. But the Polish champions stepped on the gas in the dying moments and snatched a tough win at the end. Donatas Motiejunas (213-F/C-90, agency: Interperformances) posted 13 points and 9 rebounds, while Przemyslaw Zamojski (198-G/F-86, college: Independence CC) and Devin Brown (195-G/F-78, college: UTSA) added 11 points each for the winners. Jerry Johnson (183-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Rider) answered with 18 points for BC Astana. Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) and Goran Cakic (208-C/F-80, agency: Beo Basket) had 14 points each in the loss.

Asseco Prokom: Alonzo Gee 14, Donatas Motiejunas 13, Przemyslaw Zamojski 11, Devin Brown 11
BC Astana: Jerry Johnson 18, Rawle Marshall 14, Goran Cakic 14


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  LEBANON   


Wuhan 2001 a big disappointment for Lebanese Basketball - by Asia-Basket Lebanon
In 2009 when the Lebanese Men national Team lost in the semi against China with a bad call from the referee in the last seconds received all the respect from all Basketball people around the worlds for the good basketball the team was playing , this respect was later turned to receive a wild card to take part in the World Championship which was held in Turkey in 2010.

The FLB back then had a plan to host the 2011 Asian Championship to try to win it in front of the Lebanese Fans to go to London 2012 , Lebanon indeed received the honor to host the championship but tragic circumstances led to the exit of the FLB Committee and to come a new one which renounced the right to host the event.
The plan was to host the event and to have the best team ever assembled in order to create another big historical achievement, instead of this the FLB decided to send a group of talented players with no international experience to the most important championship in the calendar of FIBA ASIA.

This step made all the Asian critics wonder about the timing of such a move , Lebanon who finished runner 3 times in the past 5championships ( 2001,2005,2007) and 4th two times ( 2003,2009) couldnt finish only 6th in the 2011 Asian Championship , this 6th position came after a miraculous win against Japan in the positioning games.
The group of players who represented Lebanon did their maximum to represent the Lebanese Basketball in its best way , the coach also did all his best but neither the coach or the players can be blamed for this failure , the FLB should be blamed for many reasons :

1.The bad timing of the decision to send a new group of players before the most important Championship in the calendar of FIBA ASIA , this move can be done before the Stankovic Cup in which these young talented players can participate with a target to gain experience for the coming year Asian Championship.
2.The FLB didnt provided 1 camp in Turkey and 1 tournament in Qatar, the previous national teams used to have around 3 camps and 2 high level tournament s.
3.The previous National Teams used to play around 30 quality games before reaching the championships , this current national team played around 9 weak games. ( 3 vs Syria who finished 9th , 3 vs Qatar who finished 16th).

All the critics and Team Managers in Wuhan were very sure if the Lebanese National Team came with his 9 players missing from Tian Jin would have won the Championship in Wuhan, and it was more than sure if the FLB continued with the previous plan and worked to keep the championship in Lebanon and assembled its international players LEBANON TODAY WAS CELEBRATING ITS FIRST TITLE AND HIS FIRST TRIP TO THE OLYMPICS.

Basketball is a religion in Lebanon and we are very sure that will rise again and take center stage in the coming championships , the FLB is doing a good job with the youth National teams ( U16 & U17) , the U16 is now in Turkey for a camp as preparation for the FIBA ASIA U16 in Vietnam , the U17 is preparing for the WABA U17 Championship , these 2 national teams are working hard for a big period , the U16 program is going on since last summer , as for the U17 program started in last March , we are very confident that such work will help to achieve good results and to remind everybody in the world that Lebanon is the Basketball Country.


Foreigners List Updated: - by Rabih Khoury
Below you can find the foreigner list updated for the 2011-2012 season. Some teams have completed their roster by signing the 2 imports. Others are still in negotiations.

Riyadi: Dewarick Spencer (193-G-82, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Arkansas St.) - Ahmed Ismail (201-F-76)
Champville: Samuel Hoskin (206-F/C-79, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: De Paul) - Garnett Thompson (207-F/C-80, college: Providence)
Sagesse: Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.)
Mouttahed: Porter Troupe (196-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Portland) - Kibwe Trim (208-F/C-84, college: Sacred Heart)
Anibal: Jasmon Youngblood (195-G-84, college: Kent St.) - Ndudi Ebi (206-F-84, agency: Higher Vision Sports)
Hoops: Enique Clemons (180-G-80, college: Missouri)
Byblos: Desmond Penigar (201-F-81, college: Utah St.)
Antranik: Shelton Colwell (202-C/F-80, college: Missouri St.)
Bejje:

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


Standings - LKL
LKL Standings
 1. Baltai Kaunas 0-0 
 2. Juventus 0-0 
 3. Kedainiai 0-0 
 4. Lietuvos rytas 0-0 
 5. Naglis Palangos 0-0 
 6. Neptunas 0-0 
 7. Pieno Zvaigzdes 0-0 
 8. Rudupis 0-0 
 9. Sakalai 0-0 
 10. Siauliai 0-0 
 11. Techasas 0-0 
 12. Zalgiris 0-0 


Former NBA star Sabonis stable after heart attack - by Eurobasket News
Basketball Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis (7'4''-C-64) is in stable condition after suffering a heart attack.

Doctors in Sabonis' hometown of Kaunas, Lithuania, said Wednesday that the former NBA player is in intensive care, but the heart attack is not life-threatening.

The 46-year-old Sabonis was taken to a hospital Tuesday night after going into cardiac arrest while playing basketball.

Sabonis helped the Soviet Union win gold at the 1988 Olympics, beating the United States in the semifinals. The 7-foot-3 center played seven seasons for the Portland Trail Blazers between 1995-2003.

He was recently inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

Zalgiris and Kalev opened 2011/2012 VTB Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Kalev-Zalgiris 70:84

Zalgiris and Kalev opened 2011/2012 VTB Regular Season. While 4 other teams struggle for the last 2 tickets to the Regular Season, Zalgiris and Kalev started the campaign in Tallinn tonight as the Lithuanian titan clinched 84:70 victory.
Kalev surprised the favorites with 23-22 in the first period. Zalgiris needed a strong defense in the second quarter and limited the hosts to just 9 points. Tadas Klimavicius (204-F-82, agency: Interperformances) gave his side 42:34 lead at the halftime. Kalev did not give up and Armands Skele (192-G-83) reduced to 42:41 early in the third. Gregor Arbet made a jump shot to close the third quarter as Kalev trailed 5 points with 10 minutes remaining. Zalgiris however won the last stanza 27-18 and grabbed the first victory.
Tadas Klimavicius top-scored for the winners with 15 points, while Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC), Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) and Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) added 13 apiece. Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) followed them with 10 points in a win. Armands Skele delivered 19 points for the home side and Tanel Sokk (184-G-85) as well as Gert Dorbek (194-G-85) added 14 apiece.

Kalev: Armands Skele 19, Tanel Sokk 14, Gert Dorbek 14
Zalgiris: Tadas Klimavicius 15, Marko Popovic 13, Milovan Rakovic 13, Sonny Weems 13, Mantas Kalnietis 10


Naglis tab Bilal Benn - by Eurobasket News
Naglis Palangos are getting their roster shaped before the start of LKL season. They recently bolstered their backcourt. Naglis inked a deal with Bilal Benn (196-G/F-86, college: Niagara). The deal is meant for one season. The shooting guard played in PBL this year. He had a stint with the Vermont Frost Heaves. Bilal Benn tallied 3.0 points, 1.0 assist and 1.0 steal per game. The guard graduated from the Niagara University in 2010. Bilal Benn then started his pro career in Portugal. He tallied 7.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists for Ovarense in LPB.


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


KK Mornar Basket Bar signed Akeem Scott - by Darko Pekic
Akeem Scott (186-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point) is the latest signing of Mornar Bar. The 28 years old Harlem ( NYC) native, arrived in Montenegro yesterday and signed a one year deal. This will not be his first experience in Europe. He also played for UU- Korihait Uusikaupunki, Vantaan Pussihukat and Honka Espoo Playboys, where he played under current Mornar coach Mihajlo Pavicevic. They won the Finnish league in 2008 and Scott was awarded MVP of the finals.

Mornar was close to sign guard Blake Hoffarber (193-G-88) from the University of Minnesota. He signed a 1+1 deal and was supposed to arrive in Montenegro last Thuesday. But the ex Golden Gopher had problems with his passport and the management of the club decided to sign Scott to replace him.



Azovmash Mariupol lands Vladimir Golubovic - by Darko Pekic
The national team member of Montenegro, who was the last cut for the Eurobasket 2011 in Lithuania finally signed a deal for next season. He is the new member of Ukrainian giant Azovmash Mariupol, coached by serbian coach Aco Petrovic . During the summer he worked out with Crvena Zvezda Beograd and then moved to Turkey and signed with Besiktas. Unfortunately, Besiktas decided to realease him before the season start so he became free agent again.

The 25 year old Vladimir Golubovic (213-C-86) started his career in Vojvodina Novi Sad. He also played in Slovenia and Turkey before moving to Ukraine.



Buducnost lost in Vilnus - by Darko Pekic
KK Buducnost will not get a chance to play against Euroleague giants this seson. The brave boys from Podgorica lost against Lietuvos Rytas in the first Qualifying Round in Vilnius, Lithuania on Thursday.Ronnie Seibutis paced the winners with 17 points. Tyrese Rice (185-PG-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.) had 14 of his 16 points in the first half, Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) added 11 while Mindaugas Katelynas (205-F-83, college: Chattanooga) and Steponas Babrauskas (197-G/F-84) each got 10 for L. Rytas. Nikola Vucevic (208-F-90, college: USC) led Buducnost with 18 points while Nikola Ivanovic (187-G-94, agency: Beo Basket) added 14.

Katelynas got L. Rytas going with a baseline jumper and soon added a reverse layup but Vucevic scored twice in the paint and soon gave Buducnost a 4-6 lead. Jermaine Anderson nailed a jumper off the dribble and Bojan Krstovic (194-G-80) matched Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Beo Basket)i's layup with free throws for a 6-10 score. Seibutis and an unstoppable Vucevic traded jumper, as L. Rytas called timeout to adjust its frontcourt defense.. Rytas improved its defensive intensity early in the second quarter, and by the end of the quarter, Rice and his teamamates deserved their lead and fixed the halftime score at 40-32. Both team struggled to score early in the third quarter but the 4th quarter defintely decided the winner. The referees made some strange calls and young Buducnost squad could not return to the game. The final score was 84-63 for Rytas.

Lietuvos Rytas is set to face Cibona in the second Qualifying Round on Saturday while Buducnost will play the 2011-12 Eurocup.

The history of foreign players in Montenegro. Part one - by Darko Pekic
Who remembers Morris Finley? The undersized guy from Alabama who conquered the hearts of many fans in Bar with his great ball handling and shooting abilities Or his teammate Wayne Wallace, the nephew of Pistons Legend Ben Walace, rebounding machine like his cousin? They both played in Montenegro and did well, so well that after the season they got a lot of offers and moved to better leagues. During the last days of summer we can hear numerous rumors about transfers in Montenegro basketball. Some of them were true ( KK Buducnost signed Jerome Anderson whiile KK Mornar got Akeem Scott). Their managers can only hope that new arrivals will be as good as two guys mentioned above, or like Tony Stanley, the high flying scorer from Arlington (TX)? But how to know to pick the right player? Probably nobody knows that.. This is the story about the guys who used Montenegro as a first step in their careers and also a story about the guys who unfortunetey didn't make it and got lost in the world of professional basketball.

Let's start with KK Buducnost, the powerhouse from Montenegro. During the 90's they didn't have foreigners and relied mostly on domestic players. There were rumors about some negotiations with Eurolelius Zukauskas and Ashraf Amaya. Buducnost was a rich team, with influental people around and they had money to buy almost every player available on the market and they played safe- Buducnost formed an All Star team filled with superstars from Serbia) But the situation changed in the season 2000/2001 when they brought directly from the NBA, Mr. Jerome James himself! Jerome was a raw talent, 216cm tall with long arms, and soon he became fan favorite in whole Montenegro. People went to the games only to see James, the black beast who dunks all the time. He even destoyed a basketball board in our school in Bar,when he dunked during the warming up. James won the League and cup titles and moved to NBA after that season. He even made a name for himself there, earning 6.5 million dollars for only two games played during the season 2008-2009!!! James retired in 2010. However he can be considered the first real foreign players in Montenegro ( obviously, I don't want to count here players from the Balcan region). James was suceeded by Alexander Okunsky, the experienced big man from Ukraine. Okunsky was not very mobile and atractive but he knew how to get the job done. He left at the end of the season and moved to Greek side PAOK. Three years later Okunsky retired from professional basketball.. Alongside Okunsky Buducnost had John Brown, a terrific rebounder who loved to play with his back to the basket. This guy was really more useful to the team than James, he averaged 15.3ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.6apg in Euroleague but Buducnost failed to repeat the results from 2000/2001 season. Brown continued his career in Spain where he retired two years later. He is now part of the clothing industry.

People probably don't remember well Tony Stanley because after the 'golden ages' Buducnost was not unbeatable any more. But he played great. Tony carried the team on his back while averaging 16,1ppg, 5.6rpg in ULEB Cup and 15.8ppg, 3.2rpg in Adriatic League. After the end of the season he returned to France and he still plays there for SO Maritime Boulogne. As I mentioned before the golden ages were past and the dark age began for Buducnost. The players who followed Stanley in 'blue with' jersey will not be remembered as superstars but we should mention them here also. For example, who remembers Acie Earl, the ex Celtic, the second ex NBA player in Podgorica??? Acie was old when he came to Buducnost and lasted only two months but in the meantime he had good numbers: 17.0ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.4apg, 1.6spg, 2.2bpg in Adriatic League! He then signed in Kosovo and won the league title. In 2005 he was released once again from KK Zadar and decided to quit his successful career. Acie Earl is now the freshman coach at Solon High School, a class 2A school in east central Iowa.

And Shannon Crooks? Who remembers Shannon Crooks??? The strong guards from University of Massachusetts signed a deal with Buducnost for the season 2002/2003 but didn' play a single game! He was released during the preseason. After that he had some small roles in Portugal and even in Angola (?!). Not much from a player who could have been a good point guard. The NYC native, Bryan Bailey ,had the same luck. He was signed and released during the same summer. But the difference between him and Crooks is huge. He still plays in Europe for the German side Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck. Bailey even played in the Euroleague for EWE Baskets Oldenburg (2009/2010). Buducnost was not lucky at all with foreign point guards that years. the third was Walsh Jordan, small guy with a famous surname. But he was miles away from Jordan's style of play. In the euroleague Jordan averaged 3.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.2apg, 1.4spg. and was released after a couple of months. A year later he finished his career in France. And this is not the end of the suffer.His countryman,Troy Coleman was signed during the 2004/2005 season but he lasted not more than a month! For the records- he played 2 games in Adriatic League and averaged 7 points a game... It seems that Buducnost was his last professional experience.

After a couple of bad years, filled with poor foreign pics, Buducnost decided to dedicate to domestic players. Players like Gordic, Bakic, Sekularac took the scene. But during the season 2008/2009 they decided to test another American. His name was Michael Jenkins, and he was fresh out of college. Jenkins passed the test and was given a two year contract, first time in Buducnost history!. Unfortunately, he didn't see much playing time and after the end of the season decided to move to Germany. Now he pplays in Belgium for Optima Gent and is doing prety well.

For the 2010/2011 season Buducnost brough Lithuanian sharp shooter Ginatras Kadziulis. He played his role well and didn't disappoint. When the season was over he returned home.

Now we have to see what Jermaine Anderson is capable to do.



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


Efforts to save season reach 'key moment' - by Eurobasket News
Calling it a 'key moment' in efforts to reach a collective bargaining agreement, commissioner David Stern said Wednesday that the full negotiating committees from both sides will meet Friday and through the weekend as they try to save the 2011-12 season.

'There are enormous consequences at play here on the basis of the weekend,' Stern said after league negotiators and representatives for the National Basketball Players Association met for a second straight day at an Upper East Side hotel. 'Either well make very good progress, and we know what that would mean we know how good that would be, without putting dates to it or we won't make any progress. And then it wont be a question of just starting the season on time. There will be a lot at risk because of the absence of progress.'

In addition to the players' executive committee and the owners' full labor relations board, union president Derek Fisher said several 'key players' will be attending Friday's meeting. Among them are expected to be LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony, sources said, with other stars like Amar'e Stoudemire and Kevin Durant possibly joining the negotiations.

Deputy commissioner Adam Silver said the two sides agreed to expand their presence because 'whatever decisions we are now going to be making would be so monumental' as to require the presence of those who'd be signing off on them.

You didn't have to read to closely between the lines to catch the meaning from Stern and Silver, who sought to ratchet up the pressure on getting a deal or risk not simply an on-time start to the season, but indeed the whole thing. With training camps already postponed and a first batch of preseason games canceled, Stern said the two sides are 'at a period of enormous opportunity and great risk.'

'I can't say that common ground is evident, but our desire to try to get there I think is there,' Fisher said. 'We still have a great deal of issues to work through, so there won't be any Magic that will happen this weekend to just make those things go away. But we have to put the time in. We have a responsibility to people to do so.'

The incremental rise in doomsday talk from Stern signaled that the negotiations are entering a new phase, where the threat of a canceled season will become a leverage point for both sides. If no agreement is reached by the end of the weekend -- the four-week mark before the scheduled regular season opener -- it would be virtually impossible to get a subsequent deal written, hold abbreviated training camps and a preseason schedule, and pull off a shortened free-agent period.

And yet neither side evidently was prepared to move enough Wednesday to get within reach of a deal. That moment of truth, one way or another, should come in the next 96 hours.

Once the league agreed to replace its insistence on a hard cap with the more punitive luxury tax and other provisions -- a 'breakthrough,' as one person familar with the talks called it -- it sparked 'the process of negotiation' that the two sides have arrived at now.

'There could be some compromises reached,' the person said.

According to multiple sources familiar with the talks, the owners did not enhance their economic offer Wednesday, instead focusing on using systemic changes to hit the number they are seeking to achieve -- still 46 percent for the players over the life of a new deal. The problem, sources say, is that the players are not willing to accept a deal at that percentage, and that some of the systemic adjustments the league has proposed as alternatives to a hard team cap will act like a hard cap -- such as a luxury-tax system that rises from dollar-for-dollar tax to $2 or more.

NBPA executive director Billy Hunter has called a hard team salary cap a 'blood issue' for the union, and Fisher wrote in a letter to the union membership this week that he and Hunter will continue to oppose any deal that includes one 'unless you, the group we represent, tell us otherwise.'

In addition to what they presented as hard cap alternatives -- which also included a reduction in the Bird and mid-level exceptions -- league negotiators also have presented a concept that could drive a wedge in the players' association. In exchange for keeping certain spending exceptions in place -- albeit in a reduced form -- one idea floated by the owners was a gradual reduction in existing contracts -- the 'R' word, as in rollbacks -- that would minimize the financial hit for players who will be signing deals under the new system.

Such a proposal would alleviate the problem of players such as James, Wade, Stoudemire, Anthony, Chris Bosh and Joe Johnson having outsized contracts compared to stars who'd be faced with signing lesser deals under a new system. In essence, the players who already are under contract would take a percentage cut in the early years of a new CBA -- 5 percent the first year, 7.5 the second and 10 percent in the third year, sources said -- so that players like Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Deron Williams wouldn't bear a disproportionate share of the burden when they sign their max deals under the reduced salary structure the owners are seeking.

The provisions are not geared strictly for the star class of players; in fact, the proposed rollbacks would be across the board, 'for everyone,' a person with knowledge of the idea said. And while this concept may alleviate the problem of having future stars bear more of a burden, it would create other problems -- not the least of which is the players' unwillingness to accept a percentage of BRI in the mid 40s that would make such rollbacks necessary.

It is for this, and other reasons -- such as restrictions the owners would want even in a soft-cap system -- that a person familiar with the owners' ideas told CBSSports.com Tuesday night that what they were proposing was deemed 'alarming' by union officials.

And it is why Stern said Wednesday, 'We are not near a deal.'

'I'm focused on, lets get the two committees in and see whether they can either have a season or not have a season,' Stern said. 'And thats whats at risk this weekend.'

But amid all the comments made throughout these negotiations, it was an ordinary fan who hit a home run Wednesday with the most sensible statement yet. As Hunter and other union officials spoke with reporters on the street outside the hotel hosting negotiations, a guy in a white luxury sedan stopped in the middle of the street and started pounding on his door panel.

'We want basketball!' the fan shouted. 'Stop the playing and get it done!'

He then drove off, heading west, having made the most sense of anyone.

Courtesy of http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.com

Ian Mahinmi refuses offer made by SIG Strasbourg - by Eurobasket News
Ian Mahinmi (6'9''-F/C-86) will not join SIG Strasbourg. The French team offered Mahinmi a six-week deal, but the player refused it. He expected bigger salary. Mahinmi should temporarily replace injured Nicolas De Jong. Ian Mahinmi won the NBA title last season with Dallas Mavericks. He appeared 59 times for the club averaging 3.1 points and 2.1 rebounds. Before Dallas, Ian Mahinmi spent three years with the San Antonio Spurs. In first two Mahinmi mostly played for the Austin Toros in D-League. In 2009/10, he had 4.6 ppg and 2.3 rpg for the Spurs (24 games). In France, Ian Mahinmi played for Pau-Orthez and Le Havre. He played for the French National Team in 2009 and last year as well.

Kobe Bryant says Italy move 'very possible' - by Eurobasket News
Kobe Bryant (198-G-78) said it was 'very possible' he will play in Italy during the NBA lockout, adding the country is like home because he spent part of his childhood there.

Virtus Bologna has made numerous contract offers to the Los Angeles Lakers star. Bryant discussed the offer with the Gazzetta dello Sport during a sponsor's appearance in Milan on Wednesday.

'It's very possible. It would be a dream for me,' Bryant said, according to the Gazzetta. 'There's an opportunity that we've been discussing over the last few days. It's very possible and that's good news for me.'

Virtus told The Associated Press that the latest talks are centered on a $2.5 million offer for 10 games over 40 days from Oct. 9 to Nov. 16. That would come out to about $1.5 million after taxes.

The deal would allow Bryant to return to the Lakers immediately if the lockout ends.

The 33-year-old Bryant spent several years in Italy when his father, Joe Bryant, played on five teams from 1984-91. The elder Bryant, who once owned a small part of Olimpia Milano, now coaches the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA.

'Italy is my home. It's where my dream of playing in the NBA started. This is where I learned the fundamentals, learned to shoot, to pass and to (move) without the ball,' Kobe Bryant said, according to the Gazzetta. 'All things that when I came back to America the players my age didn't know how to do because they were only thinking about jumping and dunking.'

Turkish club Besiktas and at least one team in China have expressed interest in Bryant, a winner of five NBA championships and 13-time All-Star. However, he seems most interested in the Virtus offer.

'It's a huge honor for me to return to Italy. It's home for me,' Bryant said in fairly fluent Italian in a video posted on the Gazzetta website. 'It's always been a dream for me to play in Italy. We've got to wait and see what happens.'

Virtus also recently reached out to Manu Ginobili, who played with Bologna before joining the San Antonio Spurs in 2002. Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari rejoined his former Italian club Olimpia Milano last week.

The NBA season usually begins in late October, but owners and players have failed to agree on a new labor deal. The two sides are at odds over how to divide the league's revenue, a salary cap structure and the length of guaranteed contracts.

Last week, NBA officials announced the postponement of training camp and the cancellation of 43 preseason games.

Virtus has won 15 Italian league titles but none since 2001, when it also won the Euroleague for the second time.

Bologna opens the Italian league against Roma on Oct. 9. It did not qualify for this season's Euroleague, although the team has big ambitions after signing former Clemson point guard Terrell McIntyre, who led Siena to four consecutive Italian titles before transferring to Malaga in Spain last season.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Earl Clark leaves China due to personal reasons - by Eurobasket News
Clark Earl (6'9''-F-88, college: Louisville) left Chinese team Zhejiang Guanghsa. The NBA forward is on his way back to the United States due to personal reasons. Obviously there's no NBA season yet, but Clark's back to being an unrestricted free agent. His agent Happy Walters confirmed to HoopsHype that Clark had left, with the reason being 'personal reasons,' which is actually his girlfriend being pregnant. Initially, the word actually was Clark left because he 'couldn't get used to Chinese food.'

'They have been very cool and cooperative about it because they understand the reasons', Walters said to HoopsHype.

Clark Earl finished last season with Orlando Magic. He joined them in December averaging 4 points and 2.6 rebounds in 34 games. Before Orlando, Clark had 3.6 ppg and 2.1 rpg for 8 games with the Phoenix Suns. He played for the Suns also in 2009/10. At that time he had 2.7 ppg and 1.2 rpg for 53 games. Clark is a product of the Louisville University.

Timberwolves officially introduce Rick Adelman as new head coach - by Eurobasket News
The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has signed Rick Adelman to be the 10th head coach in franchise history. Adelman ranks eighth all-time in NBA coaching wins with a 945-616 (.605 winning percentage) career record in 20 seasons as a head coach. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

After a thorough search and interview process, were pleased to be bringing a coach of Rick Adelman s stature on board to coach the Minnesota Timberwolves, said David Kahn, Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations. Rick has proven time and again that he is one of the top coaches in basketball one of the top coaches in the history of our sport. We are excited to have him as the leader of our young and talented team.

From the start of the hiring process David (Kahn) identified Rick as the best man for the job, said Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor. Rick has a proven track record of success in the NBA and we are pleased that he is our new head coach.

Adelman, 65, has previously served as head coach of four NBA teams: Portland (1988-94), Golden State (1995-97), Sacramento (1998-2006) and Houston (2007-11). Some of his coaching highlights include: two NBA Finals appearances (1990 and 1992 with Portland), four Western Conference Finals (1989-90, 1990-91 and 1991-92 with Portland and 2001-02 with Sacramento) and four division titles (1990-91 and 1991-92 with Portland; 2001-02 and 2002-03 with Sacramento).

Im eager to start another chapter in my coaching career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Adelman said. We have a good nucleus of young players that I feel can grow together and win. Im looking forward to the challenge of building a playoff team here in Minnesota.

Adelmans teams have reached the NBA playoffs in 16 of his 20 seasons as a head coach, and he holds an all-time playoff record of 79-78 (.503 winning percentage). He is one of only five head coaches in NBA history to win 60+ games in a season with two different teams (Portland and Sacramento). Adelman has been runner-up for the NBA Coach of the Year award four times. Most recently, Adelman was the head coach of the Houston Rockets the past four seasons, leading Houston to a 193-135 record. His .588 winning percentage was the highest in franchise history.

Adelmans trademark offenses have finished among the top five in the NBA in scoring on 13 occasions over his head coaching career. He has had four additional teams rank in the top 10 in points per game. His teams have also shown a great balance on the defensive end of the floor. Adelman has had seven squads finish in the top five in scoring defense. Adelman, who will report to Kahn, will announce his Timberwolves coaching staff at a later date.

Adelman began his coaching career at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon, where his teams amassed a 141-39 record over six seasons (1977-83). Chemeketa won or shared in three Oregon community college championships and one regional title.

As a player, Adelman spent seven seasons in the NBA with the San Diego Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Jazz and Kansas City-Omaha Kings. Selected by the Rockets in the seventh round (79th overall) of the 1968 NBA Draft, the 6-2 guard averaged 6.7 points, 3.1 assists and 2.7 rebounds in two seasons as a reserve in San Diego. Adelman was taken by Portland in the 1970 NBA Expansion Draft and was made the first team captain in Trail Blazers history. Traded by the Trail Blazers to the Bulls prior to the 1973-74 campaign, Adelman was again dealt to the Jazz early in the 1974-75 season. Looking for veteran leadership in their run to the 1975 NBA Playoffs, the Kings made a late-season acquisition to obtain Adelman. He retired in 1975 with career averages of 7.7 points, 3.5 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 462 regular season games.

Adelman began his playing career at St. Pius X High School in Downey, California, before attending Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where he was named MVP of the West Coast Athletic Conference as a senior in 1967-68.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Former NBA star Sabonis stable after heart attack - by Eurobasket News
Basketball Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis (7'4''-C-64) is in stable condition after suffering a heart attack.

Doctors in Sabonis' hometown of Kaunas, Lithuania, said Wednesday that the former NBA player is in intensive care, but the heart attack is not life-threatening.

The 46-year-old Sabonis was taken to a hospital Tuesday night after going into cardiac arrest while playing basketball.

Sabonis helped the Soviet Union win gold at the 1988 Olympics, beating the United States in the semifinals. The 7-foot-3 center played seven seasons for the Portland Trail Blazers between 1995-2003.

He was recently inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

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  NBLCANADA   


Power sign five including top draft pick, three Canadians - by Eurobasket News
The Oshawa Power announced the signing of five players at a press conference at the Travelodge Hotel in Oshawa, Ontario on Wednesday September 28, 2011. National Basketball League of Canada number one overall draft pick Morgan Lewis (193-F-87, agency: Numbers Sports Agency, college: Findlay, OH) and Canadians Tut Ruach (188-G-85), Antwi Atuahene (191-G-84, college: Arizona St.) and Paul Blake (196-G/F) were introduced to the public and media. Aaron Perry (203-C/F-83, college: Sacramento St.), a Detroit, Michigan native was also signed by the Power.

Lewis, a 6'5' shooting guard from Painesville Ohio attended the University of Findlay and is coming off two seasons of playing professionally overseas. He was selected as the NBL Canada's #1 overall pick in its inaugural draft by the Oshawa Power on August 21 2011. Last year Lewis was the fourth leading scorer in the German Pro A league averaging 18.1ppg and 8.6rpg for ETB Wohnbau. In 2009 Lewis was named the MVP of the NCAA Division II basketball tournament in which the Oilers won the Division II National title. He was also selected to the All-Tournament team.

Lewis loved the energy in the Travelodge Hotel Oshawa Whitby, 'Feels good and blessed. I'm excited to get the season started. It's fun but we all know it's time to work. Some of the opportunities that this experience is bringing like meeting the Mayor and my future teammates and Oshawa Family is amazing. We want to continue to spread the word and fill the General Motors Centre to capacity. We visited the Arena and it's exactly what we need and we know if we fill it up there will be a lot of energy in there. '

6'2' combo guard Ruach, is a graduate of York University and although not selected in the inaugural NBL draft, Ruach came back with a determination and hunger to do well in the Power's Showcase on September 10 to September 11 at Durham College. Ruach had a solid weekend and thus earned himself the opportunity to be signed by the Power. In 2010/2011 Ruach averaged 20.5ppg, 5.4apg and 4.3rpg for Itzehoe in Germany

'Excited...anxious and ready to go. I'm not one to get excited but just being around Oshawa today I feel the Power has the chance to be something really big.', said Rauch.

6'3' guard Antwi Atuahene (pronounced antwee antwa-heen) is a Mississauga native who attended Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School. Was named the Toronto Sun's Mr. Basketball by the time his high school career was done, averaging 34.5ppg, 11.5apg and 10 rpg. He went on to play at Arizona State University in the Pac-10 Conference and averaged 7ppg in his two best years. He has played professionally, including a stint in Mexico for Leones Regios de Monterrey. Atuahene would not want to be anywhere else than Oshawa today, 'It was an uplifting feeling. To be able to play in front of friends and family would be great. I'm really looking forward to representing the City of Oshawa to my highest ability. We will bring some exciting basketball to the city!'

6'5' Blake, is a Toronto native who played his collegiate basketball at Cape Breton University in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. He was a conference All-Star in his last three seasons for the Capers and is the team's all-time leader in 3-point field goals made with 138. In his final season the forward averaged 16.6ppg and 6.6rpg from Cape Breton. Blake impressed Power Management with his shot making ability and energy during the team Showcase at Durham College. Blake felt really proud to be there today and expressed his feelings,

'Excited, happy, shocked and just thanking God for this opportunity I've been blessed with. Oshawa is nice, everybody is happy for the team. People are excited for the outcome and I think it will be great. I got to meet the Mayor of Oshawa, Hon. John Henry. I've never met a Mayor before and it was a great opportunity to talk about the community and the league and his support for the Oshawa Power.'

6'8' Detroit, Michigan native, Aaron Perry. Perry had a very strong showing at the Oshawa Power Showcase at Durham College where he showed toughness and defensive tenacity and a consistent ability

to knock down mid-range jump shots for his size. He played two years of college basketball at Sacramento State. In 2004-2005 he played in 28 games for the Hornets.

Perry was not in attendance at the Press Conference.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Globetrotter among Lightning roster members - by Eurobasket News
The National Basketball League of Canadas (NBL) London Lightning announced its first five roster players for the upcoming 2011-12 campaign.

The list features a former Harlem Globetrotter, Brandon Dean (6'2''-G-79, college: Arkansas).

Dean, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound guard from Monroe, Louisiana is the first official London Lightning player ever. His experience includes collegiate ball at the University of Arkansas, time with the Globetrotters and seasons in both the Premier Basketball League (PBL) and American Basketball Association.

DeAnthony Bowden (6'1''-G-80, college: Creighton), a 6-foot-1, 190-pound point guard from Hammond, Indiana will also suit up for the Lightning. His experience includes collegiate ball at Creighton University as well as seasons in both the Continental Basketball Association and PBL.

Eddie Smith (6'2''-G-83, college: Ill.-Springfield), a 6-foot-1, 180-pound guard from Springfield, Illinois is the third player to sign with the Forest City NBL franchise. His experience includes collegiate ball at Texas A & M and time in the PBL.

Gabe Freeman (6'6''-F-85, college: Costa Mesa JC), a 6-foot-6, 205-pound forward from southern Utah, is the fourth of five players announced by London. His experience includes collegiate ball at Costa Mesa Junior College and time in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Tyrone Levett (6'5''-F-80, college: Alabama St.), a 6-foot-7, 240-pound forward from Notasulga, Alabama is the final player on the Lightnings initial roster. His experience includes collegiate ball at Alabama State University as well as time playing professional basketball in Portugal, Sweden and Japan.

The NBL kicks off its regular season Oct. 29 as the Quebec Kebs host the Moncton Miracles at the University of Laval.

On Nov. 3, the Lightning play host to the Halifax Rainmen at the John Labatt Centre to open up its inaugural 36-game season.

Courtesy of www.londoncommunitynews.com

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  NCAA1   


Atlantic 10: high hopes for Brooklyn hoops tourney - by Eurobasket News
Rhode Island coach Jim Baron remembers sneaking into college basketball games at Madison Square Garden as a kid growing up in Brooklyn.

Baron's Rams and their Atlantic 10 brethren will now star in what they hope will be the latest installment of big-time hoops in New York City. The conference formally announced Wednesday that its men's basketball tournament would move to the Barclays Center, the new Brooklyn home of the NBA's Nets.

The five-year deal starts in 2013.

'I just think it's going to be a rebirth of college basketball in New York,' said Fordham coach Tom Pecora, who was born in the borough.

The Atlantic 10 has earned three bids to the NCAA tournament and sent a team to the round of 16 for the last four years. But attendance at its conference tourney hasn't always matched the national success over the years of its 14 members, from Xavier to Massachusetts, Saint Joseph's to Temple.

Last season's final between Richmond and Dayton at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. - the event's home for going on six years - drew an announced crowd of 5,602 in a facility that holds 10,500.

The Barclays Center seats about 18,000.

'It gives us the opportunity to come into a brand-new facility that has all the amenities that sports fans expect,' Commissioner Bernadette McGlade said. 'Bringing it into the New York market and into Brooklyn, with the density of population and the density of our Atlantic 10 alumni base, is certainly going to put everything in place to really catapult this championship to the next level.

'The talent is there; the games have been there. Now we have to be able to expose it and brand it better.'

McGlade isn't concerned about the tournament going on at the same time as the Big East tourney in the Garden. Typically the Big East final is on Saturday night and the A-10 championship game on Sunday afternoon. In fact, she believes the simultaneous events will only stoke the interest for all college basketball in the city.

'There is an insatiable hunger out there for good sporting events, and the Atlantic 10's mission is to make our men's basketball championship one of the premier men's basketball championships,' McGlade said.

A-10 teams also could play regular-season nonconference games in the arena. Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark wants college basketball to be a major tenant, already adding the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.

For the schools, it's high-profile exposure in a metropolitan area rich with top prospects.

'Kids want to play in this kind of venue. It's an NBA facility,' Baron said. 'We're real excited because we'll be able to tell our recruits that, 'Hey, we're coming into this venue, and it's the media market of the world.''

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Big East presidents to discuss future - by Eurobasket News
The presidents of the Big East member schools will discuss the future of the conference at a meeting this weekend, UConn President Susan Herbst said Wednesday.

Herbst, in an email to The Associated Press, said the meeting in Washington on Sunday is a confidential gathering for conference presidents only and will not involve other university officials.

'We have to talk about the future and how to go forward as a strong Big East,' she wrote.

Last week, the Big East presidents and athletic directors met at a hastily called meeting in New York City strategies for restocking the league after Syracuse and Pittsburgh had they are leaving for the Atlantic Coast Conference.

After that meeting, Commissioner John Marinatto said the schools had committed to going forward as a group and recruiting new members. Navy and Air Force are the Big East's top targets for expansion.

But multiple officials at Connecticut said the school did not agree to stay in the Big East Conference, and earlier this week Gov. Dannel P. Malloy confirmed that UConn has expressed interest in joining the ACC if it expands further from 14 to 16 teams.

Herbst on Wednesday assured members of the school's board of trustees that UConn is still working with the Big East, and urged them to 'ignore the gossip on the national scene.'

'Big East presidents have been engaged in frequent communication by phone or in person,' she said. 'We're committed together to make the Big East work, to make it stronger in spite of the announcement that Syracuse and Pittsburgh will leave to go to the ACC.'

Malloy said this week that he did not expect the issue of conference realignment to be resolved quickly, and said he suspected further expansion of the ACC might hinge on whether Notre Dame was interested in joining that conference.

Herbst reiterated to the board of trustees that she will do what is in the best interests of the school, and its student athletes and 'to ensure the successful long term future of the athletic program and to pursue the wishes of this board and our community.'

'We'll play somewhere, and we'll be very open and transparent about our needs and our priorities as this moves forward,' she said.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Detroit C Eli Holman on leave of absence - by Eurobasket News
Eli Holman (6'10''-F/C-89), a 6-foot-10 prep star who became a key player for the University of Detroit after transferring from Indiana, is on an indefinite leave of absence.

Athletic director Keri Gaither disclosed the leave on Tuesday and said the school had been working with Holman in addressing unspecified 'personal matters.'

Gaither says it is Holman's best interest 'to step away from basketball' to focus on the personal issues.

Holman, a senior from Richmond, Calif., played in six games at Indiana before hurting his wrist. He transferred to Detroit and sat out the 2008-09 season before starring for the Titans. He averaged 11.8 points and a team-best 9.6 rebounds last season.

Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

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  NCAA2   


Avila signs rookie Matt Robertson - by Eurobasket News
Matt Robertson (203-F-87, agency: Duran International) is ready to start his professional basketball career. The American forward penned a deal with Fontedoso Carrefour El Bulevar de Avila. They will compete in Spanish third division (LEB Silver). Robertson is a product of the Rollins University, where he graduated few months ago. He had 14.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg and 1.7 apg for his school as a senior. He helped them win SCC Tournament. Robertson was named All-SSC 2nd Team -11. In 2009/10, Rollins reached NCAA2 Sweet 16. Robertson helped them with 7.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 1.8 apg for 33 games that season. Matt Robertson transferred to Rollins in 2008 from Samford University.

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  NEW ZEALAND   


Otago Nuggets land Mark Dickel - by Eurobasket News
Otago Nuggets have bolstered their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Mark Dickel (187-G-76, college: UNLV). The deal is meant for two seasons. The veteran guard spent the last season with the Southland Sharks. He tallied 12.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game in NBL. Australiabasket.com named Mark Dickel into New Zealand NBL All-Domestic Players Team. Previously the guard had stints in Australia, Greece, Germany, Turkey, Poland, Russia and Belgium. Eurobasket.com named him All-Turkish League Guard of the Year in 2003. Mark Dickel was on New Zealand National Team roster in 1999-2011 seasons. He participated at both Sydney and Athens Olympic Games.


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  POLAND   


Asseco Prokom prevail against BC Astana in Krasnodar - by Eurobasket News
Asseco Prokom - BC Astana 75:68

Asseco Prokom clinched the third position at the Russian Railways Tournament in Krasnodar. They overcame BC Astana yesterday. Alonzo Gee (198-G-87, college: Alabama) stepped up with 14 points to pace the effort.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. BC Astana denied the deficit in the second frame. They levelled things up at 41 at the interval. The sides exchanged baskets throughout the close third term. The teams entered the fourth frame tied at 56. Prokom and BC Astana were knotted up at 66 with just two minutes remaining in regulation. But the Polish champions stepped on the gas in the dying moments and snatched a tough win at the end. Donatas Motiejunas (213-F/C-90, agency: Interperformances) posted 13 points and 9 rebounds, while Przemyslaw Zamojski (198-G/F-86, college: Independence CC) and Devin Brown (195-G/F-78, college: UTSA) added 11 points each for the winners. Jerry Johnson (183-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Rider) answered with 18 points for BC Astana. Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) and Goran Cakic (208-C/F-80, agency: Beo Basket) had 14 points each in the loss.

Asseco Prokom: Alonzo Gee 14, Donatas Motiejunas 13, Przemyslaw Zamojski 11, Devin Brown 11
BC Astana: Jerry Johnson 18, Rawle Marshall 14, Goran Cakic 14


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  RUSSIA   


CSKA triumph at Russian Railways Cup - by Eurobasket News
Lokomotiv Kuban - CSKA 66:81

CSKA clinched the Russain Railways Cup title. They overcame hosting Lokomotiv in Krasnodar in the title game yesterday. Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) stepped up with 19 points and 7 rebounds to pace the winners.
CSKA opened the game aggressively. They knocked down 26 points to establish a 7-point lead at the first break. Lokomotiv adjusted their defence and limited the Moscow team to just 16 points in the second term. Lokomotiv cut the deficit at 6-point mark at the interval. Lokomotiv got even closer in the third term. The hosts entered the fourth frame trailing by just 5 points 57:62. But CSKA responded with a 19:9 run in the fourth period to seal a confident win at the end. Shved posted 13 points, while Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) delivered 12 points in the victory. Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79) answered with 14 points for Lokomotiv. Nikolay Padius (197-G-80) and K.C. Rivers (196-G/F-87, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Clemson) provided 11 points each in the losing effort.

Lokomotiv: Primoz Brezec 14, Nikolay Padius 11, K.C. Rivers 11
CSKA: Nenad Krstic 19, Shved 14, Andrey Vorontsevich 12


Enisey wins First Stage A of VTB League Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News
ToPo-Enisey 56:85

Enisey wins First Stage A of VTB League Qualifying Round. The Russian team overcame ToPo 85:56 and advanced to the Final stage to be played with 4 teams in total.
ToPo surprised the Russian representative with 16-15 in the first period. The second one however was a nightmare for them. Enisey erupted with 36-14 and took 51:30 halftime advantage.
In the third quarter the Finnish team again celebrated 15-13 victory to reduce to 19 points with 10 minutes in the game. Enisey needed 21-11 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Andrei Andrey Trushkin (206-C/F-81) and Marko Marinovic (183-G-83) top-scored for the winners with 14 points each. Jasmin Hucic netted 12, while Lonny Baxter (204-C-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) scored 10. Timothy Frost (208-C-80, college: Utah) ended up with 13 points in the losing effort, whilst Timo Heinonen (198-F-81) and Jason Stamper notched 9 apiece.

Enisey will play Dnipro tomorrow in the opener of the Final stage.

ToPo: Timothy Frost 13, Timo Heinonen 9, Jason Stamper 9
Enisey: Andrey Trushkin 14, Marko Marinovic 14, Jasmin Hucic 12, Lonny Baxter 10



Krasnie Krilya overcame Dnipro in the last game of the VTB League Qualifying Round in Group B - by Eurobasket News
Dnipro-Krasnie Krilya 83:98

Krasnie Krilya overcame Dnipro in the last game of the VTB League Qualifying Round in Group B. The Russian team needed 98:83 to win the group, while both squads advanced to the Final stage to be played within the next two days.
Dnipro started better and opened the game with 25-23. The Ukrainian side however lost three other quarters. Fedor Likholitov scored for 32:25 and Aaron Miles gave his side 39:31. Dnipro reduced to just one points when Steve Bertt (185-G-84, college: Iona) scored for 55:54 and then Lonniel Rush however closed the quarter at 73:67. Another 25-16 in the last stanza brought the final success for the Russian team.
Evgeniy Kolesnikov (195-G-85) stepped up with 22 points and DeJuan Blair (201-F-89, college: Pittsburgh) scored 21. Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87, agency: Alti Sport) delivered 19, while Joseph Alexander notched 15. Steve Bertt erupted with 30 points in the losing effort. Maksym Kornienko and Derrick Low (188-PG-86, college: Washington St.) posted 15 each, while Charles Thomas had only 9.

Dnipro: Steve Bertt 30, Maksym Kornienko (205-F/C-87) 15, Derrick Low 15
Krasnie Krilya: Evgeniy Kolesnikov 22, DeJuan Blair 21, Dragan Labovic 19, Joseph Alexander 15

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  SERBIA   


Radnicki Kragujevac extends Danilo Mijatovic - by Eurobasket News
Danilo Mijatovic (205-F-83) will play for Radnicki Kragujevac for at least one more year. The Serbian forward signed contact extension this week. Mijatovic appeared 16 times for the club in domestic championship last season averaging 6.5 points and 2.5 rebounds. They reached Playoff Semifinals. Mijatovic also added 6.2 ppg and 2.7 rpg in 24 Adriatic league games. He had almost the same numbers in 2009/10. Before Radnicki, Danilo MIjatovic spent two years with Swisslion Takovo. He had 7 ppg and 2.5 rpg in their first season together. After that, his number dropped. In the past, Mijatovic played for Spartak, Novi Sad and Vrbas.

Hemofarm wins in last home check - by Eurobasket News
Hemofarm played their last friendly game at home before the start of the new season. They celebrated easy 99-71 win against Sloboda Uzice. Marko Sutalo (194-G-83, agency: BeoExcell) top-scored for the hosts with 20 points. Ivan Maras (208-C/F-86, agency: Beo Basket) had 16 points, while Boris Savovic (206-F-87) had double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds. Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) stopped to 13 pts in this meeting. On the other side, Kuburovic delivered 13 points for Sloboda Uzice. As mentioned above, it was the last home check for Hemofarm before the new season. They will play on tournament in Bosnia this weekend. Igokea will be the host and other participants are Partizan and Union Olimpija. Adriatic league starts in ten days. Hemofarm will meet Crvena Zvezda on the road (October 8).

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  SPAIN   


Manresa's Micah Downs two months out - by Eurobasket News
Micah Downs (203-G-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) will miss next two months due to injury. The American forward broke fourth metacarpal bone of his right hand during the practice yesterday. There is a chance that Manresa will look to replace him temporarily. Downs joined Manresa during the summer from Burgos. He appeared 43 times with Burgos last season averaging 13.5 points, 4 rebounds and 1.7 assists. They competed in LEB Gold. Micah Downs split 2009/10 season between Croatian Zadar and Belgian Leuven. With Leuven he had 12.4 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 10 games in D1. It was his first season as a pro. Micah Downs graduated at Gonzaga University in 2009.

Avila signs rookie Matt Robertson - by Eurobasket News
Matt Robertson (203-F-87, agency: Duran International) is ready to start his professional basketball career. The American forward penned a deal with Fontedoso Carrefour El Bulevar de Avila. They will compete in Spanish third division (LEB Silver). Robertson is a product of the Rollins University, where he graduated few months ago. He had 14.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg and 1.7 apg for his school as a senior. He helped them win SCC Tournament. Robertson was named All-SSC 2nd Team -11. In 2009/10, Rollins reached NCAA2 Sweet 16. Robertson helped them with 7.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 1.8 apg for 33 games that season. Matt Robertson transferred to Rollins in 2008 from Samford University.

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  SWEDEN   


Standings - BasketEttan
Basketettan Standings
North
 1. Akropol 1-0 
 2. Blackeberg 1-0 
 3. Eagles 1-0 
 4. LF Future 1-0 
 5. Taby 1-0 
 6. Hallsta 1-1 
 7. Haga Haninge 0-0 
 8. BG Lulea 0-1 
 9. Jarva Devils 0-1 
 10. Orongo 0-1 
 11. Talje 0-1 
 12. Uppsala KFUM 0-1 
South
 1. Brahe Basket 1-0 
 2. Malbas 1-0 
 3. Nassjo 1-0 
 4. Solna Branten 1-0 
 5. Srbija 1-0 
 6. Eos 0-0 
 7. Hoganas 0-0 
 8. Fryshuset 0-1 
 9. Helsingborg 0-1 
 10. Hogsbo 0-1 
 11. Norrkoping BK 0-1 
 12. Sanda 0-1 


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  TURKEY   


Hacettepe and Olin Edrine celebrate in friendly games - by Eurobasket News
Hacettepe and Olin Edrine celebrated in friendly games which were played yesterday.
The TBL newcomer Hacettepe was better than Mersin at home 83-76. Matthew Bryan-Amaning (205-F-88, agency: Interperformances, college: Washington) and Sherron Collins (180-PG-87, college: Kansas) led the winners with 16 points each. They also had 8 rebounds and 6 assists respectively. Third scorer in Hacettepe was Ricardo Marsh (207-F-81, college: ODU) with 13 points. On the other side, Mersin got 21 points and 5 assists from Demetri McCamey (190-G-89, college: Illinois).
Olin Edrine hosted Aliaga and handed them 73-57 loss. Vladimir Stimac (209-C-87, agency: Interperformances) stepped up for the hosts with double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds. Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88) scored 13 and Chris Wright (185-G-89, college: Georgetown) added one point less to this victory. In Aliaga, Branislav Ratkovica (193-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) shined with 15 points. Brian Qvale (210-C-88, college: Montana) and Ryan Toolson (193-G-85, college: Utah Valley St.) had 10 pts each.

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Orange Outlook: Why Rakeem Christmas Will Fill Rick Jackson's Shoes - by David Edole
This fall, Syracuse fans will see the debut of 6'9' McDonald's All-American Rakeem Christmas (206-C/F-91).

Although the young center needs plenty of work to fine-tune his skills, he has the size, athleticism and upside to become a force in the paint for the Orange. He has greater potential than any of Syracuse's recent post players.

Most scouts list Christmas in the top 20 in his class, and he's arguably the best freshman center in the country. NBADraft.net projects him to be the eighth pick in the 2013 NBA Draft if he leaves early. So what do scouts see in him, and why will he be the next great big man for the Orange?

Christmas is a different type of center than Boeheim's previous big men. He's more athletic than Arinze Onuaku or Rick Jackson and can run the floor very well. With his 7'2' wingspan and leaping ability, 'Roc' will be an excellent fit for the 2-3 once he learns the system.

Offensively, he's a long way from being a versatile big man, but Onuaku and Jackson were also raw when they were freshmen. Film and video highlights show improvement on his jumper and willingness to expand his game. He finishes well in transition and will be a dunking machine when he gets the ball in good position.

Nearly every scout has mentioned that he plays 'with a chip on his shoulder,' but still needs to improve his motor. However, scouts frequently used the phrase 'great upside' when referring to Christmas. He has the elite athleticism and foundational skills to grow into all-american form.

In his freshman campaign, Christmas will have to work on his back-to-the-basket game, along with knocking down open mid-range jumpers.

Meanwhile, he will immediately be an impact player defensively and on the glass. Opponents will have a tough time dealing with his combination of length and agility. He's also a sturdy 230 pounds, well on his way to having the ideal physique of a center or power forward.

By his sophomore year, Christmas will be one of the premiere rebounders and defenders in the Big East. Syracuse fans should give him a chance. His talents fit very well in Boeheim's system, and he'll soon be the best big man the Orange have had in years.

By Daniel O'Brien

TD preps with Thunder players during Austin workouts - by David Edole
With most of his teammates gone from the San Antonio area during the lockout, Tim Duncan (208-C/F-76, college: Wake Forest) has had trouble scaring up enough people for local workouts.

That predicament led Duncan to travel to Austin for two days of workouts two weeks ago to work out with several Oklahoma City Thunder players in workouts at the University of Texas practice facility organized by former UT player Royal Ivey.

The Oklahoman reported that other players who were there included Oklahoma City players Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Nick Collison, Eric Maynor, Cole Aldrich, Nazr Mohammed, rookie Reggie Jackson and restricted free agent Daequan Cook.

Former UT players Kevin Durant, Kris Clack, Ira Clark and Reggie Freeman also were there along with Spurs guard Michael Finley.

We all knew we wanted to get together somewhere, Collison told the Oklahoman. UT was great to us. They let us use all the facilities. They treated us great. They let use the gym, the weight room, the training room. So it worked out real well. We were really appreciative of all the hospitality.

The arrangement provided for three five-man teams rotating in the games. Mohammed tweeted that they were The best pickup games in America.

The competition was really good. They were high-level games and everyone competed, Collison said. Who knows if it will make a huge difference in the season, but it was really good to see everybody. Everyone was getting kind of sick of working out individually, trying scrape together games wherever we were living.

The Thunder have additional workouts scheduled in Lexington, Ky., next week.

With many of Duncans teammates scattered all over the world, does Spurs Nation believe the team is falling behind younger hungry teammates like Oklahoma City and Memphis who are extensively working together during the lockout while the Spurs arent?

by Tim Griffin

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  UBL   


UBL Texas Wranglers VS Arkansas Warriors - by Ozzie Denson
The Texas Wranglers will be having a fundraiser game Nov. 19, 2011 at Greenhill Sports Complex 4141 Spring Valley Road in Addison, Texas. The Wranglers will be playing the Arkansas Warriors. The last time these two teams played was for the 2011 UBL Championship. What a game. The Wranglers won the UBL Championship but Arkansas was undefeated for the season. Tickets are $15.00 adults. Kids 12 and under Free. The UBL Season will start , March 17, 2012. All UBL Teams will be having Team Tryouts soon. Please call 972-781-8120

UBL COME GET SOME!!

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  UKRAINE   


Krasnie Krilya overcame Dnipro in the last game of the VTB League Qualifying Round in Group B - by Eurobasket News
Dnipro-Krasnie Krilya 83:98

Krasnie Krilya overcame Dnipro in the last game of the VTB League Qualifying Round in Group B. The Russian team needed 98:83 to win the group, while both squads advanced to the Final stage to be played within the next two days.
Dnipro started better and opened the game with 25-23. The Ukrainian side however lost three other quarters. Fedor Likholitov scored for 32:25 and Aaron Miles gave his side 39:31. Dnipro reduced to just one points when Steve Bertt (185-G-84, college: Iona) scored for 55:54 and then Lonniel Rush however closed the quarter at 73:67. Another 25-16 in the last stanza brought the final success for the Russian team.
Evgeniy Kolesnikov (195-G-85) stepped up with 22 points and DeJuan Blair (201-F-89, college: Pittsburgh) scored 21. Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87, agency: Alti Sport) delivered 19, while Joseph Alexander notched 15. Steve Bertt erupted with 30 points in the losing effort. Maksym Kornienko and Derrick Low (188-PG-86, college: Washington St.) posted 15 each, while Charles Thomas had only 9.

Dnipro: Steve Bertt 30, Maksym Kornienko (205-F/C-87) 15, Derrick Low 15
Krasnie Krilya: Evgeniy Kolesnikov 22, DeJuan Blair 21, Dragan Labovic 19, Joseph Alexander 15

Azovmash Mariupol lands Vladimir Golubovic - by Eurobasket Center
The national team member of Montenegro, who was the last cut for the Eurobasket 2011 in Lithuania finally signed a deal for next season. He is the new member of Ukrainian giant Azovmash Mariupol, coached by serbian coach Aco Petrovic . During the summer he worked out with Crvena Zvezda Beograd and then moved to Turkey and signed with Besiktas. Unfortunately, Besiktas decided to realease him before the season start so he became free agent again.

The 25 year old Vladimir Golubovic (213-C-86) started his career in Vojvodina Novi Sad. He also played in Slovenia and Turkey before moving to Ukraine.



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


Stats Leaders - LUB
Points Per Game
 Juan Pablo SILVEIRA
  Defensor
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 47.5
 1. Silveira, Defensor47.5 
 2. Crews, Cader31.0 
 3. Johnson, Olimpia30.5 
 4. Giano, Cordon28.0 
 5. Simpson, Cordon24.0 
 6. Herring, Bohemios23.5 
 7. Palacios, Cordon23.5 
 8. Haller, Montevideo23.0 
 9. Pereyra, Bohemios22.0 
 10. Mitchell, Guruyu21.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Angel VARELA
  Larre B.
  (187-G-87)
  Avg: 14
 1. Varela, Larre B.14.0 
 2. Mitchell, Guruyu W.13.5 
 3. Haller, Montevideo11.0 
 4. Hartford, Cader11.0 
 5. Douglas, Bohemios10.5 
 6. Simpson, Cordon9.5 
 7. Jackson, Defensor9.5 
 8. Charquero, Welcome9.0 
 9. Caudle, Un.Atletica9.0 
 10. Monroe, Larre B.9.0 
Assists Per Game
 Alejandro ACOSTA
  Welcome
  (186-G-89)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Acosta, Welcome5.5 
 2. Garcia, Defensor5.5 
 3. Hartford, Cader5.0 
 4. Pereyra, Bohemios5.0 
 5. Zaball, Guruyu W.4.5 
 6. Modernell, Larre B.4.0 
 7. Silveira, Defensor4.0 
 8. Silvarrey, Sayago4.0 
 9. Roselli, Cader4.0 
 10. Crews, Cader4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Terence SHELLMAN
  Sayago
  (199-F-78)
  Avg: 5
 1. Shellman, Sayago5.0 
 2. Hartford, Cader4.0 
 3. Lazzaroni, Larre B.4.0 
 4. Keenan, Larre B.3.0 
 5. Pereyra, Bohemios2.5 
 6. Trasante, Olimpia2.0 
 7. Gallo, Sayago2.0 
 8. Herring, Bohemios2.0 
 9. Acuna, Sayago2.0 
 10. Alvarez, Defensor2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Robert MITCHELL
  Guruyu W.
  (198-F-86)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Mitchell, Guruyu W.2.5 
 2. Polk, Montevideo2.0 
 3. Izaguirre, Un.Atle.2.0 
 4. Douglas, Bohemios2.0 
 5. Charquero, Welcome1.5 
 6. De Leon, Sayago1.0 
 7. Trelles, Bohemios1.0 
 8. Vazquez, Olimpia1.0 
 9. Caudle, Un.Atletica1.0 
 10. Shellman, Sayago1.0 


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


Standings - LNB
LNB Standings
 1. Cent.Apure 10-1 
 2. Graneros 7-3 
 3. Estudiantes 6-3 
 4. Lanc.Cojedes 6-4 
 5. Tiburones 6-4 
 6. Rojos de Sucre 6-6 
 7. Atleticos UCV 0-10 
 8. Cacaoteros 0-10 


Venezuelans Abroad - Keving Palacios averages 14.0 points in Uruguay - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan PF Keving Palacios (203-F/C-84) played his first two games as imported player of Club Atletico Cordon in Uruguay's first division basketball (LUB), and is currenty averaging 14.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game, though his team lost both contests.

Palacios, a 27 year-old player who belongs to Cocodrilos de Caracas in Venezuela's Liga Profesional (LPB), had been playing for Graneros de Portuguesa in Venezuela's secondary league, Liga Nacional (LNB). He had played before in leagues of the United States, Poland, Mexico and Colombia.

Another venezuelan, PF Julio Miglionico (202-F/C-91), traded last season from Gigantes de Guayana to Gaiteros del Zulia in LPB, is taking advantage of his Uruguayan roots to play for Sayago. He played 2 games so far with a little amount of minutes and is averaging 1.5 points and 0.5 rebounds per game.

Venezuelan basketball is also represented in Uruguay by assistant coach Daniel Seoane , who just finished his job for Venezuela's Senior NT in Mar del Plata, Argentina and was called up by Argentinian Guillermo Narvarte to be his sidekick for team Bigua.

Silva shines in Colombia
Meanwhile, SF Cesar Silva (190-G/F-81) has become a big contributor in the performance of Guerreros de Bogota, leaders of Colombia's Copa Invitacional after 8 matchdays. Silva, who belongs to Guaiqueries de Margarita in Venezuela's LPB, netted 26 points with 5 three-point shots in a victory over Caribbean Heat, 100-69 and a day after that, he added 18 points for another victory, 85-77.




Venezuelans Abroad - Axiers Sucre off to a good start in Argentina's LNB - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan PF Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) has enjoyed a good start of the 2011-2012 season in Argentina's LNB, where he plays as imported player for Ciclista Olimpico La Banda, a team that has begun with a negative record of 0-2.

Sucre, a 33 year-old, 1.98m tall player from Anzoategui state, who plays for Marinos de Anzoategui in Venezuela's LPB, comes from a highly successful role for Venezuela's Senior NT in the recent FIBA Americas Olympic Qualy Tournament played in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

After two games, Sucre is averaing 10.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game for Olimpico.

Torres unsigned
Former NBA SF Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76) did not reach an agreement with the powerful Obras Sanitarias to play in Argentina for the first time in his pro career. A report indicating his inminent arrival had been published a few days ago but Obras Sanitarias ultimately signed American James Maye (201-G/F-81) for the imported player position.

Torres will remain at his home in Puerto La Cruz waiting for his agent to work out a new deal, after showing his skills in a brilliant manner in the recent FIBA Americas Olympic Qualy Tournament in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

Venezuelans Abroad - Nestor Colmenares leads the bunch in Mexico's LNBP - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Nestor Colmenares (203-F-87, college: Campbellsville) is making the most of his second pro experience overseas -he played for Union Sunchales in Argentina's TNA- as he's become a star for Huracanes de Tampico in Mexico's Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP), leading the bunch of Venezuelans whom are working in the 2011-2012 edition of that league.

Colmenares has played 4 games so far and is currently averaging 14.2 points, 12.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in a team that includes Mexico's veteran PG Omar Quintero (183-G-81) and Virgin Islands's SF Jason Edwin (197-G/F-81).

Meanwhile, PF Luis Bethelmy (200-F/C-86) and PG Gregory Vargas (182-PG-86) are playing together for Halcones Rojos de Veracruz. Bethelmy's stats are at 14.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in 5 appearances, while Vargas numbers are at 11.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game in 9 appearances.

Vargas, who wasn't considered for Venezuela's Senior NT, played briefly for Reales de La Vega in Dominican Republic alongside SG Edgar Lugo (189-G-82) prior to his trip to Mexico and right after he won Venezuela's LPB championship as a member of Marinos de Anzoategui.

Soles de Mexicali is not enjoying a good start of the season. Venezuelan assistant coach Ronald Guillen is there and so are PG David Cubillan (183-PG-87) and C Miguel Marriaga (208-C-84). Cubillan has only played 4 games (2 starts) and averages 10.2 points, 2.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Marriaga has played 7 games and his averages are at 9.0 points and 3.7 rebounds per contest.




LNB 2011 (Week 3) - Jean Auguste Wilder named Player of the Week - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Imported player Jean Auguste Wilder (198-F-82), of Tiburones de Vargas, was named Player of the Week in Week 3 of Venezuela's Liga Nacional de Baloncesto, while newcomer Jovanni Diaz, of Atleticos UCV, got the Special Mention issued by the league's technical comission.

Wilder netted 47 points, grabbed 24 rebounds (8 offensive rebounds), stole 8 balls and blocked 3 shots. Diaz, who had also been the Special Mention in Week 1, netted 62 points, grabbed 12 rebounds (3 offensive rebounds) and stole 3 balls.

Wilder succeeds SF-PF Dainmon Gonner (198-F-80) of Graneros de Portuguesa, who had won the weekly award last week. Francisco Centeno (201-G/F-85), of Lanceros de Cojedes, got the Special Mention in Week 2.



LNB 2011 - Week 4: Rojos ends unbeaten 10-game streak of Centauros - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Rojos de Sucre, coached by former NBA player Carl Herrera , ended Centauros de Apure's 10-game unbeaten streak, by taking home a 78-76 victory at Biruaca Dome and splitting the away two-game series of Liga Nacional de Baloncesto's Week 4.

Jackson Zapata (198-F-85) scored 15 points and American Andrew Hunter (201-F-79) added 14 for the winners, while the top scorers of the side coached by Nestor Salazar were Tulio Cobos (196-F-86) with 14 and Kervin Bracho (204-F/C-78) with 10.

In the previous game, Centauros had won 81-73 thanks to 19 points of Tulio Cobos and 19 of Jesus Centeno (190-G-85). For Rojos, Kervis Ramirez (190-PG-78) scored 17 and Jackson Zapata added 14.

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


VTB-United-League Qualifying Round Day 3: Russian teams remain perfect - by Eurobasket News
2011/2012 VTB Regular Season

Kalev-Zalgiris 70:84

Zalgiris and Kalev opened 2011/2012 VTB Regular Season. While 4 other teams struggle for the last 2 tickets to the Regular Season, Zalgiris and Kalev started the campaign in Tallinn tonight as the Lithuanian titan clinched 84:70 victory.
Kalev surprised the favorites with 23-22 in the first period. Zalgiris needed a strong defense in the second quarter and limited the hosts to just 9 points. Tadas Klimavicius (204-F-82, agency: Interperformances) gave his side 42:34 lead at the halftime. Kalev did not give up and Armands Skele (192-G-83) reduced to 42:41 early in the third. Gregor Arbet made a jump shot to close the third quarter as Kalev trailed 5 points with 10 minutes remaining. Zalgiris however won the last stanza 27-18 and grabbed the first victory.
Tadas Klimavicius top-scored for the winners with 15 points, while Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC), Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) and Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) added 13 apiece. Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) followed them with 10 points in a win. Armands Skele delivered 19 points for the home side and Tanel Sokk (184-G-85) as well as Gert Dorbek (194-G-85) added 14 apiece.

Kalev: Armands Skele 19, Tanel Sokk 14, Gert Dorbek 14
Zalgiris: Tadas Klimavicius 15, Marko Popovic 13, Milovan Rakovic 13, Sonny Weems 13, Mantas Kalnietis 10

VTB League Qualifying Round
Dnipro-Krasnie Krilya 83:98

Krasnie Krilya overcame Dnipro in the last game of the VTB League Qualifying Round in Group B. The Russian team needed 98:83 to win the group, while both squads advanced to the Final stage to be played within the next two days.
Dnipro started better and opened the game with 25-23. The Ukrainian side however lost three other quarters. Fedor Likholitov scored for 32:25 and Aaron Miles gave his side 39:31. Dnipro reduced to just one points when Steve Bertt (185-G-84, college: Iona) scored for 55:54 and then Lonniel Rush however closed the quarter at 73:67. Another 25-16 in the last stanza brought the final success for the Russian team.
Evgeniy Kolesnikov (195-G-85) stepped up with 22 points and DeJuan Blair (201-F-89, college: Pittsburgh) scored 21. Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87, agency: Alti Sport) delivered 19, while Joseph Alexander notched 15. Steve Bertt erupted with 30 points in the losing effort. Korniyenko and Derrick Low (188-PG-86, college: Washington St.) posted 15 each, while Charles Thomas had only 9.

Dnipro: Steve Bertt 30, Korniyenko 15, Derrick Low 15
Krasnie Krilya: Evgeniy Kolesnikov 22, DeJuan Blair 21, Dragan Labovic 19, Joseph Alexander 15


ToPo-Enisey 56:85

Enisey wins First Stage A of VTB League Qualifying Round. The Russian team overcame ToPo 85:56 and advanced to the Final stage to be played with 4 teams in total.
ToPo surprised the Russian representative with 16-15 in the first period. The second one however was a nightmare for them. Enisey erupted with 36-14 and took 51:30 halftime advantage.
In the third quarter the Finnish team again celebrated 15-13 victory to reduce to 19 points with 10 minutes in the game. Enisey needed 21-11 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Andrei Trushkin and Marco Marko Marinovic (183-G-83) top-scored for the winners with 14 points each. Jasmin Hucic netted 12, while Lonny Baxter (204-C-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) scored 10. Timothy Frost (208-C-80, college: Utah) ended up with 13 points in the losing effort, whilst Timo Heinonen (198-F-81) and Jason Stamper notched 9 apiece.

ToPo: Timothy Frost 13, Timo Heinonen 9, Jason Stamper 9
Enisey: Andrei Trushkin 14, Marko Marinovic 14, Jasmin Hucic 12, Lonny Baxter 10

VTB-United-League Qualifying Round Day 2 - by Eurobasket News
Anwil-ToPo 94:72

Anwil celebrated the first victory at the VTB League Qualifying Round in Day 2. After the loss in the opener from Enisey, the Polish side overcame Finnish ToPo 94:72.
The Polish side opened the game with 22-14 and did not allow the opponents control the game. Carl Lindbom (204-F-91) however brought 27:26 and Jonathan Heard (198-G/F-86) scored for31:29. Although the Finnish team won the second frame 22-21, the board showed 43:36 at the halftime. In the third quarter Anwil added 29-17 and then celebrated the victory due to 22-19 in the last stanza.
Corsley Edwards (205-C/F-79, agency: Impact Basketball, college: Cent.Conn.St.) erupted with 35 points for the winners and John Allen (194-G/F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Seton Hall) added 13. Lukasz Majewski (199-F-82) and Dardan Berisha (192-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) scored 12 apiece. Carl Lindbom ended up with 16 points in the losing effort, while Jason Stamper and Jonathan Heard scored 11 each.

Anwil: Corsley Edwards 35, John Allen 13, Lukasz Majewski 12, Dardan Berisha 12
ToPo: Carl Lindbom 16, Jason Stamper 11, Jonathan Heard 11

Siauliai -Dnipro 84:88

Dnipro grabbed 88:84 win over Siauliai to win their opener of the VTB League Qualifying Round. The Ukrainian team will face now Krasnie Krilya tomorrow.
The Lithuanian team started strong and Mindaugas Zukauskas brought 16:13. Edvinas Ruzgas closed the period for 8-point lead and Valdas Vasilius later scored for 22:15 early in the second. Vytautas Sarakauskas (204-C-82) scored three for 38:31 and Rashaun Broadus closed the half at 41:35. The second one however belonged to the Ukrainian side. Trailing 52:59, Dnipro tied the game at 71:71. Frederick House brought 82:75 and then Dnipro never looked behind after.
Charles Thomas (203-F-86, college: Arkansas) stepped up with 19 points and Derrick Low (188-PG-86, college: Washington St.) delivered 18. Steven Burtt and Maxym Korniyenko notched 16 apiece, while Frederick House added 13. Darius Gvezdauskas (191-PG-88), Vytautas Sarakauskas and Denzel Bowles (208-F-89, college: JMU) posted 12 points each in the losing effort.

Siauliai: Darius Gvezdauskas 12, Vytautas Sarakauskas 12, Denzel Bowles 12
Dnipro: Charles Thomas 19, Derrick Low 18, Steve Bertt (185-G-84, college: Iona) 16, Maxym Korniyenko 16, Frederick House 13



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

Women News

*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA - Women  


Argentina untouchable in Preliminary Round, heads to Semis - by Eurobasket News
COLOMBIA - ARGENTINA 45-66

Argentina finished Preliminary Round in Neiva with perfect 4-0 record. They won Group A and will meet Canada in the Semifinals. The host of FIBA Americas (Colombia) failed to reach the next stage. They ended as No.4 of this pool with 1-3 record. Debora Gonzalez (172-PG-90, agency: Players Group) shined in Argentina with 14 points. Stephany Thomas (175-G-89) and Erica Sanchez (184-F/C-76, agency: Players Group) netted 13 and 10 points respectively. In Colombia, Erika Valek (168-G-82, college: Purdue) was the only one with double digits in scoring - 12 pts. Elena Diaz (185-F-83, college: Nebraska) had 9 points and 9 rebounds, while Mabel Martinez (176-F-86) added 8 pts and 6 rebs. Quarters: 11-16, 11-16, 8-20, 15-14. Semifinals are scheduled for tomorrow. Pairs are Argentina - Canada and Brazil -Cuba.

Colombia: Erika Valek 12, Elena Diaz 9+9 boards, Mabel Martinez 8+6 boards
Argentina: Debora Gonzalez 14, Stephany Thomas 13, Erica Sanchez 10

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


Logan Thunder sign import Cory Montgomery - by Eurobasket News
BDS Logan Thunder has today announced that they have signed US post player Cory Montgomery (188-F/C-87, college: Nebraska) for the 2011/12 season.

Montgomery has recently completed a season in Spain after playing a starring role in University of Nebraskas record setting 2009-10 season, earning her first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2010.

Nebraska produced its best season in school history, including a 32-2 overall mark and a 16-0 conference mark for the school's first-ever Big 12 regular-season title. NU also claimed its first-No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Cory became the eighth Husker in history to post 1,300 points and 600 career rebounds. She climbed to No. 12 on Nebraska's career scoring with 1,378 points and No. 13 in career rebounding with 627. She ranks second all-time at Nebraska with 130 games played in her four-year career.

A business administration major, Montgomery received her bachelor's degree from Nebraska on Dec. 19, 2009, after just 3 1/2 years. She was also a first-team academic All-Big 12 selection for the second time in her career.

Drafted 25 to WNBA club New York Liberty Cory has made herself at home in Logan.

Head Coach Olaf Lange used his time in the US during the WNBL off-season to scout potential post players.

Not only do we look at on court ability, the player must also maintain our high standards off the court. So apart from her obvious talent, Cory is a good team mate to have who will fit right into our chemistry and team culture. We look forward to her contribution to Thunders run at this years finals.

Montgomerys first game for Logan will be against the Bendigo Spirit at Metro Park Stadium Browns Plains, Sunday 9th October.

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

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


Canada heads to FIBA Americas Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
CANADA - JAMAICA 66-49

Canada did a great job yesterday. They handed 66-49 loss to Jamaica jumping to 3-1 record in Group B, what is enough for the second place. Canada advanced to Semifinals, where they will meet undefeated Argentina. On the other side, Jamaica dropped to fourth place in this pool with 1-3 record. They said goodbye to Neiva. Kimberley Smith (187-F-84, college: Utah) led the winners with 13 points. Miranda Ayim (191-F/C-88, college: Pepperdine) had 11 points and 6 rebounds, and Kalisha Keane (185-F-89, college: Michigan St.) helped with 9 points, plus 5 boards. In Jamaica, Nicole Louden (172-G-83, college: Auburn) shined with 22 points. Their second scorer was Simone Edwards (194-C-73, college: Iowa) with 8 points. Quarters: 15-13, 18-12, 17-9, 16-15. Semifinals will start tomorrow. Pairs: Canada - Argentina and Cuba - Brazil.

Canada: Kimberley Smith 13, Miranda Ayim 11+6 boards, Kalisha Keane 9+5 boards
Jamaica: Nicole Louden 22, Simone Edwards 8

*****************************************************
  CHILE - Women  


Cuba advances to Semifinals in Neiva - by Eurobasket News
CUBA - CHILE 62-42

Cuba made it in do-or-die game against Chile. They celebrated 62-42 victory in this meeting for 3-1 record in Group A. That was enough for the second place and Cuba will meet Brazil in the FIBA Americas Semifinals. On the other side, Chile finished with poor 0-4. Taimy Fernandez (183-F-82) led Cuba in scoring with 13 points. Clenia Noblet (191-C-87) had 11 points and 5 rebounds, while Marlen Cepeda (193-C-85) added 10 points and 12 boards. In defeat, Javiera Novion (168-G-87, college: Eckerd) collected 19 points, 5 rebs and 5 assists. Their second scorers were Jenifer Fuentes (178-F-96) and Gamboa Marisol (178-F-86) with 6 pts each. Quarters: 19-6, 17-16, 15-7, 11-13. Semifinals are scheduled for tomorrow. As mentioned above, Cuba will play against Brazil, while Argentina will meet Canada.

Cuba: Taimy Fernandez 13, Clenia Noblet 11+5 boards, Marlen Cepeda 10+12 boards
Chile: Javiera Novion 19+5 boards+5 as, Jenifer Fuentes 6, Gamboa Marisol 6

*****************************************************
  COLOMBIA - Women  


Argentina untouchable in Preliminary Round, heads to Semis - by Eurobasket News
COLOMBIA - ARGENTINA 45-66

Argentina finished Preliminary Round in Neiva with perfect 4-0 record. They won Group A and will meet Canada in the Semifinals. The host of FIBA Americas (Colombia) failed to reach the next stage. They ended as No.4 of this pool with 1-3 record. Debora Gonzalez (172-PG-90, agency: Players Group) shined in Argentina with 14 points. Stephany Thomas (175-G-89) and Erica Sanchez (184-F/C-76, agency: Players Group) netted 13 and 10 points respectively. In Colombia, Erika Valek (168-G-82, college: Purdue) was the only one with double digits in scoring - 12 pts. Elena Diaz (185-F-83, college: Nebraska) had 9 points and 9 rebounds, while Mabel Martinez (176-F-86) added 8 pts and 6 rebs. Quarters: 11-16, 11-16, 8-20, 15-14. Semifinals are scheduled for tomorrow. Pairs are Argentina - Canada and Brazil -Cuba.

Colombia: Erika Valek 12, Elena Diaz 9+9 boards, Mabel Martinez 8+6 boards
Argentina: Debora Gonzalez 14, Stephany Thomas 13, Erica Sanchez 10

*****************************************************
  CUBA - Women  


Cuba advances to Semifinals in Neiva - by Eurobasket News
CUBA - CHILE 62-42

Cuba made it in do-or-die game against Chile. They celebrated 62-42 victory in this meeting for 3-1 record in Group A. That was enough for the second place and Cuba will meet Brazil in the FIBA Americas Semifinals. On the other side, Chile finished with poor 0-4. Taimy Fernandez (183-F-82) led Cuba in scoring with 13 points. Clenia Noblet (191-C-87) had 11 points and 5 rebounds, while Marlen Cepeda (193-C-85) added 10 points and 12 boards. In defeat, Javiera Novion (168-G-87, college: Eckerd) collected 19 points, 5 rebs and 5 assists. Their second scorers were Jenifer Fuentes (178-F-96) and Gamboa Marisol (178-F-86) with 6 pts each. Quarters: 19-6, 17-16, 15-7, 11-13. Semifinals are scheduled for tomorrow. As mentioned above, Cuba will play against Brazil, while Argentina will meet Canada.

Cuba: Taimy Fernandez 13, Clenia Noblet 11+5 boards, Marlen Cepeda 10+12 boards
Chile: Javiera Novion 19+5 boards+5 as, Jenifer Fuentes 6, Gamboa Marisol 6

*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Standings - ZBL (W)
ZBL Standings
 1. Frisco Sika 3-0 
 2. Trutnov 3-0 
 3. USK Praha 3-0 
 4. VSE Praha 2-1 
 5. VS Praha 1-1 
 6. Slovanka MB 1-1 
 7. Hradec Kralove 1-2 
 8. Strakonice 1-2 
 9. Valosun Brno 1-2 
 10. Karlovy Vary 1-2 
 11. DSK Karlin 0-3 
 12. Pardubice 0-3 


*****************************************************
  DENMARK - Women  


Stats Leaders - Damenligaen
Points Per Game
 Emely HATCH
  Lemvig
  (-F-89)
  Avg: 20
 1. Hatch, Lemvig20.0 
 2. Coryea, Aabyhoj19.0 
 3. Kielpinski, Lemvig14.0 
 4. Udovalieva, Lemvig13.0 
 5. Jespersen, Aabyhoj9.0 
 6. Randrup-T., Aabyhoj7.0 
 7. Laursen, Aabyhoj4.0 
 8. Husted, Aabyhoj4.0 
 9. Andersen, Aabyhoj4.0 
 10. Ravn, Aabyhoj4.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Emely HATCH
  Lemvig
  (-F-89)
  Avg: 15
 1. Hatch, Lemvig15.0 
 2. Jespersen, Aabyhoj8.0 
 3. Randrup-T., Aabyhoj7.0 
 4. Kielpinski, Lemvig7.0 
 5. Coryea, Aabyhoj6.0 
 6. Husted, Aabyhoj4.0 
 7. Laursen, Aabyhoj4.0 
 8. Morsoe, Aabyhoj3.0 
 9. Schelde, Lemvig3.0 
 10. Ravn, Aabyhoj3.0 
Assists Per Game
 Berit SCHELDE
  Lemvig
  (177-F-86)
  Avg: 3
 1. Schelde, Lemvig3.0 
 2. Morsoe, Aabyhoj3.0 
 3. Kjems-K., Aabyhoj3.0 
 4. Jespersen, Aabyhoj2.0 
 5. Husted, Aabyhoj2.0 
 6. Randrup-T., Aabyhoj2.0 
 7. Coryea, Aabyhoj1.0 
 8. Hatch, Lemvig0.0 
 9. Pedersen, Lemvig0.0 
 10. Kielpinski, Lemv.0.0 
Steals Per Game
 Emely HATCH
  Lemvig
  (-F-89)
  Avg: 3
 1. Hatch, Lemvig3.0 
 2. Udovalieva, Lemvig3.0 
 3. Jespersen, Aabyhoj2.0 
 4. Morsoe, Aabyhoj1.0 
 5. Schelde, Lemvig1.0 
 6. Kielpinski, Lemvig1.0 
 7. Randrup-T., Aabyhoj1.0 
 8. Coryea, Aabyhoj1.0 
 9. Andersen, Aabyhoj0.0 
 10. Laursen, Aabyhoj0.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Maria JESPERSEN
  Aabyhoj
  (179-G-94)
  Avg: 1
 1. Jespersen, Aabyhoj1.0 
 2. Kristiansen, Lemvig0.0 
 3. Kjems-K., Aabyhoj0.0 
 4. Schelde, Lemvig0.0 
 5. Kielpinski, Lemvig0.0 
 6. Randrup-T., Aabyhoj0.0 
 7. Husted, Aabyhoj0.0 
 8. Pedersen, Lemvig0.0 
 9. Henriksen, Lemvig0.0 
 10. Laursen, Aabyhoj0.0 


*****************************************************
  FIBA AMERICAS - Women  


Standings
Standings
Group A
1. Argentina4-0
2. Cuba3-1
3. P.Rico2-2
4. Colombia1-3
5. Chile0-4
Group B
1. Brazil4-0
2. Canada3-1
3. Jamaica1-3
4. Mexico1-3
5. Paraguay1-3


Day: 5 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket Center
Colombia - Argentina 45-66
Argentina finished Preliminary Round in Neiva with perfect 4-0 record. They won Group A and will meet Canada in the Semifinals. The host of FIBA Americas (Colombia) failed to reach the next stage. They ended as No.4 of this pool with 1-3 record. Debora Gonzalez shined in Argentina with 14 points. Stephany Thomas and Erica Sanchez netted 13 and 10 points respectively. In Colombia, Erika Valek was the only one with double digits in scoring - 12 pts. Elena Diaz had 9 points and 9 rebounds, while Mabel Martinez added 8 pts and 6 rebs. Quarters: 11-16, 11-16, 8-20, 15-14. Semifinals are scheduled for tomorrow. Pairs are Argentina - Canada and Brazil -Cuba.

Paraguay - Mexico 44-87
It was the last game of the Preliminary Round in Neiva and Mexico registered their first win. However, it came too late and Mexico failed to reach the next stage. Both teams finished with 1-3 record in Group B. There is a three-way tie where Mexico is No.3, Jamaica No.4 and Paraguay dropped to the last place in this pool. Brisa Silva led Mexico in scoring with 21 points. Erika Gomez 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Abril Garcia also had double-double: 14 pts and 11 rebs. In defeat, Tamara Insfran collected 12 points and 8 rebounds. Johanna Ghiringhelli stopped to 11 pts in this loss. Quarters: 4-16, 13-24, 16-28, 11-19). Competition is over for both teams.

Canada - Jamaica 66-49
Canada did a great job yesterday. They handed 66-49 loss to Jamaica jumping to 3-1 record in Group B, what is enough for the second place. Canada advanced to Semifinals, where they will meet undefeated Argentina. On the other side, Jamaica dropped to fourth place in this pool with 1-3 record. They said goodbye to Neiva. Kimberley Smith led the winners with 13 points. Miranda Ayim had 11 points and 6 rebounds, and Kaliska Keane helped with 9 points, plus 5 boards. In Jamaica, Nicole Louden shined with 22 points. Their second scorer was Simone Edwards with 8 points. Quarters: 15-13, 18-12, 17-9, 16-15. Semifinals will start tomorrow. Pairs: Canada - Argentina and Cuba - Brazil.

Cuba - Chile 62-42
Cuba made it in do-or-die game against Chile. They celebrated 62-42 victory in this meeting for 3-1 record in Group A. That was enough for the second place and Cuba will meet Brazil in the FIBA Americas Semifinals. On the other side, Chile finished with poor 0-4. Taimy Fernandez led Cuba in scoring with 13 points. Clenia Noblet had 11 points and 5 rebounds, while Marlen Cepeda added 10 points and 12 board. In defeat, Javiera Novion collected 19 points, 5 rebs and 5 assists. Their second scorers were Jenifer Fuentes and Gamvoa Marisol with 6 pts each. Quarters: 19-6, 17-16, 15-7, 11-13. Semifinals are scheduled for tomorrow. As mentioned above, Cuba will play against Brazil, while Argentina will meet Canada.



Semifinals are set in Neiva - by Eurobasket News
GROUP A

COLOMBIA - ARGENTINA 45-66
Argentina finished Preliminary Round in Neiva with perfect 4-0 record. They won Group A and will meet Canada in the Semifinals. The host of FIBA Americas (Colombia) failed to reach the next stage. They ended as No.4 of this pool with 1-3 record. Debora Gonzalez (172-PG-90, agency: Players Group) shined in Argentina with 14 points. Stephany Thomas (175-G-89) and Erica Sanchez (184-F/C-76, agency: Players Group) netted 13 and 10 points respectively. In Colombia, Erika Valek (168-G-82, college: Purdue) was the only one with double digits in scoring - 12 pts. Elena Diaz (185-F-83, college: Nebraska) had 9 points and 9 rebounds, while Mabel Martinez (176-F-86) added 8 pts and 6 rebs. Quarters: 11-16, 11-16, 8-20, 15-14. Semifinals are scheduled for tomorrow. Pairs are Argentina - Canada and Brazil -Cuba.

Colombia: Erika Valek 12, Elena Diaz 9+9 boards, Mabel Martinez 8+6 boards
Argentina: Debora Gonzalez 14, Stephany Thomas 13, Erica Sanchez 10


CUBA - CHILE 62-42
Cuba made it in do-or-die game against Chile. They celebrated 62-42 victory in this meeting for 3-1 record in Group A. That was enough for the second place and Cuba will meet Brazil in the FIBA Americas Semifinals. On the other side, Chile finished with poor 0-4. Taimy Fernandez (183-F-82) led Cuba in scoring with 13 points. Clenia Noblet (191-C-87) had 11 points and 5 rebounds, while Marlen Cepeda (193-C-85) added 10 points and 12 boards. In defeat, Javiera Novion (168-G-87, college: Eckerd) collected 19 points, 5 rebs and 5 assists. Their second scorers were Jenifer Fuentes (178-F-96) and Gamboa Marisol (178-F-86) with 6 pts each. Quarters: 19-6, 17-16, 15-7, 11-13. Semifinals are scheduled for tomorrow. As mentioned above, Cuba will play against Brazil, while Argentina will meet Canada.

Cuba: Taimy Fernandez 13, Clenia Noblet 11+5 boards, Marlen Cepeda 10+12 boards
Chile: Javiera Novion 19+5 boards+5 as, Jenifer Fuentes 6, Gamboa Marisol 6


GROUP B

CANADA - JAMAICA 66-49
Canada did a great job yesterday. They handed 66-49 loss to Jamaica jumping to 3-1 record in Group B, what is enough for the second place. Canada advanced to Semifinals, where they will meet undefeated Argentina. On the other side, Jamaica dropped to fourth place in this pool with 1-3 record. They said goodbye to Neiva. Kimberley Smith (187-F-84, college: Utah) led the winners with 13 points. Miranda Ayim (191-F/C-88, college: Pepperdine) had 11 points and 6 rebounds, and Kalisha Keane (185-F-89, college: Michigan St.) helped with 9 points, plus 5 boards. In Jamaica, Nicole Louden (172-G-83, college: Auburn) shined with 22 points. Their second scorer was Simone Edwards (194-C-73, college: Iowa) with 8 points. Quarters: 15-13, 18-12, 17-9, 16-15. Semifinals will start tomorrow. Pairs: Canada - Argentina and Cuba - Brazil.

Canada: Kimberley Smith 13, Miranda Ayim 11+6 boards, Kalisha Keane 9+5 boards
Jamaica: Nicole Louden 22, Simone Edwards 8


PARAGUAY - MEXICO 44-87
It was the last game of the Preliminary Round in Neiva and Mexico registered their first win. However, it came too late and Mexico failed to reach the next stage. Both teams finished with 1-3 record in Group B. There is a three-way tie where Mexico is No.3, Jamaica No.4 and Paraguay dropped to the last place in this pool. Brisa Silva (168-G-84, college: Oklahoma St.) led Mexico in scoring with 21 points. Erika Gomez (187-F/C-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Abril Garcia (189-F/C-80, college: ORU) also had double-double: 14 pts and 11 rebs. In defeat, Tamara Insfran (175-G-89, college: Cumberland) collected 12 points and 8 rebounds. Johanna Ghiringhelli (168-G-86) stopped to 11 pts in this loss. Quarters: 4-16, 13-24, 16-28, 11-19). Competition is over for both teams.

Paraguay: Tamara Insfran 12+8 boards, Johanna Ghiringhelli 11
Mexico: Brisa Silva 21, Erika Gomez 19+12 boards, Abril Garcia 14+11 boards



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


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


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


LFB Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Pauline AKONGA NSIMBO
  Arr.
  (187-F/C-82)
  Avg: 36
 1. Akonga Nsimb., Arr.36.0 
 2. Abalde, Aix-en-P.30.0 
 3. Hurst, Aix-en-P.24.0 
 4. Sanni, Villeneuve22.0 
 5. Humphrey, Landes22.0 
 6. Gomis, Villeneuve21.0 
 7. Carter, Union H.21.0 
 8. Jansone, Aix-en.20.0 
 9. Breitreiner, Ville.20.0 
 10. Sulciute, Mondevi.17.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jennifer HUMPHREY
  Landes
  (191-C-84)
  Avg: 16
 1. Humphrey, Landes16.0 
 2. Robbins, Villeneuve16.0 
 3. Skrba, Lattes M.14.0 
 4. Mims, Challes14.0 
 5. Kublina, Bourges12.0 
 6. Akonga Nsimb., Arr.11.0 
 7. Sanni, Villeneuve11.0 
 8. El Gargati, Tarbes11.0 
 9. Aziz, Lyon11.0 
 10. Page, Challes10.0 
Assists Per Game
 Kathy WAMBE
  Villeneuve
  (173-G-81)
  Avg: 10
 1. Wambe, Villeneuve10.0 
 2. Sauret Gille., Lyon8.0 
 3. Hurst, Aix-en-P.8.0 
 4. Aubert, Nantes7.0 
 5. Sharp, Mondeville5.0 
 6. Bade, Arras5.0 
 7. Lawson-Wade, Latt.5.0 
 8. Bouderra, Charlevi.5.0 
 9. Bar, Challes4.0 
 10. Manic, Landes4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Catherine JOENS
  Bourges
  (180-G-82)
  Avg: 5
 1. Joens, Bourges5.0 
 2. Skrba, Lattes M.4.0 
 3. Houts, Union H.4.0 
 4. Berezhynska, Charl.4.0 
 5. Lawson-Wade, Latt.3.0 
 6. Robbins, Villeneuve3.0 
 7. Grishaeva, Arras3.0 
 8. Solopova, Union H.3.0 
 9. Manic, Landes3.0 
 10. Bar, Challes3.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Pauline AKONGA NSIMBO
  Arr.
  (187-F/C-82)
  Avg: 2
 1. Akonga Nsimb., Arr.2.0 
 2. Tchangoue, Arras2.0 
 3. Mendy, Nice1.0 
 4. Mims, Challes1.0 
 5. Boogaard, Nice1.0 
 6. Miyem, Bourges1.0 
 7. Cata-Chitiga, Tar.1.0 
 8. Robbins, Villeneuve1.0 
 9. Diouf, Landes1.0 
 10. Stampalija, Union1.0 


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


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


*****************************************************
  JAMAICA - Women  


Canada heads to FIBA Americas Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
CANADA - JAMAICA 66-49

Canada did a great job yesterday. They handed 66-49 loss to Jamaica jumping to 3-1 record in Group B, what is enough for the second place. Canada advanced to Semifinals, where they will meet undefeated Argentina. On the other side, Jamaica dropped to fourth place in this pool with 1-3 record. They said goodbye to Neiva. Kimberley Smith (187-F-84, college: Utah) led the winners with 13 points. Miranda Ayim (191-F/C-88, college: Pepperdine) had 11 points and 6 rebounds, and Kalisha Keane (185-F-89, college: Michigan St.) helped with 9 points, plus 5 boards. In Jamaica, Nicole Louden (172-G-83, college: Auburn) shined with 22 points. Their second scorer was Simone Edwards (194-C-73, college: Iowa) with 8 points. Quarters: 15-13, 18-12, 17-9, 16-15. Semifinals will start tomorrow. Pairs: Canada - Argentina and Cuba - Brazil.

Canada: Kimberley Smith 13, Miranda Ayim 11+6 boards, Kalisha Keane 9+5 boards
Jamaica: Nicole Louden 22, Simone Edwards 8

*****************************************************
  MEXICO - Women  


Paraguay and Mexico say goodbye to Neiva - by Eurobasket News
PARAGUAY - MEXICO 44-87

It was the last game of the Preliminary Round in Neiva and Mexico registered their first win. However, it came too late and Mexico failed to reach the next stage. Both teams finished with 1-3 record in Group B. There is a three-way tie where Mexico is No.3, Jamaica No.4 and Paraguay dropped to the last place in this pool. Brisa Silva (168-G-84, college: Oklahoma St.) led Mexico in scoring with 21 points. Erika Gomez (187-F/C-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Abril Garcia (189-F/C-80, college: ORU) also had double-double: 14 pts and 11 rebs. In defeat, Tamara Insfran (175-G-89, college: Cumberland) collected 12 points and 8 rebounds. Johanna Ghiringhelli (168-G-86) stopped to 11 pts in this loss. Quarters: 4-16, 13-24, 16-28, 11-19). Competition is over for both teams.

Paraguay: Tamara Insfran 12+8 boards, Johanna Ghiringhelli 11
Mexico: Brisa Silva 21, Erika Gomez 19+12 boards, Abril Garcia 14+11 boards

*****************************************************
  NORWAY - Women  


Standings - Women
Kvinneligaen Standings
 1. Ulriken 1-0 
 2. Ammerud 0-0 
 3. NTNUI Basket 0-0 
 4. Oslo Tigers 0-0 
 5. Ullern 0-0 
 6. Gimle 0-1 
Play in international cups:
 1. Asker/BV 0-0 


*****************************************************
  PARAGUAY - Women  


Paraguay and Mexico say goodbye to Neiva - by Eurobasket News
PARAGUAY - MEXICO 44-87

It was the last game of the Preliminary Round in Neiva and Mexico registered their first win. However, it came too late and Mexico failed to reach the next stage. Both teams finished with 1-3 record in Group B. There is a three-way tie where Mexico is No.3, Jamaica No.4 and Paraguay dropped to the last place in this pool. Brisa Silva (168-G-84, college: Oklahoma St.) led Mexico in scoring with 21 points. Erika Gomez (187-F/C-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Abril Garcia (189-F/C-80, college: ORU) also had double-double: 14 pts and 11 rebs. In defeat, Tamara Insfran (175-G-89, college: Cumberland) collected 12 points and 8 rebounds. Johanna Ghiringhelli (168-G-86) stopped to 11 pts in this loss. Quarters: 4-16, 13-24, 16-28, 11-19). Competition is over for both teams.

Paraguay: Tamara Insfran 12+8 boards, Johanna Ghiringhelli 11
Mexico: Brisa Silva 21, Erika Gomez 19+12 boards, Abril Garcia 14+11 boards

*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL - Women  


D2 Standing - by Greg
D1 Standings
 1. C.S.M. / C.S.CAB 0-0 
 2. Calvao 0-0 
 3. E.B.C. 0-0 
 4. E.S.A. 0-0 
 5. Gafanha 0-0 
 6. Juvemaia 0-0 
 7. Lousada 0-0 
 8. Ovarense 0-0 
 9. S.C. Coimbroes 0-0 
 10. Sanjoanense 0-0 
 11. Santarem 0-0 
 12. Uniao Micaelense 0-0 


*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Standings - Women
Extraliga Standings
 1. Dobri Anjeli 1-0 
 2. Poprad 1-0 
 3. Roznava 1-0 
 4. MBK Ruzomb. 0-0 
 5. Cassovia K. 0-1 
 6. Dannax Sport 0-1 
 7. Samorin 0-1 


Good Angels land WNBA player Danielle McCray - by Eurobasket News
Good Angels Kosice announced signing of Danielle McCray (180-G/F-87, college: Kansas) for the upcoming season. The American guard/small forward heads to Slovakia from WNBA. She played for the Connecticut Sun averaging 5.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists this season. In Europe, McCray played for Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion in 2010/11. She had 17.6 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 apg and 1.7 spg for 21 games. Her team reached Israeli Cup Semifinals. It was the first season as a pro for McCray. She graduated at the University of Kansas in 2010. McCray collected 19.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg and 3.1 apg in their last season together.

Extraliga: Round One review - by Eurobasket News
First round of the Slovakian Extraliga was played yesterday.

MBK Region Roznava - BK SOUZ Cassovia Kosice 62:55 (16:12, 15:11, 14:10, 17:22)
Martina Matejcikova (179-F-92) was the leading player in victory with 19 points. Viera Libicova (190-C-80) and Zuzana Babarikova (176-F-86) followed her with 13 and 9 points respectively. In defeat, Timikova delivered 18 points.

SBK Samorin - ZBK Whirlpool Poprad 61:63 (15:11, 19:14, 17:23, 10:15)
Ashley Lindsey (193-F-87, college: Texas) expoded in vcitory with 26 points and Alexandra Baburova (183-F/G-91) helped with 17. For the hosts Alexandra Riecka (170-G-78) answered with 14 points.

Good Angels Kosice - Dannax Sport Kosice 103:25 (26:4, 22:8, 27:5, 28:8)
Kayla Pedersen (193-F-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford) top-scored for the Good Angels with 22 points. Anna Jurcenkova (195-C-85), Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) and Helena Sverrisdottir (185-F/G-88, college: TCU) had 16 points each.

Round two is scheduled for the next weekend.

*****************************************************
  TURKEY - Women  


Fenerbahce too strong for TED Ankara Kolejliler in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
Fenerbahce - TED Ankara Kolejliler 80-58

Fenerbahce and TED Ankara Kolejliler met in a friendly game last night. The reigning champion was much better celebrating 80-58 victory in this match. Zane Tamane (200-C-83, college: W.Illinois) was the leading scorer in victory with 16 points. Ivana Matovic (197-C-83) had 14 points in this meeting and Elina Babkina (173-G-89, agency: LBM Management) added three less. Esmeral was the last one with double-digits in scoring for Fener with 10 points. On the other side, Izabela Piekarska (196-C/F-85, college: UTEP) shined with 17 points. Melek followed with 16. Fener took control on TED Ankara from the very beginning and never looked back. They made 24-10 lead in the first quarter and jumped to 40-21 until the halftime. All after that was just the formality.

TED Ankara Kolejliler: Melek 16, Gulsah 7, Seda, Saynur 8, Ozge 2, Harika 4, E.Guler 2, Arzu 2, Izabela Piekarska 17
Fenerbahce: Ozge 2, Elina Babkina 11, Zane Tamane 16, Birsel 2, Esmeral 10, Kubra 6, Olcay 7, E.Turkyilmaz 7, Devran 5, H.Coklar, Ivana Matovic 14

*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


Team GB Guard Joins Raiders - by Paul Nilsen
The UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders have announced the exciting signing of shooting guard James Jones (193-G/F-83, college: Whitworth), who has been one of the BBL's hottest shooting players in recent years. Jones was also a member of the Team GB squad earlier this summer.



Jones will replace Sebastien Maio in Raiders' lineup this year, as Maio has been released from his contract.



'I'm really happy to be in Plymouth,' said James. 'I've heard a lot of good things about Coach love and the whole of the Raiders organisation, and can't wait to get started with the team. It's going to be a great season.'



Jones was part of the successful Mersey Tigers squad who won the BBL Trophy, League and end of season Playoffs last year. 'He's coming to us with a huge amount of experience and success in the BBL,' said Raiders head coach Gavin Love. 'James is going to help us in a multitude of ways. He's tall, a good defensive player and has been one of the premier shooting guards in the league since he returned from college in the USA.'



Jones first signed to play with the Guildford Heat in 2007/08, and moved to Mersey the season after. He has been there until this summer. In 2009/10,he shot a blistering 48% from the 3 point line. 'He's won 7 championships since 2008 which proves he's used to winning and knows what it takes. That's the kind of experience that we want James to bring to the team this year,' said Raiders Chairman, Bob Widdecombe.



He averaged 12.7 points, 4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game last season, and had some very impressive performances, scoring 23 against the Raiders, 29 and 21 against Essex and Cheshire respectively, 24 against Guildford and 19 against Sheffield. But it was in the last 2 weeks of the regular season when he really proved his worth, helping to power the team to the League title, with an average of 18.5 points in the Tigers' last 5 games.

*****************************************************
  USBA - Women  


Wal Mart and Burlington Coat Factory will supply coats, mittens, scarves and boots to children; WUSBA will coordinate the distribution - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (September 29, 2011) --- For most families in every American city, the cost of purchasing winter clothing for their child every fall stretches their ability, to seek out the monies to give their child basic comforts. In fact, many of the lower-income students in most school districts routinely attend school without the proper clothing to begin the new school year. Considering the current constraints of funding in the household, schools with a large population of high-needs students are find it difficult to step in and assist these families.

To ensure that students in need, have a coat, scarf, mittens or shoes during the school year, particularly this winter, the Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) and the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc, have initiated the 2011 WUSBA Overcoat, Mitten Scarf and Boot Extravaganza. The WUSBA and its basketball teams have arranged the collection of winter clothing with the help of Burlington Coat Factory, Wal Mart, Target and several clothing manufacturers.

Recently the WUSBA began to unite these companies in a gigantic effort to provide students with proper winter clothing in each of the league team cities. This October, these companies are launching the first annual collaborative winter clothing drive. 'We need everything from coats to new shoes and boots, for the kids in need' said WUSBA president Duane Allen Jenkins, 'We do this same program in my daughters school, we decided to expand our efforts to include elementary schools in all our twenty proposed league cities.'

Title sponsors include Wal Mart and Burlington Coat factory, The two discount giants are jumpstarting the drive with a commitment to provide the need items at significant discounted cost. The collaboration of the additional companies will raise the majority of its support through a combination of monies, donated clothing and sharply discounted prices on purchases. This united effort will be accessible in late October through the end of December or until all students receive the clothing or until all articles are exhausted. This program will allow the schools effectively distribute the much needed winter clothing to students in their schools. The drive will secure donations that will be used on the local level.

'We are thankful for the inclusion of Charleston County School students and families in such a needed and worthwhile program', said Dr. Brenda Nelson, Ed.D. Director of Community Outreach, Charleston County School District, 'we do look forward to working with the WUSBA around this effort.'

'We appreciate you and WUSBA reaching out to us to help our students. We apreiciate the WUSBA working with some of our schools and I think your programs are a good match' said Karen Hanson of Duval County Schools. The Duval County school system has jurisdiction over all Jacksonville Florida area public schools.

'Our chief goal in coordinating this effort was to attempt to create a solution, rather than ignore an ever present challenge that plagues our communities. It's a terrible thing to have to select between buying school clothing or food for the family, we pray our efforts can make a difference', said Jenkins. 'The WUSBA is obligated to help all our cities anyway we can.'

The Women's United States Basketball Association is a womens professional basketball league based in the southern United States and will feature many players from the U.S. and around the world. The league has proposed to activate twenty teams spread out over nine southern states. The following is a list of current teams;

The Southern Division consists of the Atlanta Platinum (Ga.), the Montgomery Spirit (Al), the Birmingham Starz (Al) the Tallahassee Cypress (Fl) and the Macon Storm (Ga.).

The Piedmont Division will house the Augusta Raging River (Ga.), the Charlotte Blue Wave (NC), the Columbia Breeze (SC), the Raleigh Roadrunners (NC) and the Winston Salem Cardinals (NC).

The Atlantic Division will field the Jacksonville Surf (Fla.), the Virginia Colonials (Va.), the Savannah Seahawks (Ga.), the Hampton Road Blaze (VA) and the Charleston Cadets (SC).

The Appalachian Division is the West Virginia Capitals (WV), the Nashville Thunder (Tn.), the Chattanooga Royal (Tn.), the Lexington Plateau (KY) and the Knoxville Reign (Tn.).

Last winter it was brutally cold here in the south, we just want to be prepared this year for the same type of weather. We want all the kids to be safe and warm

Yvonne Lewis, Chief Community Coordinator of Birmingham City Schools Public Schools was contacted about this program and stated, 'We are thrilled to be included with the collaboration. While we have undertaken a clothing drive each year, we need winter coats for the children, we were excited by the opportunity to combine our efforts with the WUSBA.'



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


McCoughtry either confused or overconfident after Dream advance to face Lynx - by Eurobasket News
With league MVP Tamika Catchings hobbled by a foot injury, Indiana had no chance against Atlanta on Tuesday in the third game of their best-of-three Eastern Conference finals series.

The Dream was ahead by 14 points going into the fourth quarter and won easily 83-67 on the Fever's home court. Even with a healthy Catchings, Atlanta still might have won. The Dream finished 6-1 this season against Indiana.

After the game ended, Heather Cox of ESPN2 tried to interview forward Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville). McCoughtry had her own ideas. 'I always wanted to meet President Obama,' McCoughtry blurted out. 'I know we had a lot of adversity, but adversity builds character.'

Say what? President Obama had the 2010 WNBA champions, the Seattle Storm, over to the White House on June 29. And the 2011 champs undoubtedly will get an invite, but Ms. McCoughtry, your team has not won the WNBA title yet? You have to beat the Lynx three times to get that trophy. Are you that confident?

Atlanta did have some adversity, especially early when the Dream started 3-9. Two of those losses were to the Lynx. McCoughtry was having knee problems, Sancho Lyttle missed both Lynx games because she was playing in Europe.

The Dream will be a tough matchup for the Lynx because in some ways the two teams mirror each other. Both can put up lots of points; Atlanta was second in the league in points per game behind Phoenix, the Lynx were third. Both averaged more than 80 points.

The Lynx were first in rebounding, the Dream second.

Both thrive in transition. Atlanta had 15 steals against Indiana. The Fever had 18 turnovers altogether.

Cox said a Lynx scout told her the Lynx will have to stop the Dream's transition game to win.

Said ESPN2 broadcaster Terry Gannon, 'This was an impressive effort by Atlanta on the road to close [the series] out.' ... There was about eight minutes left when Gannon said that but it was a blowout by then. The Fever had never lost an elimination game at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Atlanta has won four consecutive Eastern Conference playoff series in a row in 2010 and 2011 as the underdog. Last year the Dream beat New York in the conference finals before being swept 3-0 by the Storm in the league finals.

McCoughtry will be one difficult player for the Lynx to guard. She is aggressive and gets to the line more than any other WNBA player. She had 26 points Tuesday but should have had 30 or more. McCoughtry was 11 for 19 at the foul line. She was better from the field (seven for 10).

Asked how the Dream can beat the Lynx, McCoughtry said, 'Play hard, play tough, play good defense. Do the things Atlanta has been doing, play Atlanta basketball.'

One Indiana analyst called the Dream's style playground basketball, adding quickly she meant that in a good way.

The MVP of this series for Atlanta -- if someone was naming one -- was not McCoughtry, though. It was Izi Castro Marques. She had 30 points on Sunday when the Dream won 94-77 at Phillips Arena and 23 on Tuesday as a spot starter.

Castro Marques was averaging 7.6 points with a high of 19 going into this series, but Atlanta had a huge hole to fill when 6-5 center Erika de Souza left the team to play for her native Brazil in the FIBA Americas tournament in Columbia, a qualifer for the 2012 London Summer Olympics.

Castro Marques could have gone with De Souza but opted to stay.

Courtesy of www.startribune.com

Good Angels land WNBA player Danielle McCray - by Eurobasket News
Good Angels Kosice announced signing of Danielle McCray (180-G/F-87, college: Kansas) for the upcoming season. The American guard/small forward heads to Slovakia from WNBA. She played for the Connecticut Sun averaging 5.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists this season. In Europe, McCray played for Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion in 2010/11. She had 17.6 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 apg and 1.7 spg for 21 games. Her team reached Israeli Cup Semifinals. It was the first season as a pro for McCray. She graduated at the University of Kansas in 2010. McCray collected 19.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg and 3.1 apg in their last season together.