Teamed with fellow import Wilson Chandler, expect the two Americans to handle most of the scoring load for the Lions and for them to be one of the top team is the CBA.





Duan Jiangpeng Named to National Team - by Arthur Volbert
Duan JiangPeng (197-F-90), who starred for China's Junior National Team in its recent games against Duke, has been named to China's National Team. He replaces Wang Shipeng who will miss the Asian Championship because of a broken wrist.

Duan, a shooting guard, was China's best perimeter player in the games against Duke. He outshone more highly-hyped young players such as Meng Duo and Sui Ran. Duan averaged 12.8 points per game for Shanxi last season. He hit 54 percent of his two-point shots, 38 percent of his three-pointers and 80 percent of his free-throws. He seemed to be the only Chinese player who consistently hit free throws against Duke, and his athleticism allowed him to frequently get to the line.

Duan started last season slowly, feeling the absence of Stephon Marbury at Shanxi, but really came on at the end of the season. He had averaged 14.4 points in the 2009-10 season, working with Marbury. Tall for a shooting guard and athletic, Duan has promise to be China's go-to scorer in the future, and possibly even in this year's Asian Championship.

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Siroki TT Kabeli is the winner of the friendly Tournament in Siroki Brijeg. They outplayed Civona in the Finals 80-71. Zeljko Sakic (203-F-88) stepped up for the hosts with 18 points. Darko Planinic (211-C-90) secured a great help adding 17 points and 9 rebounds, while point guard Jakov Vladovic (186-PG-83) added 14 points and 8 assists. In Cibona, Antwain Barbour (196-G/F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Kentucky) responded with 15 points. Jure Lalic (212-C-86) had 13 points and 6 rebounds and Tomislav Zubcic (214-C/F-90, agency: Beo Basket) netted 12 pts. Siroki was better team during the entire game. They had 42-28 lead at the halftime. Cibona reached minus six for rest of the game, but that was all from them. Cedevita won third place at this Tournament. They blasted Jolly JBS 92-68. Jakov Vladovic was named MVP of the Tournament, while Ivo Josipovic (205-F-75, agency: Court Side) (Jolly JBS) is the best scorer with 38 points.

EuroBasket 2011: Greece eliminate Croatian squad - by Eurobasket News
Greece-Croatia 74:69

Greece won over Croatia in Group C of Eurobasket 2011. The Greek side improved to 4-1 record after 74:69 win and advanced to the Second Round.
Both sides knew victory would secure their spot, but a disappointing Croatia side was simply blown away during the opening two quarters. Koufos scored for 14:8 and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) brought 18:10. Vasileiadis made two free throws at the end of the frame for 25:13. Vasileiadis gave Greece plus 19 and Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) scored for 40:23. Vasileiadis later gave the biggest lead for his team at 43:23 and Andric closed the half at 44:27. Croatia had nothing to lose and produced an excellent second half. They managed to win the third period 18-14 and reduced to 13 points when Stanko Barac (217-C-86) closed the third at 58:45. Moreover a 6-0 run gave Croatia 58:51 and Stanko Barac cut it to 60:55. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) and Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) brought Croatia within 4 points and the latter educed to 69:67. Greece however did not allow them to win the game. Vasileiadis made two last free throws for the final result.
Kostas Vasiliadis and Antonis Fotsis top-scored for the winners with 17 points each, while Ioannis Bourousis added 11. Nikolaos Zisis (196-G-83) and Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida)es followed them with 9 points each. Marko Popovic and Stanko Barac posted 14 points each in defeat, whilst Krunoslav Simon (197-F-85) added 11 and Ante Tomic had 10.

Greece: Kostas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) 17, Antonis Fotsis 17, Ioannis Bourousis 11, Nikolaos Zisis 9, Nick Calatheses 9
Croatia: Marko Popovic 14, Stanko Barac 14, Krunoslav Simon 11, Ante Tomic 10


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CZECH REPUBLIC

Proton and Svitavy participated at the Zlin International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Proton and Svitavy participated at the Zlin International Tournament with 4 teams participating.
Svitany finished second, while the hosts in the last position. In the game between each other Svitany celebrated 96:85 victory.
In Day 2 MBK Banik Handlova edged QUANTO Svitavy 82:74. The winners started with 19-13 and added 17-12 in the second period. Svitany replied with 25-20 in the third quarter, but MBK Banik Handlova needed 26-24 in the last quarter to seal the victory. Anthony Jones (194-G/F-84, college: Indiana Tech) erupted with 36 points and Ivan Barisic (201-C/F-84) followed him with 23.
Proton Zlin upset MBK Banik Handlova 78:68. The hosts of the tournament opened the game with 16-12 and produced a 20-19 in the second frame. The teams exchanged the victories in the second-half quarters, as Proton Zlin kept the victory. Anthony Jones netted 23 points in the losing effort and Ivan Barisic added 17.
In the last game Svitavy edged Austrian BK XION Dukes Klosterneuburg-Rakousko 88:85.


Opava bring Maurizio Galata - by Eurobasket News
Opava bring Maurizio Galata (202-F-92) for 2011/2012 season. The team announced Slovakian player that already played some friendlies with the team.
In 2009-2010 Galata started for B.S.C. Bratislava. In 2010-2011 he moved to MBK Handlova (Extraliga) but mostly played for B.S.C. Bratislava junior team.
He was a member of the Slovakian U20 National Team -11 and became Slovakian U18 Championships Finalist -11.
The team also announced the roster for 2011/2012 season: Jakub Blazek (203-F-80), Martin Vanak (200-F-87), Radim Klecka (188-G-90), Gerich, Jiri Dihel (198-F/C-87), Krystof Vlcek (91) , Micunek, Jakub Sirina (185-G-87), Jan Kupcik (182-G-92) and Bohm.
Jan Kupcik is a 1992 year-born player who in 2009-2010 started for BK Breda & Weinstein Opava (NBL), played mostly for junior team. In 4 games he averaged 3.8ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg. The last season spent with BK Opava B (1Liga).
Miroslav Kvapil (197-F-93) is a 1993 year-born Forward that played last year for 2010-2011: BK Opava B (1Liga). He was also a member of the Czech Republic U18 National Team -11.


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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Edgar Sosa will be fine and hopefull - by Kerwin Abreu
Dominican National Team point guard Edgar Sosa (188-PG-88, college: Louisville), had an strange injury that will take him out of the team and will be out of basketball at least for a year.

Sosa was driving to the hoop when felt down with 37.3 seconds remaining in the game vs Panama. Dominican Republic was defeating Panama by 23 points whe Edgar broke his right leg thibia bone.

It was crazy seeing this Said Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington), Panama Player. It can happen to anybody.

Sosa stayed on the floor for 2 minutes when he was taken out of the Arena y Argentina.

I just want to go to London, said Sosa at the hospital. Coach John Calipari is devastated and showed his emotion with tears in his eyes.

He still been showing happiness and we know it will be difficult but he will heal this injury and will be fine.

Charlie Villanueva (209-F-84, college: Connecticut) wrote on twitter, claiming God to help Edgar heal this injury.

Chris Paul (183-PG-85, college: Wake Forest) wrote Just heard my homie @EdgarSosa10 suffered a tough injury 2day while playing w/his national team...ur in my prayers bro and get well soon!!!

The entire Dominican Republic is praying for his recovery and we know he will be fine.

The leg and bone were cleaned but it still unknown if he is going to be treated in Argentina or Santo Domingo.

For more: www.masterdeportes.com


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EUROLEAGUE

Maccabi T.A. Updates: Hendrix, Foote and Dentmon - by David Pick
Maccabi Tel Aviv's 2011/12 season roster is in the midst of a change. Although the team still awaits a rightful substitute for former dazzling point guard Jeremy Pargo, Eurobasket reveals that despite the potential names of joining the team, a player who might actually be on his way out is American center -- Richard Hendrix.

The Alabama alumnus signed a two-year deal with the Israeli champions now entering his second-season; yet, he experienced a rocky one this past year and was already on his way out of the team last season when Serbian Milan Macvan joined. However, coach Blatt insisted on keeping the big man, and Hendrix remained in Israel.

'People are asking us about Hendrix but right now it is not a possibility,' a source close to the situation commented. Hendrix's performances in the Israeli league came to a total average of 7.6ppg and 4.7rpg in 14.5 minutes. In the Euroleague, he'd post similar of 13.6 minutes and 5.6ppg.

Remember Jeff Foote?

Another player who signed with Maccabi and was shortly after shown the door is Jeff Foote. The 23-year-old 7-footer signed last season a three-year deal with Maccabi but was sent on a loan to Melilla Baloncesto (Spain-LEB Gold). Foote, who doesn't seem to be a part of Maccabi's near or far future plans, wasn't in contact with the team throughout his time in Spain or during the summer. He recently signed in Poland with Zastal Zielona Gora along with college friend and teammate Ryan Wittman.

Optional Addition

On another note, reports in the Israeli media regarding negotiations between NBA guard Zabian Dowdell and Maccabi were vetoed by a team source. 'We have not talked about Dowdell in three months. He is under contract and not an option.'

Coach Blatt is known to personally appreciate Dowdell as a player; however, he's interested in signing a free agent, not someone who will pick up and leave once the NBA lockout is over. Team share holder David Federman seems to like the roster as is, and had promised young Israeli point guard Yogev Ohayon playing minutes. A combo-guard who was actually offered to the team a few weeks ago is the former 'Huskies' guard Justin Dentmon, who recently signed with Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris (Dominican Rep.). It doesn't seem to be the case but If Maccabi were to exercise the option of recruiting Dentmon, the player has an easy opt-out clause in his contract.

Dentmon, an underrated scoring machine, played in Israel in 2009 for Hapoel Afula and finished as the league's top scorer with 19.8ppg. Last season, he split his time between the NBDL and Venezuela.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd



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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Parker suffers thigh injury in Eurobasket - by Eurobasket News
Though his team defeated Italy 91-84 on Sunday, San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker (183-PG-80) was injured in the victory according to a news wire report (H/T Spurs Nation) from ESPN.com

Parker was kneed in the left thigh by Andrea Bargnani on the second play of the game, struggled through the first half and part of the third quarter before leaving the game for good.

'I am going to have treatment on it tonight and see if I can play tomorrow,' Parker said. France plays Serbia on Monday. 'The doctor said I should not take a risk in the fourth quarter.'

Parker and France are set to take on Serbia Monday before they have a day of rest to begin round two of the 2011 FIBA Eurobasket on Wednesday.

This was the risk Spurs fans and management worried about when players represent their home countries in international play. Along with Parker; Manu Ginobili (Argentina), Tiago Splitter (Brazil), and Cory Joseph (Canada) are all currently representing their teams in different parts of the world in the Eurobasket and FIBA Americas tournaments.

Courtesy of http://projectspurs.com

Israel Tops Italy 96:95 in Meaningless Dramatic EuroBasket Battle - by David Pick
In light of a disastrous tournament, next summer, Israel, along with 30-other national teams will participate and fight in the qualifying 2013 EuroBasket campaign in Slovenia.

Today's first of three games in Group B met an exceptionally disappointed Italian team, who only looked to finish their EuroBasket competition on a winning note when going up against Israel, on their last day of action in Siauliai. However, an electrifying, dramatic overtime game saw Israel go home with a 96:95 'W'. Israel at one point led by as much as 21-points but managed to break a EuroBasket scoring record, only 5 (all free-throw) points in the entire fourth quarter.

The Italians led by their 'BIG THREE', NBAers Andrea Bargnani, Marco Belinelli and Danilo Gallinari, suffered another defeat yesterday after leading for the majority of the game against France before falling 91-84. On the other side of the bleachers, Israel tasted victory for the first time with a 91-88 triumph over a crushed Latvia, as they too, would like nothing more than to return to the promise land with another 'W'.

Israel - Italy 96:95

Both teams took the court for the last time in the 2011 EuroBasket games, and what a thrilling battle it was as Israel opened with four current and one former Maccabi T.A. players -- Yogev Ohayon, Yotam Halperin, David Blu, Guy Pnini and Lior Eliyahu. Italy opened with their usual trio of Bargnani-Gallinari-Belinelli, in addition to Marco Carraretto and Daniel Hackett.

Bargnani Pnini and Eliyahu set the tone in the first period as each scored a minimum of four-field goals early on. Gallinari and Blu chipped in with a few buckets as Israel took a minimal, 27:26, first quarter lead. Israelis Tal Burstein and Yaniv Green came on in the second session for what could possibly be their last game representing their country. Green quickly put himself on the score board and with very impressive plays by youngster Elishay Kadir, Italy trailed 39:29. New Orleans' sharp shooter Belinelli began to heat up, made his second three and closed the gap, 40:39. Then, Eliyahu ran the fast break and turned Cinciarini into his personal screen saver with a vicious jam. Israel continued to press, Italy continued playing poor and confused basketball as Blu's trey and Nissim's buzzer-beating-lay-up sent the Jews to the locker-room up, 49:41.

Belinelli's third-quarter bucket was answered with an 11:0 Israeli blitz led by Halperin and Kadir as the blue-and-white men took a promising 60:45 lead. The game turned into a long second half garbage time with Israel surprisingly taking another promising 70:51 advantage, and 79:60, to end the third shooting 67% from three-point range on 8/12.
What was a 21-point advantage became just ten with seven minutes to play after a nice dunk by Mancinelli. Israel couldn't buy a bucket in seven minutes. Bargnani continued playing in fifth gear and completely opened the game with a 13:0 run, 79:73, as the Israelis greatly struggle. Pnini's technical foul sent Hackett to the charity line splitting his free-throws and Mancinelli added another facial on Israel's defense, as the score board showed a 16:0 Italian run and 79:76 Israeli lead, 120-seconds to go. Deep back-to-back threes from Belinelli and Bargnani tied the game at 84:84 a piece, sending things to overtime.

Overtime

David Blu delivered in the clutch scoring Israel's first four overtime points but Mekel's turnover sent Mancinelli on his third dunk giving the Italian the lead, 89:88. The crazy fanatic meaningless game continued as Pnini and Bargnani changed buckets but the Italian NBA sensation made a crucial and foolish mistake fouling Green with 0.7 seconds remaining in OT. Green missed the first, made the second and what could have possibly been his lat points as a national player. Israel celebrated its second tournament win, 96:95.

Stats

Bargnani had a 'sick' double-double and game high 26 points and 11 rebounds in a losing effort. Gallinari added 19 points, Mancinelli had 16 and 8, Hackett finished with 15 points and an equal 5 in rebounds and assists. Belinelli 6, Mordente and Cinciarini 5 each and Datome scored 3 points for the Italians.

Pnini led five Israeli double-figure scorers with 22 points (6/8 from the field), David Blu played a tournament high 30-minutes and responded with 17 points (7/10 from the field), and 3 boards. Eliyahu 16 points, 7 rebounds and Halperin (5 assists) and Kadir (5 rebounds) each added 10 points. Nissim and Green both scored 7, Ohayon 4 and Mekel's 3 points rounded up the games scorers.

Today's top game for a battle of first place and a perfect Group B record shows the brilliant -- France and Serbia. The two teams have already qualified for the next round along
with Germany who will play Latvia prior to the exciting match.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

The End of the Preliminary Round in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News

Group A

United Kingdom - Poland 88-81
Great Britain shocked Poland 88:81 and did not allow them to advance to Second Round. Both teams finished with 2-3 records however gave Turkey the last ticket to the Second Round. Poland shocked Turkey last night and after that game all three teams including Great Britain had chances for the third place to advance to Second Round. Great Britain however needed a massive victory against the Poles in their last group game on Monday to maintain those hopes. Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Washington St.) and Joel Freeland (208-F-87) exchanged the early leads and the latter gave Great Britain 8:2 in the opening tip. Poland needed an 8-0 run to tie the game at 12:12 and Berisha later made it for 14:14. Koszarek and Archibald closed the first period with jump shots for 18:17, Great Britain. Berisha gave Poland 23:22 early in the second, while Clark scored for 31:26. Great Britain looked great in the end of the period and Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) made five consecutive points for 39:31 lead at the halftime. Joel Freeland increased to 42:31 early in the third, but Koszarek reduced to 42:37. Joel Freeland and Luol Deng made it 46:37 and Szewczyk scored four in a row for 46:41. Moreover Adam Hrycaniuk (208-C-84, college: Cincinnati) reduced to 49:47 with 4 minutes in the third quarter. Again Luol Deng brought 53:48, while Koszarek delivered 6 points in arrow for Poland to give his side 56:53. Luol Deng made two free throws to close the third period at 55:56. Joel Freeland and Thomas Kelati exchanged the shot for 62:61 and Luol Deng scored his 25th point for 64:61. Reinking and Clark brought 69:63 and Thomas Kelati reduced to 71:68 with 6 minutes to go. Lenzly tied the game at 75:75 and Berisha gave Poland 78:75 with three minutes remaining. Lenzly replied from the arc for Great Britain and gave them 1-point lead. Joel Freeland made an alley-oop for 80:77 and Poland needed timeout with 2 minutes to play. Luol Deng increased to 82:77 but Adam Hrycaniuk cut it to just three. Reinking and Luol Deng brought 88:79 and Adam Hrycaniuk made the final result in the game. Luol Deng and Joel Freeland combined for 55 points to lead all the winners. Berisha posted 19 in defeat and Adam Hrycaniuk as well as Koszarek netted 15 each.

Spain - Turkey 57-65
Turkey confirmed their high ambitions for the EuroBasket tournament with a stunning win over previously undefeated Spain. Turkey shocked their opponents in the fourth frame to steal a key victory. The winners improved at 3-2 record and booked the place in the Qualifying Round. Spain slipped at 4-1 record on top of Group A. Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up with 18 points to lead the effort. Spain opened the game with a 5:0 run. They stayed in charge in the opening quarter posting a 19:10 lead ten minutes into the game. Emir Preldzic erupted for 11 points in the second quarter to keep Turkey within striking distance. They ensured a 38:35 halftime lead. Spain maintained the lead throughout the third term. They secured a 55:49 advantage with one quarter to go. But a drastic change came in the fourth period. Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) opened the period with a jumper but then Turkey kept their opponents scoreless for almost nine minutes going on a 16:0 run and celebrating an impressive win at the end. Omer Asik and Hidayet Turkoglu posted 12 points each, while Ender Arslan (190-G-83) added 10 points in the victory. Marc Gasol (212-C-85, agency: Interperformances) answered with 12 points for Spain. Rudy Fernandez (197-G-85) and Felipe Reyes had 11 points each in the loss.

Portugal - Lithuania 69-98
Lithuania smashed Portugal 98:86 in the last game of the Preliminary Round at Eurobasket 2011. The home side produced an easy 98:69 victory to send Portugal home with 0-5 record. The hosts, who had clinched second spot in Group A ahead of the game, will advance to Round Two in Vilnius with a 1-1 record. Lithuania easily took the lead, but first Santos made a three for 12:12. The hosts responded with 12-0 run to take 24:12 after Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland)'s jump shot. Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) and Minhava exchanged the late baskets in the first period for 28:16. Portugal had nothing to lose and created a great second frame. Filipe Da Silva (192-G-79) tied the game at 35:35 as Portugal dominated the second quartet. After 19-13 in it, Portugal trailed 6 points at the halftime. The second half however completely belonged to Lithuania. They needed 27-15 in the third quarter as the board showed 68:50 after thirty minutes. Another 30-19 in the last quarter brought the final result in the game. Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) and Sarunas Jasikevicius poured in 14 points each, while Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) netted 13 and Jasaitis scored 12. Andrade ended up with 16 points in the losing effort and Tavares chipped in 14.

Group B

Serbia - France 96-97 OT
France remained perfect at the Eurobasket 2011. Tony Parker (183-PG-80) and Co edged Serbia 97:96 in overtime to win Group B. The game between France and Serbia was one of the most expected in the last day of the Preliminary Round. Both teams entered the game undefeated and struggled in the court to stay perfect. Savanovic and Batum brought the first points for their teams, while Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) gave Serbia 9:4. Again Nenad Krstic and Marko Keselj (205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) scored for 17:12, while Tony Parker and Joakim Noah (211-F/C-85, college: Florida) reduced to 19:16. Tony Parker scored later six in a row for his side and gave France 22:21 lead. Tepic however was the last to score in the first period to bring the lead back for Serbia at 25:24. Bjelica and Macvan remained Serbia in front at 29:28 and Marko Keselj scored for 31:30. Tony Parker tied the game at 36:36 and Diaw brought four for 43:38. Teodosic however sent the teams to the lockers at 43:41 as he made three free throws in the end of the second frame. Perovic tied it at 43:43, while Seraphin and Tony Parker gave France 52:44. Marko Keselj and Nenad Krstic reduced to 52:49, while Macvan closed a 13-0 run for Serbia and gave them 57:52. Kahudi and Joakim Noah gave France back the lead at 62:61 and Rasic closed the period at 64:62, Serbia. The teams stayed too close to each other in the fourt frame and each of them deserved the final win. Nenad Krstic made the final two free throws with 10 seconds in the fourth period for 80:80. Tony Parker could bring the win for France but sent the teams to overtime. In extra time the teams played very offensive and scored 33 points in just 5 minutes. The lead changed more than usual and Gelabale gave France 93:891 with a minute to go. Savanovic and Marko Keselj gave Serbia 96:95, but France had Mr Tony Parker. The latter made two free throws for the final success. Tony Parker poured in 24 points for the winners and Batum netted 18. Diaw chipped in 15, while Joakim Noah scored 14. Marko Keselj delivered 25 points in the losing effort and Nenad Krstic posted 22. Rasic and Teodosic scored 11 points each in defeat.

Latvia - Germany 80-81
Germany had a narrow escape against Latvia for the third win at the European Championship. Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) drained a key three-pointer late in the game to seal the victory for Germany. The winners improved at 3-2 record and occupied the third position in Group B. Latvia suffered the fifth straight defeat at the tournament. Germany opened the game with seven points in a row. They soon grabbed a 13:3 lead but Latvia closed the period strongly to narrow the gap to just a single point 14:15. Freimanis put Latvia in front midway through the second term. The teams went to and fro before Tibor Pleiss tied things up at 33 at halftime. Germany surged in front midway through the third term. Tibor Pleiss stepped up with five points late in the period to give Germany a 56:48 lead into the fourth frame. However Latvia went on a 14:3 run to grab a 71:67 advantage with just over three minutes remaining. They still led by two points 80:78 with 18 seconds remaining before Heiko Schaffartzik drained a triple and sealed the win for Germany. Robin Benzing (208-F-89), Heiko Schaffartzik, Tibor Pleiss, Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) and Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) delivered 11 points each to lead the effort. Rihards Kuksiks (198-G/F-88) responded with 27 points for Latvia. Dairis Bertans had 15 points in the loss.

Israel - Italy 96-95 OT
Israel needed overtime to beat Italy in the last game for both teams in Group B of Eurobasket 2011. Israel failed in the fourth period but managed to grab 96:95 overtime victory. David Blu (201-F-80, college: USC) gave Israel the first lead, while Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85) brought the first points for the Italian squad. Mordente gave his side 10:8 and Hackett as well as Andrea Bargnani's threes gave Italy 18:15. Israel trailed 4 points with one minute to go in the first, but Pnini closed a 5-0 run for 27:26 lead at the end of the first period. Datome tied the game at 29:29 but Israel erupted with another 10-0 run to take 39:29 midway through the second frame. Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) and Andrea Bargnani however cut it to 40:36 and Gallinari reduced to 44:41. Meanwhile David Blu and Nissim ensured 49:41 halftime advantage for Israel. The latter did not even think of slowing down and won the third period 30-19. Ohayon gave Israel 79:60 with just 10 minutes left in the court. Italy however shocked the opponents in the start of the fourth period and erupted with 18-0 run. Andrea Bargnani scored throughout the run at 79:73 with 3 minutes to play. Hackett and Stefano Mancinelli (203-F-83) cut it to 79:76 and again Hackett made it 79:78 with less than a minute to play. Gal Mekel (194-PG-88, college: Wichita St.) broke the silence for Israel at 80:78 from the free throw line with 16 seconds to go. Gallinari nailed three for 82:81 and Andrea Bargnani tied the game at 84:84 sending the teams to overtime. David Blu gave Israel 86:84 and later he scored for 88:85. Green and Pnini delivered five for 93:89, but Andrea Bargnani and Cinciarini scored for 95:95. Green however made one free throw to seal the victory with Israel. Pnini paced all the winners with 22 points and David Blu scored 17. Eliyahu delivered 16, while Halperin and Kadir posted 10 each. Andrea Bargnani finished the thriller with 26 points, while Gallinari added 19.

Group C

Greece - Croatia 74-69
Greece won over Croatia in Group C of Eurobasket 2011. The Greek side improved to 4-1 record after 74:69 win and advanced to the Second Round. Both sides knew victory would secure their spot, but a disappointing Croatia side was simply blown away during the opening two quarters. Koufos scored for 14:8 and Fotsis brought 18:10. Vasileiadis made two free throws at the end of the frame for 25:13. Vasileiadis gave Greece plus 19 and Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) scored for 40:23. Vasileiadis later gave the biggest lead for his team at 43:23 and Andric closed the half at 44:27. Croatia had nothing to lose and produced an excellent second half. They managed to win the third period 18-14 and reduced to 13 points when Stanko Barac (217-C-86) closed the third at 58:45. Moreover a 6-0 run gave Croatia 58:51 and Stanko Barac cut it to 60:55. Tomic and Popovic brought Croatia within 4 points and the latter educed to 69:67. Greece however did not allow them to win the game. Vasileiadis made two last free throws for the final result. Vasileiadis and Fotsis top-scored for the winners with 17 points each, while Ioannis Bourousis added 11. Zisis and Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida) followed them with 9 points each. Popovic and Stanko Barac posted 14 points each in defeat, whilst Simon added 11 and Tomic had 10.

Finland - Montenegro 71-65
Finland advanced to the Second Round after the victory over Montenegro 71:65 in the first game of the last day in Group C. Both teams entered the court with 1-3 records and hoped to leave the last spot of Group C. Only pride was on the line for Montenegro when they prepare to sign off their EuroBasket 2011 campaign in Alytus knowing they are the only team in Group C without a shot of making it to Round 2. Henrik Dettmann 's Finland had to beat Montenegro and then sawif both Greece and F.Y.R. of Macedonia win their games.

Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Huff were the first players to score for their teams. Koponen and Tuukka Kotti (205-F/C-81, college: Providence) gave the Scandinavian team 7:4, while Salin scored for 19:12. Tuukka Kotti made two free throws at the end of the period to bring his side 25:14 at the end of the frame. In the second quarter Montenegro started to play better and as a result Dasic tied the game at 28:28. Jeretin made the same at 31:31 and then he made another free throw for 1-point lead. Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) brought his side 38:34, while Salin sent the teams to the lockers at 40:36, Montenegro. Montenegro started the third quarter netter and Vucevic gave his side 49:42. Finladn replied with a 7-0 run and Rannikko tied the game at 49:49. Koivisto nailed three for 52:51 and Antti Nikkila (210-F/C-78, college: Valparaiso) made two free throws for 54:53. Finland continued to dominate and Lee scored for 65:58. Tuukka Kotti and Bjelica scored free throws for 66:63 and Koponen gave the Scandinavian team 68:65 with less than 2 minutes in the fourth period. Virtanen made three free throws for 6-point victory. Lee paced all the winners with 12 points, while Tuukka Kotti netted 11 and Koponen scored 10. Nikola Pekovic ended up with 16 points in the losing effort, while Milos Borisov (201-F-85) had 14.

FYR Macedonia - Bosnia 75-63
Bosnia and Herzegovina failed in their bid to reach Round 2 with defeat against F.Y.R. of Macedonia to send surprising Finland to Vilnius. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) gave the winners 2:0 lead and Ilievski brought 7:3. Bosnia and Herzegovina replied with 7-0 and Kikanovic scored for 10:7. The teams exchanged several more baskets in the rest of the quarter for 17:16, Bosnia. Teletovic tied the game at 23:23 and Vasiljevic made the same at 29:29. Teletovic and Gordic gave Bosnia 35:31 and Domercant sent the squads to the lockers at 38:35. The second half however was fatal for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the last in Eurobasket 2011. F.Y.R. of Macedonia opened the third quarter with 13-0 run and Pero Antic delivered for 49:38. Stojanovski made four in a row for 53:42 and Nihad Dedovic (196-F-90, agency: Beo Basket) replied with consecutive five points to close the third at 53:47. Samardziski and Bo McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) gave the winners 57:51, while Pero Antic and Bo McCalebb made the things clear in the court for 64:57. Gechevski brought the last points for the winners and sent Bosnia and Herzegovina packing. Bo McCalebb stepped up with 22 points as his team won Group C. Pero Antic followed him with 15 points and 14 boards, while Gechevski scored 13. Nihad Dedovic ended up with 15 points in defeat and Bajramovic added 12.

Group D

Ukraine - Belgium 74-61
Neither team had a chance to qualify to the next round but both got pride. Belgium opened the game with 6:1 lead, while Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86) made it 10:3. Lishchuk reduced to 13:5, while Faison gave the biggest lead for Belgium at plus 11. Ukraine erupted with a 17-0 run as Alexander Kolchenko (198-F/G-88, agency: Beo Basket) closed the run at 22:16. From that time Ukraine started to dominate the court and won the game. Kravtsov and Steve Bertt (185-G-84, college: Iona) made it 33:21, while Pecherov made his 13th points at 36:21, while Kravtsov brought 41:24. Mbenga and Steve Bertt exchanged the late baskets in the end of the half for 43:26 on the board. Zabirchenko and Kravtsov brought 47:29, while Steve Bertt scored for 53:31 midway through the third quarter. Van Den Spiegel reduced to 53:33 and Lauwers scored for 64:45. Denys Lukashov (190-G-89) and again Lauwers scored for 69:48, whilst Lypovyy nailed three for 72:50. Mbenga made the last points for Begium and closed it at minus 13. Pecherov paced all the winners with 15 points, while Kravtsov collected 13 points and 16 rebounds. Alexander Kolchenko scored 10 and Steve Bertt added 9. Sam Van Rossom delivered 17 and Lauwers notched 13.

Georgia - Bulgaria 69-79
Georgia just needed any victory to finish third at the Eurobasket 2011 Group D. Bulgaria needed a 14-point or higher win, and anything below that will send Georgia to celebrate. Bulgaria won 79:69 and now two teams are with 2-3 records. Bulgaria hold the tie-breaker advantage, having won the game, however yet things can get more complicated considering the last game of the round between Ukraine and Belgium. In case Ukraine win they would join Georgia and Bulgaria to create a three-way tie in which only the last two still have a chance to go through. Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) and Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) gave Georgia 7:5 and Markoishvili scored three for 10:7. Rowland and Marinov scored to 15:11, while Bulgaria finished the quarter with 11-0 run and remained the opponents scoreless for a long time. Haynes broke the silence for the Georgian side and Shengelia scored for 22:21 and Zaza Pachulia scored for 29:27. Shengelia and again Zaza Pachulia brought 33:28, while Rowland erupted with two shots from a long distance to reduce to 1 point. Zaza Pachulia sent the teams to the lockers at 37:34 as Georgia won the second period 22-15. Rowland tied the game at 37:37 early in the third. Zaza Pachulia, Boisa and Viktor Sanikidze made it 43:37 and Ivanov needed four consecutive points for 43:41. Rowland tied the game at 46:46 bringing his team his 18th point. Rowland scored also for 50:50 and Ivanov made it 52:52, while after Haynes closed the third period at 55:52. Boisa gave his side 59:54 and Haynes as well as Viktor Sanikidze scored for 63:57. Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky) and Ivanov delivered five for 65:62 and Rowland reduced to 67:65. Moreover Rowland and Ivanov gave Bulgaria 70:67 with 2 minutes remaining. Ivanov and Bozhidar Avramov (196-G-90, agency: Interperformances) continued the run for Bulgaria that took 74:67 win with a minute to go. Filip Videnov increased to 2 more and Bozhidar Avramov made the final result in the game. Rowland led the way with 25 points for the winners and Kaloyan Ivanov notched 15. Dejan Ivanov followed them with 12 points for the important victory. Viktor Sanikidze produced 18 points in defeat and Haynes netted 15.

Slovenia - Russia 64-65
Russia finished the Preliminary Round with a perfect 5-0 record and won Group D. The team needed 65:64 victory over Slovenia to hand them their first loss. Russia trailed in 39 minutes and 49 seconds but needed last 11 seconds for the final successful shot. Slovenia scored the first 7 points in the game and Lorbek scored five in a row for 12:7. Slokar increased to 17:8, while Fridzon closed the first period at 19:16. No matter how hard Russia tried to recover they trailed in the whole half. Begic scored for 34:27 and Lorbek nailed three for 40:34. It was the last shot in the second period as Slovenia enjoyed 6-point advantage at the halftime. Dragic gave his side double digit lead and Smodis scored for 46:39. Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) and Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) reduced to 49:45, while Semen Antonov (202-F-89) brought 53:51. The latter also closed the third period at 55:53, but then Russia did their best in the last one. They also trailed in the whole last period but with 11 seconds to go Monya gave the first and the last lead for Russia that celebrated the victory. Andrey Vorontsevich paced all the winners with 18 points and Viktor Khryapa notched 10. Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81)o followed them with 8 points and three other teammates scored 5 apiece. Lorbek ended up with 14 points in the losing effort, while Lakovic and Ozbolt scored 8 each.



Standings Div.A (Men)

Standings

Group E 1. Spain 0-0 2. France 0-0 3. Germany 0-0 4. Lithuania 0-0 5. Serbia 0-0 6. Turkey 0-0 Group F 1. Finland 0-0 2. Georgia 0-0 3. Greece 0-0 4. FYR Macedon. 0-0 5. Russia 0-0 6. Slovenia 0-0 Group Places 13-24 1. Belgium 0-0 2. Bosnia 0-0 3. Bulgaria 0-0 4. Croatia 0-0 5. U.Kingdom 0-0 6. Israel 0-0 7. Italy 0-0 8. Latvia 0-0 9. Montenegro 0-0 10. Poland 0-0 11. Portugal 0-0 12. Ukraine 0-0

Stats Leaders

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Luol DENG   ENG   (201-F-85)   Avg: 24.6

1. Deng, ENG 24.6   2. Parker, FRA 23.2   3. Bargnani, ITA 22.8   4. Gasol, ESP 21.8   5. McCalebb, MKD 20.6   6. Nowitzki, GER 20.4   7. Rowland, BUL 18.0   8. Krstic, SRB 17.2   9. Tomic, CRO 16.6   10. Eliyahu, ISR 16.4

Rebounds Per Game

Chris KAMAN   USA   (213-C-82)   Avg: 10

1. Kaman, GER 10.0   2. Antic, MKD 9.4   3. Deng, ENG 9.4   4. Sanikidze, GEO 8.6   5. Gasol, ESP 8.0   6. Noah, FRA 7.8   7. Dasic, MNT 7.6   8. Bargnani, ITA 7.4   9. Asik, TUR 7.2   10. Clark, ENG 7.2

Assists Per Game

Milos TEODOSIC   SRB   (195-G-87)   Avg: 7.6

1. Teodosic, SRB 7.6   2. Draper, CRO 7.0   3. Da Silva, POR 6.5   4. Parker, FRA 5.4   5. Vasiljevic, BIH 5.4   6. Khryapa, RUS 5.0   7. Bertt, UKR 4.8   8. Schaffartzik, GER 4.6   9. Koszarek, POL 4.4   10. Rannikko, FIN 4.3

Steals Per Game

Andrei KIRILENKO   RUS   (205-F-81)   Avg: 2.8

1. Kirilenko, RUS 2.8   2. Trotter, HUN 2.8   3. Batum, FRA 2.8   4. Stojanovski, MKD 2.4   5. Kotti, FIN 2.1   6. Lawrence, ENG 2.0   7. Kelati, POL 2.0   8. Hanga, HUN 2.0   9. McCalebb, MKD 2.0   10. Andrade, POR 1.8

Blocks Per Game

Omer ASIK   TUR   (213-C-86)   Avg: 2

1. Asik, TUR 2.0   2. Bargnani, ITA 1.6   3. Kravtsov, UKR 1.6   4. Gasol, ESP 1.5   5. Kaman, GER 1.2   6. Koufos, GRE 1.2   7. Fotsis, GRE 1.2   8. Mbenga, BEL 1.2   9. Begic, SLO 1.0   10. Gechevski, MKD 1.0

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FINLAND

EUROBASKET: Finland among top 12 - by Rauno Hurmalainen
EuroBasket, Lithuania 2011: They believed in themselves. Finland NT made it to Round 2! Finland is now among the top 12 teams in Lithuania. Group C top three teams Greece, F.Y.R. of Macedonia and Finland will join Group D top three teams Russia, Slovenia and Georgia. The games will continue in Vilnius.
Group F (Vilnius): Russia, Slovenia, Georgia, Greece, F.Y.R. of Macedonia, Finland.
Finland NT Head Coach Henrik Dettmann and his 'Wolf Team' next games:
Thursday 8.9. Finland - Russia (at 18:00), Saturday 10.9. Finland - Georgia (at 15:30) and Monday 12.9. Finland - Slovenia (at 15:30).

EuroBasket 2011: Finland made it to the Second Round - by Eurobasket News
Finland-Montenegro 71:65

Shocking news came to Finland that advanced to the Second Round. After the victory over Montenegro 71:65 in the first game of the last day in Group C and they needed Greece and F.Y.R. of Macedonia can win their games. They both did.
Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Huff were the first players to score for their teams. Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) and Tuukka Kotti (205-F/C-81, college: Providence) gave the Scandinavian team 7:4, while Salin scored for 19:12. Tuukka Kotti made two free throws at the end of the period to bring his side 25:14 at the end of the frame. In the second quarter Montenegro started to play better and as a result Dasic tied the game at 28:28. Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) made the same at 31:31 and then he made another free throw for 1-point lead. Dragicevic brought his side 38:34, while Salin sent the teams to the lockers at 40:36, Montenegro.
Montenegro started the third quarter netter and Vucevic gave his side 49:42. Finladn replied with a 7-0 run and Rannikko tied the game at 49:49. Koivisto nailed three for 52:51 and Nikkila made two free throws for 54:53. Finland continued to dominate and Gerald Lee (208-F-87, college: ODU) scored for 65:58. Tuukka Kotti and Bjelica scored free throws for 66:63 and Petteri Koponen gave the Scandinavian team 68:65 with less than 2 minutes in the fourth period. Virtanen made three free throws for 6-point victory.
Gerald Lee paced all the winners with 12 points, while Tuukka Kotti netted 11 and Petteri Koponen scored 10. Nikola Pekovic ended up with 16 points in the losing effort, while Milos Borisov (201-F-85) had 14.

Finland: Gerald Lee 12, Tuukka Kotti 11, Petteri Koponen 10
Montenegro: Nikola Pekovic 16, Milos Borisov 14, Goran Jeretin 9


EUROBASKET: Finland defeated Montenegro - by Rauno Hurmalainen
EuroBasket, Lithuania 2011: There were two tired teams playing against eachother. Finally it was Finland defeating Montenegro 71-65 (36-40) and looking forward to Round 2. At least for a moment. Quarters: 25-14, 11-26, 21-14, 14-11. After an excellent first quarter and less unflattering second quarter Finland was down by seven (42-49) during the third quarter as Head Coach Henrik Dettmann found G Petri Virtanen (183-G-80) from the other end of the bench. Virtanen made quickly two 3-pointers and the 'Wolf Team' was back in the game. When the last quarter got started Finland was ahead by three (57-54) and playing towards an important victory. Montenegro with just two players in double digits had to admit Team Finland was better. And the winners were all one big smile + Head Coach Dettmann with his chewing gum proud of his NT players.
Group C (Alytus) 5.9.: Finland - Montenegro 71-65 (36-40). Finland: Gerald Lee Jr 12, Tuukka Kotti 11/8, Petteri Koponen 10/4a, Petri Virtanen 9, Sasu Salin 8. 1 - 69,0% (20/29), 2 - 46,2% (18/39), 3 - 21,7% (5/23). R: 25+21=46. TO: 15. Montenegro: Nikola Pekovic 16/6, Milos Borisov 14. 1 - 75,0% (24/32), 2 - 53,3% (16/30), 3 - 13,0% (3/23). R: 18+11=29. TO: 15. Greece - Croatia 74-69 (44-27). F.Y.R. of Macedonia - Bosnia and Herzegovina 75-63 (35-38).
Group C. Final standings:
1) Greece 4-1
2) F.Y.R. of Macedonia 4-1
3) Finland 2-3
4) Croatia 2-3
5) Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-3
6) Montenegro 1-4



Lawrence Hamm joins Lappeenranta NMKY - by Eurobasket Center
Lappeenranta NMKY signed 27-year old Finnish forward Lawrence Hamm (198-F-84, college: Towson, agency: Court Side). Hamm played most recently at Stepco BS Weert (Holland). While playing 39 games for Weert last season his stats were: 8.6ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.4apg and 1.1spg. He played already two years ago in Finland for Salon Vilpas Vikings . In 35 games Hamm averaged 17.9ppg, 9.9rpg, 1.3apg and 1.1spg. He played also pro basketball in Czech Rep. and Holland. Hamm graduated Towson University in 2006 and it will be his sixth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center



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FRANCE

Orleans Loiret Basket wins Trophee du Golfe - by Eurobasket News
Orleans Loiret Basket wins Trophee du Golfe with 4 teams participating.
In Day1 Orleans Loiret Basket (ProA) overcame Le Mans SB (ProA) 72:68. In another Semifinal game Cholet Basket (Pro A) outscored JSF Nanterre (Pro A) 78:58.
In the game for the third place Nanterre (Pro A) lost to Le Mans (Pro A) 81:83. The Final saw Cholet (Pro A) and Orleans (Pro A) competing in the last game.
Orleans Loiret Basket started the game better and won the opening period 25:20. Moreover they added 22-12 in the second frame for 15-point lead at the halftime. Both teams nailed 21 points each in the third quarter and then again Orleans Loiret Basket won the last quarter. Due to 16-12 in the last frame the winners triumphed in the tournament with 84:65 victory.
Brian Greene (204-F-81, college: Colorado St.) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Cedrick Banks (190-G-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Ill.-Chicago) as well as Amara Sy (202-F-81) posted 12 each. Maleye N'Doye followed them with 10 points and David Monds (205-F-83, college: Oklahoma St.) scored 9. Talor Battle (182-PG-88, college: Penn St.) replied with 21 points in the losing effort and Derrick Byars (202-G/F-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: Vanderbilt) added 13.


Weekend friendlies update - by Eurobasket News
BCM Gravelines Dunkerque played another two friendlies with the Belgian representatives. At first the team won over Telenet Ostende 94:87. The French team took 21:19 at the first period, while Telenet Ostende won the quarter 28:23. Christian Monschau brought 44:43 and the French side later had 48:43. Cyril Akpomedah (203-F-79) and Yannick Bokolo created a 7-0 run for 69:61 and BCM Gravelines Dunkerque won the game. Pape Sy (197-G-88) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Johnson netted 18. Osiris Eldridge (191-G-88, college: Illinois St.) scored 13, while Ludovic Vaty (206-C-88, college: Moraine Valley CC) added 11. Sakota ended up with 18 points, while Rich and Matt Lojeski (198-G-85, college: Hawaii) replied with 16 points each in defeat.
Dexia Mons-Hainaut beat BCM Gravelines 80:78. It was a tough game and only at the end of it the Belgian team grabbed the victory. Ludovic Vaty scored 17 points for the French team and Osiris Eldridge delivered 13. Edwards produced 12 and Johnson scored 11.

In another friendly games Champagne Chalons-Reims (Pro B) lost to Paris-Levallois (Pro A) 63:86.
ALM Evreux (Pro B) overcame SPO Rouen (Pro B) 69:66. JSA Bordeaux (Pro B)lost to Fos Ouest Basket (Pro B) 76:82, while Saint-Vallier BD (Pro B) rolled over CA Saint-Etienne (NM1) 89:53. Olympique Antibes (Pro B) beat Sorgues BC (NM1) 86:65 and ESSM Le Portel (Pro B) was beaten by STB Le Havre (Pro A) 65:76. Saint-Quentin BB (NM1) edged SOM Boulogne-sur-Mer (Pro B) 84:78, while last night ASC Denain Voltaire (Pro B) overcame ESSM Le Portel (Pro B) 86:75.



Parker suffers thigh injury in Eurobasket - by Eurobasket News
Though his team defeated Italy 91-84 on Sunday, San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker (183-PG-80) was injured in the victory according to a news wire report (H/T Spurs Nation) from ESPN.com

Parker was kneed in the left thigh by Andrea Bargnani on the second play of the game, struggled through the first half and part of the third quarter before leaving the game for good.

'I am going to have treatment on it tonight and see if I can play tomorrow,' Parker said. France plays Serbia on Monday. 'The doctor said I should not take a risk in the fourth quarter.'

Parker and France are set to take on Serbia Monday before they have a day of rest to begin round two of the 2011 FIBA Eurobasket on Wednesday.

This was the risk Spurs fans and management worried about when players represent their home countries in international play. Along with Parker; Manu Ginobili (Argentina), Tiago Splitter (Brazil), and Cory Joseph (Canada) are all currently representing their teams in different parts of the world in the Eurobasket and FIBA Americas tournaments.

Courtesy of http://projectspurs.com

EuroBasket 2011: Parker brings France overtime win over Serbia - by Eurobasket News
Serbia-France 96:97 OT

France remained perfect at the Eurobasket 2011. Tony Parker (183-PG-80) and Co edged Serbia 97:96 in overtime to win Group B.
The game between France and Serbia was one of the most expected in the last day of the Preliminary Round. Both teams entered the game undefeated and struggled in the court to stay perfect.
Savanovic and Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) brought the first points for their teams, while Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) gave Serbia 9:4. Again Nenad Krstic and Marko Keselj (205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) scored for 17:12, while Tony Parker and Joakim Noah (211-F/C-85, college: Florida) reduced to 19:16. Tony Parker scored later six in a row for his side and gave France 22:21 lead. Tepic however was the last to score in the first period to bring the lead back for Serbia at 25:24. Bjelica and Macvan remained Serbia in front at 29:28 and Marko Keselj scored for 31:30. Tony Parker tied the game at 36:36 and Boris Diaw (203-F/C-82) brought four for 43:38. Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) however sent the teams to the lockers at 43:41 as he made three free throws in the end of the second frame.
Perovic tied it at 43:43, while Seraphin and Tony Parker gave France 52:44. Marko Keselj and Nenad Krstic reduced to 52:49, while Macvan closed a 13-0 run for Serbia and gave them 57:52. Kahudi and Joakim Noah gave France back the lead at 62:61 and Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) closed the period at 64:62, Serbia. The teams stayed too close to each other in the fourt frame and each of them deserved the final win. Nenad Krstic made the final two free throws with 10 seconds in the fourth period for 80:80. Tony Parker could bring the win for France but sent the teams to overtime.
In extra time the teams played very offensive and scored 33 points in just 5 minutes. The lead changed more than usual and Gelabale gave France 93:891 with a minute to go. Savanovic and Marko Keselj gave Serbia 96:95, but France had Mr Tony Parker. The latter made two free throws for the final success.
Tony Parker poured in 24 points for the winners and Nicolas Batum netted 18. Boris Diaw chipped in 15, while Joakim Noah scored 14. Marko Keselj delivered 25 points in the losing effort and Nenad Krstic posted 22. Aleksandar Rasic and Milos Teodosic scored 11 points each in defeat.

Serbia: Marko Keselj 25, Nenad Krstic 22, Aleksandar Rasic 11, Milos Teodosic 11
France: Tony Parker 24, Nicolas Batum 18, Boris Diaw 15, Joakim Noah 14


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FYR MACEDONIA

EuroBasket 2011: F.Y.R. of Macedonia send Bosnia and Herzegovina packing - by Eurobasket News
F.Y.R. of Macedonia - Bosnia and Herzegovina 75:63

Bosnia and Herzegovina failed in their bid to reach Round 2 with defeat against F.Y.R. of Macedonia to send surprising Finland to Vilnius.
Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) gave the winners 2:0 lead and Ilievski brought 7:3. Bosnia and Herzegovina replied with 7-0 and Kikanovic scored for 10:7. The teams exchanged several more baskets in the rest of the quarter for 17:16, Bosnia. Teletovic tied the game at 23:23 and Vasiljevic made the same at 29:29. Teletovic and Gordic gave Bosnia 35:31 and Domercant sent the squads to the lockers at 38:35.
The second half however was fatal for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the last in Eurobasket 2011. F.Y.R. of Macedonia opened the third quarter with 13-0 run and Pero Antic delivered for 49:38. Stojanovski made four in a row for 53:42 and Nihad Dedovic (196-F-90, agency: Beo Basket) replied with consecutive five points to close the third at 53:47. Samardziski and Bo McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) gave the winners 57:51, while Pero Antic and Bo McCalebb made the things clear in the court for 64:57. Todor Gechevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) brought the last points for the winners and sent Bosnia and Herzegovina packing.
Bo McCalebb stepped up with 22 points as his team won Group C. Pero Antic followed him with 15 points and 14 boards, while Todor Gechevski scored 13. Nihad Dedovic ended up with 15 points in defeat and Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81) added 12.

F.Y.R. of Macedonia: Bo McCalebb 22, Pero Antic 15+14 rebs, Todor Gechevski 13
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Nihad Dedovic 15, Kenan Bajramovic 12


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GEORGIA

EuroBasket 2011: Bulgaria stun Georgia, hopes for Belgium - by Eurobasket News
Georgia-Bulgaria 69:79

Georgia just needed any victory to finish third at the Eurobasket 2011 Group D. Bulgaria needed a 14-point or higher win, and anything below that will send Georgia to celebrate.
Bulgaria won 79:69 and now two teams are with 2-3 records. Bulgaria hold the tie-breaker advantage, having won the game, however yet things can get more complicated considering the last game of the round between Ukraine and Belgium. In case Ukraine win they would join Georgia and Bulgaria to create a three-way tie in which only the last two still have a chance to go through.
Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) and Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) gave Georgia 7:5 and Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86) scored three for 10:7. Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) and Marinov scored to 15:11, while Bulgaria finished the quarter with 11-0 run and remained the opponents scoreless for a long time. Marquez Haynes (191-G-86, college: Texas Arlington) broke the silence for the Georgian side and Shengelia scored for 22:21 and Zaza Pachulia scored for 29:27. Shengelia and again Zaza Pachulia brought 33:28, while Earl Rowland erupted with two shots from a long distance to reduce to 1 point. Pachulis sent the teams to the lockers at 37:34 as Georgia won the second period 22-15.
Earl Rowland tied the game at 37:37 early in the third. Zaza Pachulia, Boisa and Viktor Sanikidze made it 43:37 and Ivanov needed four consecutive points for 43:41. Earl Rowland tied the game at 46:46 bringing his team his 18th point. Earl Rowland scored also for 50:50 and Ivanov made it 52:52, while after Marquez Haynes closed the third period at 55:52. Boisa gave his side 59:54 and Marquez Haynes as well as Viktor Sanikidze scored for 63:57. Videnov and Ivanov delivered five for 65:62 and Earl Rowland reduced to 67:65. Moreover Earl Rowland and Ivanov gave Bulgaria 70:67 with 2 minutes remaining. Ivanov and Avramov continued the run for Bulgaria that took 74:67 win with a minute to go. Videnov increased to 2 more and Avramov made the final result in the game.
Earl Rowland led the way with 25 points for the winners and Kaloyan Ivanov (205-F-86) notched 15. Dejan Ivanov (205-F/C-86, agency: Beo Basket) followed them with 12 points for the important victory. Viktor Sanikidze produced 18 points in defeat and Marquez Haynes netted 15.

Georgia: Viktor Sanikidze 18, Marquez Haynes 15, Zaza Pachulia 13, Manuchar Markoishvili 13
Bulgaria: Earl Rowland 25, Kaloyan Ivanov 15, Dejan Ivanov 12




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GERMANY

Viktor Mier Joins SSV Lok Bernau - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
SSV Lok Bernau have completed their roster for the upcoming season by getting Viktor Mier (192-F-86) on board. Mier is a25 year old 192cm and 92 kilo German that can be inserted at the shooting guard and small guard position. Last season, he played for the Future Baskets Berlin in the 2 Regionaliga averaging 14,0ppg. 'I took my time making a decision about coming to Bernau. Important for me was to have a real chance of getting playing time and being able to help the team. The talks with coach Axel Ruber and the practices convinced me to come here', stressed Viktor Mier (192-F-86). Mier started his basketball career withVfL Lichtenrade. He then played 8 years with SSC Sudwest. 'I know Viktor now some years and have followed his career. He fits into our team as a young, quick and athletic player. I am sure that he will help us', stressed SSV Lok Bernau head coach Axel Ruber .

Source: SSV Lok Bernau


EuroBasket 2011: Germany nip Latvia to clinch third place in Group B - by Eurobasket News
Germany - Latvia 81:80

Germany had a narrow escape against Latvia for the third win at the European Championship. Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) drained a key three-pointer late in the game to seal the victory for Germany. The winners improved at 3-2 record and occupied the third position in Group B. Latvia suffered the fifth straight defeat at the tournament.
Germany opened the game with seven points in a row. They soon grabbed a 13:3 lead but Latvia closed the period strongly to narrow the gap to just a single point 14:15. Freimanis put Latvia in front midway through the second term. The teams went to and fro before Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) tied things up at 33 at halftime. Germany surged in front midway through the third term. Tibor Pleiss stepped up with five points late in the period to give Germany a 56:48 lead into the fourth frame. However Latvia went on a 14:3 run to grab a 71:67 advantage with just over three minutes remaining. They still led by two points 80:78 with 18 seconds remaining before Heiko Schaffartzik drained a triple and sealed the win for Germany. Robin Benzing (208-F-89), Heiko Schaffartzik, Tibor Pleiss, Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) and Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) delivered 11 points each to lead the effort. Rihards Kuksiks (198-G/F-88) responded with 27 points for Latvia. Dairis Bertans (192-G/F-89) had 15 points in the loss.

Germany: Heiko Schaffartzik 11, Robin Benzing 11, Chris Kaman 11, Tibor Pleiss 11, Dirk Nowitzki 11
Latvia: Rihards Kuksiks 27, Dairis Bertans 15


The Fraport Skyliners Sign German National Player Tim Ohlbrecht - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The whole summer it had been kind of a mystery why Tim Ohlbrecht (211-C/F-88) was without a new team, but the long waiting finally took an end today as the Fraport Skyliners wrapped up the German and gift wrapped him to the fans for the upcoming season. Ohlbrecht is a 23 year old 210cm center that was born in Wuppertal, Germany. The current German national player received a contract until the end of December 2011 with an option until the end of 2013. Last season, Ohlbrecht played for The Telekom Baskets Bonn playing EuroChallenge: 5 games: 10.0ppg, 5.6rpg, FGP: 60.9%, 3PT: 42.9%; German League: 27 games: 6.7ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 73.7%. Ohlbrecht might only be 23, but seems to have been around for 10 years and still has very much potential. He 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. In his weaknesses is the fact that he needs to improve on his help defense as he picks up too many senseless fouls when helping out his team-mates. He should become more selfish and demand the ball more. The fact that has not played a high level of competition is taking him back, lastly he needs to become more physical and add on weight in muscles. The club is very happy that they have found an excellent big man for the rotaion. 'I am very happy that we could get a player like Tim. He is young, talented, big and brings many good qualities. He will help us in many areas. We can help him to develop further and to improve. It is important to have good German players in the roster at the present and in the future', stated Fraport Skyliners head coach Muli Katzurin.

Ohlbrecht started his basketball career in 2003 with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen junior team and played in Leverkusen until 2006. In this time, he was able to play 5 BEKO BBL games as a 17 year old. In 2006-2007, he moved to TSV Troester Breitenguessbach (2.Bundesliga): 3 games: 10.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 2FGP: 64.3%, 3FGP: 27.3%, FT: 45.5%, played also at Brose Baskets Bamberg (1.Bundesliga): 12 games: 3.4ppg, 2.4rpg. In 2007-2008, he played for TSV Troester Breitenguessbach (ProB): 4 games: 16.8ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.3apg, 3.5bpg, 2FGP: 73.5%, 3FGP: 20.0%, FT: 62.5%, then moved to SELLBYTEL Baskets Nuernberg (ProA, starting five), had also a license to play at Brose Baskets Bamberg (1.Bundesliga): Euroleague: 11 games: 3.3ppg, 2.5rpg; German League: 27 games: 3.4ppg, 2.6rpg. In 2008-2009, he plyed the whole year with the Brose Baskets Bamberg playing Eurocup: 4 games: 6.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.3bpg; German League: 29 games: 3.2ppg, 2.4rpg. In 2009-2010, he moved to the Telekom Baskets Bonn playing EuroCup: 6 games: 7.8ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 72.7%; German League: 35 games: 10.5ppg, 4.2rpg, Blocks-4 (1.1bpg), FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 78.3%. 'Tim is for his size very athletic which makes his game more flexible. We were looking for added strength at the big positions and are happy to have gotten a current German national player', stressed Skyliner sport director KamilNovak.Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been German U18 National Team -04-06, German U16 National Team -04, European Championships U16 in Greece -04, European Championships U18 in Belgrade -05 (Eurobasket.com All-Tournament Honorable Mention): 8 games: 15.8ppg, 7.6rpg, 0.9apg, FGP-3 (64.3%), 3FGP: 15.4%, FT: 71.4%, European Championships U18 in Amaliada (Greece) -06: 8 games: 15.1ppg, 13.9rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, 1.9bpg, 2FGP: 55.4%, 3FGP: 22.7%, FT: 75%, German NBBL All-Tournament Team -07, German Bundesliga Champion -07, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Newcomer of the Year -07, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Newcomers Team -07, German U20 National Team -07, European Championships U20 Division B in Warsaw (Poland) -07 (Semifinals): 8 games: 11.0ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.1apg, 1.4spg, 1.1bpg, 2FGP: 53.5%, 3FGP: 39.1%, FT: 65.2%, Nike Hoop Summit (World Select Team) -08
German National Team -08-11, Olympic Games in Beijing (China) -08: 3 games: 3.3ppg, 2.0rpg, German Bundesliga All-Star Game -09, German Bundesliga Semifinals -09
European Championships in Poland -09: 6 games: 5.0ppg, 2.2rpg, and World Championships in Turkey -10: 5 games: 8.0ppg, 4.4rpg, FGP: 63.6%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 61.5%

Source: Fraport Skyliners




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GREECE

Aris brings in Darryl Watkins for try-out - by Eurobasket News
Aris Thessaloniki announced signing of a one-year deal with Darryl Watkins (211-C-84, college: Syracuse). However, the team has option to release the player until September 18, what practically means that Watkins arrives to Aris for try-out. He is expected to land in Thessaloniki on Wednesday (September 7). Darryl Watkins is a product of the Syracuse University, where he graduated in 2007. He played for the Sacramento Kings, LA D-Fenders and Iowa Energy in 2007/08 season. Watkins had 1.3 ppg for the Kings in 9 NBA games. Season 2008/09, Watkins spent in China with TianJin Rongcheng. He averaged 20.7 points, 14 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 43 games (CBA). Watkins missed entire 2009/10 season and he spent the last one with Lebanese team Sagesse. He had 15.5 ppg and 10.7 rpg for them in 27 games. Sagesse reached Playoff Semifinals and Watkins was named PMA Basketball Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League Honorable Mention -11.

EuroBasket 2011: Greece eliminate Croatian squad - by Eurobasket News
Greece-Croatia 74:69

Greece won over Croatia in Group C of Eurobasket 2011. The Greek side improved to 4-1 record after 74:69 win and advanced to the Second Round.
Both sides knew victory would secure their spot, but a disappointing Croatia side was simply blown away during the opening two quarters. Koufos scored for 14:8 and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) brought 18:10. Vasileiadis made two free throws at the end of the frame for 25:13. Vasileiadis gave Greece plus 19 and Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) scored for 40:23. Vasileiadis later gave the biggest lead for his team at 43:23 and Andric closed the half at 44:27. Croatia had nothing to lose and produced an excellent second half. They managed to win the third period 18-14 and reduced to 13 points when Stanko Barac (217-C-86) closed the third at 58:45. Moreover a 6-0 run gave Croatia 58:51 and Stanko Barac cut it to 60:55. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) and Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) brought Croatia within 4 points and the latter educed to 69:67. Greece however did not allow them to win the game. Vasileiadis made two last free throws for the final result.
Kostas Vasiliadis and Antonis Fotsis top-scored for the winners with 17 points each, while Ioannis Bourousis added 11. Nikolaos Zisis (196-G-83) and Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida)es followed them with 9 points each. Marko Popovic and Stanko Barac posted 14 points each in defeat, whilst Krunoslav Simon (197-F-85) added 11 and Ante Tomic had 10.

Greece: Kostas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) 17, Antonis Fotsis 17, Ioannis Bourousis 11, Nikolaos Zisis 9, Nick Calatheses 9
Croatia: Marko Popovic 14, Stanko Barac 14, Krunoslav Simon 11, Ante Tomic 10


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HUNGARY

Bernard Toombs moves to JKSE - by Tamas Deri
American big man Bernard Toombs (208-C-87, college: Troy) signed his contract with Jaszberenyi KSE for the coming season. The 208 cm tall rookie big man signed in August with Komarno in Slovakia and started the preperation with the team in the middle of August, but the management of the club decided to break the contract last week. The agents of the american big man found real quick a new team for their client, so Toombs played already with his new team in a pre-season tournament last weekend. In his first game he scored 9 points and grabbed 8 rebounds against Kecskemet after only 12 hours after his arrival. In the second game he showed his great skills with scoring 22 points and adding 5 rebounds against slovakian team Svit, so the management of JKSE decided to keep him on the roster.

Wayne Chism agreed with Sopron - by Tamas Deri
The 206 cm tall Wayne Chism (206-F-87, college: Tennessee) signed his one year deal with Sopron this afternoon and will arrive next week to the city. Wayne graduated on the University of Tennessee and had a real good carreer in one of the top conferences - SEC - in the NCAA. As a junior he averaged 13.7 points and 8.0 rebounds, as a senior he put up 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game and led his team into the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament. During the summer 2010 he was tested by NBA teams and played also in the NBA Summer League for the Nets and Kings in Las Vegas. He started his professional carreer in the high level european league of Turkey, but had some small injury and left the club of Antalya only after playing 4 games. He moved in January to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and finished the season in the D-League. He played 27 games - started 16 of them - and averaged 8.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.0 assist in only 19.4 minutes on the court.



Factum Sport Debrecen add Norbert Timko and Garamvolgyi - by Eurobasket News
Factum Sport Debrecen add Norbert Timko (211-C/F-92) and Akos Garamvolgyi (196-F-94) for the upcoming season.
Norbert Timko is a Hungarian Center coming from Spain. In 2008-2009 he started with Regal FC Barcelona (Spain) junior team
and continued there for two years. In 2010-2011 he started for Regal FC Barcelona II (Spain-LEB Silver) and then moved to CB Cornella (Spain-EBA) and in 7 games averaged 6pts.
Akos Akos Garamvolgyi is a Hungarian Forward who appeared in 2009-2010 for Debreceni Egyetem KE junior team. In 2010-2011 he continued with Debreceni Egyetem 2nd team (B Division). This summer Akos participated at the European Championships U18 Division B in Varna (Bulgaria) and in 5 games averaged 0.6ppg, 1.4rpg.
The team also announced keeping Daniel Takacs. The player spent his whole career in Debreceni.In 2009-2010 for Debreceni Egyetem KE (A Division, starting five) after 18 games he averaged 6.9ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 48.1%.


Albacomp exchanged victories in pre-season - by Eurobasket News
Albacomp exchanged victories in pre-season with the Slovakian representative. At first the Slovakian team overcame Albacomp Szekesfehervar 68:60. The Hungarian team grabbed 15:13 and enjoyed 32:31 at the halftime. The third quarter was decisive in the game as Komarno needed a huge surge to take 51:38. They managed to keep the score and won the opener. Martin Bilik (194-F-87) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Jones added 11.Charles Polk (200-F/C-84, college: Butler) collected 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Bernard Toombs (208-C-87, college: Troy) netted 9.
Albacomp Szekesfehervar revenged for the first loss from MBK Rieker Komarno and beat them 86:67. The Hungarian team opened the game with 26-14 and had 44:30 after two quarters. They increased to 67:51 after thirty minutes and had 19 points victory. Akos Keller (206-F/C-89, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) paced all the winners with 24 points, while Roland Hendlein (205-F-86, agency: TSS Management) added 9. Papp responded with 14 points in defeat and Vladimir Klar (191-F-86) posted 11.


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ISRAEL

Maccabi T.A. Updates: Hendrix, Foote and Dentmon - by David Pick
Maccabi Tel Aviv's 2011/12 season roster is in the midst of a change. Although the team still awaits a rightful substitute for former dazzling point guard Jeremy Pargo, Eurobasket reveals that despite the potential names of joining the team, a player who might actually be on his way out is American center -- Richard Hendrix.

The Alabama alumnus signed a two-year deal with the Israeli champions now entering his second-season; yet, he experienced a rocky one this past year and was already on his way out of the team last season when Serbian Milan Macvan joined. However, coach Blatt insisted on keeping the big man, and Hendrix remained in Israel.

'People are asking us about Hendrix but right now it is not a possibility,' a source close to the situation commented. Hendrix's performances in the Israeli league came to a total average of 7.6ppg and 4.7rpg in 14.5 minutes. In the Euroleague, he'd post similar of 13.6 minutes and 5.6ppg.

Remember Jeff Foote?

Another player who signed with Maccabi and was shortly after shown the door is Jeff Foote. The 23-year-old 7-footer signed last season a three-year deal with Maccabi but was sent on a loan to Melilla Baloncesto (Spain-LEB Gold). Foote, who doesn't seem to be a part of Maccabi's near or far future plans, wasn't in contact with the team throughout his time in Spain or during the summer. He recently signed in Poland with Zastal Zielona Gora along with college friend and teammate Ryan Wittman.

Optional Addition

On another note, reports in the Israeli media regarding negotiations between NBA guard Zabian Dowdell and Maccabi were vetoed by a team source. 'We have not talked about Dowdell in three months. He is under contract and not an option.'

Coach Blatt is known to personally appreciate Dowdell as a player; however, he's interested in signing a free agent, not someone who will pick up and leave once the NBA lockout is over. Team share holder David Federman seems to like the roster as is, and had promised young Israeli point guard Yogev Ohayon playing minutes. A combo-guard who was actually offered to the team a few weeks ago is the former 'Huskies' guard Justin Dentmon, who recently signed with Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris (Dominican Rep.). It doesn't seem to be the case but If Maccabi were to exercise the option of recruiting Dentmon, the player has an easy opt-out clause in his contract.

Dentmon, an underrated scoring machine, played in Israel in 2009 for Hapoel Afula and finished as the league's top scorer with 19.8ppg. Last season, he split his time between the NBDL and Venezuela.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd



Israel Tops Italy 96:95 in Meaningless Dramatic EuroBasket Battle - by David Pick
In light of a disastrous tournament, next summer, Israel, along with 30-other national teams will participate and fight in the qualifying 2013 EuroBasket campaign in Slovenia.

Today's first of three games in Group B met an exceptionally disappointed Italian team, who only looked to finish their EuroBasket competition on a winning note when going up against Israel, on their last day of action in Siauliai. However, an electrifying, dramatic overtime game saw Israel go home with a 96:95 'W'. Israel at one point led by as much as 21-points but managed to break a EuroBasket scoring record, only 5 (all free-throw) points in the entire fourth quarter.

The Italians led by their 'BIG THREE', NBAers Andrea Bargnani, Marco Belinelli and Danilo Gallinari, suffered another defeat yesterday after leading for the majority of the game against France before falling 91-84. On the other side of the bleachers, Israel tasted victory for the first time with a 91-88 triumph over a crushed Latvia, as they too, would like nothing more than to return to the promise land with another 'W'.

Israel - Italy 96:95

Both teams took the court for the last time in the 2011 EuroBasket games, and what a thrilling battle it was as Israel opened with four current and one former Maccabi T.A. players -- Yogev Ohayon, Yotam Halperin, David Blu, Guy Pnini and Lior Eliyahu. Italy opened with their usual trio of Bargnani-Gallinari-Belinelli, in addition to Marco Carraretto and Daniel Hackett.

Bargnani Pnini and Eliyahu set the tone in the first period as each scored a minimum of four-field goals early on. Gallinari and Blu chipped in with a few buckets as Israel took a minimal, 27:26, first quarter lead. Israelis Tal Burstein and Yaniv Green came on in the second session for what could possibly be their last game representing their country. Green quickly put himself on the score board and with very impressive plays by youngster Elishay Kadir, Italy trailed 39:29. New Orleans' sharp shooter Belinelli began to heat up, made his second three and closed the gap, 40:39. Then, Eliyahu ran the fast break and turned Cinciarini into his personal screen saver with a vicious jam. Israel continued to press, Italy continued playing poor and confused basketball as Blu's trey and Nissim's buzzer-beating-lay-up sent the Jews to the locker-room up, 49:41.

Belinelli's third-quarter bucket was answered with an 11:0 Israeli blitz led by Halperin and Kadir as the blue-and-white men took a promising 60:45 lead. The game turned into a long second half garbage time with Israel surprisingly taking another promising 70:51 advantage, and 79:60, to end the third shooting 67% from three-point range on 8/12.
What was a 21-point advantage became just ten with seven minutes to play after a nice dunk by Mancinelli. Israel couldn't buy a bucket in seven minutes. Bargnani continued playing in fifth gear and completely opened the game with a 13:0 run, 79:73, as the Israelis greatly struggle. Pnini's technical foul sent Hackett to the charity line splitting his free-throws and Mancinelli added another facial on Israel's defense, as the score board showed a 16:0 Italian run and 79:76 Israeli lead, 120-seconds to go. Deep back-to-back threes from Belinelli and Bargnani tied the game at 84:84 a piece, sending things to overtime.

Overtime

David Blu delivered in the clutch scoring Israel's first four overtime points but Mekel's turnover sent Mancinelli on his third dunk giving the Italian the lead, 89:88. The crazy fanatic meaningless game continued as Pnini and Bargnani changed buckets but the Italian NBA sensation made a crucial and foolish mistake fouling Green with 0.7 seconds remaining in OT. Green missed the first, made the second and what could have possibly been his lat points as a national player. Israel celebrated its second tournament win, 96:95.

Stats

Bargnani had a 'sick' double-double and game high 26 points and 11 rebounds in a losing effort. Gallinari added 19 points, Mancinelli had 16 and 8, Hackett finished with 15 points and an equal 5 in rebounds and assists. Belinelli 6, Mordente and Cinciarini 5 each and Datome scored 3 points for the Italians.

Pnini led five Israeli double-figure scorers with 22 points (6/8 from the field), David Blu played a tournament high 30-minutes and responded with 17 points (7/10 from the field), and 3 boards. Eliyahu 16 points, 7 rebounds and Halperin (5 assists) and Kadir (5 rebounds) each added 10 points. Nissim and Green both scored 7, Ohayon 4 and Mekel's 3 points rounded up the games scorers.

Today's top game for a battle of first place and a perfect Group B record shows the brilliant -- France and Serbia. The two teams have already qualified for the next round along
with Germany who will play Latvia prior to the exciting match.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

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ITALY

EuroBasket 2011: Israel beat Italy both are out of the Second Round - by Eurobasket News
Israel-Italy 96:95 OT

Israel needed overtime to beat Italy in the last game for both teams in Group B of Eurobasket 2011. Israel failed in the fourth period but managed to grab 96:95 overtime victory.
David Blu (201-F-80, college: USC) gave Israel the first lead, while Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85) brought the first points for the Italian squad. Mordente gave his side 10:8 and Daniel Hackett (196-G-87, college: USC) as well as Andrea Bargnanis threes gave Italy 18:15. Israel trailed 4 points with one minute to go in the first, but Guy Pnini (200-F/G-83) closed a 5-0 run for 27:26 lead at the end of the first period. Datome tied the game at 29:29 but Israel erupted with another 10-0 run to take 39:29 midway through the second frame. Belinelli and Andrea Bargnani however cut it to 40:36 and Danilo Gallinari (205-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) reduced to 44:41. Meanwhile David Blu and Nissim ensured 49:41 halftime advantage for Israel. The latter did not even think of slowing down and won the third period 30-19. Ohayon gave Israel 79:60 with just 10 minutes left in the court. Italy however shocked the opponents in the start of the fourth period and erupted with 18-0 run. Andrea Bargnani scored throughout the run at 79:73 with 3 minutes to play. Daniel Hackett and Stefano Mancinelli (203-F-83) cut it to 79:76 and again Daniel Hackett made it 79:78 with less than a minute to play. Mekel broke the silence for Israel at 80:78 from the free throw line with 16 seconds to go. Danilo Gallinari nailed three for 82:81 and Andrea Bargnani tied the game at 84:84 sending the teams to overtime.
David Blu gave Israel 86:84 and later he scored for 88:85. Green and Guy Pnini delivered five for 93:89, but Andrea Bargnani and Cinciarini scored for 95:95. Green however made one free throw to seal the victory with Israel.
Guy Pnini paced all the winners with 22 points and David Blu scored 17. Lior Eliyahu (206-F/C-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) delivered 16, while Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) and Elishay Kadir (202-F-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) posted 10 each. Andrea Bargnani finished the thriller with 26 points, while Danilo Gallinari added 19.

Israel: Guy Pnini 22, David Blu 17, Lior Eliyahu 16, Yotam Halperin 10, Elishay Kadir 10
Italy: Andrea Bargnani 26, Danilo Gallinari 19, Stefano Mancinelli 16, Daniel Hackett 15


Rado Rancik leads Azovmash to 81-76 win against Montepaschi - by Eurobasket News
Montepaschi - Azovmash 76-81

Azovmash played another friendly game in Bormio. This time they met Italian powerhouse Montepaschi Siena and managed to beat them 81-76. Radoslav Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.Cloud St.) was a key player in Azovmash with 24 points. Artur Drozdov (199-G-80) and Ricky Minard (194-G/F-82, college: Morehead St.) helped with 13 and 11 points respectively. Daniel Ewing (191-G-83, agency: Alti Sport, college: Duke) was the fourth scorer in victory with 9 points. On the other side, Joseph Crispin (186-PG-79, college: Penn St.) shined for Montepaschi with 28 points. Pietro Aradori (192-G-88) had 19 points and DaJuan Summers (203-F-88, college: Georgetown) stopped to 8 pts. Quarters: 20:17, 22:25, 18:14, 16:22.
Before Montepaschi, Azovmash played a friendly game against Anadolu Efes. The Turkish giant grabbed 88-87 win mostly thanks to Sasha Vujacic (200-G-84), who scored 30 points. Radoslav Radoslav Rancik led Azovmash with 18 pts.

Montepaschi: Joseph Crispin 28, Pietro Aradori 19, DaJuan Summers 8
Azovmash: Radoslav Rancik 24, Artur Drozdov 13, Ricky Minard 11, Daniel Ewing 9

Legadue results of 3/09 pre season games - by Giulio Signorini
Saturday 3 September 2011 a great number of friendlies games have been played by legadue team.
First of all admirably Centrale del Latte Brescia has played a friendlies with Umana Reyer Venezia. Mazzone's team could not count on Young. The match surprisingly was won by Brescia for 66 to 56. In great evidence for the Lombard team Leemire Goldwire (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Charlotte) and Deividas Busma (213-C-87, college: Idaho St.) that scores respectively 12 and 15 point. For the Umana Venezia in great evidence Slay who has scored 16 points and showed a great athletic condition.
Other team who played on Saturday were Aget Service Imola and Prima Veroli. This friendlies was won by Prima Veroli for 77 to 69 with a great Jarrius Jackson who made 26 points. For Imola Trent Whiting (185-G-76, college: BYU) (as usual) was in great evidence with 19 points and most unexpectedly Davide Bruttini (203-F-87) attracted the attention scoring 14 points and showing a great defense play.
Finally another friendlies was played from admirably Ass.Pallacanestro Sant' Antimo and Serie A Lottomatica Virtus Roma team. The match was hardly won by Roma for 72 to 71. For Ass.Pallacanestro Sant' Antimo the most expetced players made a very good match infact Nicholas George (198-F-82, college: VCU) (who returned from a one year stop from injury), David Teague (196-G-83, college: Purdue) and Folarin Campbell (193-G/F-86, college: Nicholas Nicholas George (198-F-82, college: VCU) Mason) scores respectively 12, 11 and 20 points showing off already a good chemistry. For Rome in evidence Joe Smith (193-G-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Al.-Huntsville) with 22 points and Andrea Crosariol (212-C-84, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) with 15.


Interview with Jared Ralsky - by Antonello Varallo
Jared Ralsky is the director of basketball operations and international scout of Sutor Fabi Shoes Montegranaro. Before joining Montegranaro, Ralsky worked with San Antonio Spurs, with Milwaukee Bucks (as video technician/ Basketball), Austin Toros (Basketball Operations Intern) and St. Edward's University (Assistant Men's Basketball Coach)

1-)Jared, you are the first american basketball manager who works in Italy. Do you feel any kind of pressure?

From that standpoint, certainly not. There have been other Americans to work in Italian basketball before me, and there will be more to follow. Everyone inside the organization has their own specialized talents and responsibilities, and we all have an impact on the success of the club in our own unique way. There is pressure on all of us in that sense, but me being American has no bearing on the team's overall level of success.

2-) Before your decision to join Montegranaro, what did you know about Seria A?

Well, its a terrific league. A man's league- extremely physical. I know it's had the reputation of being one of the strongest leagues in the world, and just by gauging the class of players to have signed this year, it's obviously a league on the rise. And of course Italy is a beautiful country filled with extraordinary people.

3-)You worked with San Antonio and Milwaukee. What would you like to put in Italian basket from NBA model? Have you found anything here you would to see in NBA?

I'm not trying to come here and change the world. I'm lucky that I am being integrated into an organization that already has a great structure in place. I'm just trying to fit in, learn from the group, and take the leadership of Coach Drucker, Sandro Crovetti and Gianmaria Vacirca.

4-) Did you notice any weaknesses in Italian basket, during your first weeks here?

No. People should realize that this is amongst the highest levels of professional basketball in the world, both on the floor and from a management perspective. Since I've arrived, Sutor and the city of Montegranaro has done everything to make my transition a seamless one.

5-)Is basket still a game played with passion, or is it becaming only a business?

There's obviously a certain business aspect involved- this sport creates a lot of jobs for a lot of people. But even within the business side of things you have countless individuals working within the sport, devoting their lives and hours to the game... people that you've never heard of, working behind the scenes, getting paid just enough to make ends meet. That's passion. With the players, almost all of the ones I've come into contact with love the game. You're always going to have players that have more passion than others- it's our job to find those players.

6-) what is your main goal for the upcoming season?

From an individual standpoint I'm hoping to assimilate myself within the country and organization and learn as much as possible in my first year. I'm fortunate to have a lot of support in the form of Gianmaria, Sandro, Coach Drucker and the rest of the staff- they've done a phenomenal job in hiring a great group of people here. And when the time is right I'd like to use the skills, network and experience I've gained from my time in the NBA, and figure out exactly what processes and systems will translate.From a team standpoint I'm optimistic. We have a group of players that play the right way-there's a lot of character already in place. But you also have to understand that there's always a process involved. If we can improve from last year's performance, make the transition to Ancona a successful one, and qualify for the playoffs, that will give us a great deal to build on.

Cimberio Varese outplays SAV Vacallo 73-55 - by Eurobasket News
Cimberio Varese - SAV Vacallo 73-55

Italian team Cimberio Varese and Swiss SAV Vacallo played a friendly game on Saturday. Varese celebrated 73-55 victory in this meeting. Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 17 points. Justin Hurtt (194-G-88, college: Tulsa) and Brad Wanamaker (193-G-89) had 14 points each, and Yakhouba Diawara (201-F-82, college: Pepperdine) added 11 pts for Varese. In the loosing squad, Rokas Uzas (202-F-88) responded with 18 points. Matt Schneiderman (205-F/C-81, college: N.Iowa) was their second scorer with 11 points. Sav Vacallo was able to resists in the first half. Cimberio Varese made 18-16 lead in the first quarter and extended it for just one point in Q3, so everything was still open (31-28 HT). However, Kristjan Kangur and his teammates shined after the breather and jumped to 58-48 with ten minutes to go. Vacallo was not able to reply and they faced with 73-55 loss at the end.

Cimberio: Demartini, Justin Hurtt 14, Brad Wanamaker 14, Talts 9, Yakhouba Diawara 11, Garri 8, Kristjan Kangur 17, Lenotti, Fajardo, Bertoglio, Reati
Vacallo: Hatch, Giussani, Cavadini, Gibson 7, Fontanini 2, Rokas Uzas 18, Ramseier 6, Connelly 9, Waldeshbuel, Matt Schneiderman 11, Sloan 2, Roche, Pape

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JORDAN

Alkhas: Biggest challenge is to stay healthy and come together at the right time - by Omar Shafaamri
MANILA, Philippines (26th FIBA Asia Championship): Al-Khas Zaid (206-C-76, college: Gannon) will, undoubtedly be the most experienced player when the games begin in the Sept 15-25 26th FIBA Asia Championship at Wuhan, playing his fifth successive FIBA Asia Championship.

Two years ago at the 25th FIBA Asia Championship, Alkhas was the bulwark when Jordan won their maiden FIBA Asia Championship medal a bronze, which paved the way for the WABA team to play in the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

The 35-year-old spoke to this website from the Filipino capital where the Jordanian National Team is giving finish touches to their preparations for Wuhan.

Excerpts

FIBA Asia: Everybody thought you had retired from NT? Did they think wrong? Or you changed mind?

Alkhas: I came back for one more shot at the Olympics. I didn't retire or anything, I was just making sure I was in good shape to play these games. Thats why I was late to join the team. Also I wanted my kids to see me play one more time for National Team, because they never saw me play. All these reasons combined together made me come back.

FIBA Asia: This is your fifth FIBA Asia Championship. How does it feel to be the most experienced player in the competition?

Alkhas: It feels good that I've been around all these Championships, and every year we came closer to the goals we set.

I feel with my experience I can help the team know what to except and how to deal with playing against different styles of basketball in Asia.

FIBA Asia: What are the challenges to repeat the bronze medal or do better of two years ago?

Alkhas: All teams in Asia are getting better and everyone feels like they got a chance to win it this year.

So there are lots of good teams out there hungry like us. We want to do better than last time and try to win it.

We had injuries and we lost some players, but we also have new faces that can help us.

Our biggest challenge is to stay healthy and come together at the right time.

FIBA Asia: How has the team prepared compared to 2007 and 2009?

Alkhas: Our preparation has been good with lots of games all over the world.

I cant say if its better than before but it has been ok. And we still got 2 weeks to go before the games begin. So I hope we can get better during this time.

FIBA Asia: What do you think are your chances in Wuhan?

Alkhas: I think we got a good chance to compete and try to make it.

All the teams in Asia are getting ready for this event, and there will be no easy games for us, but I think with our team we can do something this year.

FIBA Asia: As somebody who has seen and played for a long time in FIBA Asia basketball, what do you think are the standards? How have they improved?

Alkhas: With every championship its getting better, from the level of the games to the quality of the players.

Asia is opening up to the world and facing new teams all over the world. That has helped Asian teams improve from all areas.

So I expect this year to be a very good championship with lots of great games.

FIBA Asia: As a senior player, what is your message to all the basketball fans?

Alkhas: Thank you all for the support and we going to try to make this championship the best one ever. Thanks to all the fans for supporting me and making my basketball career fun. And don't write me off just yet.

S Mageshwaran / FIBA Asia

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KUWAIT

Jordanco Davitkov Named Kuwaits National Team Coach - by Corey Washington
Kuwaits National team has started preparing for the GCC in Bahrain in October. With the selection of Coach Jordanco Davitkov (agency: Global Sports Plaza ) as the National teams Head Coach, you can be sure that this team will be ready to compete for a championship this year. Coach Davitkov is very familiar with the players in Kuwait, after coaching Al Qadsia to (2) Championships in 2009 and 2010. This year he will coach Al Jahara Club, in addition to the Head Coach of the National Team. Coach Davitkov is represented by Global Plaza Sports Agency (Gramatikov Goran) known for producing quality athletes and Coaches.

Eurobasket has scheduled an Answer and Question interview for coach Jordanco, Anyone with specific Questions for the coach, please email your questions and the top questions will be addressed. We will also begin interviews with the National Team Players, so check back for updated photos and interviews with your favorite Kuwait basketball players.


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LATVIA

EuroBasket 2011: Germany nip Latvia to clinch third place in Group B - by Eurobasket News
Germany - Latvia 81:80

Germany had a narrow escape against Latvia for the third win at the European Championship. Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) drained a key three-pointer late in the game to seal the victory for Germany. The winners improved at 3-2 record and occupied the third position in Group B. Latvia suffered the fifth straight defeat at the tournament.
Germany opened the game with seven points in a row. They soon grabbed a 13:3 lead but Latvia closed the period strongly to narrow the gap to just a single point 14:15. Freimanis put Latvia in front midway through the second term. The teams went to and fro before Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) tied things up at 33 at halftime. Germany surged in front midway through the third term. Tibor Pleiss stepped up with five points late in the period to give Germany a 56:48 lead into the fourth frame. However Latvia went on a 14:3 run to grab a 71:67 advantage with just over three minutes remaining. They still led by two points 80:78 with 18 seconds remaining before Heiko Schaffartzik drained a triple and sealed the win for Germany. Robin Benzing (208-F-89), Heiko Schaffartzik, Tibor Pleiss, Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) and Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) delivered 11 points each to lead the effort. Rihards Kuksiks (198-G/F-88) responded with 27 points for Latvia. Dairis Bertans (192-G/F-89) had 15 points in the loss.

Germany: Heiko Schaffartzik 11, Robin Benzing 11, Chris Kaman 11, Tibor Pleiss 11, Dirk Nowitzki 11
Latvia: Rihards Kuksiks 27, Dairis Bertans 15


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LESOTHO

Independence Tournament 2011 - by Sekhoane Moshabesha
The Lesotho Basketball Association shall be hosting a 2-day invitational tournament from the 1st to the 2nd of October 2011 in Maseru, Lesotho.

This tournament will include teams from Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland, and South Africa.

It is with great pleasure that we extend this invitation to your team and request that you come and participate in this tournament as we continue to strengthen the ties between the Lesotho Basketball Association and your team in an effort to ensure the growth of basketball to the benefit of all. On this note, we encourage you to also extend this invitation to any teams in your regions whom you feel may add value to this competition.

Registration for the tournament is R300 per team, payable on arrival to the tournament. Please confirm your intention to participate by Close of Business (17:00) Friday 16th September 2011. Late confirmation will not be accepted.

Accommodation will be arranged for all players and team officials at the cost of about R100 to R200 per person, per night. Arrangements for accommodation shall be made by the Lesotho Basketball Association upon receipt of the full payment by any team that requires such an arrangement, no later than Friday 23rd September.

All future correspondence shall be carried out through the tournament organizer Mr. Ratsolo Molupe on behalf of the LBA League Committee. For any further enquiries or assistance of any sort, please contact Mr. Molupe at the following email address; moluper@etl.co.ls.

We look forward to seeing you at the tournament.

Kind regards,

Molupe Mothepu
Treasurer
National Basketball League Committee
Lesotho Basketball Association

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LITHUANIA

EuroBasket 2011: Lithuania beat Portugal and closed Preliminary Round in Panevezys - by Eurobasket News
Portugal-Lithuania 69:98

Lithuania smashed Portugal 98:86 in the last game of the Preliminary Round at Eurobasket 2011. The home side produced an easy 98:69 victory to send Portugal home with 0-5 record. The hosts, who had clinched second spot in Group A ahead of the game, will advance to Round Two in Vilnius with a 1-1 record.
Lithuania easily took the lead, but first Santos made a three for 12:12. The hosts responded with 12-0 run to take 24:12 after Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland)s jump shot. Lavrinovic and Minhava exchanged the late baskets in the first period for 28:16. Portugal had nothing to lose and created a great second frame. Filipe Da Silva (192-G-79) tied the game at 35:35 as Portugal dominated the second quartet. After 19-13 in it, Portugal trailed 6 points at the halftime. The second half however completely belonged to Lithuania. They needed 27-15 in the third quarter as the board showed 68:50 after thirty minutes. Another 30-19 in the last quarter brought the final result in the game.
Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) and Sarunas Jasikevicius poured in 14 points each, while Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) netted 13 and Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82) scored 12. Carlos Andrade (197-F-78, college: Queens, NC) ended up with 16 points in the losing effort and Antonio Tavares (183-G-75) chipped in 14.

Portugal: Carlos Andrade 16, Antonio Tavares 14, Filipe Da Silva 10
Lithuania: Martynas Pocius 14, Sarunas Jasikevicius 14, Rimantas Kaukenas 13, Simas Jasaitis 12


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MONTENEGRO

EuroBasket 2011: Finland made it to the Second Round - by Eurobasket News
Finland-Montenegro 71:65

Shocking news came to Finland that advanced to the Second Round. After the victory over Montenegro 71:65 in the first game of the last day in Group C and they needed Greece and F.Y.R. of Macedonia can win their games. They both did.
Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Huff were the first players to score for their teams. Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) and Tuukka Kotti (205-F/C-81, college: Providence) gave the Scandinavian team 7:4, while Salin scored for 19:12. Tuukka Kotti made two free throws at the end of the period to bring his side 25:14 at the end of the frame. In the second quarter Montenegro started to play better and as a result Dasic tied the game at 28:28. Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) made the same at 31:31 and then he made another free throw for 1-point lead. Dragicevic brought his side 38:34, while Salin sent the teams to the lockers at 40:36, Montenegro.
Montenegro started the third quarter netter and Vucevic gave his side 49:42. Finladn replied with a 7-0 run and Rannikko tied the game at 49:49. Koivisto nailed three for 52:51 and Nikkila made two free throws for 54:53. Finland continued to dominate and Gerald Lee (208-F-87, college: ODU) scored for 65:58. Tuukka Kotti and Bjelica scored free throws for 66:63 and Petteri Koponen gave the Scandinavian team 68:65 with less than 2 minutes in the fourth period. Virtanen made three free throws for 6-point victory.
Gerald Lee paced all the winners with 12 points, while Tuukka Kotti netted 11 and Petteri Koponen scored 10. Nikola Pekovic ended up with 16 points in the losing effort, while Milos Borisov (201-F-85) had 14.

Finland: Gerald Lee 12, Tuukka Kotti 11, Petteri Koponen 10
Montenegro: Nikola Pekovic 16, Milos Borisov 14, Goran Jeretin 9


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NBA

New Philadelphia 76ers ownership group chooses a CEO - by Eurobasket News
Though the immediate future of the NBA is being played out in a Manhattan hotel as owners and players try to iron out a new collective bargaining agreement, some business must carry on.

The 76ers new ownership group, headed by leveraged buyout specialist Joshua Harris, has hired noted travel industry executive Adam M. Aron as the teams chief executive officer, the Daily News learned yesterday.

Aron, 56, and Harris have history. Aron is a senior operating partner at Apollo Global Management, which Harris co-founded. Aron was born in Philadelphia and attended Abington High (class of 1972). Harris grew up here.

Aron previously was CEO of Vail Resorts, the second-largest ski resort operator worldwide, and president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, then the fourth-largest cruise company in the world. He also was senior vice president for marketing for United Airlines and for the Hyatt Hotels Corp. After Abington, Aron attended Harvard, where he graduated cum laude with a bachelors degree in government and earned an MBA with distinction from the Business School.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Bosh: Heat will start workouts soon - by Eurobasket News
Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) expects the Miami Heat to get together to start preparing for a new season in the coming weeks, regardless of the NBA's lockout status.

The newly married Heat forward says he's been working out on occasion at the University of Miami. Players from many NBA clubs have been using the Hurricanes' practice facility in recent weeks.

Bosh is in Los Angeles this weekend to help promote the widely anticipated video game 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.' Bosh is heading soon to New York for some Fashion Week events, along with some U.S. Open tennis and perhaps the Dallas Cowboys' opener against the Jets on Sept. 11.

After that, Bosh says he'll be back in Miami to 'start getting ready.'

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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NCAA1

Frank Hassell gets pro deal in Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Frank Hassell (6'8''-F-88) earned his first professional deal. The American forward penned a one-year contract with the Turkish team Bandirma Kirmizi. Haseell is a product of the Old Dominion University. He graduated there this year averaging 15.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.3 bpg in 34 games as a senior. He helped ODU to win the CAA Tournament and was named MVP. Hassell was also awarded with All-CAA 1st Team -11. ODU won the CAA Tournament last year as well. Frank Hassell helped his school with 9.2 ppg and 6.7 ppg at that time. He participated at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament this year. For three games at this event Hassell had 10 ppg and 11.7 rpg.

Baloncesto Leon signs rookie J.T. Durley - by Eurobasket News
J.T. Durley (203-F/C-88) is set to start his professional basketball career. The American power forward/center signed a one-year deal with the Spanish team Baloncesto Leon. Durley graduated at the Wichita State University few months ago. He helped them win NIT this year. Durley appeared 37 times for Wichita State as a senior averaging 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds. He was named All-MVC 1st Team -11. In 2009/10 season, Durley had almost the same numbers. That year Wichita State reached MVC Tournament Finals. In 2008, Durely was named MVC All-Freshman Team -08.

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POLAND

EuroBasket 2011: Deng and Freeland combined for 55 to send the Poles out of the Second Round - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain-Poland 88:81

Great Britain shocked Poland 88:81 and did not allow them to advance to Second Round. Both teams finished with 2-3 records however gave Turkey the last ticket to the Second Round.
Poland shocked Turkey last night and after that game all three teams including Great Britain had chances for the third place to advance to Second Round. Great Britain however needed a massive victory against the Poles in their last group game on Monday to maintain those hopes.
Kelati and Joel Freeland (208-F-87) exchanged the early leads and the latter gave Great Britain 8:2 in the opening tip. Poland needed an 8-0 run to tie the game at 12:12 and Dardan Berisha (192-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) later made it for 14:14. Lukasz Koszarek (187-G-84) and Archibald closed the first period with jump shots for 18:17, Great Britain. Dardan Berisha gave Poland 23:22 early in the second, while Clark scored for 31:26. Great Britain looked great in the end of the period and Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) made five consecutive points for 39:31 lead at the halftime.
Joel Freeland increased to 42:31 early in the third, but Lukasz Koszarek reduced to 42:37. Joel Freeland and Luol Deng made it 46:37 and Szewczyk scored four in a row for 46:41. Moreover Adam Hrycaniuk (208-C-84, college: Cincinnati) reduced to 49:47 with 4 minutes in the third quarter. Again Luol Deng brought 53:48, while Lukasz Koszarek delivered 6 points in arrow for Poland to give his side 56:53. Luol Deng made two free throws to close the third period at 55:56. Joel Freeland and Kelati exchanged the shot for 62:61 and Luol Deng scored his 25th point for 64:61. Nathan Reinking (188-G-73, college: Kent St.) and Clark brought 69:63 and Kelati reduced to 71:68 with 6 minutes to go. Lenzly tied the game at 75:75 and Dardan Berisha gave Poland 78:75 with three minutes remaining. Lenzly replied from the arc for Great Britain and gave them 1-point lead. Joel Freeland made an alley-oop for 80:77 and Poland needed timeout with 2 minutes to play. Luol Deng increased to 82:77 but Adam Hrycaniuk cut it to just three. Nathan Reinking and Luol Deng brought 88:79 and Adam Hrycaniuk made the final result in the game.
Luol Deng and Joel Freeland combined for 55 points to lead all the winners. Dardan Berisha posted 19 in defeat and Adam Hrycaniuk as well as Lukasz Koszarek netted 15 each.

Great Britain: Luol Deng 28, Joel Freeland 27, Nathan Reinking 9
Poland: Dardan Berisha 19, Adam Hrycaniuk 15, Lukasz Koszarek 15



Trefl Sopot tests American Mike Cook - by Eurobasket News
Mike Cook (193-G/F-84, agency: Alti Sport, college: Pittsburgh) arrived to Trefl Sopot for try-out. The American guard spent last season in Qatar with Qatar Sports Club. In 2009/10, Cook was a member of the British team Sheffield Sharks. He exploded with 26.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 4.4 apg for 25 games in BBL. Cook ended as the top scorer of the competition. The Sharks reached Playoff Semifinals and Eurobasket named Cook All-British BBL Guard of the Year -10. Sheffield won the BBL Cup that year. Before the Sheffield Sharks, Mike Cook played for the NBA D-League team Erie BayHawks. He had 8.6 ppg and 1.5 rpg for 10 games. Cook graduated at the University of Pittsburgh in 2008.

Turow and Siarka celebrate in friendly games - by Eurobasket News
PGE Turow Zgorzelec and WKS Slask Wroclaw met in a friendly game this weekend. Turow demonstrated wonderful performance beating their rival with huge 87-48. Aaron Cel (203-F-87) top-scored in victory with 15 points. Konrad Wysocki (201-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton) followed him with 12 points. In the loosing squad, Miroslaw Lopatka (213-C/F-77, agency: Promotex) was better than the others with 16 pts. Turow took control on their rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 25-16, 17-12, 26-9, 19-11.
Siarka Jezioro and Rosa Radom also played a friendly game. Siarka celebrated 75-67 win in this meeting. Their best player was Lamarshall Corbett (190-G-88, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) with 21 points. Jakub Zalewski (183-G-86) scored 17 pts for Rosa. Quarters: 20-11, 24-11, 17-19, 14-26.

Standings - DBE

PLK Standings

1. Anwil 0-0   2. AZS Koszalin 0-0   3. Energa Czarni 0-0   4. Kotwica 0-0   5. LKS Lodz 0-0   6. PBG Basket 0-0   7. PGE Turow 0-0   8. Polpharma 0-0   9. Siarka Jezioro 0-0   10. Slask Wroclaw 0-0   11. Tempcold AZS 0-0   12. Trefl Sopot 0-0   13. Zastal ZG 0-0  Play in international cups:  1. Asseco Prokom -

Standings - 1 Liga

1Liga Standings

1. AZS Kutno 0-0   2. AZS Szczecin 0-0   3. MKS DG 0-0   4. MOSiR Krosno 0-0   5. P.Cukier SIDEn 0-0   6. Polonia 0-0   7. Rosa Radom 0-0   8. SKK Siedlce 0-0   9. Sokol Lancut 0-0   10. Spojnia 0-0   11. Sportino 0-0   12. Start Gdynia 0-0   13. Start Lublin 0-0   14. Sudety 0-0   15. Znicz Basket 0-0

Standings - 2 Liga

2Liga Standings

Group A  1. Astoria 0-0   2. AZS PP Poznan 0-0   3. AZS UWM Olsz. 0-0   4. GKK Gorzow 0-0   5. KK Swiecie 0-0   6. Korsarz 0-0   7. Ksiezak 0-0   8. Open Florentyna 0-0   9. SMS PZKosz 0-0   10. Trefl II 0-0   11. Wilki Morskie 0-0   12. Zuraw 0-0   13. Zyrardowianka 0-0  Group B  1. Alba Chorzow 0-0   2. AZS AGH Alstom 0-0   3. AZS AWF K-ce 0-0   4. BM Wegiel Stal 0-0   5. GTK Gliwice 0-0   6. HK Zory 0-0   7. MCKiS Jaworz. 0-0   8. Mickiewicz 0-0   9. MKS Skierniew. 0-0   10. Nysa Klodzko 0-0   11. Obiekty 0-0   12. Piotrcovia 0-0   13. Pogon Prudnik 0-0   14. Slask II W. 0-0  Group C  1. AZS II Polit.W-wa 0-0   2. Handlopex AZS 0-0   3. MKS Limanowa 0-0   4. Novum Lublin 0-0   5. Piekary 0-0   6. Pulaski Warka 0-0   7. PWiK Piaseczno 0-0   8. Rosa II Radom 0-0   9. Staco MNLK 0-0   10. Tur 0-0   11. UMKS 0-0   12. Unia Tarnow 0-0   13. Wisla AWF Kr. 0-0   14. WOSSM W-wa 0-0

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PORTUGAL

EuroBasket 2011: Lithuania beat Portugal and closed Preliminary Round in Panevezys - by Eurobasket News
Portugal-Lithuania 69:98

Lithuania smashed Portugal 98:86 in the last game of the Preliminary Round at Eurobasket 2011. The home side produced an easy 98:69 victory to send Portugal home with 0-5 record. The hosts, who had clinched second spot in Group A ahead of the game, will advance to Round Two in Vilnius with a 1-1 record.
Lithuania easily took the lead, but first Santos made a three for 12:12. The hosts responded with 12-0 run to take 24:12 after Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland)s jump shot. Lavrinovic and Minhava exchanged the late baskets in the first period for 28:16. Portugal had nothing to lose and created a great second frame. Filipe Da Silva (192-G-79) tied the game at 35:35 as Portugal dominated the second quartet. After 19-13 in it, Portugal trailed 6 points at the halftime. The second half however completely belonged to Lithuania. They needed 27-15 in the third quarter as the board showed 68:50 after thirty minutes. Another 30-19 in the last quarter brought the final result in the game.
Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) and Sarunas Jasikevicius poured in 14 points each, while Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) netted 13 and Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82) scored 12. Carlos Andrade (197-F-78, college: Queens, NC) ended up with 16 points in the losing effort and Antonio Tavares (183-G-75) chipped in 14.

Portugal: Carlos Andrade 16, Antonio Tavares 14, Filipe Da Silva 10
Lithuania: Martynas Pocius 14, Sarunas Jasikevicius 14, Rimantas Kaukenas 13, Simas Jasaitis 12


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ROMANIA

Weekend results - by Eurobasket News
SCM U Craiova outscored Energia Rovinari 80:78 in a friendly game. Danilo Mitrovic (208-C/F-84) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Branislav Tomic (205-F/C-80) netted 13. Constantin Amarghioalei (196-G-85) followed them with 9 points. Giles ended up with 16 points in the losing effort and Gutoaia posted 13.
BC Mures Targu won over BC Miercurea Ciuc 87:71. The winners started with 22-9 in the first period and added 28-25 in the second frame. Moreover Mures managed to win the third quarter 17-16 to take 15-points advantage after thirty minutes. BC Miercurea Ciuc responded with 21-20 in the last quarter to reduce to 16. Calvin Watson (196-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: N.Texas) stepped up with 22 points, while Adrian Tudor (182-G-85) added 17 and Virgil Stanescu (207-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Alabama) notched 13. Levi Levine (198-F-82, agency: TSS Management, college: Albany) replied with 14 points in defeat and Dino Erceg (203-F-85) as well as Enrico Tucker posted 12 each.

Latest results:
02.09.2011 - SCM Craiova vs Energia Rovinari 65-75
02.09.2011 - BC Miercurea Ciuc vs BC Mures Targu Mures 80-81
02.09.2011 - U Mobitelco Cluj-Napoca vs MV Nyiregyihaza 88-67
02.09.2011 - CSM Oradea vs FS Debrecen 82-55
03.09.2011 - BC Miercurea Ciuc vs BC Mures Targu Mures 71-87
03.09.2011 - U Mobitelco Cluj-Napoca vs FS Debrecen 103-69
03.09.2011 - CSM Oradea vs MV Nyiregyihaza 92-66
04.09.2011 - CSM Oradea vs U Mobitelco Cluj-Napoca 85-94


CS Dinamo Bucuresti complete the roster for 2011/2012 season - by Eurobasket News
CS Dinamo Bucuresti complete the roster for 2011/2012 season. The team recently added an American and local players to the roster.
Baris Aktas (194-F-91) became the last addition to the roster. In 2009-2010 the 1991-year born player started for CS Otopeni (Romania-Div.A) and in 3 games averaged 1.7ppg. In 2010-2011 he moved to BC Timisoara (Romania-Div.A) and had 2.5ppg, 1.0spg. He was announced for BC Timisoara (Romania-Div.A) earlier, but just moved to his new team few days ago.
Erlier the team announced Joshua Brown (185-G-88, college: Towson). The American Guard started his career in Mount Olive (NCAA2). In 2010-2011 he moved to Towson (NCAA) and in 30 games averaged 10.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 75.9%.
The team will keep Andrei Badila (191-G-84), Oynur Musledin, Sandu Bogdan, Dan Ioan (196-F-91), Iosif Pirlog, Alin Sipos (89), Nicolae Toader (206-C-78) and Ion Baluta (198-F-91). Earlier the squad announced Mike Davis (211-F/C-86, college: Seton Hall), Allen Durham (198-F, college: Grace Bible), Antonio Haymon (198-F, college: Lee) and Will Bowser (196-F/G-88, college: Hope, MI).


Steve Ross agreed terms with SCM Craiova - by Eurobasket News
Steve Ross (201-G/F-80, agency: Court Side, college: Santa Clara) agreed terms with SCM Craiova for the upcoming season. The Canadian player comes from Holland.
In 2007-2008 he moved to Holland and signed at ZZ Leiden (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five). In 14 games he averaged 14.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 80.0%.
In 2008-2009 moved to Upstairs Weert (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five) and became the fourth top-scorer with 17.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 78.6%
In 2009-2010 has signed a 2-year deal with GasTerra Flames (former Hanzevast Capitals). The 2.01 swingman was recruited by the Flames to bolster their offensive power. In 2010-2011 for GasTerra Flames Groningen (Holland-DBL) in EuroCup after 6 games showed 5.2ppg, 3.7rpg, FGP: 35.3%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 16.7%, while in Euroleague Qualifying Round had 5.0ppg, 3.0rpg. In Dutch League after 45 games his stats read 7.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 64.3%.
Two years ago he became Dutch Eredivisie Champion -10. Last seasn he was Dutch Eredivisie Regular Season Runner-Up -11 and Dutch Eredivisie Finalist -11.


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RUSSIA

Enisey and Khimky won Sunday clashes - by Eurobasket News
Enisey and Khimky won Sunday clashes over Serbian and Slovenian teams respectively.
Enisey grabbed 80:77 victory over Mega Serbia. The latter opened the game with 21-16, but Russian team reduced just to 1 point after they won the second period 19-15. Mega increased to three points entering the last period after 22-20 in the third, but Enisey needed 25-19 for the final success. Lonny Baxter (204-C-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Marko Marinovic (183-G-83) scored 16. Vladislav Solovyev (195-F-88) and Nesterov added 11points each, while Toporov scored 8.
Khimky rolled over Union Olimpija 71:54 in Slovenia. The Russian team took control early in the game and dominated the court later. Chris Quinn (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) paced all the winners with 17 points, while Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83, agency: Alti Sport) netted 16. Alexey Zhukanenko (210-F-86, agency: Alti Sport) delivered 10 points, while Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) and Vyaltsev Egor nailed 7 apiece.


EuroBasket 2011: Russia's first lead became fatal in the last seconds for Slovenia - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia-Russia 64:65

Russia finished the Preliminary Round with a perfect 5-0 record and won Group D. The team needed 65:64 victory over Slovenia to hand them their first loss. Russia trailed in 39 minutes and 49 seconds but needed last 11 seconds for the final successful shot.
Slovenia scored the first 7 points in the game and Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) scored five in a row for 12:7. Slokar increased to 17:8, while Fridzon closed the first period at 19:16. No matter how hard Russia tried to recover they trailed in the whole half. Begic scored for 34:27 and Erazem Lorbek nailed three for 40:34. It was the last shot in the second period as Slovenia enjoyed 6-point advantage at the halftime. Dragic gave his side double digit lead and Smodis scored for 46:39. Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) and Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) reduced to 49:45, while Antonov brought 53:51. The latter also closed the third period at 55:53, but then Russia did their best in the last one. They also trailed in the whole last period but with 11 seconds to go Sergey Monya (203-F-83) gave the first and the last lead for Russia that celebrated the victory.
Andrey Vorontsevich paced all the winners with 18 points and Viktor Khryapa notched 10. Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) followed them with 8 points and three other teammates scored 5 apiece. Erazem Lorbek ended up with 14 points in the losing effort, while Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) and Saso Ozbolt (188-G-81, agency: World Sport Agency) scored 8 each.

Slovenia: Erazem Lorbek 14, Jaka Lakovic 8, Saso Ozbolt 8
Russia: Andrey Vorontsevich 18, Viktor Khryapa 10, Andrei Kirilenko 8


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SERBIA

EuroBasket 2011: Parker brings France overtime win over Serbia - by Eurobasket News
Serbia-France 96:97 OT

France remained perfect at the Eurobasket 2011. Tony Parker (183-PG-80) and Co edged Serbia 97:96 in overtime to win Group B.
The game between France and Serbia was one of the most expected in the last day of the Preliminary Round. Both teams entered the game undefeated and struggled in the court to stay perfect.
Savanovic and Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) brought the first points for their teams, while Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) gave Serbia 9:4. Again Nenad Krstic and Marko Keselj (205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) scored for 17:12, while Tony Parker and Joakim Noah (211-F/C-85, college: Florida) reduced to 19:16. Tony Parker scored later six in a row for his side and gave France 22:21 lead. Tepic however was the last to score in the first period to bring the lead back for Serbia at 25:24. Bjelica and Macvan remained Serbia in front at 29:28 and Marko Keselj scored for 31:30. Tony Parker tied the game at 36:36 and Boris Diaw (203-F/C-82) brought four for 43:38. Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) however sent the teams to the lockers at 43:41 as he made three free throws in the end of the second frame.
Perovic tied it at 43:43, while Seraphin and Tony Parker gave France 52:44. Marko Keselj and Nenad Krstic reduced to 52:49, while Macvan closed a 13-0 run for Serbia and gave them 57:52. Kahudi and Joakim Noah gave France back the lead at 62:61 and Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) closed the period at 64:62, Serbia. The teams stayed too close to each other in the fourt frame and each of them deserved the final win. Nenad Krstic made the final two free throws with 10 seconds in the fourth period for 80:80. Tony Parker could bring the win for France but sent the teams to overtime.
In extra time the teams played very offensive and scored 33 points in just 5 minutes. The lead changed more than usual and Gelabale gave France 93:891 with a minute to go. Savanovic and Marko Keselj gave Serbia 96:95, but France had Mr Tony Parker. The latter made two free throws for the final success.
Tony Parker poured in 24 points for the winners and Nicolas Batum netted 18. Boris Diaw chipped in 15, while Joakim Noah scored 14. Marko Keselj delivered 25 points in the losing effort and Nenad Krstic posted 22. Aleksandar Rasic and Milos Teodosic scored 11 points each in defeat.

Serbia: Marko Keselj 25, Nenad Krstic 22, Aleksandar Rasic 11, Milos Teodosic 11
France: Tony Parker 24, Nicolas Batum 18, Boris Diaw 15, Joakim Noah 14


Stefan Sinovec leaves Metalac - by Eurobasket News
Stefan Sinovec (195-G-88) is no longer member of Metalac. The 23-year-old guard decided to continue his career abroad. Sinovec joined Metalac last summer from Partizan. He exploded in Serbian league with 18.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 1.9 apg. Sinovec ended as third best scorer of the competition. Season 2009/10, Stefan Sinovec spent with Partizan. They won three trophies that season and reached Euroleague Final Four, but Sinovec had very limited playing time. He appeared 8 times in Euroleague averaging 1.5 points. In Adriatic league he had 1.6 ppg for 12 games and in Serbian league Sinovec added 2.3 ppg for 13 games. In the past, Sinovec played for Vizura. He also has experience from the Ukrainian Khimik Yuzhny. Stefan Sinovec played for the Serbian U20 NT winning the U20 EuroBasket Gold with them in 2008. It is not known yet where he will continue his career.

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SLOVAKIA

BK SPU Bemaco Nitra adds Clemente to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
BK SPU Bemaco Nitra added to their roster 25-year old Puerto Rican Denis Clemente (185-PG-86, college: Kansas St., agency: KMG Sports Management). Clemente played most recently at Caciques de Humacao (Puerto Rico). While playing 27 games for Humacao last season he averaged 14.6ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.4apg (5th best in the league) and 1.0spg. Clemente is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Greece, Israel and Puerto Rico.

MBK Rieker Komarno play three friendly games - by Eurobasket News
MBK Rieker Komarno play three friendly games in the preparation season for the upcoming 2011/2012 League.
At first the Slovakian team overcame Albacomp Szekesfehervar 68:60. The Hungarian team grabbed 15:13 and enjoyed 32:31 at the halftime. The third quarter was decisive in the game as Komarno needed a huge surge to take 51:38. They managed to keep the score and won the opener. Martin Bilik (194-F-87) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Jones added 11.Charles Polk (200-F/C-84, college: Butler) collected 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Bernard Toombs (208-C-87, college: Troy) netted 9.
Later MBK Rieker Komarno outscored BK Breda & Weinstein Opava 81:64. The Slovakian team started with 22:10 and enjoyed 38:28 at the halftime. The lead continued to grow and the board showed 63:48 after three quarters. Martin Bilik paced all the winner with 27 points making four from the arc. Charles Polk collected 18 points and 10 rebounds, whilst Klar notched 14.
Albacomp Szekesfehervar revenged for the first loss from MBK Rieker Komarno and beat them 86:67. The Hungarian team opened the game with 26-14 and had 44:30 after two quarters. They increased to 67:51 after thirty minutes and had 19 points victory. Akos Keller (206-F/C-89, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) paced all the winners with 24 points, while Roland Hendlein (205-F-86, agency: TSS Management) added 9. Papp responded with 14 points in defeat and Klar posted 11.


MBK Banik Handlova wins Proton Cup - by Eurobasket News
MBK Banik Handlova wins Proton Cup with 4 teams participating. The Slovakian squad won two games and lost one for the first place.
In Day 1 MBK Banik Handlova outscored BK XION Dukes Klosterneuburg from Austria 70:68. Handlova won the opening period 16-16, but the teams were tied at the halftime at 30:30. Only die to the minumu victories in the third and the last quarters. Handlova managed to win the game. Anthony Jones (194-G/F-84, college: Indiana Tech) erupted with 29 points and Peter Terlanda (204-F/C-88) notched 9. Madaj and Ivan Barisic (201-C/F-84) followed them with 8 points each and Haviar scored 7.
In Day 2 MBK Banik Handlova edged QUANTO Svitavy 82:74. The winners started with 19-13 and added 17-12 in the second period. Svitany replied with 25-20 in the third quarter, but MBK Banik Handlova needed 26-24 in the last quarter to seal the victory. Anthony Jones erupted with 36 points and Ivan Barisic followed him with 23.
Proton Zlin upset MBK Banik Handlova 78:68. The hosts of the tournament opened the game with 16-12 and produced a 20-19 in the second frame. The teams exchanged the victories in the second-half quarters, as Proton Zlin kept the victory. Anthony Jones netted 23 points in the losing effort and Ivan Barisic added 17.
Anthony Jones became the top-scorer of the tournament, while Ivan Barisic was named MVP of the tournament.


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SLOVENIA

Union Olimpija, Krka Novo Mesto and Elektra Sostanj start pre-season games - by Eurobasket News
Krka Novo Mesto rolled over Elektra Sostanj 88:66. The EuroChallenge winners started with 15-12 in the first frame and added 25-19 in the second. Moreover the second half also belonged to the favorites that won both periods. At first Krka won the third 23-18 and then finished with 25-17 in the last frame. Jerome Jordan (213-C-86, college: Tulsa) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Pavic scored 16. Curtis Stinson (187-G-83, college: Iowa St.) delivered 13, while Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, college: S.Florida) and Petrov notched 10 each. Brane Lekic (206-F/C-90) responded with 17 points in the losing effort, while Horvat posted 12.
Russian Khimky rolled over Union Olimpija 71:54 in Slovenia. The Russian team took control early in the game and dominated the court later. Chris Quinn (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) paced all the winners with 17 points, while Loncar netted 16. Alexey Zhukanenko (210-F-86, agency: Alti Sport) delivered 10 points, while Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) and Vyaltsev Egor nailed 7 apiece.


EuroBasket 2011: Russia's first lead became fatal in the last seconds for Slovenia - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia-Russia 64:65

Russia finished the Preliminary Round with a perfect 5-0 record and won Group D. The team needed 65:64 victory over Slovenia to hand them their first loss. Russia trailed in 39 minutes and 49 seconds but needed last 11 seconds for the final successful shot.
Slovenia scored the first 7 points in the game and Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) scored five in a row for 12:7. Slokar increased to 17:8, while Fridzon closed the first period at 19:16. No matter how hard Russia tried to recover they trailed in the whole half. Begic scored for 34:27 and Erazem Lorbek nailed three for 40:34. It was the last shot in the second period as Slovenia enjoyed 6-point advantage at the halftime. Dragic gave his side double digit lead and Smodis scored for 46:39. Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) and Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) reduced to 49:45, while Antonov brought 53:51. The latter also closed the third period at 55:53, but then Russia did their best in the last one. They also trailed in the whole last period but with 11 seconds to go Sergey Monya (203-F-83) gave the first and the last lead for Russia that celebrated the victory.
Andrey Vorontsevich paced all the winners with 18 points and Viktor Khryapa notched 10. Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) followed them with 8 points and three other teammates scored 5 apiece. Erazem Lorbek ended up with 14 points in the losing effort, while Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) and Saso Ozbolt (188-G-81, agency: World Sport Agency) scored 8 each.

Slovenia: Erazem Lorbek 14, Jaka Lakovic 8, Saso Ozbolt 8
Russia: Andrey Vorontsevich 18, Viktor Khryapa 10, Andrei Kirilenko 8


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SPAIN

EuroBasket 2011: Spain shocked by Turkey in fourth quarter - by Eurobasket News
Spain - Turkey 57:65

Turkey confirmed their high ambitions for the EuroBasket tournament with a stunning win over previously undefeated Spain. Turkey shocked their opponents in the fourth frame to steal a key victory. The winners improved at 3-2 record and booked the place in the Qualifying Round. Spain slipped at 4-1 record on top of Group A. Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up with 18 points to lead the effort.
Spain opened the game with a 5:0 run. They stayed in charge in the opening quarter posting a 19:10 lead ten minutes into the game. Emir Preldzic erupted for 11 points in the second quarter to keep Turkey within striking distance. They ensured a 38:35 halftime lead. Spain maintained the lead throughout the third term. They secured a 55:49 advantage with one quarter to go. But a drastic change came in the fourth period. Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) opened the period with a jumper but then Turkey kept their opponents scoreless for almost nine minutes going on a 16:0 run and celebrating an impressive win at the end. Omer Asik (213-C-86) and Hidayet Turkoglu (206-F-79) posted 12 points each, while Ender Arslan (190-G-83) added 10 points in the victory. Marc Gasol (212-C-85, agency: Interperformances) answered with 12 points for Spain. Rudy Fernandez (197-G-85) and Felipe Reyes had 11 points each in the loss.

Spain: Marc Gasol 12, Rudy Fernandez 11, Felipe Reyes 11
Turkey: Emir Preldzic 18, Omer Asik 12, Hidayet Turkoglu 12


Caja Laboral extends Brad Oleson and Pau Ribas, looks for big guy - by Eurobasket News
President of Caja Laboral, Josean Querejeta, announced that the team will extend deals with Brad Oleson (191-G-83, agency: Duran International, college: Alaska-Fairb.) and Pau Ribas (193-PG-87). They also look to sign position 5 player to replace injured Maciej Lampe (210-C-85). Regarding Lampe, the team will count on him when he recovers. The Polish big guy signed a two-year deal this summer.
Brad Oleson had 8.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg for 39 games in ACB last season. He added 6.3 ppg and 2.2 rpg for 20 Euroleague games. He joined Caja Laboral in 2009 from Fuenlabrada.
Pau Ribas already had a valid deal with Caja Laboral until 2013. They signed a two-year extension, so Ribas will play for the club until the end of the 2014/15. He averaged 5.7 ppg and 1.6 rpg in ACB last season. In Euroleague, his numbers dropped to 2.5 ppg and 1.7 rpg. Ribas moved to Caja Laboral from DKV Joventut two years ago.

River Andorra adds Austrian Anton Maresch - by Eurobasket News
B.C. River Andorra adds Austrian Anton Maresch (192-G-91) for 2011/2012 season. The player spent last year with Klosterneuburg but leaves to Spain.
In 2007-2008 he appeared for UBSC Graz (A Bundesliga) and after 9 games averaged 4.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.3apg. In 2008-2009 for UBSC Graz (A Bundesliga, starting five) in 19 games showed 3.9ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.2apg.
In 2009-2010 for UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (A Bundesliga) averaged 9.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 78.9%. The last season moved to Xion Dukes Klosterneuburg (A Bundesliga) and in 36 games had 9.5ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 71.1%.
Anton Maresch is a member of the Austrian National Team -11 and U20 team. At the European Championships U20 in Bilbao (Spain) -11 in 9 games he averaged 11.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 71.4%. For the National team he recorded 12 points as Austria handed the first loss to the Dutch team in St. Polten to remain alive for the first place in Group A. Davor Lamesic paced all the winners with 19 points, whilst Rasid Mahalbasic collected 15 points and 12 rebounds. Anton Maresch and Jason Detrick followed them with 12 points each in a win.


Oviedo lands Bryan LeDuc - by Eurobasket News
Bryan LeDuc (203-F) is a new member of Oviedo. The American forward signed a deal for the next season. He graduated at the Cal State - San Bernardino University a year ago. LeDuc averaged 14.1 points and 8.1 rebounds for his school. They competed in NCAA2 and he was named
All-CCAA 1st Team -10. They won the CCAA Tournament and LeDuc was named CCAA All-Tournament MVP -10. Bryan LeDux transferred to Cal State - San Bernardino in 2009 from the University of Pacific. With them he had 11.4 ppg and 4.5 in 2008/09. Pacific reached the Big West Tournament Finals and LeDuc was named Big West Sixth Man of the Year -09. He was also awarded with All-Big West Honorable Mention -09.

Barcelona celebrates in first pre-season game - by Eurobasket News
Assignia Manresa - FC Barcelona Regal 75-86

FC Barcelona Regal played their first friendly game this pre-season. They handed 86-75 loss to Assignia Manresa. Xavier Rabaseda (198-G/F-89) was the leading player in Barca with 23 points. Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) followed him with 19 points and was the last one with double-digits in scoring for Barca. Fran Vazquez (209-C-83), Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) and Papa Abdoulaye (209-C-90) delivered 8 points each. In the loosing squad, Justin Doellman (206-F-85, college: Xavier) shined with 16 points. Josh Asselin (211-C/F-78, agency: Duran International, college: Michigan) and Kieron Achara (208-F/C-83, college: Duquesne) had 13 and 10 points respectively. Manresa was better at the beginning as they made 24-21 lead in the first ten minutes. Xavier Rabaseda and his teammates responded with 15-21 in the second quarter and they totally took control on Manresa after the breather. Barca made 9-18 in Q3 having no troubles to keep their lead for rest of the game.

Assignia Manresa: Rodrguez (5), Downs (8), Hanga (3), Josh Asselin (13) y Justin Doellman (16) -cinco inicial-, Palsson (6), Montaez (7), Hernndez (4), Kody (0), Kieron Achara (10), Cerqueira (0) y Oriola (3)
FC Barcelona Regal: Eidson (5), Xavier Rabaseda (23), Mickeal (19), Fran Vazquez (8) y Boniface Ndong (8) -cinco inicial-, Marzo (1), Bagaric (2), Creus (3), Garca (3), Aparicio (3), Papa Abdoulaye (8), Prez (3), Spires (0) y Zhigulin (0)

Baloncesto Leon signs rookie J.T. Durley - by Eurobasket News
J.T. Durley (203-F/C-88) is set to start his professional basketball career. The American power forward/center signed a one-year deal with the Spanish team Baloncesto Leon. Durley graduated at the Wichita State University few months ago. He helped them win NIT this year. Durley appeared 37 times for Wichita State as a senior averaging 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds. He was named All-MVC 1st Team -11. In 2009/10 season, Durley had almost the same numbers. That year Wichita State reached MVC Tournament Finals. In 2008, Durely was named MVC All-Freshman Team -08.

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SWEDEN

Sodertalje Kings extend Johnell Smith - by Eurobasket News
Great new for Sodertalje's fans. The team managed to keep their best player from the last season - Johnell Smith (186-PG-80, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: New Orleans). The American point guard was linked to few Ukrainian teams this summer, but at the end he decided to stay with the Kings. He appeared 36 times in Basketligan last season averaging 19.9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. He ended as the second scorer and top stealer of the competition. The Kings reached Semifinals and Smith was named Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan 1st team -11. Before Sodertalje, Smith spent one season with Danish Svendborg Rabbits. He exploded there with 22 p9 ppg, 7 rpg, 3.4 apg and 2.8 apg. Smith paced Rabbits to Danish league title. He played in Venezuela in the past.

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SWITZERLAND

Cimberio Varese outplays SAV Vacallo 73-55 - by Eurobasket News
Cimberio Varese - SAV Vacallo 73-55

Italian team Cimberio Varese and Swiss SAV Vacallo played a friendly game on Saturday. Varese celebrated 73-55 victory in this meeting. Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 17 points. Justin Hurtt (194-G-88, college: Tulsa) and Brad Wanamaker (193-G-89) had 14 points each, and Yakhouba Diawara (201-F-82, college: Pepperdine) added 11 pts for Varese. In the loosing squad, Rokas Uzas (202-F-88) responded with 18 points. Matt Schneiderman (205-F/C-81, college: N.Iowa) was their second scorer with 11 points. Sav Vacallo was able to resists in the first half. Cimberio Varese made 18-16 lead in the first quarter and extended it for just one point in Q3, so everything was still open (31-28 HT). However, Kristjan Kangur and his teammates shined after the breather and jumped to 58-48 with ten minutes to go. Vacallo was not able to reply and they faced with 73-55 loss at the end.

Cimberio: Demartini, Justin Hurtt 14, Brad Wanamaker 14, Talts 9, Yakhouba Diawara 11, Garri 8, Kristjan Kangur 17, Lenotti, Fajardo, Bertoglio, Reati
Vacallo: Hatch, Giussani, Cavadini, Gibson 7, Fontanini 2, Rokas Uzas 18, Ramseier 6, Connelly 9, Waldeshbuel, Matt Schneiderman 11, Sloan 2, Roche, Pape

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Demurrell shines for Rising Stars - by Don Farrell
Rising Stars Ashton Demurrell displayed another match-winning performance netting 26 points to help his side soar to an ambitious 110-52 win over Diego Martin All Stars in the Chaguanas West Basketball League on Saturday. The match took place at the Central Regional Indoor Sport Arena (CRISA), Chaguanas, the standard venue for the league. Taking top points for Rising Stars together with Demurrell were Triston Benjamin, who improved from his last performance netting 23 points, and Nicholas Pierre with 20 points.

Pierre was on target from long range with 18 of his 20 points coming from an impressive six three-pointers. Akil La Roche and Douglas McNeilly were the All Stars topscorers with 13 and ten points, respectively. Rising Stars opened the match more aggressively taking 35 points to All Stars 11 in the first quarter. Despite a slight improvement in the second quarter, the match was steadily becoming out of reach for the Diego Martin team as it trailed 50-24, 75-45 and ultimately 110-52 within the final three quarters. Before the mens fixture, there was one womens match in which Brian Chase Academy took on Diego Martin All Stars.

The All Stars club suffered its first loss of the day as they were trumped in the narrowest of margins, 48-47 by Brian Chase. In the low-scoring encounter, three playersAllison Young (15), Nneka Jones (12) and Kathy-Ann King (11) scored in double digits for the winning team while Samantha Wallace and Anika Nottingham took 17 and 13 points each for All Stars. League matches will continue on Wednesday, with fixtures yet to be determined.

Results
Men
Rising Stars 110 (Ashton Demurrell 26, Triston Benjamin 23, Nicholas Pierre 20) vs Diego Martin All Stars 52 (Akil La Roche 13,Douglas McNeilly 10).

Women
Brian Chase Academy 48 (Allison Young 15, Nneka Jones 12, Kathyann King 11) vs Diego Martin All Stars 47 (Samantha Wallace 17, Anika Nottingham 13).

Trinidad Guardian

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TURKEY

Fenerbahce Ulker beats Erdemir 64-61 in pre-season game - by Eurobasket News
Fenerbahce Ulker - Erdemir 64-61

TBL teams already started with pre-season games. Fenerbahce Ulker and Erdemir met each other this weekend. The reigning Turkish champion celebrated 64-61 win in this meeting. Luka Drezga (196-G-87) top-scored for Fener with 19 points. Rasid Mahalbasic (210-F/C-90) also was good scoring 16 points, while Gasper Vidmar (209-C/F-87) helped with four less. Hakan Demirel (192-G-85) netted 7 pts in this win. On the other side, Erdemir got 11 points from Altan Erol (194-G-83). Their second scorer was Gerrod Henderson (192-G-78, college: Louisiana Tech) with 8 points. Of course, Fener was not able to count on their best players in this meeting due to their obligations with various National Teams. The team will be complete after the EuroBasket in Lithuania.

Fenerbahce Ulker: Curtis Jerrels, Erbil Eroglu 2, Rasid Mahalbasic 16, Gasper Vidmar 12, Kaya Peker 2, Luka Drezga 19, Hakan Demirel 7, Berkay Candan 4, Matija Porscic 2, Ulug Kacaniku
Erdemir: Soner Senturk 5, Alper Ozcan 4, Melih Yildiz 5, Gerrod Henderson 8, Altan Erol 11, Mutlu Akpnar 4, Caner Osman 2, Caner Ercan 7, Antywane Robinson 3, Emre Ekim 5, Eren Beyaz 2, KZell Wesson 6

Monwell Randle inks with Trabzonspor - by Baha Kurtulus
U.S. power forward Monwell Randle (203-F/C-83, agency: Court Side, college: SE Missouri St.) has agreed terms with Trabzonspor Basketbol in Turkey for the 2011-'12 season. The experienced Randle, who is well-known for his all-round teamplay, played the past 3 seasons in a row for Optima Gent in Belgium where he did have a good 2010-'11 campaign as well taking his stats into consideration with 11,1 ppg (46,2% FG), 7,3 rpg (Top 5 in the league overall), while being 33,8% from behind the arc and 77,6% from the foul line. The former Missouri State (2004) graduate came to Gent after having a good season with Oyak Renaul (2007-'08). Before that he was active in The Netherlands (Bergen op Zoom), Belgium (Vilvoorde) and KK Zadar (Croatia).

Courtesy of www.sportando.net

EuroBasket 2011: Spain shocked by Turkey in fourth quarter - by Eurobasket News
Spain - Turkey 57:65

Turkey confirmed their high ambitions for the EuroBasket tournament with a stunning win over previously undefeated Spain. Turkey shocked their opponents in the fourth frame to steal a key victory. The winners improved at 3-2 record and booked the place in the Qualifying Round. Spain slipped at 4-1 record on top of Group A. Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up with 18 points to lead the effort.
Spain opened the game with a 5:0 run. They stayed in charge in the opening quarter posting a 19:10 lead ten minutes into the game. Emir Preldzic erupted for 11 points in the second quarter to keep Turkey within striking distance. They ensured a 38:35 halftime lead. Spain maintained the lead throughout the third term. They secured a 55:49 advantage with one quarter to go. But a drastic change came in the fourth period. Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) opened the period with a jumper but then Turkey kept their opponents scoreless for almost nine minutes going on a 16:0 run and celebrating an impressive win at the end. Omer Asik (213-C-86) and Hidayet Turkoglu (206-F-79) posted 12 points each, while Ender Arslan (190-G-83) added 10 points in the victory. Marc Gasol (212-C-85, agency: Interperformances) answered with 12 points for Spain. Rudy Fernandez (197-G-85) and Felipe Reyes had 11 points each in the loss.

Spain: Marc Gasol 12, Rudy Fernandez 11, Felipe Reyes 11
Turkey: Emir Preldzic 18, Omer Asik 12, Hidayet Turkoglu 12


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UKRAINE

EuroBasket 2011: Ukraine beat Belgium in the last game for both sides - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine-Belgium 74:61

Neither team had a chance to qualify to the next round but both got pride. Belgium opened the game with 6:1 lead, while Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86) made it 10:3. Lishchuk reduced to 13:5, while Faison gave the biggest lead for Belgium at plus 11. Ukraine erupted with a 17-0 run as Alexander Kolchenko (198-F/G-88, agency: Beo Basket) closed the run at 22:16. From that time Ukraine started to dominate the court and won the game.
Viacheslav Kravtsov (212-C-87, agency: Beo Basket) and Steve Bertt (185-G-84, college: Iona) made it 33:21, while Pecherov made his 13th points at 36:21, while Viacheslav Kravtsov brought 41:24. Mbenga and Steve Bertt exchanged the late baskets in the end of the half for 43:26 on the board.
Zabirchenko and Viacheslav Kravtsov brought 47:29, while Steve Bertt scored for 53:31 midway through the third quarter. Van Den Spiegel reduced to 53:33 and Dimitri Lauwers (187-G-79) scored for 64:45. Lukashov and again Dimitri Lauwers scored for 69:48, whilst Lypovyy nailed three for 72:50. Mbenga made the last points for Begium and closed it at minus 13.
Pecherov paced all the winners with 15 points, while Viacheslav Kravtsov collected 13 points and 16 rebounds. Alexander Kolchenko scored 10 and Steve Bertt added 9. Sam Van Rossom delivered 17 and Dimitri Lauwers notched 13.

Ukraine: Pecherov 15, Viacheslav Kravtsov 13+16 rebs, Alexander Kolchenko 10, Steve Bertt 9
Belgium: Sam Van Rossom 17, Dimitri Lauwers 13


Rado Rancik leads Azovmash to 81-76 win against Montepaschi - by Eurobasket News
Montepaschi - Azovmash 76-81

Azovmash played another friendly game in Bormio. This time they met Italian powerhouse Montepaschi Siena and managed to beat them 81-76. Radoslav Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.Cloud St.) was a key player in Azovmash with 24 points. Artur Drozdov (199-G-80) and Ricky Minard (194-G/F-82, college: Morehead St.) helped with 13 and 11 points respectively. Daniel Ewing (191-G-83, agency: Alti Sport, college: Duke) was the fourth scorer in victory with 9 points. On the other side, Joseph Crispin (186-PG-79, college: Penn St.) shined for Montepaschi with 28 points. Pietro Aradori (192-G-88) had 19 points and DaJuan Summers (203-F-88, college: Georgetown) stopped to 8 pts. Quarters: 20:17, 22:25, 18:14, 16:22.
Before Montepaschi, Azovmash played a friendly game against Anadolu Efes. The Turkish giant grabbed 88-87 win mostly thanks to Sasha Vujacic (200-G-84), who scored 30 points. Radoslav Radoslav Rancik led Azovmash with 18 pts.

Montepaschi: Joseph Crispin 28, Pietro Aradori 19, DaJuan Summers 8
Azovmash: Radoslav Rancik 24, Artur Drozdov 13, Ricky Minard 11, Daniel Ewing 9

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UNITED KINGDOM

Capocci Leaves Wildcats To Join Wildcats - by Paul Nilsen
US star Mike Capocci (198-F-88) has swapped one pack of Wildcats for another after hooking up with the BBL's newest franchise.

The 23-year-old swingman battled for court time with NBA prospect John Shurna at NCAA Division One Northwestern Wildcats during a celebrated college career.

But the 6ft 6in Illinois-born player will hook up with Dave Elderkin's Durham Wildcats ahead of the 2011-12 BBL season after a glowing endorsement from back home.

'When I first saw Mike's stats they didn't stand out and I wasn't really sure,' said Elderkin.

'But I'd been told he was a great prospect and a great guy by a few people who know the game.

'One of those people was Mitch Henderson who's just been named head coach at Princeton.

'Mitch had 11 years as assistant at Northwestern and assured me Mike will give nothing less than 100% to the Wildcats programme.

'He told me Mike was always capable of stepping up and did so when Sharna was injured. It's one of those cases where the stats don't tell the true story.

'Mitch is convinced he'll be a great addition to Durham. As far as I'm concerned that's about as glowing an endorsement as you're going to get and we're delighted to bring Mike on board.'

Capocci will study for a Masters degree at Durham University as part of the Wildcats' blossoming partnership with one of the UK's leading schools.

And Elderkin is confident his expansion franchise can seal deals for at least two more blue chip American imports before the big tip-off against Newcastle Eagles on October 1.

'We have a great core of young British guys and we've already added Ralph Bucci to the mix to bring some experience to the roster,' added the former Sunderland and Newcastle playcaller.

'Add Mike and a couple more Americans and we've got the makings of a pretty strong team.

'Everyone is working extremely hard to make sure we're competitive in time for the new season and we can't wait to get going.'


Guildford Contract Shingles - by Paul Nilsen
American point guard, Brandon Shingles (191-G, college: Morehead St.), will join the Heat for the 2011/2012 season. The 24 year old joins from Aschersleben Tigers in Germany, where he had a strong season in his first year as a professional player and was described by the coach as 'his most valuable player of the season.. with the potential to go to the NBA one day.'

Prior to playing for Aschersleben Tigers, Brandon was team captain at Morehead State University. His strong leadership and tremendous point guard skills were key factors in leading his team to the Ohio Valley Conference Championship game and NCAA tournament during the 2008/2009 season.

Creon Raftopoulos commented, 'Brandon is a pass first point guard, who gets all his team mates involved but is also capable of scoring when needed. He is a popular player with strong European experience and I am sure he will be an asset to the team.

'Brandon had an option to return to play for Aschersleben Tigers this season but, having watched footage of the Heat, was keen to join us and be part of the Heat programme. I am sure he will be a big hit with the fans.'

Brandon Shingles said, 'Coming into my second year as a professional basketball player, I am excited and ready to play for Guildford Heat. I am dedicated to achieving success and will commit my skills, hard work and passion to my team. I look forward to creating bonds with my teammates, coaches, the management and fans and hope to create a positive foundation so that the entire team can flourish in the forthcoming season.'


EuroBasket 2011: Deng and Freeland combined for 55 to send the Poles out of the Second Round - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain-Poland 88:81

Great Britain shocked Poland 88:81 and did not allow them to advance to Second Round. Both teams finished with 2-3 records however gave Turkey the last ticket to the Second Round.
Poland shocked Turkey last night and after that game all three teams including Great Britain had chances for the third place to advance to Second Round. Great Britain however needed a massive victory against the Poles in their last group game on Monday to maintain those hopes.
Kelati and Joel Freeland (208-F-87) exchanged the early leads and the latter gave Great Britain 8:2 in the opening tip. Poland needed an 8-0 run to tie the game at 12:12 and Dardan Berisha (192-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) later made it for 14:14. Lukasz Koszarek (187-G-84) and Archibald closed the first period with jump shots for 18:17, Great Britain. Dardan Berisha gave Poland 23:22 early in the second, while Clark scored for 31:26. Great Britain looked great in the end of the period and Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) made five consecutive points for 39:31 lead at the halftime.
Joel Freeland increased to 42:31 early in the third, but Lukasz Koszarek reduced to 42:37. Joel Freeland and Luol Deng made it 46:37 and Szewczyk scored four in a row for 46:41. Moreover Adam Hrycaniuk (208-C-84, college: Cincinnati) reduced to 49:47 with 4 minutes in the third quarter. Again Luol Deng brought 53:48, while Lukasz Koszarek delivered 6 points in arrow for Poland to give his side 56:53. Luol Deng made two free throws to close the third period at 55:56. Joel Freeland and Kelati exchanged the shot for 62:61 and Luol Deng scored his 25th point for 64:61. Nathan Reinking (188-G-73, college: Kent St.) and Clark brought 69:63 and Kelati reduced to 71:68 with 6 minutes to go. Lenzly tied the game at 75:75 and Dardan Berisha gave Poland 78:75 with three minutes remaining. Lenzly replied from the arc for Great Britain and gave them 1-point lead. Joel Freeland made an alley-oop for 80:77 and Poland needed timeout with 2 minutes to play. Luol Deng increased to 82:77 but Adam Hrycaniuk cut it to just three. Nathan Reinking and Luol Deng brought 88:79 and Adam Hrycaniuk made the final result in the game.
Luol Deng and Joel Freeland combined for 55 points to lead all the winners. Dardan Berisha posted 19 in defeat and Adam Hrycaniuk as well as Lukasz Koszarek netted 15 each.

Great Britain: Luol Deng 28, Joel Freeland 27, Nathan Reinking 9
Poland: Dardan Berisha 19, Adam Hrycaniuk 15, Lukasz Koszarek 15



Nate Heading Back To Sharks - by Paul Nilsen
The Sharks are pleased to confirm the signing of GB guard and old club favourite Nathan Reinking (188-G-73, college: Kent St.) in an exciting opportunity for the club and player leading up to the the 2012 Olympics in London.

News of the signing was posted during an informal interview with Reinking whilst at the Eurobasket finals in Lithuania, where he confirmed his intentions to re join Sheffield after a seven year hiatus.

After five successful years with the Sharks, Reinking was catapulted to Europe where he played for GB playmaker Chris Finch in Belgium before going on to other teams and finally a stint in Turkey.

Following a season in the BBL with the Mersey Tigers, the decision to return to Sheffield for the year was directly linked to his pending debut as an Olympian.

'We can offer Nate the right situation in this build up year, we have a great infrastructure medically, with support from One Health and Derek Bickerstaff and a superb training venue in the EISS,' said GM Sarah Backovic.

In addition to his playing duties, Nate will be taking on some coaching responsibilities and working closely with Sheffield Hallam University through their basketball teams whilst also looking to complete a masters course.

'At this point in my career I need to look at the wider opportunities that are available to me, playing is ultimately still a priority but in Sheffield I can look at establishing a foundation for post basketball,' said Reinking. 'I have lots of friends in the area and I'm looking forward to being back in familiar surroundings.'

The Sharks began talks with Reinking in the early summer and were delighted to secure one of the leading scorers back in the steel town.

'It was very much a team approach, without the support of our sponsors B braun, One Health it would not have been possible to put together such an attractive opportunity so we extend our thanks to them' said Backovic.


Myers A Jet Yet Again - by Paul Nilsen
Cheshire Jets are pleased to announce that power forward Shawn Myers (198-G/F-69, college: W.Georgia) has agreed to re-join the Northgate outfit for the upcoming season.

This will be the fourth occasion Shawn has signed up with the Jets, the first time being as far back as 2002. He also played in the last team from the Northgate to win silverware in 2005.

Shawn was born in Trinidad & Tobago, and played for the Milton Keynes Lions last season averaging over 14 points in about thirty five minutes playing time per game, shooting above 35% from three point land and over 70% from the free throw line.

A graduate of the University of West Georgia, the dynamic 6'6' Myers has also had stints with the Newcastle Eagles, the Glasgow Rocks and the Leicester Riders in his long and illustrious BBL career.

Head Coach John Lavery was happy to welcome Shawn back to the fold.

He said, 'You can always rely on Shawn to do a job for you. I guess you could say he is in the veteran class now, but you only have to look at his stats from last season to know that he is still a force to be reckoned with. I know he is in good shape and I expect him to play a significant part in the rotation this season.

'A number of the players on the roster this season are young and relatively inexperienced, and Shawn knows this league like the back of his hand. His experience will be invaluable to the younger players, helping them to settle down and play to their potential.'

Shawn himself could not hide his delight at re-joining the Jets. 'It feels like coming home. Although there are a number of new players, I know the court and the league and I am sure that I can do a job for the team, the coaches and the fans. I will do whatever is asked of me, and whatever the team needs. If I am needed from off the bench to spell the other guys, I can do that, but if they need me to play the whole forty minutes I can do that too.

'One thing that has never changed, however long I play is that I want to win, and it would be good to help bring some silverware back to the Northgate. The Jets fans deserve it, and it's about time!'





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Women News

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ARGENTINA - Women

Velez defends LNBF title again - by Eurobasket News
Velez did it again. They won third straight LNBF title. The LNBF Final Four Tournament was played last week-end and Velez registered three wins. In the first game they handed 84-62 loss to Union Florida. After that, Velez blasted Berazategui 79-45. Lanus was also perfect after two games, so Velez and Lanus met on Sunday for the title. Velez was better 62-53 celebrating their third straight trophy in LNBF. Velez was the champion in 2006 as well. Carolina Sanchez (184-F/C-76, agency: Players Group) paced Velez to victory yesterday with 17 points. Sandra Pavon (175-F-85) helped with 12 points and 8 rebounds. In the loosing squad Debora Gonzalez (172-PG-90, agency: Players Group) responded with 21 points.

Friday
Velez 84-62 Union Florida
Lanus 64-45 Berazategui

Saturday
Velez 79-45 Berazategui
Lanus 62-57 Union Florida

Sunday
Velez 62-53 Lanus
Union Florida 77-70 Berazategui

Final Four standings
1. Velez 3-0
2. Lanus 2-1
3, Union Florida 1-2
4. Berazategui 0-3

Standings - Women

Liga Nacional Standings

Zona A  1. Velez S. 3-0   2. Berazategui 2-1   3. Racing-Guarani 1-2   4. Independiente 0-3  Zona B  1. Lanus 3-0   2. Union Florida 2-1   3. Libertad 1-2   4. Union Sunch. 0-3

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Simon Liebelt to coach Craigieburn D1W in 2012 - by Eurobasket News
The Craigieburn Eagles are delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Liebelt as their Division One Women Head Coach in 2012.

After a long stint with the club, former head coach Warren Taylor will step down from the role and 2011s Craigieburn State Youth Championship Womens coach Simon Liebelt will take over the reins.

Liebelt was an assistant in 2010 and has now been handed the keys to an Eagles team that has struggled in recent years, but the new head coach is optimistic that the ship can be turned around.

Im actively looking at the moment for girls from outside of the club wholl bring fresh ideas, shake things up, but I can also see some of the youth girls go up who could definitely cut it in Division One.

We just want to be more competitive. 2 seasons ago we won 4 or 5, this year the girls were a lot more competitive but still won 6 or so games. Id like to close that gap and finals has to be the goal.

The advantage of appointing Liebelt is that he comes into the job an Eagle through and through after years of involvement.

I know what Im walking into. I knew a lot of the younger girls beforehand and that certainly helps.
Courtesy of: bigv.com.au

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BRAZIL - Women

Erika de Souza out with injury as Atlanta clinches Playoff spot - by Mel Devonne
Our beloved Erika De Souza (197-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas), starting center for the WNBA's Atlanta Dream has been out with
an ankle injury for the last 3 games.
Despite being without de Souza, the surging Atlanta have qualified for the WNBA playoffs.
Atlanta is currently in 4th place in WNBA eastern division with less than a week left in the season.
Atlanta has come on strong in the last 2 months of the season after struggling at the start of the season.
Brasilan Izzy Castro has also improved her play toward the end of the season and has been a great
spark off the bench for Atlanta.
Atlanta will likely play Indiana Fever in the first round whom they beat in last years conference finals.
de Souza is expected back for the playoffs.

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FINLAND - Women

New contracts announced - by Elina Koskinen
FoA has signed with 25-year-old Henna Koponen. Koponen has played in the league formerly in Pussihukat and she has also played in Coker University. Last season she spent in Ume, Sweden. Koponen made a debut in the national team of Finland playing 11 games in the team this summer. Also three new Americans Kelly Heath, Vanessa House and Heidi Heinz have agreed the terms with FoA and have already arrived to Forssa. In addition Salla Karinen is a new face in Forssa as she moves to FoA from ToPo.

Kaisa Valtakari returns to her grower-club ToPo with 1+1-year-contract. Valtakari has played the last four years in Catz, Lappeenranta.

Catz Lappeenranta has signed one-year-contract with Alexandria Anderson. The contract includes one month-long trial. In NCAA Anderson played four years in Chattanooga but she has played the last few years in Israel and Turkey.

New contracts announced - by Elina Koskinen
FoA has signed with 25-year-old Henna Koponen (183-F-86, college: Coker). Koponen has played in the league formerly in Pussihukat and she has also played in Coker University. Last season she spent in Ume, Sweden. Koponen made a debut in the national team of Finland playing 11 games in the team this summer. Also three new Americans Kelly Heath (183-G-88), Vanessa House and Heidi Heinz have agreed the terms with FoA and have already arrived to Forssa. In addition Salla Karinen (177-G-87) is a new face in Forssa as she moves to FoA from ToPo.

Kaisa Valtakari (176-F-87, college: Dowling) returns to her grower-club ToPo with 1+1-year-contract. Valtakari has played the last four years in Catz, Lappeenranta.

Catz Lappeenranta has signed one-year-contract with Alexandria Anderson. The contract includes one month-long trial. In NCAA Anderson played four years in Chattanooga but she has played the last few years in Israel and Turkey.

Dandra Moss joins Gran Canaria - by Eurobasket News
Dandra Moss (183-F-88, college: VCU) is a new member of Gran Canaria. The American forward signed a deal for the next season. Moss heads to Granca from Finland, where she spent 2010/11. She exploded with 25.1 ppg, 12.3 rpg and 3 apg for 32 games with Torpan Poiat Helsinki. Moss helped her team to reach the Playoff Semifinals and was named Eurobasket.com All-Finnish League Player of the Year -11. She was the best scorer, third rebounder and fourth assistant of the competition. It was the first professional season for Dandra Moss, who graduated last year at the Virginia Commonwealth University. She had 17.7 ppg and 6.6 rpg for her school as a senior. Moss was a warded with All-CAA 1st Team -10.

Universitario Ferrol signs Heta Korpivaara - by Eurobasket News
Heta Korpivaara (187-G/F-84, college: Seton Hall) will stay in Spain for at least one more season. The Finish guard/small forward penned a deal with Universitario Ferrol for the 2011/12. She spent last season with Aguere Santa Cruz de Tenerife. For 35 games in LF2 Korpivaara shined with 16.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 1.6 apg. From 2008 until the last summer she was a member of CREF Hola. Before that, Korpivaara played one year for Gran Canaria. She is a product of the Seton Hall University. Heta Korpivaara is active member of the Finish National Team. She had 9.8 ppg and 5.1 rpg for them in Qualifications to European Championships 2011. She plays for the Finish NT since 2006.

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POLAND - Women

Lotos Gdynia signs Adrijana Knezevic and Ines Ajanovic - by Eurobasket News
Lotos Gdynia signed two Serbian players for the next season. New members of the Polish squad are Adrijana Knezevic (184-F-87) and Ines Ajanovic (196-C-80).
Adrijana Knezevic heads to Lotos from the French team Villeneuve. She joined them in January this year averaging 9.4 ppg and 3.3 rpg in LFB. Before Villeneuve, Knezevic played for Spartak Subotica. He has nice experience from Spain and Italy. Knezevic is active member of the Serbian National Team.
Center Ines Ajanovic also arrives to Lotos from France. She had 8.5 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Montpellier last season (19 games). Ajanovic started 2010/11 with Radivoj Korac. She won the Italian Cup with Faenza in 2009. Ajanovic played for Parma, Viterbo and Hungarian Szeged in the past.

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PUERTO RICO - Women

BSNF Round 5: Leader Morovis M. gets another victory - by Eurobasket News
Undefeated leader Morovis M. delivered the fifth consecutive win on Saturday night. This time they crushed 5th ranked Guaynabo M. (1-2) 73-54. The game was mostly controlled by Morovis M.. Guaynabo M. managed to win fourth quarter 20-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Morovis M. forced 20 Guaynabo M. turnovers. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was forward Angelina Williams (183-83, college: Illinois) who scored 25 points and 8 rebounds. Forward Gabrielle Rosigi (191, college: Texas Southern) chipped in 12 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Monique Martin (180-83, college: Brewton Parker) produced 17 points and 9 rebounds for the guests. Guaynabo M.'s coach rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Undefeated Morovis M. (5-0) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place. Guaynabo M. at the other side keeps the fifth position with two games lost. They share it with Ponce L.. Morovis M.'s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in to the arena .
Leader Carolina G. blasted bottom-ranked Aguas B.T. (0-4) in 84-55 keeping the perfect record after 5 rounds. Aguas B.T. is still unable to win any game. American forward Lindsay Laur (182, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) orchestrated the victory by scoring 11 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. Monique Blake contributed with 8 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Lizbeth Rivera answered with 12 points and 6 rebounds for Aguas B.T.The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion (2-0) moved-up to third place. Aguas B.T. lost their fourth game in a row. They still closes the standings with four games lost. Carolina G. will play against league's second-placed San German in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Aguas B.T. will play against San Juan W. (#7) and hopes to get finally their first victory.


Carolina G. - Aguas B.T. 84-55

Leader Carolina G. blasted bottom-ranked Aguas B.T. (0-4) in 84-55 keeping the perfect record after 5 rounds. Aguas B.T. is still unable to win any game. The game was mostly controlled by Carolina G.. Aguas B.T. was better in second period 20-11. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Carolina G. dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Aguas B.T.'s 18. Carolina G. forced 34 Aguas B.T. turnovers and outrebounded them 59-31 including a 21-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. Carolina G. players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. American forward Lindsay Laur (182, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) orchestrated the victory by scoring 11 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. Her fellow American import power forward Monique Blake (187-85, college: Seton Hall, agency: Merit Sports) contributed with 8 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Lizbeth Rivera answered with 12 points and 6 rebounds and forward Madeline Ramirez added 16 points in the effort for Aguas B.T.The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion (2-0) moved-up to third place. Aguas B.T. lost their fourth game in a row. They still closes the standings with four games lost. Carolina G. will play against league's second-placed San German in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Aguas B.T. will play against San Juan W. (#7) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Carolina G.: E.Mangum 12+2reb+3ast, L.Laur 11+8reb+4ast, A.Rockwell 10+5reb+1ast, Y.Tosado 10+2reb+3ast, E.Flores 9+2reb+4ast, R.Rodriguez 8+6reb+3ast
Aguas B.T.: M.Ramirez 16+4reb, L.Rivera 12+6reb+2ast, L.Blanco 6+1reb, M.Villegas 6+2reb, R.Quinones 5+1ast, V.Valentin 5+2reb+1ast

gschID: 133141

Morovis M. - Guaynabo M. 73-54

Undefeated leader Morovis M. delivered the fifth consecutive win on Saturday night. This time they crushed 5th ranked Guaynabo M. (1-2) 73-54. The game was mostly controlled by Morovis M.. Guaynabo M. managed to win fourth quarter 20-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Morovis M. forced 20 Guaynabo M. turnovers. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was forward Angelina Williams (183-83, college: Illinois) who scored 25 points and 8 rebounds. Forward Gabrielle Rosigi (191, college: Texas Southern) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Monique Martin (180-83, college: Brewton Parker) produced 17 points and 9 rebounds and forward Dominic Seals (188-87, college: Texas Tech) added 12 points and 12 rebounds respectively for the guests. Guaynabo M.'s coach rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Morovis M. (5-0) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place. Guaynabo M. at the other side keeps the fifth position with two games lost. They share it with Ponce L.. Morovis M.'s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in to the arena .
Top scorers:
Morovis M.: A.Williams 25+8reb+2ast, B.Raven 17+4reb+6ast, G.Rosigi 12+15reb+4ast, N.Figueroa 8+6reb+2ast, J.Quiles 7+2reb, S.Pineiro 4+9reb+4ast
Guaynabo M.: M.Martin 17+9reb+2ast, D.Seals 12+12reb+1ast, S.Roman 7+4reb+3ast, J.Cortijo 6+5reb, M.Dunn 4+5reb, M.Figueroa 2+2reb

gschID: 133142

Aguas BT returns Madeline Ramirez - by Eurobasket News
Madeline Ramirez is back to Aguas BT after two years. She signed a deal for rest of the BSNF season. Ramirez already made season debut for her new/old team. She had 16 points and 4 rebounds for 25 minutes on the court against Carolina G. Aguas lost that game with huge 55-84. Madeline Ramirez already played for Aguas in 2009. She helped them win the BSNF title that year. For 7 games in the league she had 10.7 ppg and 5.9 rpg. Aguas was also BSNF regular season champion. After Aguas, Ramirez played for Morovis (LSF).

Angelina Williams gets MVP of the Round award for Puerto Rican BSNF - by Eurobasket News
American Angelina Williams (183-F-83) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader Morovis M. and that's her to receive a Latinbasket.com Player of the Round award (Round 5).
The 28-year old forward had the game-high 25 points adding eight rebounds and two assists for Morovis M. in her team's victory, helping them to crush Guaynabo M. (#5, 1-2) with 19-point margin 73-54. It allowed Morovis M. to consolidate first place in the Puerto Rican BSNF. They maintain perfect record without any lost game in the league. The season is still on an early stage, but Morovis M. already had a very good start winning all 5 without losing a single one. In the team's last game Williams had a remarkable 64.3% from 2-point range. She turned to be Morovis M.'s top player in her first season with the team. University of Illinois graduate has very impressive stats this year. Williams is in league's top in points (4th best: 19.8ppg), rebounds (7th best: 11.0rpg) and averages solid 1.5bpg,3.8spg and 67.6% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last week's games was -year old American forward Lindsay Laur (182-F) of Carolina G.. Laur impressed basketball fans with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Of course she lead Carolina G. to another comfortable win outscoring Aguas B.T. (#8, 0-4) 84-55. This victory allowed Carolina G. to move up to 3rd position in the standings. Her team has extremely good start of the season. They won both games so far. However the season is at the beginning, so everything can happen. They still may lose their high position in the standings. Laur is a newcomer at Carolina G. and it seems she did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last week was American Dominic Seals (188-F-87) of Guaynabo M. (#5). Seals scored 12 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). Despite Seals' great performance Guaynabo M. lost 54-73 to the league's current leader Morovis M. (#1, 5-0). But her team cannot count on just a single player as she also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Guaynabo M. not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 2 games, recording just one victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Seals could try to bring Guaynabo M.'s a little bit higher in the standings. Seals has individually a great season in Puerto Rico. After only 3 games, she made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 11.3rpg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Gabrielle Rosigi (191-F) of Morovis M. - 12 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Brittainey Raven (183-G-88) of Morovis M. - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Lizbeth Rivera) of Aguas B.T. - 12 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Monique Blake (187-C/F-85) of Carolina G. - 8 points and 10 rebounds
8. Rodsan Rodriguez (173-G) of Carolina G. - 8 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Estefania Flores (155-G) of Carolina G. - 9 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Standings - Women

BSNF Standings

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

Stats Leaders - Superleague 25

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Monique MARTIN   Guaynabo.   (180-G-83)   Avg: 26.7

1. Martin, Guaynabo. 26.7   2. Bingham, San G. 23.0   3. Rockwell, Carolina 20.0   4. Taylor, Juncos V. 20.0   5. Williams, Morovis 19.8   6. Gissendanner, Junc. 19.0   7. Ross, San Juan W. 18.3   8. Raven, Morovis M. 18.3   9. Reed, Juncos V. 17.0   10. Batiz, Ponce L. 15.7

Rebounds Per Game

Monique BLAKE   Carolina G.   (187-C/F-85)   Avg: 14

1. Blake, Carolina G. 14.0   2. Gissendanner, Junc. 14.0   3. Bingham, San G. 13.3   4. Rosigi, Morovis M. 13.0   5. Martin, Guaynabo. 11.3   6. Seals, Guaynabo M. 11.3   7. Laur, Carolina G. 11.0   8. Williams, Morovis 11.0   9. Pineiro, Morovis M. 10.5   10. Jelks, San German 8.8

Assists Per Game

Yahimily CABRERA   Juncos V.   (--82)   Avg: 6.8

1. Cabrera, Juncos V. 6.8   2. Teasley, Ponce L. 6.5   3. Flores, Carolina G. 6.0   4. Bingham, San G. 5.3   5. Raven, Morovis M. 4.8   6. Flagg, San Juan W. 4.3   7. Colon, San German 3.8   8. Roman, Guaynabo M. 3.7   9. Bland, Ponce L. 3.3   10. Figueroa, Morov. 3.3

Steals Per Game

Nikki TEASLEY   Ponce L.   (183-G-79)   Avg: 4.5

1. Teasley, Ponce L. 4.5   2. Flores, Carolina G. 4.0   3. Melendez, Guaynab. 4.0   4. Cabrera, Juncos V. 3.8   5. Williams, Morovis 3.8   6. Roman, Guaynabo M. 3.7   7. Mahan, San Juan W. 3.7   8. Figueroa, Morov. 3.5   9. Bingham, San G. 3.0   10. Raven, Morovis M. 3.0

Blocks Per Game

Kim WILLOUGHY   Juncos V.   (--)   Avg: 2.3

1. Willoughy, Juncos 2.3   2. de la Cruz, Caroli. 2.0   3. Seals, Guaynabo M. 2.0   4. Williams, Morovis 1.5   5. Rosche, Ponce L. 1.3   6. Martin, Guaynabo. 1.3   7. Tosado, Carolina G. 1.0   8. Montanez, Ponce L. 1.0   9. Laur, Carolina G. 1.0   10. Jones, Juncos V. 1.0

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SERBIA - Women

Sanja Mandic is the best scorer of U16 EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News
Sanja Mandic (177-G-95) finished U16 EuroBasket as the best scorer. The Serbian guard had impressive 22.7 ppg for 9 games at this event. She helped U16 Serbia to survive in Division A. Mandic also registered 7.3 ppg, 3.9 apg and 2.6 spg. She was the second assistant and fourth stealer of the EuroBasket. Mandic was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U16 2nd Team -11. Sanja Mandic shined last summer as well. She helped U16 Serbia to reach the Semifinals at the European Championships U16 in Greece. Mandic had 5.9 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 9 games at this event. Mandic played last season for Radivoj Korac seniors. They reached Serbian League and Cup Semifinals.

Lotos Gdynia signs Adrijana Knezevic and Ines Ajanovic - by Eurobasket News
Lotos Gdynia signed two Serbian players for the next season. New members of the Polish squad are Adrijana Knezevic (184-F-87) and Ines Ajanovic (196-C-80).
Adrijana Knezevic heads to Lotos from the French team Villeneuve. She joined them in January this year averaging 9.4 ppg and 3.3 rpg in LFB. Before Villeneuve, Knezevic played for Spartak Subotica. He has nice experience from Spain and Italy. Knezevic is active member of the Serbian National Team.
Center Ines Ajanovic also arrives to Lotos from France. She had 8.5 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Montpellier last season (19 games). Ajanovic started 2010/11 with Radivoj Korac. She won the Italian Cup with Faenza in 2009. Ajanovic played for Parma, Viterbo and Hungarian Szeged in the past.

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SPAIN - Women

Mann Filter brings Pilar Valero home, hires her as Assistant Coach - by Eurobasket News
Pilar Valero (173-F-70) is back to Mann Filter after six years. She signed a one-year deal, but this time as an Assistant Coach. Valero played for Mann Filter until 2005, when she left for Cajacanarias. She quit as a professional basketball player a year ago. Her last three seasons Valero played for Celta Vito. She had 6.4 ppg and 1.6 rpg for 17 games in 2009/10 season. In 2005, Pilar Valero helped Mann Filter to reach the LFB Cup Finals. In the league she had 8.5 ppg and 2.6 rpg for the club. In 1997, Pilar Valero played for the Spanish National Team. She participated at the European Championship that year.

Universitario Ferrol signs Heta Korpivaara - by Eurobasket News
Heta Korpivaara (187-G/F-84, college: Seton Hall) will stay in Spain for at least one more season. The Finish guard/small forward penned a deal with Universitario Ferrol for the 2011/12. She spent last season with Aguere Santa Cruz de Tenerife. For 35 games in LF2 Korpivaara shined with 16.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 1.6 apg. From 2008 until the last summer she was a member of CREF Hola. Before that, Korpivaara played one year for Gran Canaria. She is a product of the Seton Hall University. Heta Korpivaara is active member of the Finish National Team. She had 9.8 ppg and 5.1 rpg for them in Qualifications to European Championships 2011. She plays for the Finish NT since 2006.

Dandra Moss joins Gran Canaria - by Eurobasket News
Dandra Moss (183-F-88, college: VCU) is a new member of Gran Canaria. The American forward signed a deal for the next season. Moss heads to Granca from Finland, where she spent 2010/11. She exploded with 25.1 ppg, 12.3 rpg and 3 apg for 32 games with Torpan Poiat Helsinki. Moss helped her team to reach the Playoff Semifinals and was named Eurobasket.com All-Finnish League Player of the Year -11. She was the best scorer, third rebounder and fourth assistant of the competition. It was the first professional season for Dandra Moss, who graduated last year at the Virginia Commonwealth University. She had 17.7 ppg and 6.6 rpg for her school as a senior. Moss was a warded with All-CAA 1st Team -10.

Yacoubou and Honti arrive to Valencia - by Eurobasket News
Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) and Katalin Honti (175-G-87) arrived to Valencia today. The new players of Ros Casares will go to medical tests, after what they will join preparations for the next season. Both players signed deals during the summer.
Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui helped Familia Schio to win the Italian Cup and title last season. She had 10.1 ppg and 6.7 rpg in Serie A1. In Euroleague, she added 12.9 ppg and 6.7 rpg for 13 games. Yacoubou spent couple of years with Tarbes in the past. She plays for the French NT.
Katalin Honti won the Hungarian league title last season with MKB Euroleasing. She had 9 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 4 apg for 31 domestic league games. Kata also added 10.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 3.3 apg in 13 Euroleague games. She is active member of the Hungarian NT.

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SWEDEN - Women

Kvarnby lands American center Ayesha Barkley - by Eurobasket News
Ayesha Barkley (188-C-87, college: Stetson) will continue her career in Sweden. The American center signed a one-year deal with Kvarnby. Barkley heads to Kvarnby from the Iranian team Nikan Tarabar. She also spent some time with Esteghlal last season. In 2009/10, Ayesha Barkley played for the Romanian CSM U Oradea. Meanwhile, she played for the WBCBL team Orlando Extreme. They were WBCBL Suncoast Division Champion -10. Barkely is a product of the Stetson University. She graduated there two years ago. Barkley had 7.1 pg and 4.3 rpg for them as a senior.

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WNBA - Women

Last weekend games - by Eurobasket News
Washington M. - Connecticut S. 48-79
Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) had 24 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Connecticut Sun to a 79-48 victory over the Washington Mystics on Sunday. Charles has 21 double-doubles this season, one short of the WNBA record she set last year en route to winning the Rookie of the Year award. Connecticut (20-12) has two games left this season. Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, college: Duke) led the Mystics (6-26) with 13 points. *Courtesy of www.kxnet.com

Chicago S. - Indiana F. 80-88
Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) and Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) scored 17 points each to help the Indiana Fever hold off the Chicago Sky 88-80 Sunday. Erin Phillips had 16 points and reserve center Jessica Davenport added 14 for the Fever (20-11), who had lost three straight and four of five. Indiana retained its half-game lead on second-place Connecticut in the Eastern Conference with three games to go. 'We have been a first place team, but Connecticut is on a run here,' Fever coach Lin Dunn said. 'We have a lot of teams playing really well, so we really needed to win this game tonight, plus we were coming off some tough losses.' Catchings had a three-point play with 57 seconds remaining that ended a scoring drought of more than 4 minutes and gave the Fever an 82-78 lead. 'Coming off of three losses, I think, just to come out and have a great performance that was No. 1 on our minds right now and I think going into the playoffs, just trying to get that playoff mentality,' Catchings said. 'We don't want to focus on where you stand in the standings cause at the end of the day it really doesn't matter when you get to the playoffs. It is a matter of going into the playoffs with the right mentality.' Epiphanny Prince scored 21 points to lead Chicago (14-17), Sylvia Fowles had 15 and Tamera Young added 12. *Courtesy of www.miamiheral.com

Atlanta D. - Tulsa S. 73-52
Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) scored 19 points and the Atlanta Dream clinched a playoff spot with a 73-52 win over the Tulsa Shock on Sunday. McCoughtry scored 10 points during Atlanta's 11-0 run late in the second quarter that gave them a 36-26 halftime lead. Lindsey Harding (5'8''-G-84, college: Duke) had 13 points and 10 assists for Atlanta (18-14), which has won 10 of its last 13 games. Armintie Price added 13 points. Tiffany Jackson had 15 points and 11 rebounds for Tulsa (3-28) and Amber Holt had 14 points and eight rebounds. *Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

New York L. - Minnesota L. 68-86
Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut) scored 19 points and the Minnesota Lynx cruised to an 86-68 victory over the New York Liberty on Sunday. Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) had 12 points and Rebekkah Brunson added 10 for the Lynx (25-7), who had already clinched home-court throughout the playoffs. Minnesota shot 54 percent from the field, including 8 for 18 on 3-pointers. Plenette Pierson scored 17 points and Nicole Powell had 10 for the Liberty (18-14), who had won five of their previous seven including a 78-62 victory at Minnesota on Friday night. The Lynx outscored the Liberty 15-5 in the third quarter while holding them to 1-for-19 shooting from the field. Minnesota led 67-46 lead heading to the fourth, and Amber Harris' layup with 5:18 remaining gave the Lynx their biggest lead at 76-52. *Courtesy of www.kxnet.com

S.Antonio SS - Seattle S. 60-70
Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) scored 15, Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) had 14 points and 12 rebounds, and the Seattle Storm beat the San Antonio Silver Stars 70-60 on Saturday night. Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) added 13 points for Seattle (19-13), which has won six of its last seven games and took four of five in the season series against San Antonio. Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) scored 22 points and Becky Hammon (5'6''-G-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Colorado St.) had 14 for the Silver Stars (15-16), who lead Los Angeles by 1 games for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. San Antonio also fell 2 games behind third-place Phoenix. The Mercury and Sparks played later. *Courtesy of www.cbsnews.com

Phoenix M. - L.Angeles S. 93-77
Candice Dupree (6'2''-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) had 22 points and a franchise-record 19 rebounds to help the Phoenix Mercury clinch a playoff spot with a 93-77 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday night. Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) added 24 points for the Mercury (18-13), who remained a half-game behind second-place Seattle going into the final week of the season. Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) had a season-high 32 points for Los Angeles (13-18), which is on the brink of elimination from playoff contention. The Sparks, two games behind fourth-place San Antonio, host the Silver Stars on Tuesday. Los Angeles, which trailed by eight after the third quarter, pulled to 80-75 with 4:34 remaining. However, Taurasi converted a pair of free throws and then hit a 3-pointer to help secure the win. Courtesy of www.newser.com

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern  1. Indiana F. 20-11   2. Connecticut S. 20-12   3. New York L. 18-14   4. Atlanta D. 18-14   5. Chicago S. 14-17   6. Washington M. 6-26  Western  1. Minnesota L. 25-7   2. Seattle S. 19-13   3. Phoenix M. 18-13   4. S.Antonio SS 15-16   5. L.Angeles S. 13-18   6. Tulsa S. 3-28

Atlanta Dream changes ownership - by Eurobasket News
Ownership of the Atlanta Dream pro basketball franchise has changed hands, the team announced Saturday.

Investors Mary Brock and Kelly Loeffler will take over ownership of the WNBA team from managing partner Kathy Betty. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Betty has been the managing partner since adding Brock and Loeffler to the all-female ownership in January. Brock and Loeffler must be approved by the league as majority owners.

The Dream, in its fourth season this summer at Philips Arena, can clinch an Eastern Conference playoff spot with a win over Tulsa on Sunday.

'The Dream will always be very special to me,' Betty said in a release on the ownership transition. 'We accomplished a lot in the last two seasons -- including winning the Eastern Conference Championship and increasing ticket sales and sponsorships. Mary and Kelly's connections to the community and passion for the game have, and will continue to be, great assets to the team.'

When Betty bought the team in 2009, it was losing about $3 million. But during her first year as owner, aided by a team that made it to the league finals before succumbing, the red ink was reduced. Betty would not say by how much when interviewed earlier this year by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Her goal at the time was to reduce the financial loss further in the upcoming season and then turn a profit in 2012. The added investments from Brock and Loeffler are expected to bolster team finances as it attempts to boost its marketing efforts to attract more fans.

The Dream lost to Seattle in the 2010 WNBA finals, but their regular-season average attendance of 6,293 was the third-lowest in the 12-team league and more than an 11 percent dip from 2009.

This year's average of 6,404 again is third-lowest, ahead of only Chicago and Tulsa.

Basketball was not new to Betty when she bought the Dream from Ron Terwilliger in 2009. She has been a major contributor to the basketball teams at Georgia Tech. She also has served on the board of the V Foundation, which former N.C. State basketball coach Jimmy Valvano and ESPN founded to battle cancer.

In an October 2009 interview with the AJC, she said she didn't play basketball for a team when she was growing up in Decatur, Ala., but she still felt a kinship with the game.

In purchasing the Dream, Betty said she wanted to 'build a compelling business case to the business leaders of Atlanta on how sponsoring the Atlanta Dream will not only help them give back to the community but will also help women-to-women networking.'

As an owner, Betty was among a few but growing number of women owning major sports teams. The first owner of the New York Mets was Joan Payson, and Marge Schott was the majority owner of the Cincinnati Reds for a period. Other women who ran teams had a family connection, such as Georgia Frontiere, who inherited the Los Angeles Rams from her husband, Carroll Rosenbloom. Joan Kroc, the widow of McDonald's tycoon Ray Kroc, ran the San Diego Padres.

The WNBA has opened doors to more female owners, though. Sheila Johnson, co-founder of the Black Entertainment Television network, became the first woman to own a WNBA franchise in 2005.

Betty told the AJC earlier this year that Brock and Loeffler are about the mission and the vision of the Atlanta Dream inspiring young girls to play sports.

Brock is a philanthropist and wife of Coca-Cola Enterprises chief John Brock, and Loeffler is vice president of investor relations and corporate communications at Atlanta-based IntercontinentalExchange.

'The Dream has become a valuable asset for the city of Atlanta and we are excited about continuing to build this amazing franchise for the fans and sponsors,' Loeffler said in Saturday's release. 'We are grateful for the work Kathy did in keeping the team in Atlanta, and look forward to the continued success of this world-class team.'

Courtesy of www.ajc.com