EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/7/2011

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Men News

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  ARGENTINA   


Argentina cruises past Canada 79-53, Scola scores 22 - by Eurobasket News
CANADA - ARGENTINA 53-79

Argentina stays perfect in Mar del Plata. It was the first game of the Quarterfinals Round and Argentina celebrated 79-53 win against Canada. The host of FIBA Americas Championship has 4-0 record now, while Canada dropped to 1-3. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) dominated once again collecting 22 points and 6 rebounds. Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) had 17 points, Emanuel Ginobili (198-G-77, agency: Interperformances) added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while Andres Nocioni (199-F-79) followed with 13 pts and 6 rebs. In the loosing squad, Kelly Olynyk (210-F-91) shined with double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds. Jevohn Shepherd (196-F-86, college: Michigan) had 12 points and Carl English (192-G-81, college: Hawaii) stopped to 9 pts. Canada expected way more from English in this championship. Quarters: 9-21, 13-16, 21-17, 10-25. Argentina will meet Venezuela today and another easy win is expected. Canada will play against Puerto Rico.

Canada: Kelly Olynyk 19+12 boards, Jevohn Shepherd 12, Carl English 9
Argentina: Luis Scola 22+6 boards, Carlos Delfino 17, Emanuel Ginobili 16+6 boards+5 as, Andres Nocioni 13+6 boards

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  AUSTRALIA   


Boomers name 12 for Olympic qualifiers - by Eurobasket News
The 12-man Australian Boomers mens national basketball team that will take on archrivals New Zealand in the Olympic qualification tournament starting tomorrow night in Melbourne has been named, and includes NBA superstar Patty Mills, as well as seven European-based players, three local National Basketball League heros and one young college athlete.

Mills, who recently signed to play for the NBLs Melbourne Tigers while his Portland Trail Blazers NBA team is in lock-out, headlines a team that also has a wealth of international talent.

Boomers captain Matthew Nielsen joins fellow European-based Aussies Joe Ingles, Brad Newley, David Barlow, Aron Baynes, Aleks Maric and AJ Ogilvy in the team that will play the Tall Blacks for a ticket to the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Also named in the team were three NBL stars Mark Worthington and Adam Gibson of the Gold Coast Blaze and Damian Martin of the Perth Wildcats.
Rising star guard Matthew Dellavedova of St Marys college, who impressed during the Boomers recent successful European tour, was the sole college player named to the team.

Game One of the FIBA Oceania Championship series, which is to be played as a unique double-header with the Jayco Opals, will be held tomorrow night (Wednesday 7 September) in Melbourne at the State Netball Hockey Centre (AKA The Cage) and has already sold-out of all general admission tickets. Game Two will be at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on 9 September and Game Three at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on 11 September.

Tickets for the Sydney game are on sale now through Ticketmaster, while tickets to the Brisbane game are now being sold through Ticketek.

Click here for more details on the Boomers and Opals double-header against New Zealand.


2011 Australian Boomers Team
David Barlow (205-F-83, college: Metro St.), Murcia, Spain
Aron Baynes (208-C-86, college: Washington St.), EWE Basket Oldenburg, Germany
Matthew Dellavedova (193-G-90), St Mary's College, USA
Adam Gibson (188-G-86), Gold Coast Blaze
Joe Ingles (203-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports), Regal FC Barcelona, Spain
Aleks Maric (211-C-84, college: Nebraska), Panathinaikos, Greece
Damian Martin (188-G-84, college: Loyola Marymount), Perth Wildcats
Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA), Portland Trailblazers, USA
Brad Newley (201-F-85, agency: Beo Basket), Lietuvos, Rytas, Lithuania
Matt Nielsen (208-F/C-78, agency: Beo Basket), BC Khimki, Russia
Andrew James Ogilvy (211-C-88, college: Vanderbilt), Valencia, Spain
Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.), Gold Coast Blaze

2011 FIBA Oceania Championship for Men and Women
7 Sept 2011 FIBA Oceania Championship for Men (vs. NZ) Game 1, Melbourne
9 Sept 2011 FIBA Oceania Championship for Men (vs. NZ) Game 2, Brisbane
11 Sept 2011 FIBA Oceania Championship for Men (vs. NZ) Game 3, Sydney

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



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  AUSTRIA   


Update on Gussing Knights - by Eurobasket News
Gussing Knights played two friendly games over the last few days. CSU Sibiu won over Austrian Gussing 72:70. The Austrain team played better in the first half and as a result took 46:35 halftime lead. The Romania team meanwhile grabbed the victories in the second half quarters and reached 2-point win. For Gussing Aleksandar Djuric (210-F/C-82) poured in 16 points and Thomas Dreesen (199-F-88, agency: Court Side) delivered 11. Marcus Heard (201-F-84, college: De Paul) nailed 10, while Klepeisz M. posted 9.
Earlier Gussing overcame Szombathely 92:90. The Austrian side started with 25:20, but lost the second period by 7. The Hungarian squad managed to take 48:46 at the halftime and increased to 4 points after thirty minutes in the court. Only due to the last period Gussing grabbed the 2-point victory. Marcus Heard top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Aleksandar Djuric notched 22. Thomas Dreesen delivered 19, whilst Klepeisz M. and Claudio Vancura (180-PG-92) added 8 each. Simon answered with 19 points in the losing effort and Laszlo Kalman (186-G-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) scored 18.



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  BALKAN LEAGUE   


National League Favorites Hapoel T.A. Sign Forward Tracy Smith - by David Pick
Last year's national league regular season champions and playoff finalists Hapoel Usishkin Tel-Aviv continues to build a deep and talented roster for the upcoming season. As recalled, aside from the local Israeli challenge, Hapoel will also compete in the European Balkan league.

After adding Bar Timor, Noam Matalon, Aviram Zelkovits, Yotam Shiran and Jonathan Shuldebrand, Head Coach Erez Edelshtein secured his first American jewel in the likes of North Carolina St. alumnus -- Tracy Smith (Agents: Matan Siman-Tov and Liron Fanan).

The 6-foot-8 forward spent the past four years as a student athlete significantly improving his numbers year after year, despite a small decrease his senior season. Smith will try to fit into the enormous shoes left by American standout Brian Asbury, a 'Red Devils' fan favorite who after two years in the national league advanced to Israeli's top division. Last year at NC State, the talented Smith recorded 14.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in 21 appearances grabbing the 2011 All-ACC Honorable Mention award.

Hapoel will now focus on bringing in a guard as they look to finalize their squad.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

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  BELGIUM   


Dexia Mons-Hainaut grabs 80-78 win against Gravelines - by Eurobasket News
Dexia Mons-Hainaut and Gravelines-Dunkerque met in a friendly game on Sunday. It was a very exciting meeting and Belgians managed to grab 80-78 win at the end. Ahmad Nivins (206-F-87, agency: Impact Basketball, college: St.Joseph's) exploded in this victory with 30 points. A.J. Slaughter (191-G-88, college: W.Kentucky) helped Dexia Mons-Hainaut with 13, while Ronell Taylor (196-G-82, college: UAB) and Justin Cage (198-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Xavier) added 9 points each. In the loosing squad, Ludovic Vaty (206-C-88, college: Moraine Valley CC) was better than the others with 17 points. Osiris Eldridge (191-G-88, college: Illinois St.) and J.K. Edwards (202-C/F-82, agency: Hoops Ambassadors, college: UNLV) had 13 and 12 points respectively. Quarters: 16-22, 24-26, 19-19, 21-11.
Meanwhile, Denain and Le Portel also played a friendly game. Denain was better and celebrated 86-75 victory. More friendlies are scheduled for this week.

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  BRAZIL   


Standings - Paulista, Carioca, Minas G. leagues
Paulista Standings
 1. Winner/Limeira 6-1 
 2. Itabom/Bauru 6-1 
 3. Gremio Mogi 5-2 
 4. Vivo/Franca 5-2 
 5. S.Jose/Vinac 5-2 
 6. Paulistano 5-2 
 7. Araraquara 4-3 
 8. Pinheiros/Sky 4-3 
 9. Jacarei 3-4 
 10. Rio Claro 3-4 
 11. Americana 3-4 
 12. Inter Santos 2-5 
 13. L.S.B. 2-5 
 14. America 1-6 
 15. Sao Caetano 1-6 
 16. XV/Cosan 1-6 


Brazil too much for Uruguay, 93-66 - by Eurobasket News
BRAZIL - URUGUAY 93-66

Brazil destroyed Uruguay in the first game of the Quarterfinals Round. It was a 93-66 victory and Brazil jumped to 3-1 record. Uruguay joined Venezuela and Canada with 1-3 score. Vitor Alves (190-F/G-90) was the leading player in victory with 21 points. He made 5 of 7 attempts from behind the arc in this game. Marquinhos Vieira (207-F-84) and Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) scored 12 points each, and Alex Ribeiro (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) helped Brazil with 10 points. In Uruguay, Sebastian Vazquez (195-F-85) and Sebastian Izaguirre (207-C/F-85) collected 12 and 11 points respectively. Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) had 9 points and 5 rebounds coming off the bench. Quarters: 25-16, 17-18, 28-12, 23-20. Brazil will play against Panama today. Uruguay will meet Dominicans.

Brazil: Vitor Alves 21, Marquinhos Vieira 12, Guilherme Giovannoni 12, Alex Ribeiro 10
Uruguay: Sebastian Vazquez 12, Sebastian Izaguirre 11, Esteban Batista 9+5 boards

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  CANADA   


Argentina cruises past Canada 79-53, Scola scores 22 - by Eurobasket News
CANADA - ARGENTINA 53-79

Argentina stays perfect in Mar del Plata. It was the first game of the Quarterfinals Round and Argentina celebrated 79-53 win against Canada. The host of FIBA Americas Championship has 4-0 record now, while Canada dropped to 1-3. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) dominated once again collecting 22 points and 6 rebounds. Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) had 17 points, Emanuel Ginobili (198-G-77, agency: Interperformances) added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while Andres Nocioni (199-F-79) followed with 13 pts and 6 rebs. In the loosing squad, Kelly Olynyk (210-F-91) shined with double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds. Jevohn Shepherd (196-F-86, college: Michigan) had 12 points and Carl English (192-G-81, college: Hawaii) stopped to 9 pts. Canada expected way more from English in this championship. Quarters: 9-21, 13-16, 21-17, 10-25. Argentina will meet Venezuela today and another easy win is expected. Canada will play against Puerto Rico.

Canada: Kelly Olynyk 19+12 boards, Jevohn Shepherd 12, Carl English 9
Argentina: Luis Scola 22+6 boards, Carlos Delfino 17, Emanuel Ginobili 16+6 boards+5 as, Andres Nocioni 13+6 boards

McGill stuns NCAA's Wildcats in college basketball - by Eurobasket News
MONTREAL - Simon Bibeau (188-G-91) of St. Bruno, Que., and Tristan Renaud-Tremblay (201-F) of Montreal each tallied 22 points as McGill stunned the University of New Hampshire Wildcats 77-74 in men's preseason basketball at the Sir Arthur Currie gymnasium, Wednesday.

It snapped McGill's 10-game losing streak to NCAA teams and marked their first win over a Div. 1 program in three years, dating back to an 88-83 decision over the Virginia Cavaliers on Aug. 31, 2008.

Winn Clark, a third-year guard from Mission Hills, KS, added 11 points for the Redmen, who never trailed in the game, holding quarterly leads of 19-9, 34-31 and 59-50. Vincent Dufort, a freshman guard from Smiths Falls, Ont., who was kept off the scoresheet, led all players with seven rebounds to go along with a game-high three steals.

Four Wildcats reached double figures in scoring, led by 15-point performance from Chandler Roads, a junior guard from Berryville, Va. Teammates Alvin Abreu, Brian Benson and Patrick Konan added 14, 12 and 10, respectively.

'I'm certainly proud of our guys,' said Dave DeAveiro, head coach of the Redmen, who had a 45-30 edge in rebounding. 'There were a few times in that game when we could've folded under pressure when UNH made their runs, so I was pleased with how we maintained our composure down the stretch. It was a big boost for us and our program.'

McGill shot 44.6 per cent from the field, 28.6 from the three-point arc and 71.4 from the line, compared to UNH, which shot 42.6, 21.7 and 70.8, respectively.

Bibeau, a 6-foot-3 sophomore who has moved to point-guard this season, played a game-high 31 minutes and shot 6-for-10 from the field, including a 3-for-4 effort from three-point range. He also made seven of nine free-throws and grabbed five rebounds.

Tristan-Tremblay, a 6-foot-7, 220-pound forward in his second year after transferring from The Citadel, was 9-for-15 from the floor, 4-for-5 from the line and pulled down four boards.

'We executed better offensively that we did in our earlier games and our defence was pretty good today in terms of things that we have been working on (in practice),'' added DeAveiro. 'We're still kind of figuring out what our team identity is. But I think you kind of saw our two leaders emerge offensively tonight, the guys that we want to score down the stretch. They also did a good job complementing the third guy (Clark) but we're going to need a third and fourth guy to emerge.'

It was the first of a four-game Canadian tour for UNH (0-1), which plays at UQAM, Laval and Bishop's over the next three nights, respectively. The Redmen are now 1-4 in preseason play against NCAA teams and will host Niagara University on Sept. 3.

REDMEN RAP: Due to floor repairs in Love Competition Hall, the game was played in the old part of the Currie gym, which served as home court for the Redmen from 1939 to 1995... McGill had two dunks in the first half with Tristan Renaud-Tremblay and Winn Clark achieving the honours... Prior to beating Virginia in 2008, the last time that the Redmen had knocked off a Div. 1 school was on Oct. 19, 1985, when they came away with an 86-80 decision over the Maine Black Bears on Oct. 19, 1985.
Courtesy of: McGill Sports Info



Exhibition: Ravens drop to 1-4 in Cross-Border Battle with loss to Great Danes - by Eurobasket News
OTTAWA - Despite the help of Summer Universiade silver medalists Tyson Hinz (Ottawa) and Cole Hobin (Ashton, Ont.), the Carleton Ravens men's basketball team fell to the Albany Great Danes 91-81 Thursday night at the Ravens' Nest.

The Ravens looked good early, scoring the game's first seven points. But turnovers by the home team allowed Albany to regain their composure and take the lead, 10-7.

Crafty ball movement by the Great Danes put the Ravens on their heels for much of the second quarter, forcing the reigning CIS national champs to play catch up.

Despite trailing for most of the first half, the Ravens were able to break leads as big as double-digits, to make it a two-point game by the start of the third quarter, with Albany up 43-41.

But the Ravens' hopes of a comeback were squashed as Albany opened the fourth quarter on a 13-2 run.

The victory had much to do with Albany guard Logan Aronhalt (190-G) (Zanesville, Ohio.) who put on a clinic, leading all scorers with 30 points.

Guard Philip Scrubb (194-G-92) (Richmond, B.C.) continued his strong play in the preseason, leading the Ravens with 22 points.

The loss drops Carleton to 1-4 in the 2011 Cross-Border Battle. The Ravens will look to redeem themselves Friday, Aug. 26 when they play the first of back-to-back games against the Saint Louis Billikens. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.

Top Scorers:
Ravens: Philip Scrubb- 22 points
Great Danes: Logan Aronhalt- 30 points

Rebounds:
Ravens: 15+15=30
Great Danes: 14+16=30

Score By Period:
Ravens: 21+20+25+15=81
Great Danes: 23+20+25+23=91
Courtesy of: Jeff Hamilton, Carleton Sports Info



Exhibition: Ravens snap three-game losing streak with victory over Billikens - by Eurobasket News
The Carleton University Ravens mens basketball team ran away with the game Friday night and snapped a three-game losing streak, beating the Saint Louis University Billikens 80-56.

Despite giving up the games opening two points, the Ravens netted the next nine and never looked back, ending the first half with a one-sided 44-21 lead.

Their strong play forced Billikens coach Rick Majerus, who is a five-time Western Athletic Conference coach of the year, to call two timeouts in a three-minute span during the opening 20 minutes.

The Ravens dominated play from beyond-the-arc, draining 12 of 20 shots. Their aggressive play in the paint continued to create chances throughout the game.

Saint Louis tried to keep up with Carletons three-point possessions, but only managed to make a dismal 16.7 per cent of their shots from beyond-the-arc in the first half.

The Billikens improved their shooting in the second half, but it wasnt enough to catch the Ravens, who held on for the convincing victory and dropped Saint Louis record to 3-1 on its Canadian tour.

The game ended on a scary note as action was stopped with 3:13 left to play when Billikens guard Kwamain Mitchell (Milwaukee, Wis.) fell awkwardly into the stands. The final whistle was blown as he was taken away on a stretcher.

Tyson Hinz (199-F-91) (Ottawa), the 2011 CIS male athlete of the year, led the Ravens to victory, scoring a game-high 18 points and collecting four rebounds.

The Ravens are now 2-4 in the 2011 Cross-Border Battle and will look to string two wins together for the first time in exhibition action this season in a rematch against the Billikens tomorrow night. Game time is 7 p.m. at the Ravens Nest.

Top Scorers
Ravens: Tyson Hinz 18 points
Billikens: Mike McCall (182-G) 17 points

Rebounds
Ravens: 14+8=22
Billikens: 7+8=15

Score by Period
Ravens: 44+36=80
Billikens: 21+35=56
Source: Marcus Guido, Carleton Sports Info




Prince Edward Island sign Mike Williams - by Eurobasket News
Joe Salerno , Head Coach of the Prince Edward Island franchise of the newly formed National Basketball League of Canada, announced today that 6' 8' power forward Mike Williams (6'7''-F-85, college: Cincinnati), a native of Camden, Alabama and a McDonalds High School All-American, has signed with the Island franchise.

Williams played two years with the University of Texas Longhorns and two years with the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. In 2006, while playing with Texas, he made it to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Division 1 Championship tournament.

Last year Williams played with the Vermont Frost Heaves of the PBL and lead the league in scoring with over 20 points per game and over 10 rebounders per game. Coach Salerno says 'Mike Williams is a phenominal basketball player and an even better person. He will be a terrific community person off the court and will excite the fans on the court. This signing will let other teams in the National Basketball League of Canada know we are in business and ready to compete.'

Training camp for the Island Pro Basketball franchise begins the first of October with a home opening two game set for November 3 and 4th at Credit Union Place in Summerside. The franchise will announce another player signing later this week while season ticket packages will be announced and go on sale following the Labour Day weekend.

Courtesy of www.nblcanada.ca

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  CHINA   


Shanxi Zhongyu grabs scoring champion Charles Gaines - by Eurobasket News
Gaines Charles (201-F-81, college: S.Mississippi) is a new member of Shanxi Zhongyu. He signed a deal for the next CBA season. Gaines heads to Shanxi Zhongyu from Qingdao Double Star, where he spent 2010/11. He exploded with 33.7 ppg, 13.5 rpg, 1.9 apg and 2.5 spg for 32 games in CBA. He ended as the best scorer, fifth rebounder and fifth stealer of the competition. In 2009/10, Gaines Charles helped Xinjiang Gyang Hui Flying to reach the CBA Finals. He had 30.4 ppg, 10.7 rpg and 2.3 spg in 43 games that season. Gaines was awarded with Asia-Basket.com All-Chinese CBA Player of the Year -10. He was also named Asia-Basket.com All-Chinese CBA 1st Team -10, 11. Before China, Gaines Charles played for Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Galatasaray, DKV Joventut and ASVEL. He also has experience from Italy and NBA D-League.

Two-time NBA champ Josh Powell heads to China, Liaoning - by Eurobasket News
Josh Powell (6'9''-F-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) will continue his career in China. The two-time NBA champion signed a deal with Liaoning. He will spent next CBA season with them. Powell arrives to Liaoning from the Atlanta Hawks, where he played in 2010/11. He appeared 62 times in the NBA averaging 3.8 points and 2.3 rebounds. Josh Powell won two NBA rings with the LA Lakers. It was in 2009 and 2010. In their first season together he had 4 ppg and 2.7 rpg, while in 2009/10 Powell added 2.5 ppg and 1.7 rpg. Before the Lakers, he spent one season with the LA Clippers. Josh Powell also has experience from the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks. In the past, he played for the Italian teams Pepsi Caserta and Scafati.

Shandong signs Alan Anderson and Othello Hunter - by Eurobasket News
Shandong announced signing of Alan Anderson (198-G/F-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Michigan St.) and Othello Hunter (203-F-86, agency: David Lee services, college: Ohio St.) for the upcoming CBA season.
Alan Anderson heads to China from Regal Barca, where he finished last season. He helped them win the Spanish league title and Cup. He was named MVP of the Spanish Cup Tournament. Anderson averaged 11.4 points and 3.1 rebounds for 10 Euroleague games. He also added 10.6 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 30 games in Spain. Anderson started last season with the NBA D-League team New Mexico Thunderbirds. There he shined with 21.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 5 apg for 10 games. In the past, Anderson played for Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Cibona Zagreb, Triumph Lyubertsy, La Fortezza Bologna and Charlotte Bobcats.
Othello Hunter had 14.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 2.3 spg for 33 games in Italy last season. He was a member of Dinamo Ford Sassari. Hunter played for Ilysiakos Athens, Atlanta Hawks and Anaheim Arsenal in the past.

Xin Jiang Needs Champion - by Robert Wang
Latest news came out today, Xin Jiang signed Tang Zheng Dong ! Tang, a 7 foot big man dominated CBA in the last couple years and got couple time MVP in CBA. He played for Jiang su since he played the pro. ball and he decided to transfer his team from last year. but for some reason, he did not make it last year and he did not play the last entire season. Xin Jiang had been chasing him for more than a year and now they meet together. Tang would be a big help for Xin Jiang this year because of him and former NBA spurs big guy Bater. These two big men would dominate the whole CBA inside this year. Sin Jiang also resigned Quicy Douby who was the top guard in China last year and help Xin Jiang went to the second place. Xian Jiang signed a good 3-pts shooter Zhao Yong Gang. So, these are the players line up, Quincy, Bar Ter, Tang zheng dong, zhao Yong Gang, Mu La Ti,Xu Guo Chong, Mai Wu Lan , Mai Mu Dan, etc..Plus next big NBA player...this is an amazing team!Let's wait Xin Jiang!

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  COLOMBIA   


ARRIEROS CONFIRMS ORTIZ , ARAGON, GUILLENT, FLORES AND BRAVO - by Victor Garcia
Arrieros will move new home this year, the team will move from Medellin to its neighbor Itagui, the team directives should be very happy already looking the good performance of Heissler Guillent and Jose Bravo in the FIBA Americas Cup, while still waits the arrival of Alejandro Flores after finish his job at Metros de Santiago in the Dominican Republic.
Its starting five will be complete with the Colombian stars Stalin Ortiz and Norbey Aragon, both players already agreed terms with the team to be back for the 2011 season and keep almost the same starting five that gives the Chapionship in 2010.


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  CROATIA   


Croatian teams with no match to Spartak - by Eurobasket News
Spartak Primorie Vladivostok won all three games over the Croatian representatives.
The Russian team won over Prigorye for the second time. The Russian team opened the game with 22-17 and added 17-9 in the second frame. The Croatian team replied with 17-14 in the third quarter, while Spartak needed 24-13 for 77:56 victory. Aleksandr Pavlov (202-F-86, agency: RIZO) poured in 18 points and Fomin posted 12. Jeleel Akindele (216-C-83, college: Chicago St.) and Gannadi Zelenskiy (187-G-82, agency: RIZO) netted 8 apiece, whilst Polokhin Denis scored 7.
Tonight Spartak Primorie Vladivostok overcame Split 81:61. The Russian team dominated the court and showed better preparation for the upcoming season. Aleksandr Pavlov, Jeleel Akindele and Jeleel Akindele each brought 12 points. Torey Thomas (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) scored 9, while Fomin added 8.
Earlier Spartak Primorie Vladivostok smashed Croatian Prigorye 108:61. The Russian team started with 23:19 and never looked behind in the game. Moreover they added 24-17 in the second frame for 47:36 at the halftime. The second half was a nightmare for the home side that was thrashed by the Russian titans. Spartak produced 28-8 in the third quarter and added 33-17 in the last one. Evgeni Baburin (193-G-87) poured in 20 points and Aleksandr Pavlov followed him with 15. Jeleel Akindele and Fomin added 12 each, while Viktor Uskov (182-G-86) delivered 12.


Coach Josip Vrankovic leaves Croatian National Team - by Eurobasket News
Josip Vrankovic (agency: Agency No 10) is no longer a Head Coach of the Croatian National Team. Vrankovic said that his contract expires and he thanked Croatian Basketball Federation for their support.

'My contract expires. I want to thank Croatian Basketball Federation, we had great communication and cooperation. CBF gave their best to help the National Team', said Josip Vrankovic.

Josip Vrankovic took over Croatian NT after the EuroBasket 2009 in Poland. He replaced Jasmin Repesa on the bench. Vrankovic led Team Croatia last summer at the World Championship in Turkey. Croatia reached 1/8 Finals at this event. Vrankovic led Croatia in 11 official games and his score is 4-7. Croatia was better than Iran, Tunisia, Finland and Montenegro under Vrankovic. They faced with defeats against USA, Slovenia, Brazil, Serbia, FYROM, Bosnia and Greece.

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  CYPRUS   


Last transfer news in Cyprus league - by Michael Aristidou

While the most teams get ready for preparation still there are some manners as concern their roster. In these last 2-3 days we had some activities coming from the teams.
Most active team was Hasapis Omonia Nicosia who added another two players in their squad. Moreover Serbian guard Nikola Radojicic (196-G-86, agency: ProSportsCareers) is now a member of the greens. Same thing applies for Lithuanian center Ceslovas Kucinskas (203-C-88). The team is still looking for another American center.
Proteas Danoi AEL finishes their squad after the signing of Serbian center Radovan Dragovic (205-C-83). The most successful club in the league now is getting ready now for preparation.
Pizza Express Apollon added another EU player. Latvian guard Raimonds Gabrans (188-G-84) is the new member of the roster.
Finally Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD Agios Dometios made a marvelous addition in their roster by adding ex NT player Panayiotis Yiannas (187-G-80).


LatestTransfer news from Cyprus - by Chris Mammides
It seems that September will the crucial month for the Cyprus clubs as most teams are closing up their rosters. The teams are adding the players which it is believed that will be doing the big difference this season so we had the following moves during these first seven days of the month.

Omonoia Nicosia added the 25 years old Serbian guard/small forward Nikola Radojicic (196-G-86) who played last season in the Syrian league and had very good stats as he is a great scorer even though he only played in second rate leagues such as the Syrian, the Georgian and the Skopje while four years ago played in the Romanian league. The last addition that the Nicosia team done was the one of the not so known Lithuanian Ceslovas Kucinskas (203-C-88) who just finished the Coppin State in the NCAA with 5 points, and 3.6 rebounds, he is a forward and can play in both forward positions, he is 23 years old and this season will be his rookie as a Professional player in the European leagues.

ENAD Agiou Dhometiou agreed financial terms with the Cyprus international point guard Panayiotis Yiannas (187-G-80) ex player of Achilleas. Panagiotis will add his experience and his organizational skills in the team of Agios Dhometios

Pizza Express Apollon Limassol added another Latvian player in its roster (the Limassol team has now three Latvians with the Head Coach) as the well known ex international guard Raimonds Gabrans (188-G-84) will continue his career with the Blues. Raimonds spent two seasons in the Greek league, one in A1 and another one in A2 with Egaleo and OFI respectively, while last season played in the Latvian league under the colors of BK Valmiera and had a magnificent season as he ended 2nd in assist and 5th in steals of the Latvian league helping his team to reach the fourth position of the league (lost 3-1 in the semi finals series over Riga)

APOEL tryed to add the Greek veteran forward Antonis Asimakopoulos (204-F-76) but Coach Frangias in Kolossos Rodou persuate him to stay in Rhodes island so he will not be joining forces with the Nicosia power house.

AEL Limassol agreed financial terms with the Serbian power forward Center Radovan Dragovic (205-C-83) ex player of the Syrian Yarmouk where he had an awesome season (or half of it) as he was scoring 19 points and dashing down 9.3 rebounds per game in the 16 games he played while he had the amazing 48% in the three pointers as he is very often shooting from the arc.



Omonia Nicosia signs Nikola Radojicic - by Eurobasket News
Nikola Radojicic (196-G-86, agency: ProSportsCareers) will continue his career on Cyprus. The Serbian guard signed a deal with Omoia Nicosia. Radojicic changed three teams last season. He started with FYR Macedonian Kumanovo averaging 8 points, 3 rebounds and 3.2 assists for them in five games. They parted ways soon after that and Radojicic signed with Montenegrin Gorstak Kolasin. There he had 17.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 6.5 apg in three games. In February this year Radojicic moved to the Syrian team Kasyoun. His stats read 14.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 6.4 apg and 1.8 spg in 7 games. In the past, Nikola Radojicic played in Georgia, Slovenia, Romania and Slovakia. He won the Slovakian Cup with Spisska Nova Ves in 2007.

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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


BK Opava plays scrimmages with Slovakian teams - by Eurobasket News
BK Opava played two scrimmages with Slovakian teams and lost both of them.
Spisska Nova Ves rolled over the team from Czech Republic 92:69. The winners started with 26:18 and had 9-point advantage at the halftime. Moreover the doubled if for 71:53 after thirty minutes and finished the game with a confident victory. Maurizio Galata (202-F-92) and Jakub Sirina (185-G-87) posted 19 points each for the winners and Jan Kupcik (182-G-92) scored 10. Astrum Levice edged BK Opava 90:75. The Czech Republic team started with 25-23 and enjoyed 45:41 at the halftime. The third quarter however was decisive in the game as Astrum Levice needed 23-13 to take the lead and celebrated the victory. Radim Klecka (188-G-90) ended up with 17 points for Opava and Jakub Sirina netted 15. Maurizio Galata finished the game with 11 points in the losing effort.


BK Prostejov keep Bohacik Jaromir and Bratcenkov Vojtech - by Eurobasket News
BK Prostejov keep Jaromir Bohacik (198-F/G-92) and Vojtech Bratcenkov (198-F-91) for the upcoming season. The team already started their pre-season games.
Jaromir Bohacik will enter his second season for BK Prostejov (NBL, starting five). In Czech Rep. League last season in 39 games he averaged 2.3ppg, while in EuroChallenge showed 1.7ppg, 1.1rpg, played also at SKB Proton Zlin (1Liga, starting five).
Vojtech Bratcenkov started for BK Prostejov (NBL) in 2009 and in 8 games averaged 2.5ppg, 1.6rpg, also SKB Proton Zlin (1Liga). In
2010-2011 moved to Basketbal Svitavy (NBL) and in 14 games had 0.8ppg. Later in the season moved to BK Prostejov (NBL) and also had license for BK Prostejov 'B' (1Liga, starting five).
Levice meanwhile outscored BK Prostejov 90:63. The team had 41:32 lead at the halftime and managed to improve the win. Travis Peterson (208-C-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: Samford) replied with 21 points and Arvydas Eitutavicius (188-G-82, college: American) scored 10.


Chester Simmons Returns to CEZ Nymburk - by Surujh Roopnarine
In what has been a productive, and quite interesting off-season, CEZ Nymburk announced that last seasons leading scorer Chester Simmons (198-G-82, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Washington) has re-signed for the 2011-12 campaign. This is actually the second time in three months that Simmons has joined Nymburk. After ending last season Simmons agreed to return to Nymburk only to re-consider and look to sign elsewhere. That prompted the club to sign veteran guard Chris Monroe (191-G-81, college: George Washington) as a replacement, however right before reporting to CZ for the pre-season, Monroe suffered an injury during training and will be sidelined for several weeks. This led Nymburk, who will try to qualify for the Euroleague this month, without a starting shooting guard. Back into the mix comes Simmons. The 29-year old shooting guard out of the University of Washington appeared in 25 Adriatic league games last season, averaging 12.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals. In domestic play he appeared in 19 games and upped his averages to 14.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals while leading Nymburk to a record eighth-consecutive league title. Additionally, he was named to the Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup 3rd Team after being the 4th leading scorer in the competition at 15.9 points per contest.
Simmons will join newcomers Eugene Lawrence (184-G-86, college: St.John's), Lamayne Wilson (204-F-80, college: Troy) and Drew Naymick (211-C-85) as they try to propel Nymburk into the Euroleague regular season against Banvit Bandirma on September 30th before starting play in the VTB League as well as Mattoni NBL.

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  DENMARK   


Matchups Announced for Danish Cup - by Armen Rhodes
Last Friday morning at the DBBF headquarters the draw was completed for the upcoming Danish Cup competition. Bakken, who has captured the Cup for the past three seasons, opens up their campaign for the 2011-2012 Danish Cup against Stovring IF.

Here's the full draw below:

Men West (18 teams)
Bakken Bears, Svendborg Rabbits, Aalborg Vikings, Horsens IC, Aabyhj IF, IF Stvring, Aarhus BF, Lemvig Basket, Dark Horses, Disc Basketball Club, Viby IF, Frederikshavn Basketball Club, Basketball Club Earshot, Beder Malling IF B71 Holstebro, Randers Cimbria 2010, BK Esbjerg and Haderslev Basketball Club

1 / 32:
Viby IF - Harlev Basketball Club
Esbjerg BK - B71 Holstebro

1 / 16:
Winner Viby IF / Earshot - Horsens IC
Winner of Esbjerg BK/B71Holstebro - BK Haderslev
Beder Malling IF - Aarhus BF
Washer BK - Lemvig Basket
Dark Horses - Randers Cimbria 2010
Aalborg Vikings - Aabyhj IF
Frederikshavn Basketball Club - Svendborg Rabbits
Stvring IF - Bakken Bears

Men East (23 teams):
SISU, Hrsholm 79ers, Falcon, Vrlse BBK, Team Fog Naestved, Hbas, Falbas, Jonstrup Basket, Hillerd GI, Virum Basket, Solrd Comets, Count Basket, Espergrde BK, Kge BBK, Herlev Basket, Viby 2.0, BK Amager, ALBA, Brnshj Basket, Stevnsgade Basket, S.. Basket, Glostrup Basket and BMS

1 / 32:
Greve Basket - Glostrup Basket
Espergrde BK - Stevnsgade Basket
Viby 2.0 - BMS
Hbas - BK Amager
Falbas - Jonstrup Basket
Brnshj Basket - Kge BBK
Alba - Virum Basketball Club

1 / 16:
Winner Hillerd GI - Winner of Viby 2.0/BMS
Winner Herlev Basket - Winner of Espergrde / Stevnsgade Basket
Winner Greve Basket / Glostrup Basket - Galway 79ers
Winner Hbas / BK Amager - Falcon
Solrd Comets - Team FOG Nstved
Winner Brnshj Basket / Kge BBK - Winner of Alba / Virum Basketball Club
SISU - Vrlse BBK
S.. Basketball - Winner Falbas / Jonstrup Basket

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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Dominicans blast Panama 92-68 to open Quarterfinals Round, shocking injury for Edgar Sosa - by Eurobasket News
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - PANAMA 92-68

Dominican Republic trashed Panama 92-68 in the first game of the Quarterfinals Round in Mar del Plata. Thanks to this victory Dominicans jumped to 3-1 record, while on the other side Panama dropped to 0-4. Luis Flores (188-G-81, college: Manhattan) led the winners in scoring last night with 17 points (5 assists). Francisco Garcia (201-F/G-81, college: Louisville) had 15 points, while Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) helped with 13 points and 14 rebounds (valuation 25). Edgar Sosa (188-PG-88, college: Louisville) had 13 points and 8 assists before he faced with a very serious injury. There was something more than 30 seconds remaining in the game when Sosa broke his leg! He will miss the entire 2011/12 season because of this shocking injury. In Panama, Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) shined with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Ruben Garces (206-C/F-73, agency: Priority Sports, college: Providence) had 17 points and 12 boards, and Jose Lloreda (201-F/C-80, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: LSU) added 13 pts, plus 8 rebs. Quarters: 21-17, 23-13, 31-19, 17-19. Today, Dominicans will meet Uruguay. Panama will take on Brazil.

Dominican Republic: Luis Flores 17+5 as, Francisco Garcia 15, Jack Michael Martinez 13+14 boards, Edgar Sosa 13+8 as
Panama: Danilo Pinnock 23+6 boards, Ruben Garces 17+12 boards, Jose Lloreda 13+8 boards

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  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   


ESL 2011 Spotlight Player of the Day Kris Richard - by Darryl Reshaw

Kris Richard (195-G-90, college: Tulane) was the most talented guard that attended the ESL 2011 event this summer and he has NBA skills.
He can play the PG or the big guard spot effectively.
Kris has dynamic ball handling skills and make excellent decisions with the basketball as he lets the game come to him.
He can really create off the dribble and explode to the basket because he is a great finisher.
The thing that takes his game to the next level is the fact he is a quality perimeter shooter with nice 3pt range.
He is also an explosive athlete at 6'5' that finishes over the rim and can rebound with the big guys.
In his senior year at Tulane Kris Richard (195-G-90, college: Tulane) played out of position at the 3 and 4 positions and averaged 11ppg and 6rpg.

This 6-5 guard from Tulane was the show in Houston and had our scouts screaming in their seats.
This PG can really score the basketball and makes excellent decisions as he runs the team very well.
He averaged 20ppg, 8rpg and 6apg at the ESL Houston event.
He plays great pressure defense and has a pro like body.
Richard is very calm and under control at all times. He reminds you of a Chauncey Billups with Westbrook speed and athleticism.
The kid is an outstanding ball handler who will kill you in a pick and roll situation and he can create his own opportunities.
The kid will be great for any level in Europe and will move up immediately.
He is the steal of the ESL for teams across Europe looking for a quality PG or combo guard who can really score and play defense.
There is no doubt that Kris Richard (195-G-90, college: Tulane) could become an NBA point guard someday and was the most talent prospect at the ESL 2011.

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  EUROLEAGUE   


Olympiacos locks Evangelos Mantzaris until 2015 - by Eurobasket News
Olympiacos Piraeus announced Monday the signing of talented and promising point guard Evangelos Mantzaris (196-G-90) to a four-year deal. He arrives to the Reds from Peristeri, where he started as a teenager. Mantzaris appeared 28 times in Greek league last season averaging 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists. In 2009/10, he had 3.3 ppg and 1.9 rpg for 21 games. Evangelos Mantzaris helped U20 Greece to win the Silver at the European Championships U20 in Croatia -10. He averaged 5.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists for them in 9 games. In 2009, Mantzaris won the EuroBasket Gold with U20 Greece and World Championship Silver with U19 NT. A year before that, Mantzaris helped U18 Greece to win the Gold at the European Championships U18 in Amaliada Pyrgos. Evangelos Mantzaris played for the Greek senior NT this summer, but he was one of the last cuts before the EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania. Mantzaris was named Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Honorable Mention -11.

Miroslav Raduljica officially joins Partizan today - by Eurobasket News
Today Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) will officially become a new member of Partizan. The promising center will sign a deal which will allow him to play for the Serbian champions on loan from Anadolu Efes. Raduljica signed a deal with Efes last summer, but he missed first half of the season due to injury. The Turkish giant loaned Raduljica to ALBA Berlin in March. There the Serbian center had 10 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 25 games in German league. Miroslav Raduljica is a product of FMP Zeleznik, where he started as a teenager. In their last season together (2009/10) he had 13.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg and 2.3 apg in 14 EuroChallenge games. He had almost the same numbers for 23 games in Adriatic league. In Serbian league, Raduljica exploded with 21.1 ppg, 8.6 rpg and 2.6 apg. He ended as the best scorer and rebounder of the competition. Raduljica played for the Serbian NT two years ago in Poland. He had 3.3 ppg in 7 games.

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


Coach Josip Vrankovic leaves Croatian National Team - by Eurobasket News
Josip Vrankovic (agency: Agency No 10) is no longer a Head Coach of the Croatian National Team. Vrankovic said that his contract expires and he thanked Croatian Basketball Federation for their support.

'My contract expires. I want to thank Croatian Basketball Federation, we had great communication and cooperation. CBF gave their best to help the National Team', said Josip Vrankovic.

Josip Vrankovic took over Croatian NT after the EuroBasket 2009 in Poland. He replaced Jasmin Repesa on the bench. Vrankovic led Team Croatia last summer at the World Championship in Turkey. Croatia reached 1/8 Finals at this event. Vrankovic led Croatia in 11 official games and his score is 4-7. Croatia was better than Iran, Tunisia, Finland and Montenegro under Vrankovic. They faced with defeats against USA, Slovenia, Brazil, Serbia, FYROM, Bosnia and Greece.

Update on Pau Gasols Injury - by Eurobasket News
Los Angele's star Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) suffered a minor ankle sprain in Spain's 91-79 victory over host Lithuania last Sunday.

On Monday, the coaching staff of Spain never took any risk of putting Pau Gasol on the floor despite losing to Turkey, 57-65.

But Pau Gasol is expected to be fit when the second round of Eurobasket 2011 starts. Spains coach Sergio Scariolo said Pau Gasol is undergoing a treatment and that his doctors would assess him before the second round begins.

Despite the loss to Turkey, Spain is still on the top of Group A going to the second round.

Courtesy of www.thebreps.info

Eurobasket Grades Israel NT Performance - by David Pick
A disappointing 2011 EuroBasket campaign? Blowouts to France and Germany? Missing Omri Casspi? Eurobasket decided to look beyond Israel's negative 3:2 record which sent them to the Holy Land 'earlier' then expected, and focused on the individual performances rating the roster and coaching staff on a scale of 1-10.

#4 Yogev Ohayon - After signing a well deserved two-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv, everybody expected Ohayon to have his breakthrough tournament on Europe's biggest stage, however, going 0/5 from the field, dishing out only three-dimes and recording four TO in his first two-games resulted in a tough one on one 40-minute encounter with the bench against Serbia and an overall poor tournament performance. Could it possibly be that Ohayon is just not ready yet for this level of basketball?
Best memory: First EuroBasket career points in game4 vs. Latvia.
Moment of shame: Sitting out the entire game against Serbia.
Averages: 4 games, 11.8 minutes, 2.8 points, 1.3 assists, 1.8 rebounds - evaluation: 3
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#5 Afik Nissim - Returning to the national squad after six long years was a dream come true for the guard who recently won the Czech championship while playing for Nymburk. The Israeli X-factor exceeded all expectations and showed high scoring ability while taking over the leading point guard position as the tournament progressed. Nissim also finished as the team's leader in assists.
Best memory: 16 points and one assist shy of a double-double performance against Serbia.
Moment of shame: A substandard performance vs. Germany.
Averages: 5 games, 15.4 minutes, 5 points, 2.6 assists, 0.6 rebounds - evaluation: 6.5
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#6 Yuval Naimy - Undoubtedly the most talented and creative scorer on the Israeli roster. Rumors say that Omri Casspi's injury opened up the final spot for Naimy on the squad. The fact that Naimy played garbage minutes in just 3/5 games raised many eyebrows and one only wonders if it was a basketball related decisions, especially when the team struggled offensively. Still, whenever the ball was in Naimy's hands productive plays and points were added to the scoreboard.
Best Memory: 9 points in 9 minutes against Latvia on 75% shooting.
Moment of shame: Sat on the bench for a total of 176-boring minutes.
Averages: 3 games, 9.7 minutes, 5.3 points, 1 assist, 0.3 rebounds - evaluation: 5
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#7 David Blu - If you didn't know Blu before, his yellow-greenish bright shoes for sure gave him away. The second campaign Blu had just taken part of as a national player was probably his last. The Southern California alumnus devoted two long summers to Israel's NT and was recognized by many as the ultimate professional athlete any coach would adore having. Blu began the Eurobasket games quiet but immediately caught fire on offense and established himself as Israel's prime defender, limiting Dirk Nowitzki, Boris Diaw and at times, Andrea Bargnani. The biggest question to be asked is as the team's best shooter, why wasn't he getting more touches? Blu's ranked 6th in three-point field goals made (2.4).
Best Memory: Going up against top NBA players and respectfully competing on both ends of the floor. Oh and the kicks of course.
Moment of shame: Unexpectedly missed two crucial free-throws against Latvia.
Averages: 5 games, 29.2 minutes, 12.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists - evaluation: 8
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#8 Guy Pnini - The best way to define Pnini is by saying he's the most loveable player when he's on your side and the most hated when playing against you. He's a nightmare for any opponent on both ends of the floor. In addition to a superb season with Maccabi, Pnini raised the banner once again proving to be a top European player who can compete on any level. Pnini scored in double-figures in 3/5 games and demonstrated great leadership at times needed.
Best memory: Pnini was quoted comparing Michel Jordan to Yaniv green regarding the game winning free-throw against Italy, 'at the time I thought to myself, even MJ can't make that free-throw.'
Moment of shame: Giving an unnecessary brutal elbow to Serbian center Nenad Krstic.
Averages: 5 games, 28 minutes, 13.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists - evaluation: 8.5
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#9 Gal Mekel - A somewhat upsetting campaign for who was the leading point guard throughout the entire exhibition and preparation games. Having missed out on last summer's qualifiers, Mekel looked to have an impact on Israel's success. However, he suffered from many ups and downs during the tournament, shot the ball terribly and at times, dribbled too much. Yet, he should learn from this experience and focus on the bright future ahead of him with Benetton TV.
Best memory: Mekel scored Israel's first fourth-quarter points against Italy, with 16-seconds on the game clock ending nine long minutes of zero points that almost coast them the game.
Moment of shame: Playing a mere 45-seconds against Serbia before coach Shivek sent him to the bench for the night.
Averages: 5 games, 13.4 minutes, 4.2 points, 2.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds - evaluation: 5
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#10 Tal Burstein - Burstein hit one of the most important shots in Israeli basketball history sending Israel to its first EuroBasket quarter-finals in 20 years, but that was eight years ago. Regardless of the impressive preparation games, Tal experienced an awful EuroBasket. A humiliating 4/17 field goal shot attempts shows Burstein was nowhere near his usual game and for the sake of Israeli basketball, he should understand that this was his last blue-and-white international tournament.
Best memory: The plane ride to Lithuania.
Moment of shame: EuroBasket 2011.
Averages: 5 games, 15.8 minutes, 2.2 points, 1 assist, 1.8 rebounds - evaluation: 2
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#11 Lior Eliyahu - Ranks #1 in 2 Pts Field Goals Made enough said. Eliyahu is probably the most talented Israeli basketball player today. Efficient, smart and a productive, Eliyahu finished each of Israel's five games in double-figures. Yet, missing easy lay-ups, getting into foolish foul trouble and forgetting to occasionally box out left a sour taste looking back on his performances.
Best Memory: Receiving complements from Dirk Nowitzki prior to the teams' game.
Moment of shame: Attempting to guard Dirk Nowitzki.
Averages: 5 games. 26.4 minutes, 16/4 points, 1.8 assist, 5.6 rebounds - evaluation: 7.5
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#12 Yotam Halperin - DISAPPOINTMENT. Halperin mentally arrived late to the EuroBasket and Israel gravely suffered from it. In their first two and biggest games against Germany and France, Halperin was nowhere to be found. Oh wait, he did arrive during the fourth-quarter garbage time of game2 against the tricolor. Halperin's hands shook and the Israeli NT along with them, dropping their first two games. Finally when meeting Serbia and his former coach and teammate, Halperin rose to the occasion. Hopefully, next summer, as Israel's leading European representative, Yotam will arrive when needed, on time.
Best Moment: Against Serbia. Outplaying his former coach, and outscoring his former Olympiakos back-court rival.
Moment of same: Game1 vs. Germany.
Averages: 5 games, 32 minutes, 11.8 points, 2 assists, 2.6 rebounds - evaluation: 5
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#13 Elishay Kadir - Failing to make last summer's roster due to an injury, Kadir was ready to prove himself worthy his EuroBasket chance. Maybe not in the most fashionably way but every night, Kadir filled up the stat sheet. From hard diving plays to impressive shot blocks, tip-ins and offensive rebounds, Kadir has been a pleasant surprise for Israel's coaching staff, as he developed himself becoming one of Israel's primary future stars.
Best moment: Respectfully battling against all the NBA players for the first time in his career.
Moment of shame: ?
Averages: 5 games, 5.8 points, 1.8 assist, 5 rebounds - evaluation: 6.5
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#14 Yaniv Green - A hard working, devoted player who gave everything in him to Israel's national team for 13-long years physically and mentally. Green had most likely participated in his last European competition and did it in style. He didn't score much nor did he grab too many rebounds, but Green's presence was felt every time someone drove the lane. A great lose for Israeli basketball.
Best moment: After sitting out with an injury for over six months, Green successfully participated in the 2011 EuroBasket games.
Moment of shame: It truly hurts seeing a player of Green's caliber sit on the bench not being able to play due to physical pains.
Averages: 4 games, 3.8 points, 0.5 assists, 2.5 rebounds - evaluation: 4.5
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#15 Uri Kokia - It's taken a long time, but Uri Kokia's hard work has paid off as he developed himself into a crucial electrifying part of the Israeli National Team (last summer). Having started off his career in the second division, he worked his way up to the top of Israeli basketball, playing a key role in the EuroBasket qualification campaign. The fact that Kokia only took part in one of Israel's five games is the most bizarre and unanswered fact from Israel's campaign.
Best moment: The 2-minutes he played against France.
Moment of shame: Sat on the bench for four games.
Averages: 1 game, 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists - evaluation: 3
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Coaching staff - A Belgium state-cup champion, Israeli all time greatest point guard and a coach they refer to as the 'lap-top', built a promising Israeli coaching staff. Despite the somewhat good feeling after two 'W's, no one can be fooled -- Israel played bad basketball in the EuroBasket. Giving up 89.6 points per game means there are unresolved defensive problems and too many liabilities. Israel's defensive rotations were awful and not only were the fans the ones who expected more from the coaching staff, the players did as well. Questionable rotations, weird line-ups, bad ball movement and many more led up to Israel's 'expected' failure. It is true that Omri Casspi was deeply missed, but the national team was here before Omri and will still be here after him. Head Coach Arik Shivek will hand in his final report a month from now, as hopes are that he continues to lead the squad, only this time, to new heights. Evaluation: 5
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Replacements

Due to the expected leave of David Blu from Israel's national team, here are a few professional experienced candidates to take his place. Who would you prefer?
Jordan Farmar, Jon Scheyer, Sylven Landesberg, Dan Grunfeld, D'or Fisher, Dane DiLiegro.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd





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


Edga Sosa breaks his leg at FIBA Americas Championship - by Eurobasket News
Edgar Sosa (188-PG-88, college: Louisville) will miss the entire 2011/12 season due to a very serious injury. The Dominican Republic point guard broke his right leg tibia bone during the game against Panama. There was something more than 30 seconds remaining in the game and Dominicans had comfortable lead. Sosa will undergo surgery today. The injury was so shocking that players from both teams were visibly crying on the court. Coach John Calipari is devastated and showed his emotion with tears in his eyes.
Edgar Sosa signed a one-year deal with Fabi Shoes Montegranaro this summer. He spent the last one with Angelico Biella. For 30 games in SerieA Sosa averaged 14.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.3 steals. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA Honorable Mention -11 and participated at the SerieA All-Star Game. Edgar Sosa graduated at the University of Louisville a year ago.

Here you can watch the video of this shocking injury.

First games of the Quarterfinals Round - by Eurobasket News
Dominican Republic - Panama 92-68
Dominican Republic trashed Panama 92-68 in the first game of the Quarterfinals Round in Mar del Plata. Thanks to this victory Dominicans jumped to 3-1 record, while on the other side Panama dropped to 0-4. Luis Flores (188-G-81, college: Manhattan) led the winners in scoring last night with 17 points (5 assists). Francisco Garcia (201-F/G-81, college: Louisville) had 15 points, while Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) helped with 13 points and 14 rebounds (valuation 25). Edgar Sosa (188-PG-88, college: Louisville) had 13 points and 8 assists before he faced with a very serious injury. There was something more than 30 seconds remaining in the game when Sosa broke his leg! He will miss the entire 2011/12 season because of this shocking injury. In Panama, Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) shined with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Ruben Garces (206-C/F-73, agency: Priority Sports, college: Providence) had 17 points and 12 boards, and Jose Lloreda (201-F/C-80, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: LSU) added 13 pts, plus 8 rebs. Quarters: 21-17, 23-13, 31-19, 17-19. Today, Dominicans will meet Uruguay. Panama will take on Brazil.

Venezuela - Puerto Rico 82-94
Puerto Rico recovered from defeat against Argentina and opened Quarterfinals Round with victory. They outplayed Venezuela 94-82 for 3-1 record. The same score also have Brazil and Dominican Republic. Venezuela dropped to 1-3 after this loss. Center Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) stepped up for the winners with 22 points. He missed just once for 20 minutes on the court. Alexander David Galindo (198-F-85, college: FIU) had 18 points and Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: FIU) helped with 14 points, plus 6 assists. Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) responded with 18 points in defeat. Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) had 17 points and 5 rebs, while David Cubillan (183-PG-87, college: Marquette) added 15 pts. Quarters: 19-18, 17-26, 21-31, 25-19. Puerto Rico will play against Canada today. Venezuela will meet undefeated Argentina.

Canada - Argentina 53-79
Argentina stays perfect in Mar del Plata. It was the first game of the Quarterfinals Round and Argentina celebrated 79-53 win against Canada. The host of FIBA Americas Championship has 4-0 record now, while Canada dropped to 1-3. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) dominated once again collecting 22 points and 6 rebounds. Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) had 17 points, Emanuel Ginobili (198-G-77, agency: Interperformances) added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while Andres Nocioni (199-F-79) followed with 13 pts and 6 rebs. In the loosing squad, Kelly Olynyk (210-F-91) shined with double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds. Jevohn Shepherd (196-F-86, college: Michigan) had 12 points and Carl English (192-G-81, college: Hawaii) stopped to 9 pts. Canada expected way more from English in this championship. Quarters: 9-21, 13-16, 21-17, 10-25. Argentina will meet Venezuela today and another easy win is expected. Canada will play against Puerto Rico.

Brazil - Uruguay 93-66
Brazil destroyed Uruguay in the first game of the Quarterfinals Round. It was a 93-66 victory and Brazil jumped to 3-1 record. Uruguay joined Venezuela and Canada with 1-3 score. Vitor Alves (190-F/G-90) was the leading player in victory with 21 points. He made 5 of 7 attempts from behind the arc in this game. Marquinhos Vieira (207-F-84) and Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) scored 12 points each, and Alex Ribeiro (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) helped Brazil with 10 points. In Uruguay, Sebastian Vazquez (195-F-85) and Sebastian Izaguirre (207-C/F-85) collected 12 and 11 points respectively. Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) had 9 points and 5 rebounds coming off the bench. Quarters: 25-16, 17-18, 28-12, 23-20. Brazil will play against Panama today. Uruguay will meet Dominicans.

Standings
Standings
Group Stage Two
1. Argentina4-0
2. Brazil3-1
3. Dominican R.3-1
4. P.Rico3-1
5. Uruguay1-3
6. Venezuela1-3
7. Canada1-3
8. Panama0-4
Group Places 9-10
1. Cuba0-0
2. Paraguay0-0


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


KORISLIIGA: Kenneth Walker next to Finland - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Last season Finnish Top League finalist Kataja (Joensuu) has signed with American PF-C Kenneth Walker (206-F/C-80). Walker has seen already a lot as he will start his ninth pro season after college years at University of Alabama. Walker has played in New Zealand, Kosovo, Sweden, France, Czech R., Poland and Turkey. Earlier Kataja has signed with Jared Newson (195-G/F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Tennessee-Martin) and B.A. Walker (188-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: VCU) so the package seems to be full. Kataja's goal is to win the Finnish Championship - first time ever in sport club's history.



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


Standings - Division I
1st Division Standings
 1. BC Nokia 0-0 
 2. FoKoPo 0-0 
 3. Hitech Oulu 0-0 
 4. Honka Espoo 0-0 
 5. Huima 0-0 
 6. Jyvaskyla 0-0 
 7. Kerava ET 0-0 
 8. Lapua 0-0 
 9. Namika II 0-0 
 10. SayRi 0-0 
 11. Tapiolan Honka 0-0 
 12. Tarmo 0-0 
 13. ToPoLa 0-0 
 14. Ura Basket 0-0 


Emmanuel Holloway replaced Elijah Ingram at Salon Vilpas - by Eurobasket Center
Salon Vilpas Vikings signed 25-year old Finnish guard Emmanuel Holloway (188-G-86, college: Illinois St.). Holloway played most recently at Basketbol Brno (Czech Rep.). While playing 32 games for Basketbol Brno last season his stats were: 10.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.3apg and 1.7spg (3rd best in the league). He played also pro basketball in Czech Rep. and Germany. His best season so far was two years while playing for UBC Hannover Tigers in Germany. At the end of the season he was voted Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro A Defensive Player of the Year. Holloway graduated Illinois State University in 2009 and it will be his third season in pro basketball.
He will replace another American Elijah Ingram, who was tested just for a week.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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


Dexia Mons-Hainaut grabs 80-78 win against Gravelines - by Eurobasket News
Dexia Mons-Hainaut and Gravelines-Dunkerque met in a friendly game on Sunday. It was a very exciting meeting and Belgians managed to grab 80-78 win at the end. Ahmad Nivins (206-F-87, agency: Impact Basketball, college: St.Joseph's) exploded in this victory with 30 points. A.J. Slaughter (191-G-88, college: W.Kentucky) helped Dexia Mons-Hainaut with 13, while Ronell Taylor (196-G-82, college: UAB) and Justin Cage (198-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Xavier) added 9 points each. In the loosing squad, Ludovic Vaty (206-C-88, college: Moraine Valley CC) was better than the others with 17 points. Osiris Eldridge (191-G-88, college: Illinois St.) and J.K. Edwards (202-C/F-82, agency: Hoops Ambassadors, college: UNLV) had 13 and 12 points respectively. Quarters: 16-22, 24-26, 19-19, 21-11.
Meanwhile, Denain and Le Portel also played a friendly game. Denain was better and celebrated 86-75 victory. More friendlies are scheduled for this week.

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


ALBA and Skyliners play pre-season games - by Eurobasket News
ALBA and Skyliners played thier frienlies at home and in Treviso respectively. ALBA thrashed Stahnsdorf 82:47. It was however a slow start as the favorites took 6:4 after the first 5 minutes. They grabbed later 20:12 at the end of the quarter and never looked behind after. The board showed 44:30 when the teams disappeared in the lockers, while ALBA increased to 68:38 at the end of thirty minutes. Another productive last period gave ALBA 35-point victory. Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports) stepped up with 20 points and Marko Simonovic (202-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) posted 13. Brenton Butler (190-G, college: Fordham) responded with 13 points in the losing effort.
BENETTON outscored SKYLINERS FRANCOFORTE 79:72. Michael Thompson (177-G-89, college: Northwestern), Gray Justin (188-G-84, college: Wake Forest), Quantez Robertson, Danilo Barthel (206-F-91, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) and Marius Nolte had a good start for the Germna side that took 16:10 after the first 7 minutes of the game. ETwaun E'Twaun Moore (192-G-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Purdue) scored for 27:26 and the Italian team took 42:32 later in the half. They remained in front until the end and won the friendly game by 7. E'Twaun Moore stepped up with 21 points and Alessandro Gentile (198-G/F-92) posted 15. Gray Justin ended up with 28 points in the losing effort, while Marius Nolte notched 14.



The Mitteldeutscher BC Send Tautvydas Slezas Home - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
PRO A team Mitteldeutscher BC announced today that Tautvydas Slezas (207-C-90, agency: Interperformances) has not withstood the 4 week tryout period by the team and has been sent home. Tautvydas Slezas (207-C-90, agency: Interperformances) is a 21 year old 207cm center from Lithuania. The big man had been looking to play his first season in Germany after having played for Perlas Vilnius (LKL) last season where he played Baltic League: 20 games: 8.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.6%, FT: 50.0%; Lithuanian League: 26 games: 6.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 59.3%, FT: 19.2%. However MBC had their reasons for not keeping the youngster. 'He is a young talented player that still has a way to go. His effort in the short time where he was here just wasnt enough. He is still a bit too young for our big goals', stressed MBC head coach Silvano Poropat (agency: FCM )

Source: MBC

Homesickness Causes Chris Woods To Return Back To The States - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Isnt the food good enough or just not enough to do in the free time as more and more Americans are returning back home. The newest homesickness victim is Chris Woods. Woods was going to start his professional basketball career in Germany for BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProB) after having played at Pfeiffer (NCAA) from 2007-2011, left to go back home. 'This was the first time in a foreign country and he missed home already after a few days. The homesickness effected his play in a negative way. That was the reason why he wanted to go back home. We wish him all the best', stresed Oettinger Rockets Gotha head coach Marko Simic.

Source: Oettinger Rockets Gotha

The Artland Dragons Bring In Experience With Artur Kolodziejski - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The Artland Dragons have quickly gotten more than an adequate replacement for injured German Christian Hoffmann by bringing in the very experienced Artur Kolodziejski (195-F/G-79). Kolodziejski is a 31 year old 195cm guard that still has the boyish looks, but is actually starting his 16th professional season. The German that was born in Poland and got a contract until the end of the season. Last season, he played for FC Bayern Muenchen (Germany-ProA): 25 games: 3.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.5apg. 'We had to react to the injury to Christian Hoffmann. I think that it is good that we can give the team some added stability with the experience of Artur. He has played at a good level the last years and he has a good charachter. I am happy that we have such an experienced player with him and I am sure that he will help us', added Artland Dragons head coach Stefan Koch

Kolodziejski. started his basketball career in 1996 with Telekom Bonn where he played until 1999. Then he didn't have to go far as he joined Tatami Rhondorf (D2)where he played for two seasons. In 2001, he went to Mitteldeutscher BC (D1, starting five): NEBL stats: 11games: 6.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.6apg, 1.4spg; Bundesliga: 34 games: 5.3ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.0apg. The following season, he played for ratiopharm Ulm (2Bundesliga): 31 games: 13.4 ppg, 3.5 apg. He then played two seasons for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen (1.Bundesliga) until 2005. Then he played 5 successful season for the Telekom Baskets Bonn where he reached the Beko BBl final twice. He played a total of 202 Beko BBL games.Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been German Bundesliga Finalist -99, 08, 09, German University National Team -01, World University Games in Benjin (China) -01 (Semifinals), German Bundesliga All-Star Game -02, Bundesliga Cup Finalist -09, EuroChallenge Quarterfinals -09, and German 2.Bundesliga Pro A Champion -11


Source: Artland Dragons

Paderborn Baskets snap up Jamar Diggs - by Moritz Korff
The Paderborn Baskets (2. Bundesliga Pro A) have signed Jamar Diggs (187-G-88) following the exit of David Schneider, who returned home after suffering a thigh injury. Diggs is a 22-year-old point guard out of Minneapolis, Minn. He played two years at NCAA D2 program Wayne State, NE and headed to Wofford College (NCAA D1) in 2008. He averaged 12.6 points and 3.1 boards per contest for the Terriers in the 2010-11 season and totaled 102 assists for the season. Diggs will leave for Germany today and should be ready to play for his new team shortly.

Jamar Diggs Joins The Webmoebel Baskets Paderborn - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Webmeobel Baskets Paderborn didnt waste anytime finding a replavement for david Schneider by bringing in Jamar Diggs. Diggs is a 22 year old 187cm guard from Minneapolis, Minnesota.Diggs will be making his professional basketball debut in Germany after playing in the NCAA. Diggs played at Wofford and last season played 33 games: 12.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.1apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 76.1%. 'Diggs is a complete and versatile player. We were offered manygood players, but we decided to get Jamar diggs.




Jamar Diggs Joins The Webmoebel Baskets Paderborn - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Webmeobel Baskets Paderborn didnt waste anytime finding a replacement for David Schneider (191-G-87, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: William & Mary) by bringing in Jamar Diggs (187-F-88). Diggs is a 22 year old 187cm guard from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Diggs will be making his professional basketball debut in Germany after playing in the NCAA. Diggs played at Wofford and last season played 33 games: 12.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.1apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 76.1%. 'Diggs is a complete and versatile player. We were offered many good players, but we decided to get Jamar Diggs (187-F-88), because he is a true point guard, can defend and brings everything to the table and has shown that he is a winner', stressed Webmoebel baskets Paderborn head coach Thomas Glasauer . Diggs started his basketball career in 2006 for Wayne St., NE (NCAA2) where he played until 2008. Diggs played at Wofford from 2008-2011.Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been All-NSIC Co-Newcomer of the Year -07, All-NSIC 2nd Team -08, NSIC All-Tournament Team -08, NSIC Tournament Semifinals -08, Southern Conf. South Division Regular Season Champion -10, Southern Conf. Tournament Winner -10, 11, Southern Conf. All-Tournament 1st Team -10, 11, All-Southern Conf. 3rd Team -10, and Southern Conf. South Division Regular Season Co-Champion -11.

Source: Webmoebel Baskets Paderborn

Cory Abercrombie in Nuernberg - by Moritz Korff
Cory Abercrombie (201-F/C-85) has joined Nuernberger BC, the 2. Bundesliga Pro A unveiled today. The power forward has previously played in Germany for FC Schalke 04 (2008-09 season) and for Hertener Loewen (2009-10 season). In this past campaign the 26-year-old produced impressive numbers for BBC Sparta Bertrange of Luxembourg. He appeared in 17 games for the Diekirch League club and averaged 16.2 points as well as 9.6 rebounds per outing. Thanks to his outstanding performances on the Bertrange team he was named Eurobasket.com All-Diekirch League Honorable Mention.

Dusseldorf and Cuxhaven face Dutch opponents - by Eurobasket News
EiffelTowers rolled over Giants Gloria Giants Dusseldorf 84:74. Wesley poured in 25 points and made 8 rebounds, while Turner scored 16. Jansen delivered 13 and Wessels chipped in 9.
Giants Gloria Giants Dusseldorf outscored Leeuwarden Lasaulec-Aris 89:79. The German team started with 19-18 and produced a 29-20 in the second frame. Moreover Giants Gloria Giants Dusseldorf added 22-21 in the third quarter and the Dutch team could win the last by one. Paris stepped up with 22 points and Sascha Kesselring (209-C-85) notched 14. Flomo delivered 12, while Rait Keerles (201-F-80, agency: Numbers Sports Agency) scored 10. Jeter replied with 16 points in defeat and de Paula brought 15.
Cuxhaven BasCats rolled over WCAA Giants Bergen op Zoom 87:75 and 89:69. Quinnel Brown stepped up with 20 points and Jackson Capel (191-G-87, college: Evangel) notched 18. Rahmon Fletcher (177-PG-88, agency: Court Side, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) answered with 14 points in the losing effort and Thomas Koenis (207-F/C-89, agency: Court Side) netted 12.
Zorg en Zekerheid meanwhile lost to Leuven Bears 64:68. Kennedy's 20 points were not enough for Zorg en Zekerheid.


The Rapid Miles Basketball Exchange With John Bynum (TBB Trier) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.) is a 33 year old 191 cm guard from Visalia California that will commence his second season with TBB Trier. He is a good fighter, fast and good in offensive playing. He is great athlete who shoot the ball with consistency from 3 and finish with authority on the break. He is a tremendous defender on the ball. He played college basketball at College of the Sequoias Junior College:from 1996-1998 and then transferred to Metropolitan St. (NCAA2): and played there from 1998-2000. He started his professional basketball career in 2001 in the Uk for the Solent Stars (United Kingdom-NBLConf): 31 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assist. In 2002-2003, came his first tour of duty in Germany for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga): 24.7ppg, 9.2rpg, 6.7apg, 3.5spg. In 2003-2004, he played for the Ulriken Eagles (Norway-BNLO): Regular Season: 14 games: 20,1ppg, 8,1rpg, 2,5apg, 2,9spg, 0,4bpg.In 2004-2005, he was back in Germany playing for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-2. can Bundesliga): 30 games: Score-5 (26.0ppg), 7.7rpg, Ast-4 (5.4apg), 1.7spg, 2FGP: 55.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 63.6%. In 2005-2006, he played for InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-A1): only pre-season, then joined COOCOON Baskets Weiden (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 8 games: 15.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 51%, left in Jan.'06 and later that month signed at Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 21 games: 7.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 56.5%. In 2006-2007, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 31 games: 5.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 43.1%, 3FGP: 25.0%, FT: 55.9%. In 2007-2008, he played for USC Heidelberg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 14 games: 14.4ppg, 4.4rpg, Assists-5 (4.6apg), 2.3spg, 2FGP: 54%, 3FGP: 27.3%, FT: 58.5%, left in Jan.'08 due to shoulder injury, in Feb.'08 moved to Digibu Baskets Paderborn (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 13 games: 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 70.0%. In 2009-2010, he played in the PRO A for Proveo Merlins Crailsheim (Germany-ProA, starting five): 27 games: 16.9ppg, 7.1rpg, Assists-3 (5.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 62.8%. Last season with TBB Trier, he played 35 games: 6.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 24.0%, FT: 64.3%. He sat down with eurobasket to talk basketball this summer.

It has been more than 4 months since you last played a Beko BBL game. How has your summer been? Were you able to do some things this summer that you havent been able to do the last years?

Well my summer was great it went by extremely fast but I got to get back to California and spend time with the family and although I didn't travel that much it was good to be home and just relax a little bit.

How does an offseason training session look like for John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.)?

Offseason training is mostly a lot of playing really. I am not big in working on certain individual things, for me it's about keeping in somewhat shape and keeping a ball in your hands and not get too lazy.

What have been the main things that you have been working on your game this summer?

As far as things that I worked on I would have to say just staying consistent at the things I do well. I try not to look at the bad Ain the off season.
Have you been following the 2011 summer Beko BBL transfers? What been your impression of new players coming to Germany?I have been following the transfers from home and it was in interesting summer which isn't over yet. Teams from all around the BBL got stronger which is good for the league.

It seems like the beko BBL will be even stronger next season with Alba Berlin, Bamberg and Bayern Munich looking to be in a class of their own. What will take to beat these teams?


Those teams all made great moves to get better for the upcoming season and look very good on paper. I think to beat those teams you just have to play like it's a normal game, they still have to step on the court and play just like the other teams in the league as well.

With the power of these three teams, do you think it will help the league more, because all teams will be even more motivated to beat them as getting into the playoffs will be as difficult as ever.

I think it's good for the league to have good teams period. Last season we really had one team that stood out from the rest but this season you can count those three but there are still some other teams that can make some noise still.

Is it possible with a reunited Gordon Herbert and Dashaun Wood and a very strong supporting cast to win the Beko BBl title for Alba Berlin. Alba Berlin is my top favorite to win it all. How strong do you see the team?


They have a very good core of players that they assembled and will compete each night. They will win a lot of games and be towards the top of the BBL for sure.

You will be playing your second season with TBB Trier. Will your role change any this season?

As far as my role goes I don't think it will change much. I just want to give my team a boost in any area I can and just provide what they need from me game to game.

On paper TBB Trier doesnt look as strong as last season. Last season, the team almost made the playoffs relying on a very strong defense. What will be the goal this season of TBB Trier?

I think our goal is just to improve from last season. We can't base that on a win total or compare anything from last season because last season is over. I think we just have to play hard and get better each game and be ready each time we take the court.

TBB Trier broght in Nate Linhart. How much of an impact do you see him making in the Beko BBL?


Well I think he will make an impact. He is a versatile player and will have the opportunity to do things on the court for us.

Head coach Henrik Roedl continues to bring in young Germans. The club brought in young German Joshiko Saibou. Is this young German point guard a guy that you will take under your wing? What is your biggest strength when giving young players advice during a season?

As far as taking players in I think that is a group effort and make sure that he is feeling comfortable each day at practice and helping him make the transfer being around new guys. As far as giving advice I really don't say too much depending on the situation for the most part.


What is your take on Ron Artest changing his name to World Peace?


If he wants to change his name and believes in that then more power to him.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD I saw was lottery ticket.

Thanks John for the chat.


Joe Herber (Fraport Skyliners)Is Like Grizzly Adams Surviving In The Basketball Wilderness - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Seeing big, bushy, hairy, well trimmed and sometimes unproportional beards that sometimes look as if a mischievous bird has set up its living quarters on the basketball court is about as unlikely as Paris Hilton buying lipstick in a second hand shop, Christina Aguliera sitting down at the dinner table to get diet tips from rocker Ozzy Osbournes daughter Kelly Osbourne or Dirk Nowitzki going home to his mothers birthday party in NBA bling bling jewelry, but seeing basketball players with extreme facial hair does happen from time to time. Beards on the court mostly come to mind in the post season, but sporting a beard in the regular season hasnt been an uncommon occurrence as in the 70s you had ex Gloria Giants Duesseldorf Brendan Winters dad Brian Winters parading around with his ominous black beard, Portland Trail Blazier Bill Walton dunking with his orange colored beard as if he had just entered the court with the Hells Angels, in the late 80s, you had Vlade Divac who played 9 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers who probably could have gone unnoticed on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and most recent beards that stay in our heads is the unique Muttonchops from Cavalier Baron Davis who could pose as a dead ringer for rapper Rick Ross or the Gasol brothers Pau and Marc who seem to worry as much about their appearance as Will Smith and Jada Pinket arent worrying about their marriage having any riffs. Currently with the German national basketball team, new Fraport Skyliner Johannes Herber (197-G-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: W.Virginia) is sporting a full fuzz which he had already demonstrated last season with The Walter Tigers Tuebingen. Wearing a beard last season in Tuebingen might not have been so different since Kenny Wiliams also looked like a model for men only hair care products. I had played against Joe in the NCAA tournament when we were both in school, he had much longer hair and a beard when I saw him in Tubingen. He never said why he wears a beard, I think he just goes with the flow. There were no jokes, we had a team full of beards, joked ex teammate Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports). This season Herber may have a problem finding some beard companion with the Fraport Skyliners unless he persuades Marius Nolte to join him who always seems good for a laugh.

Herber will be starting his 6th season as a professional. He played at W.Virginia (NCAA) from 2002-2006 where he played a total of 128 games and also with ex beko BBl players Mike Gansey and Frank Young. His best statistical season was his senior year where he played 33 games: 9.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.4apg, 1.0spg, FG: 40.6%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 79.2%. He had success with the team reaching the Big East Tournament Final and NCAA Tournament Elite Eight in 2005 and the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2006. He wasnt only a guy that spent all his free time in the weight room, but also took his studies very seriously as he studied political science and was an academic All American. He is a very well educated German and wont be caught reading a comic book on a road trip. I just remember him always reading the newspaper on the long bus rides. Most guys listen to ipods or watch movies but he was usually reading up some current events or a book, stressed ratiopharm Ulm forward Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports). After West Virginia, he returned back to Germany and was gobbled up from Alba Berlin. It seemed like he was living in a basketball dream world playing together with ex NBA player William Avery, Sharrod Ford and Ruben Boumtje Boumtje, but his new home would soon be converted into a nightmare as he had 3 ACL injuries limiting him to only 63 games in three seasons.

However, the German from Darmstadt never gave up and continued to battle back in rehab and was able to come back and join the Walter Tigers Tuebingen in February 2010. Last season, he was able to play his first full season in ages playing 34 games: 6.6ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 66.7%. Herber is a big Shooting guard that is a great three point shooter with a strong body. He scores the most of his points from the perimeter, but his bulk allow him to battle inside, and this is why he's a good rebounder too. He defends well, because he's got a great knowledge of the game. Last season he scored in double figures seven times and one of his stronger games was against the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf where he produced 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists, but he doesnt need to score in double figures in every game as his worth is seen in other areas. He was a guy that played for the team and always brought defensive intensity to the wing position, added ex Creighton player Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports).

Herber is also back with the German national team where he had played from 2004-2008. This summer Herber started slowly, but since the Super Cup in Bamberg, he has been in the starting lineup playing along side future NBA Hall of famer Dirk Nowitzki and block sensation Chris Kaman. At the European championships in Lithuania, Herber has stepped up playing his solid aggressive defense and hit a big shot against Italy. With the vast scoring power from both NBA players, Herber can concentrate on other important areas on the court. Comparing Herber to ex Los Angeles Lakers Kurt Rambis who won 4 NBA titles and wore hideous glasses in the 80s, but stayed clear from the facial hair in the look department would be sort of an insult, but both players seem to be in the same type of situation on the court as Rambis was in the starting line up at times with guys like Magic Johnson, James Worthy and Byron Scott and like Herber not necessarily on the court to score in bunches. I am sure that Bauermann respects what he brings to the team, and he is going to make the right plays and passes to set up the stars like Dirk and Kaman. Joe can also score if the defense starts to forget about him, warned Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports). Watts saw Herber in practice every day last season and knows why the Herber defense is so successful. It is his effort. You can tell that he is giving his all to stop his man from scoring. He is also helping other guys out with team defense, commented ex EnBW Ludwigsburg forward Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports).

Herber starts a new adventure after the European championships in Lithuania as he will start his first season with the Fraport Skyliners. Frankfurt isnt foreign terrain to him as he grew up south of Frankfurt and played with TV Langen from 1999-2002. He will miss most of the pre season, but should return to Frankfurt after the European championships with much experience and a number of Dirk Nowitzki stories to keep Marius Nolte entertained on bus trips. Herber has the right combination of skill on the court and a healthy and strong mentality to make the next step in Frankfurt. I believe he can make the next step, he takes care of himself and is a true professional. The Fraport Skyliners are very lucky to have him, smiled Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports). Watts is playing his fourth season in the Beko BBl and continues to have a love affair with the pretty Schwabenland or he simply cant get enough of the tasty Spaetzle since he has played in Ludwigsburg, Tuebingen and now will play in Ulm. He will remember Johannes Herber with a twinkle in his eyes. I always enjoyed learning new exercises from Joe. We had a mutual interest in that area. The play of the year was a transition assist from myself to a cutting Johannes Herber for the FLUSH! Never thought I would see the day, but he got somebody running under the rim when he dunked it, joked Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports). Herber looks like he could be the son of American TV icon Grizzley Adams who wore a bushy Santa Claus type of beard and lived with a bear in the wilderness. I could imagine Joe surviving in the wilderness, he went to West Virginia and looks like a true mountaineer. Strikes me as the kind of guy who enjoys camping for vacation, not nice resorts. You should ask him how his road trip this summer went, laughed Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports). With or without the beard come October 2011, Herber will be ready for the Beko BBL wilderness on the court.

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  GREECE   


Olympiacos locks Evangelos Mantzaris until 2015 - by Eurobasket News
Olympiacos Piraeus announced Monday the signing of talented and promising point guard Evangelos Mantzaris (196-G-90) to a four-year deal. He arrives to the Reds from Peristeri, where he started as a teenager. Mantzaris appeared 28 times in Greek league last season averaging 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists. In 2009/10, he had 3.3 ppg and 1.9 rpg for 21 games. Evangelos Mantzaris helped U20 Greece to win the Silver at the European Championships U20 in Croatia -10. He averaged 5.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists for them in 9 games. In 2009, Mantzaris won the EuroBasket Gold with U20 Greece and World Championship Silver with U19 NT. A year before that, Mantzaris helped U18 Greece to win the Gold at the European Championships U18 in Amaliada Pyrgos. Evangelos Mantzaris played for the Greek senior NT this summer, but he was one of the last cuts before the EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania. Mantzaris was named Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Honorable Mention -11.

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  HOLLAND   


Dusseldorf and Cuxhaven face Dutch opponents - by Eurobasket News
EiffelTowers rolled over Giants Gloria Giants Dusseldorf 84:74. Wesley poured in 25 points and made 8 rebounds, while Turner scored 16. Jansen delivered 13 and Wessels chipped in 9.
Giants Gloria Giants Dusseldorf outscored Leeuwarden Lasaulec-Aris 89:79. The German team started with 19-18 and produced a 29-20 in the second frame. Moreover Giants Gloria Giants Dusseldorf added 22-21 in the third quarter and the Dutch team could win the last by one. Paris stepped up with 22 points and Sascha Kesselring (209-C-85) notched 14. Flomo delivered 12, while Rait Keerles (201-F-80, agency: Numbers Sports Agency) scored 10. Jeter replied with 16 points in defeat and de Paula brought 15.
Cuxhaven BasCats rolled over WCAA Giants Bergen op Zoom 87:75 and 89:69. Quinnel Brown stepped up with 20 points and Jackson Capel (191-G-87, college: Evangel) notched 18. Rahmon Fletcher (177-PG-88, agency: Court Side, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) answered with 14 points in the losing effort and Thomas Koenis (207-F/C-89, agency: Court Side) netted 12.
Zorg en Zekerheid meanwhile lost to Leuven Bears 64:68. Kennedy's 20 points were not enough for Zorg en Zekerheid.


GasTerra Flames and Weert Stepco won the latest games - by Eurobasket News
GasTerra Flames and Weert Stepco won the latest games over another Dutch representatives. GasTerra Flames edged Magixx 71:68. GasTerra Flames made 49 rebounds, 16 assists, 11 steals. Magixx had 35 rebounds, 12 assists, 21 steals. Alex Wesby (196-G-80, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Temple) paced all the winners with 21 points and David Bell (186-G-81, agency: Impact Basketball) added 14. Lucas Hargrove (198-F-88, college: Auburn) finished the game with 23 points and 9 rebounds, while Henry Bekkering (198-F-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: E.Washington) notched 9.
Boom BBC Kangaroes was beaten by Weert Stepco BSW 66:88. The teams were tied at 21:21 after the first period, while Weert Stepco BSW won the rest of the quarters. Demario Anderson top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Yamene Coleman (206-C-86, agency: Court Side, college: Troy) netted 18. Joniavx answered with 12 points, while De Roover and Lecomte posted 11 apiece.


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  HUNGARY   


Debrecen and Marso Vagep finished the pre-season tournament - by Eurobasket News
Debrecen and Marso Vagep finished the pre-season tournament named Memorial Antonio Alexe.
In Day 1 U-Mobitelco BT Cluj Napoca opened the campaign with the win over Marso Vagep Nyiregyhaza 88:67. U-Mobitelco BT started the game with 26:17 and won the second period 20-15. Moreover the Romanian team added 27-18 in the last quarter. Mihail-Octavian Paul (192-G-82) poured in 18 points, while Kyndall Dykes (191-G/F-87, agency: Edge Sports, college: New Orleans) scored 16.
CSM Oradea started the campaign with the win over Factum Sport Debrecen 82:55. The Romanian team took the lead in the opening period and had a decisive push in the third quarter that they won 28-9.
U-Mobitelco BT Cluj Napoca rolled over Factum Sport Debrecen 103-69. The Romanian team started with 32-21 in the first period and added 28-10 in the second frame. Moreover the second half also belonged to the favorites that reached two victories. Zoran Krstanovic (205-C-82) paced all the winners with 23 points, while Santa scored 18. Justin Justin Ingram (185-PG-85, college: Toledo) ended up with 19 points in the losing case and Mondzinger as well as Izzo posted 13 each.
CSM Oradea outscored Marso Vagep Nyiregyhaza 92:66.
In the game for the third place Marso Vagep Nyiregyhaza beat Factum Sport Debrecen 80:67. Radulovic paced the winners with 22 points and Mate Mohacsi (192-F-90) scored 17. Justin Ingram answered with 26 points in the losing effort.

Gussing meanwhile overcame Szombathely 92:90. The Austrian side started with 25:20, but lost the second period by 7. The Hungarian squad managed to take 48:46 at the halftime and increased to 4 points after thirty minutes in the court. Only due to the last period Gussing grabbed the 2-point victory. Marcus Heard (201-F-84, college: De Paul) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Djuric notched 22. Thomas Dreesen (199-F-88, agency: Court Side) delivered 19, whilst Klepeisz M. and Claudio Vancura (180-PG-92) added 8 each. Simon answered with 19 points in the losing effort and Kalman scored 18.


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  IBL   


Portland Chinooks to Play In China - by John Gary
special thanks to oursportscentral.com The portland Chinooksof the IBL will be representing the US in a competive tournament featuring national team competitors from Australia,Germany and host China. Chinooks sponsor and US BASKETBALL ACADEMY partner traveling with the team Terry Emmert,says we are bringing a competive team to the tournament and we look forward to showing great sportsmanship as we compete.'We look forward to the competition stated the founder and owner of the US BASKETBALL ACADEMY Bruce Oneil', who organized the trip. 'The USBA has a long relationship with the IBL that will continue to develop and this tournament is another example of the opportunity we continue too provide for top players in an emerging market,'Oneil added.

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


National League Favorites Hapoel T.A. Sign Forward Tracy Smith - by David Pick
Last year's national league regular season champions and playoff finalists Hapoel Usishkin Tel-Aviv continues to build a deep and talented roster for the upcoming season. As recalled, aside from the local Israeli challenge, Hapoel will also compete in the European Balkan league.

After adding Bar Timor, Noam Matalon, Aviram Zelkovits, Yotam Shiran and Jonathan Shuldebrand, Head Coach Erez Edelshtein secured his first American jewel in the likes of North Carolina St. alumnus -- Tracy Smith (2Talent Sports Management).

The 6-foot-8 forward spent the past four years as a student athlete significantly improving his numbers year after year, despite a small decrease his senior season. Smith will try to fit into the enormous shoes left by American standout Brian Asbury, a 'Red Devils' fan favorite who after two years in the national league advanced to Israeli's top division. Last year at NC State, the talented Smith recorded 14.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in 21 appearances grabbing the 2011 All-ACC Honorable Mention award.

Hapoel will now focus on bringing in a guard as they look to finalize their squad.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd


Eurobasket Grades Israel NT Performance - by David Pick
A disappointing 2011 EuroBasket campaign? Blowouts to France and Germany? Missing Omri Casspi? Eurobasket decided to look beyond Israel's negative 3:2 record which sent them to the Holy Land 'earlier' then expected, and focused on the individual performances rating the roster and coaching staff on a scale of 1-10.

#4 Yogev Ohayon - After signing a well deserved two-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv, everybody expected Ohayon to have his breakthrough tournament on Europe's biggest stage, however, going 0/5 from the field, dishing out only three-dimes and recording four TO in his first two-games resulted in a tough one on one 40-minute encounter with the bench against Serbia and an overall poor tournament performance. Could it possibly be that Ohayon is just not ready yet for this level of basketball?
Best memory: First EuroBasket career points in game4 vs. Latvia.
Moment of shame: Sitting out the entire game against Serbia.
Averages: 4 games, 11.8 minutes, 2.8 points, 1.3 assists, 1.8 rebounds - evaluation: 3
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#5 Afik Nissim - Returning to the national squad after six long years was a dream come true for the guard who recently won the Czech championship while playing for Nymburk. The Israeli X-factor exceeded all expectations and showed high scoring ability while taking over the leading point guard position as the tournament progressed. Nissim also finished as the team's leader in assists.
Best memory: 16 points and one assist shy of a double-double performance against Serbia.
Moment of shame: A substandard performance vs. Germany.
Averages: 5 games, 15.4 minutes, 5 points, 2.6 assists, 0.6 rebounds - evaluation: 6.5
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#6 Yuval Naimy - Undoubtedly the most talented and creative scorer on the Israeli roster. Rumors say that Omri Casspi's injury opened up the final spot for Naimy on the squad. The fact that Naimy played garbage minutes in just 3/5 games raised many eyebrows and one only wonders if it was a basketball related decisions, especially when the team struggled offensively. Still, whenever the ball was in Naimy's hands productive plays and points were added to the scoreboard.
Best Memory: 9 points in 9 minutes against Latvia on 75% shooting.
Moment of shame: Sat on the bench for a total of 176-boring minutes.
Averages: 3 games, 9.7 minutes, 5.3 points, 1 assist, 0.3 rebounds - evaluation: 5
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#7 David Blu - If you didn't know Blu before, his yellow-greenish bright shoes for sure gave him away. The second campaign Blu had just taken part of as a national player was probably his last. The Southern California alumnus devoted two long summers to Israel's NT and was recognized by many as the ultimate professional athlete any coach would adore having. Blu began the Eurobasket games quiet but immediately caught fire on offense and established himself as Israel's prime defender, limiting Dirk Nowitzki, Boris Diaw and at times, Andrea Bargnani. The biggest question to be asked is as the team's best shooter, why wasn't he getting more touches? Blu's ranked 6th in three-point field goals made (2.4).
Best Memory: Going up against top NBA players and respectfully competing on both ends of the floor. Oh and the kicks of course.
Moment of shame: Unexpectedly missed two crucial free-throws against Latvia.
Averages: 5 games, 29.2 minutes, 12.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists - evaluation: 8
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#8 Guy Pnini - The best way to define Pnini is by saying he's the most loveable player when he's on your side and the most hated when playing against you. He's a nightmare for any opponent on both ends of the floor. In addition to a superb season with Maccabi, Pnini raised the banner once again proving to be a top European player who can compete on any level. Pnini scored in double-figures in 3/5 games and demonstrated great leadership at times needed.
Best memory: Pnini was quoted comparing Michel Jordan to Yaniv green regarding the game winning free-throw against Italy, 'at the time I thought to myself, even MJ can't make that free-throw.'
Moment of shame: Giving an unnecessary brutal elbow to Serbian center Nenad Krstic.
Averages: 5 games, 28 minutes, 13.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists - evaluation: 8.5
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#9 Gal Mekel - A somewhat upsetting campaign for who was the leading point guard throughout the entire exhibition and preparation games. Having missed out on last summer's qualifiers, Mekel looked to have an impact on Israel's success. However, he suffered from many ups and downs during the tournament, shot the ball terribly and at times, dribbled too much. Yet, he should learn from this experience and focus on the bright future ahead of him with Benetton TV.
Best memory: Mekel scored Israel's first fourth-quarter points against Italy, with 16-seconds on the game clock ending nine long minutes of zero points that almost coast them the game.
Moment of shame: Playing a mere 45-seconds against Serbia before coach Shivek sent him to the bench for the night.
Averages: 5 games, 13.4 minutes, 4.2 points, 2.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds - evaluation: 5
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#10 Tal Burstein - Burstein hit one of the most important shots in Israeli basketball history sending Israel to its first EuroBasket quarter-finals in 20 years, but that was eight years ago. Regardless of the impressive preparation games, Tal experienced an awful EuroBasket. A humiliating 4/17 field goal shot attempts shows Burstein was nowhere near his usual game and for the sake of Israeli basketball, he should understand that this was his last blue-and-white international tournament.
Best memory: The plane ride to Lithuania.
Moment of shame: EuroBasket 2011.
Averages: 5 games, 15.8 minutes, 2.2 points, 1 assist, 1.8 rebounds - evaluation: 2
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#11 Lior Eliyahu - Ranks #1 in 2 Pts Field Goals Made enough said. Eliyahu is probably the most talented Israeli basketball player today. Efficient, smart and a productive, Eliyahu finished each of Israel's five games in double-figures. Yet, missing easy lay-ups, getting into foolish foul trouble and forgetting to occasionally box out left a sour taste looking back on his performances.
Best Memory: Receiving complements from Dirk Nowitzki prior to the teams' game.
Moment of shame: Attempting to guard Dirk Nowitzki.
Averages: 5 games. 26.4 minutes, 16/4 points, 1.8 assist, 5.6 rebounds - evaluation: 7.5
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#12 Yotam Halperin - DISAPPOINTMENT. Halperin mentally arrived late to the EuroBasket and Israel gravely suffered from it. In their first two and biggest games against Germany and France, Halperin was nowhere to be found. Oh wait, he did arrive during the fourth-quarter garbage time of game2 against the tricolor. Halperin's hands shook and the Israeli NT along with them, dropping their first two games. Finally when meeting Serbia and his former coach and teammate, Halperin rose to the occasion. Hopefully, next summer, as Israel's leading European representative, Yotam will arrive when needed, on time.
Best Moment: Against Serbia. Outplaying his former coach, and outscoring his former Olympiakos back-court rival.
Moment of same: Game1 vs. Germany.
Averages: 5 games, 32 minutes, 11.8 points, 2 assists, 2.6 rebounds - evaluation: 5
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#13 Elishay Kadir - Failing to make last summer's roster due to an injury, Kadir was ready to prove himself worthy his EuroBasket chance. Maybe not in the most fashionably way but every night, Kadir filled up the stat sheet. From hard diving plays to impressive shot blocks, tip-ins and offensive rebounds, Kadir has been a pleasant surprise for Israel's coaching staff, as he developed himself becoming one of Israel's primary future stars.
Best moment: Respectfully battling against all the NBA players for the first time in his career.
Moment of shame: ?
Averages: 5 games, 5.8 points, 1.8 assist, 5 rebounds - evaluation: 6.5
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#14 Yaniv Green - A hard working, devoted player who gave everything in him to Israel's national team for 13-long years physically and mentally. Green had most likely participated in his last European competition and did it in style. He didn't score much nor did he grab too many rebounds, but Green's presence was felt every time someone drove the lane. A great lose for Israeli basketball.
Best moment: After sitting out with an injury for over six months, Green successfully participated in the 2011 EuroBasket games.
Moment of shame: It truly hurts seeing a player of Green's caliber sit on the bench not being able to play due to physical pains.
Averages: 4 games, 3.8 points, 0.5 assists, 2.5 rebounds - evaluation: 4.5
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#15 Uri Kokia - It's taken a long time, but Uri Kokia's hard work has paid off as he developed himself into a crucial electrifying part of the Israeli National Team (last summer). Having started off his career in the second division, he worked his way up to the top of Israeli basketball, playing a key role in the EuroBasket qualification campaign. The fact that Kokia only took part in one of Israel's five games is the most bizarre and unanswered fact from Israel's campaign.
Best moment: The 2-minutes he played against France.
Moment of shame: Sat on the bench for four games.
Averages: 1 game, 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists - evaluation: 3
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Coaching staff - A Belgium state-cup champion, Israeli all time greatest point guard and a coach they refer to as the 'lap-top', built a promising Israeli coaching staff. Despite the somewhat good feeling after two 'W's, no one can be fooled -- Israel played bad basketball in the EuroBasket. Giving up 89.6 points per game means there are unresolved defensive problems and too many liabilities. Israel's defensive rotations were awful and not only were the fans the ones who expected more from the coaching staff, the players did as well. Questionable rotations, weird line-ups, bad ball movement and many more led up to Israel's 'expected' failure. It is true that Omri Casspi was deeply missed, but the national team was here before Omri and will still be here after him. Head Coach Arik Shivek will hand in his final report a month from now, as hopes are that he continues to lead the squad, only this time, to new heights. Evaluation: 5
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Replacements

Due to the expected leave of David Blu from Israel's national team, here are a few professional experienced candidates to take his place. Who would you prefer?
Jordan Farmar, Jon Scheyer, Sylven Landesberg, Dan Grunfeld, D'or Fisher, Dane DiLiegro.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd





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  ITALY   


Ostuni lands Marco Rossetti for the upcoming season - by Giulio Signorini
Assi Basket Ostuni lands Marco Rossetti (203-G/F-80) for the upcoming legadue season.
Rossetti is a very talented player, capable to play in thee positions, 1, 2 and 3, with long arms and especially with a good defense.
He has played the youth in Montepaschi Siena, during his career he had played both in italian serie a and legadue teams. His first serie a Team was Siena in which he played from 1996 to 2002. With Siena he has also won the Saporta cup in 2001 - 2002 seasom. Then he played again in serie a from 2006 to 2008 in Sidigas Avellino. He had spent the rest of his career in legadue.
In the last season he had played for Prima Veroli in legadue averaging 1.9 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 15.9 minutes on the ground.
During his career he was a player of Italian youth national team (both with Under 18 and Under 20 team).

Benetton and Vanoli win the friendly actions - by Eurobasket News
BENETTON outscored SKYLINERS FRANCOFORTE 79:72. Michael Thompson, Gray Justin (188-G-84, college: Wake Forest), Quantez Robertson, Danilo Barthel and Marius Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops) had a good start for the German side that took 16:10 after the first 7 minutes of the game. E'Twaun Moore (192-G-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Purdue) scored for 27:26 and the Italian team took 42:32 later in the half. They remained in front until the end and won the friendly game by 7. E'Twaun Moore stepped up with 21 points and Gentile posted 15. Gray ended up with 28 points in the losing effort, while Thompson notched 12.
VANOLI BRAGA CREMONA edged TEZENIS VERONA 110:87. The winners easily reached the victory and showed better game at the court. Von Wafer (196-G-85, agency: VVG Sports, college: Florida St.) stepped up with 22 points and Perkovic netted 13. Mazic, Graham and Milic netted 11 each, while Dalibor Djapa (204-F/C-84, agency: Alti Sport) added 9. Mario West (196-G-84, college: Georgia Tech) replied with 28 points in the losing effort and Vukcevic delivered 18.


VANOLI BRAGA CREMONA-TEZENIS VERONA 110-87
VANOLI BRAGA: Cinciarini 8, Lottici 6, Graham 11, D'Ercole 6, Perkovic 13, Milic 11, Von Wafer 22, Thomas 8, Mazic 11, Moretti, Donzelli, Dalibor Djapa 9, Genovese 5.
TEZENIS: Brusamarello, Mario West 28, Cordioli, Porta 12, Colli 2, Boscagin 9, Naso ne, Banti 9, Mariani 4, Vukcevic 18, Edwards 5.

BENETTON SKYLINERS FRANCOFORTE 79-72
BENETTON: Adrien 12, E'Twaun Moore 21, Becirovic 13, Bulleri 6, De Nicolao 0, Sandri, Cuccarolo, Gentile 15, Moldoveanu 4, Wojciechowski 2, Masocco, Scalabrine 6.
SKYLINERS: Thompson 12, Gray 28, Oldenburg 4, Lindborn, Theilig, Franke, Marius Nolte 14, Novak, Barthel 6, Robertson 8.


Edga Sosa breaks his leg at FIBA Americas Championship - by Eurobasket News
Edgar Sosa (188-PG-88, college: Louisville) will miss the entire 2011/12 season due to a very serious injury. The Dominican Republic point guard broke his right leg tibia bone during the game against Panama. There was something more than 30 seconds remaining in the game and Dominicans had comfortable lead. Sosa will undergo surgery today. The injury was so shocking that players from both teams were visibly crying on the court. Coach John Calipari is devastated and showed his emotion with tears in his eyes.
Edgar Sosa signed a one-year deal with Fabi Shoes Montegranaro this summer. He spent the last one with Angelico Biella. For 30 games in SerieA Sosa averaged 14.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.3 steals. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA Honorable Mention -11 and participated at the SerieA All-Star Game. Edgar Sosa graduated at the University of Louisville a year ago.

Here you can watch the video of this shocking injury.

Tezenis Verona add Giorgio Boscagin and Gabriele Brusamarello - by Eurobasket News
Tezenis Verona add Giorgio Boscagin (195-G-83) and Gabriele Brusamarello (189-G-91) for 2011/2012 season. The Italians players already started the friendly clashes with the new team.
Giorgio Boscagin comes from Banca Tercas Teramo (SerieA). Last season in 30 games his stats read 5.8ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 35.7%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 74.1%. In his top game he recorded 17 points at the Regular Season Round 6. Benetton TV outscored Banca Tercas 90:71, when Banca Tercas fell at 0-6 record.
Gabriele Brusamarello started his career in 2007-2008 for Benetton Treviso junior team. In 2008-2009 continued with Benetton Treviso junior team and in 2009-2010 started for Basket San Vandemiano (C dilettanti), in May'10 moved to Benetton Treviso (SerieA). The last season he played for Euroforn Gualdo Tadino (B dilettanti).In 24 games averaged 7.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.0%.


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  LEBANON   


Sagesse inks Donald Cole. - by Rabih Khoury
After the problems in the management, Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut continued to build the team for the upcoming season and strengthen their roster by signing american power forward Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.). Cole will be the first import for Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut for next season, waiting the decision of the club concerning Marc Salyers. Cole played in Bulgaria last 2 seasons, where he averaged last season inBulgarian League: 35 games: 11.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 67.7%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 73.2% and in Balkan League: 8 games: 12.1ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP-3 (69.8%), 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 68.4%. Cole played also in Macedonia, Poland, United Kingdom.... Cole will have his first ever season in Asia and the middle east.

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  LITHUANIA   


P.Morkeliunas to Pasvalys - by Evaldas Ceilytkas
Newcomers of Lithuanian league Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys added power forward Paulius Morkeliunas (201-F-85, college: LIU Brooklyn) to roster. Last year Paulius Morkeliunas began in Kaunas Kaunas. He averaged 7,5ppg and 4,4rpg in Lithuanian league and 7,1 ppg anr 3,9 rpg in Baltic League. In february Paulius moved to Kazachstan team Astana Tigers. After graduating Long Island University of Brooklyn P.Morkeliunas played in Neptunas Klaipeda and Juventus Utena.

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  LUXEMBOURG   


Etzella land Corey Raji - by Eurobasket News
Corey Raji (198-F-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) will start his pro career in Luxembourg. The 22-year-old forward has agreed on terms of contract with Etzella. Corey Raji graduated from the Boston College this year. He tallied 12.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game in his senior season. Corey Raji attended workouts with the Boston Celtics in June. The forward will replace Spencer Johnson (198-F-87, college: UMKC) on the roster. Spencer Johnson was cut after his tryout period had ended.


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  MEXICO   


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


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  MONTENEGRO   


Stevan Milosevic joins Caja Laboral for training camp - by Eurobasket News
Caja Laboral announced arrival of Stevan Milosevic (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances) for the training camp. He will help them under the basket this pre-season. Milosevic missed first half of the 2010/11 season and in January joined Nizhny Novgorod. He had 1.6 ppg and 1 rpg for them in five games, after what they parted ways. In February, Milosevic moved to AEL Limassol. There he had 12.8 ppg, 10.3 rpg and 1.4 apg for 11 games. He helped AEL to reach the Cypriot league Finals. In the past, Stevan Milosevic played for Dijon, Partizan, Koln 99ers, Crvena Zvezda and Arkadia. He is a product of Buducnost Podgorica, where he played until 2007. Milosevic is a member of the Montenegrin B National Team.

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


John Wall, others to compete in fall league in Vegas - by Eurobasket News
The NBA agreed up for at sea its approximately time ago a year summer league in Las Vegas due to the push to out.

How about a reduction league in Sin City?

Early Monday, dozens of pro players are probable to compete in an NBA-single league in Las Vegas, according to longtime trainer Joe Abunassar, a pouring force in the rear the league.

Among the 40 or so players now committed to playing are Knicks care for Chauncey Billups, Knicks forward Shawne Williams and New York rookie care for Iman Shumpert.

Others contain Wizards care for John Wall (6'4''-PG-90, college: Kentucky), Memphis forward Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.), Bucks care for Stephen Jackson (6'8''-F-78, college: Butler Co.CC) and Nuggets forward Al Harrington (6'9''-F-80).

NBA players be inflicted including been unable to lobby band facilities in check over of the fact including the intention of July 1, as league owners imposed a league-wide push to out.

In check over of the fact including the intention of at that time, approximately of the games preeminent, counting Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, be inflicted including participated in summer pro-am leagues.

The pro-am games be inflicted including drawn a mix of NBA, the high classes and amateur players.

But the reduction league in Las Vegas, dubbed the Impression Training Competitive Basketball Series, will feature single NBA players.

Ive qualified guys for 15 being and theres not anything best than playing against distinguished-amount competition, Abunassar said by buzz Monday.

Abunassar expects the league to be comprised of six to eight teams of seven to eight players, including NBA teammates playing collectively as possible. There will be a go against round and finals game, which is scheduled for Sept. 23.

Games will feature NBA policy including affront adjustments to foul policy and 10-minutes quarters.

Fans will also be allowed to watch, for a fee. Including covering league expenditure, proceeds early ticket sales will be donated to charities elected by each band.

Abunassar diplomacy to post data and standings on the Impression Basketball website and hopes to reach a transact business including a newscaster to provide feeds to the games online.

Approximately players early the 2011 draft class are probable to attend. First-year pros scheduled to play contain Grizzlies care for Josh Selby, Wizards care for Shelvin Mack, Nail clippers forward Al-Farouq Aminu, Blazers care for Armon Johnson and Celtics care for Avery Bradley, according to Abunassar.

The Las Vegas league could be above all vital to rookies, who would miss crucial practice time if the labor strife affects training camps, set to commence in ahead of schedule October.

As a substitution for of playing in a gym everyplace by themselves now theyve got an NBA five to (play) including. Theyve got guys including the intention of know rotations, theyve got guys including the intention of know how to aid, Abunassar said. Its inane to be intense; I reflect alls into it.

Courtesy of www.sports7news.com

Scoring champion Kevin Durant needs a healthier diet - by Eurobasket News
The truth is, at this point, the Thunder is far more concerned with Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) chilling out on chicken wings rather than increasing his chest press numbers. Because Durant, roughly three weeks shy of his 23 birthday, still has a tendency to eat like a college kid.

'I could eat a lot better', Durant recently admitted.

The two-time scoring champ can cram wings with the best of them. Durant loves them so much that Wingstop this year was a sponsor at his annual basketball camp in Oklahoma City, and theres been talk of Durant possibly signing on as a spokesman for the Texas-based chain. Its just one of his many food fetishes.

But after four seasons, Durant is finally figuring out the importance of healthier choices. As a naturally skinny person, Durant isnt likely to ever undergo the transformation most would prefer. Eating better, however, could help offset his inability to bulk up. It could improve Durants conditioning and help protect that frail but growing frame.

This past year, I was really big on eating a lot of foods with vegetables. Thats all I really ate this past year was foods with vegetables, Durant said. Im trying to stay away from the red meats and the fast food as much as I can, even though its tempting.

Courtesy of The Oklahoman (taken from www.insidehoops.com)

Two-time NBA champ Josh Powell heads to China, Liaoning - by Eurobasket News
Josh Powell (6'9''-F-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) will continue his career in China. The two-time NBA champion signed a deal with Liaoning. He will spent next CBA season with them. Powell arrives to Liaoning from the Atlanta Hawks, where he played in 2010/11. He appeared 62 times in the NBA averaging 3.8 points and 2.3 rebounds. Josh Powell won two NBA rings with the LA Lakers. It was in 2009 and 2010. In their first season together he had 4 ppg and 2.7 rpg, while in 2009/10 Powell added 2.5 ppg and 1.7 rpg. Before the Lakers, he spent one season with the LA Clippers. Josh Powell also has experience from the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks. In the past, he played for the Italian teams Pepsi Caserta and Scafati.

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


Prince Edward Island sign Mike Williams - by Eurobasket News
Joe Salerno , Head Coach of the Prince Edward Island franchise of the newly formed National Basketball League of Canada, announced today that 6' 8' power forward Mike Williams (6'7''-F-85, college: Cincinnati), a native of Camden, Alabama and a McDonalds High School All-American, has signed with the Island franchise.

Williams played two years with the University of Texas Longhorns and two years with the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. In 2006, while playing with Texas, he made it to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Division 1 Championship tournament.

Last year Williams played with the Vermont Frost Heaves of the PBL and lead the league in scoring with over 20 points per game and over 10 rebounders per game. Coach Salerno says 'Mike Williams is a phenominal basketball player and an even better person. He will be a terrific community person off the court and will excite the fans on the court. This signing will let other teams in the National Basketball League of Canada know we are in business and ready to compete.'

Training camp for the Island Pro Basketball franchise begins the first of October with a home opening two game set for November 3 and 4th at Credit Union Place in Summerside. The franchise will announce another player signing later this week while season ticket packages will be announced and go on sale following the Labour Day weekend.

Courtesy of www.nblcanada.ca

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


Tennessee Vols hire Alabama's Dave Hart as AD - by Eurobasket News
Tennessee introduced Dave Hart as its new vice chancellor and athletics director on Monday night.

Hart has worked since August 2008 at his alma mater, Alabama, one of the Volunteers' top rival programs, where he served as executive director of athletics assisting Alabama Athletics Director Mal Moore. Previously he spent 12 years as Florida State's athletic director.

'I want this to be perfectly clear: I am absolutely and totally committed to the University of Tennessee,' Hart said at a news conference Monday night. 'I wanted to say that early because I don't want you to trip over each other to ask the Alabama question.'

Under a memorandum of understanding, Tennessee will pay Hart a base salary of $575,000 in his first year of a six-year contract, and he may qualify for a 3 percent increase of his base salary with each passing year. He will also receive $150,000 annually for media appearances and a $50,000 retention bonus each year.

Tennessee had been looking for an athletic director since Mike Hamilton resigned in June in the wake of a lengthy NCAA investigation into the Volunteers' basketball and football programs that resulted in a self-imposed two-year probation for the athletics department.

Hart said the NCAA's final ruling on Tennessee's case, which was announced Aug. 31, had no bearing on his decision to accept the job.

Courtesy of http://m.tennessean.com

Paul Guede signs pro deal in Slovakia - by Eurobasket News
Paul Guede (6'5''-G/F-87) is ready to start his professional basketball career. The American guard/small forward signed a deal with Prievidza. They will compete in Slovakian top division. Gueda is a product of the Portland State University, where he graduated few months ago. He appeared 30 times for them as a senior averaging 4 points and 3.2 rebounds. Guede had slightly better numbers in 2009/10. At that time he had 4.9 ppg and 3 rpg. Guede and Portland State won the Big Sky Conference Tournament in 2009. He joined the school in 2008 from the Tallahasse CC (JUCO). In 2006/07, Guede played for Valparaiso University.

Terrell leaves Wake Forest following DWI arrest - by Eurobasket News
Guard J.T. Terrell (6'4''-G) is withdrawing from Wake Forest and leaving the basketball team after he was charged with driving while impaired.

Terrell's attorney, Mike Grace, said in a statement issued Monday through the school that Terrell was arrested by Winston-Salem Police at about 3 a.m. Saturday.

Grace says the circumstances of the arrest and other signs indicate that Terrell 'suffers from a serious medical condition which requires immediate attention.''

In the statement, Terrell apologized and said he will spend the next few months rebuilding his life and hopes to play college basketball again. Coach Jeff Bzdelik says Terrell is ''at an important crossroads'' and wishes him well.

Terrell started 18 of 32 games as a freshman last season and averaged 11 points.

Courtesy of http://triad.news14.com

Slask Wroclaw terminates deal with Billy White - by Eurobasket News
Billy White (203-F-89) is no longer a member of Slask Wroclaw. The Polish club decided to terminate a deal which is signed last month. The American rookie did not arrive on time for preparations and Slask decided not to wait any longer. White is a product of the San Diego State University, where he graduated few months ago. He had 10.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 1.6 apg for his school as a senior. He helped them reach the NCAA Sweet 16. San Diego State also won the MWC Tournament in 2010 and this year. In 2009, they played in the NIT Final Four. Billy White averaged 11.1 ppg and 4.3 rpg for his school as a junior. He had lower digits in his first two years. In 2008, White was named All-MWC Freshman of the Year. In 2010 and 2011 he was awarded with MWC All-Tournament Team.

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


Corey Pelle get pro deal in Slovakia - by Eurobasket News
Corey Pelle (5'11''-G) is set to start his professional basketball career. The American point guard penned one-year deal with BC Prievidza. They will play in the Slovakian top division and Pelle will be their starting PG. Corey Pelle graduated this year at the West Liberty State College. He shined with 17.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 6.2 apg in 34 games as a senior. Pelle helped his school to reach NCAA2 Final Four. He was named Daktronics Division II All-America 1st Team -11. Corey Pelle was great in 2009/10 as well. He had 17.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 5.1 apg that season. Pelle was awarded with All-WVIAC Player of the Year -11 and also All-WVIAC 1st Team -10.

*****************************************************
  OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Boomers name 12 for Olympic qualifiers - by Eurobasket News
The 12-man Australian Boomers mens national basketball team that will take on archrivals New Zealand in the Olympic qualification tournament starting tomorrow night in Melbourne has been named, and includes NBA superstar Patty Mills, as well as seven European-based players, three local National Basketball League heros and one young college athlete.

Mills, who recently signed to play for the NBLs Melbourne Tigers while his Portland Trail Blazers NBA team is in lock-out, headlines a team that also has a wealth of international talent.

Boomers captain Matthew Nielsen joins fellow European-based Aussies Joe Ingles, Brad Newley, David Barlow, Aron Baynes, Aleks Maric and AJ Ogilvy in the team that will play the Tall Blacks for a ticket to the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Also named in the team were three NBL stars Mark Worthington and Adam Gibson of the Gold Coast Blaze and Damian Martin of the Perth Wildcats.
Rising star guard Matthew Dellavedova of St Marys college, who impressed during the Boomers recent successful European tour, was the sole college player named to the team.

Game One of the FIBA Oceania Championship series, which is to be played as a unique double-header with the Jayco Opals, will be held tomorrow night (Wednesday 7 September) in Melbourne at the State Netball Hockey Centre (AKA The Cage) and has already sold-out of all general admission tickets. Game Two will be at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on 9 September and Game Three at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on 11 September.

Tickets for the Sydney game are on sale now through Ticketmaster, while tickets to the Brisbane game are now being sold through Ticketek.

Click here for more details on the Boomers and Opals double-header against New Zealand.


2011 Australian Boomers Team
David Barlow (205-F-83, college: Metro St.), Murcia, Spain
Aron Baynes (208-C-86, college: Washington St.), EWE Basket Oldenburg, Germany
Matthew Dellavedova (193-G-90), St Mary's College, USA
Adam Gibson (188-G-86), Gold Coast Blaze
Joe Ingles (203-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports), Regal FC Barcelona, Spain
Aleks Maric (211-C-84, college: Nebraska), Panathinaikos, Greece
Damian Martin (188-G-84, college: Loyola Marymount), Perth Wildcats
Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA), Portland Trailblazers, USA
Brad Newley (201-F-85, agency: Beo Basket), Lietuvos, Rytas, Lithuania
Matt Nielsen (208-F/C-78, agency: Beo Basket), BC Khimki, Russia
Andrew James Ogilvy (211-C-88, college: Vanderbilt), Valencia, Spain
Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.), Gold Coast Blaze

2011 FIBA Oceania Championship for Men and Women
7 Sept 2011 FIBA Oceania Championship for Men (vs. NZ) Game 1, Melbourne
9 Sept 2011 FIBA Oceania Championship for Men (vs. NZ) Game 2, Brisbane
11 Sept 2011 FIBA Oceania Championship for Men (vs. NZ) Game 3, Sydney

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



*****************************************************
  PANAMA   


Dominicans blast Panama 92-68 to open Quarterfinals Round, shocking injury for Edgar Sosa - by Eurobasket News
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - PANAMA 92-68

Dominican Republic trashed Panama 92-68 in the first game of the Quarterfinals Round in Mar del Plata. Thanks to this victory Dominicans jumped to 3-1 record, while on the other side Panama dropped to 0-4. Luis Flores (188-G-81, college: Manhattan) led the winners in scoring last night with 17 points (5 assists). Francisco Garcia (201-F/G-81, college: Louisville) had 15 points, while Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) helped with 13 points and 14 rebounds (valuation 25). Edgar Sosa (188-PG-88, college: Louisville) had 13 points and 8 assists before he faced with a very serious injury. There was something more than 30 seconds remaining in the game when Sosa broke his leg! He will miss the entire 2011/12 season because of this shocking injury. In Panama, Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) shined with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Ruben Garces (206-C/F-73, agency: Priority Sports, college: Providence) had 17 points and 12 boards, and Jose Lloreda (201-F/C-80, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: LSU) added 13 pts, plus 8 rebs. Quarters: 21-17, 23-13, 31-19, 17-19. Today, Dominicans will meet Uruguay. Panama will take on Brazil.

Dominican Republic: Luis Flores 17+5 as, Francisco Garcia 15, Jack Michael Martinez 13+14 boards, Edgar Sosa 13+8 as
Panama: Danilo Pinnock 23+6 boards, Ruben Garces 17+12 boards, Jose Lloreda 13+8 boards

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


Slask Wroclaw terminates deal with Billy White - by Eurobasket News
Billy White (203-F-89) is no longer a member of Slask Wroclaw. The Polish club decided to terminate a deal which is signed last month. The American rookie did not arrive on time for preparations and Slask decided not to wait any longer. White is a product of the San Diego State University, where he graduated few months ago. He had 10.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 1.6 apg for his school as a senior. He helped them reach the NCAA Sweet 16. San Diego State also won the MWC Tournament in 2010 and this year. In 2009, they played in the NIT Final Four. Billy White averaged 11.1 ppg and 4.3 rpg for his school as a junior. He had lower digits in his first two years. In 2008, White was named All-MWC Freshman of the Year. In 2010 and 2011 he was awarded with MWC All-Tournament Team.

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. Limbach 0-0 
 4. Novum Lublin 0-0 
 5. Pulaski Warka 0-0 
 6. PWiK Piaseczno 0-0 
 7. Rosa II Radom 0-0 
 8. Staco MNLK 0-0 
 9. Tur 0-0 
 10. UKS Siemaszka 0-0 
 11. UMKS 0-0 
 12. Unia Tarnow 0-0 
 13. Wisla AWF Kr. 0-0 
 14. WOSSM W-wa 0-0 


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


Daniel Santiago leads Puerto Rico to 94-82 win against Venezuela - by Eurobasket News
VENEZUELA - PUERTO RICO 82-94

Puerto Rico recovered from defeat against Argentina and opened Quarterfinals Round with victory. They outplayed Venezuela 94-82 for 3-1 record. The same score also have Brazil and Dominican Republic. Venezuela dropped to 1-3 after this loss. Center Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) stepped up for the winners with 22 points. He missed just once for 20 minutes on the court. Alexander David Galindo (198-F-85, college: FIU) had 18 points and Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: FIU) helped with 14 points, plus 6 assists. Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) responded with 18 points in defeat. Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) had 17 points and 5 rebs, while David Cubillan (183-PG-87, college: Marquette) added 15 pts. Quarters: 19-18, 17-26, 21-31, 25-19. Puerto Rico will play against Canada today. Venezuela will meet undefeated Argentina.

Puerto Rico: Daniel Santiago 22, Alexander David Galindo 18, Carlos Arroyo 14+6 as
Venezuela: Axiers Sucre 18, Oscar Torres 17+5 boards, David Cubillan 15

*****************************************************
  ROMANIA   


Preparation actions for the upcoming season - by Eurobasket News
CSM Bucuresti edged CSU Asesoft 76:75. The winners started with 23:16, but CSU Asesoft replied with 21-16 in the second period. The teams again exchanged the victories in the second half that brought the final success for CSM Bucuresti. Claudiu Fometescu (188-G-73) stepped up with 20 points and Martinic chipped in 16. Gallimore delivered 12, while Bryson McKenzie (211-C-83, college: N.Illinois) scored 10. Jones erupted with 28 points in the losing case and Burlacu added 17.
CSU Sibiu won over Austrian Gussing 72:70. The Austrain team played better in the first half and as a result took 46:35 halftime lead. The Romania team meanwhile grabbed the victories in the second half quarters and reached 2-point win. For Gussing Aleksandar Djuric (210-F/C-82) poured in 16 points and Thomas Dreesen (199-F-88, agency: Court Side) delivered 11. Marcus Heard (201-F-84, college: De Paul) nailed 10, while Klepeisz M. posted 9.
CSM Oradea lost to U Mobitelco Cluj-Napoca 85:94.



U-Mobitelco BT Cluj Napoca wins Memorial Antonio Alexe - by Eurobasket News
U-Mobitelco BT Cluj Napoca overcame CSM Oradea 94:86 to win Memorial Antonio Alexe. Zoran Krstanovic (205-C-82) led the way with 29 points and 11 rebounds, while Kyndall Dykes (191-G/F-87, agency: Edge Sports, college: New Orleans) notched 24. Markovic replied with 16 points in defeat and Pesic posted 15.
Earlier U-Mobitelco BT Cluj Napoca rolled over Factum Sport Debrecen 103-69. The Romanian team started with 32-21 in the first period and added 28-10 in the second frame. Moreover the second half also belonged to the favorites that reached two victories. Zoran Krstanovic paced all the winners with 23 points, while Santa scored 18. Justin Ingram ended up with 19 points in the losing case and Mark Mondzinger (200-F-90, agency: TSS Management) as well as Izzo posted 13 each.
CSM Oradea outscored Marso Vagep Nyiregyhaza 92-66.
In Day 1 U-Mobitelco BT Cluj Napoca opened the campaign with the win over Marso Vagep Nyiregyhaza 88:67. U-Mobitelco BT started the game with 26:17 and won the second period 20-15. Moreover the Romanian team added 27-18 in the last quarter. Mihail-Octavian Paul (192-G-82) poured in 18 points, while Kyndall Dykes scored 16.
CSM Oradea started the campaign with the win over Factum Sport Debrecen 82:55. The Romanian team took the lead in the opening period and had a decisive push in the third quarter that they won 28-9.


Bogdan Tibirna sign with CS Otopeni - by Eurobasket News
Bogdan Tibirna (210-C-91) sign with CS Otopeni for the upcoming season. The Romanian Center comes from BC Steaua Turabo Bucuresti.
In 2008-2009 Bogdan played for CS Otopeni Bucuresti (Div.A) and in 4 games averaged 4.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.0bpg. In 2009-2010 for CS Otopeni (Div.A) had 2.5ppg. The last season moved to BC Steaua Turabo Bucuresti (Div.A) and debuted in EuroChallenge. After 5 games his stats read 1.4ppg, 1.0rpg, while in Romanian League after 20 games he showed 3.1ppg, 2.3rpg.
This summer Bogdan Tibirna participated at the European Championships U20 Division B in Sarajevo. He was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U20 Division B 3rd Team -11. In 9 games he had high 15.9ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.2apg, Blocks-1 (2.9bpg), FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 19.2%, FT: 56.3%. Moreover the player also was a member of the Romanian University National Team -11. He recorded 9 points in the opener when Brazil outscored Romania in one of the last games in Day 1 of the University Games in Shenzhen, China. Both teams struggled hard and needed overtime to find out the winner. Brazil needed 7-4 in extra 5 minutes to seal the victory as it became the third overtime in Day 1.



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


Two easy victories for Spartak Primorie Vladivostok - by Eurobasket News
Spartak Primorie Vladivostok won over Prigorye for the second time. The Russian team opened the game with 22-17 and added 17-9 in the second frame. The Croatian team replied with 17-14 in the third quarter, while Spartak needed 24-13 for 77:56 victory. Aleksandr Pavlov (202-F-86, agency: RIZO) poured in 18 points and Fomin posted 12. Jeleel Akindele (216-C-83, college: Chicago St.) and Gannadi Zelenskiy (187-G-82, agency: RIZO) netted 8 apiece, whilst Denis Polokhin (195-G-90) scored 7.
Tonight Spartak Primorie Vladivostok overcame Split 81:61. The Russian team dominated the court and showed better preparation for the upcoming season. Aleksandr Pavlov, Jeleel Akindele and Jeleel Akindele each brought 12 points. Torey Thomas (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) scored 9, while Fomin added 8.
Spartak SP meanwhile will start his 6-games tour tonight in Italy. The team will face Turkish Olin in the opener.


*****************************************************
  SCOTLAND   


Standings
National League Standings
 1. Boroughmuir 0-0 
 2. C.Eriksson F. 0-0 
 3. Dunfermline 0-0 
 4. Edinburgh K. 0-0 
 5. Glasgow R. II 0-0 
 6. Glasgow Storm 0-0 
 7. Glasgow Univ. 0-0 
 8. St.Mirren 0-0 
 9. Stirling Knights 0-0 
 10. Troon Tornadoes 0-0 


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


Omonia Nicosia signs Nikola Radojicic - by Eurobasket News
Nikola Radojicic (196-G-86, agency: ProSportsCareers) will continue his career on Cyprus. The Serbian guard signed a deal with Omoia Nicosia. Radojicic changed three teams last season. He started with FYR Macedonian Kumanovo averaging 8 points, 3 rebounds and 3.2 assists for them in five games. They parted ways soon after that and Radojicic signed with Montenegrin Gorstak Kolasin. There he had 17.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 6.5 apg in three games. In February this year Radojicic moved to the Syrian team Kasyoun. His stats read 14.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 6.4 apg and 1.8 spg in 7 games. In the past, Nikola Radojicic played in Georgia, Slovenia, Romania and Slovakia. He won the Slovakian Cup with Spisska Nova Ves in 2007.

Igor Kokoskov make historical success with Georgia National team - by Zoran Popovic
Serbian coach Igor Kokoskov make great success with Georgia National team. After he took Georgia National team three years ago, they passed qualification in tough competition and on European Championship in Lithuania won two very important games and qualified in second round. According to rumors on European and Serbian basketball market, Igor Kokoskov is very close to accept some of great offers of biggest European teams. During the career as a head coach Igor Kokoskov led OKK Beograd junior and senior team, Partizan junior team and as coach assistant was on the bench of Missouri University, Los Angeles Clipers, Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns. Kokoskov was head coach of Yugoslavian youth team and coach assistant of Yugoslavian National team 2004. Igor Kokoskov is first Serbian coach who won NBA Championship.

Miroslav Raduljica officially joins Partizan today - by Eurobasket News
Today Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) will officially become a new member of Partizan. The promising center will sign a deal which will allow him to play for the Serbian champions on loan from Anadolu Efes. Raduljica signed a deal with Efes last summer, but he missed first half of the season due to injury. The Turkish giant loaned Raduljica to ALBA Berlin in March. There the Serbian center had 10 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 25 games in German league. Miroslav Raduljica is a product of FMP Zeleznik, where he started as a teenager. In their last season together (2009/10) he had 13.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg and 2.3 apg in 14 EuroChallenge games. He had almost the same numbers for 23 games in Adriatic league. In Serbian league, Raduljica exploded with 21.1 ppg, 8.6 rpg and 2.6 apg. He ended as the best scorer and rebounder of the competition. Raduljica played for the Serbian NT two years ago in Poland. He had 3.3 ppg in 7 games.

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


Radoslav Rancik shines in pre-season with Azovmash - by Eurobasket News
Slovakian star Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.Cloud St.) demonstrates wonderful performance this pre-season with his team Azovmash Mariupole. In their latest game the former Ukrainian champion managed to beat Montepaschi Siena 81-76. Rancik was a key player in this victory with 24 points. The second scorer in Azovmash was Artur Drozdov with 13 points. For the Italian powerhouse, Joseph Crispin delivered 28 points. Before Montepaschi, Azovmash played a friendly game against Anadolu Efes. Radoslav Rancik shined in that meeting as well. Efes grabbed 88-87 thriller win against the Ukrainians mostly thanks to Sasha Vujacic, who scored 30 points. Rancik led Azovmash with 18 pts. Both games were played in the Italian city Bormio.

BK Opava plays scrimmages with Slovakian teams - by Eurobasket News
BK Opava played two scrimmages with Slovakian teams and lost both of them.
Spisska Nova Ves rolled over the team from Czech Republic 92:69. The winners started with 26:18 and had 9-point advantage at the halftime. Moreover the doubled if for 71:53 after thirty minutes and finished the game with a confident victory. Maurizio Galata (202-F-92) and Jakub Sirina (185-G-87) posted 19 points each for the winners and Jan Kupcik (182-G-92) scored 10. Astrum Levice edged BK Opava 90:75. The Czech Republic team started with 25-23 and enjoyed 45:41 at the halftime. The third quarter however was decisive in the game as Astrum Levice needed 23-13 to take the lead and celebrated the victory. Radim Klecka (188-G-90) ended up with 17 points for Opava and Jakub Sirina netted 15. Maurizio Galata finished the game with 11 points in the losing effort.


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  SPAIN   


Stevan Milosevic joins Caja Laboral for training camp - by Eurobasket News
Caja Laboral announced arrival of Stevan Milosevic (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances) for the training camp. He will help them under the basket this pre-season. Milosevic missed first half of the 2010/11 season and in January joined Nizhny Novgorod. He had 1.6 ppg and 1 rpg for them in five games, after what they parted ways. In February, Milosevic moved to AEL Limassol. There he had 12.8 ppg, 10.3 rpg and 1.4 apg for 11 games. He helped AEL to reach the Cypriot league Finals. In the past, Stevan Milosevic played for Dijon, Partizan, Koln 99ers, Crvena Zvezda and Arkadia. He is a product of Buducnost Podgorica, where he played until 2007. Milosevic is a member of the Montenegrin B National Team.

Update on Pau Gasols Injury - by Eurobasket News
Los Angele's star Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) suffered a minor ankle sprain in Spain's 91-79 victory over host Lithuania last Sunday.

On Monday, the coaching staff of Spain never took any risk of putting Pau Gasol on the floor despite losing to Turkey, 57-65.

But Pau Gasol is expected to be fit when the second round of Eurobasket 2011 starts. Spains coach Sergio Scariolo said Pau Gasol is undergoing a treatment and that his doctors would assess him before the second round begins.

Despite the loss to Turkey, Spain is still on the top of Group A going to the second round.

Courtesy of www.thebreps.info

La Palma, Burgos and Tenerife celebrate in pre-season games - by Eurobasket News
LEB Gold teams started with friendly games.
La Palma was better than Tenerife 95-81. La Palma had a nice start making 30-22 lead in the first ten minutes. Tenerife slightly improved after that, but was not able to avoid seven point deficit at the HT. Question about the winner was resolved in Q3. La Palma made 29-22 in this period having to troubles to keep their lead for rest of the time. Roman Martinez (201-F-88, college: N.Mexico) stepped up for La Palma with 22 points. Sebastian Arrocha (180-G-76) and Antonio Pena helped the winners with 18 and 14 points respectively. In the loosing squad, Sammy Monroe (198-F-85, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Newberry) shined with 21 points. Georvys Elias and Nick Moore scored 16 points each.
Burgos grabbed 80-79 win against Melilla in a friendly game which was played last night. Marcus Vinicius led Burgos with 16 points.
Also Lleida celebrated in thriller against Girona 56-55. Marc Rubio (186-G-88) scored 11 points for Lleida. Arnas Labuckas (205-F-87, agency: Interperformances) also had 11 points, but in loss.

Tenerife signs F Sammy Monroe - by Eurobasket News
Sammy Monroe (198-F-85, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Newberry) is a new member of Tenerife. The American forward signed a deal for next season. Monroe heads to Tenerife from the PBL team Rochester RazorSharks. He had 13.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 2.3 apg for 17 games in this competition. In 2010/11 season Monroe changed two teams. He started with Uruguayan Malvin averaging 15.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists for 5 games in LUB. Monroe joined Potros ITSON later registering 15.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 2.8 apg in 24 LNBP games (Mexico). In the past, Monroe played on Philippines. He exploded there with 26 ppg, 9.3 rpg and 1.3 spg for 17 games with Barako Coffee Master (2010 season PBA season). Monroe won three PBL titles with the Rochester RazorSharks.

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  SWITZERLAND   


Starwings edged BC Alte Kanti Aarau, announced the roster - by Eurobasket News
Starwings edged BC Alte Kanti Aarau 77:49. The team controlled the game and dominated the entire court. The favorites reached 40:25 at the halftime and finished the game on a high note. Burrows top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Jenkins nailed 17.
The team also announced Kostic for the 2011/2012 season. Branislav Kostic (180-PG-94) is a 1994 year born Swiss player. This summer he was the member of the Swiss U18 National Team -11. At the European Championships U18 Division B in Varna (Bulgaria) after 6 games he averaged 4.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.3apg, 1.5spg.
Starwings will keep Joel Fuchs (189-G-89), Boris Smiljic (198-F-90) and Austrian Hansjorg Schuetzinger (190-G/F-90).

Roman Albrecht (208-C-90) (CH, 1990, 211 cm)
Severin Beltinger (190-G-91) (CH, 1991, 193 cm)
Jaraun Burrows (203-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: IPFW) (Bahamas, 1985, 203 cm)
Joel Fuchs (CH, 1989, 190 cm)
Ralph Guttinger (CH, 1990. 183 cm)
Brandon Jenkins (USA, 1985, 190 cm)
Branislav Kostic (CH, 1994, 180cm)
Niels Matter (204-F/C-87) (USA, 1987, 202 cm)
Tony McCrory (199-G/F-77, college: Simon Fraser) (Can-Irl, 1977, 199 cm)
Miroslav Petkovic (183-G-88) (CH, 1988, 1983 cm)
Hansjorg Schuetzinger (Aut, 1990, 188 cm)
Boris Smiljic (CH, 1990, 198 cm)
Felix Stauch (D, 1992, 201 cm)
Alessandro Verga (191-F-95) (CH, 1995, 191cm)


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  TURKEY   


Aliaga wins in friendly game - by Eurobasket News
Aliaga Petkim - Gelisim Koleji 73-46

Aliaga and Gelisim played a friendly game yesterday. Aliaga demonstrated much better performance celebrating huge 73-46 victory. They took control on Gelisim from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 25-9, 13-6, 22-11, 13-20. Brian Qvale (210-C-88, college: Montana) stepped up for the winners with 16 points. Umit Sonkol (206-F-82) and Zeljko Zagorac (204-F-81) followed him with 13 and 12 points respectively. Baris Guney (193-G-83) and Paul Miller (208-C/F-82, college: Wichita St.) delivered 8 points each. On the other side, Gelisim did not have anyone with double-digits in scoring. Their best player was Ozgun Onver (195-G/F-82) with 9 points. Onat Akis and Sertay Gursu had one point less than him. Both teams will play more friendly games this pre-season.

Aliaga Petkim: Branislav Ratkovica 6, Baris Guney 8, Paul Miller 8, Umit Sonkol 13, Ryan Toolsen 3, Brian Qvale 16, Zeljko Zagorac 12, Ersin Gorkem 2, Pertev 2, Bugra Tunca 1, Eren Ocakturk 2
Gelisim Koleji: Emre Ozpulat 4, Serkan Mentese 4, Ozgun Onver 9, Onat Akis 8, Sertay Gursu 8, Mert Ozmutlu 3, Kaan Isbilen 7, Fatih Kizilca 3

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  UKRAINE   


Serhiy Lishchuk finishes the National team career - by Eurobasket News
Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82, agency: Beo Basket) finishes the National team career after he announced after the last game Ukraine at Eurobasket 2011. The Ukrainian Center will concentrate on Spanish League with his Valencia.
Last year Valencia B.C. announced signing of 2-year contract extension with Serhiy Lishchuk. He joined Valencia two years ago summer from Azovmash Mariupol. He won four championship titles in Ukraine and three trophies in National Cup. In 2009, Lishchuk was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague Center of the Year'.
For the National team at Eurobasket 2011 he averaged 7.2 points per game. He recorded 13 points in the opener. Russia outscored Ukraine 73:64 in the start of the Eurobasket 2011. Russia led 2 points with 3 minutes at the end but managed to produce an 8-2 run to seal the victory. Serhiy Lishchuk finished the night with 13 points and Viacheslav Kravtsov notched 12.


Hoverla post second win over Politekhnika-Halychyna - by Eurobasket News
Hoverla - Politekhnika-Halychyna 77:60

Hoverla recorded the second straight win over Politekhnika-Halychyna in exhibition game in Ivano-Frankivsk. Marcus Walker (186-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Colorado St.) stepped up with 18 points to lead the winners.
Politekhnika-Halychyna got to a perfect start. They erupted for 30 points in the opening frame to ensure an 11-point lead ten minutes into the game. But Hoverla erased the deficit in the second period. The hosts tied things up at 38 at the interval. Hoverla surged ahead in the third frame. They limited Politekhnika-Halychyna to just 10 points in the frame taking a 12-point lead into the fourth frame. Hoverla held their opponents to just 12 points in the fourth quarter and celebrated a well-deserved win at the end. Kevin Tiggs (196-G/F-84, college: E.Tenn.St.) scored 12 points, while Eric Coleman (200-C-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: N.Iowa) and Dante Swanson (178-G-81, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Tulsa) contributed 10 points each in the victory. Muhammad El-Amin (196-G/F-87, college: Stony Brook) answered with 13 points for Politekhnika-Halychyna. Yaroslav Zubrytskyi (202-F-74) added 12 points in the losing effort.

Hoverla: Marcus Walker 18, Kevin Tiggs 12, Eric Coleman 10, Dante Swanson 10
Politekhnika-Halychyna: Muhammad El-Amin 13, Yaroslav Zubrytskyi 12


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  URUGUAY   


Brazil too much for Uruguay, 93-66 - by Eurobasket News
BRAZIL - URUGUAY 93-66

Brazil destroyed Uruguay in the first game of the Quarterfinals Round. It was a 93-66 victory and Brazil jumped to 3-1 record. Uruguay joined Venezuela and Canada with 1-3 score. Vitor Alves (190-F/G-90) was the leading player in victory with 21 points. He made 5 of 7 attempts from behind the arc in this game. Marquinhos Vieira (207-F-84) and Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) scored 12 points each, and Alex Ribeiro (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) helped Brazil with 10 points. In Uruguay, Sebastian Vazquez (195-F-85) and Sebastian Izaguirre (207-C/F-85) collected 12 and 11 points respectively. Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) had 9 points and 5 rebounds coming off the bench. Quarters: 25-16, 17-18, 28-12, 23-20. Brazil will play against Panama today. Uruguay will meet Dominicans.

Brazil: Vitor Alves 21, Marquinhos Vieira 12, Guilherme Giovannoni 12, Alex Ribeiro 10
Uruguay: Sebastian Vazquez 12, Sebastian Izaguirre 11, Esteban Batista 9+5 boards

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  VENEZUELA   


Daniel Santiago leads Puerto Rico to 94-82 win against Venezuela - by Eurobasket News
VENEZUELA - PUERTO RICO 82-94

Puerto Rico recovered from defeat against Argentina and opened Quarterfinals Round with victory. They outplayed Venezuela 94-82 for 3-1 record. The same score also have Brazil and Dominican Republic. Venezuela dropped to 1-3 after this loss. Center Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) stepped up for the winners with 22 points. He missed just once for 20 minutes on the court. Alexander David Galindo (198-F-85, college: FIU) had 18 points and Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: FIU) helped with 14 points, plus 6 assists. Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) responded with 18 points in defeat. Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) had 17 points and 5 rebs, while David Cubillan (183-PG-87, college: Marquette) added 15 pts. Quarters: 19-18, 17-26, 21-31, 25-19. Puerto Rico will play against Canada today. Venezuela will meet undefeated Argentina.

Puerto Rico: Daniel Santiago 22, Alexander David Galindo 18, Carlos Arroyo 14+6 as
Venezuela: Axiers Sucre 18, Oscar Torres 17+5 boards, David Cubillan 15



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Women News

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  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Belinda Snell back to Fan the Flames in WNBL - by Eurobasket News
Dual Olympian Belinda Snell (181-F-81) will return to the Women's National Basketball League for the 2011/12 season after signing with the Southern Design Sydney Uni Flames on Friday.

The Jayco Opal star has been plying her trade with great success in Europe for the last six years, as well as having stints with WNBA teams Phoenix, San Antonio and Seattle.

Snell has enjoyed remarkable success in the strong EuroLeague, where she has played in three final fours with some of the premier teams in world basketball.

Regaded as one of the premier shooting guards in international basktball, Snell will link with the Flames after finishing her WNBA commitments with th Seattle Storm.

After graduating from the Australian Institute of Sport, where she won a WNBL championship, Snell was a mainstay for the Sydney Flames before embarking on a highly successful European career.

An Olympian at Athens and Beijing, perhaps the crowning glory in Snell's illustrious career was playing a key role in the Opals' World Championship gold medal in Brazil in 2006.

Flames coach Karen Dalton said having Snell back in the Sydney uniform was a huge bonus for the club and the league.

'Belinda is one of the most respected players in the Opals program and was a fan favourite when she played with the Flames,' Dalton said.

'She will bring scoring, defence and leadership to the team as well as the sort of big game experience that will be crucial in helping our young players.'

'With the league set to feature so many Opals this season, we are thrilled to have Belinda coming back to Sydney,' she added.

Snell will arrive in Sydney after completing her WNBA commitments and is expected to be in uniform for the Flames season opener with the AIS on Friday, October 7.

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

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  DOMINICA - Women  


6'4'' Dominican Female Player off to US College with the help of Coach John Spezia - by Eurobasket
Lynah Bontiff (193-F/C) a 6'4' female basketball player from the Caribbean Island of Dominica has received a full-ride scholarship to Odessa College a Junior College in Odessa,Texas to play basketball.Through the help of Jerry Williams on the Island of Dominica,Wendell Pemberton on St. Kitts and her attending a Basketball Camp' Reach One Teach One' on the Island of St. Kitts directed by John Spezia former Athletic Director & Head Men's Basketball Coach at Danville Area Community College (current President of the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association) she was able to get the necessary exposure for colleges in the United States to offer her a scholarship.

'Lynah Bontiff with a wing span of over 6'6' and only one year of basketball training is truly a Caribbean Diamond in the rough!',commented John Spezia Camp Director of the Reach One Teach One Basketball Camp.

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  GERMANY - Women  


Rotenburg Scheessel completes roster - by Juliane Hoehne
BG'89 Rotenburg/Scheessel announced the last signings of the season - Janie Bos (185-F-88) and Britta Huske.
Janie Bos will be the new post player for the team of Head Coach Roland Senger . The 23-year old is a Boise State graduate, where she averaged 9.2ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.1apg, with an impressive 53.0 field goal percentage her junior year, and 9.3ppg, 7.0rpg, along with 1.6apg her senior year. Bos will be responsible for the inside play of BG'89 Rotenburg/Scheessel together with the other post player Danielle Clark (185-F-85, college: New Hampshire). Both are able of playing the power forward position and well as center.
Especially happy was Head Coach Roland Senger about the signing of Britta Hueske (176-F-85). The 26-year old, who played last season for BBV Leipzig Eagles, had a good season even though her club wasn't able to stay in the league. However, Hueske had a great year, averaging 11.9ppg, 2.6rpg and 1.6apg. She is also known as 3point-shooter (35.2% last season). Hueske is not unknown to BG'89 Rotenburg/Scheessel, where she played the 2009/10 season in the 2nd DBBL and averaged 16ppg and 2,6rpg. The guard is very important for the team, not only because she is a leader, but she is also capable of playing positions one to three, and will take one of the two German spots on the court.

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  LATVIA - Women  


CB Arxil lands Latvian forward Zane Jakobsone - by Eurobasket News
Zane Jakobsone (180-F-85, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Houston) is back to Spain after one year. The Latvian forward penned a deal with CB Arxil. She arrives to Arxil from TTT Riga. Jekabsone paced TTT Riga to Latvian league title last season. She exploded with 15.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 1.9 apg for 15 games in domestic championship. Jekabsone also added 6.7 ppg and 2 rpg for 3 games in BWBL. She started last season with SK Cesis and in February moved to TTT Riga. Zane Jakobsone already played in Spain and it was in 2009/10 season. She was a member of Socinsa Bembibre PDM. They competed in LF2, where the forward had 10.7 ppg and 6.1 rpg for 56 games. Zane Jakobsone is active member of the Latvian National Team.

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  LUXEMBOURG - Women  


Residence bring in Addie Micir - by Eurobasket News
Addie Micir will tip off her pro career in Luxembourg. The guard has agreed on terms of contract with Residence. Addie Micir graduated from the Princeton University this year. She tallied 12.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game in her season season. Addie Micir was named All-Ivy League Player of the Year. She also made it into All-Ivy League 1st Team.


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  ROMANIA - Women  


Breanna Salley pens deal with CSU Alba Iulia - by Eurobasket News
Breanna Salley (180-F, college: Seattle) pens deal with CSU Alba Iulia for the upcoming season. The American Forward will be a great addition to a strong team.
Breanna Salley graduated from the University of Minnesota. She was named 2006 Minnesota Ms. Basketball Finalist . In the same year received team MVP and St. Francis Athlete of the Year. In first season with the Redhawks, led offense with 17.5 points per game. She scored a team-high 489 points and made 32 blocks.
Breanna Salley has practiced and dressed with the Seattle University women's team for two years despite being declared ineligible by the NCAA. But instead of Salley being a beacon as SU transitioned back to Division I under new coach Joan Bonvicini, Salley was shackled by time. She was one of three players suspended for failing to meet requisite credit hours under former coach Dan Kriley.
Last season Seattle Storm signed Seattle University guard Breanna Salley to its training-camp roster.


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  SCOTLAND - Women  


Standings - Women
National League Standings
 1. Clark Eriksson 0-0 
 2. Edinburgh KK 0-0 
 3. Glasgow Rocks 0-0 
 4. Polonia Phoenix 0-0 
 5. St.Mirren RKC 0-0 


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  SPAIN - Women  


CB Arxil lands Latvian forward Zane Jakobsone - by Eurobasket News
Zane Jakobsone (180-F-85, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Houston) is back to Spain after one year. The Latvian forward penned a deal with CB Arxil. She arrives to Arxil from TTT Riga. Jekabsone paced TTT Riga to Latvian league title last season. She exploded with 15.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 1.9 apg for 15 games in domestic championship. Jekabsone also added 6.7 ppg and 2 rpg for 3 games in BWBL. She started last season with SK Cesis and in February moved to TTT Riga. Zane Jakobsone already played in Spain and it was in 2009/10 season. She was a member of Socinsa Bembibre PDM. They competed in LF2, where the forward had 10.7 ppg and 6.1 rpg for 56 games. Zane Jakobsone is active member of the Latvian National Team.

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  WNBA - Women  


Sun out to enchance playoff position - by Eurobasket News
The Connecticut Sun have already qualified for the WNBA playoffs with less than a week left in the regular season, but they still have a goal to play for, much to the pleasure of coach Mike Thibault.

Connecticut could clinch no worse than the second seed in the Eastern Conference with either a win in one of its last two games, or an Atlanta Dream loss.

It just so happens that the two teams play tonight (7:30) at Atlanta's Philips Arena.

'I think it's good for us, particularly with this group,' Thibault said. 'I think it's good to have something right in front of them to focus on.'

Mathematically, the Sun (20-12) still have a chance at the top-seed. The problem is that they've lost the season series to the first-place Indiana Fever (20-11). Indiana needs to win just one of its last three games to earn the No. 1 seed.

It won't be easy for the Sun to win their final two games because they're both against playoff teams jockeying for position. They play host to the New York Liberty (18-14) Sunday to end the regular season.

'I'll worry about the playoffs once we get there,' Thibault said. 'We are using each of these games to try and get a little bit better. We are still chasing Indiana. Hopefully somebody will help us out and give us an opportunity, but now we are just putting it on ourselves to make sure that we are better today than we were yesterday.'

Connecticut has beaten the Dream twice at home. It led by as much as 14 points late in the second quarter of an Aug. 19 game at Atlanta, but lost in overtime, 94-88.

The Sun had the ball and a three-point lead in the final minute, but Kalana Greene threw a pass into the stands.

Power forward Sancho Lyttle made a 3-pointer with 12.2 seconds left to force overtime. It was just her second 3-pointer of the year.

Atlanta poses problems for any team because it has much more athleticism and size than most teams to go along with its considerable talent. Forward Angel McCoughtry (20.8 ppg) is an elite scorer, and Erika de Souza (12.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg) is one of the few centers who's been able to go toe-to-toe with Connecticut's Tina Charles.

'What sticks out to me over the last three games we've played them is that we've played them a lot better and more confidently than we did a year ago at this time,' Thibault said. 'Part of it is us getting more experience (over half the team is 24 years old-or-younger). Part of it is getting better defensively.'

The status of Greene is uncertain. The starting guard suffered a concussion during Friday's win over Indiana after Tamika Catchings fell on her. Greene traveled with the team for Sunday's game at Washington, but didn't play

'I don't think it was anything really serious, but it's enough that she has to have the headache go away completely and be gone for 24 hours,' Thibault said. ' (Saturday) she had a little bit of a headache.'

Courtesy of www.theday.com