EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 1/18/2012

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Men News

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


Standings
ABA Standings
Atlantic South
 1. Athens R. 5-0
 2. Atlanta E. 4-1
 3. Heartland H. 3-0
 4. Jacksonville 3-1
 5. Atlanta Aliens 2-1
 6. Georgia G. 1-0
 7. Savannah Storm 0-0
 8. Tampa 0-0
 9. Columbus R. 0-2
 10. E.Point Jaguars 0-7
California NW
 1. Seattle M. 6-0
 2. Bay Area M. 5-2
 3. S.Francisco R. 5-4
 4. Central Valley T. 4-0
 5. Richmond R. 4-5
 6. Modesto H. 3-2
 7. Port City P. 3-2
 8. Alaska Q. 3-3
 9. E.Bay Pitbulls 1-0
 10. Chico Rage 0-1
 11. Washington R. 0-1
 12. Sacramento H. 0-6
California South
 1. Arizona S. 11-2
 2. San Diego Sol 10-2
 3. San Diego S. 4-4
 4. LA Slam 3-6
 5. Riverside R. 1-2
 6. Las Vegas A. 0-2
 7. SoCal Swish 0-4
 8. Shizuoka G. 0-5
Colonial
 1. NoVa Wonders 4-1
 2. Richmond E. 4-1
 3. Lynchburg L. 4-4
 4. Portsmouth C. 2-2
 5. Norfolk Sh. 0-0
 6. Seven Cities 0-0
Great Lake
 1. Chicago Steam 6-0
 2. Milwaukee B. 3-0
 3. Chi-Town B. 0-0
 4. Midwest Flames 0-0
 5. Oshkosh 0-0
 6. Cleveland H. 0-1
 7. Porter County P. 0-2
Mid Atlantic
 1. Carolina C. 7-3
 2. Carolina Ch. 6-4
 3. East Carolina T. 4-4
 4. Nashville S. 3-0
 5. S.Carol.W. 2-0
 6. Tennessee MH 2-9
 7. Fayetteville F. 1-8
 8. Clarksville C. 0-2
 9. Carolina J. 0-5
Mid Central
 1. Lima Explosion 4-2
 2. Greencastle GK 2-0
 3. Indianapolis 2-0
 4. Detroit Hoops 1-1
 5. Lansing L. 1-1
 6. Dayton GCHF 0-2
 7. Michiana M. 0-2
Northeast
 1. Connecticut T. 6-0
 2. Jersey Expr. 4-6
 3. Island Vipers 1-3
 4. New York Ch. 0-1
 5. NYC Thunder 0-3
Northern Division
 1. Oklahoma I. 0-0
Panhandle
 1. Gulf Coast F. 6-1
 2. Panama City D. 0-1
Rocky Mountain
 1. Colorado K. 13-0
 2. Colorado C. 4-6
 3. Crusaders 2-4
 4. Wyoming R. 0-4
South Central
 1. Bluff City R. 11-1
 2. Conway C. 11-2
 3. Little Rock L. 6-4
 4. Missouri R. 2-3
 5. N.E. Arkansas 1-8
 6. St.Louis P. 1-9
South West
 1. Texas Fuel 8-2
 2. North Dallas 6-1
 3. West Texas W. 3-4
 4. Houston R.S. 2-0
 5. Oklahoma 2-6
 6. N.Texas F. 1-6
 7. Dallas Impact 0-0
 8. Team Havok 0-0
Touring Team
 1. W.Virginia B. 3-4
 2. ABA-Canada 0-0
 3. Florida M. 0-0
 4. Rocky Mountain S. 0-1
 5. Team Haiti 0-1
 6. Appalachian R. 0-2
 7. Chicago F. 0-3
 8. Calgary C. 0-4


Cheetahs take another win - by Gianni Pascucci
The Carolina Cheetahs largely prevailed over the West Virginia Blazers, 152-115, on the past Saturday night in Greensboro, North Carolina. With the win, the Cheetahs avenged the previous Sunday's loss against the Blazers. This game was about a Re-Match after losing January 8th to the Blazers at home with a close 121-128 score. Top Scorer for the night was High Point, NC native Kellen Brand (6'1''-G-87, college: Appalachian St.) with 41 points. The former Appalachian State University Mountaineer led the Cheetahs to a 9-4 record for the season. The next top scorer was Ryan Scott (6'3''-G-86, college: Johnson C. Smith) with 27 points.
The Cheetahs team is now coached by a woman, Kristina Baugh, from Providence College '07

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  ACPBL   


Update on status of Trailblazers; Brian Graham's vision for the ACPBL - by Mike Lee
According to Brian Graham , new commissioner of the ACPBL, the Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers will not be invited back into the ACPBL for the 2011-12 season. The necessary reorganization of the schedule in order to accommodate the Trailblazers' return to the league would have created a financial burden that would have been detrimental to the survival of many teams within the league. However, the ACPBL does believe that the Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers are a quality organization and is hopeful that the team will return to the league next season. Graham also stated that he is hopeful that the Trailblazers will excuse the mistreatment by the previous administration and rejoin the ACPBL moving forward.

Graham also stated his vision for the ACPBL moving into the future. My goal as the new head of the ACPBL is to create a minor league that is competitive, functional, and an avenue of opportunity for players looking to further their basketball careers. The ACPBL is a league of opportunity. The future of the league will be about breaking down barriers between other minor leagues like the EBA, IBL, ABA, and PBL. Our goal within the ACPBL will be about moving forward as a collective of teams with a strong foundation committed to the league and each other.


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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Maccabi Tel Aviv to Host Adriatic League Final Four - by David Pick
The 2012 Adriatic League Final Four competition will officially take place in the Holy Land, at Nokia Arena on April, 28th - 30th.

The league's current top four teams include, Israeli hosts Maccabi Tel Aviv, who holds a season best 15-1 record with KK Cedevita (13-3), Partizan Belgrade and KK Buducnost (11-5) shortly behind.

The last time Maccabi hosted a European final four competition, it demolished Fortitudo (then Skipper) Bologna 118:74, on route to an impressive 2004 Euroleague title. David Blu and Tal Burstein are still on the roster representing Maccabi's '04 squad, as Derrick Sharp holds the second Assistant Coach position.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @IAmDPick



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  ARGENTINA   


From Liga A to TNA - by Facundo Iatzky
Two players who were playing in Liga A moved to teams of TNA. First Mariano Castets (186-G-83), who was finished his temporary contract in penarol mar del plata, moved to ciudad bragado. He replaces Juan manuel ruiz who signed with Alvear villa angela. Castets has experience in TNa and also in Spain and Italy.
Gonzalo Gorostiaga (180-G-91), of the other team of Mar del plata, Quilmes, also left the team. He returned to Union Progresista villa angela. He was not having many minutes in Quilmes.
Also it was known yesterday that Hugo Miraglia is not the head coach of Firmat FC anymore.

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  ASEAN LEAGUE   


ASEAN League round 1 best performance: Brian Williams - by Eurobasket News
American center Brian Williams (208-C-87, agency: VVG Sports) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked KL Dragons, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 1.
The 24-year old player had a double-double of 26 points and 23 rebounds, while his team beat Petron Blaze (#6, 0-1), the league's bottom-ranked team in overtime 83-77. It allowed KL Dragons to take over top position in the ASEAN League . But it's just the very beginning of the season and KL Dragons won just one (their first) game. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. Williams turned to be KL Dragons' top player in his first season with the team. Former University of Tennessee star has very solid stats this year. Williams is in league's top in points (3rd best: 26.0ppg), rebounds (2nd best: 23.0rpg), assists (8th best: 3.0apg) and averages impressive 56.3% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 32-year old American Nakiea Miller (204-C-79) of league's second-best Philip.Patriots. Miller had a very good evening with a double-double of 24 points and 18 rebounds. Of course he lead Philip.Patriots to another comfortable win outscoring Bangkok C. (0-1) 86-58. His team has extremely good start of the season. They won their first game. However the season is at the beginning, so everything can happen. They still may lose their high position in the standings. Miller is one of the most experienced players at Philip.Patriots and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 24.0ppg (#4). He also registered 18.0 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was U.S. Virgin Isl. guard Julius Hodge (201-G-83, agency: I.D.S. Law) of Saigon H. (#7). Hodge got into 30-points club by scoring 37 points in the last round. He went also for fifteen rebounds . Despite Hodge's great performance Saigon H. lost 58-78 to Thailand S. (#4, 1-0). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. Saigon H. can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have awful season losing so far all 1 games. Too bad for Hodge he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. The season just started for Hodge as he played only first game. But it already looks like he can be team's leader.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Louis Graham (205-F/C-84) of Singapore S. - 23 points and 23 rebounds
5. Steve Thomas (204-C/F-81) of Satria Muda - 20 points and 14 rebounds
6. Kenneth Walker (206-F/C-80) of Thailand S. - 15 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Tiras Wade (200-F-81) of KL Dragons - 28 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Mario Wuysang (176-PG-79) of Satria Muda - 23 points and 4 rebounds
9. DeAndre Thomas (203-C-86) of Thailand S. - 21 points and 10 rebounds
10. Ardy Larong (190-G/F-80) of Philip.Patriots - 8 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists

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

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  BALKAN LEAGUE   


Timisoara win in Belgrade - by Zoran Popovic
In the 6th round of Balkan league Timisoara was better rival and beats OKK Beograd 75:84 (16:18, 23:23, 13:25, 23:18). Both teams were equal rival in the first half, but in the third quarter guests from Romania made serie and finish third period with 14 points advantage. Coach Djurovic players tried to maka break in the fourth quarter, but guests from Timisoara saved previous advantage and win the game. The most efficient player in OKK Beograd were Mirko Kovac and Nemanja Bezbradica (205-F/C-93, agency: Beo Basket) with 22 scored points. The most efficient players in Timisoara were Zlatko Jovanovic (181-PG-84, agency: Beo Basket) and Ivan Siricevic with 22 scored points.

Standings
Balkan League Standings
Group A
 1. Galil Gilboa 5-0 
 2. Mornar Bar 4-2 
 3. Rilski Sportist 3-2 
 4. Timisoara 2-4 
 5. OKK Beograd 2-4 
 6. Torus Skopje 1-5 
Group B
 1. Levski Sofia 5-0 
 2. Hapoel T-A 5-1 
 3. Feni Indistrija 3-2 
 4. Napredak 2-4 
 5. Ulcinj 1-4 
 6. Zrinjski HT 0-5 


Feni Industri lands Solomon Bozeman at PG - by Eurobasket News
Solomon Bozeman (185-G-87, college: UALR) will continue his career in FYROM. The American point guard signed a deal with Macedonian champions Feni Industri. He arrives to Feni from the NBA D-League team Austin Toros. Bozeman appeared 12 times for them this season averaging 8 points, 3 assists and 1.9 rebounds. Solomon Bozeman is a rookie who graduated last year at the UALR (University of Arkansas at Little Rock). He shined as a senior with 16.6 ppg, 2.8 apg and 2.1 rpg for 26 games. Bozeman helped UALR to win the Sun Belt Tournament and was named MVP of the event. He was also awarded with All-Sun Belt Player of the Year -11. Bozeman started collegiate career at South Florida and in 2008 transferred to UALR. He missed the 2008/09 season due to transfer rule in NCAA.

Luka Drca moves to Kazakhstan - by Zoran Popovic
OKK Beograd guard Luka Drca (195-PG-87, agency: Beo Basket, college: Utah) is new player of BC Astana from Kazakhstan. Drca will expend Serbian colony in Astana where already play Goran Cakic, Branko Cvetkovic and Igor Milosevic. Luka Drca started this season in OKK Beograd and on 12 games in Serbian league average scored 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.8 steals, on 5 games in Balkan league average scored 14.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists per game. During the career Drca played for Beovuk, Utah University and KK Crvena Zvezda. Luka Drca was member of Serbian University National team.

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  BELARUS   


Stats Leaders - Premier League
Points Per Game
 Kiril SITNIK
  SBK O.
  (190-G-89)
  Avg: 20.3
 1. Sitnik, SBK O.20.3 
 2. Rutkauskas, Minsk.19.5 
 3. Ignatchik, Minsk-.15.2 
 4. Zakhar, BG.14.8 
 5. Knox, Minsk-200614.6 
 6. Patupchyk, Sozh G.13.3 
 7. Hawkins, Minsk.13.0 
 8. Kojenets, Minsk.12.9 
 9. Krisevich, Minsk-.12.9 
 10. Yafremov, Grodn.12.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Pavel BLIZNETS
  Sozh Gomel
  (205-C-94)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Bliznets, Sozh Gom.10.4 
 2. Zakhar, BG.9.8 
 3. Rutkauskas, Minsk.9.4 
 4. Kojenets, Minsk.7.9 
 5. Krisevich, Minsk-.6.8 
 6. Hlebovich, Grodn.6.6 
 7. Ovsepian, Rubon6.5 
 8. Knox, Minsk-20066.3 
 9. Drobyshevski., Soz.6.1 
 10. Olbrecht, SBK O.6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Dzmitry KUZMIN
  Grodno-93
  (196-G-75)
  Avg: 5.4
 1. Kuzmin, Grodno-935.4 
 2. Akulich, Rubon4.4 
 3. Kudrautsau, Minsk.3.9 
 4. Papruha, BG.3.8 
 5. Volk, SBK O.3.0 
 6. Ignatchik, Minsk-.2.9 
 7. Sitnik, SBK O.2.9 
 8. Korzh, Grodno-932.8 
 9. Eldridge, Minsk-20.2.5 
 10. Olbrecht, SBK O.2.4 
Steals Per Game
 Genniadiy ZAKHAR
  BG.
  (198-F/G-92)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Zakhar, BG.2.1 
 2. Akulich, Rubon2.1 
 3. Malkov, Rubon2.1 
 4. Yafremov, Grodn.2.0 
 5. Sitnik, SBK O.2.0 
 6. Patupchyk, Sozh G.1.9 
 7. Sapegin, Rubon1.9 
 8. Zaitsev, SBK O.1.9 
 9. Ovsepian, Rubon1.8 
 10. Eldridge, Minsk-2.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Aliaksei LASHKEVICH
  Minsk.
  (204-F-78)
  Avg: 0
 1. Lashkevich, Minsk.0.0 
 2. Akulich, Rubon0.0 
 3. Kuzmitski, BG.0.0 
 4. Svirydov, SBK O.0.0 
 5. Kuzmin, Grodno-930.0 
 6. Strukov, BG.0.0 
 7. Kurapau, Minsk-20.0.0 
 8. Solianikov, Sozh G.0.0 
 9. Kudrautsau, Minsk.0.0 
 10. Skidan, SBK O.0.0 


Standings - Premier League
Premier League Standings
 1. Grodno-93 11-1 
 2. Minsk-2006 10-1 
 3. Rubon 6-5 
 4. Minsk-2006 II 4-7 
 5. BGUIR-RTI 4-7 
 6. SBK Osipovichi 4-8 
 7. Sozh Gomel 0-10 


SBK Osipovichi bring Mishukov, Charikov and Sharipov - by Eurobasket News
SBK Osipovichi bring Yury Mishukov (205-C-85), Siarhei Charykau (184-PG-82, college: Yakima Valley CC) and Ilya Sharipov (197-G-91) for the rest of the season.
SBK Osipovichi agreed terms with 27-year old center Yury Mishukov. In his first game he scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Despite his good performance his new team lost to BGUIR-RTI 69-83. Yury Mishukov played most recently at Tobol Kostanay (Kazakhstan). He played also pro basketball in Kazakhstan and Russia.
Siarhei Charykau played most recently at Kryvbasbasket-Lux Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine). While playing 2 games for Kryvbasbasket this season he averaged 3.5ppg and 2.0apg. Charykau played also pro basketball in Germany and Ukraine. He graduated Yakima Valley CC in 2003 and actually missed last season.
Ilya Sharipov moved from SBK Grodno-93 (Premier League). He played three seasons for the team but in 2012 joined SBK Osipovichi (Premier League).


Yury Mishukov joins SBK Osipovichi - by Eurobasket Center
SBK Osipovichi agreed terms with 27-year old center Yury Mishukov (205-C-105kg-85). In his first game he scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Despite his good performance his new team lost to BGUIR-RTI 69-83. Mishukov played most recently at Tobol Kostanay (Kazakhstan). He played also pro basketball in Kazakhstan and Russia.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Siarhei Charykau joins SBK Osipovichi - by Eurobasket Center
SBK Osipovichi signed 30-year old Siarhei Charykau (184-PG-82, college: Yakima Valley CC). In his first game he scored 2 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. However his new team lost to BGUIR-RTI 69-83. Charykau played most recently at Kryvbasbasket-Lux Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine). While playing 2 games for Kryvbasbasket this season he averaged 3.5ppg and 2.0apg. Charykau played also pro basketball in Germany and Ukraine. He graduated Yakima Valley CC in 2003 and actually missed last season. It will be his nineth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

BC Grodno-93 adds Matyukevych to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
BC Grodno-93 agreed terms with 32-year old Ukrainian center Vadim Matyukevych (208-C-109kg-80). In his first game he scored 3 points and grabbed 4 rebounds helping his new team beat Minsk-2006 83-76. Matyukevych played most recently at Ferro-ZNTU Zaporozhye (Ukraine). While playing 10 games for Ferro-ZNTU this season he averaged 2.2ppg and 1.3rpg. Matyukevych is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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  BELGIUM   


Spirou Charleroi officially signs Andrew Wisniewski - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Andrew Wisniewski (191-G-81, college: Centenary) became a new member of the Belgian powerhouse Spirou Charleroi. The American point guard penned a deal for rest of the season. He will replace Demond Mallet, who left for Israeli Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv. Andrew Wisniewski spent last season with Efes Pilsen. He had 4.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.3 apg for 15 games in TBL. Wisniewski also appeared 15 times in Euroleague adding 4.5 ppg, 1.9 apg and 1.2 rpg. In 2009/10, Wisniewski was a member of Maccabi Tel-Aviv. He appeared 20 times in Euroleague for them averaging 8.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He had slightly better numbers for 27 games in domestic championship. In the past, Andrew Wisniewski played for Spartak St. Petersburg, Ural Great Perm, Cibona, Snaidero Udine, Bonn and Crvena Zvezda. In 2006, he was named Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Guard of the Year. Wisniewski graduated at the Centenary University in 2004.

EuroChallenge: Szolnok destroy Aalstar in Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Szolnok - Aalstar 112:76

Szolnok destroy Aalstar in Hungary to tie both records at 1-1. The home side erupted for 112:76 win on Tuesday night.
Szolnoki ended up outscoring the visitors 28-20 in the third quarter for an 84-64 lead and Okapi capitulated in the fourth, allowing the home side to pour in 28 more points for a 36-point triumph. Szolnok dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Okapi Aalstar's 36. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 53.8 percentage. Szolnok looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists.
The best player for the winners was American-Hungarian guard Obie Trotter (186-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) who scored 28 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals. Akos Horvath (194-G/F-81) chipped in 29 points (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field). Four Szolnok players scored in double figures. Kevin Kruger (186-G-83, college: UNLV) produced 21 points and his fellow American import power forward Nate Fox (206-F/C-77, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Maine) added 14 points respectively for the guests.

Szolnok: Akos Horvath 29, Obie Trotter 28, Julien Mills (193-G/F-85, college: Ball St.) 16+8reb+7ast, Hristo Nikolov (200-F-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) 13
Aalstar: Kevin Kruger 21, Nate Fox 14, Christopher Young (206-F/C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Michigan) 9



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  BOSNIA   


In Slovenia battle of Bosnian centers victory goes to Alen Omic! - by Chris Mathieu
In Slovenia battle of Bosnian centers victory goes to Alen Omic! In Slovenia Telemach league round 12 an epic battle was waged between Bosnians Alen Omic and Esmir Rizvic with the victory going to Alens team Zlatorog beat Esmirs team Parklji 93-64. Zlatorog now stands 8-3 in Slovenias top league while Parklji is in last place at 1-11.
That didnt prevent a battle for the ages between the veteran Esmir Rizvic and the youngster Alen Omic. Esmir had a monster game playing 37 minutes scoring 18points with 16 rebounds 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block. The only negative in his performance was 6 turnovers, which is way too many. Alen Put up huge numbers himself 20 points 8 rebounds 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block with only two turnovers.
Bosnian Simo Atanackovic had a breakout game for Zlatorg as well going 7-11 from the field scoring 15 points with 6 rebounds and four steals.
Esmir has had a huge year so far with over 16ppg and over 9 rbpg. Esmir should get an invite to the Bosnian National team as he is a solid defender who has put up good offensive numbers this season.
Alen plays only twenty minutes a game but puts up very solid numbers of over 9 points and 5 rebounds per game. He has yet to have the breakout year expected of him, but has been very solid in his career so far and has shown incremental improvement every year.


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  BRAZIL   


Pistoia gets Jonathan Tavernari on loan - by Eurobasket News
Jonathan Tavernari (198-G/F-87, college: BYU) will spend rest of the season with GiorgioTesi Group Pistoia on loan. The Brazilian/Italian player is originally a member of Angelico Biella, where he started this season. He appeared 7 times in SerieA averaging only 1.3 point and 1.1 rebound. Jonathan Tavernari signed a multi-year deal with Biella in 2010, but he did not appear in any official game in 2010/11 season. He graduated at the Brigham Young University in 2010. As a senior Tavernari had 10.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 1.5 apg for 36 games. His junior year was much better as he collected 15.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg and 1.8 apg for 33 games. Jonathan Tavernari played for the Brazilian National Team from 2008 to 2010. He helped them win the Gold at the FIBA Americas 2009 in San Juan and also at the South American Championships 2010 in Colombia. In Brazil, Tavernari played for Pinheiros Sao Paulo.

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  CANADA   


Canadas Coach Hits 800 Wins - by John Gary
courtesy basketball.ca There are two coach Ks. One who heads the Duke Blue Devils in the NCAA and that is Mike Krzysweke. The other is Steve Koncchalisa,who coaches the St Francis Xaiver X-Men of Antigonish Nova Scotia in CIS. It is the Canadian Coach that made news this weekend. Konchalski became the first CIS coach ever to record 800 wins. He did so by winning both games this weekend against the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds. The winning game was 87-68 at the Oland Centre in Antigonish. The 800 wins are a lot for a long period of time and it was done with the same team. In those wins are three national championchips in 1993,2000,and 2001.

Halifax Rainmen release Eddie Robinson - by Eurobasket News
The Halifax Rainmen have released 6'9'', 210-pound forward, Eddie Robinson (6'9''-F-76, college: Cent.Oklahoma).

Robinson appeared in 9 of the Rainmen's 19 games this season and averaged 9.67 points per game in 20.8 minutes of play.

The Rainmen now sit at a roster of 11 players including newcomer Richard Anderson, who suited up for Canada's national basketball team from 1999-2005.

In the coming weeks, Rainmen centre Abdullahi Kuso is expected to be activated from injured reserve to complete the Rainmen's season roster at 12.

The Rainmen will play their next game on the road against the London Lightning on Thursday, January 19, and will return to the Halifax Metro Centre on Saturday where they will face the Quebec Kebs at 7 p.m., and Sunday where they will take on the Summerside Storm at 2:00 p.m.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Oshawa Power's Morgan Lewis named Player of the Week - by Eurobasket News
The National Basketball League of Canada is pleased to announce that Morgan Lewis (6'4''-F-87, college: Findlay, OH) of the Oshawa Power has been named Player of the Week for the week ending January 15, 2012. This is the first player from the Power to receive Player of the Week honours.

Lewis, a 6'5' guard from Painesville, Ohio, scored a team-record 38 points, along with 10 assists, in Oshawa's January 12, 31-122 overtime win against Summerside. Lewis' scoring included 5 three-point plays, to keep the Durham Region team in contention for a playoff berth this season.

Lewis was drafted first overall by the Power at NBL Canada's inaugural draft in August 2011.

Courtesy of The NBL Canada

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


Retired from NBA, Yao Ming enters politics in China - by Eurobasket News
Retired NBA star Ming Yao (226-C-80) has added another line to his post-basketball resume -- politician -- becoming a member of an advisory body to Shanghai's legislature.

Since the 31-year-old Yao announced last July that injuries had ended his career with the Houston Rockets, he has become a university student and set up a wine business to go along with owning a professional basketball team in China.

Last week Yao, a burgeoning conservation advocate, also lent a hand to the release into the wild of six pandas as part of a program to help wean captive-born pandas from human dependency in the coming years to learn to forage, mate and fend for themselves.

On Sunday, Yao became the youngest of 142 new members of the political advisory group, according to a China Daily report.

A spokesman for the former Rocket told the newspaper Yao isn't interested in embarking on a political career and has not put forth any proposals as of yet.

The spokesman said Yao 'prefers to listen and learn because he is new to the organization.'

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

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


Split hires Niksa Bavcevic as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News
Niksa Bavcevic (agency: Interperformances) is a new Head Coach of Split. The Croatian outfit released Mladen Vuskovic. Split also announced that Ante Nazor will work as Assistant Coach under Bavcevic. Niksa Bavcevic started the season as a Head Coach of Jolly JBS Sibenik, but they parted ways at the end of November. In 2010/11 the Croatian specialist worked with BC Steaua Turabo Bucuresti. He led them to Romanian league Semifinals. They also played in the Romanian Cup Finals. Before Steaua, Bavcevic coached Trogir, Roseto and Avtodor Saratov. From 2005 to 2007, he was a Head Coach of Dexia Mons-Hainaut. Bavcevic helped them win the Romanian Cup in 2006. That same year they reached FIBA EuroCup Quarterfinals. In the past, Bavcevic worked with Pepinster and Oberwart.

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


EuroChallenge: Fuenlabrada edged BK Pardubice due to the last period - by Eurobasket News
BK Pardubice - Fuenlabrada 73:79

Fuenlabrada edged BK Pardubice for 2-0 record in EuroChallenge to share the top place with Besiktas. The Spanish outfit overcame the hosts from Czech Republic 79:73. Both teams scored 16 points before BK Pardubice took 25:19 after the first period. Corey Muirhead (198-F-83, college: W.Carolina) brought 37:30 and Mike Hall (203-F-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: G.Washington) reduced to 46:43 at the halftime. BK Pardubice dominated the third quarter and reached the double digits lead but could not win the game. Mike Hall, who only joined Fuenlabrada last week in the wake of Gustavo Ayon's departure to the NBA and injuries to big men Leo Mainoldi and Mouhamed Sene, hit a jumper at the beginning of the fourth to close the gap to five. He also made two free throws at the end for the final result.
Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Mike Hall added 12. Sergio Sanchez (190-PG-81) netted 10, while Jon Cortaberria (200-F-82) had 8. Corey Muirhead ended up with 17 points and Maurice Hampton (188-G-84, college: Austin Peay St.) delivered 15. Marcus Arnold (207-C/F-84, agency: Stanley International, college: Illinois), Ondrej Peterka (204-F/C-91) and Jiri Cernosek (200-F/G-81) all chipped in with 11 points.

BK Pardubice: Corey Muirhead 17, Maurice Hampton 15, Marcus Arnold 11, Ondrej Peterka 11, Jiri Cernosek 11
Fuenlabrada: Kirk Penney 21, Mike Hall 12, Sergio Sanchez 10 Jon Cortaberria 8



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


First Division: Round 13 review - by Eurobasket News
Round 13 of Danish First Division for men was completed on Sunday. The top-ranked Amager BK played two games in this round and registered two wins for 11-2 record. In the first meeting, which was played on January 8, Amager cruised past Solrod on the road 65-77. Last Saturday, Amager was better than Jonstrup at home. It was a 86-64 victory. Randers also registered two wins in this round, while Lemvig is another team who celebrated on the road. Randers and Lemvig share the second place in the league now with 10-3 record. At the other side of the standings there is Solrod with poor 0-11 score. Round 13 results can be checked bellow and there is standings as well. Round 14 of the First Division is scheduled for the next weekend, actually from January 18 to January 22.

Round 13
Jan. 8, 2012 Solrod-Amager BK 65-77
Jan. 14, 2012 Koge BK-Aarhus BF 61-66
Jan. 14, 2012 Glostrup-Lemvig 44-57
Jan. 14, 2012 Randers-Stevnsgade 96-80
Jan. 14, 2012 ALBA-Solrod 86-63
Jan. 14, 2012 Amager BK-Jonstrup 86-64
Jan. 15, 2012 Haderslev-Virum 73-79
Dec. 17, 2011 Stevnsgade-Randers 72-79

1st Division Standings
1. Amager BK 11-2
2. Randers 10-3
3. Lemvig 10-3
4. Aarhus BF 9-4
5. Koge BK 8-5
6. Virum 6-6
7. Stevnsgade 5-6
8. Haderslev 5-7
9. Glostrup 4-9
10. Jonstrup 3-9
11. ALBA 3-9
12. Solrod 0-11

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


Standings
D-League Standings
East Conference
 1. Iowa E. 14-5 
 2. Canton C. 10-10 
 3. Springfield A. 10-10 
 4. Dakota W. 9-10 
 5. Erie Bay H. 9-12 
 6. Ft.Wayne MA 8-13 
 7. Maine RC 7-14 
 8. Sioux Falls S. 6-16 
West Conference
 1. Los Angeles D. 16-7 
 2. Austin T. 15-4 
 3. Rio Grande VV 13-9 
 4. Bakersfield J. 11-9 
 5. Reno B. 11-10 
 6. Tulsa 66ers 10-11 
 7. Idaho S. 8-12 
 8. Texas L. 8-13 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Blake AHEARN
  Reno B.
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 25.2
 1. Ahearn, Reno B.25.2 
 2. Dentmon, Austin T.23.9 
 3. Costner, Los A.23.8 
 4. Emmett, Reno B.23.2 
 5. Millsap, Los A.21.7 
 6. Ubiles, Dakota W.20.4 
 7. Howard, Ft.Wayne.19.8 
 8. Mitchell, Sioux F.19.7 
 9. Lazare, Ft.Wayne.19.3 
 10. Biggs, Canton C.19.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marcus LEWIS
  Tulsa 66ers
  (203-F/C-86)
  Avg: 13.6
 1. Lewis, Tulsa 66ers13.6 
 2. Famous, Iowa E.11.0 
 3. Dawson, Austin T.10.6 
 4. Milligan, Canton C.9.9 
 5. Smith, Rio G.9.6 
 6. Foote, Springfield9.1 
 7. Reid, Tulsa 66ers8.9 
 8. Thomas, Reno B.8.9 
 9. Andrews, Los A.8.9 
 10. Daniels, Erie B.8.6 
Assists Per Game
 Walker RUSSELL
  Ft.Wayne.
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 9.9
 1. Russell, Ft.Wayne.9.9 
 2. Tinsley, Los A.7.6 
 3. Ewing, Iowa E.7.0 
 4. Cooksey, Texas L.6.8 
 5. Coleman, Sioux F.6.6 
 6. Curry, Springfield6.3 
 7. Baker, Dakota W.6.3 
 8. Bozeman, Reno B.6.2 
 9. Wise, Bakersfield5.9 
 10. Ahearn, Reno B.5.9 
Steals Per Game
 Jamaal TINSLEY
  Los A.
  (191-G-78)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Tinsley, Los A.2.4 
 2. Millsap, Los A.2.4 
 3. Coleman, Sioux F.2.4 
 4. Curry, Springfield2.2 
 5. Fortson, Los A.2.2 
 6. Harris, Rio G.2.1 
 7. Baker, Dakota W.2.1 
 8. Emmett, Reno B.2.1 
 9. Dentmon, Austin T.1.9 
 10. Russell, Ft.Wayne.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Hassan WHITESIDE
  Reno B.
  (213-C/F-89)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Whiteside, Reno B.3.3 
 2. Foster, Idaho S.3.1 
 3. Saunders, Rio G.2.3 
 4. Alabi, Bakersfield2.3 
 5. Daniels, Erie B.2.1 
 6. Blakely, Iowa E.1.9 
 7. Dove, Dakota W.1.8 
 8. Ojougboh, Tulsa1.8 
 9. Williams, Texas L.1.7 
 10. Tisdale, Maine RC1.6 


Knicks assign Jeremy Lin and Jerome Jordan to Erie BayHawks - by Eurobasket News
The New York Knicks assigned guard Jeremy Lin (6'3''-PG-89, college: Harvard) and center Jerome Jordan (7'0''-C-86, college: Tulsa) to the Erie BayHawks Tuesday.

The BayHawks are the Knicks' NBA D-League affiliate.

Lin, who stands 6 feet 3 inches, has appeared in five games for the Knicks this season. The former Harvard standout has five points, two assists and two rebounds in 15 minutes with the Knicks. During the 2010-11 season, Lin averaged 2.6 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 29 games with the Golden State Warriors.

Jordan, a 7-footer, is averaging 1.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 4.8 minutes in six games for the Knicks this season. Jordan played for Tulsa in college.

Both players are expected play Friday when the BayHawks face the Maine Red Claws in Portland, Maine.

Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Tulsa falls short in overtime to Canton - by Eurobasket News
Marcus Lewis (6'8''-F/C-86, college: ORU) and Larry Owens (6'7''-G/F-83, college: ORU) each recorded double-doubles and Jerome Dyson (6'3''-G-87, college: Connecticut) added 17 points and a season-high nine assists, but the Tulsa 66ers (10-11) were clipped in overtime by the Canton Charge (10-10) by a 110-103 final at home Monday evening inside the Tulsa Convention Center.

Lewis earned his 12th double-double of the season with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Owens recorded 17 points and 10 boards for his first double-double.

The 66ers, who played in their second overtime contest in the last three games, were also led in scoring by Brady Morningstar with 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. Dwight Buycks added 19 points and Robert Vaden scored 10.

Defensively, Tulsa forced 18 Charge turnovers and posted a season-high 12 blocked shots, including five from Owens.

'We battled to the very end again tonight and came up short, but it wasn't because of our effort,' 66ers head coach Dale Osbourne said. 'Looking back at the game, we have some areas defensively where we can improve. I fully expect our guys to keep their heads up and continue playing hard for each other.'

Offensively, the 66ers racked up 27 assists, just two short of their season-high.

Keith McLeod (6'3''-PG-79, college: Bowling Green) led the Charge in scoring with a game-high 32 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including 5-of-6 from long range. Tyrell Biggs (6'8''-F-86, college: Pittsburgh) collected eight rebounds to lead the visiting team.

The Tulsa 66ers return to the court this Wednesday, Jan. 18, with a road contest at Texas. The game against the Legends is set to tip at 7 p.m. CT inside Dr. Pepper Arena.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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


Hawks' Horford undergoes surgery - by Eurobasket News
The Atlanta Hawks say All-Star center Alfred Horford (6'10''-F/C-86, college: Florida) has undergone successful surgery to repair his torn left pectoral muscle.

The procedure was performed Tuesday by Dr. Xavier Duralde of Peachtree Orthopaedic Clinic. He was assisted by Hawks team physicians Michael Bernot and Ashok Reddy.

Horford sustained the injury going for a rebound in a Jan. 11 game at Indiana. He is expected to be out from three-to-four months.

The Hawks have won three straight since Horford went down. Atlanta hosts Portland on Wednesday.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

*****************************************************
  EBA   


E.B.A. defending Cahmpions open season with win - by Calvin Brown
The E.B.E defending champions. the Metropolitan All-Stars, defeat the Winchester Storm 101- 89 in their season opener. Terrance Carter and Calvin Brown pacesd the All-Stars with 20 points apiece follwed by Elyon Bush with 17 points and 10 rebounds, Burgess Williams with 13 points and Andrew Harding with 11 points rounded out another balanced soring game for the champs. Next on the agenda is the Harrisburg Horizon on Sunday, January 22, 2012 @ Laurel High School at 3:00pm.

Here are some quotes from head cosch Al Brown:
It was our first game of the season and everyone was anxious. The anxiety showed in our play.
We knew coming into the contest that the Winchester team was a very hard nosed team. They don't bolster the biggest line up but they are very skilled at every position. They cause match up problems across the board. Sometimes having as many as 4 guards on the floor at one time. We knew it would be a long afternoon and we had to try and remain poised and focused.

I had some apprehensions about the game because it was our first and the opponent was extremely tough. We showed major signs of rust. Namely on the offensive end of the ball. We were a bit impatient and we were not playing our style. I thought the Winchester team did a great job of forcing the tempo (Especially in the fourth quarter).

We didn't have the movement we normally show and it was too much one on one basketball. We had success when we showed patience and played our tempo. But we only did that in spurts. The Offensively we were not on the same page. We also missed over 20 free throws for the contest. You can't do that and expect to win Basketball games. Turnovers and missed free-throws made for an extremely ugly contest for us!

The one thing I was happy to see was the overall effort on defense. We had lapses which will be addressed but I thought the ferocity was there as a unit.

Overall I was not thrilled with our performance but we have 6 days to assess out performance and correct the plethora of mistakes made in the contest. We look to be more consistent and rhythmic on offense.

I was definitely happy to get the win, and now that our first game is behind us hopefully we can get back to playing the brand of basketball we are use to.

Alvin J. Brown
Head Coach
Metropolitan All-Stars


Hudson Valley win over Washington Madness - by Calvin Brown
On a night when the stars were all indoors in the Hudson Valley the Hype made a statement against the Southern Division powerhouse Washington Madness. With a legendary coaching staff consisting of James Ryans and Wes Mathews Sr. The Hype jumped out to an early ten point lead and never looked back leaving the Madness with a (23) point deficit when the 4th quarter came to close. I think I was more nervous about this game than the players, expressed owner Allen Pickett. Losing two starters in one week and obtaining three new players two days before the game with no practice usually spells trouble for the best teams. I have to thank Coach Ryans and especially Mr. Mathews for making a guest appearance. Only in the Hudson Valley are you going to find this level of athletes and professionals all in one place and on one team.

The Hype reinforced their starting line-up with a pair of Nicks, Carter and Leon which accounted for (33) of the Hypes points. Keyode Ayeni fresh from the D-league had a game high (28) scoring from all over the floor. Rookie Michael McNair had the best game of his professional career with a season high ten points. The Hudson Valley Hype are currently top in their division and take on the NY Jaguars on their home court on Saturday February 11th.


'Super' Dave Bailey is the player of the week in the E.B.A. - by Calvin Brown
David Bailey, 6' 8' forward from the Washington Madness, has been named EBA Player of the Week for January 7 & 8.
The Washington Madness and the Winchester Storm went right down to the wire before Washington finally claimed a victory 122 to 120. Bailey led his team with 32 points and 8 rebounds. Teammate Jamal Wise followed closely with 29 points.

The Wizards beat a game Jaguar squad without ever trailing once in the game. In a match-up of two Northern Division opponents the Wizards used their size and depth to hold off the Jaguars and keep an outstanding home record intact that has them losing only once at home in 3-years.

Winning on the road is difficult Stated Wizards Head Coach Greg Cerillo. The Jaguars are a good shooting club, and we knew if we could keep this game from being a 3-pt shooting contest it would be in our favor.

That is exactly what the Wizards did holding the Jaguars to only 1 3-pt shot for the entire game and blocking off the middle with their size (Zephyr, Abraham, and Lawley)

Our bigs were the difference tonight Continued Cerillo We were able to challenge 3-pt shooters and seal the paint from drives. This team is game and truly only a few players away, not an unusual case for an expansion team, from giving people fits.

The Jaguars were lead by John Youngmans 21 points!

The Wizards big front line of Tim Zephyr (17 points 11 rebounds 1 block) Jermaine Abraham (14 points 9 rebounds 3 blocks) and Brandon Lawley (20 points 10 rebounds 2 blocks) proved difficult for a shorter Jaguars club.

In addition the Wizards depth supplied 49 bench points to aid the club.

Our guards are always our strength Continued Cerillo Yet our guards are also great team players. Aubin Scott (17 points) Jason Romer (7 points) Eric Ferguson (7 points and 4 steals) and Tamien Trent 16 points) knew the way to beat the Jaguars was not to attack their strong guard play but try and take advantage of our size.

The Wizards stand 2-1 in league play at this point in the season.


*****************************************************
  EUROCHALLENGE   


Standings
EuroChallenge Standings
Group I
 1. Roanne 2-0 
 2. Leiden 1-1 
 3. EWE Baskets 1-1 
 4. Ventspils 0-2 
Group J
 1. Chalon 1-0 
 2. Szolnok 1-1 
 3. Aalstar 1-1 
 4. Telekom Baskets 0-1 
Group K
 1. Besiktas 2-0 
 2. Fuenlabrada 2-0 
 3. N.Novgorod 0-2 
 4. BK Pardubice 0-2 
Group L
 1. Karsiyaka 2-0 
 2. Art.Dragons 2-0 
 3. Triumph 0-2 
 4. Antwerp 0-2 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Deron WILLIAMS
  Besiktas
  (191-PG-84)
  Avg: 33.7
 1. Williams, Besiktas33.7 
 2. Washington, Turk T.22.0 
 3. Stanojevic, Karsi.19.6 
 4. Dykes, U.Mobite.19.0 
 5. Chatman, Karsiyaka19.0 
 6. Copeland, Aalstar18.6 
 7. Karadeniz, Turk T.18.3 
 8. Stimac, Olin Edirne18.0 
 9. Trotter, Szolnok17.9 
 10. Richardson, Armia17.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Will THOMAS
  Armia
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 11.3
 1. Thomas, Armia11.3 
 2. Kjellbom, Armia9.8 
 3. Bader, Szolnok9.7 
 4. Majok, Nitra9.3 
 5. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.8.6 
 6. Mejri, Antwerp8.3 
 7. Terry, Khimik8.2 
 8. Stanojevic, Karsi.8.1 
 9. Arnold, BK Pardu.8.1 
 10. Okur, Turk Telekom8.0 
Assists Per Game
 Jared JORDAN
  Telekom .
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Jordan, Telekom9.1 
 2. Eldridge, Minsk-20.6.5 
 3. Slagter, Leiden6.1 
 4. Moore, Keravnos6.0 
 5. Tchicamboud, Cha.5.9 
 6. Barrett, Roanne5.8 
 7. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.5.7 
 8. Gaines, Armia5.5 
 9. Holston, Art.Drag.5.5 
 10. Wright, Olin Edir.5.3 
Steals Per Game
 Denis CLEMENTE
  Nitra
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Clemente, Nitra2.8 
 2. Frazier, Keravnos2.7 
 3. Moore, Keravnos2.6 
 4. Diane, Nitra2.5 
 5. Morris, U.Mobite.2.4 
 6. Pandula, BK Prost.2.3 
 7. Washington, Turk T.2.3 
 8. Greene, Hoverla2.3 
 9. Young, Ventspils2.1 
 10. Hasbrouck, EWE B.2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Joakim KJELLBOM
  Armia
  (213-C/F-79)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Kjellbom, Armia2.3 
 2. Gaffney, Teleko.2.1 
 3. Mejri, Antwerp2.1 
 4. Hardin, Minsk-20061.7 
 5. Sene, Fuenlabrada1.7 
 6. Erden, Besiktas1.7 
 7. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.1.6 
 8. Knox, Minsk-20061.5 
 9. Pustovyi, Khimik1.4 
 10. Baxter, Enisey1.4 


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


Standings
Eurocup Standings
Group I
 1. Valencia 1-0 
 2. CEZ Nymburk 0-0 
 3. VEF Riga 0-0 
 4. Gravelines 0-1 
Group J
 1. Khimky 1-0 
 2. BC Donetsk 1-0 
 3. Aris 0-1 
 4. ASVEL 0-1 
Group K
 1. Spartak SP 1-0 
 2. Banvit BK 1-0 
 3. Krka 0-1 
 4. Buducnost 0-1 
Group L
 1. Benetton TV 1-0 
 2. Lokomotiv 1-0 
 3. ALBA 0-1 
 4. Lietuvos rytas 0-1 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Fabien CAUSEUR
  Cholet
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 21.8
 1. Causeur, Cholet21.8 
 2. Curry, BC Donetsk16.6 
 3. Minard, Azovmash16.4 
 4. Massey, Lokomotiv15.9 
 5. Caner-Medley, Vale.15.4 
 6. Gentile, Benetton.15.0 
 7. Bell, Groningen15.0 
 8. McKinney, Fr.14.7 
 9. James, Aris14.7 
 10. Wood, ALBA14.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ali TRAORE
  Lokomotiv
  (207-C-85)
  Avg: 8.5
 1. Traore, Lokomotiv8.5 
 2. Adrien, Benetton8.4 
 3. Massey, Lokomotiv8.4 
 4. Davidson, Fraport8.2 
 5. Roberts, Lietuvos.8.0 
 6. Booker, Oostende8.0 
 7. Giddens, PAOK7.8 
 8. Lee, BC Donetsk7.8 
 9. Valanciunas, Lietu.7.1 
 10. Francis, ALBA7.1 
Assists Per Game
 DaShaun WOOD
  ALBA
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Wood, ALBA5.9 
 2. Planinic, Khimky5.4 
 3. Halperin, Spart.5.3 
 4. Moore, PGE Turow5.2 
 5. Rice, Lietuvos.4.7 
 6. Ermis, Banvit BK4.7 
 7. Markovic, Valencia4.5 
 8. Lawrence, CEZ N.4.5 
 9. Rochestie, Le Mans4.4 
 10. Heath, Lukoil A.4.4 
Steals Per Game
 Jeremiah MASSEY
  Lokomotiv
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Massey, Lokomotiv2.7 
 2. Wyatt, Groningen2.5 
 3. Minard, Azovmash2.3 
 4. Taylor, M.Hainaut2.3 
 5. Beverley, Spart.2.1 
 6. Draper, Cedevita2.0 
 7. Randle, Hapoel J-M2.0 
 8. Pumprla, CEZ N.2.0 
 9. Goree, PAOK2.0 
 10. Ermis, Banvit BK2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Sam MULDROW
  Aris
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 3
 1. Muldrow, Aris3.0 
 2. Varnado, Hapoel J.2.2 
 3. Wyatt, Groningen2.0 
 4. Fofana, AS.2.0 
 5. Naymick, CEZ N.2.0 
 6. Kravtsov, BC Do.1.9 
 7. Scalabrine, Benett.1.7 
 8. Randle, Hapoel J-M1.5 
 9. Gobert, Cholet1.3 
 10. Pecherov, Azovma.1.3 


Khimky add Marijonas Petravicius - by Eurobasket News
Khimky bolstered their frontcourt. The Russian powerhouse brought in Lithuanian veteran Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina). Marijonas Petravicius spent the last season in Italy. He played for Armani Jeans Milano. Marijonas Petravicius tallied 8.2 points, 3.2 rebounds per game in Euroleague. In SeriaA the centre delivered 3.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per appearance. Previously Marijonas Petravicius had stints in Germany, Belgium, Latvia, Kuwait and Lithuania. The centre was named Fiba Europe Cup Final Four MVP in 2004. Eurobasket.com named Marijonas Petravicius All-Lithuanian LKL Centre of the Year in 2008 and 2009. Marijonas Petravicius played for Lithuania at 2011 EuroBasket. His stats read 4.5 points and 1.5 boards per game at the tournament.



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


Dowdell didn't pass medical tests at Anadolu Efes - by Eurobasket News
It seems that Zabian Dowdell (191-PG-84, agency: RIZO, college: Virginia Tech) will not play for Anadolu Efes after all. The player failed to pass the medical test and two sides already split. Dowdell most recently played for the Phoenix Suns. He signed for the Suns in January of 2011 averaging 5.0ppg, 2.1apg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 94.1% in 24 games. He started this season with them as well, but was recently waived by the team. In Dec.'09 he signed at Tulsa 66ers (D-League, starting five) and in 10 games averaged 12.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 68.8%. In January of 2010, Dowdell moved to Unicaja Malaga (Spain-ACB) and in Spanish League showed 6.4ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 24.0%, FT: 85.7%. In Euroleague his stats read 7.0ppg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 35.5%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 71.4%. In 2010-2011 he moved back to Tulsa 66ers (D-League, starting five) and after 17 games had 15.0ppg, 2.1rpg, 4.5apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 81.5%. In Europe Zabian Dowdell became French ProA Champion -08 and French ProA Regular Season Runner-Up -08. In 2009, he reached Italian Lega Due Play-Offs Semifinals -09 and became Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 2nd Team -09. Also he was named Eurobasket.com Italian Lega2 All-Imports Team -09 and later reached Spanish ACB Semifinals -10. Anadolu Efes announced signing of Oliver Lafayette (188-G-84, college: Houston) today.

Anadolu Efes signs Oliver Lafayette - by Eurobasket News
Anadolu Efes improved its roster on the eve of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Top 16 by inking combo guard Oliver Lafayette (188-G-84, college: Houston) for the remainder of the season, the club announced Tuesday. Lafayette arrives from Asseco Prokom, where he averaged 10.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 10 Euroleague games off the bench this season. Lafayette had joined Prokom last summer from arriving from Maccabi Ashdod, where he averaged 10.5 points and 2.9 assists in 11 Israeli League games last season. He started the 2010-11 season with Partizan mt:s Belgrade and tallied 8.5 points and 3.3 assists in six Euroleague games. Lafayette late joined Fort Wayne in the NBA Development League before signing for Ashdod. Lafayette has also played for Erie Bay in the D-League, Boston in the NBA and Correcaminos UAT Victoria and Vaqueros de Agua Prieta in Mexico. He also played college basketball for the University of Houston.

Courtesy of Euroleague

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


Coach Salminen starts his blog! - by Pekka Salminen
Hello from Finland!

It is an honor to start blogging here. Let me start with telling something about myself: Have been coaching for 35 years. Started my career with Pussihukat youth program, moved from there to it is a long story. Anyway, have been working in a lot of different places in Finland and also had fantastic five years in Sweden.

This season was supposed to be 'another year at the office' but economical difficulties forced Honka out of the Finnish league and I found myself out of job.
It was kind of nice to be just a fan for couple of months, no pressure, no stress. Was helping a group of talented kids in another Espoo Club: EBT.
That was the only basketball coaching for couple of months and it was good. Really liked working with those kids and to be honest I was real tired after Eurobasket 2011 in Lithuania (More about that later) and got also some much needed rest. But somewhere inside felt the hunger for competition coming back and started to think that maybe then ToPo contacted me and offered me a job as an assistant to my former Youth player Tomi Kaminen (what a great shooter he was!). Though about it for a while, but realized I just had to do it. So off to capital, Helsinki, it was.

Being an assistant coach at club level after 16 years as a headcoach is something new to me but at the same time extremely refreshing and educational.
I am trying to help the head coach and players with a lot of different stuff, starting with players individual development and scouting.
Early in the season we have had a lot of problems with injuries and still looking for extra guys, but the fact is: We have a good team with a lot of quality players, just need to work hard to get this thing together. ToPo is good right now, it will be great, lets see how great...

People have asked me about the highlights of my career and before last summer it was kind of easy : 2003 and 2008 championships in Sweden with Solna Vikings or maybe 'the best team ever', 2009 Solna Vikings , that fought all the possible injuries and problems but never surrended and almost took the back to back titles to Solna. We lost the finals 3-4 to Sundsvall and I have never been prouder of my team than after that season.

Last summer everything changed. A new absolute highlight 'was born'. I have been the assistant coach for Finnish national team since 2004 and it has been a good experience, a lot of good guys,players and staff, a great head coach in Henrik DettmannLast summer a good experience turned into a great one, FIBA decided to expand the tournament, Finland played extra qualifications with Hungary and Portugal, won all our games and soon we were in Lithuania with the big boys.
What happened next, I still not have realized, really. We beat a some good teams , played really well, played as a team, played great D and all of a sudden we were in Vilnius for the second stage. The next thing I clearly remember was that we were playing Slovenia and top 8 was at stake, win there and we would have played Spain in quarterfinal.
OK we lost, but still: 9th in Europe!
What a great summer that was, have to thank everybody involved again!

HYVAA JOULUA!

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


EuroCup: BC Donetsk open Lat 16 campaign with win in France - by Eurobasket News
Asvel - BC Donetsk 75:86

BC Donetsk opened their EuroCup Last 16 stage in style. They overcame ambitious Asvel on the road for the opening win in Group J. Ramel Curry (192-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield) stepped up with 18 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 steals to lead the effort.
The teams stayed on level terms in the starting quarter. They exchanged baskets as Asvel managed to take a 20:19 lead after ten minutes. However BC Donetsk managed to pull their noses in front in the second quarter. The Ukrainian team pulled away with a 43:41 halftime lead. BC Donetsk maintained the lead throughout the third term. Asvel tried hard to erase the deficit in the fourth period but the visitors gave them no chance whatsoever. BC Donetsk kept the hosts at bay and raced to the victory at the end. Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) accounted for 16 points, while Michael Lee (207-F-86) added 13 points for the winners. Hilton Armstrong (208-C/F-84, college: Connecticut) answered with 21 points for Asvel. Dijon Thompson (201-G/F-83, college: UCLA) accounted for 16 points in the loss.

Asvel: Hilton Armstrong 21, Dijon Thompson 16
BC Donetsk: Ramel Curry 18, Ivan Radenovic 16, Michael Lee 13

ProB Round 17: Chalons-Reims are upset by Lille Metropole - by Eurobasket News
ProB is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 17 rounds left.

The game between third ranked Chalons-Reims (11-6) and ninth ranked Lille Metropole (9-8) was the most important one in the last round on Tuesday night. Chalons-Reims was defeated by Lille Metropole in Lille 74-64. The game was mostly controlled by Lille Metropole. Chalons-Reims managed to win second period 18-10. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Lille Metropole made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. 25 personal fouls committed by Chalons-Reims helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American Steve Smith (200-81, college: Iona) who scored 17 points and 5 rebounds. His fellow American import power forward Steffon Bradford (199-78, college: Nebraska, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) chipped in 10 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Lille Metropole's coach Fabien Romeyer used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American-Irish point guard Bryan Mullins (185-87, college: S.Illinois) produced 16 points for the guests. Lille Metropole have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain ninth place with 9-8 record. Chalons-Reims at the other side keeps the third position with six games lost. They share it with Maurienne and Fos Ouest. Lille Metropole are looking forward to face higher ranked Saint Vallier (#7) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Chalons-Reims will play against Aix-Maurienne (#3) in Aix-les-Bains and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Leader Boulazac Basket delivered the fourteenth victory. This time they beat 6th ranked Bordeaux (10-7) 96-87. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Bordeaux. American power forward Darryl Monroe (202-86, college: George Mason, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Thomas Dubiez contributed with 22 points for the winners. Boulazac Basket's coach Sylvain Lautie allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American power forward Kurt Cunningham (205-87, college: Boise St.) answered with a double-double by scoring 31 points and 11 rebounds for Bordeaux. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Boulazac Basket. They maintain first place with 14-3 record. Newly promoted Bordeaux keeps the sixth position with seven games lost. They share it with Boulogne and St Vallier. Boulazac Basket will play against SPO Rouen (#15) at home in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Bordeaux will play against ALM Evreux (#14) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Rouen. Local SPO Rouen (6-11) outscored 17th ranked Quimper UJAP (4-13) 74-54 on Tuesday night. Alex Dunn stepped up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Andrew Lovedale responded with 9 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. SPO Rouen maintains fifteenth place with 6-11 record. Quimper UJAP lost their sixth game in a row. They keep the seventeenth position with 13 games lost. SPO Rouen will meet league's leader Boulazac Basket on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Quimper UJAP will play against Fos Ouest (#5) and hope to secure a win.

Other games of round 17 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Evreux was defeated by Fos Ouest in a road game 89-72. Maurienne beat Antibes at home 88-75. St Vallier lost to Limoges on the opponent's court 77-87. Nantes managed to outperform Le Portel in a home game 93-78. Denain recorded a loss to Boulogne on the road 93-83. Bourg defeated Vichy on its own court 93-78.


Fos Ouest - Evreux 89-72

There was no surprise when 14th ranked ALM Evreux (7-10) was defeated on the road by fourth ranked Fos Ouest (11-6) 89-72 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by Fos Ouest. ALM Evreux managed to win fourth quarter 24-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded ALM Evreux 40-26 including 26 on the defensive glass. American Bill Clark (195-88, college: Duquesne) stepped up and scored 22 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and point guard Edouard Choquet (187-88) chipped in 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. American point guard Austen Rowland (186-81, college: Lehigh, agency: Court Side) responded with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals and the other American import power forward Jeremiah Wood (200-85, agency: Court Side) scored 9 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Fos Ouest moved-up to third place, which they share with Chalons-Reims and Maurienne. ALM Evreux lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the twelfth position with ten games lost. They share it with Le Portel and Denain. Fos Ouest will meet Quimper UJAP (#17) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. ALM Evreux will play against Bordeaux (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Fos Ouest: M.Dia 22+4reb+1ast, B.Clark 22+7reb+3ast, E.Choquet 17+5reb+5ast, S.Gay 10+2reb+1ast, S.Giffa 8+6reb+1ast, M.Hachad 7+4reb+3ast
Evreux: A.Rowland 15+7reb+9ast, S.Ho You Fat 12, G.Florimont 11+3reb, J.Wood 9+6reb+4ast, G.Pons 8+2ast, G.Costentin 6+2reb+1ast
gschID: 139860


Maurienne - Antibes 88-75

No shocking result in a game in Aix-les-Bains where seventh ranked Aix-Maurienne (11-6) defeated 16th ranked Olympique Antibes (5-12) 88-75 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by Aix-Maurienne. Olympique Antibes managed to win third quarter 22-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great shooting night for Aix-Maurienne especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American Wilbert Brown (199-84, college: Niagara, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) stepped up and scored 26 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and American-DR Congolese power forward Bambale Osby (203-86, college: Maryland) chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds. Osby is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Aix-Maurienne's coach Antoine Michon used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Naturalized Senegalese center Moussa Badiane (205-81, college: E.Carolina) responded with 15 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) and center Ferdinand Prenom (205-91) scored 15 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Aix-Maurienne moved-up to third place, which they share with Chalons-Reims and Fos Ouest. Olympique Antibes lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the sixteenth position with 12 games lost. Aix-Maurienne will meet Chalons-Reims (#4) on the road in the next round. Olympique Antibes will play against Nantes (#10) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Maurienne: W.Brown 26+8reb+1ast, S.Darnauzan 14+6ast, B.Osby 14+5reb+2ast, J.Ekanga-Ehawa 12+1reb+3ast, D.Tucker 7+2reb+2ast, M.Houmounou 7+3reb+4ast
Antibes: M.Badiane 15+9reb, F.Prenom 15+6reb, M.Courby 12+3reb, L.Bengaber 12+3reb+4ast, S.Massot 9+6reb+2ast, B.Monclar 7+3reb+1ast
gschID: 139861


Lille - Chalons-Reims 74-64

The game between third ranked Chalons-Reims (11-6) and ninth ranked Lille Metropole (9-8) was the most important one in the last round on Tuesday night. Chalons-Reims was defeated by Lille Metropole in Lille 74-64. The game was mostly controlled by Lille Metropole. Chalons-Reims managed to win second period 18-10. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Lille Metropole made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. 25 personal fouls committed by Chalons-Reims helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American Steve Smith (200-81, college: Iona) who scored 17 points and 5 rebounds. His fellow American import power forward Steffon Bradford (199-78, college: Nebraska, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) chipped in 10 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Lille Metropole's coach Fabien Romeyer used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American-Irish point guard Bryan Mullins (185-87, college: S.Illinois) produced 16 points and American Chris Daniels (200-82, college: Georgia, agency: Limelight Hoops) added 11 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the guests. Four Chalons-Reims players scored in double figures. Lille Metropole have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain ninth place with 9-8 record. Chalons-Reims at the other side keeps the third position with six games lost. They share it with Maurienne and Fos Ouest. Lille Metropole are looking forward to face higher ranked Saint Vallier (#7) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Chalons-Reims will play against Aix-Maurienne (#3) in Aix-les-Bains and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Lille: S.Smith 17+5reb+2ast, B.Gillet 15+1reb+1ast, S.Bradford 10+7reb+5ast, C.Marshall 9+4reb+1ast, A.Rigaux 8+4reb+4ast, J.Sauret 5+2reb+2ast
Chalons-Reims: B.Mullins 16+2reb+3ast, C.Daniels 11+8reb+2ast, N.Carter 10+5reb, E.Plateau 10+2reb+4ast, G.Chathuant 6+5reb+1ast, R.Mels 5+6reb
gschID: 139862


Limoges - St Vallier 87-77

Very expected game when 6th ranked Saint Vallier (10-7) was defeated on the road by second ranked Limoges CSP Elite (13-4) 87-77 on Tuesday. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 32-14 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Limoges CSP Elite outrebounded Saint Vallier 48-30 including a 33-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American power forward Christophe Massie (206-77, college: Memphis, agency: Court Side) stepped up and scored 6 points and 17 rebounds for the winners and the former international guard Joseph Gomis (180-78) chipped in 16 points and 7 assists. American LaQuan Prowell (203-84, college: Auburn, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) responded with 27 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import point guard Kyle Shiloh (191-85, college: Nevada) scored 12 points and 8 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the third consecutive win for Limoges CSP Elite. They maintain second place with 13-4 record behind leader Boulazac. Loser Saint Vallier keeps the sixth position with seven games lost. They share it with Boulogne and Bordeaux. Limoges CSP Elite will meet SO Maritime Boulogne (#8) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Saint Vallier will play against Lille Metropole and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Limoges: J.Hoyaux 18+1reb+1ast, J.Gomis 16+2reb+7ast, R.Desroses 12+9reb+4ast, A.Curti 12+3reb+3ast, L.Milbourne 9+2reb+1ast, S.Traore 9+6reb+1ast
St Vallier: L.Prowell 27+8reb, D.Denave 15+3reb+2ast, K.Shiloh 12+2reb+8ast, H.Disy 10+6reb+1ast, M.Toti 6+2reb+2ast, S.Barrett 5+2reb+2ast
gschID: 139863


Nantes - Le Portel 93-78

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both twelfth ranked Nantes and 11th ranked Le Portel had identical 7-9 record. This time Nantes used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Le Portel 93-78 on Tuesday night. The game without a history. Nantes led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Nantes outrebounded Le Portel 32-19 including 24 on the defensive glass. Senegalese power forward Malick Badiane (211-84) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds for the winners and American forward Gordon Watt (198-86, college: Houston Baptist) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds. Nantes' coach Guillaume Quintard used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American swingman Chris Davis (195-80, college: N.Texas, agency: Court Side) responded with 21 points and the other American import power forward Nigel Wyatte (204-81, college: Wagner, agency: Court Side) scored 13 points. Five Nantes and four Le Portel players scored in double figures. Nantes (8-9) moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Bourg. Le Portel lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the twelfth position with ten games lost. They share it with Evreux and Denain. Nantes will meet Olympique Antibes (#16) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Le Portel will play against JA Vichy (#18) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Nantes: M.Drame 18+1reb+1ast, A.Charles 16+2reb+2ast, G.Watt 16+6reb+1ast, M.Badiane 14+14reb+3ast, D.Ramseyer 12+5reb+5ast, N.Gayon 6+1reb+1ast
Le Portel: C.Davis 21+1ast, M.Labeyrie 14+2reb+1ast, N.Wyatte 13+4reb+2ast, R.Taylor 11+3reb+4ast, M.N'Diaye 6+5reb+2ast, J.Ludon 5+1reb+1ast
gschID: 139864


Rouen - Quimper 74-54

The game with biggest result difference took place in Rouen. Local SPO Rouen (6-11) outscored 17th ranked Quimper UJAP (4-13) 74-54 on Tuesday night. The game without a history. SPO Rouen led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. American power forward Alex Dunn (210-82, college: Wyoming) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds for the winners and his fellow American import swingman Jason Siggers (190-85, college: Albany) chipped in 8 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Nigerian-British power forward Andrew Lovedale (203-85, college: Davidson) responded with 9 points and 9 rebounds and Aurelien Salmon (204-87) scored 11 points. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. SPO Rouen maintains fifteenth place with 6-11 record. Quimper UJAP lost their sixth game in a row. They keep the seventeenth position with 13 games lost. SPO Rouen will meet league's leader Boulazac Basket on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Quimper UJAP will play against Fos Ouest (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Rouen: A.Dunn 21+11reb, P.Poupet 13+4reb+3ast, L.Chelle 10+1reb+2ast, C.Bronchard 9+3reb, J.Siggers 8+10reb+4ast, C.Thioune 6
Quimper: A.Salmon 11+4reb, A.Lovedale 9+9reb, V.Mouillard 6+1reb+1ast, W.Herve 5+3reb, A.McCoy 4+1reb, W.Molas 4+3reb+1ast
gschID: 139865


Boulogne - Denain 93-83

Not a big story in a game when 13th ranked Denain Voltaire (7-10) was defeated on the road by eighth ranked SO Maritime Boulogne (10-7) 93-83 on Tuesday. The hosts trailed by 7 points after three quarters before their 29-12 charge, which allowed them to win the game. American power forward James Mathis (200-84, college: Niagara, agency: Court Side) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and point guard Jonathan Rousselle (190-90) chipped in 19 points and 7 assists. Four SO Maritime Boulogne players scored in double figures. Lamine Kante (200-87) responded with 23 points and American power forward Ryan Rossiter (204-89, college: Siena) scored 15 points and 7 rebounds. SO Maritime Boulogne moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Bordeaux and St Vallier. Newly promoted Denain Voltaire dropped to the twelfth position with ten games lost. They share it with Le Portel and Evreux. SO Maritime Boulogne will meet at home league's second-placed Limoges CSP Elite in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Denain Voltaire will play against JL Bourg (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Boulogne: J.Rousselle 19+1reb+7ast, J.Mathis 17+12reb+2ast, T.Stanley 13+1ast, F.Raposo Laurencio 12+9reb, Z.Bah 12+2reb+5ast, M.Le Pellec 11+4reb+3ast
Denain: L.Kante 23+2ast, R.Rossiter 15+7reb+2ast, F.Minet 10+1reb, R.Brocheray 10+3reb, N.Rohnert 10+6reb+4ast, X.Gaillou 8+4reb+6ast
gschID: 151897


Bordeaux - Boulazac 87-96

Leader Boulazac Basket delivered the fourteenth victory. This time they beat 6th ranked Bordeaux (10-7) 96-87. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Bordeaux. The guests were already 11 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 30-28 Bordeaux's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 96-87 at the end of the game. Boulazac Basket made 21-of-25 charity shots (84.0 percent) during the game. American power forward Darryl Monroe (202-86, college: George Mason, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international Thomas Dubiez (195-80) contributed with 22 points for the winners. Four Boulazac Basket players scored in double figures. Boulazac Basket's coach Sylvain Lautie allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American power forward Kurt Cunningham (205-87, college: Boise St.) answered with a double-double by scoring 31 points and 11 rebounds and point guard Gauthier Darrigand (184-82) added 9 points and 6 assists in the effort for Bordeaux. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Boulazac Basket. They maintain first place with 14-3 record. Newly promoted Bordeaux keeps the sixth position with seven games lost. They share it with Boulogne and St Vallier. Boulazac Basket will play against SPO Rouen (#15) at home in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Bordeaux will play against ALM Evreux (#14) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Boulazac: T.Dubiez 22+4reb+1ast, D.Monroe 17+8reb+5ast, A.McKenzie 15+3reb+1ast, Y.Gaillou 13+1reb+2ast, R.Ayers 8+3reb+1ast, I.Soumahoro 6+2reb
Bordeaux: K.Cunningham 31+11reb+1ast, J.Ford 14+2reb+2ast, G.Darrigand 9+4reb+6ast, C.Dunn 8, J.Nzeulie 8+5reb+1ast, S.Driss 6+2reb+2ast
gschID: 139858


Bourg - Vichy 93-78

Everything went according to plan when eleventh ranked JL Bourg (8-9) won against at home 18th ranked JA Vichy (2-15) 93-78 on Tuesday. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 51-35 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. JL Bourg made 19-of-21 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 52.2 percentage. JL Bourg looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by JA Vichy's players. Power forward Ibrahima Koma (203-87) stepped up and scored 15 points and 5 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners and Senegalese power forward Ousmane Barro (208-84, college: Marquette) chipped in 14 points. JL Bourg's coach Fabrice Courcier used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Guard Mathieu Guichard (188-88) responded with 22 points (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) and American center Marvin Jefferson (206-86, college: Idaho) scored 16 points and 7 rebounds. Four JA Vichy players scored in double figures. JL Bourg moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Nantes. Loser JA Vichy keeps the eighteenth position with 15 games lost. JL Bourg will meet Denain Voltaire (#12) on the road in the next round. JA Vichy will play against Le Portel (#13) and hope to secure a win and be promoted back to the ProA just one year after relegation.
Top scorers:
Bourg: I.Koma 15+5reb+2ast, O.Barro 14+3reb+1ast, J.Delhomme 12+2reb+3ast, A.Tsagarakis 11+3ast, C.Ferchaud 9+4reb+4ast, D.Copeland 8+2reb+5ast
Vichy: M.Guichard 22+3reb+2ast, M.Jefferson 16+7reb, E.Craven 15+2reb+5ast, D.Coleman 12+5reb+1ast, A.Eito 7+5reb+1ast, W.Aka 4+4reb+1ast
gschID: 139859




Standings - ProB
ProB Standings
 1. Boulazac 14-3 
 2. Limoges 13-4 
 3. Maurienne 11-6 
 4. Chalons-Reims 11-6 
 5. Fos Ouest 11-6 
 6. Bordeaux 10-7 
 7. St Vallier 10-7 
 8. Boulogne 10-7 
 9. Lille 9-8 
 10. Nantes 8-9 
 11. Bourg 8-9 
 12. Denain 7-10 
 13. Le Portel 7-10 
 14. Evreux 7-10 
 15. Rouen 6-11 
 16. Antibes 5-12 
 17. Quimper 4-13 
 18. Vichy 2-15 
 19. St Etienne 0-0 


Stats Leaders - ProB
Points Per Game
 Moses SONKO
  Bourg
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 18.5
 1. Sonko, Bourg18.5 
 2. Denave, St Vallier18.5 
 3. McCray, Boulogne18.3 
 4. Davis, Le Portel18.2 
 5. Paelay, Quimper17.2 
 6. Prowell, St Vallier17.1 
 7. Gay, Fos Ouest16.4 
 8. Siggers, Rouen16.3 
 9. Wood, Evreux15.9 
 10. Barro, Bourg15.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Christophe MASSIE
  Limoges
  (206-C/F-77)
  Avg: 11.6
 1. Massie, Limoges11.6 
 2. Wood, Evreux11.4 
 3. Rossiter, Denain9.5 
 4. Monroe, Boulazac9.3 
 5. Badiane, Antibes9.3 
 6. Osby, Maurienne9.2 
 7. Allen, Antibes8.8 
 8. Barro, Bourg8.6 
 9. Daniels, Chalons-.8.5 
 10. Prowell, St Valli.8.4 
Assists Per Game
 Ronnie TAYLOR
  Le Portel
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 7.3
 1. Taylor, Le Portel7.3 
 2. Copeland, Bourg5.8 
 3. Darnauzan, Mauri.5.7 
 4. Rowland, Evreux5.5 
 5. Darrigand, Bordeaux5.3 
 6. Patiejunas, Rouen5.2 
 7. Mullins, Chalons-.5.1 
 8. Denave, St Vallier5.1 
 9. Mouillard, Quimper5.0 
 10. Sauret, Lille4.8 
Steals Per Game
 Armand CHARLES
  Nantes
  (193-SF-83)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Charles, Nantes2.7 
 2. McCray, Boulogne2.6 
 3. Paelay, Quimper2.5 
 4. Shiloh, St Vallier2.3 
 5. James, Denain2.1 
 6. Denave, St Vallier2.0 
 7. Flowers, Vichy2.0 
 8. Eito, Vichy1.9 
 9. Prowell, St Vallier1.9 
 10. Mullins, Chalons-.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Sherman GAY
  Fos Ouest
  (201-PF-82)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Gay, Fos Ouest1.8 
 2. Badiane, Antibes1.6 
 3. Osby, Maurienne1.4 
 4. Prowell, St Vallier1.1 
 5. Badiane, Nantes0.9 
 6. Daniels, Chalons-.0.9 
 7. Adjiwanou, Boula.0.9 
 8. Barro, Bourg0.9 
 9. Massie, Limoges0.9 
 10. Dunn, Rouen0.9 


Ralph Mims released by Poitiers - by Eurobasket News
Ralph Mims (191-G-85, college: Florida St.) was released by Poitiers. The guard did not play a single game for the French team. He joined the team last week but after several trainings the team decided to release the player. Ralph Mims signed with Marousi BC before the season. However the player left the team havent played a single game in Greece. Last season Ralph Mims spent with Nancy. He averaged 19.0 points, 3.0 assists, 3.5 steals and 1.0 board per game in EuroChallenge. In ProA his stats read 14.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals. Earlier Ralph Mims had stints with Roanne and Antalya. Eurobasket.com named the guard into French ProA All-Defensive Team in 2010. He also earned Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge Honourable Mention in 2010. Ralph Mims is expected to appear in Round 15 game against Pau-Lacq-Orthez.


EuroCup: Nando De Colo leads Valencia past Gravelines - by Eurobasket News
Gravelines - Valencia 63:69

Valencia opened win count at EuroCup Last 16 round. They shot down Gravelines on the road in Group I opener. Nando De Colo (202-G-87) knocked down 19 points and issued 7 assists to lead the effort.
The teams stayed close throughout the starting quarter. Valencia eked out a 15:14 lead after ten minutes. The Spanish team took over in the second frame. Valencia surprised the hosts with a massive 27:10 run in the quarter. The visitors accumulated a comfortable 42:24 halftime lead. Gravelines came back to life after the talk in the locker rooms. The hosts limited their opponents to 14 points in the third quarter to get within 13 points. Gravelines stayed aggressive in the fourth period. They narrowed the gap to 7 points midway through the fourth term. But Lischuk and Victor Claver (207-F/C-88) knocked down five points in a row and Valencia ran away with the victory at the end. Brad Newley (201-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) had 11 points, while Nik Caner-Medley (203-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland), Lischuk and Victor Claver added 9 points each in the win. Juby Johnson (196-G-81, college: Miami, OH) answered with 14 points for Gravelines. Yannick Bokolo (190-G-85) had 12 points in the loss.

Gravelines: Juby Johnson 14, Yannick Bokolo 12
Valencia: Nando De Colo 19, Brad Newley 11, Nik Caner-Medley 9

EuroChallenge: Roanne celebrated another victory in Group I - by Eurobasket News
Roanne - EWE Baskets 86:80

Roanne celebrated another victory in Group I of EuroChallenge. The French side overcame EWE Baskets 86:80 as the latter suffered their first loss.
The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But EWE Baskets won third quarter 26-22. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. After four straight points from Rickey Paulding (196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) closed the gap to 82:80, John Holland (195-G/F-88, college: Boston U.) made a jumper from inside the arc.
Chorale de Roanne looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. Dylan Page (204-F-82, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) scored 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and point guard Andre Barrett (175-PG-82, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Seton Hall) chipped in 16 points and 7 assists during the contest. Ronald Burrell (204-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Greensboro) responded with 25 points and 5 rebounds and guard Rickey Paulding scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

Roanne: Dylan Page 19, Andre Barrett 16, Jackson 13, John Holland 10
EWE Baskets: Ronald Burrell 25, Rickey Paulding 14, Kenny Hasbrouck (191-G-86, college: Siena) 13, Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: CS Fullerton) 13, Adam Chubb (208-F/C-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Pennsylvania) 11



Coach Leroy blogs - by Romain Leroy
Hello, everybody,


My name is Romain Leroy, 33, basketball coach. And French Nobodys perfect, right ?
When the guys from www.eurobasket.com asked me if I could be interested in blogging, I first said to myself -What the hell am I going to write about, and, if I do so, are people going to read and even be interested in my crazy thoughts ? , and then I said yes, basically. My written English might look a bit rusty, but the good point is you can not here my strange accent, coming out of nowhere. Well, from France, in fact, to be sharp.

About me ? I was 17 when fate, destiny, bad luck, call it however you want, gave me my first coaching experience with kids, u10. Sixteen years later, I have a 13 seasons experience with coaching as a full time job, and 8 seasons as a professional coach or assistant coach, in both men and womens hoops. Ill give you further details about my global and humble- experience later.

I just graduated from the FIBA Europe Coaching Certificate class of 2009/11-, which was probably the most interesting training course Ive ever had. FIBA is doing weird things sometimes, but seriously : This coaching program is awesome. I mean, Im just an average French coach, and it gave me the opportunity to discover the hidden side of european hoops : Networking, clinics and discussions with great coaches, and some scouting duties during the U16/18/20 EC.

Three summers in a row (Kaunas u16 EC 2009, Vilnius u18 EC 2010, and Bilbao u20 EC 2011), during a little bit more than a week, about 60 young coaches, proposed by their national federations, have been working, scouting, attending clinics and finally got evaluated by hum lets say legendary coaches or next to be.
Svetislav Pesic was (and is) the mentor of the program. Janez Drvaric, Pablo Laso, Nihat Izic and other great names were also a part of it. The kind of names you just sit, watch and learn from.
Great time with those guys, sharing experiences, and learning. Unique experience and opportunity to meet coaches from other countries (Blue Nation people, if you read this ) : Definitely not a waste of time. Getting out of your own country, if you can, is a need for any coach. In this job, beeing open minded is more than a need. When you start thinking that you have a good knowledge, youre done : Stay home.

Best wishes, and great seasons greetings to all of you : Ballers, coaches, fans, etc.



Bobcats put Boris Diaw on trading block - by Eurobasket News
Boris Diaw (6'8''-PF-82) arrived on the Charlotte Bobcats roster via trade with the Phoenix Suns in December 2008 (along with Raja Bell and Sean Singletary). Now he may disappear from the roster in the same way.

The Charlotte Observer reports that Diaw (and his expiring contract) is on the trading block, but the team isn't willing to 'take back a bad contract to make a deal.'

Since his arrival, the 29-year-old had started 235 straight games for the Bobcats before coming off the bench for Monday's 102-94 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Coach Paul Silas is becoming increasingly frustrated with Diaw, the paper reports. 'As Charles Barkley said on national television recently, Diaw is a nice guy but a relatively passionless player,' the Observer notes. 'As Barkley put it, he [Barkley] always went out to kick someone's butt, and Diaw isn't of that nature.'

The 6-8 native of France is averaging 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.6 assist per game.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

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


Feni Industri lands Solomon Bozeman at PG - by Eurobasket News
Solomon Bozeman (185-G-87, college: UALR) will continue his career in FYROM. The American point guard signed a deal with Macedonian champions Feni Industri. He arrives to Feni from the NBA D-League team Austin Toros. Bozeman appeared 12 times for them this season averaging 8 points, 3 assists and 1.9 rebounds. Solomon Bozeman is a rookie who graduated last year at the UALR (University of Arkansas at Little Rock). He shined as a senior with 16.6 ppg, 2.8 apg and 2.1 rpg for 26 games. Bozeman helped UALR to win the Sun Belt Tournament and was named MVP of the event. He was also awarded with All-Sun Belt Player of the Year -11. Bozeman started collegiate career at South Florida and in 2008 transferred to UALR. He missed the 2008/09 season due to transfer rule in NCAA.

Sundsvall Dragons sign Nenad Zivcevic - by Eurobasket News
Sundsvall Dragons announced signing of Nenad Zivcevic (204-F-87) for rest of the season. He will help the team at forward position. Zivcevic arrived to Sundsvall from the Macedonian squad Lirija Skopje. He joined them in November averaging 17.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3 assists for 8 games. Zivcevic started this season in Ukraine. He played 9 games for Politekhnika-Halychyna collecting 11.6 ppg and 3.4 rpg. In 2010/11, Nenad Zivcevic played for MZT Skopje. There he had 13.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 2.4 apg for 32 games in Macedonian league. In the past, he played for Plejmejker-Kubus, Fersped Rabotnicki and Buducnost Podgorica. In 2009, Zivcevic helped Rabotnicki to win the Macedonian league title. They also reach Balkan league Finals. Nenad Zivcevic played for Serbian U16, U18 and U20 National Teams from 2003 to 2007.

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


EuroChallenge: Roanne celebrated another victory in Group I - by Eurobasket News
Roanne - EWE Baskets 86:80

Roanne celebrated another victory in Group I of EuroChallenge. The French side overcame EWE Baskets 86:80 as the latter suffered their first loss.
The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But EWE Baskets won third quarter 26-22. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. After four straight points from Rickey Paulding (196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) closed the gap to 82:80, John Holland (195-G/F-88, college: Boston U.) made a jumper from inside the arc.
Chorale de Roanne looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. Dylan Page (204-F-82, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) scored 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and point guard Andre Barrett (175-PG-82, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Seton Hall) chipped in 16 points and 7 assists during the contest. Ronald Burrell (204-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Greensboro) responded with 25 points and 5 rebounds and guard Rickey Paulding scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

Roanne: Dylan Page 19, Andre Barrett 16, Jackson 13, John Holland 10
EWE Baskets: Ronald Burrell 25, Rickey Paulding 14, Kenny Hasbrouck (191-G-86, college: Siena) 13, Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: CS Fullerton) 13, Adam Chubb (208-F/C-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Pennsylvania) 11



Michael Stockton (BG Karlsruhe) My Dad Is An Unbelievable Passer While I Am A Good Passer - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Michael Stockton (185-G-89, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Westminster, UT) is a 22 year old 185cm point guard from Spokane, Washington. He is playing his rookie season for BG Karlsruhe in the German PRO A. He played four years at : Westminster (NAIA) from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played 30 games: 18.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.2apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 54.4%, 3Pts: 36.4%, FT: 78.5%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been NAIA D1 Elite Eight -09, NAIA D1 Sweet 16 -10, and All-NAIA D1 3rd Team -11. He spoke to Eurobasket about his rookie season in Germany.

You played against Takumi Ishizaki this season. What was it like playing against a Japanese player?

It was interesting. He is a good player and I believe that he made most shots against us. When he had an open look, he really made us pay for it.

What are the biggest differences between Utah and Karlsruhe?

Utah has a lot of mountains and snow. So far there has been no snow in Karlsruhe which is nice. I have met good people in Karlsruhe and I am happy to be here.

BG Karlsruhe have started very slow. What have been the main reasons for the slow start?

I dont really know, but I think that it comes down to us not playing as well as we should. Our opponents have made their plays at a more consistent rate and we just have to continue to work hard and get better.

It seems like BG Karlsruhe have a slim bench, because most of the points come from the Americans and Rouven Roessler.

Our bench could be a factor, but I dont think that we are to tired. We just have to get more contribution from everyone.

The heart and soul of BG Karlsruhe is German Rouven Roessler. He is playing his 9th season in the Beko BBL What is the most unique thing that you have seen him do in practice?

I have seen Rouven do a lot. He is still young can jump and shoot very well. I also have seen him do some nice dunks as well.

What is a strength in your game that isnt always noticed right away?

I think that I can rebound the ball very well for a little guy. I also bring toughness and leadership.

What is your favorite pass? An ally-op, back door pass or kick out pass?

I like all three passes. I think the most flashy pass is the back door, but I like the kick out pass the best, because I find my open teammates.

What was your childhood like with 5 siblings?

It was a lot of fun. I am the middle brother and we were very competitive. That made me the person that I am today.

Do you think it was easier to have more siblings than being an only child and having to deal with such a famous father?

Absolutly. I think that it must be hard being an only child.

Why was your favorite player Charles Barkley?

He was my favorite non Utah Jazz player. He was always so nice to me when I saw him and I am really thankful for that.

Who was your favorite Utah Jazz player as a kid?

My dad, Karl Malone, Jeff Hornacek and Steven Howard.

When you were six years old, Charles Barkley told you, that he should be your role model before your dad. Is the NBA today missing these type of character players?

Barkley was one of a kind. I think that there are enough character type players in the NBA, but guys today arent as appreciated as the players back then.

What is your favorite Karl Malone story?

There are too many stories to tell. He was one of a kind. I remember one time as me and friends were playing basketball outside, he came over took the ball and dunked over 7 kids as some were hanging on to him.

What are the main differences between John Stockton and Michael Stockton (185-G-89, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Westminster, UT) on the court?

My dad is an unbelievable passer while I am a good passer. I am not on his level. I am more a scorer and he is more a pass first player.

What is your favorite John Stockton game?

When he hit the winning shot over Barkley getting to the 1997 NBA finals.

What was the most important thing that you learned from your dad?

My Dad taught me Never take anything for granted.

You played at Westminster (NAIA) reaching the Sweet 16 and Elite 8. What was the most important thing that you learned from head coach Tommy Connor?

The most important thing that I learned from him was to always go out and play hard and never give up. Coach Connor played college basketball and spoke from experience.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I dont usually look so far down the road and dont like to speculate, but I hope that I am still playing professional basketball.

Who wins a 1-1 game you or John Stockton?

I can safely say that I would win since I am a little faster, but in a team setting, he is still the best that I have ever seen.

What were the most free throws that you made in a practice/game? I made 50 in a practice and 10 in a game.

What was the most crazy shot that you made in a practice of game?

I hit a running half court shot before half time at a Westminster game.,

Who wins a 1-1 you or Marco Samarco?

He is a big guard and I will stay humble and say that he would win.

What do you like most about the country Germany?

I like the people and food and am happy about no snow.

What is your favorite food?

Wiener Schnitzel.

What do you miss most from the States?

Family, friends and big hamburgers.


What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Coming to America.

Thanks Michael for the chat.

Louis Hinnant Joins The Mitteldeutscher BC - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Mitteldeutscher BC announced today that Louis Hinnant (193-PG-84, college: Boston Coll.) will join the team. Hinnant is a 27 year old 193cm shooting guard from Gwynn Park/Oxon Hill, Maryland. The American got a contract until the end of the season with an option for next season. MBC will be his third stop this season as he already played for : Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-PLK), left in Oct.'11, in Dec.'11 moved to Khimik-OPZ Yuzny (Ukraine-Superleague),this season. He averaged 2,7ppg for Anwil Wloclawek and 13,0ppg, 1,0rpg and 2,0apg with Khimik-OPZ Yuzny. 'Louis has already got much experience in Europe and celebrated a title in Hungry. He is a creative player that create shots for himself and his teammates. The roster will be deeper now', stressed MBC head coach Silvano Poropat (agency: FCM ).

Hinnant started his basketball career at Boston College (NCAA) where he played from 2002-2006. In his senior year, he played 36 games: 7.5ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.6apg, FG: 48.4%, 3PT: 43%, FT: 69.1%. In 2006-2007, he started his professional basketball career with Sundsvall Dragons (Sweden-Basketligan, starting five): 22 games: 16.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.9apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 74.1%. In 2007-2008, he played for Joensuun Kataja (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five): 41 games: 18.0ppg, 5.3rpg, Assists-2 (4.4apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 87.5%. In 2008-2009, he played for Zalakeramia-ZTE KK (Hungary-A Division, starting five): 34 games: 15.6ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 61.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 82.6%. He stayed there the following year playing 34 games: 13.6ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-3 (6.0apg), 1.7spg, FGP: 67.0%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 79.0%. In 2009-2010, he played for Kryvbasbasket-Lux Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine-Superleague, starting five): left in Dec.'10: 13 games: 10.2ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 71.7%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Big East East Division Regular Season Co-Champion -03, Big East Tournament Semifinals -03, 04
Big East Regular Season Champion -05, ACC Tournament Finalist -06, ACC All-Tournament 2nd Team -06, NCAA Sweet 16 -06, Swedish Basketligan Semifinals -07, Hungarian League Semifinals -09, Eurobasket.com All-Hungarian League Guard of the Year -10, Eurobasket.com All-Hungarian League 1st Team -10, Eurobasket.com Hungarian League All-Imports Team -10, Hungarian Cup Winner -10, Hungarian League All-Star Game -10, Hungarian League Champion -10, and Hungarian League Regular Season Champion -10

Source: MBC

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga
Points Per Game
 Bobby BROWN
  EWE Baskets
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 17.8
 1. Brown, EWE Baskets17.8 
 2. Holston, Art.Drag.17.1 
 3. Carter, Phoenix16.3 
 4. Ensminger, Teleko.15.7 
 5. Jonusas, Phoenix15.4 
 6. Foster, B.Muenchen14.9 
 7. Jeffers, LTi 46ers14.4 
 8. Tucker, Brose B.14.2 
 9. Burrell, EWE B.14.1 
 10. Peavy, Art.Dragons13.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 John BRYANT
  Ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 9.5
 1. Bryant, Ratiopharm9.5 
 2. Evans, Goettingen8.5 
 3. Chubb, EWE Baskets8.3 
 4. Ensminger, Teleko.8.1 
 5. Leuer, Fraport SKY7.8 
 6. Davidson, Fraport7.8 
 7. Sykes, Goettingen7.6 
 8. Watts, Ratiopharm6.9 
 9. Homan, B.Muenchen6.8 
 10. Zirbes, TBB Trier6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Jared JORDAN
  Telekom .
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 7.6
 1. Jordan, Telekom7.6 
 2. Holston, Art.Drag.5.8 
 3. Joyce, TBB Trier5.3 
 4. Brewer, Bremerha.5.1 
 5. Brown, EWE Baskets5.1 
 6. Wood, ALBA4.8 
 7. Hamann, B.Muenchen4.8 
 8. Campbell, Walter T.4.3 
 9. Gibson, Bayreuth4.2 
 10. Everett, Bremerha.4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Nate LINHART
  TBB Trier
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Linhart, TBB Trier1.8 
 2. Frazier, s.Oliv.1.6 
 3. Dorris, EnBW L.1.6 
 4. Redding, Walter T.1.4 
 5. Holston, Art.Drag.1.4 
 6. Crowe, Phoenix1.4 
 7. Carter, Phoenix1.3 
 8. Bernard, LTi 46ers1.3 
 9. Wood, ALBA1.3 
 10. Tucker, Brose B.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Ekenechukwu IBEKWE
  Bayreuth
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 2
 1. Ibekwe, Bayreuth2.0 
 2. Gaffney, Teleko.1.8 
 3. Slaughter, Brose B.1.6 
 4. Looby, EnBW L.1.6 
 5. Pleiss, Brose B.1.4 
 6. Davidson, Fraport1.4 
 7. Bryant, Ratiopharm1.2 
 8. King, Art.Dragons1.2 
 9. Redding, Walter T.1.0 
 10. Boone, s.Oliver.0.9 


EuroCup: Benetton steal victory against ALBA - by Eurobasket News
Benetton Treviso - ALBA Berlin 72:64

Benetton claimed a tough home win over ALBA Berlin at the start of EuroCup Last 16 stage. Jobey Thomas (194-G-80, college: Charlotte) scored 14 points to pace the Treviso team to the victory.
Benetton gained a 22:17 lead ten minutes into the game. They maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. The hosts established a 44:31 halftime lead. ALBA however picked up the tempo in the third stanza. The German team finally started to show offensive aggressiveness. ALBA nailed 23 points to trim the deficit to 4 points 54:58. ALBA got within two points in the fourth term but Bulleri and Goree came up for Benetton and restored a safe distance for the hosts. Benetton hung on to snatch an important home win at the end. Benjamin Ortner (206-F/C-83, college: Metro St.) scored 13 points, while Jeffrey Viggiano (197-F-84, college: Massachusetts) added 12 points for the winning side. DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) answered with 18 points for ALBA. Kyle Weaver (198-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Washington St.) finished with 13 points in the loss.

Benetton Treviso: Jobey Thomas 14, Benjamin Ortner 13, Jeffrey Viggiano 12
ALBA: DaShaun Wood 18, Kyle Weaver 13

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


Mid January - Greek Free Agent's List - by Chris Mammides
14 weeks after the beginning of the Greek A1 league with the list of the free agents still being very interesting and quite serious. Some more transactions have been made but the list is still quite strong and vital. Eurobasket is presenting the invigorated list with some deductions. Here is the intense outcome of our research

In the Guard position:
Georgios Diamantopoulos (195-F-80)
Nikos Hatzivrettas (195-G-77)
Triantafillos Tzakopoulos (187-G-85)
Fotis Lioutas (193-G-80, college: S.New Hampshire)
Milos Pavlisevic (196-SG-82)
Dimitrios Kalaitzidis (198-F/G-85)
Lazaros Seferidis (192-G-82)*

In the forward position:
Nikos Theodorakos (202-F-89) went undrafted in the 2011 NBA Draft making him an Unrestricted FA.
Antonis Kesisoglou (206-F-91)
Luke Hristou (195-F-88)
Vasilis Angelakopoulos (203-F-79) He is participating in Foinikas Larissas friendly games (as he comes from Larissa) but he is still a free agent
Giorgos Pavlidis (206-F-78)
Milos Sakota (203-F-84)

In the center position:
Jacob Blankenship (207-C-90)
Miroslav Raicevic (208-C-81)
Giorgos Loupos (208-C-78)*

* For these three players there is some doubts whether are still active players as there are no news for possible retirement


Eurocup - Last 16: Aris - BC Khimky 48-73! - by Chris Mammides
A Black page in the European history for Aris Thessaloniki as the team of Coach Kurtinaitis, BC Khimky Moscow Region after the other team of Thessaloniki, PAOK in the previous round, thrashed the team of Coach Alexandris, Aris with 25 points diference in Alexandrion Melathron.
Aris started the game on a negative syndrom due to the difference of strenghts of the two teams in all the aspects so in the first period Aris can registered the historic negative result of just 4 points! The historic Aris, the team that made basketball the number one spor in the country, the team of Galis and Giannakis, was able to score only 4 points not against an NBA team but against a good team but not that super wao! At the same time BC Khimky Moscow Region by playing simple basketball overscored the home team by 12 and the period ended with 4-16!
Probably Coach Alexandris did some magic in the 2nd period as his players with Dimitris Verginis (193-G-87) and James in the leading roles changed totally and got by surprise the Russians so with good and solid defence and very good peripheral, Aris overscored the Russians by 26-15 and the half time was ended with 30-31 and the yellow fans in the packed Alexandrion (6.000 fans) renewed their hopes for something better in the derby to be followed....

Unfortunately they were totally wrong, Aris remembered his awfull first period and the Russians who were aggressive and got by surprise in teh previous period couldn't risk anyt more especially in a home court like Alexandrion so, with Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) and Vitaly Fridzon (195-G-85) in the leading roles and Loncar and Quinn following from a close distance, BC Khimky Moscow Region killed all the Greek dreams for something positive against the all mighty Russians, so the 10-22 was the epitome of the final winner. With the score being 40-53 and with the psychology but also the tireness from the game against Panathinaikos 2 days before, Alexandris players couldn't follow their opponents, in the 4th period, the Russians not only kept their deficit but they increased it in as many as 25 points giving Aris one of its worst European games in its home court ever as teh 48 points scored by Aris in Alexandrion is among the worst records ever.

Aris got nothing from his Americans with the exception of James, as Kerousch who did wonderfull against the European champion team of Panathinaikos had only 4 points from the charity line and 0/5 in two's and three's while Davies had 3 points with 3/4 points from the charity line and 0/4 frm teh 2's and 3's, while Muldrow ended the game with 7 points but only 4 rebounds.

It is worth mentioned the only 6% on the 3 pointers by Aris as Alexandris players succeeded in just one out of 16 three pointers!!

Top scorers:

Aris: Dimitris Verginis 11, James 11

BC Khimky Moscow Region: Vitaly Fridzon 14, Zoran Planinic 13, Quinn and Loncar 12 per head and Monya 11 points and 8 rebounds



EuroCup: Khimky leave no chance for Aris in Thessaloniki - by Eurobasket News
Aris - Khimky 48:73

Khimky marched past Aris for the seventh straight EuroCup victory. Vitaly Fridzon (195-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) nailed 14 points to lead five Khimky players who scored in double figures. The victory propelled the Russian team to 1-0 record in Last 16 Group J.
Khimky marked their ambitions in the starting quarter. They overwhelmed Aris for a 16:4 lead. The Hellenes picked up the slack in the second term. The hosts adjusted offensively scoring 26 points and cutting the deficit to just a single point 30:31. But Khimky put the game under their control after the big break. The visitors went on a stunning 22:10 run in the third term to gain a comfortable 53:40 lead heading into the final frame. Khimky finished off their opponents with a 20:8 fourth term and celebrated another EuroCup win. Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) had 13 points, while Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83, agency: Alti Sport) and Chris Quinn (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) added 12 points apiece for the winners. Dominic James (180-PG-86, college: Marquette) and Dimitris Verginis (193-G-87, agency: FCM) responded with 11 points each for Aris.

Aris: Dominic James 11, Dimitris Verginis 11
Khimky: Vitaly Fridzon 14, Zoran Planinic 13, Kresimir Loncar 12, Chris Quinn 12



*****************************************************
  HOLLAND   


EuroChallenge: Leiden trailed 22 points, but won over Ventspils - by Eurobasket News
Ventspils - Leiden 69:73

Leiden upset Ventspils in Latvia for 1-1 record in Group I. The team from Holland celebrated 73:69 victory in Baltic State.
The hosts started with 5-0 run and Arturs Berzins (204-C-88, agency: FCM) increased to high 21:5. The Latvian side led 25:9 after the first 10 minutes, however could not win the game. Mamadi Diane (196-G/F-86, college: Virginia) gave the biggest lead in the game at 39:17, but the advantage melted in the second half. Leiden responded first with 21-14 in the third period for 57:43. They erupted with 30-12 in the last stanza to win the game.
Seamus Boxley (201-F-82, college: Portland St.) paced all the winners with 20 points and Thomas Jackson (175-PG-80, agency: 011 Sports, college: Butler) nailed 14. Arvin Slagter (190-G-85, agency: Court Side) and Mohammed Kherrazi (200-F-90, agency: R.H.Consultancy) followed them with 11 points each. Jahmar Young (196-G-86, college: N.Mexico St.) and Arturs Berzins ended up with 17 points apiece, while the latter also grabbed 11 rebounds. Todd Abernethy (185-G-84, college: Mississippi) posted 12 and Mamadi Diane nailed 10.

Ventspils: Jahmar Young 17, Arturs Berzins 17+11 rebs, Todd Abernethy 12, Mamadi Diane 10
Leiden: Seamus Boxley 20, Thomas Jackson 14, Arvin Slagter 11, Mohammed Kherrazi 11



*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


EuroChallenge: Szolnok destroy Aalstar in Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Szolnok - Aalstar 112:76

Szolnok destroy Aalstar in Hungary to tie both records at 1-1. The home side erupted for 112:76 win on Tuesday night.
Szolnoki ended up outscoring the visitors 28-20 in the third quarter for an 84-64 lead and Okapi capitulated in the fourth, allowing the home side to pour in 28 more points for a 36-point triumph. Szolnok dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Okapi Aalstar's 36. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 53.8 percentage. Szolnok looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists.
The best player for the winners was American-Hungarian guard Obie Trotter (186-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) who scored 28 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals. Akos Horvath (194-G/F-81) chipped in 29 points (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field). Four Szolnok players scored in double figures. Kevin Kruger (186-G-83, college: UNLV) produced 21 points and his fellow American import power forward Nate Fox (206-F/C-77, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Maine) added 14 points respectively for the guests.

Szolnok: Akos Horvath 29, Obie Trotter 28, Julien Mills (193-G/F-85, college: Ball St.) 16+8reb+7ast, Hristo Nikolov (200-F-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) 13
Aalstar: Kevin Kruger 21, Nate Fox 14, Christopher Young (206-F/C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Michigan) 9



Hernold Gardener will stay with Atomeromu SE - by Levente Szabo
Hernold Gardener (205-C-82, college: Lon Morris JC) joined the 5th ranked Atomeromu SE Paks last week and had 2 games to prove his talent for coach Volgyi. The Costa Rican big man made the most out of his short tryout period end earned a contract until the end of the season.

In his first appearance he helped his team to a pretty easy win against 11th ranked Kis-Raba menti Takarek Soproni KC and seemed to be a difference maker. In only 22 minutes he had 14 points (4/5 FG; 6/7 FT) 9 rebounds and 5 steals.

On Tuesday afternoon Hernold Gardener (205-C-82, college: Lon Morris JC) played his second game, this time in the Hungarian Cup against Naturtex-SZTE-Szedeak Szeged and showed his full arsenal on both ends of the floor and helped his team once again to a big margin win. He played 26 minutes while he scored 17 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and had 2 blocked shots.


*****************************************************
  IBA   


IBA Stats Leaders
IBA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Edwards, KCS 36.4
2 Johnson, CR 24.4
3 Zachery, RR 23.3
4 Williams, BK 21.9
5 Kyle, KS 20.5
Rebounds Per Game
1 Edwards, KCS 12.4
2 Malone, KCS 10.0
3 Gardner, KCS 9.8
4 Wesby, GS 7.9
5 Zimmer, GS 7.8
Assists Per Game
1 Kyle, KCS 12.1
2 Edwards, KCS 6.9
3 Watts, RR 6.5
4 Fine, LCS 4.4
5 Howard Jr., GS 4.3


*****************************************************
  INDONESIA   


Indonesian NBL round 18 best performance: Airlangga Sabara - by Eurobasket News
Power forward Airlangga Sabara (190-PF-85) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Comfort Mobile, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 18.
The 26-year old player had a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, while his team edged out Satya Wacana (#12, 0-11), the league's bottom-ranked team in overtime 68-65. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Comfort Mobile maintains the 10th position in Indonesian NBL. Too late to salvage the team, which is currently ranked such low. They already lost 9 games and recorded just three victories. It was one of impressive evenings for Sabara as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Airlangga Sabara averages this season 8.9ppg and 5.4rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 31-year old former international power forward Dian Heryadi (194-F/C-80) of Muba Hangtuah. Heryadi had a very good evening with a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. Of course he lead Muba Hangtuah to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked NSH GMC Riau (#11, 1-10) 94-61. Muba Hangtuah's 7th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 6-5 record is not bad and everything may still change. Heryadi is well-known at Muba Hangtuah and is a proven leader in his second season with the team.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Muba Hangtuah's star - forward Ary Sapto (188-F-80). Sapto scored 21 points. He was another key player of Muba Hangtuah, helping his team with a 94-61 easy win against the lower-ranked NSH GMC Riau (#11, 1-10). Muba Hangtuah needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 6 victories and 5 lost games. Sapto has a great season in Indonesia. After 16 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 13.6ppg (4th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ahmad Junaidi (188-F-90) of Muba Hangtuah - 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
5. I G Ngurah Teguh (189-G-88) of Muba Hangtuah - 21 points and 7 rebounds
6. Aguh Sunarya (170-PG-70) of Muba Hangtuah - 10 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Helmy Nurdiansyah (189-PF-86) of NSH GMC Riau - 13 points and 6 rebounds
8. Fandi Andika Ramadhani (184-SF-85) of Aspac - 13 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Isman Thoyib (202-C-84) of Aspac - 10 points and 8 rebounds
10. Putra Mahandaru (170-G-86) of Satya Wacana - 13 points and 2 rebounds

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

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


Standings - National League
National League Standings
 1. Macc.B.Yaakov 12-2 
 2. Hapoel T-A 10-3 
 3. Elitzur Yavne 10-4 
 4. Hapoel Afula 9-5 
 5. Kiryat Tivon 8-6 
 6. Hod Hasharon 7-6 
 7. Ironi Nes-Ziona 6-7 
 8. Ironi Nahariya 6-7 
 9. Elitzur Ramla 6-8 
 10. Ironi K-A 6-8 
 11. Lev Hasharon 5-9 
 12. Hapoel Y/M 4-10 
 13. Ironi Ramat Gan 4-10 
 14. Hapoel K/S 3-11 


Stats Leaders - National League
Points Per Game
 Errick MCCOLLUM
  Hapoel K.
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 26.3
 1. McCollum, Hapoel K.26.3 
 2. Sanders, Hapoel Y.23.8 
 3. Hall, Macc.B.Y.23.1 
 4. Clinch, Lev H.22.6 
 5. Ginyard, Ironi N.22.4 
 6. Miller, Macc.B.Y.22.2 
 7. Moragne, Elitzur22.0 
 8. Thondique, Hapoel21.6 
 9. Clemente, Kiryat T.21.6 
 10. Bet-Yosef, Macc..20.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ramon CLEMENTE
  Kiryat T.
  (200-PF-85)
  Avg: 15.1
 1. Clemente, Kiryat T.15.1 
 2. Thondique, Hapoel13.9 
 3. Rosefelt, Lev H.11.4 
 4. Moses, Hapoel K/S10.6 
 5. Daniel, Ironi K-A10.3 
 6. Webb, Ironi R.9.6 
 7. Blair, Ironi N.9.5 
 8. Bacon, Elitzur Ram.9.4 
 9. Traimel, Ironi N.9.4 
 10. Sanders, Hapoel Y.8.9 
Assists Per Game
 Lior SEGEV
  Kiryat Tivon
  (190-PG-83)
  Avg: 7.8
 1. Segev, Kiryat Tivon7.8 
 2. Nanikashvili, Iron.7.4 
 3. Eliyahu, Ironi N.7.4 
 4. Rub, Lev Hasharon7.0 
 5. Berkowitz, Elitzu.6.5 
 6. Sukar, Hod Hashar.6.4 
 7. Bannister, Ironi R.5.3 
 8. Assaf, Ironi N.4.8 
 9. Bet-Yosef, Macc.B.4.0 
 10. Ben Hemo, Ironi N.3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Lior SEGEV
  Kiryat Tivon
  (190-PG-83)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Segev, Kiryat Tivon3.7 
 2. Bet-Yosef, Macc.B.3.4 
 3. Hofman, Elitzur3.0 
 4. Tolbert, Hapoel K/S2.8 
 5. Miller, Macc.B.Y.2.8 
 6. McCollum, Hapoel K.2.5 
 7. Eliyahu, Ironi N.2.5 
 8. Gonzalez, Hod H.2.4 
 9. Sanders, Hapoel Y.2.4 
 10. Davidi, Ironi R.2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Lenny DANIEL
  Ironi K-A
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 3
 1. Daniel, Ironi K-A3.0 
 2. Kelly, Hapoel T-A2.0 
 3. Blair, Ironi N.1.8 
 4. Jackson, Hapoel Y.1.8 
 5. Johnson, Hod H.1.7 
 6. Webb, Ironi R.1.7 
 7. Thondique, Hapoel1.6 
 8. Clemente, Kiryat T.1.6 
 9. Tzubrevitch, Ironi1.2 
 10. Rosefelt, Lev H.1.2 


Maccabi Tel Aviv to Host Adriatic League Final Four - by David Pick
The 2012 Adriatic League Final Four competition will officially take place in the Holy Land, at Nokia Arena on April, 28th - 30th.

The league's current top four teams include, Israeli hosts Maccabi Tel Aviv, who holds a season best 15-1 record with KK Cedevita (13-3), Partizan Belgrade and KK Buducnost (11-5) shortly behind.

The last time Maccabi hosted a European final four competition, it demolished Fortitudo (then Skipper) Bologna 118:74, on route to an impressive 2004 Euroleague title. David Blu and Tal Burstein are still on the roster representing Maccabi's '04 squad, as Derrick Sharp holds the second Assistant Coach position.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @IAmDPick



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


EuroCup: Benetton steal victory against ALBA - by Eurobasket News
Benetton Treviso - ALBA Berlin 72:64

Benetton claimed a tough home win over ALBA Berlin at the start of EuroCup Last 16 stage. Jobey Thomas (194-G-80, college: Charlotte) scored 14 points to pace the Treviso team to the victory.
Benetton gained a 22:17 lead ten minutes into the game. They maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. The hosts established a 44:31 halftime lead. ALBA however picked up the tempo in the third stanza. The German team finally started to show offensive aggressiveness. ALBA nailed 23 points to trim the deficit to 4 points 54:58. ALBA got within two points in the fourth term but Bulleri and Goree came up for Benetton and restored a safe distance for the hosts. Benetton hung on to snatch an important home win at the end. Benjamin Ortner (206-F/C-83, college: Metro St.) scored 13 points, while Jeffrey Viggiano (197-F-84, college: Massachusetts) added 12 points for the winning side. DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) answered with 18 points for ALBA. Kyle Weaver (198-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Washington St.) finished with 13 points in the loss.

Benetton Treviso: Jobey Thomas 14, Benjamin Ortner 13, Jeffrey Viggiano 12
ALBA: DaShaun Wood 18, Kyle Weaver 13

Pistoia gets Jonathan Tavernari on loan - by Eurobasket News
Jonathan Tavernari (198-G/F-87, college: BYU) will spend rest of the season with GiorgioTesi Group Pistoia on loan. The Brazilian/Italian player is originally a member of Angelico Biella, where he started this season. He appeared 7 times in SerieA averaging only 1.3 point and 1.1 rebound. Jonathan Tavernari signed a multi-year deal with Biella in 2010, but he did not appear in any official game in 2010/11 season. He graduated at the Brigham Young University in 2010. As a senior Tavernari had 10.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 1.5 apg for 36 games. His junior year was much better as he collected 15.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg and 1.8 apg for 33 games. Jonathan Tavernari played for the Brazilian National Team from 2008 to 2010. He helped them win the Gold at the FIBA Americas 2009 in San Juan and also at the South American Championships 2010 in Colombia. In Brazil, Tavernari played for Pinheiros Sao Paulo.

*****************************************************
  JAPAN   


BJ League Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Michael PARKER
  Shimane SM
  (202-F-81)
  Avg: 23.5
 1. Parker, Shimane SM23.5 
 2. Palmer, Fukuoka21.3 
 3. Hargrow, Chiba J.21.0 
 4. White, Oita H.20.4 
 5. Humphrey, Saitama19.9 
 6. Flowers, Saitama19.9 
 7. Staten, Chiba Jets19.6 
 8. Kennedy, Iwate B.19.5 
 9. Gardener, Akita NH19.4 
 10. Burrell, Yokohama.19.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Chris HOLM
  Niigata Albirex
  (212-C/F-84)
  Avg: 14.5
 1. Holm, Niigata Albi.14.5 
 2. Hamilton, Fukuok.10.8 
 3. Roberts, Shins.10.8 
 4. Malloy, Iwate B.10.8 
 5. Staten, Chiba Jets10.5 
 6. Mims, Sendai 89ers10.4 
 7. Rickert, Kyoto H.10.3 
 8. Allred, Kyoto H.10.3 
 9. Blackledge, Osaka10.0 
 10. Woods, Akita NH10.0 
Assists Per Game
 Kenny SATTERFIELD
  Saitam.
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 7.1
 1. Satterfield, Saita.7.1 
 2. Gardener, Akita NH5.6 
 3. Yamamoto, Shima.5.6 
 4. Shimura, Sendai5.2 
 5. Dixon, Hamamats.4.9 
 6. Takushi, Oita H.4.8 
 7. Yamamoto, Iwate B.4.8 
 8. Namizato, Okina.4.5 
 9. Dukes, Sendai 89e.4.5 
 10. Shimizu, Miyazaki.4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Jamel STATEN
  Chiba Jets
  (198-G-83)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Staten, Chiba Jets3.1 
 2. Palmer, Fukuoka3.0 
 3. Parker, Shimane SM2.6 
 4. Humphrey, Saitama2.5 
 5. Hamilton, Fukuok.2.2 
 6. Arnold, Hamamats.2.1 
 7. Lyons, Miyazaki SS1.9 
 8. Golson, Shimane SM1.8 
 9. Satterfield, Saita.1.8 
 10. Gardener, Akita NH1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Jeral DAVIS
  Shimane SM
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Davis, Shimane SM3.5 
 2. Blackledge, Osaka3.0 
 3. Singleton, Sendai2.5 
 4. Hughes, Shinshu BW1.6 
 5. Mims, Sendai 89ers1.6 
 6. Dukes, Sendai 89e.1.5 
 7. Flowers, Saitama1.5 
 8. Moliva, Chiba Jets1.4 
 9. Marshall, Osaka E.1.4 
 10. Ocitti, Akita NH1.3 


*****************************************************
  KAZAKHSTAN   


Standings -D1
D1 Standings
 1. BC Astana 10-0 
 2. Barsy Atyrau 8-3 
 3. BK Almaty 5-5 
 4. Kaspiy Aktau 5-5 
 5. Tobol 3-8 
 6. BK Atyrau 0-10 


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


BK Valmiera sign Ingus Bankevics - by Eurobasket Center
BK Valmiera signed 27-year old swingman Ingus Bankevics (195-G/F-85). In his first game he scored 12 points and grabbed 3 rebounds. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Liepaja 77-83. Bankevics played most recently at SO Maritime Boulogne (France). While playing 4 games for Boulogne this season he averaged 8.0ppg and 1.5rpg.

By Eurobasket Data Center

EuroChallenge: Leiden trailed 22 points, but won over Ventspils - by Eurobasket News
Ventspils - Leiden 69:73

Leiden upset Ventspils in Latvia for 1-1 record in Group I. The team from Holland celebrated 73:69 victory in Baltic State.
The hosts started with 5-0 run and Arturs Berzins (204-C-88, agency: FCM) increased to high 21:5. The Latvian side led 25:9 after the first 10 minutes, however could not win the game. Mamadi Diane (196-G/F-86, college: Virginia) gave the biggest lead in the game at 39:17, but the advantage melted in the second half. Leiden responded first with 21-14 in the third period for 57:43. They erupted with 30-12 in the last stanza to win the game.
Seamus Boxley (201-F-82, college: Portland St.) paced all the winners with 20 points and Thomas Jackson (175-PG-80, agency: 011 Sports, college: Butler) nailed 14. Arvin Slagter (190-G-85, agency: Court Side) and Mohammed Kherrazi (200-F-90, agency: R.H.Consultancy) followed them with 11 points each. Jahmar Young (196-G-86, college: N.Mexico St.) and Arturs Berzins ended up with 17 points apiece, while the latter also grabbed 11 rebounds. Todd Abernethy (185-G-84, college: Mississippi) posted 12 and Mamadi Diane nailed 10.

Ventspils: Jahmar Young 17, Arturs Berzins 17+11 rebs, Todd Abernethy 12, Mamadi Diane 10
Leiden: Seamus Boxley 20, Thomas Jackson 14, Arvin Slagter 11, Mohammed Kherrazi 11



Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Courtney SIMS
  VEF Riga
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 26.3
 1. Sims, VEF Riga26.3 
 2. Peiners, LU18.9 
 3. Kalve, Valmiera18.5 
 4. Ozols, Jurmala17.9 
 5. Krumins, Jelgava17.9 
 6. Lucas, Valmiera17.6 
 7. Mayo, Liepaja17.3 
 8. Young, Ventspils15.7 
 9. Mediss, Turiba15.4 
 10. Kanbergs, Jelgava14.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ervins JONATS
  Jurmala
  (199-F-91)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Jonats, Jurmala9.4 
 2. Sims, VEF Riga9.0 
 3. Berzins, VEF Riga8.6 
 4. Dargais, LU8.2 
 5. Willard, Ventspils8.1 
 6. Mednis, Turiba7.8 
 7. Rozitis, Valmiera7.7 
 8. Nelson, Jelgava6.8 
 9. Butjankovs, Valmi.6.4 
 10. Andriukaitis, Lie.6.3 
Assists Per Game
 Josh MAYO
  Liepaja
  (182-G-87)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Mayo, Liepaja5.3 
 2. Lucas, Valmiera4.6 
 3. Lejasmeiers, Vents.4.2 
 4. Coders, Jurmala4.1 
 5. Strelnieks, Ventsp.3.7 
 6. Janicenoks, VEF R.3.6 
 7. Perry, VEF Riga3.5 
 8. Kravcenko, Liepaja3.3 
 9. Gray, Ventspils3.0 
 10. Silavs, Jelgava3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Curtis MILLAGE
  VEF Riga
  (185-G-81)
  Avg: 3
 1. Millage, VEF Riga3.0 
 2. Janicenoks, VEF R.2.6 
 3. Peiners, LU2.3 
 4. Osins, LU2.0 
 5. Gray, Ventspils1.8 
 6. Kanbergs, Jelgava1.8 
 7. Young, Ventspils1.7 
 8. Krumins, Jelgava1.7 
 9. Perry, VEF Riga1.7 
 10. Ozols, Jurmala1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Kaspars BERZINS
  VEF Riga
  (213-F/C-85)
  Avg: 1.4
 1. Berzins, VEF Riga1.4 
 2. Rozitis, Valmiera1.3 
 3. Cain, VEF Riga1.0 
 4. Ozols, Jurmala1.0 
 5. Jonats, Jurmala0.9 
 6. Willard, Ventspils0.8 
 7. Meiers, Ventspils0.7 
 8. Sims, VEF Riga0.7 
 9. Gromovs, U180.7 
 10. Kavaliauskas, VEF0.7 


LBL Standing
LBL Standings
 1. Valmiera 10-5 
 2. Liepaja 9-7 
 3. Ventspils 8-0 
 4. Jelgava 8-7 
 5. VEF Riga 7-1 
 6. LU 7-8 
 7. Turiba 4-10 
 8. Jurmala 4-11 
 9. U18 0-8 


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  LITHUANIA   


EuroCup: Lokomotiv hand first loss to Lietuvos Rytas - by Eurobasket News
Lokomotiv Kuban - Lietuvos Rytas 81:67 OT

Lokomotiv Kuban registered the first win in EuroCup Last 16 round. They overcame previously unbeaten Lietuvos Rytas at home court. Lokomotiv improved thus at 1-0 record in Group L. Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) scored 17 points to pace the winners.
Lokomotiv ensured a brave start to the game. Bozidar Maljkovic team grabbed a 20:16 lead after ten minutes. Lokomotiv took over completely in the second term. The hosts boosted the gap clearing off before the big break. The Russian team arrived at the interval up by 14 points 40:26. However Lietuvos Rytas were not about to give up easily. The Lithuanian powerhouse turned things upside down in the third period. They limited the home team at 13 points in the frame to narrow the gap 5 points. Lokomotiv struggled to get back on track in the fourth quarter. The hosts scored just 9 points in the stanza allowing Lietuvos Rytas to force overtime. But Lokomotiv proved the character in the extra period. They exploded with 19 points and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Roderick Blakney (181-G-76, college: S.Carolina St.) and K.C. Rivers (196-G/F-87, college: Clemson) accounted for 13 points each for the winners. Ali Traore (207-C-85, agency: Beo Basket, college: S.Idaho JC) had 15 points and 9 rebounds for Lokomotiv. Steponas Babrauskas (197-G/F-84) answered with 17 points for Lietuvos Rytas. Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85) provided 15 points in defeat.

Lokomotiv Kuban: Jeremiah Massey 17, Ali Traore 15, Roderick Blakney 13, K.C. Rivers 13
Lietuvos Rytas: Steponas Babrauskas 17, Renaldas Seibutis 15


VTB: Zalgiris reaches a revenge over Astana - by Adomas Kraunevicius
B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas - BC Astana 82:66

B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas (5-5) reached its eighth victory in a row and fifth win in the VTB League. They reached an 82:66 (27:22, 10:12, 19:19, 26:13) home win versus BC Astana (4-6) and revenged for last year's loss in BC Astana.

BC Astana started the match better but Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) responded to BC Astana's two pointer with two free throws. B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas soon intercepted the ball and Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) gave Kaunas a 5:2 lead with a thre pointer after Mantas Kalnietis' (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) assist. Midway in the first quarter Mantas Kalnietis missed a dunk and Branko Cvetkovic (200-G/F-84, agency: Beo Basket) soon responded with a triple tying the score at 9:9. With less than two minutes left to play B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas led 21:18 and by the end of the period mainly due to the efforts of Reeves Nelson (203-F, agency: Alti Sport, college: UCLA) and Collins they build a 5 point lead - 27:22

Second quarter started with a scoring drought when both teams could not score for four minutes. Sonny Weems ended this unsuccessful segment with another three pointer increasing the lead to 8 - 30:22. Ponomariov scored a two pointer but soon Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82, agency: Interperformances) replied with two and 1 (35:26). Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) scored a mid range shot and Anton Ponomaryov (210-C/F-88, agency: Beo Basket) added a three pointer to which Tomas Delininkaitis responded with a two. Four seconds to halftime, Ponomaryov netted a two pointer and cut B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas lead to 3 (37:34).

After the halftime, Branko Cvetkovic cut the lead to a minimum and two successfull attacks by Rawle Marshall gave BC Astana a 3 point lead (41:38). However Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Interperformances) tied the score with his two and one (41:41). Solid defense, Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) and Popovic' points allowed B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas to regain a 4 point lead (47:43). BC Astana's coach received a technical foul which allowed Kaunas to increase their lead to 8 which was further improved after Popovic's three pointer (54:43). However, BC Astana responded strong and managed to cut the lead to 3 before the deciding period mainly due to the efforts of Marshall and Williams.

Paulius Jankunas opened the fourth quarter scoreline with a two pointer. Soon Maxim Voyeykov (197-F-88) received two fouls one of which was technical for discussions with the referree. B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas restored their 8 point lead (63:55). Midway in the fourth quarter the hosts increased their lead to 69:57 bu Klimov scored a three pointer. But this was not enough to threaten B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas a with 2 minutes on the clock Mantas Kalnietis replied with a three pointer and consolidated the victory 82:66.

B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas: Robertas Javtokas (8 rebs.), Paulius Jankunas (6 rebs.) and Sonny Weems 11, Mantas Kalnietis 10, Tomas Delininkaitis 9, Reeves Nelson (7 rebs) and Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) 7, DeJuan Collins (188-G-76, college: Tuskegee) 6, Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) and Dainius Salenga 4, Tadas Klimavicius (204-F-82, agency: Interperformances) 2.

BC Astana: Rawle Marshall 17 (6 rebs.), Branko Cvetkovic 14 (7 rebs.), Eric Williams (206-C-84, college: Wake Forest) 12 (6 rebs.).

After 10 games B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas has 5 wins and 5 losses and are fifth in group A. BC Astana is seventh after playing 11 games (4 victories and 7 losses.)

Petravicius joins Khimky - by Eurobasket News
Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina) will continue his career in Russia. The Lithuanian big guy signed a deal with Khimky. He was linked with Azovmash Mariupol recently, but did not appear in any official game for the club. Marijonas Petravicius spent last two seasons with Armani Jeans Milano. In the latest one he had 8.2 ppg and 3.2 rpg for 5 Euroleague games. He had slightly lower numbers for 18 games in Italy. Before Milano, Petravicius played three years for Lietuvos Rytas. He helped them win the EuroCup title in 2009 and was named Eurocup Final Eight MVP. That same season Rytas also won the Lithuanian league and Baltic league titles, plus Lithuanian Cup. In the past, Marijonas Petravicius played for Ventspils, Oostende and Mitteldeutscher. He graduated at the University of South Carolina in 2003. Petravicius is active member of the Lithuanian NT since 2004.

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  MEXICO   


LNBP Quarterfinals, fourth games: Halcones Rojos advance to Semis - by Eurobasket News
Soles - Pioneros 76-83 (1-3)
The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 24-21. But Soles won second period 18-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Pioneros made 16-of-21 charity shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Pioneros outrebounded Soles 37-22 including 26 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard LeRoy Hickerson (196-82, college: Cumberlands) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 28 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import forward John Millsap (198-82, college: UTSA) who added 17 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Millsap is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. At the losing side Canadian power forward Ryan Wright (206-87, college: Oklahoma) responded with 19 points and 9 rebounds and American power forward Darren Fells (201-86, college: Cal-Irvine) scored 15 points. Five Soles players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Soles: R.Wright 19+9reb+1ast, D.Fells 15+3reb+2ast, D.Cubillan 13+5reb, C.Edwards 10+2reb+1ast, J.Vargas 10+2reb+2ast, R.Zamora 4
Pioneros: L.Hickerson 28+10reb+4ast, J.Millsap 17+8reb+1ast, E.Brock 16+8reb, E.Moreno 7+3ast, C.Hernandez 5+2reb, A.Garcia 4+4reb+1ast
gschID: 167450


Barreteros - Halc.Rojos 66-81 (0-4)
The game was mostly controlled by Halcones Rojos. Barreteros was better in second period 21-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Halcones Rojos made 18-of-20 charity shots (90.0 percent) during the game. Venezuelan point guard Gregory Vargas (182-PG-86) fired 16 points for the winners. Puerto Rican point guard Carlos Rivera (187-83, college: Hofstra, agency: Paris Global Sports) chipped in 15 points. Naturalized American guard Forrest Fisher (193-80) produced 19 points and American forward Jerome Habel (208-85, college: San Diego St.) added 10 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Barreteros: F.Fisher 19+3reb+1ast, R.Loera Almanza 11+1reb+1ast, J.Habel 10+6reb, S.Cuevas 8+1reb+1ast, J.Richards 5+8reb+1ast, A.Chacon 4+3reb+1ast
Halc.Rojos: G.Vargas 16+4reb+3ast, C.Rivera 15+3reb+2ast, L.Bethelmy 12+3reb+2ast, P.Stoll 9+1reb+2ast, D.Cortes 9+3reb+2ast, A.Solares 8
gschID: 167447


Huracanes - Fuerza Regia 85-73 (2-2)
The game was mostly controlled by Huracanes. Fuerza Regia managed to win fourth quarter 23-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 24-of-28 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of U.S. Virgin Isl. Swingman Jason Edwin (197-81, college: Kent St.) who helped to win the game recording 30 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Venezuelan forward Nestor Colmenares (203-87, college: Campbellsville) contributed with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. American guard Donta Smith (201-83, college: SE Illinois JC) replied with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and his fellow American import forward Terrence Shannon (203-79, college: Elgin CC, agency: Paris Global Sports) added 10 points and 11 rebounds in the effort for Fuerza Regia. Five Fuerza Regia players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Fuerza Regia: A.Izaguirre 14+3reb+1ast, D.Smith 13+6reb+5ast, M.Mitchell 12+2reb+5ast, A.Joseph Tyronzic 12+1reb, T.Shannon 10+11reb+1ast, M.Strobbe 6+1reb
Huracanes: J.Edwin 30+9reb+4ast, N.Colmenares 17+12reb+1ast, E.Fuqua 16+5reb+1ast, R.Hornsby 9+4reb+4ast, O.Quintero 5+2reb+2ast, E.Medina 3+2reb+1ast
gschID: 167448


Halc.Xalapa - Toros 83-89 (1-3)
Halcones UV Xalapa was trailing by 12 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 21-14 charge of Toros, which allowed them to win the game. They made 25-of-30 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by American-Nigerian forward Ike Ofoegbu (205-85, college: SMU, agency: Paris Global Sports) who scored that evening 22 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists and international point guard Brody Angley (180-86, college: Santa Clara, agency: JEMsports) supported him with 14 points and 9 assists. Five Toros players scored in double figures. Even 27 points and 5 assists by the former international forward Victor Mariscal (198-72) did not help to save the game for Halcones UV Xalapa. Dominican guard Juan Coronado (196-83) added 22 points and 5 assists for lost side.
Top scorers:
Halc.Xalapa: V.Mariscal 27+5ast, J.Coronado 22+4reb+5ast, Q.Gonzalez 9+3reb+2ast, D.White 8+3reb+3ast, R.Mata 7+15reb+3ast, O.Mendez-Valdez 6+2reb+3ast
Toros: I.Ofoegbu 22+6reb+8ast, T.Gardner 16+2reb, B.Angley 14+3reb+9ast, E.Manuel Guzman 12+6reb+2ast, J.Lopez 11+8reb+2ast, R.Rougeau 10+7reb+1ast

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  MONTENEGRO   


EuroCup: Spartak Saint Petersburg stay on winning track - by Eurobasket News
Buducnost - Spartak SP 57:65

Spartak Saint Petersburg claimed the seventh straight victory in EuroCup season. They defeated Buducnost in Podgorica tonight to improve at 1-0 record in Group K of Last 16 round. Patrick Beverly orchestrated the show with 25 points to his name.
Spartak started the encounter strongly. The Russian team pulled ahead for a 16:12 lead ten minutes into the game. They maintained the lead throughout the second stanza. Spartak built a 38:29 halftime advantage. Buducnost went off the dressing room relying heavily on their defensive effort. The hosts succeeded in the third term. They held Spartak to 7 points in ten minutes cutting the deficit to 3 points 42:45. But the fourth term belonged to Spartak again. The visitors went on a 20:15 run and escaped with yet another win at the tournament. Vladimir Dragicevic (205-C/F-86) posted 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Victor Keyru (199-G-84) had 7 points in the win. Jermaine Anderson (188-G-83, college: Fordham) replied with 11 points for Buducnost. Cedomir Vitkovac (201-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) had 10 points in the loss.

Buducnost: Jermaine Anderson 11, Cedomir Vitkovac 10
Spartak SP: Patrick Beverley (185-PG-88, college: Arkansas) 25, Vladimir Dragicevic 18, Victor Keyru 7

Balkan League: Mornar gets another win - by Darko Pekic
KK Mornar extended the winning streak to three in a row, after beating KK Torus at home in Topolica Hall in Bar. The final score was 84:68, and Mornar now has a balance of 4-2. The game was tied in the first quarter but the home team took the control over the game in the second quarter and maintened the lead during the whole match. The Macedonian side did not find the way to respond on strong Mornar attacks and they will obviously have to seek a chance againts weaker opponents. It's interesting to mention that six players in Mornar had double figures. Akeem Scott (186-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point) and Ivan Jelenic (190-SG-85, agency: BeoExcell) were the leaders with 16 points each. Bojan Trajkovski (206-C/F-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) scored 19 points along with 5 rebounds for KK Torus. Justin Reynolds (204-F/C-88, college: Texas A&M-CC) added a double-double - 17 points and 11 rebounds.

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  NBA   


Tuesday's games review: Heat dominate 2nd half, roll past Spurs 120-98 - by Eurobasket News
Milwaukee B. - Denver N. 95-105
Corey Brewer (6'9''-F-86, college: Florida) and the Denver Nuggets turned on their high-scoring offense and left the Milwaukee Bucks behind. Brewer came off the bench and scored a season-high 22 points as the Nuggets started their five-game road trip with 105-95 victory Tuesday night. The Nuggets came in averaging 104.1 points per game and have scored 100 plus points in eight of the last 14 games. Miami leads the NBA in scoring at 106.2 points a game. With guard Rudy Fernandez (6'6''-G-85) out with a right Achilles tendon strain, coach George Karl turned to Brewer for a spark and wasn't disappointed. Brewer, playing a season-high 34:19 minutes, was 8 of 14 from the floor and made 3 of 6 from behind the arc. 'Corey is playing well enough to the point where we are going to have find minutes for him,' Karl said. 'I think he brings energy to our team. Usually energy and aggressiveness are positive personalities of a successful team.' Denver went on a 19-4 run midway through the second quarter and opened up a 19-point lead. Six fast-break points sparked the surge and the Nuggets finished with 17 in the first half. Brewer hit a 3 and made a fast-break layup to add to the surge. 'Personally when I come into the game, I just try to pick up the pace,' he said. 'Try to bring some energy. Try to get everybody going up and down because when we are playing fast, we are at our best.' The Bucks were neither playing fast nor at their best. Brandon Jennings did his part in the fourth quarter, but it just wasn't enough. He scored 12 of his 30 points in the fourth and first-round pick Tobias Harris added for 14 for the Bucks, who lost for the first time in five home games. Milwaukee last opened a season with five straight home wins in the 2007-08 season. Jennings' driving layup got Milwaukee to 100-91 with 2:47 left, but Danilo Gallinari (6'9''-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) made two free throws and a 3 that stopped the Bucks from creeping any closer. Al Harrington added 16 points, Gallinari and Nene each had 14, Arron Afflalo and Ty Lawson had 11 apiece. The Nuggets easily capitalized on a poor performance from the Bucks' starting frontcourt and swept the two-game series this season. Denver beat Milwaukee 91-86 on January 2. Stephen Jackson scored two points, Andrew Bogut had two and two rebounds and Jon Leuer added 11 and one board for Milwaukee. 'I don't think it was much offensively as it was just what they were able to do on us defensively,' Leuer said. 'They got those easy buckets in the first half. We kind of cut it down in the second half.' Afflalo said the Nuggets' defense played a big part in the victory. 'Our mental approach to the game was much, much better to start the game, especially on the defensive end,' he said. 'I thought defensively for the most part we had our focus tonight.' This one wasn't even close despite Jennings' effort. Ersan Ilyasova grabbed a season-high 11 rebounds for Milwaukee which failed to rebound after losing 94-82 to Philadelphia on Monday, their eighth straight loss on the road. Leading 63-44, the Nuggets protected their double-digit margin throughout the third quarter. The Bucks chipped away and pulled to 74-60, but two 3s by Harrington and one from Brewer kept the Nuggets in charge. Brewer came off the bench late in the first quarter, but did all his damage in the second when he scored 12 of his 14 points as the Nuggets finally revved up their offense. Andre Miller started a 26-13 surge with a jumper followed by 3-pointers from Harrington, Brewer and Gallinari. Then Denver came inside and attacked the basket. Brewer had one of three layups, and Lawson and Nene added two free throws apiece. Lawson's layup ended the run and gave the Nuggets a 63-44 lead at the half. Bogut picked his third foul with 2:21 left in the second and played only 19:04 minutes. He along with Jackson sat out the fourth quarter. Neither team shot well in the first quarter. Denver made 8 of 15 (53.3 percent) while Milwaukee was 7 of 20 (35 percent), making just three shots during a three-minute stretch. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Utah Jazz - LA Clippers 108-79
The lack of energy by the Clippers quickly and decisively turned into a subpar effort Tuesday night, and that disturbed Coach Vinny Del Negro to no end. That it occurred against a Utah Jazz team that every Clipper knew it would take an enormous amount of effort to have any success against on the road exasperated Del Negro during and after a 108-79 beat-down at EnergySolutions Arena. Del Negro didn't want to hear any excuses about the Clippers playing back-to-back games. Why? Because the Clippers were in the middle of their first of two sets of back-to-back-to-back games, and Del Negro knows they must summon the vitality for Wednesday night's game against the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center. 'I didn't like our approach,' Del Negro said. 'I didn't like our focus. I didn't like our toughness. I didn't like our energy to start the game. We dug ourselves a hole. 'We're not going to win a lot of games playing with that type of effort. I don't care if it is a back-to-back game, where we're playing, how much rest they have. We have to play better than that.' The Clippers didn't have Chris Paul [strained left hamstring] for second straight game and reserve guard Mo Williams [sore right foot] for the third straight game. Chauncey Billups had to deal with a tight back that Del Negro said forced him to pull the veteran guard out early when the game got out of hand. Even so, it was not a good night for Billups, who finished with 10 points on three-for-12 shooting. Backcourt mate Randy Foye made four of 14 shots. Billups even missed his first two free throws of the game, significant because he had entered the game having missed three all season out of 50 attempts. 'Actually my back felt good today,' Billups said. 'It felt better today than it did in about a week. I'm encouraged about that.' The Clippers scored a season low in points and shot a season-low 36.5%. They trailed by as many as 34 points. Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) didn't play his typical game, scoring 10 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. He had his hands full with Jazz forward Paul Millsap (6'7''-F-85, college: Louisiana Tech), who scored 20 points in 30 minutes. The Clippers have lost five straight to the Jazz and 11 of 12. They last won in Salt Lake City on Jan 22, 2003. 'I think any time you come to play a Utah team, energy is the No.1 staple,' Billups said. 'They are going to play extremely hard.' The onslaught started right from the beginning for Utah, which improved to 9-4. The Clippers' defense was nonexistent, allowing the Jazz to make 58.1% of its shots in the first quarter, putting L.A. into a 12-point hole. The second quarter was more of the same, the Clippers going down by 15 points. 'We just weren't tough enough defensively to start the game,' Billups said. 'And that's really the responsibility of the starters - myself and everybody else that starts the game.' The game became a dunk-fest in the fourth quarter, and the Clippers were just bystanders, seemingly unable to stop what was happening to them. 'We just came out and played poorly. We didn't have good energy,' Del Negro said. 'We weren't aggressive. They were more aggressive. Give Utah credit, but our starters didn't get off to a good start with their energy defensively and Utah got into a rhythm. 'There're no excuses. We've got to bounce back tomorrow night and play much harder, play smarter, play tougher, and that's what I expect.' *Courtesy of www.latimes.com

Orlando M. - Charlotte B. 96-89
Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) had 25 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Orlando Magic past the Charlotte Bobcats 96-89 Tuesday night for their fifth straight win. Jameer Nelson (6'0''-PG-82, college: St.Joseph's) scored 17 points, Hedo Turkoglu had 15 and Von Wafer 13 as the Magic won for the 10th time in 12 games. Gerald Henderson had 22 points for Charlotte, which has lost eight of its last nine. The Bobcats are also winless in their last five trips to Orlando. Charlotte stayed close throughout and pulled within a basket late in the fourth quarter before Ryan Anderson's 3-pointer extended Orlando's lead to 86-81 with 1:33 to play. Turkoglu and Wafer scored eight points each in the decisive fourth quarter. Charlotte went into halftime with a 50-47 advantage after a scrappy first half that included eight ties and seven lead changes. Both teams shot 48 percent from the field, but the Magic struggled from both the 3-point line (3 for 10) and at the free-throw line (4 for 10). Charlotte was for 4 for 8 beyond the arc and a perfect 8 for 8 from the line, in addition to holding a 22-20 rebounding edge. The Bobcats benefited from some Magic foul trouble in the opening 12 minutes to take a seven-point lead. Howard and Turkoglu were forced to the bench after picking up two fouls each less than five minutes into the game. Without two of Orlando's starters to deal with Charlotte closed the quarter on a 16-5 run. Henderson led all scorers with eight first-quarter points. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Chicago B. - Phoenix Suns 118-97
Carlos Boozer (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Duke) scored 26 of his season-high 31 points in the first half, leading the short-handed Chicago Bulls to a 118-97 win over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. Boozer hit 12 of 15 shots in the opening half and scored eight points during a 12-point burst that opened up a 20-point lead for Chicago, which was playing without Derrick Rose for the second straight game because of a sprained left big toe. The Bulls improved to 6-0 at home for the first time since 1996-97, though they allowed more than 74 points to an opponent for the first time at home this season. Chicago has won its home games by an average margin of 19 points this season. Steve Nash (6'3''-PG-74, college: Santa Clara) led Phoenix with 25 points and nine assists, but the Suns allowed a fourth straight opponent to top 100 points and lost their fifth game in a row. C.J. Watson scored a season-high 23 points, Luol Deng added 15 and Joakim Noah had 13 points and 12 rebounds for Chicago as all five starters scored in double figures. The Bulls didn't miss Rose while posting a season-high in points and totaling 31 assists while committing just six turnovers. Chicago pushed the ball down the floor quickly all night despite the absence of the reigning league MVP, outscoring Phoenix 13-11 in transition and getting a number of open looks on the secondary break. Boozer scored 14 points in the second quarter as the Bulls took a 67-47 lead into the break, a lofty total for a team that averaged 85.4 points in its first five home games. It was the most points the Bulls have scored in a half this season. Chicago scored the first seven points of the second half, six by Noah, and led by as many as 28 points while cruising to the easy win. Watson quickly took advantage of his first start of the season, scoring 13 points in the opening period. Boozer added 12 as Chicago shot 72 percent the period, taking a 39-31 lead and posting a season-high for points in a quarter. Nash kept Phoenix close early with 13 points and six assists in the first quarter and the Suns shot 65 percent in the period. Marcin Gortat had 14 points and 15 rebounds for the Suns. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Miami Heat - San Antonio S. 120-98
First half, all San Antonio. Second half, all Miami - and then some. LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) had 33 points and 10 assists, Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) scored 30 points - the 6-foot-11 forward going coast-to-coast for a dunk to punctuate his effort - and the Heat used a historic third-quarter turnaround to erase what was a 17-point deficit and beat the Spurs 120-98 on Tuesday night, snapping a three-game slide in an most unpredictable manner. 'We have a great luxury with three players who can do special things when you need it,' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. And one of them was in street clothes. Dwyane Wade sat out his fourth game of the season, this time because of a sprained right ankle. No matter: Miami shot 68 percent in the second half, outscoring the Spurs 71-35 after halftime. 'We should be embarrassed,' Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. For the first 24 minutes, it was the Spurs doing all the embarrassing. San Antonio connected on 12 of its first 15 shots, led 52-35 with 3 minutes to go in the first half, and had Danny Green hit a pair of buzzer-beaters - the first from the top of the key to end the first quarter, the second from near midcourt to beat the halftime horn - to take a 63-49 lead into intermission. What happened next left both sides befuddled. 'Can't explain it,' Bosh said. Offered Spurs guard Tony Parker: 'That's basketball.' Miami outscored San Antonio 39-12 in the third quarter - matching the second-largest differential for any quarter in Heat history, and matching the second-worst differential for a period in Spurs history, according to STATS LLC. James was 7 for 9 in the third quarter. The Spurs - combined - were 4 for 19. James hit 3-pointers on consecutive possessions to put Miami up 72-68, and the Heat simply never stopped rolling from there. James finished 12 for 21 from the floor, almost erasing any memory of him missing his first four shots. He was battling a cold, but offered no excuse afterward. 'Hopefully I can get over this in the next couple days where I can get back to myself,' James said. 'I just tried to push through it in the third quarter. My teammates did a great job of finding me and stepping up defensively. We all did that.' Mike Miller made his season debut for Miami after continuing to recover from hernia surgery and shot 6 for 6 on 3-pointers, finishing with 18 points and matching his most makes beyond the arc since joining the Heat. Spoelstra said the plan was to ease Miller back, playing him for 'five or six' minutes. Miller played 15. 'Every once in a while you get going when you're a shooter,' Miller said. 'I just happened to do that.' Green scored 20 points for the Spurs, who got 18 from Tony Parker, 13 from DeJuan Blair and 12 from Kawhi Leonard and Gary Neal. Mario Chalmers scored 13 for Miami. The Heat are now 4-0 without Wade this season, 8-1 since early last season without the 2006 NBA finals MVP. And unquestionably, this was the most improbable of those victories. The comeback from down 17 matched the NBA's fifth-largest this season. Before the game, Popovich summed his team's all-or-nothing record - 9-0 at home, now 0-5 on the road - with his usual dry wit. 'We're really good at home and on the road, we (stink). That's the biggest difference,' Popovich said. He was half-serious, and it certainly didn't apply to the way the Spurs started Tuesday. San Antonio just attacked the basket with little resistance in the early going, eight of its first 12 makes coming from no more than 11 feet and most of them directly at the rim. James was terrible at the start, missing everything from layups to free throws, and the Spurs led 35-26 after the opening quarter. Everything was going San Antonio's way. And then, well, nothing went the Spurs' way - especially after James found his stride. 'There's not much you can do,' Parker said. 'He was on fire in the third quarter. He's coming in fast breaks and he's shooting threes. There is no defense against that.' *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Houston R. - Detroit P. 97-80
Samuel Dalembert (6'11''-C-81, college: Seton Hall) had 14 points and 12 rebounds, Luis Scola (6'9''-F/C-80) also scored 14 and the Houston Rockets beat the Detroit Pistons 97-80 on Tuesday night for their fourth straight victory. Kyle Lowry had 13 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Rockets, who outrebounded the Pistons 42-35 to offset 21 turnovers. Houston shot 49 percent (40 of 81) from the field and scored 21 points off 17 offensive rebounds. Tayshaun Prince scored 20 points, Ben Gordon had 18 and Rodney Stuckey added 16 off the bench for the Pistons, who've dropped eight of nine. *Courtesy of www.freep.com

Cleveland C. - Golde State W. 95-105
Now introducing the new Golden State Warriors. With point guard Stephen Curry missing his seventh straight game because of a sprained right ankle and shooting guard Monta Ellis struggling on a 2-for-12 shooting night, we got a look at what else the Warriors have. They shrugged off the backcourt woes, which used to be a recipe for disaster, and offered a taste of how the team hopes to be cooking in the future with a 105-95 victory over Cleveland. 'That's what good teams do,' coach Mark Jackson said. 'In spite of adversity, they find ways to get it done. Our guys did exactly that. When you compete and you defend, you'll win your fair share of games.' The Warriors (5-8) have often needed big nights from Curry, Ellis and some other third party to win in the past. Now, they're playing defense and getting contributions from a deep bench of role players. When the Cavaliers (6-7) went ahead 67-62 with 7:36 remaining in the third quarter, Jackson yanked his starting unit. A lineup of Nate Robinson, Klay Thompson, Brandon Rush, Dominic McGuire and Ekpe Udoh erased the deficit in a little more than five minutes. 'That was huge for us, especially on the road,' said power forward David Lee (6'9''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida), who scored a game-high 29 points to go along with nine rebounds. 'The (bench) did it with defense. They did it the way the starters should have done it.' The starters didn't sulk. They cheered and waved towels like end-of-bench guys. They went nuts when Robinson pushed the tempo on back-to-back possessions and found Rush for layups that tied it 75-75 with 2 1/2 minutes left in the third. 'Those are our teammates, and they're out there hustling and playing hard,' said starting swingman Dorell Wright (6'8''-G/F-85), who had 10 points on 4-for-11 shooting. 'Nate is the little dude with the big heart. He's got no fear of anyone.' Robinson finished with 17 points and 10 assists, joining Minnesota's Ricky Rubio and Denver's Andre Miller as the only players with double-digit assists totals off the bench this season. Thompson and Rush each scored 14 points on efficient shooting nights, and McGuire and Udoh set the defensive tone. 'I've got to hold guys accountable,' Jackson said. 'If you're not getting it done defensively, it's unacceptable. I'll give my guys credit. I've been on teams when the starters would have come out of the game upset, said different things and quit. Our guys didn't do that.' Nope. With 10 minutes left, they re-entered a tie game and grabbed the victory. Lee scored 13 points in the final 10 minutes, and center Andris Biedrins, who had 11 rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot, provided the defense with an anchor. 'He does all of the little things, all of the blue-collar work,' Lee said of Biedrins. 'Monta or I might get credit for making shots, but (Biedrins) is making the plays that win games.' *Courtesy of www.sfgate.com



Mavericks' Vince Carter injures foot on final play of game; X-rays show no breaks - by Eurobasket News
Vince Carter (6'5''-G-77, college: N.Carolina) was hobbling around on crutches in the postgame locker room Monday after taking a bad step on the final play of the Mavericks 73-70. Carter said he did not come down on anybodys foot. He simply stepped wrong.

'I was going right after I caught it and heard it pop', Carter said. 'But it's not broken.'

Carter had X-rays after the game, which showed no breaks, but he likely will have further tests Tuesday. It was diagnosed as a sprained left foot.

Carter took the would-be game-tying shot just before the final buzzer. The ball was on line, but hit off the back rim.

'I saw it was on line', he said, 'but after I let it go, I fell down and didn't see it.'

Courtesy of www.dallasnews.com

Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-G-78)
  Avg: 30.8
 1. Bryant, LA Lakers30.8 
 2. James, Miami Heat29.8 
 3. Anthony, New Y.26.1 
 4. Durant, Oklah.Ci.26.0 
 5. Love, Minnesota T.25.6 
 6. Aldridge, Portland.22.7 
 7. Ellis, Golde S.22.6 
 8. Bargnani, Toron.22.3 
 9. Griffin, LA Clipp.21.9 
 10. Rose, Chicago B.20.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 14.9
 1. Howard, Orlando M.14.9 
 2. Love, Minnesota T.14.3 
 3. Bynum, LA Lakers13.9 
 4. Griffin, LA Clipp.11.4 
 5. Varejao, Clevelan.11.4 
 6. Gasol, Memphis G.10.8 
 7. Lee, Golde S.10.4 
 8. McGee, Washingt.10.1 
 9. Humphries, New J.9.8 
 10. Hibbert, Indiana9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 10
 1. Rondo, Boston C.10.0 
 2. Nash, Phoenix Suns10.0 
 3. Calderon, Toron.9.1 
 4. Rose, Chicago B.8.7 
 5. Lowry, Houston R.8.7 
 6. Paul, LA Clippers8.4 
 7. Rubio, Minnesot.8.3 
 8. Williams, New J.8.2 
 9. James, Miami Heat7.6 
 10. Conley, Memphis G.7.6 
Steals Per Game
 Chris PAUL
  LA Clippers
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Paul, LA Clippers2.8 
 2. Conley, Memphis G.2.8 
 3. Kidd, Dallas M.2.3 
 4. Shumpert, New Y.2.3 
 5. Teague, Atlanta H.2.2 
 6. Iguodala, Philadel.2.2 
 7. Lowry, Houston R.2.2 
 8. Wade, Miami Heat2.0 
 9. Rubio, Minnesot.2.0 
 10. Holiday, Philadel.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Javale MCGEE
  Washingt.
  (213-C/F-88)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. McGee, Washingt.3.2 
 2. Jordan, LA Clippers2.9 
 3. Gasol, Memphis G.2.6 
 4. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.2.4 
 5. Howard, Orlando M.2.4 
 6. Bogut, Milwauke.2.0 
 7. Bynum, LA Lakers1.9 
 8. Jefferson, Utah J.1.8 
 9. Wade, Miami Heat1.7 
 10. Dalembert, Houst.1.7 


Standings
NBA Standings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
 1. Philadelph.76 10-3 
 2. New York K. 6-7 
 3. Boston C. 4-8 
 4. Toronto R. 4-10 
 5. New Jersey N. 3-11 
Central Div.
 1. Chicago B. 13-3 
 2. Indiana P. 9-3 
 3. Cleveland C. 6-7 
 4. Milwaukee B. 4-9 
 5. Detroit P. 3-11 
Southeast Div.
 1. Orlando M. 10-3 
 2. Atlanta H. 10-4 
 3. Miami Heat 9-4 
 4. Charlotte B. 3-12 
 5. Washington W. 1-12 
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
 1. Oklah.City T. 12-2 
 2. Utah Jazz 9-4 
 3. Denver N. 9-5 
 4. Portland TB 8-5 
 5. Minnesota T. 5-8 
Pacific Div.
 1. LA Lakers 10-5 
 2. LA Clippers 7-4 
 3. Golde State W. 5-8 
 4. Phoenix Suns 4-9 
 5. Sacramento K. 4-10 
Southwest Div.
 1. San Antonio S. 9-5 
 2. Dallas M. 8-6 
 3. Houston R. 7-7 
 4. Memphis G. 6-6 
 5. N.Orleans H. 3-10 


Report: Teams interested in Paul Pierce - by Eurobasket News
No matter when you think the expiration date is for this group of Celtics, the team's recent five-game losing streak has undoubtedly pushed it up. So it's not surprising that teams would come calling to Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge to ask Ainge if he's willing to start blowing it up.

Several contending teams have inquired about the availability of Celtics captain Paul Pierce (6'7''-F/G-77, college: Kansas), according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. Any potential Pierce deal would seem to indicate that Ainge is moving on from trying win a championship with this group and is starting the process of planning for the future.

Ainge, of course, tried to start the process of looking to the future when he traded Kendrick Perkins for Jeff Green last season. Green's heart ailment eliminates him from the equation this season and was a damaging blow to the team, and Perkins could certainly help the Celtics now. But there's no question Ainge was trying to get younger and faster even before it was apparent that these Celtics desperately need to get younger and faster. If the Celtics could trade Pierce for a piece or two to help them do that, you have to think Ainge would at least entertain the offers.

Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen come off the books this summer, while Pierce has two years and $32 million left on his contract. No matter what you think Ainge will do, it's clear the team has plans to use the money they save on Garnett/Allen to sign a high-profile free agent. Moving Pierce for an expiring contract and a draft pick might allow them to sign more than one player to a big deal this offseason.

Just what Ainge will do is a better question for Wojnarowski and insiders like the Globe's Gary Washburn, but one thing that's clear is that Ainge has options. Trading Rajon Rondo was one way in which the Celtics could drastically alter their immediate future. Trading Pierce is another. An answer as to whether either is realistic or will help the team will come in time, and that time may be sooner than a lot of us had thought heading into this season.

Of course, it's also not clear how much the Celtics' 4-8 start has to do with the lockout and a lack of training camp as opposed to the team's age. Pierce has been dreadful up until the second half of last night's Thunder game, when he finally seems to have found his offense. His scoring may be more critical to the team's success than the scoring of any other Celtic, and there's a chance he turns it around.

For all the worry, the Celtics are 1 1/2 games out of 8th in the East and four games out of 6th, where they can likely avoid Miami/Chicago in Round 1. Not that people shouldn't be concerned about what they see, but if making the playoffs is a goal, there's still plenty of time for that. The Celtics may be able to rebuild with Pierce, make the playoffs, and still look toward the future. Right now, it's all in play.

Courtesy of www.boston.com

Knicks assign Jeremy Lin and Jerome Jordan to Erie BayHawks - by Eurobasket News
The New York Knicks assigned guard Jeremy Lin (6'3''-PG-89, college: Harvard) and center Jerome Jordan (7'0''-C-86, college: Tulsa) to the Erie BayHawks Tuesday.

The BayHawks are the Knicks' NBA D-League affiliate.

Lin, who stands 6 feet 3 inches, has appeared in five games for the Knicks this season. The former Harvard standout has five points, two assists and two rebounds in 15 minutes with the Knicks. During the 2010-11 season, Lin averaged 2.6 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 29 games with the Golden State Warriors.

Jordan, a 7-footer, is averaging 1.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 4.8 minutes in six games for the Knicks this season. Jordan played for Tulsa in college.

Both players are expected play Friday when the BayHawks face the Maine Red Claws in Portland, Maine.

Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Michael Jordan thinks only Kobe Bryant deserves comparisons - by Eurobasket News
Ever since Michael Jordan (6'7''-F-63, college: N.Carolina) retired - all three times, really - the NBA has searched for the heir to his throne. Many players have popped up as pretenders to the throne, from Harold Miner to Jerry Stackhouse to Vince Carter. In recent years, people have stopped trying to find a clone and just searched for a similarly dominant great player. If you ever wondered why LeBron James is seen as such a failure, a lot of it has to do with his inability to meet the example set by Jordan.

There are many great players in the NBA these days, most of whom have never been directly compared to Jordan. Nevertheless, His Airness says only one player comes close enough to his greatness to merit the comparison. Not surprisingly, that player is Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78). Here's what Roland Lazenby, a great writer currently working on a Jordan book, tweeted on Sunday (via PBT):

Kobe's ultimate competition is MJ. That's why MJ watches him. MJ made people think what he was doing wasn't human. Ditto the Kobester.

I never said Kobe was better than MJ. MJ just told me Kobe's the only one to have done the work, to deserve comparison.

Congratulations, Kobe: Your life's work has meant something. All that time spent aping Jordan's movements and skills has paid off. He acknowledged you. You made it.

Of course, if the notoriously petty Jordan was going to mention anyone, it makes that he'd single out Kobe, and not just because he'd consider the mimicry flattering. Bryant really does work harder than everyone else, and he's been good for long enough (with no signs of slowing down) that he may eventually top Jordan's longevity. They're similarly insane competitors.

The 'Next Jordan' idea was always a silly one, but Bryant is certainly the player most like Jordan in all aspects of his game even if he eventually becomes something less than the greatest player of the post-MJ era, which I'm sure many of you will argue in the comments. That's an accomplishment in itself. Even coming close to the top means something.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

Hawks' Horford undergoes surgery - by Eurobasket News
The Atlanta Hawks say All-Star center Alfred Horford (6'10''-F/C-86, college: Florida) has undergone successful surgery to repair his torn left pectoral muscle.

The procedure was performed Tuesday by Dr. Xavier Duralde of Peachtree Orthopaedic Clinic. He was assisted by Hawks team physicians Michael Bernot and Ashok Reddy.

Horford sustained the injury going for a rebound in a Jan. 11 game at Indiana. He is expected to be out from three-to-four months.

The Hawks have won three straight since Horford went down. Atlanta hosts Portland on Wednesday.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Coach wants to play Kobe Bryant less - by Eurobasket News
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant's (6'6''-G-78) offseason featured a trip to Germany for PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy treatments on his right knee and left ankle, and is currently playing with a torn lunotriquetral ligament in his right wrist. These factors, plus his age (33) and the compressed season's rigorous pace, provide head coach Michael Brown all the reason in the world to reduce the superstar guard's minutes.

But the opposite has taken place so far. Bryant is averaging 37.7 minutes per game, nearly four more than last season. His coach would like to see that change.

'I hope so,' said Brown on Tuesday at practice when asked about the possibility. 'I was shooting for 35 minutes (against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday), but there are gonna be times, especially in games like that, that I think we'll have a chance to win, where that 35 may go to 36, 37 and hopefully no more than that. I wanted to keep it at 35, but I didn't do a good job with it.

'But I do want to get it down, because he's played a ton of minutes too early.'

For this reduction to take place, Brown needs the team to play well enough on a regular basis where he'd feel comfortable keeping Bryant on the bench for longer stretches. Until that happens, Brown views Bryant's heavy minutes as a necessity towards victory.

'Just hopefully, especially with the second group, just getting a rhythm. If we can get a rhythm on both ends of the floor, I know it would put me at ease a little bit more, and allow me to sit him a little bit more,' Brown said.

'I did talk to him about increasing his minutes right now in order to help us win a few games, so that we were able to get a little cushion in the win-loss column.'

Bryant has responded well to the additional workload. Over 10 games in January, he's averaged 33.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, five assists and 1.3 steals. He also scored 40 or more points in four consecutive games (two back-to-back) and is the Western Conference Player of the Week two weeks running.

Courtesy of ESPN

Olympic snubs: Curry, Stoudemire both irked they're left off list - by Eurobasket News
Stephen Curry (6'3''-PG-88, college: Davidson) and Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) both expressed disappointment about being left off the list of 20 candidates from which the 12-man Team USA roster for the 2012 Olympics will be chosen.

The Curry and Stoudemire situations are different. Curry was on the gold medal-winning team at the 2012 World Championships, while the Knicks pulled Stoudemire off that squad shortly after he signed an uninsured $100 million contract, a move that drew the ire of USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo.

The 20-man list was largely a compilation of the 2010 team and the squad that won gold at the 2008 Beijing Games.

It was a little disappointing knowing I was a part of that team two years ago and now I have to sit and watch, Curry told Yahoo! Sports. I got a letter from USA Basketball, a personal letter from Colangelo, just saying they went through the selection process and they would have some of the Redeem Team (2008 Olympics) guys back on there.

But up until last week I had an expectation of being a part of that finalist squad trying out for the last five spots. I got to make some more summer plans.

Meanwhile, The New York Post writes one reason Stoudemire was not selected may have been that Colangelo likely didnt want to have to deal with the Garden politics again. But Stoudemire said the Knicks have not told him they did not want him to play, and a team official said he does not believe the organization would have minded if the power forward went to London.

Its definitely not my choice, Stoudemire told The Post. I would love to play. My loyalty is with USA Basketball. ... If they need me, Im there.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

Bobcats put Boris Diaw on trading block - by Eurobasket News
Boris Diaw (6'8''-PF-82) arrived on the Charlotte Bobcats roster via trade with the Phoenix Suns in December 2008 (along with Raja Bell and Sean Singletary). Now he may disappear from the roster in the same way.

The Charlotte Observer reports that Diaw (and his expiring contract) is on the trading block, but the team isn't willing to 'take back a bad contract to make a deal.'

Since his arrival, the 29-year-old had started 235 straight games for the Bobcats before coming off the bench for Monday's 102-94 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Coach Paul Silas is becoming increasingly frustrated with Diaw, the paper reports. 'As Charles Barkley said on national television recently, Diaw is a nice guy but a relatively passionless player,' the Observer notes. 'As Barkley put it, he [Barkley] always went out to kick someone's butt, and Diaw isn't of that nature.'

The 6-8 native of France is averaging 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.6 assist per game.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

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


Oshawa Power's Morgan Lewis named Player of the Week - by Eurobasket News
The National Basketball League of Canada is pleased to announce that Morgan Lewis (6'4''-F-87, college: Findlay, OH) of the Oshawa Power has been named Player of the Week for the week ending January 15, 2012. This is the first player from the Power to receive Player of the Week honours.

Lewis, a 6'5' guard from Painesville, Ohio, scored a team-record 38 points, along with 10 assists, in Oshawa's January 12, 31-122 overtime win against Summerside. Lewis' scoring included 5 three-point plays, to keep the Durham Region team in contention for a playoff berth this season.

Lewis was drafted first overall by the Power at NBL Canada's inaugural draft in August 2011.

Courtesy of The NBL Canada

Halifax Rainmen release Eddie Robinson - by Eurobasket News
The Halifax Rainmen have released 6'9'', 210-pound forward, Eddie Robinson (6'9''-F-76, college: Cent.Oklahoma).

Robinson appeared in 9 of the Rainmen's 19 games this season and averaged 9.67 points per game in 20.8 minutes of play.

The Rainmen now sit at a roster of 11 players including newcomer Richard Anderson, who suited up for Canada's national basketball team from 1999-2005.

In the coming weeks, Rainmen centre Abdullahi Kuso is expected to be activated from injured reserve to complete the Rainmen's season roster at 12.

The Rainmen will play their next game on the road against the London Lightning on Thursday, January 19, and will return to the Halifax Metro Centre on Saturday where they will face the Quebec Kebs at 7 p.m., and Sunday where they will take on the Summerside Storm at 2:00 p.m.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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


No. 1 Syracuse goes 20-0 with 71-63 win over Pitt - by Eurobasket News
Dion Waiters (6'4''-G-91) had 16 points and Scoop Jardine (6'2''-G-88) had 12 points and 10 assists as No. 1 Syracuse beat Pittsburgh 71-63 on Monday night to open the season with 20 straight wins.

The Orange (20-0, 7-0 Big East) set a school record for most consecutive victories to start a season and it was win No. 876 for coach Jim Boeheim , tying him with Adolph Rupp of Kentucky for fourth place all-time in Division I. North Carolina's Dean Smith is third with 879.

Boeheim extended his Division I record for most 20-win seasons to 34.

It was the seventh straight loss for Pittsburgh (11-8, 0-6). The Panthers were coming off a stunning 62-39 home loss to Rutgers last Wednesday, the fewest points they scored in a regulation game since a 53-30 loss to Temple in 1969.

Ashton Gibbs (6'2''-G-90), Cameron Wright and Lamar Patterson all scored 10 points for Pitt, which had beaten Syracuse five straight times and had won 13 of the past 16 meetings.

Kris Joseph (6'7''-F-88) and Brandon Triche (6'4''-G-91) both had 12 points for Syracuse, while Fab Melo had 10 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks before fouling out in the final minute.

The Orange are No. 1 for the sixth straight week, matching the longest run in school history set at the start of 1989-90.

Talib Zanna (6'9''-F-90) and John Johnson had nine points each for the Panthers.

The Orange's last home win against the Panthers was 67-65 on Feb. 1, 2003. Syracuse's last win over Pitt was 65-61 in the 2006 Big East tournament championship game, and its last victory during the regular season was 49-46 in overtime in February 2004 at the Petersen Events Center.

Pitt trailed 48-34 with 15:10 left when Jardine hit from the right corner and flashed a smile as he headed back up court. Undaunted, the Panthers came back as they worked the shot clock looking for openings in the Syracuse zone. A 3-pointer by Johnson as the shot-clock buzzer sounded and Dante Taylor's reverse layup had them within nine points in less than 2 minutes.

A 3 by Waiters boosted the lead back to nine, but Johnson hit another 3 and Zanna scored four straight points to move Pitt within 53-49 with 8:36 left.

Syracuse responded quickly. Waiters drove and dished to Joseph on the wing for a wide-open 3 and after Johnson missed from long range for the first time in the game, Waiters swished a 3 from the left wing and the lead was back to 10.Pittsburgh never got closer than eight points.

It was Pitt's first game against a top-ranked team in nearly three years. The Panthers brought a 2-13 record in those games into the Carrier Dome, but those two wins came in succession against Connecticut in February and March 2009.

Pittsburgh scored the first 19 points in beating the third-ranked Orange 74-66 at the Petersen Events Center a year ago, Syracuse's first loss of the season after 18 straight wins.

The Orange seemed intent on turning the tables in this one, storming to a 13-0 lead as the Panthers missed their first six shots and Melo registered three blocks in the first 4 minutes.

In last year's game, the Orange rallied right back, scoring 17 straight points, and Pitt responded in this one with a 15-6 spurt. A three-point play by Wright after an acrobatic layup and a free throw by Patterson moved Pitt within 19-15 with 7 minutes left in the first half.

Syracuse boosted the lead back to as many as 12 points on Melo's dunk with 2:24 to go and led 35-26 at halftime. The Orange had eight blocks, forced 11 turnovers, and had nine assists on 14-of-27 shooting (51.9 percent) while holding Pitt to 10 of 31 (32.3 percent) from the field.

Courtesy of www.boston.com

Syracuse stays on top of AP poll for 6th week - by Eurobasket News
Syracuse is a runaway No. 1 in The Associated Press' college basketball poll for the sixth straight week.

The Orange, one of three unbeatens entering play Monday, received 60 first-place votes from the 65-member national media panel.

Kentucky was second with four first-place votes, followed by Baylor, which got its first No. 1 vote this season on the day it lost for the first time this season, 92-74 to Kansas.

Duke and Missouri moved up four places to fourth and fifth, while Ohio State, Kansas, North Carolina, Michigan State and Georgetown round out the top 10.

Unbeaten Murray State moved from No. 15 to No. 12.

Illinois moved in at No. 22. Saint Mary's, Calif. is No. 24, its first appearance this season.

Gonzaga and Seton Hall dropped out of the poll.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Louisville falls to Marquette, 74-63 - by Eurobasket News
Considering what happened last week, No. 23 Louisville's loss at Marquette counted as a step forward.

Coach Rick Pitino was pleased with the Cardinals' effort in a 74-63 loss to the 21st-ranked Golden Eagles, especially coming on the heels of a 32-point setback at Providence on Jan. 10.

'I told our guys, 'Don't be down. You had a reason to be down after the Providence game because you didn't give extraordinary effort,'' Pitino said. 'If you're giving great effort, stick with your goals. Your goals are to win every home game and two road games.

'So, this one got by us. So, now we got to go get Pittsburgh. It's not going to be an easy game. Pittsburgh is starving for a win.'

Louisville (14-5, 2-4 BIG EAST) took an early 18-2 lead by hitting 7 of its first 12 shots, including four 3-pointers. But the Cardinals couldn't close it out.

'When we do make shots like we did in the period, we look great,' Pitino said.

Russ Smith (6'0''-G) led Louisville with 20 points and Chris Smith (6'2''-G-87) added 19 points and 8 rebounds. Chane Behanan had 12 rebounds for Louisville.

'Being one of the older players, you have to realize that this is their home court.' Russ Smith said. 'Eventually, they're going to make a run and get back in the game.

'The Big East is the Big East. You have to win when you can, scrounge for the games. We'll figure it out.'

It was Marquette's (15-4, 4-2) third straight Big East win after losing consecutive games to Georgetown and top-ranked Syracuse. Darius Johnson-Odom (6'2''-G-89) led Marquette with 19 points and Davante Gardner (6'8''-F) added 17 points and 6 rebounds.

The team has made a habit of starting slowly in many of its Big East games.

'If the games were 33 minutes, we'd be really good,' Marquette coach Buzz Williams said. 'I really like when we are us. When we are us, we're pretty good. When we are not us, we're pretty bad.'

Louisville trimmed Marquette's lead to 57-53 with 8:16 remaining when Gorgui Dieng scored on a short jumper.

But Gardner scored on a driving layup and was fouled as Marquette beat Louisville's press. He hit the free throw to give Marquette a 60-53 lead with 7:36 remaining.

Louisville went cold from the field going without a field goal for almost five minutes as Marquette pulled away. Louisville hit only four field goals in the last eight minutes of the game and only six of the team's last 18 shots.

Overall, Louisville hit just 41.3 percent of its shots for the game.

Courtesy of www.uoflsports.com

Kansas drops Baylor 92-74 - by Eurobasket News
Baylor sauntered into Allen Fieldhouse on Monday night with a No. 3 ranking, a perfect record and all the swagger that comes with the best start in school history.

The Bears left like so many other teams with designs on knocking the Jayhawks from their Big 12 perch: with a humbling defeat.

Thomas Robinson (6'9''-F) had 27 points and 14 rebounds, Tyshawn Taylor (6'3''-G-90) matched a career-high with 28 points and the seventh-ranked Jayhawks cruised to a 92-74 victory, proving once more that the road to a conference championship goes through Kansas.

'Start with their leadership. Thomas Robinson showed why he's a player of the year candidate. Tyshawn Taylor was outstanding,' Baylor coach Scott Drew said. 'Early on we didn't have some success in the paint, got away from it. From there we couldn't stop them all night long.'

It was the first loss for Baylor in football or men's and women's basketball since Oct. 29 - a span of 40 games. It also ruined the longest winning streak in school history.

'Their fans got into the game,' said Perry Jones III, who had 18 points to lead Baylor. 'We still tried to stay together and not let the noise affect us.'

Quincy Miller-Scott (6'9''-F-92) added 17 points, Quincy Acy (6'7''-F-90) had 14 and Pierre Jackson (5'10''-G-91) had 11 points and 11 assists, but the long and lean Bears were dominated inside and had no answer for the combination of Robinson and Taylor, one of the best inside-outside tandems in the nation.

Robinson overpowered the Baylor front line with an array of rim-rattling dunks and short-range jumpers, while Taylor hit four 3-pointers and doled out six assists.

The outcome left No. 1 Syracuse and No. 12 Murray State as the only undefeated teams in Division I.

'If you let it affect you and affect you next game, you've got no chance,' Drew said. 'They did what they had to do. They defended the home court.'

Travis Releford (6'5''-G-90) and Elijah Johnson added 11 points each for the Jayhawks (15-3, 5-0), who won their 16th straight game at Allen Fieldhouse and 10th in a row at home over the Bears.

Kansas is 17-2 against them all-time.

Facing its fourth top-10 opponent of the season, the veteran Jayhawks swarmed the younger Bears with pressure from the opening tip, making life miserable on both ends of the court.

Robinson provided the early boost, scoring eight of his 12 first-half points in the opening 6-plus minutes. The run included a dazzling one-handed dunk off an alley-oop feed from Taylor that set Twitter ablaze and generated a roar inside Allen Fieldhouse that could be heard in Kansas City.

'He pressed the up button and he went and got it,' Taylor said with a grin.

The Bears answered the first salvo with a 16-5 run of their own.

Jones started it with a jumper, and Gary Franklin curled in a 3-pointer for his only points of the game. By the time Jackson knocked down another 3 and Acy added a basket inside, Baylor had pulled ahead 27-22 and Self asked for a timeout.

It sure seemed to settle down the Jayhawks.

Robinson scored on a nifty spin move inside and Jeff Withey added two free throws to start a 17-2 run to end the half. Taylor scored 11 of the final 13 points, including a 3 from the top of the key with Jackson staring him down in the closing seconds to make it 39-29.

'It's going to come down to the best players on each team making plays. That's what happened,' Taylor said. 'We came out in attack mode, and kept it on all game.'

Jackson hit a 3-pointer to trim the lead to 39-32 in the opening minute of the second half, and Brady Heslip added another 3 a couple of minutes later to make it 43-37 with 17:32 to go. That was as close as Baylor got.

Kansas scored on its next seven possessions, another dunk by Robinson pushing the lead to 59-42 with 13:04 left. The lead swelled to 19 when Taylor scored on an acrobatic scooping layup, missed the ensuing foul shot, and then hit a 3-pointer from the wing after Kansas got the offensive rebound.

Robinson's basket with 6:54 left made it a 20-point game.

'We missed some jump shots they got some run-outs, we didn't get back. They do such a good job in transition in this building,' Drew said. 'They feed off the atmosphere.'

By the time Robinson checked out with just over a minute to go, the crowd that had jammed the Jayhawks' historic field house to the rafters and generated crowd noise registering at 114 decibels at the tip was on their feet and giving him a standing ovation.

It was the first time an unbeaten team had come to Kansas during Big 12 play. The last time it happened with a current league member was on Jan. 21, 1986, when Oklahoma came into the game 17-0.

Just like Baylor, the Sooners went home 17-1.

'Early on they were good, right now they're even better,' Drew said, 'and I think the nation saw how tough they are. But that's what's great about this league. Night in and night out, you're going to face good teams, and if you don't play well and they play well, you've got no chance.'

Courtesy of www.ktxs.com

No. 5 Missouri beats Texas A&M 70-51 - by Eurobasket News
Texas A&M started the season with expectations to compete for a Big 12 title.

Now, the Aggies are fighting just to keep up.

Elston Turner (6'5''-G-90) and Khris Middleton (6'7''-F-91) both scored 13 points, but Texas A&M struggled offensively in a 70-51 loss to No. 5 Missouri on Monday.

'Number one, this is a different team than last year's team,' first-year coach Billy Kennedy said. 'The expectations are based off last year's team. We lost some guys. We are just getting Middleton back. We have one point guard in the program that can play college basketball.'

Reserve guard Michael Dixon (6'1''-G-90) made his final four shots from behind the arc in the first half and scored 18 points overall to lead Missouri, which snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Aggies.

The Tigers (17-1, 4-1 Big 12) started the game by making only five of their first 14 shots from the field against the conference's best scoring defense. But Dixon's 3-pointer with 7:22 remaining in the first half started a 17-0 run that gave Missouri a 31-17 lead.

'I missed the first 3, but it kind of felt good,' Dixon said. 'I had been shooting well in warmups so it was just a rhythm thing and my teammates were able to find me. I just happened to be hitting today.'

Elston Turner hit a free throw to end the Aggies' 6:32 scoreless drought.

'I consider him a starter coming in and doing what we can offensively,' Kennedy said of Dixon. 'It's a great weapon to have off the bench.'

Texas A&M (10-7, 1-4) scored the first seven points of in the second half to get within 42-30. The Aggies got within 10 points three times, but could get no closer.

Marcus Denmon's steal and ensuing three-point play with 8:40 left started a 10-1 run for Missouri, which led 64-44 with 3:57 left in the game.

'We're not the most athletic team or the quickest team in the country,' Kennedy said. 'So we have to do a better job of being more physical. Their athleticism wore us down.'

Missouri's last win over Texas A&M had been in the 2004 Big 12 tournament.

Missouri is ranked in the top five for the first time since 2003-04, and has won 62 of its last 65 home games, falling only to Kansas twice and Texas A&M. The Tigers' have won each home game this season by an average of 27.6 points.

The Aggies came in allowing 57.5 points per game, holding opponents to 36.9 percent shooting. Missouri couldn't do much better, shooting 40 percent, but the Tigers held Texas A&M to 35 percent, its second-lowest shooting percentage of the season.

Haith credited the defense for building a lead at the end of the first half.

'We were pressuring them, they shot the ball quickly, we got some stops,' Haith said. 'We scored in transition. But our defense was consistent during that stretch. And I thought that was key to getting some separation.'

Denmon added 16 points and nine rebounds for Missouri, which leads the Big 12 in scoring offense (83.9) and field goal percentage (51.2).

Middleton is leading the Aggies in scoring since he returned nine games ago after surgery to repair a partially torn meniscus in his right knee. He has yet to return to full strength and cannot practice every day, Kennedy said.

Ray Turner (6'9''-F-90) added 11 points and nine rebounds for Texas A&M, which has lost six of eight.

'We are just trying to hang in there,' Turner said. 'Everyone is trying to get used to a new thing, everything that is coming to us. New coaching staff -- it's just something that we just have to get through. We've just got to keep our heads up.'

Ricardo Ratliffe wasn't called for his first foul until the second half for the second consecutive game, helping Missouri avoid having to go deeper than its seven-man rotation. The Tigers outrebounded Texas A&M 38-26 and were 27 of 31 from the free throw line.

'In order for us to have the kind of year, the kind of team we want to have,' Haith said, 'we have to do that every single night. And that's all about loose rebounds. Defensive rebounding has got to be a key to our success.'

Kennedy served as an assistant under Haith while both were at Miami in 2005-06. Haith defeated his mentor and former head coach, Rick Barnes, in a 84-73 victory on Friday over Texas.

'We're great friends,' Haith said. 'I know one thing about him -- he'll get that team playing the way he wants them to play. He's got a great job, and I think he'll do well there.'

Courtesy of www.boston.com

Oklahoma claws out 64-55 win over Texas Tech - by Eurobasket News
For two teams struggling to find their footing in the Big 12, any victory is precious.

A strong finish by Romero Osby (6'8''-F-90) earned Oklahoma its second win in a row and kept Texas Tech reeling.

Steven Pledger (6'4''-G) scored 17 points and Osby came up with 11 of his 15 points in the final 4 minutes to lift the Sooners to a 64-55 win over the Red Raiders on Tuesday night.

'To win and learn is good, and in this league, wins are tough to come by,' Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger said. 'We've got to be thrilled by any we get.'

The two teams who were picked to finish in a tie for last in the conference and had combined to lose 24 of their last 29 games against Big 12 competition ended up playing a ragged game in which 46 fouls were called and neither team made even 40 percent of its shots.

Texas Tech (7-10, 0-5) trailed throughout the second half but pulled within 48-47 when Jordan Tolbert (6'7''-F-92) put back his own miss with 4:18 to play. Robert Lewandowski had a chance underneath to give the Red Raiders the lead but missed, and the Sooners (12-5, 2-3) pulled away after that.

Osby scored underneath after a timeout, and he added a two-handed slam and seven free throws down the stretch to close it out.

'Not necessarily a pretty win, but a good win. I thought guys really worked hard on both teams all night long,' Kruger said. 'Defensively, both teams had the other out of rhythm. Neither shot it particularly well, but both worked really hard.'

Javarez Willis (5'11''-G-89) scored 16 points and Jaye Crockett (6'7''-F-91) had 14 points and 10 rebounds for Texas Tech, which got just 23 points on 6 for 28 shooting from its starters. Overall, Tech converted only 15 of 46 shots, or 33 percent.

After making 50 percent of their shots during nonconference play to rank ninth in the nation, the Red Raiders haven't reached 40 percent in any of their five Big 12 games.

Tolbert missed his first eight shots, most of them close to the basket, and the Red Raiders were 8 for 34 from inside the arc while making half of their 14 3-point attempts.

'We did a better job today of throwing it in there, but finishing around the basket is atrocious,' coach Billy Gillispie said. 'We continue to try to not use the backboard, we continue to try to not finish strong. It's just killing us, and it killed us tonight.

'We had so many opportunities one foot away from the basket.'

The Sooners had the opposite problem, missing 10 of their 11 3-point attempts.

They ended up shooting 39 percent overall and made up for their shooting troubles by capitalizing on 21 Tech turnovers.

Andrew Fitzgerald added 13 points to finish in double figures for the 12th straight game, and Cameron Clark scored 10 for Oklahoma.

'I like the energy, I like the enthusiasm. We just have to keep growing,' Kruger said. 'We've got to keep getting better. The guys know that. Any time you can win a ballgame, it reinforces a lot of good stuff.'

After falling behind with a sloppy finish to the first half, the Red Raiders quickly earned their way into the bonus in the second half and chipped away at Oklahoma's lead. Ty Nurse hit a 3-pointer to start a run of seven straight Tech points, and Tolbert's two free throws cut the deficit down to 34-32 with 14:04 to play.

Tolbert missed a shot at the tie before Osby split two defenders for a two-handed slam for Oklahoma. Tolbert then missed the front end of a one-and-one on consecutive possessions to give the Sooners a little breathing room.

Crockett led the Red Raiders back again, converting a three-point play and then banking in a jumper before Tolbert's first made basket got Tech back within one.

Sam Grooms followed Osby's basket with a jumper from the right side, and Pledger got fouled in transition after a steal. With the shot clock running down, Carl Blair drove the lane and dropped the ball off to Osby for a two-handed jam that made it 56-48 with 1:30 to play.

Texas Tech never got closer than five after that.

'I feel like we were starting to get a little momentum there. We kind of got the crowd energized and it kind of got us seeing the ball go through the basket, because we had a little stretch there where we didn't make a couple baskets,' Osby said.

'Carl made a great move and got it to me, and I did my best to finish it.'

The Red Raiders fell behind to stay with a sloppy stretch at the end of the first half when they turned the ball over on eight of their final 12 possessions including Lewandowski traveling three times.

Osby tipped in Pledger's miss to get the Sooners going on a 13-4 run to close the first half with a 29-22 lead. Tech finished the first half with 15 turnovers while making only seven of 19 shots.

'This has nothing to do with intelligence: I'm talking about we can't count to 10 very good,' Gillispie said.

'The greatest players, they can count and account for every single player on the court, so they're able to pass the ball on time on target. ... We have a hard time. The ball sticks in our hands.'

Courtesy of www.timesunion.com

Stats Leaders - NCAA1
Points Per Game
 Reggie HAMILTON
  Oakland
  (180-G-89)
  Avg: 23.6
 1. Hamilton, Oakland23.6 
 2. Wolters, S.Dakota.20.7 
 3. Gaines, IPFW20.4 
 4. Young, IU.20.0 
 5. Morrison, ORU19.8 
 6. Chamberlain, UMKC16.9 
 7. Westbrook, S.Dak.16.4 
 8. Braun, N.Dakota St.15.5 
 9. Krogman, S.Dakota14.3 
 10. Stevenett, S.Utah14.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Terell PARKS
  W.Illinois
  (200-F/C-)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Parks, W.Illinois9.1 
 2. Petros, Oakland8.2 
 3. Valentine, Oakland7.2 
 4. Andreotti, S.Dakota6.9 
 5. Braun, N.Dakota St.6.8 
 6. Craion, ORU6.6 
 7. Bjorklund, N.Dakot.6.6 
 8. Young, IU.6.2 
 9. Wright, N.Dakota.5.9 
 10. Bell-Holter, ORU5.9 
Assists Per Game
 Nate WOLTERS
  S.Dakota.
  (193-G-)
  Avg: 5.8
 1. Wolters, S.Dakota.5.8 
 2. Jones, S.Utah5.4 
 3. Alexander, N.Dakot.5.1 
 4. Clark, W.Illinois5.1 
 5. Hamilton, Oakland4.5 
 6. Marlin, IPFW4.2 
 7. Thomas, IU.4.0 
 8. Pearson, ORU3.9 
 9. Krogman, S.Dakota3.5 
 10. Tyler, UMKC2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Reggie HAMILTON
  Oakland
  (180-G-89)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Hamilton, Oakland2.5 
 2. Clark, W.Illinois2.1 
 3. Staton, UMKC1.9 
 4. Westbrook, S.Dak.1.7 
 5. Craion, ORU1.6 
 6. Callahan, S.Dakota.1.4 
 7. Krogman, S.Dakota1.4 
 8. Wolters, S.Dakota.1.4 
 9. Parks, W.Illinois1.4 
 10. Carlson, S.Dakota.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Ricardo ANDREOTTI
  S.Dakota
  (203-F-)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Andreotti, S.Dakota1.6 
 2. Wright, N.Dakota.1.5 
 3. Parks, W.Illinois1.2 
 4. Young, IU.1.2 
 5. Hall, UMKC1.1 
 6. Westbrook, S.Dak.0.9 
 7. Bell-Holter, ORU0.9 
 8. Staton, UMKC0.9 
 9. Chiles, IU.0.8 
 10. Craion, ORU0.8 


Top 25 - Men
TOP25 Standings
 1. Syracuse 5-0 (17-0) 
 2. Kentucky 3-0 (17-1) 
 3. N.Carolina 2-1 (13-1) 
 4. Baylor 4-0 (17-0) 
 5. Ohio St. 4-2 (16-3) 
 6. Michigan St. 4-1 (16-3) 
 7. Indiana 3-2 (15-2) 
 8. Duke 3-0 (13-1) 
 9. Missouri 3-1 (16-1) 
 10. Kansas 4-0 (14-3) 
 11. Georgetown 4-2 (16-2) 
 12. UNLV 0-1 (16-3) 
 13. Michigan 3-2 (14-4) 
 14. Louisville 2-3 (13-6) 
 15. Murray St. 6-0 (18-0) 
 16. Virginia 1-1 (13-2) 
 17. Connecticut 4-2 (14-3) 
 18. Kansas St. 1-3 (11-4) 
 19. Florida 2-1 (14-4) 
 20. Mississippi St. 2-1 (15-3) 
 21. Gonzaga 4-0 (17-2) 
 22. San Diego St. 1-0 (15-2) 
 23. Creighton 6-1 (16-2) 
 24. Seton Hall 4-2 (15-3) 
 25. Marquette 2-2 (12-4) 


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


Harbour Heat and Breakers Academy enjoy the warm up - by Mike Lacey
The NZ Breakers Academy and Harbour Heat teams prepared for upcoming commitments by playing out a high energy practice game at Atlas Place that was eventually won 94-88 by the Heat.
It was the NZ Breakers who started the game the strongest quickly establishing an early 10 points lead with all the starting five all troubling the scorers. Cam Stuart contributed the first 8 points of the Heat scoring but a better balanced offence from the Breakers led by 5 points from Alonso Burton saw them ahead 26-20 at quarter time. The Heat coped much better with the Breakers pressure defence in the second quarter and got their offence rolling courtesy of the experienced pairing of Kevin Smith (196-F-79, college: Lee) and Charlie Piho but with Tai Webster, Derone Raukawa and Alex Talma making strong contributions the Breakers still held a narrow advantage 43-42 at half time.
The Heat squad contained three of last years Breakers Academy graduates, Anamata Haku, James Ashby and Brad Anderson and all three played a part in the Heat getting the better of the third quarter. 10 points in the period from livewire guard Marco Alexander (185-G-91) propelled the Heat into a 72-62 lead at three quarter time. The battle in the paint between Haku and Isaac Fotu was an eye catching feature of the second half with both players upstaging more senior players in the battle for dominance under the boards.
The Heat established a commanding 14 points lead early in the final period and appeared to be coasting to a comfortable win but a spirited revival from the young Breakers team led by Fotu, Reuben Te Rangi (both contracted to play for the Heat following the Breakers tour) narrowed the advantage to just 4 points with 3 minutes remaining. However, the more experienced Heat team were able to resist the comeback and close out the game for a hard fought win.
Final score;
NZ Breakers 88 (Isaac Fotu 22, Tai Webster 17, Derone Raukawa 16, Alonso Burton 10)
Harbour Heat 94 (Marco Alexander 19, Cam Stuart 17, Brad Anderson 14, Charlie Piho 12)
Both teams will be grateful for the good workout. Perfect preparation for the Judd Flavell coached Breakers who were able to develop some of their team strategies ahead of an intense five games in four days tour to Melbourne and also a great opportunity for Heat coach Alex Stojkivic to cast his eye over players hoping to be selected for the Harbour NBL squad.


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


Standings - DBE
PLK Standings
 1. Trefl Sopot 15-5 
 2. PGE Turow 14-5 
 3. Anwil 14-6 
 4. Energa Czarni 14-6 
 5. Zastal ZG 13-7 
 6. Kotwica 12-9 
 7. Slask Wroclaw 10-9 
 8. AZS Koszalin 9-11 
 9. Siarka Jezioro 8-12 
 10. Polpharma 7-13 
 11. PBG Basket 6-15 
 12. AZS PW 5-14 
 13. LKS Lodz 3-18 
Play in international cups:
 1. Asseco Prokom - 


DBE Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Walter HODGE
  Zastal ZG
  (183-PG-86)
  Avg: 17.9
 1. Hodge, Zastal ZG17.9 
 2. Edwards, Anwil16.8 
 3. Archibeque, LKS L.16.7 
 4. Kulig, PBG Basket16.7 
 5. Lawal, Zastal ZG16.5 
 6. Corbett, Siarka J.16.5 
 7. Koszarek, Trefl S.16.2 
 8. Reese, AZS Koszal.16.1 
 9. Miller, Siarka J.15.6 
 10. Weeden, Polpharma15.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Gani LAWAL
  Zastal ZG
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 11.7
 1. Lawal, Zastal ZG11.7 
 2. Harris, Kotwica11.7 
 3. Archibeque, LKS L.10.2 
 4. Burgess, Trefl S.8.0 
 5. Eziukwu, AZS K.7.9 
 6. Bartosz, PBG Bask.7.5 
 7. Doaks, Siarka J.7.0 
 8. Turek, Trefl Sopot6.9 
 9. Archibeque, Zastal6.8 
 10. Simmons, Polpharma6.7 
Assists Per Game
 Robert SKIBNIEWSKI
  Slask W.
  (182-G-83)
  Avg: 7.2
 1. Skibniewski, Slask7.2 
 2. Hodge, Zastal ZG6.8 
 3. Koszarek, Trefl S.5.5 
 4. Moore, PGE Turow5.1 
 5. Wilczek, AZS P.5.1 
 6. Szubarga, Anwil4.8 
 7. Burrell, Energa C.4.7 
 8. Miller, Siarka J.4.7 
 9. Micic, PBG Basket4.6 
 10. Milicic, AZS K.4.6 
Steals Per Game
 Krzysztof SZUBARGA
  Anwil
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Szubarga, Anwil2.1 
 2. Sapp, Kotwica1.5 
 3. Skibniewski, Slask1.4 
 4. Hodge, Zastal ZG1.4 
 5. Edwards, Anwil1.4 
 6. Comagic, PBG B.1.4 
 7. Cesnauskis, Energa1.4 
 8. Koszarek, Trefl S.1.3 
 9. Wisniewski, Trefl1.3 
 10. Moore, PGE Turow1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Callistus EZIUKWU
  AZS K.
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Eziukwu, AZS K.2.1 
 2. Burgess, Trefl S.1.6 
 3. Kesicki, Kotwica1.5 
 4. Lauderdale, PGE T.1.5 
 5. Morrison, Energa C.1.5 
 6. Lawal, Zastal ZG1.4 
 7. Harris, Kotwica1.2 
 8. Barycz, Siarka J.1.1 
 9. Mladenovic, Slask1.1 
 10. Turek, Trefl Sopot0.9 


Asseco Prokom are close to Lukasz Wilczek and Demetrius Brown - by Eurobasket News
Asseco Prokom will probably make some changes in their roster shortly. They are close to signing deals with Lukasz Wilczek (189-PG-86) and Demetrius Brown (201-F-83, college: San Jose St.).
Lukasz Wilczek started the season with AZS Politechnika Warszawa. The guard averaged 4.9 points, 5.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds per appearance. He joined AZS Warszawa back in 2010 helping the team win PLK promotion last season. Eurobasket.com named Lukasz Wilczek into All-Polish 1Liga 2nd Team.
Demetrius Brown joined Asseco Prokom for tryouts. The forward started the season in Luxembourg. He averaged 18.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game for Amicale Steinsel. Previously Demetrius Brown had stints in Sweden, Ukraine, Lebanon, Finland, Hungary and Turkey.
In the meantime Asseco Prokom will reportedly part ways with Oliver Lafayette (188-G-84, college: Houston) and Jerel Blassingame (175-G-81, college: UNLV).



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


Heart+Determination+Focus= 2 Wins - by Nate Bowie
As we enter the 2012 year, round 2 without any true center we had no where to look or turn but ourselves. Everybody knows that having a true center is a must when you want to go far and win games. But as we wait on our team to get him we put together 2 nice wins. We buckled down as a unit and just got the job done. These 2 wins was by far the best because our whole team mentality was different, and if you was there you could tell. We beat lower ranked Ginasio and beat the 7th place team Sampaense which was a huge win. Against Sampaense I chipped in 23 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assist giving me the best point guard of the week on http://www.fpb.pt/fpb_portal/!fpb.go?s=9188304154&p=fpb.201020&t=fpb.200058&k_id_noticia=37068 . Been busy alot trying to decide about my future and what it may hold, but I understood that I cannot do much about that just to make the right choice and continue to decide my present. So I try to give my A effort on the court each and everytime, regardless of off the court destractions.

I want to give a special thanks 2dahole apparel for giving me the right apparel and gear for me to perform on and off the court. www.2dahole.com . Check it out the website which Richard Rivera was feature in Slam Magazine. Until next time always remember to 'Never let winning make you soft. Dont let losing make you quit. Dont let your teammates down in any situation.

Ola from Portugal Friends & Family
Nate Bowie (183-G-86, college: Cent.Arkansas)

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


Coach Terrell in Romania - by Chris Terrell
Buna ziua din Romania - Hello from Romania. I am Coach Chris Terrell and my journeys through the world of basketball has taken me to Romania. Romania is a country that borders Bulgaria, Serbia, Ukraine, and Maldova. The top division here is part of FIBA Europe. I have been here with CSS Giurgiu for almost two weeks. We have played a 'friendly' that we won by 67 points that was really just a tune up game against a 2nd division team, but we also played the first game of the 2nd stage of the season against Croiava and won 67-59. I am really just learning the ways things are done in this part of the World and everyone from the team president, assistant coach, team owner, and all the players have been very welcoming to me, trying to make it feel as much like home as possible. Alot of English is spoken here and that really helps. I have coached in Latin America and know Spanish but I also coached in the CBA in China last season and really the translator had to be with me most of the time there. I am learning the culture, the food, and yes some of the Romania language too.

The basketball has been great. They play alot of pick and roll in Europe and most teams have at least one of the bigs that can shoot the three pointer. This spread out passing game style differs from the kick it to the wing and attack off the bounce mentality that I grew up on in the States. The NBA game is very different than it is here however teams like Orlando with Turkaglu, Dallas with Novitski, Bargnaini in Toronto, and even back when Utah had Okur opened up the NBA game to allow for more ball movement and the quick swings from ballside to weakside as 4 players on the floor at all times can connect from long distance... it makes for less isolation, and a pretty passing game that is commonly played here. We work each day on four different ways to defend pick and roll, pick and pop, slip, horns, and all the variations from the top and wing. Offensively, I've always prefered to have an open box, wanting to attack on the bounce, and that works perfect with a big man that can shoot and another that works in more pick and roll situations. The personnel I have here fits with that European way. I know from my time in Latin America as an example that many coaches from the South use more of a power game of 2 bigs down low and cross screening and high low and floppy and more 3 out 2 in power offenses. From what I've seen here in the skill set in the players. That style may not necessarily fit with the personnel quite as well. Of course, I am only generalizing, and each coach brings his own way. I'm just glad mine seems to fit well with the players abilities.

I love our guys. We have a younger team but do have a veteran, Zoran Milovic, and he is a good player, about 6'9 and he can shoot from anywhere. He is a good passer and is smart and knows how to read roll, pop, slip which is very important. We have a younger base of guards but all can really shoot it. When we get our action and counters and options and reads all clicking, it's impossible for the defense to help without 3 or 4 quick passes and a shooter with a good look, I like it. We have a couple great athletes that really help us on both ends of the floor and a very strong national player that helps in many ways. I'm working now to identify the various roles for each of the players on the roster. I think when everyone knows what is expected of them and they all buy into the team concept, than we will really take it to the next level. We're well on our way. The defense comes quicker than all the new sets, again it's not yet two weeks here but I love basketball and can talk about it forever. We're a young team that is in it's first year in the first division and although the club got off to a slow start in the first stage after some real tragedy that affected the team early in the year, I really think there is alot of room for growth. The team has potential if we continue to work hard and together. In the coming weeks, I'll talk more about each of the players and what they bring to the team on and off the court.

I wanted to kind of set the table for what I hope to be a place where the readers can come and sit and find out more about Romanian basketball. We travel this coming week to Dinamo, the club from the capital city of Bucharest. We're breaking down video in practice today from our last game and the last game of our upcoming opponent. As the coach, I'm always trying to keep us one step ahead of the next obstacle. Bucharest is just a short drive of 45 minutes from Giurgiu and I hope to make the journey and find success in a nationally televised game there. My next blog posting will cover what we encountered in Bucharest and I will try to find things off the court to mix into the conversation during each posting. Thanks so much for reading. Ciao!


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


Khimky add Marijonas Petravicius - by Eurobasket News
Khimky bolstered their frontcourt. The Russian powerhouse brought in Lithuanian veteran Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina). Marijonas Petravicius spent the last season in Italy. He played for Armani Jeans Milano. Marijonas Petravicius tallied 8.2 points, 3.2 rebounds per game in Euroleague. In SeriaA the centre delivered 3.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per appearance. Previously Marijonas Petravicius had stints in Germany, Belgium, Latvia, Kuwait and Lithuania. The centre was named Fiba Europe Cup Final Four MVP in 2004. Eurobasket.com named Marijonas Petravicius All-Lithuanian LKL Centre of the Year in 2008 and 2009. Marijonas Petravicius played for Lithuania at 2011 EuroBasket. His stats read 4.5 points and 1.5 boards per game at the tournament.



EuroCup: Lokomotiv hand first loss to Lietuvos Rytas - by Eurobasket News
Lokomotiv Kuban - Lietuvos Rytas 81:67 OT

Lokomotiv Kuban registered the first win in EuroCup Last 16 round. They overcame previously unbeaten Lietuvos Rytas at home court. Lokomotiv improved thus at 1-0 record in Group L. Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) scored 17 points to pace the winners.
Lokomotiv ensured a brave start to the game. Bozidar Maljkovic team grabbed a 20:16 lead after ten minutes. Lokomotiv took over completely in the second term. The hosts boosted the gap clearing off before the big break. The Russian team arrived at the interval up by 14 points 40:26. However Lietuvos Rytas were not about to give up easily. The Lithuanian powerhouse turned things upside down in the third period. They limited the home team at 13 points in the frame to narrow the gap 5 points. Lokomotiv struggled to get back on track in the fourth quarter. The hosts scored just 9 points in the stanza allowing Lietuvos Rytas to force overtime. But Lokomotiv proved the character in the extra period. They exploded with 19 points and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Roderick Blakney (181-G-76, college: S.Carolina St.) and K.C. Rivers (196-G/F-87, college: Clemson) accounted for 13 points each for the winners. Ali Traore (207-C-85, agency: Beo Basket, college: S.Idaho JC) had 15 points and 9 rebounds for Lokomotiv. Steponas Babrauskas (197-G/F-84) answered with 17 points for Lietuvos Rytas. Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85) provided 15 points in defeat.

Lokomotiv Kuban: Jeremiah Massey 17, Ali Traore 15, Roderick Blakney 13, K.C. Rivers 13
Lietuvos Rytas: Steponas Babrauskas 17, Renaldas Seibutis 15


EuroCup: Spartak Saint Petersburg stay on winning track - by Eurobasket News
Buducnost - Spartak SP 57:65

Spartak Saint Petersburg claimed the seventh straight victory in EuroCup season. They defeated Buducnost in Podgorica tonight to improve at 1-0 record in Group K of Last 16 round. Patrick Beverly orchestrated the show with 25 points to his name.
Spartak started the encounter strongly. The Russian team pulled ahead for a 16:12 lead ten minutes into the game. They maintained the lead throughout the second stanza. Spartak built a 38:29 halftime advantage. Buducnost went off the dressing room relying heavily on their defensive effort. The hosts succeeded in the third term. They held Spartak to 7 points in ten minutes cutting the deficit to 3 points 42:45. But the fourth term belonged to Spartak again. The visitors went on a 20:15 run and escaped with yet another win at the tournament. Vladimir Dragicevic (205-C/F-86) posted 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Victor Keyru (199-G-84) had 7 points in the win. Jermaine Anderson (188-G-83, college: Fordham) replied with 11 points for Buducnost. Cedomir Vitkovac (201-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) had 10 points in the loss.

Buducnost: Jermaine Anderson 11, Cedomir Vitkovac 10
Spartak SP: Patrick Beverley (185-PG-88, college: Arkansas) 25, Vladimir Dragicevic 18, Victor Keyru 7

EuroChallenge: Besiktas starts Day 2 with the win over Novgorod - by Eurobasket News
Novgorod - Besiktas 64:75

Besiktas starts Day 2 with the win over Novgorod for 2-0 record in Group K. The Turkish team overcame the Russian representative 75:64 in the opener of January 17th.
Both teams scored 15 points each in the opening period, but the second quarter became decisive in the game. The game was knotted at 24:24 in the second quarter when Akin buried a jumper for Besiktas, a basket that triggered an 8-0 run. Besiktas added 201-9 in the third quarter and led 57:47 after the basket from Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: G.Washington). Adam Morrison (203-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) and again Pops Mensah-Bonsu brought 60:49, while Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: FIU) closed the game with a shot.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu top-scored for the winners with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Carlos Arroyo added 14. Adam Morrison notched 11 and Fikret Can Akin (190-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports) scored 10. Ernest Bremer (194-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: St.Bonaventure) and Artem Yakovenko (206-F-88) responded with 14 points in defeat, whilst Semen Antonov (202-F-89) posted 11.

Novgorod: Ernest Bremer 14, Artem Yakovenko 14, Semen Antonov 11
Besiktas: Pops Mensah-Bonsu 20+12 rebs, Carlos Arroyo 14, Adam Morrison 11, Fikret Can Akin 10

Standings - Superleague B
Superleague Standings
 1. Ural Ekaterinb. 14-3 
 2. Ataman 12-5 
 3. TEMP-SUMZ 11-6 
 4. Univ.Surgut 10-7 
 5. Severstal 9-8 
 6. Rjazan 9-8 
 7. Ruskon-Mord. 5-12 
 8. Sojuz Zaretchny 3-13 
 9. Spartak V. 3-14 


Stats Leaders - Superleague B
Points Per Game
 Nikola LEPOJEVIC
  Ural E.
  (199-F-82)
  Avg: 21.9
 1. Lepojevic, Ural E.21.9 
 2. Gordon, Ural E.15.5 
 3. Ageev, Ruskon-M.14.6 
 4. Sotnikov, TE.13.5 
 5. Lekavicius, Univ.S.13.2 
 6. Aleksandrov, Univ..12.9 
 7. Kuznetsov, Ruskon.12.6 
 8. Vzdykhalkin, Rjazan12.0 
 9. Zibirov, Ataman11.9 
 10. Pushkin, Sojuz Z.11.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dmitriy PONOSOV
  Sojuz Z.
  (220-C-84)
  Avg: 8.3
 1. Ponosov, Sojuz Z.8.3 
 2. Ivlev, Rjazan7.9 
 3. Petukhov, Spart.7.8 
 4. Zaykin, TE.6.7 
 5. Trushkin, Spart.6.2 
 6. Semerninov, Ruskon.6.1 
 7. Kuznetsov, Ruskon.6.1 
 8. Varlamov, Ural E.5.9 
 9. Nikolaev, Ural E.5.9 
 10. Goritskov, Sever.5.3 
Assists Per Game
 Linas LEKAVICIUS
  Univ.Sur.
  (186-G-84)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Lekavicius, Univ.S.5.1 
 2. Glazunov, Ural E.4.8 
 3. Zibirov, Ataman4.4 
 4. Vokhmianine, TEMP-.3.9 
 5. Bartunov, Rjazan3.7 
 6. Slepukha, Sojuz Z.3.6 
 7. Tokarev, TE.3.5 
 8. Aleksandrov, Sojuz3.4 
 9. Vzdykhalkin, Rjazan2.6 
 10. Hloponin, Univ.Su.2.6 
Steals Per Game
 Linas LEKAVICIUS
  Univ.Sur.
  (186-G-84)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Lekavicius, Univ.S.2.5 
 2. Zibirov, Ataman2.3 
 3. Glazunov, Ural E.1.8 
 4. Bartunov, Rjazan1.8 
 5. Semerninov, Ruskon.1.6 
 6. Smygin, Ataman1.6 
 7. Aleksandrov, Sojuz1.6 
 8. Krivko, Ruskon-M.1.4 
 9. Aleksandrov, Univ..1.4 
 10. Shashkov, Ural E.1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Dmitriy PONOSOV
  Sojuz Z.
  (220-C-84)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Ponosov, Sojuz Z.1.7 
 2. Varlamov, Ural E.1.5 
 3. Goritskov, Sever.1.1 
 4. Tsvetkov, Severst.1.1 
 5. Gresev, Ataman1.1 
 6. Beliaev, Univ.Surg.0.9 
 7. Petukhov, Spart.0.9 
 8. Trushkin, Spart.0.9 
 9. Kondrashin, Sojuz0.8 
 10. Babitchev, Spart.0.8 


EuroCup: Khimky leave no chance for Aris in Thessaloniki - by Eurobasket News
Aris - Khimky 48:73

Khimky marched past Aris for the seventh straight EuroCup victory. Vitaly Fridzon (195-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) nailed 14 points to lead five Khimky players who scored in double figures. The victory propelled the Russian team to 1-0 record in Last 16 Group J.
Khimky marked their ambitions in the starting quarter. They overwhelmed Aris for a 16:4 lead. The Hellenes picked up the slack in the second term. The hosts adjusted offensively scoring 26 points and cutting the deficit to just a single point 30:31. But Khimky put the game under their control after the big break. The visitors went on a stunning 22:10 run in the third term to gain a comfortable 53:40 lead heading into the final frame. Khimky finished off their opponents with a 20:8 fourth term and celebrated another EuroCup win. Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) had 13 points, while Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83, agency: Alti Sport) and Chris Quinn (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) added 12 points apiece for the winners. Dominic James (180-PG-86, college: Marquette) and Dimitris Verginis (193-G-87, agency: FCM) responded with 11 points each for Aris.

Aris: Dominic James 11, Dimitris Verginis 11
Khimky: Vitaly Fridzon 14, Zoran Planinic 13, Kresimir Loncar 12, Chris Quinn 12



Lepojevic's 28 points and 7 rebounds give him Superleague Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
29-year old forward Nikola Lepojevic (199-F-82, agency: BeoExcell) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Ural Ekaterinb. and receives a Eurobasket.com Superleague Player of the Week award for round 20.
He had the game-high 28 points adding seven rebounds for Ural Ekaterinb. in his team's victory, helping them to beat Ruskon-Mord. (#7, 5-12) 82-72. It allowed Ural Ekaterinb. to consolidate first place in the Russian Superleague. Ural Ekaterinb. have a solid 14-3 record. In the team's last game Lepojevic had a remarkable four three-pointers out of 8 attempts. He turned to be Ural Ekaterinb.'s top player in his first season with the team. Lepojevic has impressive league stats. He is league's best scorer averaging so far 21.9ppg. Lepojevic is in league's top in and averages solid 51.2% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Dramir Zibirov (187-PG-86) of league's second-best Ataman. He is a guard in his first season at Ataman. In the last game Zibirov recorded impressive 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Bad luck as Ataman lost that game 70-76 to the lower-ranked Rjazan (#6, 9-8). Ataman managed to keep the same second spot in the standings. His team's 12-5 record is not bad at all. Zibirov is a newcomer at Ataman and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 11.9ppg (#9). He also recorded 4.4 assists per game.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Alexei Kuznetsov (203-F/C-84) of Ruskon-Mord. (#7). Kuznetsov scored 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Despite Kuznetsov's great performance Ruskon-Mord. lost 72-82 to the higher-ranked Ural Ekaterinb. (#1, 14-3). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Ruskon-Mord. can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 5-12 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Kuznetsov he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Kuznetsov has individually a great season in Russia. After 17 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 12.6ppg (7th best) and rebounds with 6.1rpg (7th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Andrey Kuzemkin (183-PG-87) of Severstal - 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Anton Glazunov (182-G-86) of Ural Ekaterinb. - 10 points, 3 rebounds and 9 assists
6. Yaroslav Grebelnyy (185-PG-86) of Severstal - 24 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Aleksei Vzdykhalkin (190-G-85) of Rjazan - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Vladimir Ivlev (207-F-90) of Rjazan - 15 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Stanislav Sotnikov (200-F-85) of TEMP-SUMZ - 15 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Dmitri Nikolaev (200-F-83) of Ural Ekaterinb. - 8 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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


Luka Drca moves to Kazakhstan - by Zoran Popovic
OKK Beograd guard Luka Drca (195-PG-87, agency: Beo Basket, college: Utah) is new player of BC Astana from Kazakhstan. Drca will expend Serbian colony in Astana where already play Goran Cakic, Branko Cvetkovic and Igor Milosevic. Luka Drca started this season in OKK Beograd and on 12 games in Serbian league average scored 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.8 steals, on 5 games in Balkan league average scored 14.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists per game. During the career Drca played for Beovuk, Utah University and KK Crvena Zvezda. Luka Drca was member of Serbian University National team.

Nenad Zivcevic signed with Sundsvall Dragons - by Nenad Ilijev
Forward Nenad Zivcevic (204-F-87) will spent rest of the season with Swedis Basketligan champions Sundsvall Dragons. Zivcevic is coming to Sweden as a star player in Macedonia playing most recently with KK Lirija Skopje team. He averaged 17.4ppg and 4.4rpg in competitive Macedonian top division. First part of season Nenad Zivcevic played with Ukrainian low performers Politekhnika-Halychyna (11.6ppg, 3.4rpg).
Zivcevic belongs to one of the best generation of Serbian basketball in last 20 years. He won three European championships with Serbia and Montenegro youth categories - U16, U18 and U20 National Team. Sundsvall Dragons are trying to defend the championship and would have a lot of help from athletic forward.

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


Tough Decision - by Anthony Jones
In my free time, i have been doing some research on some agents. I have some interest from several but it is very hard to trust many agents. There are many great agents out there and there are many bad agents out there. Who can you trust? I have had two horrible experiences with 2 agents. I wont name them, but the first one did not find a job and the communication was ridiculous. I went 5 months without a single call or e-mail and I wrote him many times, so I asked to be released. The second agent found me a job but put me in a bad situation. He let the team do me wrong, he received additional money for me behind my back. He wanted me to sign a 10 year contract, who does that? I never signed with him at all. I started working for myself but that is stressful, sending e-mails, calling etc. I need to focus on playing basketball not trying to find a job. As the spring is closely approaching I want to have a good loyal agent I can trust. I would like to be in constant communication in case I have any questions and I want to be put in a good comfortable situation where I am happy with everything on and off the basketball court. I don't want to be lied to at all from an agent, like many of them do. Most of them want you to sign before they start working for you which I can understand, but if they do not get the player something good then the player is screwed. If the player does not sign with the agent and the agent is working for him then the player goes else where then the agent is screwed. It is a lose-lose situation almost. I wish it was a fair way for both parties. I am torn up thinking about it and who I like the most and which one to go with for this upcoming summer and next season. I would like to be committed soon but it is like deciding which college to go to. I have no idea.

People can contact by e-mail, (ajbball21@gmail.com) I'm not into that twitter.

AJ #15 MBK Handlova!

Stay Tuned!

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


Standings - 1A
Telemach Standings
 1. Helios 10-1 
 2. Elektra 10-2 
 3. Zlatorog 9-3 
 4. Sentjur 8-4 
 5. Maribor Messer 6-6 
 6. Rogaska 6-7 
 7. Polzela 5-7 
 8. Geoplin Slovan 4-8 
 9. LTHcast Mercator 1-11 
 10. Parklji 1-11 
Play in international cups:
 1. Krka - 
 2. Union Olimpija - 


Stats Leaders - 1A
Points Per Game
 Vladimir PANIC
  Zlatorog
  (194-F-82)
  Avg: 17.7
 1. Panic, Zlatorog17.7 
 2. Nelson, Sentjur16.7 
 3. Maric, Sentjur16.5 
 4. Rizvic, Parklji16.5 
 5. Prepelic, Helios16.3 
 6. Rembert, Sentjur14.3 
 7. Pasalic, Helios14.2 
 8. Mahkovic, LTHcas.14.0 
 9. Pajic, Geoplin Slo.13.8 
 10. Djugum, Geoplin13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Esmir RIZVIC
  Parklji
  (213-C-82)
  Avg: 9.3
 1. Rizvic, Parklji9.3 
 2. Djugum, Geoplin8.5 
 3. Pajic, Geoplin Slo.8.2 
 4. Miljkovic, Rogaska8.2 
 5. Nuhanovic, Elektra6.8 
 6. Nelson, Sentjur6.7 
 7. Zolotic, Maribor6.3 
 8. Pasalic, Helios6.3 
 9. Maric, Sentjur6.3 
 10. Soldo, LTHcast6.2 
Assists Per Game
 Luka RUPNIK
  Geoplin .
  (184-PG-93)
  Avg: 6
 1. Rupnik, Geoplin6.0 
 2. Vujasinovic, Zlato.4.8 
 3. Rembert, Sentjur4.8 
 4. Jovanovic, Maribo.4.1 
 5. Gay, Helios3.6 
 6. Prepelic, Helios3.5 
 7. Hohler, Polzela3.5 
 8. Fon, Geoplin Slovan3.4 
 9. Zagorc, Elektra3.4 
 10. Panic, Zlatorog3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Tomaz MEZEK
  LTHcast .
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Mezek, LTHcast2.9 
 2. Kobal, Parklji2.9 
 3. Fon, Geoplin Slovan2.1 
 4. Vasl, Polzela2.0 
 5. Vujasinovic, Zlato.2.0 
 6. Lelic, Elektra1.7 
 7. Panic, Zlatorog1.7 
 8. Maric, Sentjur1.5 
 9. Gay, Helios1.5 
 10. Rupnik, Geoplin1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Salih NUHANOVIC
  Elektra
  (209-C-82)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Nuhanovic, Elektra1.5 
 2. Nelson, Sentjur1.3 
 3. Sviridov, Polzela1.2 
 4. Omic, Zlatorog0.9 
 5. Sebic, Sentjur0.9 
 6. Hannibal, Polzela0.8 
 7. Guna, Elektra0.8 
 8. Djugum, Geoplin0.8 
 9. Cresnar, Helios0.7 
 10. Rizvic, Parklji0.7 


EuroCup: Banvit beat Krka at home court - by Eurobasket News
Banvit - Krka 77:65

Banvit celebrated the opening win at the EuroCup Last 16 round. The Turkish team held off visiting Krka in Group K. Serkan Erdogan (190-G-78, agency: 1x1 Sports) led well-balanced effort with 14 points.
The teams stayed close early in the encounter. But Banvit used a 9:0 run late in the starting frame to take a 21:15 lead. The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the second term. However Simmons stepped up for Banvit as the hosts eked out a 40:33 lead at the interval. Banvit stretched the lead to as many as 14 points early in the third period 50:36. Blazic and Lucic cut the deficit to 8 points 49:57 with one quarter remaining. Banvit used a 7:0 run at the start of the final term to clear off. Krka fought bravely but never got within striking distance in the reminder of the contest. Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81) and Charles Davis (202-F-84, college: Alabama) accounted for 12 points each for Banvit. Keith Simmons had 11 points in the victory. Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89) answered with 13 points for Krka. Afik Nissim (180-PG-81, agency: Beo Basket) finished with 11 points in the loss.

Banvit: Serkan Erdogan 14, Kenan Bajramovic 12, Charles Davis 12
Krka: Zoran Dragic 13, Afik Nissim 11

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


Standings
KBL Standings
 1. Dongbu Promy 32-7 
 2. Anyang KGC 27-11 
 3. Sonic Boom KT 25-14 
 4. KCC Egis 23-16 
 5. ET Land 20-19 
 6. Mobis Phoebus 17-22 
 7. SK Knights 15-23 
 8. LG Sakers 15-24 
 9. Daegu Orions 12-27 
 10. Samsung Th. 8-31 


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


CAI Zaragoza release Pervis Pasco - by Eurobasket News
CAI Zaragoza decided to part ways with Pervis Pasco (206-F/C-81, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group, college: Kansas St.). The centre signed with the Spanish team in December. He tallied 1.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in ACB. Last season Pervis Pasco played in France. The centre notched 8.0 points, 6.1 boards, 1.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 block per game for Strasbourg in ProA. Pervis Pasco had stints with Rieti, Oostende, Angelico Biella, Scavolini, LG Sakers, Teramo, Al Rayyan, Erdemirspor and Al Manama.

Steve Dagostino joins Oviedo - by Eurobasket News
Oviedo CB strengthened their roster. They brought in Steve Dagostino (180-PG-85, agency: Duran International, college: St.Rose, NY). The US-Italian guard is expected to join the Spanish team tonight. Steve Dagostino started the season in Iceland. He played for Keflavik in Express League. The guard averaged 22.9 points, 4.8 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. Last season Steve Dagostino played for the Sheffield Sharks in United Kingdom. He notched 17.4 points, 3.4 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals per appearance. Eurobasket.com named Steve Dagostino All-British BBL Bosman Player of the Year. He also played for Debreceni in Hungary. Steve Dagostino made it into NCAA D2 All-America 1st Team in 2008 while playing for St. Rose.


EuroCup: Nando De Colo leads Valencia past Gravelines - by Eurobasket News
Gravelines - Valencia 63:69

Valencia opened win count at EuroCup Last 16 round. They shot down Gravelines on the road in Group I opener. Nando De Colo (202-G-87) knocked down 19 points and issued 7 assists to lead the effort.
The teams stayed close throughout the starting quarter. Valencia eked out a 15:14 lead after ten minutes. The Spanish team took over in the second frame. Valencia surprised the hosts with a massive 27:10 run in the quarter. The visitors accumulated a comfortable 42:24 halftime lead. Gravelines came back to life after the talk in the locker rooms. The hosts limited their opponents to 14 points in the third quarter to get within 13 points. Gravelines stayed aggressive in the fourth period. They narrowed the gap to 7 points midway through the fourth term. But Lischuk and Victor Claver (207-F/C-88) knocked down five points in a row and Valencia ran away with the victory at the end. Brad Newley (201-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) had 11 points, while Nik Caner-Medley (203-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland), Lischuk and Victor Claver added 9 points each in the win. Juby Johnson (196-G-81, college: Miami, OH) answered with 14 points for Gravelines. Yannick Bokolo (190-G-85) had 12 points in the loss.

Gravelines: Juby Johnson 14, Yannick Bokolo 12
Valencia: Nando De Colo 19, Brad Newley 11, Nik Caner-Medley 9

EuroChallenge: Fuenlabrada edged BK Pardubice due to the last period - by Eurobasket News
BK Pardubice - Fuenlabrada 73:79

Fuenlabrada edged BK Pardubice for 2-0 record in EuroChallenge to share the top place with Besiktas. The Spanish outfit overcame the hosts from Czech Republic 79:73. Both teams scored 16 points before BK Pardubice took 25:19 after the first period. Corey Muirhead (198-F-83, college: W.Carolina) brought 37:30 and Mike Hall (203-F-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: G.Washington) reduced to 46:43 at the halftime. BK Pardubice dominated the third quarter and reached the double digits lead but could not win the game. Mike Hall, who only joined Fuenlabrada last week in the wake of Gustavo Ayon's departure to the NBA and injuries to big men Leo Mainoldi and Mouhamed Sene, hit a jumper at the beginning of the fourth to close the gap to five. He also made two free throws at the end for the final result.
Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Mike Hall added 12. Sergio Sanchez (190-PG-81) netted 10, while Jon Cortaberria (200-F-82) had 8. Corey Muirhead ended up with 17 points and Maurice Hampton (188-G-84, college: Austin Peay St.) delivered 15. Marcus Arnold (207-C/F-84, agency: Stanley International, college: Illinois), Ondrej Peterka (204-F/C-91) and Jiri Cernosek (200-F/G-81) all chipped in with 11 points.

BK Pardubice: Corey Muirhead 17, Maurice Hampton 15, Marcus Arnold 11, Ondrej Peterka 11, Jiri Cernosek 11
Fuenlabrada: Kirk Penney 21, Mike Hall 12, Sergio Sanchez 10 Jon Cortaberria 8



*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Standings - Basketligan
Basketligan Standings
 1. LF Basket 14-8 
 2. Boras 14-9 
 3. Norrkoping 13-9 
 4. Sodertalje 13-9 
 5. Sundsvall 13-10 
 6. Uppsala 13-11 
 7. 08 12-10 
 8. Solna 11-11 
 9. Jamtland 10-13 
 10. Eco Orebro 0-23 


Stats Leaders - Basketligan
Points Per Game
 Stephen MCDOWELL
  Solna
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 23
 1. McDowell, Solna23.0 
 2. Zabas, Jamtland21.8 
 3. Krayem, Boras19.1 
 4. Palm, Boras19.1 
 5. Sigurdarson, Sunds.19.1 
 6. Klaric, Jamtland17.9 
 7. Smith, Sodertalje17.9 
 8. Mbemba, LF Basket17.4 
 9. Gunnarsson, Solna17.3 
 10. McKnight, Boras16.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Michael PALM
  Boras
  (208-C-79)
  Avg: 11.1
 1. Palm, Boras11.1 
 2. Baeringsson, Sunds.10.9 
 3. Johnson, Uppsala10.1 
 4. Toombs, Eco Orebro9.9 
 5. Ramsey, LF Basket9.8 
 6. Simms, Sodertalje8.8 
 7. Lalugba, Jamtland8.7 
 8. Safford, LF Basket7.8 
 9. McKnight, Boras7.5 
 10. Ayuba, Norrkoping7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Rudy MBEMBA
  LF Basket
  (181-G-87)
  Avg: 7.1
 1. Mbemba, LF Basket7.1 
 2. Krayem, Boras6.6 
 3. Pleick, Eco Orebro6.1 
 4. Ermolinskij, Sunds.5.8 
 5. Carter, Uppsala5.3 
 6. Chuk, Sodertalje5.1 
 7. Mitchell, Norrkopi.4.2 
 8. Zabas, Jamtland4.0 
 9. Eriksson, Uppsala3.9 
 10. McKnight, Jamtla.3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Rhys CARTER
  Uppsala
  (190-G-84)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Carter, Uppsala2.9 
 2. Smith, Sodertalje2.6 
 3. Mitchell, Norrkopi.2.4 
 4. Mbemba, LF Basket2.3 
 5. Ermolinskij, Sunds.2.0 
 6. Ramsey, LF Basket2.0 
 7. Krayem, Boras2.0 
 8. McDowell, Solna1.8 
 9. Johnson, Sundsvall1.8 
 10. Zabas, Jamtland1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Keith RAMSEY
  LF Basket
  (206-F-87)
  Avg: 2
 1. Ramsey, LF Basket2.0 
 2. Johnson, Uppsala1.9 
 3. Simms, Sodertalje1.7 
 4. Lalugba, Jamtland1.4 
 5. Toombs, Eco Orebro1.2 
 6. Gregory, Sundsvall1.2 
 7. Doychinov, Solna1.1 
 8. Watt, Eco Orebro1.0 
 9. Nystrom, 080.9 
 10. Ayuba, Norrkoping0.9 


Pavel Ermolinskij awaiting arthroscopy! - by Johan Andersson
Sundsvall Dragons learn to play without his Icelandic star Pavel Ermolinskij (202-G/F-87) a while.
- Before we know exactly how long Pavel is gone as we await, says Sundsvall sports manager Fredrik hnstrand.
Pavel Ermolinskij has been one of the league's best players during the season, and a very important cog in Sundsvall. Now, a knee injury prevent Icelander from the game in the near future. Ermolinskij has undergone an MRI to see what the type of injury.
- MRI showed that it was not for any fracture, which we have not thought it was. And it also showed that the cruciate ligaments were intact, which of course was very nice to see that. But otherwise you can just say we saw some swelling and we want to wait for arthroscopy, hopefully within a week, before we want to say something about how long Pavel is gone, says Sundsvall physiotherapist Thomas Torstensson to Dagbladet.

LF looking for players - Mbemba out for the season - by Andreas Eriksson
LF Basket are rumoured to be on the market for new players - the first issue they are expected to solve is a replacement for Swedish National Team Guard and Guard of the Year Candidate Rudy Mbemba (181-G-87), who is out for the remainder of the season after injuring himself last week against Solna. In best case scenario Mbemba can come back late in the playoffs - and LF who's dreaming of tasting the gold at the end of the season surely must make a move to sign a new Point Guard if they want to keep thoose hopes alive. Aside from that there's also been rumours the team is considering adding a Center to the team, at this point there's nothing decided from their end. The only thing that seems clear is that John Rosendahl will not make a comeback this year, despite the huge request from fans for him to do so - so if they need a man in the middle, coach Barton and his staff will have to look elsewhere than to Rosendahl who's in town, but staying in retirement.

Sundsvall Dragons sign Nenad Zivcevic - by Eurobasket News
Sundsvall Dragons announced signing of Nenad Zivcevic (204-F-87) for rest of the season. He will help the team at forward position. Zivcevic arrived to Sundsvall from the Macedonian squad Lirija Skopje. He joined them in November averaging 17.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3 assists for 8 games. Zivcevic started this season in Ukraine. He played 9 games for Politekhnika-Halychyna collecting 11.6 ppg and 3.4 rpg. In 2010/11, Nenad Zivcevic played for MZT Skopje. There he had 13.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 2.4 apg for 32 games in Macedonian league. In the past, he played for Plejmejker-Kubus, Fersped Rabotnicki and Buducnost Podgorica. In 2009, Zivcevic helped Rabotnicki to win the Macedonian league title. They also reach Balkan league Finals. Nenad Zivcevic played for Serbian U16, U18 and U20 National Teams from 2003 to 2007.

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


Sean Barnette gets MVP of the Week award for Swiss LNA - by Eurobasket News
American Sean Barnette (195-F-86, agency: Warren Sports International) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Geneve Lions and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 15.
The 25-year old forward had a double-double of 18 points and eleven rebounds, while his team beat Boncourt (#7, 4-9) 98-83. Geneve Lions maintains the 2nd position in Swiss LNA. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Geneve Lions will need more victories to improve their 10-3 record. In the team's last game Barnette had a remarkable 57.1% from 2-point range. He turned to be Geneve Lions' top player in his first season with the team. Wingate University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Barnette is in league's top in points (4th best: 18.2ppg), rebounds (6th best: 8.1rpg), assists (9th best: 3.5apg) and averages solid 1.1bpg,55.4% FGP and 42.4% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 23-year old American power forward Travele Jones (203-PF-88) of SAM Massagno. Jones impressed basketball fans with 25 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Bad luck as SAM Massagno lost that game 97-119 to the higher-ranked Lugano Tigers (#1, 12-1). SAM Massagno are still at the very bottom. 13 lost games are too many comparing to just one victory SAM Massagno managed to get this year. Jones is a newcomer at SAM Massagno and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 16.4ppg (#9). He also registered 6.1 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was another Geneve Lions' star - American Erroyl Bing (198-F/C-82). Bing scored 19 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). He was another key player of Geneve Lions, helping his team with a 98-83 easy win against the lower-ranked Boncourt (#7, 4-9). Geneve Lions needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 10 victories and 3 lost games. Bing has a great season in Switzerland. After 13 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 8.8rpg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Danilo Mitrovic (208-C/F-84) of SAM Massagno - 26 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Edwin Draughan (196-G/F-82) of Lugano Tigers - 15 points, 4 rebounds and 12 assists
6. Lamar Roberson (203-F-86) of Boncourt - 20 points and 10 rebounds
7. Mohammed Abukar (208-F-85) of Lugano Tigers - 26 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Rokas Uzas (202-F-88) of SAV Vacallo - 20 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Dusan Mladjan (199-G-86) of Lugano Tigers - 29 points and 3 rebounds
10. Ronald Yates (201-F-83) of Fribourg - 21 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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


Jazz clips Caledonia! - by Albert-Lee Young
National power forward Wilfred Benjamin aka Spongy guided Petro Jazz to a hard fought 88-80 win over Caledonia Clippers in the MACKESON Super 10 Basketball League (SBL) at the Jean Pierre Complex, Port of Spain, on Sunday night.

Benjamin had a game high double-double, 20pts & 13 rebounds, as Jazz improved their record to 5-1 to keep their chances alive for a Big 4 playoff spot. He was ably supported by Richard Guiseppi with 18 points, including 12pts from beyond the arc. While Sadiki Guerra and Steve Mc Sween each had 13pts.

Wesley Vincent led Clippers with 18pts and Kenyatta Alfred added10pts. With the loss Clippers dropped to 5-3.

Lewis lights up Maloney
National forward Steven Lighter Lewis led Defense Force with 25pts & 9 rebounds in a 75-66 win over Maloney Pacers at the Maloney Indoor Sport Complex, on Sunday night. With the win, Defense Force remains as the only unbeaten team in the tournament with a 7-0 record.

Point guard Derrick Boxhill contributed 16 points & 8 rebounds for the winners.

For Pacers, Keyon Joseph and Duane Virgil each had 17 points apiece, Gimel Lewis 16 and Junior Harper added10 points. Pacers dropped to 4-5 record.

Nelson hit 8 treys!
Forward Chris Nelson hit a season high 25 points to guide the Ministry of Sport Schoolaz to a slender 81-80 win over Valencia Heat.

Nelson was in fine form hitting eight three-point shots from beyond the arc including three crucial treys in the final quarter which helped to set up a hard fought victory. He was ably supported by point guard Dillon Howell with 14pts. With the win Schoolaz improved to 3-5.

For Heat (2-4), forward Fabrice Fisher led with 25pts while Michael Saunders had 21.

Millennium blast EMSS!
In the 18 & under Division, Millennium Basketball Academy (MBA) improved their record to 3-1 with an emphatic 77-34 win over East Murcurapo Secondary School (EMSS) on Saturday night at the Maloney Indoor Complex.

For MBA who led 14-3, 28-10 and 53-22, it was an all-round team effort with four players getting double figures. 6-9 center Johnathan Hamilton top scored with 21pts, 9rebs, 5 blocks & 3 steals. He was ably supported by team captain Khalid Arrindell with 13pts, 11rebs & 5blks; Matthew Hamilton had 13pts & 7rebs; while Christian Arthur registered 10pts, 10rebs, 6 assists & 6 steals.

For EMSS, point guard J. Best top scored with 12pts.

Pacers 75 - Police 52
Former Spanish-based power forward Duane Virgil (6-9) guided home team Maloney Pacers to an easy win over Police on Saturday night.

For Pacers, Keyon Joseph added 12pts and Junior Harper had10pts. With the win Pacers improved to 4-4 while Police remains winless, 0-8.

Phillip Alexander top scored with 15pts in a losing effort for the Police team.

NFM 74 - All Stars 69
Forward Kwesi Julien led National Flour Mills (NFM) with 16 points in a 74-69 win over Diego Martin All Stars on Saturday night at the Jean Pierre Complex, Port of Spain.

Former national player Kerry Westfield added 12pts while Kerry Mc Millan and Steve Williams each chipped in with 10pts apiece for NFM. With the win NFM improved to a 3-6 record.

Roger Lewis led All Stars with 19pts and Michael James got 9pts. All Stars dropped to 4-4.


Atletico Bigua sign DeVaughn Lamont - by Eurobasket Center
Atletico Bigua signed 28-year old Trinidad and Tobago ex-international forward DeVaughn Lamont (208-F-107kg-84, college: CS Monterey). In his first game he scored 13 points and grabbed 9 rebounds helping his new team beat Cader 90-88. Lamont played most recently at Correcaminos UAT Victoria (Mexico). While playing 38 games for Corr.Victoria this season he averaged 7.3ppg and 4.1rpg. Lamont is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Dominican Rep., Japan, Mexico and Venezuela. Lamont graduated Cal.St.-Monterey Bay in 2006 and actually missed last season. It will be his sixth season in pro basketball. Lamont played for Trinidad and Tobago senior national until 2010.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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


TBL Regular Season Review ; Halil Uner - Trabzonspor - by Ugur Turker
First half of Turkish Basketball League Regular Season is completed. Eurobasket.com / Turkey - Ugur TURKER - made coach of TBL Teams and learned thier opinion how the first half went in their side.

Our first guess was Halil Uner , head coach of Trabzonspor Basketbol. Trabzonspor Basketbol is playing second season at the top level of Turkish Basketball. In debut season, Trabzonspor Basketbol finished TBL in 11th rank but this season did not start good and Halil ner was hired before round 12. Along with new coach, the team won two match of their three wins. Halil Uner express his opinions about first half to Ugur TRKER.
Halil Uner said that ;
' I can not talk about performance of team for first half since i joined the team before 12th week of league. Nevertheless, i am satisfied our performance in last 4 games. We are trying to be team that any team have to be. After 15 games, we have only 3 win and i think if we reach 9 -10 win at the end of the seaon, we can easily survive from relagation. At this point, to deepen our roster, we are looking for an domestic player who really able to help us developing our abilities on the court.'

Coach Uner also replied our questions about Trabzon city and fans.
' Trabzon is one of the nicest city in Turkey and if we show our effort to be competitive, both number of spectators will increase and their support will be propellent power behind Trabzonspor Basketbol. TBL Beko All - Star Organization is also important for Trabzon since organisation creates extra motivation for city and fans. '



2012 Turkish All Star Game participants decided - by Baha Kurtulus
The All Star Game of Turkish basketball will take place on Sunday 22th of January in Trabzon.
This is the reason that there will be no games for the Beko Basletball league this weekend.
Fans and coaches from the Beko league were asked to select the athletes they prefer to watch at the event and the results are a mixture of the coaches and the fans votes.

The participants will be the following:


Turkish Stars Team

:

Umit Sonkol (206-F-82) Aliaga Petkim
Cenk Akyol (196-G-87) Anadolu Efes Istanbul
Sinan Guler (193-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Carroll, MT) Anadolu Efes Istanbul
Fikret Can Akin (190-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports) Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul
Soner Senturk (194-G-86, agency: 1x1 Sports) Erdemir
Altan Erol (194-G-83) Erdemir
Emir Preldzic (205-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) Fenerbahce Ulker
Oguz Savas (212-C-87) Fenerbahce Ulker
Kaya Peker (207-C/F-80, agency: Court Side) Fenerbahce Ulker
Furkan Aldemir (207-F-91, agency: Beo Basket) Galatasaray Medical Park
Nedim Yucel (203-F-79) Turk Telekom
Ali Karadeniz (203-F-80, college: Arizona) Turk Telekom
Head Coach : Ufuk Sarca Anadolu Efes Istanbul
Assistant Coach : Ekrem Memnun Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Import Stars Team:




Sasha Vujacic (200-G-84) Anadolu Efes Istanbul
Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) Anadolu Efes Istanbul
Corey Fisher (185-G-88, college: Villanova) Antalya Buyuksehir Belediyesi
Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: FIU) Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul
Zoran Erceg (210-C/F-85) Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul
Pops Mensah-Bonsu Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul
James Gist (205-F-86) Fenerbahce Ulker
Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) Galatasaray Medical Park
Joshua Shipp (196-G/F-86, college: UCLA) Galatasaray Medical Park
Jonathan Gibson (182-PG-87, college: N.Mexico St.) Trabzonspor Basketbol
Elton Brown (206-C-83, college: Virginia) Trabzonspor Basketbol
Vladimir Stimac (209-C-87, agency: Interperformances) Olin Edirne
Bradley Buckman (203-F-84, college: Texas) Tofas
Head Coach : Ergin Ataman Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul
Assistant Coach : Yagzer Ulug Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul

SLUM DUNK CHALLENGE
Dogus Balbay (185-G-89, college: Texas) Anadolu Efes Istanbul
Pops Mensah-Bonsu Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul
James Gist Fenerbahce ulker
Joshua Shipp Galatasaray Medical Park
Vincent Grier (195-G/F-83, agency: ARN Sports and Entertainment, college: Minnesota) Mersin Buyuksehir Belediyesi
Kerem Ozkan (201-F-88, agency: 1x1 Sports) (201-F-88, agency: 1x1 Sports) Trabzonspor Basketbol

3 POINT SHOUTOUT CHALLENGE
Sasha Vujacic Anadolu Efes Istanbul
Corey Fisher Antalya Buyuksehir Belediyesi
Stevan Jelovac (208-F/C-89, agency: BeoExcell) Antalya Buyuksehir Belediyesi
Zoran Erceg Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul
Jonathan Gibson Trabzonspor Basketbol
Melvin Sanders (196-F/G-81, agency: FCM, college: Oklahoma St.) Hacettepe universitesi




EuroChallenge: Besiktas starts Day 2 with the win over Novgorod - by Eurobasket News
Novgorod - Besiktas 64:75

Besiktas starts Day 2 with the win over Novgorod for 2-0 record in Group K. The Turkish team overcame the Russian representative 75:64 in the opener of January 17th.
Both teams scored 15 points each in the opening period, but the second quarter became decisive in the game. The game was knotted at 24:24 in the second quarter when Akin buried a jumper for Besiktas, a basket that triggered an 8-0 run. Besiktas added 201-9 in the third quarter and led 57:47 after the basket from Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: G.Washington). Adam Morrison (203-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) and again Pops Mensah-Bonsu brought 60:49, while Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: FIU) closed the game with a shot.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu top-scored for the winners with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Carlos Arroyo added 14. Adam Morrison notched 11 and Fikret Can Akin (190-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports) scored 10. Ernest Bremer (194-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: St.Bonaventure) and Artem Yakovenko (206-F-88) responded with 14 points in defeat, whilst Semen Antonov (202-F-89) posted 11.

Novgorod: Ernest Bremer 14, Artem Yakovenko 14, Semen Antonov 11
Besiktas: Pops Mensah-Bonsu 20+12 rebs, Carlos Arroyo 14, Adam Morrison 11, Fikret Can Akin 10

EuroCup: Banvit beat Krka at home court - by Eurobasket News
Banvit - Krka 77:65

Banvit celebrated the opening win at the EuroCup Last 16 round. The Turkish team held off visiting Krka in Group K. Serkan Erdogan (190-G-78, agency: 1x1 Sports) led well-balanced effort with 14 points.
The teams stayed close early in the encounter. But Banvit used a 9:0 run late in the starting frame to take a 21:15 lead. The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the second term. However Simmons stepped up for Banvit as the hosts eked out a 40:33 lead at the interval. Banvit stretched the lead to as many as 14 points early in the third period 50:36. Blazic and Lucic cut the deficit to 8 points 49:57 with one quarter remaining. Banvit used a 7:0 run at the start of the final term to clear off. Krka fought bravely but never got within striking distance in the reminder of the contest. Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81) and Charles Davis (202-F-84, college: Alabama) accounted for 12 points each for Banvit. Keith Simmons had 11 points in the victory. Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89) answered with 13 points for Krka. Afik Nissim (180-PG-81, agency: Beo Basket) finished with 11 points in the loss.

Banvit: Serkan Erdogan 14, Kenan Bajramovic 12, Charles Davis 12
Krka: Zoran Dragic 13, Afik Nissim 11

Anadolu Efes Istanbul will sign Oliver Lafayette - by Baha Kurtulus
Anadolu Efes Istanbul will sign Oliver Lafayette (188-G-84, college: Houston) from Asseco Prokom Gdynia to replace the spot that was assigned to Zabian Dowdell (191-PG-84, agency: RIZO, college: Virginia Tech) who didn't pass the medical tests, as reported to Sportando by a source close to the situation.
Lafayette averaged 10.7ppg, 2.5rpg and 3.3apg in Euroleague with the Polish team and in VTB League is scoring 7ppg with 2.8rpg and 3.3apg.
Lafayette, who has played one game in the NBA with Boston Celtics, in the season 2010-11 has played with Partizan Belgrade, Fort Wayne Mad Ants and Maccabi Ashdod.

Courtesy of www.sportando.net



Darussafaka C.Tires Istanbul lands Dollard - by Eurobasket Center
Darussafaka C.Tires Istanbul (TB2L) strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old American forward Joshua Dollard (203-F-86). Dollard played most recently at SLUNETA Usti nad Labem (Czech Rep.). While playing 7 games for Usti n/Labem this season he averaged 14.6ppg, 4.6rpg and 1.1spg. He left the team at the beginning of January. Dollard is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Canada, Dominican Rep., Switzerland and USA. Dollard graduated from USC Aiken in 2009 and it is his third season in pro basketball.

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  UKRAINE   


Standings - Superleague
Superleague Standings
 1. Budivelnyk 18-5 
 2. BC Donetsk 17-5 
 3. Khimik 15-9 
 4. Ferro-ZNTU 15-9 
 5. Azovmash 14-8 
 6. BC Odessa 14-9 
 7. Hoverla 14-10 
 8. Dnipro 11-12 
 9. BC Kyiv 10-12 
 10. Mykolaiv 9-13 
 11. Kryvbasbasket 8-15 
 12. Cherkasy 6-15 
 13. DniproAzot 6-16 
 14. Halychyna 2-21 


EuroCup: BC Donetsk open Lat 16 campaign with win in France - by Eurobasket News
Asvel - BC Donetsk 75:86

BC Donetsk opened their EuroCup Last 16 stage in style. They overcame ambitious Asvel on the road for the opening win in Group J. Ramel Curry (192-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield) stepped up with 18 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 steals to lead the effort.
The teams stayed on level terms in the starting quarter. They exchanged baskets as Asvel managed to take a 20:19 lead after ten minutes. However BC Donetsk managed to pull their noses in front in the second quarter. The Ukrainian team pulled away with a 43:41 halftime lead. BC Donetsk maintained the lead throughout the third term. Asvel tried hard to erase the deficit in the fourth period but the visitors gave them no chance whatsoever. BC Donetsk kept the hosts at bay and raced to the victory at the end. Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) accounted for 16 points, while Michael Lee (207-F-86) added 13 points for the winners. Hilton Armstrong (208-C/F-84, college: Connecticut) answered with 21 points for Asvel. Dijon Thompson (201-G/F-83, college: UCLA) accounted for 16 points in the loss.

Asvel: Hilton Armstrong 21, Dijon Thompson 16
BC Donetsk: Ramel Curry 18, Ivan Radenovic 16, Michael Lee 13

Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 Willie SOLOMON
  Cherkasy
  (187-G-78)
  Avg: 20.8
 1. Solomon, Cherkasy20.8 
 2. Culpepper, Fe.20.3 
 3. Burtt, Dnipro20.2 
 4. Deane, BC Odessa18.7 
 5. Vukosavljevi., Hal.18.3 
 6. King, BC Odessa18.0 
 7. Guinn, Fe.17.5 
 8. Mitchell, Khimik17.4 
 9. Minard, Azovmash16.7 
 10. Harris, Halychyna16.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Vladan VUKOSAVLJEVIC
  Halych.
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 11.1
 1. Vukosavljevi., Hal.11.1 
 2. King, BC Odessa11.0 
 3. Fraser, DniproAzot8.9 
 4. Davis, Kryvbasb.8.7 
 5. Davis, Fe.8.7 
 6. Korniyenko, Dnipro8.3 
 7. Dunigan, DniproAzot8.1 
 8. Odufuwa, Halychyna8.1 
 9. Goodridge, BC Kyiv7.8 
 10. Pecherov, Azovma.7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Darrel MITCHELL
  Khimik
  (181-PG-84)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Mitchell, Khimik6.4 
 2. Deane, BC Odessa5.8 
 3. Zimmerman, BC Kyiv5.8 
 4. Ewing, Azovmash5.3 
 5. Florence, Kryvbasb.5.2 
 6. Burtt, Dnipro4.9 
 7. Butskyy, Fe.4.8 
 8. Morovic, Halychyna4.4 
 9. Swanson, Hoverla4.3 
 10. Ervin, BC Kyiv4.3 
Steals Per Game
 Jeremy CHAPPELL
  Fe.
  (191-G-87)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Chappell, Fe.1.9 
 2. House, Dnipro1.9 
 3. Curry, BC Donetsk1.9 
 4. Minard, Azovmash1.8 
 5. Florence, Kryvbasb.1.8 
 6. Tiggs, Hoverla1.7 
 7. Sirsnins, DniproAz.1.6 
 8. Nelson, BC Donetsk1.6 
 9. Ewing, Azovmash1.6 
 10. Vaughn, Mykolaiv1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Shawn KING
  BC Odessa
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. King, BC Odessa2.3 
 2. Goodridge, BC Kyiv2.3 
 3. McClintock, Mykola.2.3 
 4. Davis, Kryvbasb.1.9 
 5. Korniyenko, Dnipro1.7 
 6. Gorbenko, Dnipr.1.6 
 7. Rizvic, Azovmash1.5 
 8. Hunter, Mykolaiv1.4 
 9. Parakhouski, Budiv.1.3 
 10. Kravtsov, BC Do.1.2 


BC Grodno-93 adds Matyukevych to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
BC Grodno-93 agreed terms with 32-year old Ukrainian center Vadim Matyukevych (208-C-109kg-80). In his first game he scored 3 points and grabbed 4 rebounds helping his new team beat Minsk-2006 83-76. Matyukevych played most recently at Ferro-ZNTU Zaporozhye (Ukraine). While playing 10 games for Ferro-ZNTU this season he averaged 2.2ppg and 1.3rpg. Matyukevych is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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  URUGUAY   


Pettigrew leads Aguada and Allen set a new record - by Hector Lopez
Steffphon Pettigrew (195-F, college: W.Kentucky) scored 33 points leading Aguada to classify for the Uruguan League second stage after his team beat Guruyu Waston 88-68, while Rammel Allen (210-C-79, college: Bridgeport) playing for Bohemios set a new record with 30 rebounds when Bohemios defeat Larre Borges 90-80.
The results for the 29th round, with only one more to be played were:
Aguada 88 - Pettigrew 33 points 13 rebounds 1 block 4 assists, Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) 13 points 10 rebounds 3 blocks
Guruyu Waston - Timothy Frost (208-C-80, college: Utah) 22 points 9 rebounds 3 assists, Calvin Haynes (187-G, college: Oregon St.) 24 points 7 rebounds 2 assits
- - -
Bohemios 90 - Allen 29 points 30 rebounds 3 blocks 3 assists, Jamaal Douglas (201-F-85, college: E.Kentucky) 7 points 9 rebounds 1 block 1 assist
Larre Borges 88 - Sylvester Spicer (198-F-86, college: Rogers St.) 27 points 10 rebounds 3 blocks, Justin Keenan (201-F/C-88, college: Ferris St.) 19 points 14 rebounds
- - -
Sayago 65 - Jason McCoy (206-F/C-82, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) 15 points 13 rebounds 2 blocks 4 assists, Terence Shellman (199-F-78) 11 points 12 rebounds 1 block 3 assists
Welcome 58 - Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, college: Park) 13 points 5 rebounds, Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) 9 points 3 rebounds
- - -
Union Atletica 77 - Elgrace Wilborn (203-F-83, college: W.Kentucky) 22 points 15 reboundsa 6 blocks 3 assists, O'Louis McCullough (198-G/F-82, college: Francis Marion) 25 points 3 rebouns 2 assists
Defensor Sporting 71 - Rashad Chase (201-F/C-87, agency: Promotex, college: Georgia St.) 21 points 14 rebounds, Christopher Jackson (208-C-81, college: N.Mexico St.) 12 points 8 rebounds
- - -
Trouville 77 - Brandon Brown (201-F-85, college: CS San Bernar.) 22 points 6 rebounds, Brad Kanis (218-C-84, college: Grand Canyon) 4 points 9 rebounds 1 block, 4 assists
Olimpia 71 - Michael Gale (193-G-82, college: Centenary) 21 points 4 rebounds, Albert Jackson (211-F/C-88, college: Georgia) 14 points 4 rebounds 4 blocks
- - -
Hebraica Macabi 86 - Hatila Passos (211-C-86, college: N.Mexico St.) 27 points 19 rebounds, Matt Freije (207-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt) 24 points 5 rebounds
Cordon 80 - Timothy Jennings (193-G-83, college: Gardner-Webb) 19 points 4 rebounds, Derrick Miller (202-C/F-78, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Georgetown, KY) 18 points 7 rebounds
- - -
Bigua 90 - DeVaughn Lamont (208-F-84, agency: 011 Sports, college: CS Monterey) 13 points 9 rebounds, Emilio Taboada (191-F-82) 36 points
Cader 88 - Joseph Harris (196-F-87, college: Co.Carolina) 22 points 11 rebounds, Willard Crews (203-F-88, college: Bowie St.) 19 points 9 rebounds


Allen number one in Uruguay for round 33 - by Eurobasket News
American center Rammel Allen (210-C-79) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Bohemios, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 33.
The 32-year old player had a double-double of 29 points and 30 rebounds, while his team edged out Larre Borges (#11, 12-17) 90-88. Bohemios maintains the 8th position in Uruguayan LUB. Bohemios is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 15-14 record. Allen turned to be Bohemios' top player in his first season with the team. Rammel Allen averages this season 16.3ppg and 14.3rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 33-year old American Terence Shellman (199-F-78) of Sayago. Shellman had a very good evening with a double-double of 11 points and 45 rebounds. Of course Sayago cruised to a 65-56 relatively comfortable win over the higher-ranked Welcome (#3, 19-10). This victory allowed Sayago to move up to 13th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 10-19 record. Shellman is one of the most experienced players at Sayago and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Steffphon Pettigrew (195-F) of Aguada (#4). Pettigrew got into 30-points club by scoring 33 points in the last round. He went also for thirteen rebounds and four assists. He was a key player of Aguada, leading his team to a 88-68 easy win against the lower-ranked Guruyu Waston (#15, 9-20). Aguada needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 17 victories and 12 lost games. Pettigrew has a very solid season. In 25 games in Uruguay he scored 19.3ppg. He also has 7.2rpg and FGP: 59.9%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Hatila Passos (211-C-86) of Hebraica - 27 points and 19 rebounds
5. Elgrace Wilborn (203-F-83) of Un.Atletica - 22 points, 15 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Rodrigo Trelles (191-F-88) of Bohemios - 26 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Jason McCoy (206-F/C-82) of Sayago - 15 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Sylvester Spicer (198-F-86) of Larre Borges - 27 points and 10 rebounds
9. Rashad Chase (201-F/C-87) of Defensor - 21 points and 14 rebounds
10. Willard Crews (203-F-88) of Cader - 19 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists

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

Standings - LUB
LUB Standings
Capital
 1. Hebraica 24-5 
 2. Malvin 23-6 
 3. Welcome 19-10 
 4. Aguada 17-12 
 5. Defensor 16-13 
 6. Trouville 16-13 
 7. Bigua 16-13 
 8. Bohemios 15-14 
 9. Un.Atletica 15-14 
 10. Cordon 12-17 
 11. Larre Borges 12-17 
 12. Olimpia 11-18 
 13. Sayago 10-19 
 14. Montevideo 10-19 
 15. Guruyu Waston 9-20 
 16. Cader 7-22 
Littoral
 1. Anastasia 4-0 
 2. Remeros 3-1 
 3. Wanderers 2-2 
 4. Universitario S. 1-3 
 5. Juventus Salto 0-4 
South
 1. Lagomar 5-0 
 2. Plaza 3-2 
 3. Lavalleja 2-2 
 4. Maldonado 2-3 
 5. Flores Trinidad 0-5 


Stats Leaders - LUB
Points Per Game
 Brandon BROWN
  Trouville
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 24.6
 1. Brown, Trouville24.6 
 2. Keenan, Larre B.23.9 
 3. Humphrey, Bigua23.8 
 4. Crews, Cader23.5 
 5. Herring, Bohemios22.7 
 6. Roland, Sayago22.1 
 7. Eddie, Cordon21.7 
 8. Gale, Olimpia21.4 
 9. Johnson, Olimpia21.0 
 10. Garcia Moral., Bi.20.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ryan HUMPHREY
  Bigua
  (203-C/F-79)
  Avg: 43.8
 1. Humphrey, Bigua43.8 
 2. Allen, Bohemios16.3 
 3. Polk, Montevideo14.3 
 4. Shellman, Sayago13.2 
 5. Wilborn, Un.Atleti.12.6 
 6. Passos, Hebraica10.8 
 7. Keenan, Larre B.10.8 
 8. Crews, Cader10.7 
 9. Jackson, Defensor10.3 
 10. Douglas, Bohemios9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Gustavo BARRERA
  Hebraica
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 8.5
 1. Barrera, Hebraica8.5 
 2. Fitipaldo, Malvin5.6 
 3. Gonzalez, Aguada5.5 
 4. Taboada, Larre B.5.0 
 5. Vidal, Bigua4.8 
 6. Silvarrey, Sayago4.7 
 7. Jennings, Cordon4.6 
 8. Garcia Moral., Big.4.6 
 9. Muro, Aguada4.6 
 10. de Gouveia, Mont.4.4 
Steals Per Game
 Derrick MILLER
  Cordon
  (202-C/F-78)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Miller, Cordon2.8 
 2. Barrera, Hebraica2.5 
 3. Shellman, Sayago2.5 
 4. Tornaria, Trouville2.5 
 5. Clarkson, Larre B.2.4 
 6. Garcia Moral., Big.2.3 
 7. Aguilera, Trouville2.3 
 8. Silvarrey, Sayago2.1 
 9. Brown, Trouville2.1 
 10. Evans, Cader2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Rammel ALLEN
  Bohemios
  (210-C-79)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Allen, Bohemios3.5 
 2. Jackson, Olimpia2.3 
 3. Wilborn, Un.Atleti.2.1 
 4. Humphrey, Bigua1.9 
 5. Polk, Montevideo1.8 
 6. Herring, Bohemios1.7 
 7. Clarkson, Larre B.1.7 
 8. Crews, Cader1.6 
 9. Augustus, Hebraica1.5 
 10. McCoy, Sayago1.5 


Atletico Bigua sign DeVaughn Lamont - by Eurobasket Center
Atletico Bigua signed 28-year old Trinidad and Tobago ex-international forward DeVaughn Lamont (208-F-107kg-84, college: CS Monterey). In his first game he scored 13 points and grabbed 9 rebounds helping his new team beat Cader 90-88. Lamont played most recently at Correcaminos UAT Victoria (Mexico). While playing 38 games for Corr.Victoria this season he averaged 7.3ppg and 4.1rpg. Lamont is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Dominican Rep., Japan, Mexico and Venezuela. Lamont graduated Cal.St.-Monterey Bay in 2006. It will be his sixth season in pro basketball. Lamont played for Trinidad and Tobago senior national until 2010.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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


Asseco Prokom are close to Lukasz Wilczek and Demetrius Brown - by Eurobasket News
Asseco Prokom will probably make some changes in their roster shortly. They are close to signing deals with Lukasz Wilczek (189-PG-86) and Demetrius Brown (201-F-83, college: San Jose St.).
Lukasz Wilczek started the season with AZS Politechnika Warszawa. The guard averaged 4.9 points, 5.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds per appearance. He joined AZS Warszawa back in 2010 helping the team win PLK promotion last season. Eurobasket.com named Lukasz Wilczek into All-Polish 1Liga 2nd Team.
Demetrius Brown joined Asseco Prokom for tryouts. The forward started the season in Luxembourg. He averaged 18.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game for Amicale Steinsel. Previously Demetrius Brown had stints in Sweden, Ukraine, Lebanon, Finland, Hungary and Turkey.
In the meantime Asseco Prokom will reportedly part ways with Oliver Lafayette (188-G-84, college: Houston) and Jerel Blassingame (175-G-81, college: UNLV).





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Women News

*****************************************************
  ADRIATIC LEAGUE - Women  


Milica Dabovic claims Adriatic League weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Milica Dabovic (175-PG-82) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader Partizan and that's her to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 12.
The 29-year old playmaker had the game-high 34 points adding seven rebounds and five assists for Partizan in her team's victory, helping them to outclass Vojvodina (#9, 1-11) with 40-point margin 100-60. It allowed Partizan to consolidate first place in the Adriatic League . They maintain perfect record without any lost game in the league. The season is already in a full swing and Partizan still have not lost a single game, getting all 11 victories. In the team's last game Dabovic had a remarkable five three-pointers out of 6 attempts. It's her second year at Partizan and it's hard to imagine this team without her. Dabovic has impressive league stats. She is in league's top in points (3rd best: 18.6ppg), assists (8th best: 3.0apg) and averages solid 3.6spg,55.9% FGP and 58.1% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was young center Tijana Ajdukovic (197-C-91) of Hemofarm. Ajdukovic impressed basketball fans with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Of course she lead Hemofarm to another comfortable win outscoring slightly lower-ranked Vozdovac (#6, 6-5) 87-54. Hemofarm's 4th position in the standings has not changed. Her team's 8-4 record is not bad at all. Ajdukovic is well-known by Hemofarm fans and she already established her position as one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was another Partizan's star - Tamara Radocaj (170-PG-87). Radocaj scored 12 points and passed nine assists. She was another key player of Partizan, helping her team with a 100-60 easy win against the lower-ranked Vojvodina (#9, 1-11). Partizan have amazing season winning all 11 games without a single defeat. Radocaj turns to be one of the very best players in the league while he is also a leader of the top team having his eyes on the championship title. Radocaj has a very solid season. In 10 games in Adriatic League she scored 12.2ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Tina Trebec (189-F/C-90) of Athlete Celje - 23 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Anna Tolikova (190-C-86) of Celik - 12 points, 15 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Martina Osterman (188-F-88) of Sloboda - 19 points and 5 rebounds
7. Nevena Jovanovic (179-G-90) of Radivoj Korac - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Josipa Bura (185-C-85) of Celik - 14 points and 11 rebounds
9. Biljana Stankovic (176-G-74) of Hemofarm - 14 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists
10. Teja Oblak (171-G-90) of Athlete Celje - 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists

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

Standings
Adriatic League Standings
 1. Partizan 11-0 
 2. Celik 9-3 
 3. Radivoj Korac 8-4 
 4. Hemofarm 8-4 
 5. Athlete Celje 7-5 
 6. Vozdovac 6-5 
 7. Buducnost 5-7 
 8. Mladi Krajisnik 4-8 
 9. Vojvodina 1-11 
 10. Sloboda 0-12 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Milica DABOVIC
  Partizan
  (175-PG-82)
  Avg: 20.5
 1. Dabovic, Partizan20.5 
 2. Oblak, Athlete Cel.19.2 
 3. Cadjo, Hemofarm18.9 
 4. Deura, Mladi K.17.3 
 5. Trebec, Athlete17.0 
 6. Gagic, Sloboda16.8 
 7. Bogoje, Mladi K.16.2 
 8. Jovanovic, Radivo.16.2 
 9. Butulija, Partizan15.9 
 10. Stjepanovic, Radi.13.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marica GAJIC
  Athlete Celje
  (192-C-95)
  Avg: 9.8
 1. Gajic, Athlete Cel.9.8 
 2. Stankovic, Sloboda9.3 
 3. Tolikova, Celik9.1 
 4. Popovic, Buducnost8.7 
 5. Radovic, Vojvodina7.8 
 6. Erak, Vojvodina7.2 
 7. Ajdukovic, Hemof.7.1 
 8. Stjepanovic, Radiv.6.9 
 9. Mandic, Hemofarm6.9 
 10. Bogoje, Mladi K.6.8 
Assists Per Game
 Zvjezdana GAGIC
  Sloboda
  (169-G-81)
  Avg: 4.9
 1. Gagic, Sloboda4.9 
 2. Stankovic, Hemof.4.7 
 3. Oblak, Athlete Cel.4.3 
 4. Krnjetin, Hemofarm3.5 
 5. Deura, Mladi K.3.3 
 6. Dabovic, Partizan3.3 
 7. Zakula, Mladi K.3.2 
 8. Butulija, Partizan3.2 
 9. Radocaj, Partizan3.1 
 10. Zivadinovic, Vojv.2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Milica DABOVIC
  Partizan
  (175-PG-82)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Dabovic, Partizan3.5 
 2. Gagic, Sloboda3.1 
 3. Bigovic, Buducnost2.8 
 4. Radocaj, Partizan2.6 
 5. Vrancic, Vozdovac2.5 
 6. Oblak, Athlete Cel.2.5 
 7. Ivanovic, Vozdovac2.1 
 8. Stankovic, Hemof.2.0 
 9. Cadjo, Hemofarm2.0 
 10. Mandic, Hemofarm1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Natasa POPOVIC
  Buducnost
  (194-C-82)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Popovic, Buducnost3.1 
 2. Stankovic, Sloboda2.1 
 3. Ajdukovic, Hemof.1.5 
 4. Tolikova, Celik1.3 
 5. Bogoje, Mladi K.1.0 
 6. Radovic, Vojvodina0.8 
 7. Mandic, Hemofarm0.7 
 8. Stjepanovic, Radiv.0.5 
 9. Kovacevic, Vozdov.0.5 
 10. Karakasevic, Vozd.0.5 


*****************************************************
  BOSNIA - Women  


Round 9 review: Borac hands first loss to Zeljeznicar - by Eurobasket News
Round 9 of the Bosnian D1 was played last weekend. Borac ML-IEFK was better than Zeljeznicar 71-65 handing them first loss of the season. Miljana Dzombeta (169-PG-94) was a key player in victory with 27 points and 5 assists. On the other side, Zeljeznicar got 18 points and 11 rebounds from Biljana Savic (191-C-83). Despite this defeat the Sarajevo team stays No.1 in the league with 7-1 record. Borac improved its score to 5-3.
In the other games, Mladost was too strong for Igokea 79-64. Milena Radjenovic (177-F-86) top-scored in victory with 26 points. Mladost improved to 3-5, while Igokea stays the only winless team in the league (0-8). In the last game of the round, Jedinstvo blasted Banovici 93-63 for 5-3 record. Visitors slipped to 2-5.
Round 10 is scheduled for the next weekend.

*****************************************************
  CYPRUS - Women  


Round 11 review: AEL Limassol stays unbeaten - by Eurobasket News
Round 11 of the Cypriot top division was played last weekend. AEL Limassol demonstrated another great performance, keeping the perfect record (9-0) and first place in the standings. The Limassol team cruised past Olympos on the road 58-82. Olympos dropped to 4-6 after this meeting.
Second ranked Keravnos also celebrated last weekend for 9-1 record in the league. They outplayed University of Cyprus as a guest 49-65. The University of Cyprus slipped to 6-3.
In the last game of the round, APOP Paphou was too strong for Achilleas 73-48. The home squad now has 4-6 record in the league. At the same time, Achilleas dropped to 1-7.
Round 12 is scheduled for January 29.

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


Keravan Energia Team was knocked down by Espoo Team - by Elina Koskinen
Espoo Team took their first victory in year 2012 as they won Keravan Energia team 75-56 (41-33). Keravan Energia Team didn't give up the fight so easily though the numbers are quite bad. The game swung from another side to another. In the first period Espoo Team seemed to take the control of the game and netted the numbers 19-11 into the scoreboard. Both teams had their moments in the second period. Eventually the quarter was tied 22-22. After the half break Keravan Energia Team found some more energy and narrowed the lead 12-16. However Espoo Team was determined to win the game. The beginning of the last period was still quite clammy for both teams. After four minutes were played of the period home team started to run. Next four minutes went 15-0 and Espoo Team sealed the victory. Final score was 75-56. Laura Wilson (184-SG-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Binghamton) and Venlakaisa Holtta (177-SG-84) led the game of Espoo Team finishing 21 and 16 points respectively. Also Annika Holopainen (186-C/F-93) scored 13 and Evita Iiskola (182-F-93) 12 points. Iiskola gathered as well 9 rebounds along with Holtta who took 8 rebounds. Centhya Hart (185-F-89, college: St.John's) and Sanna Helenius (180-F-84, college: Valparaiso) were the key players of Keravan Energia Team finishing 13 and 12 points. In addition Hart gathered the game highest 12 rebounds.

Standings - Women
SM-sarja Standings
 1. Catz 17-0 
 2. PeKa 12-5 
 3. Huima 12-5 
 4. FoA 9-8 
 5. Espoo Team 7-10 
 6. ToPo 5-12 
 7. HoNsU 5-12 
 8. Kerava 1-16 


SM-sarja Round 17: Aanekosken is upset by Forssan Alku - by Eurobasket News
The game between second ranked Aanekosken (12-5) and fourth ranked Forssan Alku (9-8) was the most important one in the last round on Saturday night. Aanekosken was defeated by Forssan Alku in Forssa 92-77. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Aanekosken. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Forssan Alku shot 27 for 36 from the free-throw line, while Aanekosken only scored eight points from the stripe. Forssan Alku forced 19 Aanekosken turnovers. 25 personal fouls committed by Aanekosken helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American swingman Siarre Evans (178-88, college: E.Tenn.St.) who scored 27 points and 6 rebounds. Center Juta Jahilo (186-84) chipped in 22 points and 7 rebounds. American forward Madina Ali (182-87, college: W.Virginia) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds for the guests. Forssan Alku maintains fourth place with 9-8 record. Aanekosken at the other side keeps the second position with five games lost. They share it with PeKa. Forssan Alku is looking forward to face Torpan Pojat (#6) in Helsinki in the next round. Aanekosken will play at home against Espoo Team (#5) and is hoping to win this game.
Undefeated leader Catz Lappeenranta delivered the seventeenth consecutive victory. This time they crushed 6th ranked HoNsU (5-12) 67-47 in Jyvaskyla. American guard Kirby Copeland (182-85, college: Virginia Tech, agency: LBM Management) orchestrated the victory by scoring 13 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Elena Reshetko contributed with 13 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Titta-Riina Lepisto (183-90) answered with 12 points and 6 rebounds for HoNsU. Undefeated Catz Lappeenranta (17-0) have an impressive series of seventeen victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 17 victories in a row. HoNsU at the other side keeps the sixth position with 12 games lost. They share it with ToPo. Catz Lappeenranta will play against league's second-placed Peli-Karhut in Kotka in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. HoNsU will play on the road against Kerava Energia Team (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Kotka. Local Peli-Karhut (12-5) outscored 6th ranked Torpan Pojat (5-12) 95-55 on Saturday night. Rashada McCants stepped up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) for the winners. Meriem Eerikinharju responded with 20 points and 5 rebounds. Torpan Pojat's coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Defending champion moved-up to second place, which they share with Huima. Torpan Pojat lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the sixth position with 12 games lost. They share it with HoNsU. Peli-Karhut will meet league's leader Catz Lappeenranta on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Torpan Pojat will play against Forssan Alku (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 17 bottom-ranked Kerava was crushed by Espoo Team in a road game 75-56.


PeKa - ToPo 95-55

The game with biggest result difference took place in Kotka. Local Peli-Karhut (12-5) outscored 6th ranked Torpan Pojat (5-12) 95-55 on Saturday night. The game without a history. Peli-Karhut led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Torpan Pojat's 24. Peli-Karhut forced 20 Torpan Pojat turnovers. American swingman Rashada McCants (185-86, college: N.Carolina, agency: LBM Management) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) for the winners and American-Puerto Rican forward Yolanda Jones (184-84, college: La-Lafayette) chipped in 11 points and 16 rebounds. Five Peli-Karhut players scored in double figures. Forward Meriem Eerikinharju (178-90) responded with 20 points and 5 rebounds and forward Kaihla Szunko (187-88, college: Cent.Michigan) scored 5 points and 10 rebounds. Torpan Pojat's coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Defending champion moved-up to second place, which they share with Huima. Torpan Pojat lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the sixth position with 12 games lost. They share it with HoNsU. Peli-Karhut will meet league's leader Catz Lappeenranta on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Torpan Pojat will play against Forssan Alku (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
PeKa: B.Bruszewski 19+5reb+1ast, R.McCants 17+13reb+3ast, A.Pounds 17+6reb+2ast, L.Richter 11+3reb+1ast, Y.Jones 11+16reb+2ast, L.Lehtoranta 10+3reb+4ast
ToPo: M.Eerikinharju 20+5reb, L.Saarinen 9+5reb, K.Valtakari 8+5reb+3ast, S.Wahlgren 6+3reb+1ast, S.Weckstrom 5+1reb+2ast, K.Szunko 5+10reb+2ast
gschID: 146571


FoA - Huima 92-77

The game between second ranked Aanekosken (12-5) and fourth ranked Forssan Alku (9-8) was the most important one in the last round on Saturday night. Aanekosken was defeated by Forssan Alku in Forssa 92-77. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Aanekosken. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Forssan Alku shot 27 for 36 from the free-throw line, while Aanekosken only scored eight points from the stripe. Forssan Alku forced 19 Aanekosken turnovers. 25 personal fouls committed by Aanekosken helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American swingman Siarre Evans (178-88, college: E.Tenn.St.) who scored 27 points and 6 rebounds. Center Juta Jahilo (186-84) chipped in 22 points and 7 rebounds. American forward Madina Ali (182-87, college: W.Virginia) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds and forward Sanna Jamsen (183-79) added 14 points and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Four Aanekosken players scored in double figures. Forssan Alku maintains fourth place with 9-8 record. Aanekosken at the other side keeps the second position with five games lost. They share it with PeKa. Forssan Alku is looking forward to face Torpan Pojat (#6) in Helsinki in the next round. Aanekosken will play at home against Espoo Team (#5) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
FoA: S.Evans 27+6reb, J.Jahilo 22+7reb+1ast, D.Olorunnife 12+10reb+2ast, H.Salomaa 9+1reb+5ast, H.Koponen 9+2reb+2ast, V.House 7+3reb+5ast
Huima: M.Ali 17+13reb+1ast, M.Bland 15+2reb+1ast, S.Jamsen 14+4reb+4ast, K.Robinson 13+5reb+4ast, S.Viitanen 8+1reb+3ast, P.Holmes 7+7reb+1ast
gschID: 146572


HoNsU - Catz 47-67

Undefeated leader Catz Lappeenranta delivered the seventeenth consecutive victory. This time they crushed 6th ranked HoNsU (5-12) 67-47 in Jyvaskyla. The game was mostly controlled by Catz Lappeenranta. HoNsU was better in fourth quarter 12-11. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Catz Lappeenranta dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to HoNsU's 26. They outrebounded HoNsU 50-36 including 36 on the defensive glass. American guard Kirby Copeland (182-85, college: Virginia Tech, agency: LBM Management) orchestrated the victory by scoring 13 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Russian power forward Elena Reshetko (184-86) contributed with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Four Catz Lappeenranta players scored in double figures. Power forward Titta-Riina Lepisto (183-90) answered with 12 points and 6 rebounds and American forward Charlee Underwood (178-85, college: CS Fullerton) added 6 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for HoNsU. Catz Lappeenranta (17-0) have an impressive series of seventeen victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 17 victories in a row. HoNsU at the other side keeps the sixth position with 12 games lost. They share it with ToPo. Catz Lappeenranta will play against league's second-placed Peli-Karhut in Kotka in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. HoNsU will play on the road against Kerava Energia Team (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Catz: A.Anderson 15+4reb+1ast, E.Reshetko 13+11reb, K.Copeland 13+9reb+4ast, V.Kesanen 11+4reb+1ast, H.Vapamaa 6+10reb+1ast, L.Aaltonen 4+3reb
HoNsU: T.Lepisto 12+6reb+2ast, K.Summala 9+1ast, C.Underwood 6+9reb+1ast, M.Sten 5+8reb+1ast, K.Karkkainen 5+3reb+1ast, P.Salminen 5+1reb+2ast
gschID: 146573


Espoo Team - Kerava 75-56

There was no surprise when 8th ranked Kerava Energia Team (1-16) was crushed on the road by fifth ranked Espoo Team (7-10) 75-56 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by Espoo Team. Kerava Energia Team managed to win third quarter 16-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Espoo Team dominated on the defensive end, holding Kerava Energia Team to just 7 points in fourth quarter. Espoo Team forced 19 Kerava Energia Team turnovers and outrebounded them 44-32 including 35 on the defensive glass. The former international Laura Wilson (184-84, college: Binghamton, agency: LBM Management) stepped up and scored 21 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and Venlakaisa Holtta (177-84) chipped in 16 points and 8 rebounds. Four Espoo Team players scored in double figures. American forward Centhya Hart (185-89, college: St.John's) responded with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds and the former international forward Sanna Helenius (180-84, college: Valparaiso) scored 12 points. Espoo Team maintains fifth place with 7-10 record. Loser Kerava Energia Team stay at the bottom position with 16 games lost. Espoo Team will meet higher ranked Aanekosken (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Kerava Energia Team will play against HoNsU (#7) in Jyvaskyla and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Espoo Team: L.Wilson 21+5reb+2ast, V.Holtta 16+8reb+2ast, A.Holopainen 13+6reb+1ast, E.Iiskola 12+9reb+4ast, E.Laaksonen 7+7reb, M.Bedretdin 3+5reb+1ast
Kerava: C.Hart 13+12reb, S.Helenius 12+4reb+2ast, M.Heikkila 10+3reb, L.Juhola 9+3reb+1ast, E.Sipila 7+3reb+1ast, M.Ponnelin 3+4reb
gschID: 146574




Juta Jahilo claims Finnish SM-sarja weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Juta Jahilo (186-C-84) had an amazing evening in the last round for FoA and that's her to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 17.
The 27-year old center had the game-high 22 points adding seven rebounds for FoA in her team's victory, helping them to beat Huima (#3, 12-5) 92-77. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. FoA maintains the 4th position in Finnish SM-sarja. FoA is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 9-8 record. It's Jahilo's second year at FoA and it's hard to imagine this team without her. Juta Jahilo averages this season 10.4ppg and 6.9rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 25-year old American swingman Rashada McCants (185-G/F-86, agency: LBM Management) of second-ranked PeKa. McCants impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds. Of course she lead PeKa to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked ToPo (#6, 5-12) 95-55. This victory allowed PeKa to move up to second position in the standings. Her team's 12-5 record is not bad at all. McCants is a newcomer at PeKa and it seems she did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 17.2ppg (#2). She also registered 7.8 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was international forward Evita Iiskola (182-F-93) of Espoo Team (#5). Iiskola showcased her all-around game by recording 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists in the last round. She was a key player of Espoo Team, leading her team to a 75-56 easy win against the lower-ranked Kerava (#8, 1-16). The chances of Espoo Team ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 10 games, recording just seven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Iiskola could help Espoo Team to bring them higher in the standings. Iiskola has a very solid season. In 14 games in Finland she scored 10.3ppg. She also has 7.8rpg and FGP: 52.7%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Becca Bruszewski (185-F-88) of PeKa - 19 points and 5 rebounds
5. Siarre Evans (178-G/F-88) of FoA - 27 points and 6 rebounds
6. Yolanda Jones (184-F-84) of PeKa - 11 points, 16 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Elena Reshetko (184-C/F-86) of Catz - 13 points and 11 rebounds
8. Alexandria Anderson (185-G/F-86) of Catz - 15 points and 4 rebounds
9. Dorcas Olorunnife (182-C-90) of FoA - 12 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Madina Ali (182-F-87) of Huima - 17 points and 13 rebounds

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

Stats Leaders - Women
Points Per Game
 Niina LAAKSONEN
  Espoo T.
  (185-F/C-85)
  Avg: 17.7
 1. Laaksonen, Espoo17.7 
 2. McCants, PeKa17.2 
 3. House, FoA16.6 
 4. Wilson, Espoo Team16.2 
 5. Robinson, Huima15.5 
 6. Pounds, Catz15.4 
 7. Reshetko, Catz15.2 
 8. Salomaa, FoA15.1 
 9. Copeland, Catz14.8 
 10. Ali, Huima14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kenya ROBINSON
  Huima
  (182-C-70)
  Avg: 12.8
 1. Robinson, Huima12.8 
 2. Ali, Huima11.5 
 3. Szunko, ToPo11.4 
 4. Laaksonen, Espoo10.6 
 5. Hart, Kerava10.6 
 6. Reshetko, Catz9.4 
 7. Gissendanner, PeKa9.0 
 8. Underwood, HoNsU8.8 
 9. Anderson, Catz8.3 
 10. Paavola, Kerava8.2 
Assists Per Game
 Reetta PIIPARI
  PeKa
  (170-G-80)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Piipari, PeKa3.8 
 2. House, FoA3.8 
 3. Robinson, Huima3.2 
 4. Lehtoranta, PeKa3.0 
 5. Jamsen, Huima2.8 
 6. Jennings, Espoo T.2.5 
 7. Nurmi, ToPo2.4 
 8. Pounds, Catz2.4 
 9. Copeland, Catz2.2 
 10. Heintz, FoA2.1 
Steals Per Game
 Vanessa HOUSE
  FoA
  (170-G-88)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. House, FoA3.5 
 2. Copeland, Catz3.0 
 3. Anderson, Catz2.7 
 4. Ali, Huima2.5 
 5. Robinson, Huima2.4 
 6. Jamsen, Huima2.2 
 7. Underwood, HoNsU2.2 
 8. Pounds, Catz2.2 
 9. McCants, PeKa2.2 
 10. Jennings, Espoo2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Minna STEN
  HoNsU
  (189-F-87)
  Avg: 2
 1. Sten, HoNsU2.0 
 2. Anderson, Catz1.2 
 3. McCants, PeKa1.2 
 4. Saarinen, ToPo1.1 
 5. Paavola, Kerava0.9 
 6. Ali, Huima0.9 
 7. Reshetko, Catz0.8 
 8. Wilson, Espoo Team0.8 
 9. Lepisto, HoNsU0.8 
 10. Szunko, ToPo0.7 


*****************************************************
  HOLLAND - Women  


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Tanya BROERING
  Lekdetec.
  (178-G-84)
  Avg: 19.9
 1. Broering, Lekdetec.19.9 
 2. Manuputty, Grassh.18.0 
 3. Roubehie-F., Binne.17.4 
 4. Van der Hoek, Euro.17.3 
 5. Butter, CTO16.8 
 6. Ligthart, Lekdetec.15.0 
 7. Philippo, Grasshop.14.7 
 8. Biesters, Lekdetec.14.1 
 9. Heerts, Eurosped13.5 
 10. Kraak, Binnenland13.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Anouk BIESTERS
  Lekdetec.
  (182-G/F-86)
  Avg: 9
 1. Biesters, Lekdetec.9.0 
 2. Van der Plas, Gras.8.9 
 3. De Groot, HLB A.8.8 
 4. Ligthart, Lekdetec.8.4 
 5. Heerts, Eurosped8.0 
 6. Lammerink, Euros.7.8 
 7. Nieuwveen, ProBui.7.5 
 8. Van Der Keij., CT.7.1 
 9. Kraaijenoord, Gras.7.0 
 10. Van der Hoek, Eur.6.7 
Assists Per Game
 Tanya BROERING
  Lekdetec.
  (178-G-84)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Broering, Lekdetec.5.5 
 2. Kuijt, Grasshoppers4.0 
 3. Dekker, Eurosped3.7 
 4. McDowell, ProBui.3.5 
 5. Hochstetler, Binne.3.5 
 6. Valentine, Grassho.3.4 
 7. Van Den Adel, Binn.3.2 
 8. De Kleijn, CTO3.1 
 9. Butter, CTO3.0 
 10. Cornelius, CTO2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Anouk BIESTERS
  Lekdetec.
  (182-G/F-86)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Biesters, Lekdetec.3.7 
 2. Broering, Lekdetec.3.6 
 3. Kuijt, Grasshoppers3.5 
 4. Manuputty, Grassh.3.2 
 5. Hartman, ProBuild.3.2 
 6. Butter, CTO2.9 
 7. van Dongen, HLB A.2.8 
 8. McDowell, ProBui.2.7 
 9. Van der Plas, Gras.2.5 
 10. Dijkman, Grasshop.2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Silke HEERTS
  Eurosped
  (185-F-90)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Heerts, Eurosped1.5 
 2. Van Der Keij., CT.1.1 
 3. Kooij, HLB Account.1.0 
 4. Kraak, Binnenland0.8 
 5. Dijkman, Grasshop.0.6 
 6. Van den Ande., Bin.0.6 
 7. Valentine, Grassho.0.6 
 8. Van der Hoek, Euro.0.6 
 9. McDowell, ProBui.0.5 
 10. Van Den Adel, Bin.0.5 


Kraak number one in Holland for round 16 - by Eurobasket News
Former international center Jantine Kraak (193-C-89) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Binnenland, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 16.
The 22-year old player had a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds, while her team beat CTO (#4, 7-6) 71-65. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Binnenland to consolidate first place in the Dutch Eredivisie. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Binnenland has a very solid 10-3 record, but they cannot be too comfortable about keeping top position. Kraak has many years of experience at Binnenland, through which he has constantly improved. Former Western Illinois University star has very solid stats this year. Kraak is in league's top in points (9th best: 13.5ppg) and averages impressive 2.1spg and 53.8% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was young former international center Sharon Lammerink (189-C-93) of Eurosped. Lammerink had a very good evening with a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds. Bad luck as Eurosped was edged by slightly lower-ranked HLB Account. (#7, 2-11) 57-56. Eurosped is still second from the bottom in the standings. 10 lost games are too many comparing to just two victories Eurosped managed to get this year. Lammerink is one of the most experienced players at Eurosped and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last round was former international swingman Anouk Biesters (182-G/F-86) of Lekdetec.nl (#5). Biesters scored 14 points and grabbed fifteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Biesters' great performance Lekdetec.nl lost 60-77 to the higher-ranked ProBuild Lions (#2, 10-4). But her team cannot count on just a single player as she also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Lekdetec.nl needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 6 victories and 6 lost games. Biesters has a great season in Holland. After 12 games, she made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 14.1ppg (8th best) and rebounds with 9.0rpg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Janiek van Veen (172-PG-95) of HLB Account. - 13 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Lisa Van Den Adel (179-F-89) of Binnenland - 25 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Marie Hoogstraten (179-F-88) of ProBuild Lions - 14 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Richelle Van Der Keijl (196-C-93) of CTO - 11 points and 10 rebounds
8. Zera Butter (179-G-92) of CTO - 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Molly McDowell (178-G-81) of ProBuild Lions - 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Kim Hartman (175-G-86) of ProBuild Lions - 10 points and 6 rebounds

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

Standings - Women
Eredivisie Standings
 1. Binnenland 10-4 
 2. ProBuild Lions 10-4 
 3. Grasshoppers 8-4 
 4. CTO 7-6 
 5. Lekdetec.nl 6-6 
 6. Eurosped 2-10 
 7. HLB Account. 2-11 
 8. Wereldtickets.nl 0-0 


*****************************************************
  LATVIA - Women  


Standings - LSBL
LSBL Standings
 1. TTT Riga 16-0 
 2. Cesis 11-5 
 3. RTU-Merks 11-5 
 4. Liepajas 9-8 
 5. DU 7-9 
 6. TTT Juniores 7-9 
 7. LU 3-14 
 8. Kolibri/U-16 0-14 


Stats Leaders - Women
Points Per Game
 Gunta BASKO
  TTT Riga
  (181-F-80)
  Avg: 21.3
 1. Basko, TTT Riga21.3 
 2. Nimane, TTT Riga18.5 
 3. Niedola, TTT Riga18.1 
 4. Egle, DU16.8 
 5. Laksa, Kolibri/U-1616.3 
 6. Krastina, TTT Riga15.6 
 7. Alilujeva, Liepajas14.9 
 8. Vorma, LU14.7 
 9. Kreslina, Kolibri/.13.9 
 10. Aizsila, TTT J.13.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Liene BERNSONE
  Cesis
  (185-C-85)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Bernsone, Cesis10.9 
 2. Niedola, TTT Riga10.4 
 3. Horelika, Cesis10.3 
 4. Krasovska, Liepajas9.0 
 5. Alilujeva, Liepajas7.9 
 6. Egle, DU7.6 
 7. Basko, TTT Riga7.5 
 8. Veidere, TTT J.7.5 
 9. Lisnere, RTU-Merks7.4 
 10. Nimane, TTT Riga7.2 
Assists Per Game
 Olesja JEVSEJEVA
  DU
  (174-F-86)
  Avg: 5.4
 1. Jevsejeva, DU5.4 
 2. Neimane, TTT J.4.4 
 3. Krastina, TTT Riga4.3 
 4. Basko, TTT Riga3.6 
 5. Kazakevica, DU3.3 
 6. Reke, Cesis3.1 
 7. Audere, RTU-Merks2.9 
 8. Horelika, Cesis2.8 
 9. Sarja, TTT Juniores2.7 
 10. Egle, DU