EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 1/3/2012

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Men News

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


Colorado Kings jump to Nr.1 in ABA Power Rankings - by Gianni Pascucci
The American Basketball Association today announced its Power Rankings for the week ending Sunday, January 1st and opened the year with a new Number One ranked team, the Colorado Kings which replaced the Los Angeles SLAM which lost earlier in the week to the San Diego Sol. 'There's no doubt that Durrell Middleton and his team are very formidable,' stated Joe Newman , ABA CEO. 'They just returned from China where they acquitted themselves very well and are certainly deserving of the high ranking. We have some very strong teams in the league this year; that's for sure.'

1. Colorado Kings
2. South Carolina Warriors
3. Memphis Bluff City Reign
4. Gulf Coast Flash
5. San Deigo Sol
6. Los Angeles SLAM
7. Arizona Scorpions
8. Atlanta Experience
9. Texas FUEL
10. Carolina Cheetahs
11. Chicago Steam
12. Athens Razors
13. Jersey Express
14. Jacksonville Giants
15. Bay Area Matrix
16. Lima Explosion
17. Carolina Cougars
18. Richmond Elite
19. Conway Cyclones
20. San Francisco Rumble
21. North Dallas Vandals
22. Seattle Mountaineerrs
23. Connecticut Topballerz
24. Lynchburg Legends

For more information, visit www.abalive.com

*****************************************************
  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Damir Markota will continue his career for Zagreb CO - by Eurobasket News
Damir Markota (210-C/F-85, agency: World Sport Agency) will continue his career for Zagreb CO leaving his former Olimpia. The 210 cm player left Slovenia.
In 2010-2011 he joined Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Telemach League, starting five) and in Adriatic League averaged 7.7ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 71.2%. In Euroleague after 15 games his stats read 8.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 72.4%. In Slovenian League after 20 games he averaged 6.6ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 65.4%. The season 2011-2012 Damir appeared for Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Telemach League, starting five) and averaged 4.7 point per game in EuroLeague. In Adriatic League his stats read 11.1 points per game as he recorded 24 points against KK Zagreb CO. At the end of October Slovenian Union Olimpija edged Croatian KK Zagreb CO in Ljubljana 91:90. It was a very good performance for Bosnian-Croatian power forward Damir Markota who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds.
The Croatian National team player participated at the European Championships in Lithuania -11 and in 5 games averaged 7.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP-1 (76.9%), 3PT: 23.8%.


*****************************************************
  ALBANIA   


Albanian National Team 2011 - by Arnold Laperi
Starting five
#s#
Red Vogli
Vogli
Franko Bushati
Bushati
Ermal Kuqo
Kuqo
Gerti Shima
Shima
Eni Cuka
Cuka
#e#5
5
Red Vogli
195-G-87 SK Tirana Albania
6 Vildan Mitku 200-F-83 SV03 Tuebingen II Germany
7 Franko Bushati 188-G-85 Basket Brescia Leonessa Italy
8 Marsel Aliaj 198-F-88 Lussana Basket Bergamo Italy
9 Eni Llazani 186-G-89 Basket Kamza Albania
11 Genti Lasku 194-G-85 SK Tirana Albania
12 Ermal Kuqo 208-C-80 Aandolu Efes Istanbul Turkey
14 Algert Gjonaj 200-F-87 SK Tirana Albania
15 Gerti Shima 205-F/C-86 Basket Kamza Albania
20 Marlin Sukaj 202-C-83 SK Tirana Albania
23 Eni Cuka 188-G-86 Free Agent USA
31 Juxhin Talelli 194-G-86 Basket Kamza Albania


Standings - A1
A1 Standings
Group A
 1. SK Tirana 5-0
 2. Kamza Basket 4-1
 3. Vllaznia Shk. 3-2
 4. Teuta Durres 2-3
 5. Flamurtari 1-4
 6. U.A.T. 0-5
Group B
 1. Apolonia 3-0
 2. Partizani Tirana 2-2
 3. Pogradeci 0-3


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


Latest transactions in TNA - by Facundo Iatzky
Asociacion Espanola decided to change their import player. They released Ben Spicer and signed Albert White (197-G/F-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Missouri), who know argentinian basketball because he played in Qimsa, Atenas and Moonte Hermoso in previous years.
Alvear Villa angela agreed terms with Anthony Glover (197-F-79, agency: Dream Team Management, college: St.John's). He will replace Aaron Williams who left the team due to personal reasons.
Obera TC signed Eduardo Gamboa (189-G-84), who returns to TNA after playing some games in Torneo Federal, in Alberdi. He replaces Mariano Ceruti, who will miss the rest of the season due to an injury.

Ginobili breaks left hand against Timberwolves - by Eurobasket News
San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili has broken his left hand against Minnesota and is out indefinitely.

The Spurs say Ginobili will be examined by team doctors Tuesday in San Antonio. There is no timetable for his return.

A two-time All-Star, Ginobili was injured when he fouled Anthony Tolliver as he rose to shoot the ball late in the second quarter Monday night. Ginobili immediately grabbed his shooting hand and crouched in pain near the scorer's table as the team trainer came to his side.

Ginobili was taken for X-rays, which revealed a broken fifth metacarpal, below his pinkie. As he walked back to the locker room, Tim Duncan gave him a pat on the head.

Ginobili had eight points on 3-for-6 shooting in 12 minutes.

Courtesy of www.cbc.ca

*****************************************************
  BAHRAIN   


SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT - by Jonah Baize
After discussing it with and running it by various veteran professional overseas players, NBA players, agents, journalists, collegiate coaches, and professional coaches, we came to the conclusion that I was in one of the worst most unobtrusive and unique situations an overseas professional basketball player could be in. With it being my first year of professional basketball out of Clemson University, I did not come to the Al Najma Club feeling entitled to anything outside of what was in my contract. I understood I was not in a situation where I could expect any royal treatment. Although what I was not expecting is for the club to blatantly break all of the terms and conditions laid out in my contract. My contract stated that I should be guaranteed a car, a suitable living arrangement, and my salary to be paid promptly at the end of every month.

After being in Bahrain nearly 5 weeks, competing in games from round 1 to round 6, and showing up ready for every practice the Al Najma Club did not honor one single term of my contract. Not to mention I brought my team, who lost by 83 when I left this past week, to lose by only 3 to one of the top teams in the league, and averaged 18 points 10 rebounds and 4 assists under an incompetent coach who did not run me off of a single screen in any game I played.

I was living in Bahrain in the same apartment as my coach and his wife, had no car or means of transportation at all, had no walking around money, was not paid at the end of November, was not given my passport back for 5 weeks, and rarely got to speak to anyone in the management of the Al Najma Club. My first 2 weeks in Bahrain were some extremely tough days. I had no means or way to go shoot or workout extra nor did I have a way to get out of the apartment for anything extracurricular. After I started to show my frustration and explain to Coach Patrick Fussell that my situation was unfair and illegal, he explained to me that I, 'Need to be patient and understand that this is their culture in Bahrain and that I cannot demand to have my contract honored or I will mess it up for the both of us.' I then went on to explain to the coach that, 'I did not come half way around the world to play for free and that it seems as though he came to coach for free as he was satisfied with not being paid a dime as well.' After continuous conversation between me and Coach Patrick Fussell I decided to take his advice for the next 3 weeks and stay positive and patient.

After going 3 more weeks and being gone for over a month with no money, car, food, phone, etc, I was directly ordered by my agent not to practice or play in any games until the terms of my contract were fulfilled. Immediately following this decision, the club called me in and told me that I was going to be released due to the pressure and demands of my contract being fulfilled. After repeated conversation between my agent and the club, the team offered to pay me for the entire time I had been there as well as pay my flight change fees. They booked my flight for directly following the big game we had the next day and tried to convey to me that I would not be paid for my time there unless I played against Muharraq the night my flight left. When the club explained to me the situation and opened it for any thoughts or questions I explained that I was relieved to be out of this situation and I would have to discuss playing in the game with my agent. The Al Najma clubs GM went on to explain that I should not discuss it with my agent and that my agents commission must be paid out of pocket by me. While my agent explained to me that I should not play because they were just trying to get another game out of me I decided to sit out. The club ended up losing by 83 with Coach Patrick Fussell . Since then, I have been told that Coach Patrick Fussell has been souring my name and down talking me to other clubs that have contacted him because of my relieved comments in the final meeting and how my agent and I urged for my contract to be fulfilled. Once the club heard I might join another team and possibly compete against them in upcoming games in the Bahrain Basketball Association, the Al Najma club management was so eager to get me out of the country they sent someone to knock on my door several times that evening during the game. I was not going to post this blog and tell the truth about the Al Najma Club and Coach Patrick Fussell in the Bahrain Basketball Association until I saw a public posting on FaceBook this morning by Coach Patrick Fussell that directly states,

'To my friends and family I would like your opinion. I have the best job in the world, but am with a terrible club. I worked hard, saw a lot of result, then was told to stay away for a week and not coach a game. I was told not to treat my team as pros, but basically to babysit them and let them do what they want. The last game we lost by 45. I had 4 scheduled practices where no one came. Payday came and went with no pay...AGAIN!!! Tonight I have a game. If you were me would you try and do my job or just sit there and let them run up and down the floor and do what they want? If they do not care, why should I right? If I am not paid why should I work?'

Coach Patrick Fussell has been with Al Najma Club since November 1st. He bought his and his wife's roundtrip plane tickets to Bahrain because the club promised that they would refund and reimburse him in entirety for both. So far, he has not been paid a dime of his salary for each month, nor has he been reimbursed for his travel expenses, nor can he get his or his wife's passports back which the club has been holding for over 8 weeks. No matter how incompetent of a basketball coach he may be, he still signed a contract that states he must be paid promptly by the end of each month and all of the terms be fulfilled. This is the type of situation that some players and coaches must deal with when pursuing their basketball careers abroad. Need I say more?



WWW.JONAHBAIZE.COM









ALMuharraq keep the top with 8-0 record - by Eurobasket News
ALMuharraq keep the top with 8-0 record after the victory over Al-Nweidrat 106:69. AlAhli handed Al-Hala their first loss after 85:76 win on December 29th. Al-Hala and AlAhli follow the leader with 7-1 records each. Al-Manama meanwhile closed the year 2011 with the win over Isa Town 81:79.


Standings
Premier League Standings
 1. Muharraq 8-0
 2. Al Ahli 7-1
 3. Al Hala 7-1
 4. Al Manama 6-3
 5. Nuwaidrat 4-4
 6. Al Ittihad 4-4
 7. Sitra 3-5
 8. Issa Town 3-6
 9. Bahrain Club 2-6
 10. Samaheej 1-7
 11. Al Najma 0-8


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


Demond Mallet could not help Spirou against his probable future team mates of Maccabi Electra (69-86) - by Bert Larsimont
Is a basketball event really a good occasion for a religious ceremony? That is one question asked by several observers last night at the Spiroudome in Charleroi. After the short religious ceremony for the Chanukah celebrated by the Jewish community all over the world and respected by a local Belgian attendance rather surprised, the last Euroleague Group C game between Belgacom Spirou and Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv could start.

Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91) and Randy Oveneke (201-F-86), both injured, were not listed in the Spirou roster last night. The good surprise at the beginning of the game was the comeback of Dwayne Broyles (196-F/G-82, college: JMU) who warmed up with his Spirou mates before the game. He was in the starting five and helped his squad trail behind a fantastic team of Maccabi Tel-Aviv led by Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas). After 16-22 at the end of the first quarter, Spirou showed some good things. Justin Hamilton (190-G-80, college: Florida) from three-point range responded to great plays set by Maccabi Tel-Aviv's playmaker Theodoros Papaloukas (200-PG-77). Demond Mallet (186-G-78, college: McNeese St.) also wanted to show to his probable future employers of Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv that he could run fastbreaks and steal balls. Spirou came closer at 28-31 but lost concentration again, forcing local Coach Giovanni Bozzi to take a time-out. A good reaction by the home team allowed Belgacom Spirou to stay close at the half: 34-38.

During the break, Spirou General Manager Eric Somme went onto the floor to answer questions of journalists and reporters. He could not confirm that Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) had already signed his contract with Maccabi Electra but told the local press that it was just a question of hours. Eric Somme said that an agreement (contract of 100,000 dollars?) had been discussed but some points needed to be fixed at a meeting with the Maccabi President, Spirou Sports Manager Jacques Stas, Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) and himself after the game.

The third quarter was a real catastrophe for Spirou: lack of concentration and bad selection of shots. But Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv of Coach David Blatt also played tougher in defense (Sofoklis Schortsanitis, Shawn James and Richard Hendrix). What a pleasure to watch the Dream Team of Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv run down the floor for spectacular fastbreak plays! Guy Pnini (200-F/G-83), David Blu (201-F-80, college: USC) and Keith Langford also hit big three-pointers for the visitors. After a 1-15 run, Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv kept being concentrated and never allowed their hosts to be back on the right track. Spirou was 20 points behind after 26 minutes in this game. The scoreboard showed 49-68 at the end of the third quarter and the only satisfying point for the local fans was the appearance of Boris Penninck (202-C-88) and Amaury Jadin (189-G-86). Amaury Jadin actually recorded good stats (just like last week despite his team's debacle in Milan): around 19 minutes of play, 3/3 from 2-point range, 0/1 from behind the three-point line, 2 steals and 1 assist.

The last quarter did not change anything and Spirou finished its Euroleague campaign with a large loss against a powerhouse: 69-86. Despite this defeat and some less convincing performances at the Spiroudome, the whole campaign was very positive for Belgacom Spirou. Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv, on the other hand, definitely remains a favourite in this competition.

See here for euroleague.tv video highlights of the game: http://www.euroleague.tv/video/id/1891332

Best scorers:

Spirou Charleroi: Chris Hill 10, Caleb Green 16, Demond Mallet 13, Amaury Jadin 6.
Maccabi Tel Aviv: Theodoros Papaloukas 9, Devin Smith 10, David Blu 13, Keith Langford 20.




Oostende News - by Peter Buyse
Telenet Oostende is working hard to get it's team together for the remainder of the season. While initially Kennedy Winston (198-F-84, college: Alabama) had turned down their offer to stay with Oostende, the team has now announced they reached an agreement with the player to stay for the rest of the 2011-2012 season. Winston was initially signed to replace the injured Matt Lojeski who should be returning from injury shortly.In 6 games in the Ethias league he averages 12.7 ppg and 4.2 rpg. Also played 6 games for Oostende in the EuroCup where he averaged 10.2 ppg and 2.7 rpg.

Oostende Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Former Oostende and Charleroi power forward Brent Wright (203-F/C-78, college: Florida)t is headed back to Belgium to once again play for Oostende. Telenet Oostende has annouced that the player has signed a contract till the end of the season. Brent is a member of 3 championship teams in Belgium winning the league title with every team he played for. He also won championships in Latvia and Croatia. Last time he played in Oostende he averaged 14.9 ppg and 6.9 rpg in leading the team to the title in 05-06. Played in several European and American teams since leaving Florida at the end of the 2000-2001 season.Other teams he played for over his career are Maccabi Haifa, Ventpsils, Cibona Zagreb, Ural Great Perm, BC KyivAnd Esfahan in Iran. Came back to Charleroi at the end of the 09-10 season where he stayed till the end of the past season. In 2010-2011 he also played Euroleague with Charleroi and had averages of 10.0 ppg and 5.9 rpg in 16 games.

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


Dokuzovski to decide roster changes in 10 days - by Maria Mitzova
The new head coach of Lukoil Academik Sofia Marin Dokuzovski (agency: Interperformances ) will decide if there are roster changes to be made, in 10 days. The team already parted ways with forward Akida McLain (206-F-86, college: Indiana, PA), but is yet to be seen if more cuts will be made, and new names will arrive. Here are his first thoughts on the return to Bulgaria:
I want to meet with the boys first and to talk to them, before taking any decisions.
This is a fine group and I think we should probably keep it. It's an Eurocup team.
I don't know all the players, but I have seen lots of games, and I think there is enough quality.
In 10 days we will decide if we need more players.
I know the management of Lukoil Academik Sofia very well, and we reached an agreement very quickly. I have many friends here, and I am glad to be back. Of course, the goals are undisputed - the title and the cup.

Official: Dokuzovski replacing Arsic as head coach in Lukoil - by Maria Mitzova
Lukoil Academik Sofia dismissed head coach Jovica Arsic and replaced him with Marin Dokuzovski (agency: Interperformances ). The Bulgarian champion will also part ways with forward Akida McLain (206-F-86, college: Indiana, PA), who never received enough playing time.
Jovica Arsic led Lukoil Academik Sofia in the last couple of seasons, and won the championship, as well the Bulgarian Cup, but failing in decisive European games made the Board unwilling to leave him on the job.
Marin Dokuzovski (agency: Interperformances ) already knows how the things work in Bulgaria, as he has previously been in charge of Lukoil Academik Sofia between 2005 and 2007, winning both Bulgarian trophies back then.
Dokuzovski will not be present for the first two games of 2012. Lukoil Academik Sofia is heading west, visiting the seaside teams Cherno more and Chernomorec on 4t and 6th respectively. Those two games will be managed by assistant Miroslav Ralchev and Ivan Kocev. The new head coach will be in Bulgaria on the 8th, to start working with the champions.

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


Stats Leaders - CBA
Points Per Game
 J.R. SMITH
  Zhejiang C.
  (198-G-85)
  Avg: 33.5
 1. Smith, Zhejiang C.33.5 
 2. Hudson, Qingdao DS33.3 
 3. Williams, Shanxi Z.29.7 
 4. Chandler, Guangsha.28.5 
 5. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.28.4 
 6. McDonald, Fujian X.27.6 
 7. Vroman, Jiangsu D.26.9 
 8. Mills, Xinjiang.26.5 
 9. Akognon, DongGuan.25.8 
 10. Martin, Jilin N.25.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Zaid ABBAS
  Fujian XX
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 15.3
 1. Abbas, Fujian XX15.3 
 2. Oyedeji, Qingdao DS14.4 
 3. Ramos, Guangsha L.13.9 
 4. Harvey, TianJin R.13.6 
 5. Gadzuric, Jiang.13.1 
 6. Hunter, Shandong13.1 
 7. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.12.9 
 8. Boone, Zhejiang C.12.6 
 9. Randolph, DongGua.12.2 
 10. Chandler, Guangsh.12.1 
Assists Per Game
 Osama DAGHLES
  Jilin N.
  (198-G-79)
  Avg: 7.7
 1. Daghles, Jilin N.7.7 
 2. Hudson, Qingdao DS6.2 
 3. Marbury, Beijing6.0 
 4. Yang, Liaoning H.5.4 
 5. Mengke, Xinjiang.5.2 
 6. Lu, Shanxi Zh.5.1 
 7. Brooks, Guandong4.9 
 8. Anderson, Shandon.4.7 
 9. Zhang, Liaoning H.4.6 
 10. Williams, Shanxi4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Lester HUDSON
  Qingdao DS
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 3.4
 1. Hudson, Qingdao DS3.4 
 2. Lee, Beijing Ducks2.9 
 3. Smith, Zhejiang C.2.9 
 4. Vroman, Jiangsu D.2.7 
 5. Hu, Jiangsu D.2.7 
 6. Daghles, Jilin N.2.6 
 7. Marbury, Beijing2.4 
 8. Williams, Shanxi Z.2.3 
 9. Mills, Xinjiang.2.3 
 10. Lu, Shanxi Zh.2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Dan GADZURIC
  Jiang.
  (211-C-78)
  Avg: 2
 1. Gadzuric, Jiang.2.0 
 2. Randolph, DongGua.1.8 
 3. Boone, Zhejiang C.1.8 
 4. Zhang, Shanghai S.1.8 
 5. Xu, Bayi Fubang1.6 
 6. Vroman, Jiangsu D.1.6 
 7. Carney, Liaoning H.1.6 
 8. Douthit, Foshan1.5 
 9. Watkins, Jilin N.1.4 
 10. Li, Liaoning H.1.3 


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


Damir Markota will continue his career for Zagreb CO - by Eurobasket News
Damir Markota (210-C/F-85, agency: World Sport Agency) will continue his career for Zagreb CO leaving his former Olimpia. The 210 cm player left Slovenia.
In 2010-2011 he joined Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Telemach League, starting five) and in Adriatic League averaged 7.7ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 71.2%. In Euroleague after 15 games his stats read 8.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 72.4%. In Slovenian League after 20 games he averaged 6.6ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 65.4%. The season 2011-2012 Damir appeared for Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Telemach League, starting five) and averaged 4.7 point per game in EuroLeague. In Adriatic League his stats read 11.1 points per game as he recorded 24 points against KK Zagreb CO. At the end of October Slovenian Union Olimpija edged Croatian KK Zagreb CO in Ljubljana 91:90. It was a very good performance for Bosnian-Croatian power forward Damir Markota who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds.
The Croatian National team player participated at the European Championships in Lithuania -11 and in 5 games averaged 7.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP-1 (76.9%), 3PT: 23.8%.


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


Standings - NBL
NBL Standings
 1. CEZ Nymburk 19-1 
 2. BK Prostejov 16-3 
 3. BK Pardubice 16-4 
 4. BC Kolin 14-5 
 5. BK Decin 14-7 
 6. USK Praha 13-7 
 7. NH Ostrava 10-10 
 8. Svitavy 8-12 
 9. Chomutov 7-13 
 10. Usti n/Labem 6-14 
 11. Levice 6-14 
 12. Plzen 5-16 
 13. B&W Opava 3-17 
 14. Inter Bratislava 3-17 


Josh Dollard Out at SLUNETA Usti nad Labem - by Surujh Roopnarine
A tumultuous end to 2011 is finally over for SLUNETA Usti nad Labem, as the club announced that they will terminate the contract of American forward Joshua Dollard (203-F-86, college: USC Aiken) (www.nbl.cz). The 25-year old Joshua Dollard joined the club in November and appeared in seven games, averaging 14.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals while playing nearly 22 minutes per contest. Manager Zdenek Rytir was quoted as saying that Joshua Dollard 'violated professional commitments to the club', however he would not go into details regarding specifics. The loss of Joshua Dollard comes on the heals of LeKendric Longmire leaving the club in the middle of December due to family reasons. Dollard has played professionally Switzerland, Canada and the Dominican Repuiblic after finishing his collegiate career in 2009 at NCAA2 University of South Carolina-Aiken.

In other news, the team also announced that they and youngster Matus Kuchalik (200-F/G-90) had agreed to part ways.

Stats Leaders - NBL
Points Per Game
 Keaton GRANT
  Levice
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 21.2
 1. Grant, Levice21.2 
 2. Sedmak, USK Praha19.8 
 3. Henderson, Levice18.5 
 4. Wright, Chomutov17.9 
 5. Lowery, Chomutov17.8 
 6. McFadden, Usti n.17.2 
 7. Hruban, USK Praha16.8 
 8. Longmire, Usti n.15.9 
 9. Arnold, BK Pardu.15.7 
 10. Wilson, CEZ N.15.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Stanislav VOTROUBEK
  USK P.
  (212-C-81)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Votroubek, USK P.9.4 
 2. Meno, Svitavy8.5 
 3. Arnold, BK Pardu.8.4 
 4. Gadri-N., BK Prost.8.3 
 5. Naymick, CEZ N.8.0 
 6. Peterson, BK Prost.7.2 
 7. Houska, BK Decin7.0 
 8. Hughes, NH Ostrava6.4 
 9. Barnes, BC Kolin6.2 
 10. Henderson, Levice6.2 
Assists Per Game
 Michal SOTNAR
  USK Praha
  (189-PG-92)
  Avg: 5
 1. Sotnar, USK Praha5.0 
 2. Barnes, BC Kolin4.6 
 3. Wright, Chomutov4.6 
 4. Vrubl, Plzen4.1 
 5. Lawrence, CEZ N.3.9 
 6. George, Svitavy3.9 
 7. McFadden, Usti n.3.6 
 8. Boyer, BK Decin3.6 
 9. Ames, BC Kolin3.4 
 10. Eitutavicius, BK3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Pavel PUMPRLA
  CEZ N.
  (196-G-86)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Pumprla, CEZ N.2.5 
 2. Wright, Chomutov2.4 
 3. Klecka, B&W Opava2.4 
 4. McFadden, Usti n.2.4 
 5. Sirina, B&W Opava2.2 
 6. Ames, BC Kolin1.9 
 7. Grant, Levice1.9 
 8. Lowery, Chomutov1.8 
 9. Inge, NH Ostrava1.8 
 10. Smith, BK Prost.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 James HUGHES
  NH Ostrava
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Hughes, NH Ostrava1.6 
 2. Gadri-N., BK Prost.1.5 
 3. Naymick, CEZ N.1.3 
 4. Meno, Svitavy1.1 
 5. Grant, Levice1.1 
 6. Williams, BK Decin1.0 
 7. Miklosik, B&W O.1.0 
 8. Votroubek, USK P.0.8 
 9. Henderson, Levice0.8 
 10. Houska, BK Decin0.8 


BCM Nymburk U19 won Bohemia Crystal Cup - by Eurobasket News
BCM Nymburk U19 won Bohemia Crystal Cup. In Day 1 Czech Republic U17 team lost to BCM Nymburk 81:85. Eddi Jurjevic paced all the winners with 22 points and Martin Kriz (202-F-93) added 20. Martin Peterka ended up with 25 points in the losing effort.
Hungary U18 overcame Sokol prazsky U19 63:59. Kristof Bognar stepped up with 14 points for the winners with 14 points and Zoltan Perl (189-G-95) scored 11. Jan Kunes replied with 14 points in the losing case.

In Day 2 Czech Republic U17 beat Sokol prazsky U19 85:60. Radovan Kouril (182-PG-95), Prokop Slanina (204-C-95) and Adam Pechacek (206-C-95) top-scored for the winners with 15 points each. Jakub Kolos delivered 10 points for the losing side.
BCM Nymburk U19 edged Hungary U18 70:69. Eddi Jurevic stepped up with 25 points and Robin Matejka delivered 15. Zoltan Perl notched 16 in defeat and Janos Velkey (193-G-95) added 11.

BCM Nymburk U19 won the tournament due to 62:56 win over Sokol prazsky U19. Martin Kriz and Patrik Novy paced all the winners with 14 points each, while Jan Kunes netted the same number of points in defeat.
Czech Republic U17 finished second at the tournament beating Hungary U18 83:53. Adam Pechacek top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Martin Peterka added 16. Janos Velkey and Zoltan Perl ended up with 12 points each in defeat.


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


Chris Sprinker signed with Vaerlose BBK - by Eurobasket News
Christopher Sprinker (205-C/F, college: Cent.Washington) signed with Vaerlose BBK for the rest of the season. The American player moved from Romania.
In 2006-2007 he appeared for E.Washington (NCAA) and in 2008-2009 played with Cent.Washington (NCAA2). He finished in 2011 and then moved to Europe. In 2011-2012 Christopher Sprinker started for UMFN Njardvik (Iceland-Express League), but later moved to CSU Atlassib Sibiu (Romania-Div.A). In two games his stats read 2.0 points per game. He debuted with 4 points at the Regular Season Round 1. CSU Sibiu lost to Oradea 67:84 as the game was mostly controlled by Oradea. CSU Sibiu managed to win fourth quarter 19-11. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening.
Christopher Sprinker was a GNAC Regular Season Runner-Up -09, All-GNAC 2nd Team -10 and became GNAC Regular Season Champion -11. He also was GNAC Tournament Winner -11 and reached in All-GNAC 1st Team -11.


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


8th BCBC youth tournament in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News
Traditional Baltic Sea Basketball Cup takes place form 3rd to 5th January in Tallinn for the eight year in a row. The games are held in Audentes Sports Centre.
Participants are Estonian, Latvian, Finnish and Swedish youth national teams. Similar to last year the U18 games can be viewed by a live stream by www.kullaauk.ee. For watching the live stream you need to register at the site www.kullaauk.ee and buy a ticket that costs 5 euros. (The ticket gives you access to the stream on all the 3 days).

The January tournament is a good opportunity to start with the preparation for the European Championships in the summer. Also there is for the third concequtive year a referee clinic, that is lectored by FIBA Europe referee instructor William Jones. Four potential FIBA referees are participating from each country. So far there have been only male participants, but this year is different. 2 female referees are coming from Finland and one from Sweden, said the estonian referee co-ordianator Aare Halliko.
It has become a good custom to have during the tournament a seminar for estonian coaches. This year the seminar is emphasized on the physical preparation of the players and teams. Seminar will be held on 3-4 January in Audentes. Lector is the physical preparation coach of Russian womens team Kalju Korstin. Russia is the winner of EuroBasket Women 2011.


Baltic Sea Basketball Cup is more than just a basketball tournament, says the Head of Estonian National Teams Keio Kuhi who has been the organiser of BSBC youth tournament from the beginning 8 years ago. The first idea to get more games for youth national teams has grown into a much bigger event for everyone. We have different clinics and seminars for coaches, referees, fysios and staff. Also many scouts from all over Europe visit our tournament.



The coaches have a chance to get advice from Kalju Korstin, referees will get feedback and hear theory lectures from William Jones. But BSBC also gives the players an opportunity to prove themselves and to show their skills. Firstly to themselves and national teams coaches, but also to many agents who visit Baltic Sea Basketball Cup every year. This year as well it is known that scouts are coming from Spain and Italy.


Scouts have plenty to watch, because the last seven BSBC tournaments graduates are for example Sasu Salin, Janis Strelnieks, Jonas Jerebko, Petteri Kopponen, Siim-Sander Vene, Viive-Kai Rebane and Sabine Niedola.
Courtesy of: basket.ee

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


Andrew Wisniewski's High On Sharon Drucker & Jerusalem's Radar - by David Pick
With just 24-hours after appointed as head coach, Sharon Drucker will stand on the sidelines for Hapoel Jerusalem tonight, in the team's road game against the league's rock bottom ranked Bnei Hasharon.

Eurobasket reveals that Drucker, who signed a 1.5 year deal with the team, is expected to make some roster changes and is keen on strengthen his backcourt by acquiring American point guard Andrew Wisniewski. Jerusalem's recently fired coach Oded Katash, also tried to make a move for Wisniewski, however, the player couldn't leave the U.S. due to prior family obligations, but insisted he'd get on the first flight out after Christmas break.

In 2009, Drucker (then an assistant coach), spent the season with Wisniewski working for Maccabi Tel-Aviv and successfully maintained a positive relationship since. The two sides are yet to begin contract negotiations, yet, Eurobasket discloses that Wisniewski's representatives have already spoken directly to coach Drucker, who gave the move a green light.

High team management sources confirmed the information to Eurobasket as Wisniewski exclusively said 'I promised my family I'd be home until after Christmas, but it would be a pleasure to come back to Israel and work with Coach Drucker and Jerusalem. I hope we manage to finish the deal within the next few days.'

The N.Y. native playmaker is known for his dazzling speed, great court vision and playing with intensity. In 2003-2004, he graduated from Centenary College posting averages of 21.9ppg, 3.5rpg and 4.3apg, displaying great leadership and outside shooting. Wisniewski, who spent his European career playing in Serbia, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Russia, Israel and last season in Turkey with Efes Pilsen. While playing for Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv, Wisniewski averaged 8.8ppg, 2.8rpg and 2.6apg in the Euroleague and 9.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.3apg and 1.3spg in the Israeli League.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @IAmDPick



Andrew Wisniewski's High On Sharon Drucker & Jerusalem's Radar - by David Pick
With just 24-hours after appointed as head coach, Sharon Drucker will stand on the sidelines for Hapoel Jerusalem tonight, in the team's road game against the league's rock bottom ranked Bnei Hasharon.

Eurobasket reveals that Drucker, who signed a 1.5 year deal with the team, is expected to make some roster changes and is keen on strengthen his backcourt by acquiring American point guard Andrew Wisniewski. Jerusalem's recently fired coach Oded Katash, also tried to make a move for Wisniewski, however, the player couldn't leave the U.S. due to prior family obligations, but insisted he'd get on the first flight out after Christmas break.

In 2009, Drucker (then an assistant coach), spent the season with Wisniewski working for Maccabi Tel-Aviv and successfully maintained a positive relationship since. The two sides are yet to begin contract negotiations, yet, Eurobasket discloses that Wisniewski's representatives have already spoken directly to coach Drucker, who gave the move a green light.

High team management sources confirmed the information to Eurobasket as Wisniewski exclusively said 'I promised my family I'd be home until after Christmas, but it would be a pleasure to come back to Israel and work with Coach Drucker and Jerusalem. I hope we manage to finish the deal within the next few days.'

The N.Y. native playmaker is known for his dazzling speed, great court vision and playing with intensity. In 2003-2004, he graduated from Centenary College posting averages of 21.9ppg, 3.5rpg and 4.3apg, displaying great leadership and outside shooting. Wisniewski, who spent his European career playing in Serbia, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Russia, Israel and last season in Turkey with Efes Pilsen. While playing for Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv, Wisniewski averaged 8.8ppg, 2.8rpg and 2.6apg in the Euroleague and 9.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.3apg and 1.3spg in the Israeli League.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @IAmDPick

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


Stats Leaders - Korisliiga
Points Per Game
 Tim BLUE
  KTP
  (205-F-84)
  Avg: 21.8
 1. Blue, KTP21.8 
 2. Zeno, Nilan Bisons21.7 
 3. Holloway, Salon V.20.6 
 4. Crocker, KTP20.4 
 5. Beidler, Kauhajoki20.0 
 6. Brooks, Namika L.18.6 
 7. Griffin, ToPo18.2 
 8. Newson, Kataja18.2 
 9. Tiedeman, LrNM.18.0 
 10. Hamm, LrNM.17.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 John FIELDS
  Salon Vilpas
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 14.4
 1. Fields, Salon Vilp.14.4 
 2. Blue, KTP11.7 
 3. Newson, Kataja9.2 
 4. Beidler, Kauhajoki9.1 
 5. Hairston, Salon V.8.7 
 6. McDade, Nilan B.8.5 
 7. Williams, Pyrinto8.3 
 8. Zeno, Nilan Bisons8.1 
 9. Hamm, LrNM.7.9 
 10. Nikkila, Pyrinto7.7 
Assists Per Game
 Jeb IVEY
  Nilan Bisons
  (190-G-80)
  Avg: 5.2
 1. Ivey, Nilan Bisons5.2 
 2. Williams, Pyrinto4.3 
 3. Hannah, Kauhajoki4.3 
 4. Sarcevic, KTP4.0 
 5. Virtanen, Kataja3.9 
 6. Haynes, LrNM.3.9 
 7. Moore, Namika L.3.8 
 8. McIntosh, ToPo3.8 
 9. Walker, Kataja3.7 
 10. Nikkarinen, Kouvot3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Juha STEN
  Kataja
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Sten, Kataja2.5 
 2. Williams, Pyrinto2.3 
 3. Moore, Korihait2.3 
 4. Beidler, Kauhajoki2.2 
 5. Newson, Kataja2.0 
 6. Moore, Namika L.1.8 
 7. McIntosh, ToPo1.7 
 8. Crocker, KTP1.7 
 9. Holloway, Salon V.1.7 
 10. Sarcevic, KTP1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 John FIELDS
  Salon Vilpas
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Fields, Salon Vilp.2.5 
 2. Beidler, Kauhajoki2.1 
 3. Hairston, Salon V.1.3 
 4. Zeno, Nilan Bisons0.9 
 5. Blue, KTP0.9 
 6. Jones, Nilan Bisons0.9 
 7. Lehtoranta, Kataja0.9 
 8. Price, Kataja0.8 
 9. McDade, Nilan B.0.8 
 10. Bell, KTP0.7 


KORISLIIGA: Sami Lehtoranta The Player of December - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Finnish F Sami Lehtoranta (205-C/F-79) has been nominated The Player of December. Lehtoranta played 32,7 minutes in five contests on Kataja (Joensuu) roster averaging 15,8 ppg - 9,0 rpg - 2,2 apg - 1,6 bpg. Kataja was 4-1 in December and is the top team right now in Finland with 16-4 record. Lehtoranta is playing season # 17 in Korisliiga and is averaging 14,8 ppg - 6,4 rpg in 30:23 minutes altogether in 19 games. American G Jeb Ivey (190-G-80, college: Portland St.) was the Player of October and Amertican F Jared Newson (195-G/F-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Tenn-Martin) the Player of November.

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


Can Bjoern Harmsen Bring Some Pat Riley Success And Glitz To The Giessen 46ers? - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


Recently two German head coaches Sebastian Machowski and Bjoern Harmsen stood head to head in the always bedlam like atmosphere of the Osthalle in Giessen and their demenour and style couldnt have been more opposite with the Braunschweig pooh bah Machowski staying calm for most of the game while the Giessen skipper Harmsen jumping around like a small displeased boy not getting any candy in his Christmas stocking and constantly having one on one talks with his players after mistakes especially with Achmadschah Zazai and discussing with referees as if he was playing the lottery with getting possible technical fouls. For years, Harmsen has been prowling the Beko BBL sidelines and has been known for being the youngest coach in the league getting his first taste of the top German league in 2007 with Science City Jena. He then moved a bit more east to the Mitteldeutscher BC where it didnt take him long to shape the 2004 Fiba cup winner into an almost Beko BBL playoff team in 2010 just missing the playoffs by a hair. When examining the German closer, you see a mix between German actor Ralf Richter in one of his evil roles in the famous German crime show Ein fall Fur zwei with his glasses and the legendary ex Los Angeles Lakers head coach Pat Riley with his slicked back hair. Harmsen is a basketball junkie who already released his book at age 20 Basketball emotional-With mental strength to success. He got tips from famous Spanish coach Sergio Scariolo as well as German coach Dirk Bauermann. Harmsen has understood in the last years, how to make mediocre teams into better teams and is slowly on his way to making the LTi Giessen 46ers into a team that wants nothing to do with the Beko BBL cellar. Harmsen is an intense coach. He brings good tactical skills to the court and has had success with lower budget teams in this league. I definitely dont want to see his hair gel bill, joked New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig center Kyle Visser. One Giessen 46ers who definitely knows how the coaching clock of Harmsen ticks is Serb radenko Pilcevic who is playing his third season for the German coach. A coach that he looks up to is the Spanish coach Sergio Scariolo. He has a lot of experience, knows how to work with players and makes for a good atmosphere. I remember my first season with MBC, we played very well and we needed one win to reach the playoffs. We beat all the top teams that season like Bamberg, Alba Berlin, Artland and Oldenburg. The season was a lot of fun and I remember most how he waited for me to play well and had so much trust in my game, added Radenko Pilcevic. Harmsen sticks to details, can motivate players well and just plays European basketball, stressed ex Giessen 46er and 2009 beko BBL champion with Oldenburg Marco Buljevic.

On January 2, the Fraport Skyliners will visit the LTi Giessen 46ers and a A very big special quality about the Hessen derby is that the two cities are only 65 kilometers apart, which gives fans the opportunity to be at both games. This is a charmed quality of service in the BBL that the distances are not as far, but in the NBA for example in a Lon Angeles-Boston series, it is very rare for fans to travel around the NBA, unless your actor Jack Nicholson, who can travel with a private jet, champagne and some models clinging from his arms. The Frankfurt-Giessen series is so close in comparison to NBA standards as if a kid had to only walk down the street to get some candy in the drug store. The two cities are are in size as different as are the skyscraper Messe turm in Frankfurt and a two story University building in Giessen. The town of Giessen is known as a University location and almost half of the population are students. Giessen is one of the few cities in Germany that has a Budhist temple and one of Electronic music most known German DJs Chris Liebing. Giessen is diminutive, but have a huge heart for Basketball.Giessen loves Basketball! It is tradition there, added Murat Didin.

Last season, despite losing eight players including key guys like David Teague, Kevin Johnson, and Lorenzo Williams and only keeping two players with Elvir Ovcina and Jannik Freese, the Giessen 46ers jumped out to a 5-2record and was one of the biggest surprises in the BEKO BBL last season together with Phoenix Hagen in the first two months. The team might not have beat the most glamorous sounding and strong BEKO BBL teams besides the Telekom Baskets Bonn, but they played The EWE Baskets Oldenburg tough and losing a nail bitter to the Brose Baskets Bamberg 81-80, a game where they made a furious comeback and just coming up short. 'We started playing defense after 30 minutes against Bamberg', stressed Elvir Ovcina. Giessen may not have the most talented, but they had achieved one important ingredient early that many teams have problems finding which is that early team chemistry. 'We had a complete squad and many people players complimented each other. We had very athletic wing players and big guys with great hands and that take up a lot of space. We knew how to work with each other and we know each time that when we stepped on the court, we were capable of surprising any team in the BEKO BBL', added Elvir Ovcina. In 2009-2010, the team started 0-6 and after six games last season had 4 wins already. 'Management did a good job bringing in new players. Only me and Jannik Freese remained. We might not have good results in preseason, but we always knew that if we continued to work hard, we would have success', stressed Elvir Ovcina. 'I wasnt surprised by the good Giessen start. They had some talent on their team that came together early', commented Quentin Pryor. 'Their strength were their guards who were great and you had a great inside presence with Peacock. As far their weaknesses, I think just consistency', expressed John Bynum. The question remained how well the Giessen 46ers would play if the team sustained an injury or went into a slump. Misfortune hit the club in Frankfurt as Anthony Smith got hurt in the first half in the 82-64 loss. After this loss, it seemed like some nasty plague was stuck in them as the team went on a 13 game losing streak as the team went from the playoffs places to the back places of the standings as quickly as Marv Albert can yelp yessssssssssssss. The team then made changes and some results started to evolve. The team brought in the fire man Michael Jordan to try to save the season and brought in coach Steven Key. 'Giessen had been up and down last season but they became a different team , with a new head coach and the addition of MJ, they can play with anyone on any night just like any other team in the BBL', warned John Bynum. Since the arrival of Jordan, the team started to win more games and slowly crawled away from the bottom. The team seemed very solid at the start of the season, but with the addition of new coach Steven key and Jordan and Jeffers, the team seemed to be so much stronger at the end. The LTI Giessen season was saved as they finished the season in 15th place with a record of 9-25. They finished the season losing six of their last seven games, but beat MBC on the second to last game day to save their miserable season.
Every new season, a new saying can be, it can only get better as fans can only hope that something will change and some kind of success will come back to the small

university town. The club decided to bring in 29 year old Bjoern harmsen who is younger than the star players Elvir Ovcina and Maurice Jeffers. Harmsen brought success to MBC, so why cant he do the same in Giessen? Back in the 70s, Giessen had nothing to do with cellar duels as they won many German titles, but any dreaming of that is as distant as Kevin Durnant ever playing for BBC Bayreuth. Our goal is to stay in the league. If we can limit injuries then maybe we can achieve a bit more, added Bjoern Harmsen . Harmsen came to Giessen and did a house cleaning axing eight players, but keeping team captain Elvir Ovcina who is getting worse with age, but continues to be one of the top centers in the league, fan favorite and x-factor Maurice Jeffers who can always change a game with his play, young German big man Robert Ohle and young developing German point guard Mathias Perl. He brought in MBC players Wayne Bernard who is a Beko BBL veteran and point guard Radenko Pilcevic. Some players didnt worl out like Angel Garcia and Bozo Djurasovic, but Harmsen had an ace in his back pocket bringing in more quality with second year man Barry Stewart, athletic rebounder and Euroleague veteran Koko Archibong and flashy Achmadschau Zazai. Harmsen also got a lot of credit for bringing in basketball project Misan Nikabatse who is always remembered for his dunk over Yao Ming in 2002 and seemed to be on his way to the NBA in 2002. His career didnt quite reach the heights that he expected to and he was saved by Harmsen as the German hadnt played professional basketball in the last two years.

At the moment, the LTI Giessen 46ers are keeping themselves a float in the middle field of the Beko BBL standings and cant afford to go on a big losing streak as the cellar will creep up faster than Bob Cat guard Kemba Walker can sink a floater in the lane. Giessen started the season slow with a three game losing streak, but then won a wild 110-109 scoring festival in the Osthalle. They won back to back games in Trier and was the frst team this season to beat the Brose Baskets Bamberg at home 68-65. Giessen has been some what unpredictable as they beat Phoenix Hagen at home, but also lost on back to back weekends on the road in Munich and Tuebingen by a combined score of 59 points, but then again should have beat Braunschweig at home losing 63-62 not being able to win game on last possession. In the Beko BBL, any team can beat any team and Giessen has the potential to always be capable of making surprises. Giessen is a great team that plays tough. They play very well at home and play scrappy. They can move the ball well and have good perimeter shooters with Stewart and Bernard. They also know how to defend and press very well, stressed ex LTi Giessen 46er Michael Umeh. One thing that Giessen excels at is their guard play. You need to take away their guard play. They seem to make about 60% of their points from their guards. You also always have to be aware of Elvir Ovcina. I have played against him a lot and he is such a great passer and has great court vision, warned ex Wake Forest player Kyle Visser. Defense also seems to have gelled in the early going as the yhave allowed 75 points or fewer in eight of the first 14 games. Our strength is our defense. If we can keep teams at 75 points, then we always have a good chance to win, added Achmadschau Zazai. Despite the well rounded guard play, point guard Zazai knows where the team can still improve. We have to have better ball movement. We have the least assists in the league, warned Zazai.

The Fraport Skyliners may not have had the best start this season, but are slowly starting to recover thanks to their extremely strong and proud play on the road as they will be seeking their fourth win in a row on the road as they enter the Osthalle with a positive 4-3 road record. The Fraport Skyliners still have some injury woes, but seemed to have played their best when confronted with tough injuries and undermanned line ups. The team hope that new point guard Devin Gibson can give his debut in Giessen. The 182cm rookie played at the University of Texas at San Antonio and recently performed at the San Antonio Spurs training camp. If Frankfurt can play like they did in Braunschweig then they will have good chances with their fighting mentality. Having Davidson play well and controlling their guards and denying Ovcina in the low post will be key for getting a win in Giessen, stressed ex EnBW Ludwigsburg center Kyle Visser. Frankfurt continue to do an excellent job limiting turnovers especially against press defense and will need to do it again in Giessen. Frankfurt has to take care of the ball and limit their turnovers against the Giessen press, warned Braunschweig sharp shooter Lamarr Greer. LTi Giessen guard Radenko Pilcevic already did his homework early about how to beat Frankfurt. We have to play tough defense like we did against Braunschweig. Frankfurt is better with the recent good play of Davidson and Burtschi. We have to stop these two guys, warned Radenko Pilcevic. If the game goes down to the wire, then Frankfurt should know which 46er will get the ball in his hand. Jeffers is our x-factor. He will get the ball in the deciding moment, warned Achmadschau Zazai. my ex teammate Jeffers brings a difference to the game when it counts, warned Michael Umeh.

In the last years, The Skyliners have dominated the Hessen derby posting a 10-2 record. Frankfurt has demonstrated a special confidence and calmness that makes the Osthalle in Giessen look more like their own personal lounge area than a hostile Giessen playground with naughty kids throwing sticks and stones. Who could forget the onslaught before Christmas 2005 as Frankfurt routed Giessen 96 to 63 with seven three pointers from Desmond Ferguson. I had a good rhythm going on in that game and my teammates made a good job getting me the ball. I wasnt able to find my rhythm much while I played in Frankfurt for various reasons, but that game was probably my highlight playing there, added ex Skyliner Desmond Ferguson. Three years ago under the guidance of Charles Barton, Frankfurt won a nail bitter 73 to 67 as Frankfurt showed nerves of steal in the dwindling minutes of the fourth quarter. Two years ago, Frankfurt won a tight game, even though it seemed like they were never in any real danger of losing as Derrick Allen led the team with 19 points and an energized Alex King flew into the arena with a specially made superman cape and steered the team off the bench scoring in double figures. Who could forget the buzzer beater by Karlsruhe German Rouven Roessler in 2007? Well that game winning shot that beat Frankfurt was 34 months ago, and Roessler still has the shot dancing in his dreams. I remember that buzzer beater as if it was yesterday. I got the video clip to the game three weeks ago, said ex Giessen 46er Rouven Roessler. . In the 2008-2009 season, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners won in Giessen 75-57 getting 19 points form Lorenzo Gordon. In Frankfurt, they pounded Giessen 93-72 as Pascal Roller and in 2009-2010, Frankfurt won at home 80-69 getting 22 points from Derrick Allen. The last game against Giessen was a nail bitter win by Frankfurt in Giessen which was won 69-68 as Pascal Roller won the game with 13 seconds to play with two free throws. In the first meeting last season Frankfurt won 82-64 as Giessen was outscored 48-21 in the second half. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by Dashaun Wood with 21 points and Roger Powell added 18 points. In the second meeting in Frankfurt, Giessen lost 81-62 as Dashaun Wood scored 26 points. The last time that Frankfurt lost was in December 2002 and they have won the last eight games in a row against Giessen.

The LTi Giessen 46ers are led by 32 year old 194cm shooting guard/small forwardMaurice Jeffers who is back in Giessen for a fourth season. He played at St Louis (NCAA) and was drafted by The Sacremento Kings in 2001. He played five years in Spain before coming to the Giessen 46ers in 2008. In 2009-2010, he averaged 14.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 79.4%. Last season he played in Cyprus and Argentina before coming to Giessen where he finished the season playing 13 games: 10.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 44.7%, FT: 80.8%. In Spain, he won the Spanish LEB Gold (Cope Principe de Asturias) in 2008 with Leche Rio Breogan Lugo. The team also brought back 35 year old 211cm power forward/center Elvir Ovcina who came late to the Giessen 46ers in the 2009-2010 season and is playing his third season in Giessen. He is a movable center, who passes and scores well. He played at Syracuse (NCAA) from 1995-1999 and played a year together with ex NBA player John Wallace reaching the NCAA final in 1996 losing to Kentucky. He played for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg from 2001-2004 and won the BEKO BBL cup with Rhein Energy Cologne in 2005. He had his most success as a player with one team with Ostende winning the league title in 2006 and 2007 and cup in 2008. In 2009-2010 for Giessen, he played 14 games averaging 14.1ppg, 8.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 69.4%. Last season, he played 34 games: 11.4ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 76.4%.

Barry Stewart is a 23 year old 191cm shooting guard from Shelbyville, Tennessee who is playing his second season in the Beko BBL and first with Giessen. He played at Mississippi St. (NCAA) from 2006-2010 and in his senior year played 36 games: 11.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 37.4%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 71.4%. Last season he was a Beko BBL rookie with TBB Trier playing 35 games: 8.8ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 35.8%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 78.4%. Wayne Bernard who was the 2009 PRO A player of the year is a 30 year old 190cm combo guard from Poway, California who is playing his first season for the LTi Giessen 46ers. He has displayed a knack for knocking down clutch baskets in key situations and is a player that performs at his best in pressure situations. He has superb range on his jumper, and can also drive to the hoop with slashing moves. He is also a capable ball handler. He played at Davidson (NCAA) from 2000-2003. Bernard has very much experience having played in countries like Israel, Greece, France, Sweden and Finland It doesnt matter where Bernard has played, he has always been a scorer. in the 2008-2009 season where MBC moved up to the BEKO BBL, he played 30 games: 14.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 80.4%. In 2009-2010 for MBC, he played 34 games: 8.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.7apg, Steals-5 (1.5spg), FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 80.8%. Last season for MBC, he played 34 games: 11.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 85.7%. . Radenko Pilcevic is a 25 year old 188cm guard from Serbia that is playing his first season for Giessen. He had solid stats at KK Borac Cacak in 2008-2009 playing 31 games and averaging 10.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 31.9%, FT: 85.1%. Pilcevic played for MBC from 2009-2011 and in his first season played 33 games averaging 7.4ppg, 1.7rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 72.0%. Last season for MBC, he played 27 games: 7.4ppg, 1.4rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 37.7%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 76.1%.

The team also brought in the very experienced Koko Archibong who is a 30 year old 202cm forward that has the Nigerian/American citizenship and is playing his first season with Giessen and has found a home in Germany as Giessen is his sixth team in the Beko BBL. He played at Pennsylvania (NCAA) from 1999-2003 and was Ivy League champion in 2000 and 2002. He then almost made it to the NBA in 2003 as he was one of the last cuts of the Los Angeles Lakers. He started his professional basketball career in France with Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez (France-ProA): Euroleague: 13 games: 3.2ppg, 1.9rpg; French ProA League: 21games: 3.8ppg, 1.9rpg. He won the league title and cup in France. Besides playing the 2008-2009 season with Asseco Prokom Sopot (Poland-PLK): Euroleague: 13 games: 2.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.1apg; Polish League: 20 games: 6.1ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 70.6%,, he has been all of his career in Germany. He played for The Brose Baskets Bamberg from 2004-2006 winning the BEKO BBL title in 2005. He played for Alba Berlin in 2006-2007 (ULEB Cup: 12 games: 4.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.3apg; German League: 37 games: 6.1ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 48.5%, 3FGP: 30.8%, FT: 68.6%) and in 2007-2008 played for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners (ULEB Cup: 6 games: 11.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.5spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 45.5%, FT: 83.3%; German League: 41 games: 8.4ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 57.0%). In 2009-2010 he had a disappointing season in Duesseldorf playing 33 games: 11.7ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 31.9%, FT: 70.2%. Last season, he played for BBC Bayreuth playing 16 games: 8.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 54.1%.

The team also signed 23 year old 209cm center Robert Ohle who started his basketball career in Paderborn. He already got Beko BBL experience from 2007-2010 playing a total of 35 beko BBL games and already played a Beko BBL game as a 19 year old. Last season, he played a year in the PRO A to sharpen his skills and get more playing time for the : Saar-Pfalz Braves playing 26 games: 8.4ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 48.3%, FT: 64.6%. He played at the European Championships U20 Division B in Targu Mures (Romania) -08: (Champion): 6 games: 5.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.0bpg, 2FGP: 73.7%, FT: 77.8%. Giessen also hauled in the quick 25 year old 177cm Achmadschah Zazai who has already played for 11 teams in his still young career. He started his basketball career at TUS Lichterfelde in 2003. From 2005-2011, he played for teams like SG FT/MTV Braunschweig, : BSG Ludwigsburg, Bremen Roosters, Horsens IC (Denmark), Telemotive Muenchen, Artland Dragons, TV Langen, USC Freiburg and last season for : BV Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA) playing 30 games: 11.6ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-2 (5.9apg), Steals-4 (2.1spg), FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 64.7%. Chad Prewitt is a 31 year old 206cm power forward that was born in Cody Wyoming and is from Phoenix, Arizona. He is playing his first season with the Giessen 46ers. He played at Arizona State from 1998-2002. In his first three professional years, he played two years for the Dakota Wizzards (CBA) and one season for theCedar Rapids River Raiders (USBL). He then came to Europe and played most of his time with the Artland Dragons from 2005-2010. In the 2007-2008 season, he had a short stay with Ago Rethimno (Greece-A1, starting five), only pre-season, then moved to EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga) playing 12 games: 8.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 2FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 78.6%; ULEB Cup: 5 games: 10.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg. His best season with the Dragons was 2006-2007 when he averaged 11.3ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 44.0%, 3FGP: 40.8%, FT: 81.6%. He is a a great defender and team player who also has a nice shooting stroke. He can shoot the three with consistency, plays hard every night and wins everywhere he goes. He played a total of 175games for the Artland Dragons. Last season, he saw the glitz of FC Bayern Muenchen (Germany-ProA): 28 games: 6.6ppg, 2.9rpg, FGP: 64.6%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 76.5%.

The team also got Misan Nikagbatse who is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Berlin that has the German/Nigerian citizenship. He can play both point and shooting guard. Can
also rebound in the traffic. He has impressive physical skills, with an explosive leaping ability. He started his basketball career in 1998 with Lichterfelde Berlin. He already had NBA scouts after him after playing at the Albert Schweitzer Junior Championships in Mannheim (Germany) in 2000 where he was (Best Scorer -27.8ppg): All-Star 1st Team. He seemed to be near the jump to the NBA and went to top Euroleague team Olympiakos Pireus (Greece) in 2000, but never really found his role there as he played only a total of 41 games but got good experience playing 21 Euroleague games before being transported off to Italy. In 2003-2004, he returned to Germany playing with theMitteldeutscher Basketball Club winning the Fiba Europe Cup playing FIBA Europe Cup: 10 games: 9.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.6spg; German 1.Bundesliga: 28 games: 11.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.9apg, 1.6spg, 3.0bpg. He then had a steady career in Italy from 2004-2007 playing for Euro Roseto, Cantu and Premiata Montegranaro. He then returned to Germany to play for : Koeln 99ers in 2007-2008 playing ULEB Cup: 8 games: 7.1ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 52%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 62.5%; German League: 15 games: 8.7ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg, 2FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 22.7%, FT: 69.8%. In 2008-2009, he played for Cimberio Varese (Italy-Lega2): 23 games: 6.7ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 75.7%. From 2009-2011, he didnt play professional basketball as he played for DBV Charlottenburg (Germany-2.Regionalliga). Matthias Perl is a 22 year old 188cm quick point guard that is a relentless defender. He has been playing for Giessen teams since 2004 when he started for the MTV Giessen cadet team. He then played for VfB Giessen (Regionalliga) before playing for LTi Lich (ProA) from 2007-2009. In 2009-2010, he played for LTi Giessen 46ers (1.Bundesliga): 7 games: 0.7ppg; also played at Licher Basket Baeren (ProB): 28 games: 5.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 39.5%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 73.5%. Last season, he for Giessen he played 16 games: 1.6ppg, 1.0rpg. The LTi Giessen 46ers host the Fraport Skyliners on January 2nd, 2012 at 20:00.


BG Dorsten Bring In Gene Hagner - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
BG Dorsten have brought In Gene Hagner (190-G-83) to help strengthen their roster for the stretch run of the 2011-2012 PRO B season. Hagner is a 28 year old 190 cm guard that has the American/German citzenship, He played for winless BG Illertal Weissenhorn this season where he averaged 4,6ppg, 2,4rpg and 1,6apg in 10 games. He started his professional basketball career in 2003 and has played his whole basketball career in Germany. In 2003-2004, it was KuSG Leimen (Regionalliga), 2004-2005: MTV Stuttgart (Regionalliga)2005-2006: TS Goppingen (Germany-Oberliga): 20 games: 10.8 ppg, 2006-2007: TS Goeppingen (Germany-Regionalliga, starting five): 21 games: 6.6 ppg
2007-2008: TS Goeppingen (Germany-Regionalliga, starting five): 15 games: 9.5ppg, 2008-2009: BC Energie Zwickau (Germany-Regionalliga), in Jan.'09 moved to FC Bayern Muenchen (Germany-ProA): 3 games: 1.0ppg, 2009-2010: Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProB): 27 games: 3.9ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.6apg, and 2010-2011: USC Freiburg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 26 games: 3.6ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.8apg.

Standings - 1. Bundesliga
1.Bundesliga Standings
 1. Brose Baskets 13-2 
 2. Ratiopharm 12-2 
 3. Art.Dragons 12-4 
 4. ALBA 9-5 
 5. EWE Baskets 9-6 
 6. B.Muenchen 9-6 
 7. NY Phantoms 9-7 
 8. s.Oliver Baskets 9-7 
 9. Bremerhaven 8-8 
 10. Telekom Baskets 8-8 
 11. Bayreuth 7-9 
 12. Fraport SKY 6-10 
 13. Walter Tigers 6-10 
 14. Phoenix Hagen 6-10 
 15. EnBW L'burg 5-10 
 16. LTi 46ers 5-11 
 17. TBB Trier 5-11 
 18. Goettingen 2-14 


Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga
Points Per Game
 Bobby BROWN
  EWE Baskets
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 18.3
 1. Brown, EWE Baskets18.3 
 2. Holston, Art.Drag.17.5 
 3. Carter, Phoenix16.9 
 4. Foster, B.Muenchen15.5 
 5. Jonusas, Phoenix15.2 
 6. Swann, Ratiopharm15.1 
 7. Ensminger, Teleko.15.1 
 8. Leuer, Fraport SKY14.8 
 9. Wood, ALBA14.5 
 10. Jeffers, LTi 46ers14.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 John BRYANT
  Ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 9.7
 1. Bryant, Ratiopharm9.7 
 2. Ensminger, Teleko.8.3 
 3. Chubb, EWE Baskets8.3 
 4. Davidson, Fraport7.9 
 5. Evans, Goettingen7.9 
 6. Leuer, Fraport SKY7.8 
 7. Sykes, Goettingen7.1 
 8. Watts, Ratiopharm6.9 
 9. Zirbes, TBB Trier6.6 
 10. Ovcina, LTi 46ers6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Jared JORDAN
  Telekom .
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Jordan, Telekom7.4 
 2. Holston, Art.Drag.5.8 
 3. Joyce, TBB Trier5.3 
 4. Brown, EWE Baskets5.2 
 5. Wood, ALBA5.1 
 6. Brewer, Bremerha.5.1 
 7. Campbell, Walter T.4.5 
 8. Hamann, B.Muenchen4.5 
 9. Gibson, Bayreuth4.4 
 10. Everett, Bremerha.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Nate LINHART
  TBB Trier
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Linhart, TBB Trier1.9 
 2. Dorris, EnBW L.1.7 
 3. Holston, Art.Drag.1.6 
 4. Redding, Walter T.1.5 
 5. Wood, ALBA1.5 
 6. Kramer, s.Oliv.1.4 
 7. Crowe, Phoenix1.4 
 8. Carter, Phoenix1.4 
 9. Bernard, LTi 46ers1.3 
 10. Jacobson, s.Oliv.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Ekenechukwu IBEKWE
  Bayreuth
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Ibekwe, Bayreuth2.1 
 2. Slaughter, Brose B.1.8 
 3. Gaffney, Teleko.1.8 
 4. Looby, EnBW L.1.7 
 5. Davidson, Fraport1.5 
 6. Pleiss, Brose B.1.4 
 7. King, Art.Dragons1.3 
 8. Bryant, Ratiopharm1.1 
 9. Redding, Walter T.1.0 
 10. Boone, s.Oliver.0.9 


Dennis Langer leaves BSW Sixers and gets hired by SSV Lok Bernau - by Moritz Korff
Dennis Langer (206-F-89) has parted company with the BSW Sixers and will continue his career at SSV Lok Bernau. 'Dennis is still a young player, but has gained lots of experience in our league already. He will strengthen our frontcourt and will add more depth to our roster', Bernau coach Axel Rueber stated. Langer transfered from RSV Eintracht Teltow / Kleinmachnow / Stahnsdorf to the Sixers during the summer and had ten appearances on the BSW team this season, averaging three points and close to two rebounds per contest.

Gotha Rockets strike a deal with Kevin Schaffartzik - by Moritz Korff
Getting to the very top of the 2. Bundesliga Pro B appears to be the only option for the Gotha Rockets this season. A couple of days after signing Davon Roberts (197-F-86, college: Azusa Pacific), the team further strengthened its roster: The Rockets have agreed a deal to bring in Kevin Schaffartzik (187-G-88). The younger brother of Germany's Men's National Team player Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) can play both the shooting guard position or run the point. He had signed a letter-of-intent to attend Sam Houston State University (NCAA D1), but eventually was not eligible to play for the Bearkats. Schaffartzik earned second team all-Western Junior College Athletic Association following his sophomore campaign at Odessa College. He averaged 9.7 points per contest for the Wranglers throughout the 2010-11 season. The 23-year-old former German junior international played for TuS Lichterfelde and RSV Eintracht Teltow / Kleinmachnow / Stahnsdorf before he took his game to the United States.

Anything but average: Everage Richardson takes the Bodfeld Baskets to new heights and makes a name as one of the best scorers in Germany - by Moritz Korff
It is safe to say that Everage Richardson (191-G-85, college: Co.Carolina) isn't shy at embarking on adventures. 'Coming from the streets of Brooklyn, New York it was a huge culture shock', the 26-year-old admits. Since 2009 Richardson calls Elbingerode home, or at least 'a home away from home', as he puts it. The list of sights in and around the former mining town, that was first mentioned in records in the year 1206, includes some traditional half-timbered houses, a couple of cross-country ski runs in the winter and being located in the middle of the Harz mountains numerous natural sights of course. But since Mr. Richardson has come to town, he and his Bodfeld Baskets have put Elbingerode on the map in a sporty way. 'It has been kind of a basketball boom in Elbingerode. We went from having just one team, now we have three here. It has been great to have such an influence on a city that has become in love with basketball. It is good to see it happen so fast, it is overwhelming at the same time to actually be a big part of it', Richardson says.

The Bodfeld Baskets did not waste any time and got on a two year-winning streak which helped the team to make it to the 2. Regionalliga. Without a doubt Richardson has a major part in this story of success and has embraced his role as a basketball pioneer in the Harz mountains. He just took the town and German basketball by storm, averaging more than 40 points per contest since he arrived in 2009. In his first season in Elbingerode he would drop 49 points per contest in the Landesliga. In 17 games of this past campaign Richardson averaged 47.8 points through 17 games. This season it's the 2. Regionalliga North-West's turn to witness the incredible scoring ability of the 2008 Coastal Carolina graduate. He has put 41.1 points per game on the scoreboard so far this year, highlighted by a 56 and 54 points performance. Everage Richardson just has to be too good for the 2. Regionalliga, one might presume: 'I definitely do feel challenged in this league. I think it is better than what most people think. A lot of the teams in this league have experience playing together for some years. It is getting tougher every game with the teams throwing double teams my way and many other different defenses throughout the game. The scoring ability has always been a huge part of my game, it got better throughout the years as I gained more confidence and with that in this game makes anything possible. It is kind of tough to having scoring games like I've had here as opposed to when I was in Coastal Carolina, because the style of play was a bit different. I had high scoring games in Coastal too, but none as I did here in Germany. But with this club there is far more expectations for me.'

Despite having a player on their roster who is virtually unstoppable in the 2. Regionalliga, the Bodfeld Baskets had to realize that nothing comes easily. After years of impeccable success, they had to accept three losses in this current season already. Richardson: 'It was a bit tough to go through defeat after winning so much, but no team is perfect. I think the losses were definitely a wake up call and helped us grow as a team. It has made us become hungrier now to reach the top and get that success we are used to having here in Elbingerode.' Adding another championship this season to their record is still not off their radar. And considering the opportunities that head coach Dainius Pleta has, nobody will write off the Bodfeld Baskets: Bulgarian Boyan Tenev (205-F-88, college: Lincoln Memorial), Slovenian Ljubisa Markovic (205-C-91), Hungarian Tamas Markus (180-G/F-89) and Estonian Madis Shumanov (207-C-88) form an impressive supporting cast around Richardson. 'It is very funny and interesting being able to witness and be around players from so many different lifestyles within one group. Everyone speaks English well, so that is helpful for me.' In any case, it would not surprise anyone, if the 2. Regionalliga would not be the end of the journey for the Elbingerode team: 'The Bodfeld Baskets have came along way, I do believe we can raise up a few more times. We have a great organization and fan base who are very helpful for our success thus far. Sky is the limit, I think. If we continue to have the dedication and work hard anything is possible for us', Richardson says.

As far as Richardson's future is concerned, the 26-year-old, given his capability of putting the ball through the net in such impressive manner, will definitely draw the interest of several other teams. And he does not deny the appeal of proving his skills at a higher level: 'I definitely think I can compete in the higher leagues such as Pro A and Pro B. Part of the reason I play the game of basketball is to compete against the best of them. For now I am just making the best of the opportunity given to me here from the Bodfeld Baskets. Hopefully we can get that far as a team and compete in those leagues. I do think it is possible to be a dominant scorer in the higher leagues as well. Scoring is one of the strong points in my game. I feel with my knowledge and experience of the game that will allow me to do so wherever I play.' In his two years at NCAA Division 1 school Coastal Carolina however, Richardson emphazised the fact that he can't be limited to sheer scoring. He averaged 13.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2 steals as a senior. 'For the critics I would just ask them to come to a game and see for themselves all the other things I can do as well as the impact I have on the game without scoring the basketball.'

And as for leaving Brooklyn for Elbingerode, every move seems to contain something positive for the 26-year-old. Richardson: 'It took some time, but I am good with adapting and just started having a positive outlook on everything. Being in a small city in the middle of nowhere with not many distractions helped me stay extremely focused on what needed to be done.'

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


Ikaros bring in Jimmy Baxter - by Eurobasket News
Ikaros bolstered their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Florida). The guard started the season in Slovenia. He played for Krka Novo Mesto. Jimmy Baxter posted 9.5 points, 3.3 boards and 1.5 assists per game in EuroCup. In Adriatic League the guard notched 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per appearance. Last season Jimmy Baxter played in Greece. He notched 15.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.7 steals for Ilysiakos. The player participated at Greek League All-Star Game. Previously Jimmy Baxter had stints in Israel, Turkey, Belgium, Latvia, Italy, France, Portugal and WBA.


Hernold Gardener leaves Ilysiakos - by Eurobasket News
Ilysiakos split ways with Hernold Gardener (205-C-82, college: Lon Morris JC). The centre joined the team at the start of the season. He posted 12.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game in A1 League. Last season Hernold Gardener started in Turkey. He played for Final Genclik. The centre averaged 18.5 points, 11.3 boards, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks per game in TB2L. Eurobasket.com named Hernold Gardener All-Turkish TB2L Defensive Player of the Year. The centre also made it into All-Turkish TB2L 1st Team. Later he moved to Costa Rica to join Kolbi Liceo. Earlier Hernold Gardener had spells in Nicaragua, Poland, Mexico, Iran and France. The centre was the member of Costa Rican National Team in 2000-09.


Stats Leaders - A1
Points Per Game
 Kosta CHARALAMPIDIS
  KAO.
  (189-G-76)
  Avg: 20
 1. Charalampidi., KAO.20.0 
 2. Christmas, AGOR17.8 
 3. Kommatos, Marousi17.1 
 4. Tapoutos, Aris17.0 
 5. Roby, Peristeri GS16.4 
 6. Baynes, Ikaros15.3 
 7. James, Aris14.9 
 8. Gagaloudis, Marousi14.6 
 9. Dikoudis, PAOK13.9 
 10. Taylor, Kavala13.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aron BAYNES
  Ikaros
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 9.8
 1. Baynes, Ikaros9.8 
 2. Bavcic, KAOD8.7 
 3. Haritopoulos, Maro.8.1 
 4. Stepheson, Panio.8.1 
 5. Goree, PAOK7.1 
 6. Flowers, KAOD6.7 
 7. Giddens, PAOK6.7 
 8. Kommatos, Marousi6.3 
 9. Tapoutos, Aris6.2 
 10. Charissis, Koloss.6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Vasilis XANTHOPOULOS
  Panio.
  (187-G-84)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Xanthopoulos, Pani.5.3 
 2. Spanoulis, Olympia.5.1 
 3. Gagaloudis, Marousi5.0 
 4. Diamantidis, Panat.5.0 
 5. Charalampidi., KAO.4.3 
 6. James, Aris4.2 
 7. Thompson, Ilysi.4.1 
 8. Petroulas, Periste.3.9 
 9. Wright, AGOR3.8 
 10. Keys, Panionios3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Darryl THOMPSON
  Ilysi.
  (173-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Thompson, Ilysi.2.3 
 2. Wright, AGOR2.3 
 3. Christmas, AGOR1.9 
 4. James, Aris1.7 
 5. Calathes, Panathin.1.6 
 6. Tsamis, Kolossos1.6 
 7. Georgalis, Kolossos1.4 
 8. Gardener, Ilysiakos1.3 
 9. Chatzis, Ilysiakos1.3 
 10. Hatten, Kolossos1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Sam MULDROW
  Aris
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Muldrow, Aris1.9 
 2. O''Bryant, Kavala1.4 
 3. Flowers, KAOD1.3 
 4. Hines, Olympiakos1.3 
 5. Scott, Peristeri GS1.0 
 6. Giddens, PAOK1.0 
 7. Johnson, Ikaros1.0 
 8. Stepheson, Panio.0.8 
 9. Edwards, Perister.0.8 
 10. Vougioukas, Pana.0.8 


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


*****************************************************
  GUINEA   


Diane comes back to BK Ventspils - by Eurobasket Center
BK Ventspils added to their roster 26-year old Guinean-Ivoirian swingman Mamadi Diane (196-G/F-86, college: Virginia). Its actually Dianes comeback to Ventspils as he played here before. Diane played most recently at BK SPU Bemaco Nitra (Slovakia). While playing 4 games for Nitra in EuroChallenge he averaged 18.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.0apg and 2.5spg. Diane played also pro basketball in Spain. He graduated from The University of Virginia in 2009 and it will be his third season in pro basketball. Diane represented Guinea at the African Championships in Madagascar last year. His team got to the Semifinals and Dianes stats at this event were 7 games: 8.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 40.5%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 60.0%.


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


Spencer Perrin moved to Hungary - by Tamas Deri
American forward, Spencer Perrin (195-F, college: E.Kentucky) agreed with the management of Factum Sport and will be on a two-weeks tryout with his new club. The 195 cm tall forward graduated on the University of Eastern Kentucky last summer and had a solid senior season averaging 13.3ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.1apg in 30 games. He started his professional carreer with BK Vahostav-SK Zilina in Slovakia and helped his team with 13.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 31.6 minutes on the court. He played his last game on the 21st of December and finished with 21 points and 7 rebounds against Banska Bystrica.

Hungary U18 finished the International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Hungary U18 finished the International Tournament with 1-2 record.
In Day 1 Hungary U18 overcame Sokol prazsky U19 63:59. Kristof Bognar (203-C/F-94) stepped up with 14 points for the winners with 14 points and Zoltan Perl (189-G-95) scored 11. Jan Kunes replied with 14 points in the losing case.
In Day 2 BCM Nymburk U19 edged Hungary U18 70:69. Eddi Jurevic stepped up with 25 points and Robin Matejka (190-G/F-93) delivered 15. Zoltan Perl notched 16 in defeat and Janos Velkey (193-G-95) added 11.
BCM Nymburk U19 won the tournament due to 62:56 win over Sokol prazsky U19. Martin Kriz and Patrik Novy paced all the winners with 14 points each, while Jan Kunes netted the same number of points in defeat.
Czech Republic U17 finished second at the tournament beating Hungary U18 83:53. Adam Pechacek (206-C-95) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Martin Peterka (201-F-95) added 16. Janos Velkey and Zoltan Perl ended up with 12 points each in defeat.


Budapest hosted the International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Budapest hosted the International Tournament with 4 teams participated. The Polish team celebrated three straight victories.
In Day 1 Poland U16 edged Hungary U16 73:58. The Polish side started with 20-16 and added massive 24-12 in the second period. Hungary replied with 17-12 in the third quarter, while Poland celebrated the victory due to 17-13 in the last stanza. Grzegorz Kulka paced all the winners with 19 point, while. Gyorgy Goloman (204-F/C-96) replied with 20 points in the losing effort.
In Day 2 Hungary U16 beat Slovakia U16 76:70. The latter grabbed 19-11 lead after the first 10 minutes of the game, but the hosts replied with 25-12 in the second quarter. Moreover Hungary won the third quarter 25-16 and benefit from the game. Pungor poured in 10 points, while Antoni, Gyorgy Goloman, Hodi and Ratvay added 9 each.
In Day 3 Hungary U16 overcame Czech Republic U16 to finish second in the tournament.


Robert Meszlenyi on Soprons bench again - by Levente Szabo
With a 4-9 record sitting on the 11th place Kis-Raba menti Takarek Soproni KC is one of the underperforming teams in the Hungarian League. After they lost back to back games against close rivals lately the management of the team decided that changes needs to be made and parted ways with head coach Imre Horvath while signed former coach Robert Meszlenyi .

Coach Meszlenyi is a familiar face in Kis-Raba menti Takarek Soproni KC locker room. He spent 3 seasons with the team as a head coach from 2007 to 2010. Robert Meszlenyi will take over the team this weekend while they will face Zalakeramia-ZTE KK in a must win game.


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


Standings - EBS Superleague
SuperLeague Standings
North Conference
 1. DCU Saints 12-2 
 2. 11890 Killester 9-4 
 3. UCD Marian 5-7 
 4. Belfast Star 1-11 
South Conference
 1. UCC Demons 8-4 
 2. B.Gais Neptune 8-5 
 3. UL Eagles 6-8 
 4. Moycullen 3-11 


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


Andrew Wisniewski's High On Sharon Drucker & Jerusalem's Radar - by David Pick
With just 24-hours after appointed as head coach, Sharon Drucker will stand on the sidelines for Hapoel Jerusalem tonight, in the team's road game against the league's rock bottom ranked Bnei Hasharon.

Eurobasket reveals that Drucker, who signed a 1.5 year deal with the team, is expected to make some roster changes and is keen on strengthen his backcourt by acquiring American point guard Andrew Wisniewski. Jerusalem's recently fired coach Oded Katash, also tried to make a move for Wisniewski, however, the player couldn't leave the U.S. due to prior family obligations, but insisted he'd get on the first flight out after Christmas break.

In 2009, Drucker (then an assistant coach), spent the season with Wisniewski working for Maccabi Tel-Aviv and successfully maintained a positive relationship since. The two sides are yet to begin contract negotiations, yet, Eurobasket discloses that Wisniewski's representatives have already spoken directly to coach Drucker, who gave the move a green light.

High team management sources confirmed the information to Eurobasket as Wisniewski exclusively said 'I promised my family I'd be home until after Christmas, but it would be a pleasure to come back to Israel and work with Coach Drucker and Jerusalem. I hope we manage to finish the deal within the next few days.'

The N.Y. native playmaker is known for his dazzling speed, great court vision and playing with intensity. In 2003-2004, he graduated from Centenary College posting averages of 21.9ppg, 3.5rpg and 4.3apg, displaying great leadership and outside shooting. Wisniewski, who spent his European career playing in Serbia, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Russia, Israel and last season in Turkey with Efes Pilsen. While playing for Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv, Wisniewski averaged 8.8ppg, 2.8rpg and 2.6apg in the Euroleague and 9.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.3apg and 1.3spg in the Israeli League.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @IAmDPick

Loto League Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Sylven LANDESBERG
  Maccab.
  (198-F/G-90)
  Avg: 22
 1. Landesberg, Macca.22.0 
 2. Carter, Bnei H.21.3 
 3. Banks, Elitzur21.0 
 4. Lewis, Hapoel Holon20.0 
 5. Crawford, Maccab.18.9 
 6. Delaney, B.C. H.18.6 
 7. Asbury, Elitzur18.2 
 8. Duncan, Maccabi17.6 
 9. Bradley, Maccabi17.2 
 10. Freeman, B.C. H.17.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Bryant DUNSTON
  Hapoel H.
  (202-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Dunston, Hapoel H.10.5 
 2. Dowell, B.C. H.8.3 
 3. Williams, Maccabi7.9 
 4. Tyus, Maccabi7.9 
 5. James, Bnei H.7.7 
 6. Kitchen, Maccabi7.6 
 7. Uter, Maccabi7.4 
 8. Burns, Elitzur7.4 
 9. Bowman, Maccabi7.4 
 10. Hendrix, Maccabi7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Moran ROTH
  Hapoel Holon
  (183-PG-82)
  Avg: 8.4
 1. Roth, Hapoel Holon8.4 
 2. Tapiro, Maccabi7.7 
 3. Randle, Elitzur6.6 
 4. Thomas, Galil Gilb.6.3 
 5. Carter, Bnei H.5.9 
 6. Papaloukas, Macca.5.3 
 7. Mitchell, Ironi A.5.2 
 8. Jackson, Maccabi5.2 
 9. Delaney, B.C. H.4.6 
 10. Ohayon, Maccabi4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Danilo PINNOCK
  B.C. H.
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Pinnock, B.C. H.2.8 
 2. Limonad, Ironi A.2.5 
 3. Robinson, B.C. H.2.2 
 4. Kitchen, Maccabi2.0 
 5. Ohayon, Maccabi1.9 
 6. Ben-Chimol, Maccab.1.9 
 7. Mitchell, Ironi A.1.9 
 8. Berkowitz, Ironi A.1.9 
 9. Skinn, Ironi Ashke.1.9 
 10. Bowman, Maccabi1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Sean WILLIAMS
  Maccabi .
  (208-F-86)
  Avg: 4.1
 1. Williams, Maccabi4.1 
 2. Varnado, Hapoel J.2.1 
 3. Uter, Maccabi2.1 
 4. Dunston, Hapoel H.1.8 
 5. James, Maccabi T-A1.5 
 6. Tyus, Maccabi1.3 
 7. Powell, Maccabi Ha.1.2 
 8. Hendrix, Maccabi1.2 
 9. Wilkerson, Maccab.1.0 
 10. Sullivan, Hapoel1.0 


Standings - BSL
Premier League Standings
 1. Maccabi T-A 10-1 
 2. Galil Gilboa 7-4 
 3. Hapoel J-M 7-4 
 4. Maccabi Rishon 6-5 
 5. B.C. Habikaa 6-5 
 6. Hapoel Holon 6-5 
 7. Ironi Ashkelon 6-5 
 8. Elitzur Netanya 4-6 
 9. Maccabi Haifa 3-8 
 10. Maccabi Ashdod 3-8 
 11. Bnei Hasharon 2-9 


Premier League Round 12: Hapoel Holon is upset by Maccabi Rishon - by Eurobasket News
The most important game in the last round took place in Rishon Le-Zion between third ranked Hapoel Holon (6-5) and fifth ranked Maccabi Rishon (6-5) on Monday night. Hapoel Holon was defeated by Maccabi Rishon on the road 88-77. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Hapoel Holon. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 7-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 88-77. 28 personal fouls committed by Hapoel Holon helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American guard Derwin Kitchen (193-86, college: Florida St., agency: VVG Sports) who scored 35 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 5 assists (on 13-of-17 shooting from the field). Jamaican-American power forward Adrian Uter (201-84, college: Hofstra, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) chipped in 12 points and 9 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Tasmin Mitchell (201-86, college: LSU) who recorded 21 points and 8 rebounds. Maccabi Rishon moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Hapoel Holon. Maccabi Rishon will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hapoel Holon will play at home against B.C. Habikaa (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Tel-Aviv. First ranked Maccabi T-A faced second-best Galil Gilboa. Host Maccabi T-A (10-1) smashed guests from Galil (7-4) 102-61. The game was dominated by American players. It was a good game for power forward Richard Hendrix (203-86, college: Alabama) who led his team to a victory with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Shawn James contributed with 17 points and 7 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) for the winners. Power forward Joseph Jones (204-86, college: Texas A&M) replied with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds for Galil Gilboa. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Maccabi T-A have an impressive six-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 10-1 record. Galil Gilboa at the other side keeps the second place with four games lost. They share the position with Hapoel J-M. Maccabi T-A will play against Ironi Ashkelon (#7) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Galil Gilboa will play against Hapoel J-M (#3) in Jerusalem and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Haifa between B.C. Habikaa and Maccabi Haifa. Sixth ranked B.C. Habikaa (6-5) got a very close victory on the road over 9th ranked Maccabi Haifa (3-8). B.C. Habikaa managed to escape with a 2-point win 78-76 on Monday evening. The game was also dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of Paul Delaney who helped to win the game recording 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. The best for the losing side was Tyler Wilkerson with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds. B.C. Habikaa moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Maccabi Haifa lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with eight games lost. They share it with Maccabi Ashdod. B.C. Habikaa will meet Hapoel Holon (#6) on the road in the next round. Maccabi Haifa will play against Bnei Hasharon in Hod Hasharon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very interesting game took place in Ashkelon. It ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 10th ranked Maccabi Ashdod (3-8) to seventh ranked Ironi Ashkelon (6-5) 87-85 on Monday evening. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by Dwayne Mitchell who scored that evening 25 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. Ironi Ashkelon moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Maccabi Ashdod at the other side dropped to the ninth position with eight games lost. Ironi Ashkelon's next round opponent will be league's leader Maccabi T-A in Tel-Aviv and it may be the game of the week. Maccabi Ashdod will play at home against Elitzur Netanya (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 12 Hapoel J-M crushed Bnei Hasharon in Jerusalem 102-63.


Maccabi T-A - Galil Gilboa 102-61

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Tel-Aviv. First ranked Maccabi T-A faced second-best Galil Gilboa. Host Maccabi T-A (10-1) smashed guests from Galil (7-4) 102-61. The game without a history. Maccabi T-A led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Galil Gilboa's 36 and made 16-of-19 charity shots (84.2 percent) during the game. Maccabi T-A players were unselfish on offense dishing 32 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Galil Gilboa's players. The game was dominated by American players. It was a good game for power forward Richard Hendrix (203-86, college: Alabama) who led his team to a victory with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Center Shawn James (208-83, college: Northeastern, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) contributed with 17 points and 7 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) for the winners. Four Maccabi T-A players scored in double figures. Power forward Joseph Jones (204-86, college: Texas A&M) replied with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds and point guard Chaisson Allen (192-89, college: Northeastern) added 13 points and 4 assists in the effort for Galil Gilboa. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Maccabi T-A have an impressive six-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 10-1 record. Galil Gilboa at the other side keeps the second place with four games lost. They share the position with Hapoel J-M. Maccabi T-A will play against Ironi Ashkelon (#7) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Galil Gilboa will play against Hapoel J-M (#3) in Jerusalem and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Galil Gilboa: C.Allen 13+3reb+4ast, R.Travis 13+2reb+1ast, J.Jones 12+10reb+2ast, D.Yavzuri 8+3reb+4ast, O.Farhi 6+1reb+1ast, C.Fells 4+1ast
Maccabi T-A: R.Hendrix 21+8reb+4ast, S.James 17+7reb+2ast, G.Pnini 16+8ast, L.Eliyahu 15+2reb+3ast, J.Scheyer 11+2reb, D.Blu 9+4reb+2ast
gschID: 137345


Maccabi Haifa - B.C. Habikaa 76-78

A very close game took place in Haifa between B.C. Habikaa and Maccabi Haifa. Sixth ranked B.C. Habikaa (6-5) got a very close victory on the road over 9th ranked Maccabi Haifa (3-8). B.C. Habikaa managed to escape with a 2-point win 78-76 on Monday evening. The guests trailed by 7 points after three quarters before their 25-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. The game was also dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Paul Delaney (188-86, college: UAB) who helped to win the game recording 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and power forward Rashaun Freeman (206-84, college: Massachusetts) who added 19 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was forward Tyler Wilkerson (202-88, college: Marshall) with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds and forward Carlos Powell (199-83, college: S.Carolina) scored 18 points. Five B.C. Habikaa and four Maccabi Haifa players scored in double figures. B.C. Habikaa moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Maccabi Haifa lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with eight games lost. They share it with Maccabi Ashdod. B.C. Habikaa will meet Hapoel Holon (#6) on the road in the next round. Maccabi Haifa will play against Bnei Hasharon in Hod Hasharon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Maccabi Haifa: T.Wilkerson 19+14reb+1ast, C.Powell 18+2reb+1ast, S.Landesberg 15+5reb+1ast, A.Ben-Chimol 10+1reb+1ast, J.Jackson 9+1reb+6ast, T.Ariely 3
B.C. Habikaa: R.Freeman 19+5reb+1ast, P.Delaney 15+7reb+5ast, D.Dowell 14+2reb+1ast, E.Skverer 11+3reb, F.Robinson 11+4reb+2ast, N.Cohen 4+2reb+1ast
gschID: 137341


Maccabi Rishon - Hapoel Holon 88-77

The most important game in the last round took place in Rishon Le-Zion between third ranked Hapoel Holon (6-5) and fifth ranked Maccabi Rishon (6-5) on Monday night. Hapoel Holon was defeated by Maccabi Rishon on the road 88-77. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Hapoel Holon. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 7-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 88-77. 28 personal fouls committed by Hapoel Holon helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American guard Derwin Kitchen (193-86, college: Florida St., agency: VVG Sports) who scored 35 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 5 assists (on 13-of-17 shooting from the field). Jamaican-American power forward Adrian Uter (201-84, college: Hofstra, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) chipped in 12 points and 9 rebounds. Four Maccabi Rishon players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Tasmin Mitchell (201-86, college: LSU) who recorded 21 points and 8 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Ron Lewis (193-84, college: Ohio St.) added 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists respectively. Maccabi Rishon moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Hapoel Holon. Maccabi Rishon will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hapoel Holon will play at home against B.C. Habikaa (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hapoel Holon: T.Mitchell 21+8reb+1ast, R.Lewis 19+5reb+6ast, M.Roth 16+3reb+9ast, B.Dunston 8+5reb+1ast, P.Sullivan 7+4reb, S.Daniel 6+3reb
Maccabi Rishon: D.Kitchen 35+9reb+5ast, B.Bowman 12+4reb+2ast, A.Ben David 12+1reb+4ast, A.Uter 12+9reb+2ast, N.Hanochi 9+4reb+1ast, J.Crawford 8+4reb+2ast
gschID: 137342


Ironi Ashkelon - Maccabi Ashdod 87-85

A very interesting game took place in Ashkelon. It ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 10th ranked Maccabi Ashdod (3-8) to seventh ranked Ironi Ashkelon (6-5) 87-85 on Monday evening. The hosts were ahead by 3 points but lost the second period ending it with a 2-point deficit before their 31-27 run, which allowed them to win the game. Ironi Ashkelon made 24-of-26 charity shots (92.3 percent) during the game. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by swingman Dwayne Mitchell (196-82, college: La-Lafayette, agency: Interperformances) who scored that evening 25 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals and power forward Marco Killingsworth (202-82, college: Indiana, agency: Interperformances) supported him with 13 points and 9 rebounds. Even 23 points and 8 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) by forward Alex Tyus (203-88, college: Florida) did not help to save the game for Maccabi Ashdod. Guard Ramel Bradley (188-85) added 16 points and 8 assists. Five Ironi Ashkelon and four Maccabi Ashdod players scored in double figures. Ironi Ashkelon moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Maccabi Ashdod at the other side dropped to the ninth position with eight games lost. Ironi Ashkelon's next round opponent will be league's leader Maccabi T-A in Tel-Aviv and it may be the game of the week. Maccabi Ashdod will play at home against Elitzur Netanya (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Maccabi Ashdod: A.Tyus 23+8reb, J.Carter 21+2reb+3ast, R.Bradley 16+4reb+8ast, J.Duncan 14+4reb+3ast, M.Tapiro 7+6reb+8ast, D.Gor Arie 2
Ironi Ashkelon: D.Mitchell 25+5reb+6ast, N.Berkowitz 20+2reb+2ast, J.Morgan 13+4reb+1ast, M.Killingsworth 13+9reb+3ast, A.Simhon 10+4reb+2ast, J.Nir 6+2reb
gschID: 137343


Bnei Hasharon - Hapoel J-M 63-102

There was no surprise in Hod Hasharon where 11th ranked Bnei Hasharon (2-9) was crushed by fourth ranked Hapoel J-M (7-4) 102-63. The game without a history. Hapoel J-M led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Bnei Hasharon's 32. They outrebounded Bnei Hasharon 51-27 including a 36-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Hapoel J-M players were unselfish on offense dishing 32 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Bnei Hasharon's players. They brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. The winners were led by American guard D.J. Strawberry (196-85, college: Maryland) who scored that evening 19 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists and international forward Elishay Kadir (202-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) supported him with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Four Hapoel J-M players scored in double figures. Even 25 points and 8 assists by American point guard Tweety Carter (180-86, college: Baylor) did not help to save the game for Bnei Hasharon. His fellow American import forward Delroy James (203-87, college: Rhode Island) added 13 points and 15 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Hapoel J-M moved-up to second place, which they share with Galil Gilboa. Bnei Hasharon lost fourth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with nine games lost. Hapoel J-M's next round opponent will be league's second-placed Galil Gilboa at home and it will be for sure the game of the week. Bnei Hasharon will play against Maccabi Haifa (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Bnei Hasharon: T.Carter 25+4reb+8ast, D.James 13+15reb+1ast, G.Lavie 7+3ast, J.Mintz 6+2reb, J.Williams 5+1reb+1ast, R.Buchbinder 4+2reb+1ast
Hapoel J-M: D.Strawberry 19+7reb+8ast, E.Kadir 18+11reb+2ast, B.Randle 17+4reb+3ast, J.Varnado 14+8reb, D.McCamey 14+1reb+5ast, M.Mizrahi 8+2reb+2ast
gschID: 137344




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


Sani Becirovic extended the contract with Benetton - by Eurobasket News
Sani Becirovic (196-G-81) extended the contract with Benetton and will stay in the Italian team. Sani Becirovic headed to Benetton Treviso in August. The Slovenian National Team player however finished last year in Russia.
Few years ago Sani Becirovic has agreed on terms of extending his contract with Armani Jeans. Becirovic stayed in Milan till the end of the season. The 28-year-old Slovenian guard joined Armani Jeans in January. He tallied 7.3 points, 3.7 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game in Seria A. Sani Becirovic started the season in Union Olimpija. He averaged 12.9 points, 3.3 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game in Euroleague. In Adriatic League the guard notched 12.9 points, 3.9 assists and 1.8 boards.
For Benetton this season he recorded 20 points at the start of the season. Pepsi Caserta upset Benetton TV 85:84 in October as Slovenian guard Sani Becirovic added 20 points and 5 assists in the effort for Benetton. The hosts were tied after three quarters but managed to speed up in last quarter eventually winning the game.


Brad Wanamaker joins Forli - by Eurobasket News
Forli bolstered their backcourt. They added Brad Wanamaker (193-G-89, college: Pittsburgh) to the roster. The guard started the season in Banca Tercas Teramo. He posted 7.6 points, 4.0 boards, 1.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game in SeriaA. Later Brad Wanamaker moved overseas. He spent some time in the Atlanta Hawks training camp. It is the first pro season for the guard. Brad Wanamaker graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2011. He tallied 11.7 points, 5.2 boards, 5.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game in his senior season. The guard made it into All-Big East 2nd Team. He also received All-Big East Sportsmanship Award.


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  JAPAN   


Standings - BJ League
BJ Standings
Eastern
 1. Hamamatsu P. 13-8 
 2. Akita NH 13-9 
 3. Niigata Albirex 12-8 
 4. Sendai 89ers 11-11 
 5. Toyama Grouses 10-10 
 6. Chiba Jets 10-12 
 7. Shinshu BW 9-13 
 8. Yokohama BC 8-13 
 9. Saitama Bron. 7-14 
 10. Iwate Big Bulls 7-17 
Western
 1. Okinawa GK 17-5 
 2. Osaka Evessa 15-5 
 3. Kyoto Hannar. 15-5 
 4. Shiga L-Stars 15-7 
 5. Fukuoka Rizing 15-7 
 6. Shimane SM 12-10 
 7. Miyazaki SS 10-12 
 8. Oita H.Devils 4-17 
 9. Takamatsu FA 1-21 


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  LATVIA   


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


BK Ventspils to sign Mamadi Diane - by Eurobasket Center
BK Ventspils added to their roster 26-year old Guinean-Ivoirian swingman Mamadi Diane (196-G/F-86, college: Virginia). Diane played most recently at BK SPU Bemaco Nitra (Slovakia). While playing 4 games for Nitra in EuroChallenge he averaged 18.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.0apg and 2.5spg. Diane played also pro basketball in Spain. He graduated from The University of Virginia in 2009 and it will be his third season in pro basketball. Diane represented Guinea at the African Championships in Madagascar last year. His team got to the Semifinals and Dianes stats at this event were 7 games: 8.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 40.5%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 60.0%.


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  LITHUANIA   


Labuckas about to join Rudupis - by Adomas Kraunevicius
Lithuanian forward Arnas Labuckas who was playing for Girona so far this season should soon come back to Lithuania and join Rudupis. This due to the fact that Girona has not fulfilled the contract conditions and has not fully paid

Labuckas confirmed that he is currently negotiating with Rudupis however the final agreement is yet to be reached

Labuckas averaged 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds over 20 minutes in the Spanish second division

He has previously played for Sakalai, VEF and Riazan.

Labuckas about to join Rudupis - by Adomas Kraunevicius
Lithuanian forward Arnas Labuckas (205-F-87, agency: Interperformances) (205-F-87, agency: Interperformances) who was playing for Sant Josep Girona so far this season should soon come back to Lithuania and join Rudupis Prienu. This due to the fact that Sant Josep Girona has not fulfilled the contract conditions and has not fully paid Labuckas' salary.

Labuckas confirmed that he is currently negotiating with Rudupis Prienu however the final agreement is yet to be reached

Labuckas averaged 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds over 20 minutes in the Spanish second division, LEB Oro.

He has previously played for Sakalai Vilnius, VEF Riga and Lokomotiv Riazan .

LKL transactions: Bonner leaves Neptunas, Sirutavicius joins Pasvalys - by Adomas Kraunevicius
Center Lukas Bonner (213-C-85, college: Massachusetts) leaves Neptunas Klaipeda on a mutual agreement due to family reasons. He played in Neptunas Klaipeda since 2010, averaging 4.4 points and 3 rebound in BEKO-LKL and 4 points and 5.2 rebounds in the BBL.

Guard Gytis Sirutavicius (195-SF-83) left Ukraine and will be joining Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys for the rest of the season. He has played for Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk for the past two seasons where he averaged 9.3 points and 1.9 assists in 25 minutes of play.

As mentioned previously, forward Arnas Labuckas (205-F-87, agency: Interperformances) is nearing agreement with Rudupis Prienu. According to the player, the details have been agreed upon and the contract will be signed in the coming days.

Labuckas averaged 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per 20 minutes this season for Sant Josep Girona in the LEB Oro league.

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  MONTENEGRO   


Transfer Rumours: Buducnost wants Rizvic, Metalac close to sign Bakic - by Darko Pekic
Holidays usually mean that there is no basketball action but it does not mean that teams are not active on the transfert market so we are going to inform you about the latest transfer rumours in montenegrin basketball. Of course, the most active team is Buducnost. The blue and white side is currently negotiating with Bosnian- Slovenian big man Hasan Rizvic (212-C-84). The 27 year old player has gotten the letter of clearance from his previous club Azovmash (Ukraine) and he is looking for a new club. Buducnost needs desperately a dominant big man because the experiment with Vladimir Tica (208-C/F-81, agency: BeoExcell) did not meet expectations and, after the departure of Nikola Vucevic (208-F-90, college: USC), Buducnost is struggling under the basket. However, it will be hard to get Rizvic because the rival from Adriatic League, Olimpija (Slovenia) is also negotiating with him. If he decides to return to his former club Buducnost will have to search for other options and will probably look overseas. One of the candidates is Marcus Cousin (211-C-86, college: Houston). The ex NBA player is still fighting to get a contract in the strongest league in the world but if he fails to do so Europe will be his next destination. He has already played in Turkey and Israel but with no success.

Bojan Bakic (197-G-83, agency: Alti Sport), ex player of Buducnost, will probably play for Metalac (Serbia) until the end of the season. Metalac is going to strenghten its roster for the second part of the season and Bakic's experience can be more than useful. The older brother of Boris Bakic (194-G-86, agency: Beo Basket), started the season in Letonia (BC Ventspils) but he is a globetrotter (10 clubs in 12 year long career) and club change is no news for him.

The transfer market window in Montenegro opens on January 9 and ends on January 14. Eurobasket.com will keep you updated on latest roster changes.

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  NBA   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 LeBron JAMES
  Miami Heat
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 29.3
 1. James, Miami Heat29.3 
 2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.27.3 
 3. Anthony, New Y.27.0 
 4. Griffin, LA Clipp.26.0 
 5. Love, Minnesota T.25.4 
 6. Bryant, LA Lakers24.0 
 7. Bargnani, Toron.22.6 
 8. Nowitzki, Dallas M.22.5 
 9. Aldridge, Portland.20.3 
 10. Ellis, Golde S.20.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 15.3
 1. Howard, Orlando M.15.3 
 2. Love, Minnesota T.15.2 
 3. Bynum, LA Lakers14.5 
 4. Hawes, Philadelph..12.5 
 5. Cousins, Sacramen.11.3 
 6. McGee, Washingt.11.0 
 7. Hayes, Sacramen.10.6 
 8. Camby, Portland TB10.5 
 9. Varejao, Clevelan.10.3 
 10. Humphries, New J.10.0 
Assists Per Game
 Kyle LOWRY
  Houston R.
  (183-PG-86)
  Avg: 11.5
 1. Lowry, Houston R.11.5 
 2. Rondo, Boston C.10.5 
 3. Calderon, Toron.9.8 
 4. Paul, LA Clippers9.8 
 5. Rose, Chicago B.8.6 
 6. Ellis, Golde S.8.5 
 7. Nash, Phoenix Suns8.0 
 8. Jack, N.Orleans H.8.0 
 9. Collison, Indiana7.2 
 10. Felton, Portland7.0 
Steals Per Game
 Kyle LOWRY
  Houston R.
  (183-PG-86)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Lowry, Houston R.2.5 
 2. Paul, LA Clippers2.5 
 3. Lawson, Denver N.2.5 
 4. Curry, Golde S.2.3 
 5. Millsap, Utah Jazz2.2 
 6. Thornton, Sacramen.2.2 
 7. Granger, Indiana P.2.2 
 8. Westbrook, Oklah..2.2 
 9. Wall, Washington W.2.0 
 10. James, Miami Heat2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 DeAndre JORDAN
  LA Clippers
  (213-C-88)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Jordan, LA Clippers3.8 
 2. Stiemsma, Boston3.0 
 3. Howard, Orlando M.2.7 
 4. Gasol, Memphis G.2.5 
 5. Dalembert, Houst.2.5 
 6. McGee, Washingt.2.4 
 7. Chandler, New Y.2.2 
 8. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.2.2 
 9. Camby, Portland TB2.0 
 10. Gasol, LA Lakers2.0 


Standings
NBA Standings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
 1. Boston C. 3-3 
 2. Philadelph.76 2-2 
 3. Toronto R. 2-3 
 4. New York K. 2-3 
 5. New Jersey N. 1-5 
Central Div.
 1. Chicago B. 4-1 
 2. Indiana P. 4-1 
 3. Cleveland C. 2-2 
 4. Milwaukee B. 2-2 
 5. Detroit P. 2-3 
Southeast Div.
 1. Miami Heat 5-1 
 2. Atlanta H. 4-1 
 3. Orlando M. 4-2 
 4. Charlotte B. 1-3 
 5. Washington W. 0-5 
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
 1. Oklah.City T. 5-1 
 2. Denver N. 4-2 
 3. Portland TB 3-1 
 4. Minnesota T. 2-3 
 5. Utah Jazz 2-3 
Pacific Div.
 1. LA Lakers 3-3 
 2. LA Clippers 2-2 
 3. Phoenix Suns 2-3 
 4. Sacramento K. 2-3 
 5. Golde State W. 2-3 
Southwest Div.
 1. San Antonio S. 3-2 
 2. Houston R. 2-2 
 3. N.Orleans H. 2-3 
 4. Dallas M. 2-4 
 5. Memphis G. 1-3 


Monday's games review (10) - by Eurobasket News
Denver N. - Milwaukee B. 91-86
Danilo Gallinari (6'9''-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) scored a season-high 21 points, including a pair of free throws in the final seconds, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 91-86 on Monday night. Al Harrington (6'9''-F-80) added 17 points and Ty Lawson (5'11''-PG-87, college: N.Carolina) 16 for the Nuggets, who were playing their third game in as many nights. Stephen Jackson led Milwaukee with 17 points. Carlos Delfino added 14 for the Bucks, who were denied in a bid for a third consecutive win, which would have matched their season long from last season. The Nuggets were without center-forward Nene, who sat out the game with a bruised left heel. Before the game, coach George Karl described Nene's status as day to day. Mike Dunleavy did not make the trip with the team, staying home because of an illness. Delfino's 3-pointer gave the Bucks a 74-68 lead heading into the fourth quarter and Andrew Bogut 10-foot hook shot put Milwaukee in front 81-76 with 8:31 left to play. Gallinari, who also had 10 rebounds, then got the Nuggets going. He drove in for a layup and tipped in a shot as part of a 10-0 run that Harrington finished with successive dunks as Denver went in front 86-81 with 4:01 remaining. Stephen Jackson made a 20-foot jumper pulling Milwaukee to within 87-86 with 1:55 remaining. Both sides missed jump shots before Lawson shook loose on a fast break and put in a layup with 10.9 seconds left for a three-point Nuggets' lead. Brandon Jennings missed a 3-pointer from the top of the key with about seven seconds to go and the rebound went to Gallinari, who was immediately fouled. He made both free throws with 5.3 seconds remaining to secure the win. Milwaukee took a 44-37 lead after a basket by Luc Mbah a Moute. Denver came back to score 11 of the next 15 points, including tip-in by Gallinari as time expired to even the score at 48-all at halftime. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Utah Jazz - N.Orleans H. 94-90
Al Jefferson (6'10''-F/C-85) scored 22 points and Devin Harris (6'3''-PG-83, college: Wisconsin) added 19 as the Jazz rallied in the fourth quarter for a 94-90 victory over New Orleans on Monday night at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz start slowly and make one of their first six shots. The Hornets take a 15-9 lead when Jason Smith hits three straight jumpers. He finishes with eight points, doubling his season average. Down six, the Jazz get a lift off the bench from rookie Alec Burks, who contributes a lay-up and a three-pointer during a 16-3 run that gives them the lead. Utah converts 11 of its final 14 possessions. Utah's starters struggle again. The Hornets make five of their first seven shots, open the quarter on an 11-4 run and regain the lead. The Jazz rally briefly but have difficulty stopping Jarrett Jack. Josh Howard scores six straight points as Utah wipes out a 78-74 deficit. C.J. Miles' three-pointer gives the Jazz an 83-82 lead. The Hornets manage 10 points over the final eight minutes. *Courtesy of www.sltrib.com

New Jersey N. - Indiana P. 94-108
Paul George (6'9''-G/F-90, agency: Priority Sports, college: Fresno St.) scored 21 points and the Indiana Pacers shot a season-high 52.6 percent in posting a 108-94 victory over the skidding New Jersey Nets on Monday night. Danny Granger (6'8''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) added 15 points and David West scored 13 as the Pacers won for the fourth time in five games and sent the Nets to their fifth straight loss. Deron Williams scored 22 points and rookie MarShon Brooks added 21 for the Brooklyn-bound Nets, who have not led for a second in their two losses at the Prudential Center in their final season in New Jersey. The Nets, who are without center Brook Lopez because of a broken foot, also played without power forward Kris Humphries because of a sore left shoulder. As has been the case most of the season, the Nets fell behind early and never recovered against the Pacers. Indiana had not shot 40 percent in its first four games and they broke out of the shooting slump against New Jersey, putting five players in double figures. It was outstanding from long range, hitting 13 of 21, or roughly 62 percent. The Nets struggled on offense, hitting 37 percent from the field and 25 percent (7 of 28) from long range. Darren Collison opened the game with a 3-pointer and a fadeaway jumper to stake the Pacers to a 5-0 lead. The Nets closed to 14-12 on a 3-pointer by Brooks midway through the quarter but Granger hit a 3-pointer, Roy Hibbert hit a hook in the lane and George Hill nailed another 3-pointer after Williams hit a layup for New Jersey. Indiana led by eight after the first quarter and by six at the half. The Nets stayed within striking distance for most of the third quarter before the Pacers closed the period with a 12-4 run to take a 77-64 lead. Hibbert started the spurt with a layup, Granger hit a 3-pointer and Tyler Hansbrough hit a baseline jumper for a 72-60 lead and the Nets never got close again. *Courtesy of www.chron.com

Minnesota T. - San Antonio S. 106-96
Rick Adelman was wondering how his young Minnesota Timberwolves would handle their first taste of prosperity. He couldn't have been much happier after watching them thump the San Antonio Spurs, who now find themselves knee deep in adversity with the loss of star guard Manu Ginobili. Kevin Love (6'10''-C-88, college: UCLA) had 24 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Timberwolves to their second win in a row, 106-96 Monday night over the Spurs, who lost Manu Ginobil to a broken left hand. The two-time All-Star will be examined in San Antonio on Tuesday. 'It's going to be tough for us because he was playing at an All-Star level,' said point guard Tony Parker, who had 11 points and nine assists. 'And now we're going to have to have everybody pick it up.' Tim Duncan had 16 points and five assists and Richard Jefferson (6'6''-F/G-80, college: Arizona) scored 16 points for the Spurs. The Timberwolves shot 58 percent for the game and were above 70 percent shooting midway through the third quarter. Playing with five stitches in the index finger on his shooting hand, Michael Beasley had 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting and Johnson bounced back after going 3 for 13 in his previous two games. 'I was pressing,' Johnson said. 'I was trying to find my shot moreso than letting it come to me. As I saw tonight, if I just be patient, it's there.' The Spurs will have get over the loss to Minnesota quickly. The loss of The team's leading scorer is the emotional and fiery center of this proud, veteran team. With Duncan getting older and having his minutes limited to save him for the postseason, the offense revolves around basket. *Courtesy of www.woai.com

Dallas M. - Oklah.City T. 100-87
Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) scored 10 of his 26 points during the third quarter, sending the Dallas Mavericks to a 100-87 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night. The Thunder came in 5-0, the last unbeaten team in the NBA. One of their wins was a buzzer-beater over the Mavs in Oklahoma City. Despite playing for the fourth time in five days, Dallas finally looked like the reigning champions, especially in the middle two quarters. The Mavericks outscored the Thunder by 13 in that span and played stellar defense, especially while giving up only 18 points in the third quarter. Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) led Oklahoma City with 27 points. Russell Westbrook scored 18 and James Harden had 16. Shawn Marion scored 17 points for Dallas, and Jason Terry added 15. *Courtesy of www.deseretnews.com

Detroit P. - Orlando M. 89-78
Ben Gordon (6'2''-G-83, college: Connecticut) scored 26 points, and the Detroit Pistons overcame some early foul trouble in an impressive defensive effort against Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) and Orlando, beating the Magic 89-78 on Monday night. Rodney Stuckey and Tayshaun Prince scored 14 points apiece for the Pistons, who have won two in a row after losing their first three games of the season. Howard had 19 points, seven rebounds and five steals before fouling out with 2:46 remaining on an illegal screen. Orlando (4-2) was playing a night after rallying to beat Toronto, but the Magic were outplayed by Detroit in the second half. Orlando shot 44 percent from the field and 8 of 22 from 3-point range. Hedo Turkoglu and Ryan Anderson each scored 13 points for the Magic. Lawrence Frank is in his first season as Detroit's coach, and the emphasis appears to be on defense early on. Charlie Villanueva and Austin Daye played a combined 49 seconds, with Frank instead using Damien Wilkins in a reserve role on the perimeter. Howard scored 12 points in the first half while Detroit's big men struggled to remain on the court with him. Greg Monroe picked up his second foul just 4:55 into the first quarter. Jason Maxiell replaced him and picked up two in 83 seconds. Maxiell had four fouls by the end of the first half, but Gordon scored 17 points in the first two quarters to keep it close. Orlando led 46-44 at halftime. By midway through the third, Monroe's foul count was up to four, but Maxiell was ready to step in. After Howard caught the ball in good position inside, the 6-foot-7 Maxiell came up from behind and smacked the ball away as the Orlando star appeared in position for another easy basket. Gordon gave the Pistons a 66-60 lead late in the quarter when his forced 3-pointer at the end of the shot clock went in. Early in the fourth, Detroit rookie Brandon Knight missed from outside but was able to grab an offensive rebound and lay the ball in after Ben Wallace kept it alive. The Pistons led 72-65 at that point, and Orlando called a timeout to regroup. Chris Duhon made a 3-pointer for Orlando, but the Magic could pull no closer than four points late in the game. They trailed 85-78 when Jameer Nelson missed from outside with about a minute remaining, and the Pistons had no trouble closing the game out from there. Monroe capped Detroit's victory with a breakaway dunk with 29 seconds to play. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Miami Heat - Atlanta H. 92-100
Joe Johnson (6'7''-G-81, college: Arkansas) scored 21 points, Tracy McGrady (6'8''-G/F-79) hit a pair of big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and the Atlanta Hawks ended Miami's perfect start by beating the Heat 100-92 on Monday night. McGrady and Al Horford each scored 16 for the Hawks (4-1), who opened the final period on a 15-3 run to take control. And McGrady made perhaps the two biggest plays of the night in the final minutes, first throwing a lob to Josh Smith for a dunk, then hitting a 3-pointer that gave the Hawks a 93-84 lead with 2:26 left. LeBron James scored 28 points, Chris Bosh scored 19 and Dwyane Wade finished with 12 for Miami (5-1). The Heat led by as many as 10 in the early going and took a four-point lead into the final quarter before getting outscored 33-21. Jeff Teague finished with 15 points for Atlanta. *Courtesy of www.chron.com

Phoenix Suns - Golde State W. 102-91
Steve Nash (6'3''-PG-74, college: Santa Clara) is slowly playing his way into shape. Nash scored 13 of his game-high 21 points in the fourth quarter and rookie Markieff Morris (6'9''-F-89, college: Kansas) added 16 points, helping the Suns beat the Golden State Warriors 102-91 on Monday. 'It's going to be tough,' Nash said. 'I haven't played basketball in a long, long time and then to have only two weeks of camp. Today would normally have preseason game number seven. It's going to take some time.' Jared Dudley had 15 points, and Channing Frye and Shannon Brown added 10 each for the Suns, who have won two of three overall and six straight against the Warriors. Phoenix has not lost to Golden State at home since March 8, 2005, a 13-game stretch. 'We just kind of grinded it out,' Suns coach Alvin Gentry said. 'We're not shooting the ball the way we're capable of shooting it but we shot a lot better today.' Monta Ellis had 18 points, Dominic McGuire scored 14 and Brandon Rush finished with 13 points for the Warriors, who lost their first road game after opening the season with four in a row at home. *Courtesy of www.chron.com

Boston C. - Washington W. 100-92
Ray Allen (6'5''-SG-75, college: Connecticut) scored 11 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and the Boston Celtics won for the second straight night over Washington, beating the winless Wizards 100-92 on Monday night. Paul Pierce (6'7''-F/G-77, college: Kansas) had 21 points and eight rebounds for the Celtics (3-3), who pulled to .500 after losing their first three games of the season. Rookie Greg Stiemsma, making his first start, had 13 points and seven rebounds, and reserve Brandon Bass scored 12. Andray Blatche led Wizards (0-5) with 28 points and nine rebounds, JaVale McGee had 17 points and 14 boards, and John Wall had 11 points. Head coach Flip Saunders didn't see much of the game from the bench after he was ejected 1:46 into the contest. Allen was 6 for 7 from beyond the 3-point line. Boston beat the Wizards 94-86 in Washington on Sunday. Celtics center Jermaine O'Neal was out with a tight left hamstring. Allen's fourth 3-pointer of the game, coming with 8:56 to play, pushed Boston ahead for good, 75-74. Bass then hit a foul-line jumper and, after a basket by the Wizards' Nick Young, Rajon Rondo found Marquis Daniels cutting backdoor for a layup. He was fouled on the play and made the free throw, increasing it to 80-76. Bass then nailed another jumper - this one from the right corner - and Rondo had a breakaway layup, increasing Boston's lead to 84-76 with 6:21 to play. The Wizards made one last run, closing it to 84-80 on Blatche's three-point play, but Allen hit a jumper on the left wing and followed that 43 seconds later with a 3 from the right wing. Allen's third 3-pointer of the final quarter made it 95-87 with 1:30 to play. Saunders was upset after Stiemsma blocked Rashard Lewis' shot and knocked him to the floor as play continued. He got up off the bench and screamed at the officials to earn the first technical, then walked to midcourt still protesting to earn the second and an automatic ejection. Washington led 70-69 after three quarters. Neither team held more than an eight-point lead in the first half, and it changed eight times before the Wizards took a 48-47 advantage into halftime. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

New York K. - Toronto R. 85-90
Andrea Bargnani (6'10''-F/C-85) and Demar DeRozan (6'7''-F/G-89, college: USC) each scored 21 points, and the Toronto Raptors held onto a big lead this time, beating the New York Knicks 90-85 on Monday night. Jose Calderon added nine points and 12 assists for the Raptors, who blew a 16-point lead Sunday in Orlando before losing 102-96. They opened a 17-point advantage at halftime in this one thanks to the Knicks' inept second quarter then held on to snap a three-game losing streak. Carmelo Anthony had 35 points and 11 rebounds as the Knicks played their second straight game without Amare Stoudemire, who has a sprained left ankle. But they couldn't duplicate their impressive play from their victory without him on Saturday in Sacramento, shooting just 36 percent from the field. Toney Douglas had 22 points for the Knicks, 12 during a third quarter that finally woke them up after a dreadful second period in which they made three baskets. The Raptors missed a chance to extend a three-point lead in the final 90 seconds when Amir Johnson blew a dunk, and Anthony followed with a drive into the lane to cut it to 84-83 with 1:04 to go. Bargnani answered with a jumper, and after Tyson Chandler's dunk, Bargnani sank a pair of free throws to keep it at a three-point edge with 17 seconds left. Anthony missed a 3-point attempt and Anthony Carter, who finished last season with the Knicks, hit two free throws to make it 90-85 with 10.7 seconds remaining. Stoudemire could return Wednesday against the Bobcats, and Iman Shumpert could return this week, ahead of the two to four week absence that was expected when he sprained a right knee ligament in the Christmas opener. The Knicks showed how badly they could have used his help in the first half. New York led 23-22 after one, but then shot 3 of 19 (16 percent) in the second quarter. They heard some boos at Madison Square Garden, where the loudest cheers came when receiver Victor Cruz of the playoff-bound Giants was shown in his courtside seat. The Knicks didn't monopolize the ugliness - Toronto's Jamaal Magloire threw up an airball on a free throw. But Toronto shot 56 percent in the second quarter and ran off seven straight during one Knicks drought to open a 17-point lead before taking a 51-34 advantage into halftime. DeRozan hit a 3-pointer to open the second-half scoring, but the Knicks surged back behind Douglas, who had a four-point play among his 12 points in the period as New York got within three before Toronto took a 67-58 lead into the final period. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

<<>><<>>

PacersThump Nets 108-94 - by Daniel Gibson
NEWARK, NJ---The Indiana Pacers continued to on their road trip as they hit New Jersey to take on the struggling Nets in a home coming for head coach Frank Vogel.

The Pacers shot a season high 52 percent for the game en route to a 108-94 victory. It was there first game of the season shooting over 50 percent. Paul George led the way with 22 points and Danny Granger had 15. Five Pacers scored in double figures.

The Nets were led by Deron Williams 22 points and the rookie Marshon Brooks had 21. The Pacers were just too deep for the Nets as the bench stepped up and played big minutes again. The Pacers next game is Wednesday night in Miami versus LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Heat.

Ginobili breaks left hand against Timberwolves - by Eurobasket News
San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili has broken his left hand against Minnesota and is out indefinitely.

The Spurs say Ginobili will be examined by team doctors Tuesday in San Antonio. There is no timetable for his return.

A two-time All-Star, Ginobili was injured when he fouled Anthony Tolliver as he rose to shoot the ball late in the second quarter Monday night. Ginobili immediately grabbed his shooting hand and crouched in pain near the scorer's table as the team trainer came to his side.

Ginobili was taken for X-rays, which revealed a broken fifth metacarpal, below his pinkie. As he walked back to the locker room, Tim Duncan gave him a pat on the head.

Ginobili had eight points on 3-for-6 shooting in 12 minutes.

Courtesy of www.cbc.ca

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


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


Stats Leaders - NCAA1
Points Per Game
 Kevin FOSTER
  Santa Clara
  (187-G-)
  Avg: 18.8
 1. Foster, Santa Clara18.8 
 2. Hartsock, BYU17.1 
 3. Pangos, Gonzaga14.8 
 4. Dellavedova, St.Ma.14.3 
 5. Roquemore, Santa14.3 
 6. Carlino, BYU14.2 
 7. Caloiaro, USF14.2 
 8. Jones, St.14.1 
 9. Ireland, Loyola M.14.1 
 10. Dee, San Diego13.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Rob JONES
  St.
  (198-F-89)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Jones, St.10.5 
 2. Moore, Pepperdine8.8 
 3. Manresa, San Diego7.9 
 4. Harris, Gonzaga7.8 
 5. Davies, BYU7.7 
 6. Nicholas, Portland7.6 
 7. Harrison, Santa C.6.9 
 8. Abouo, BYU6.8 
 9. Sacre, Gonzaga6.5 
 10. Caloiaro, USF6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Matthew DELLAVEDOVA
  St.Ma.
  (193-G-90)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Dellavedova, St.Ma.6.5 
 2. Roquemore, Santa6.2 
 3. Carlino, BYU5.6 
 4. Ireland, Loyola M.5.2 
 5. Willis, Pepperdine4.3 
 6. Anderson, San Die.4.0 
 7. Pangos, Gonzaga3.5 
 8. Holt, St.3.3 
 9. Winder, BYU3.1 
 10. Lowery, Pepperdine3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Stephen HOLT
  St.
  (193-G-91)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Holt, St.2.1 
 2. Caloiaro, USF1.9 
 3. Carlino, BYU1.8 
 4. Green, USF1.8 
 5. Jones, St.1.7 
 6. Davies, BYU1.5 
 7. Ireland, Loyola M.1.4 
 8. Anderson, San Die.1.3 
 9. O''Connor, US.1.3 
 10. Carter, Gonzaga1.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Noah HARTSOCK
  BYU
  (203-F-)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Hartsock, BYU1.9 
 2. Sacre, Gonzaga1.4 
 3. Moore, Pepperdine1.1 
 4. Davies, BYU1.1 
 5. Kramer, San Diego1.1 
 6. Darby, Pepperdine1.0 
 7. Okonji, Loyola M.1.0 
 8. Waldow, St.0.9 
 9. Jones, St.0.9 
 10. Walker II, St.Ma.0.9 


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


Politechnika stays in PLK - by J W
AZS Politechnika Warszawska will continue playing in PLK this season. Decision came after meeting between board and main sponsor.

Politechnika had financial trouble and didn't pay its players since August. That led to the statement made by coach Mladen Starcevic & players at the press conference after one of the games. Starcevic had S.O.S. T-shirt and told everybody about whole situation. Politechnika started to talk with Mayor of Warsaw representatives and with its sponsor which aparently refused to transfer promised money. Meanwhile PLK threatened to ban club if they don't solve the problems until the end of December.

Before Christmas Politechnika's management announced that 30th December home game vs. PBG Basket Poznan will probably be the last one. On January 2nd they met and changed the decision what means that main sponsor Mostostal and City of Warsaw decided to help.

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


DBE Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Corsley EDWARDS
  Anwil
  (205-C/F-79)
  Avg: 17.6
 1. Edwards, Anwil17.6 
 2. Hodge, Zastal ZG17.5 
 3. Koszarek, Trefl S.17.1 
 4. Archibeque, LKS L.16.7 
 5. Lawal, Zastal ZG16.5 
 6. Kulig, PBG Basket16.4 
 7. Reese, AZS Koszal.16.1 
 8. Corbett, Siarka J.15.9 
 9. Miller, Siarka J.15.7 
 10. Weeden, Polpharma15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Gani LAWAL
  Zastal ZG
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 11.7
 1. Lawal, Zastal ZG11.7 
 2. Harris, Kotwica11.3 
 3. Archibeque, LKS L.10.2 
 4. Burgess, Trefl S.8.9 
 5. Eziukwu, AZS K.8.0 
 6. Bartosz, PBG Bask.7.6 
 7. Edwards, Anwil6.9 
 8. Doaks, Siarka J.6.7 
 9. Bigus, AZS Koszalin6.5 
 10. Turek, Trefl Sopot6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Robert SKIBNIEWSKI
  Slask W.
  (182-G-83)
  Avg: 7.1
 1. Skibniewski, Slask7.1 
 2. Hodge, Zastal ZG6.6 
 3. Koszarek, Trefl S.5.6 
 4. Wilczek, AZS P.5.3 
 5. Moore, PGE Turow5.1 
 6. Szubarga, Anwil5.0 
 7. Sapp, Kotwica4.9 
 8. Burrell, Energa C.4.9 
 9. Micic, PBG Basket4.8 
 10. Miller, Siarka J.4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Krzysztof SZUBARGA
  Anwil
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Szubarga, Anwil2.1 
 2. Skibniewski, Slask1.6 
 3. Cesnauskis, Energa1.6 
 4. Koszarek, Trefl S.1.5 
 5. Edwards, Anwil1.5 
 6. Nikolic, PBG Basket1.5 
 7. Hodge, Zastal ZG1.4 
 8. Sapp, Kotwica1.4 
 9. Salamonik, LKS L.1.3 
 10. Reese, AZS Kosza.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Callistus EZIUKWU
  AZS K.
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Eziukwu, AZS K.2.2 
 2. Burgess, Trefl S.1.7 
 3. Kesicki, Kotwica1.5 
 4. Lawal, Zastal ZG1.4 
 5. Morrison, Energa C.1.4 
 6. Lauderdale, PGE T.1.4 
 7. Harris, Kotwica1.2 
 8. Barycz, Siarka J.1.2 
 9. Mladenovic, Slask1.1 
 10. Turek, Trefl Sopot0.9 


Poland U16 wins Olympic Hopes Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Poland U16 wins Olympic Hopes Tournament with 4 teams participated. The Polish team celebrated three straight victories.
In Day 1 Poland U16 edged Hungary U16 73:58. The Polish side started with 20-16 and added massive 24-12 in the second period. Hungary replied with 17-12 in the third quarter, while Poland celebrated the victory due to 17-13 in the last stanza. Grzegorz Kulka paced all the winners with 19 points.
In Day 2 Poland U16 beat Czech Republic U16 83:68. Marek Zywert (95) stepped up with 25 points and Grzegorz Kulka nailed 19. Artur Wlodarczyk (95) scored 13, whilst Kamil Zywert notched 8.
In Day 3 Poland U16 smashed Slovakia U16 108:54. Filip Pruefer, Piotr Lucka, Grzegorz Kulka and Igor Wadowski top-scored for the winners with 13 points each. Marek Zywert netted 11, while Maciej Piszczek and Mateusz Fatz posted 10 each.



PLK Round 19: No surprise as #1 Trefl Sopot defeats Polpharma - by Eurobasket News
PLK top team - Trefl Sopot (13-4) added another victory to their record on Monday. This time they beat tenth ranked Polpharma (5-13) in Starogard 75-71. The guests trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 41-32 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. It was a great evening for the former international forward Filip Dylewicz (202-80) who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points and 8 rebounds. The former international guard Lukasz Koszarek (187-84) helped adding 15 points and 7 assists. At the losing side center Adam Metelski (208-83, college: Cal-Irvine) responded with 18 points and 6 rebounds (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!). Polpharma's coach Wojciech Kaminski rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Trefl Sopot have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain first place with 13-4 record. Polpharma at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with 13 games lost. Trefl Sopot are looking forward to face Kotwica (#5) in Kolobrzeg in the next round. Polpharma will play at home against Energa Czarni (#4) in Slupsk and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
The game in Tarnobrzeg was also worth to mention about. Seventh ranked Zastal ZG (10-7) played at the court of 8th ranked Siarka Jezioro (8-10). Zastal ZG defeated Siarka Jezioro 96-82. It was an exceptional evening for Ivorian-Puerto Rican point guard Walter Hodge (183-86, college: Florida) who led the winners and scored 24 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists. Kirk Archibeque accounted for 12 points and 9 rebounds. American point guard Josh Miller (169, college: W.Virginia St., agency: Hart Sports Mngm) came up with 19 points for Siarka Jezioro in the defeat. Zastal ZG moved-up to sixth place. Siarka Jezioro at the other side keeps the eighth position with ten games lost. Zastal ZG will play against AZS Politechnika Warszawska (#12) in Warszawa in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Siarka Jezioro will play on the road against the league's second-placed PGE Turow (#2) in Zgorzelec and hopes to get back on the winning track.
13th ranked LKS Sphinx (3-15) was outscored at home by tenth ranked PBG Basket (6-12) with the biggest margin this round 83-56 on Monday night. PBG Basket maintains tenth place with 6-12 record. LKS Sphinx lost their seventh game in a row. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 15 games lost. PBG Basket will meet at home higher ranked Anwil (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. LKS Sphinx will play against Slask Wroclaw (#7) and hope to secure a win.

In the last game of round 19 Kotwica lost to Anwil on the opponent's court 62-79.


LKS Lodz - PBG Basket 56-83

13th ranked LKS Sphinx (3-15) was outscored at home by tenth ranked PBG Basket (6-12) with the biggest margin this round 83-56 on Monday night. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. PBG Basket maintains tenth place with 6-12 record. LKS Sphinx lost their seventh game in a row. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 15 games lost. PBG Basket will meet at home higher ranked Anwil (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. LKS Sphinx will play against Slask Wroclaw (#7) and hope to secure a win.
gschID: 149244


Anwil - Kotwica 79-62

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 5th ranked Kotwica's (11-7) road loss to fourth ranked Anwil (12-5) 62-79 on Monday. The game without a history. Anwil led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Kotwica's 26. American power forward Corsley Edwards (205-79, college: Cent.Conn.St.) fired 14 points and 4 assists for the winners. His fellow American import power forward Nick Lewis (207-83, college: San Diego) chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds. Naturalized Israeli guard Oded Brandwein (188-88, agency: N.E.T.) produced 16 points and 5 assists and American power forward Darrell Harris (208-84, college: Rhode Island) added 8 points and 11 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Anwil. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Energa Czarni. Loser Kotwica keeps the fifth position with seven games lost. Anwil will meet PBG Basket (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Kotwica will play against the league's leader Trefl Sopot (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Anwil: C.Edwards 14+3reb+4ast, N.Lewis 13+6reb, J.Allen 13+2reb+1ast, K.Szubarga 8+3reb+3ast, S.Hajric 8+2reb, L.Kinnard 7+4reb+2ast
Kotwica: O.Brandwein 16+1reb+5ast, R.Holmes 15+1reb+2ast, D.Harris 8+11reb, T.Kesicki 8+6reb+2ast, J.Sapp 7+4reb+2ast, L.Diduszko 3+4reb+2ast
gschID: 149245


Polpharma - Trefl Sopot 71-75

PLK top team - Trefl Sopot (13-4) added another victory to their record on Monday. This time they beat tenth ranked Polpharma (5-13) in Starogard 75-71. The guests trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 41-32 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. It was a great evening for the former international forward Filip Dylewicz (202-80) who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points and 8 rebounds. The former international guard Lukasz Koszarek (187-84) helped adding 15 points and 7 assists. Four Trefl Sopot players scored in double figures. At the losing side center Adam Metelski (208-83, college: Cal-Irvine) responded with 18 points and 6 rebounds (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!) and American guard Michael Hicks (193-83, college: Central Mo.) scored 12 points. Polpharma's coach Wojciech Kaminski rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Trefl Sopot have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain first place with 13-4 record. Polpharma at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with 13 games lost. Trefl Sopot are looking forward to face Kotwica (#5) in Kolobrzeg in the next round. Polpharma will play at home against Energa Czarni (#4) in Slupsk and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Trefl Sopot: F.Dylewicz 25+8reb+1ast, L.Koszarek 15+3reb+7ast, J.Mallett 12+5reb+1ast, L.Wisniewski 10+3reb+2ast, J.Turek 8+4reb, A.Waczynski 3+3reb+2ast
Polpharma: A.Metelski 18+6reb, M.Hicks 12+2reb, D.Wall 11+1reb+1ast, M.Nowakowski 9+1reb+2ast, G.Arabas 8+3reb+2ast, T.Weeden 6+1reb
gschID: 149246


Siarka Jezioro - Zastal ZG 82-96

The game in Tarnobrzeg was also worth to mention about. Seventh ranked Zastal ZG (10-7) played at the court of 8th ranked Siarka Jezioro (8-10). Zastal ZG defeated Siarka Jezioro 96-82. The game without a history. Zastal ZG led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Siarka Jezioro's 38 and made 16-of-18 charity shots (88.9 percent) during the game. It was an exceptional evening for Ivorian-Puerto Rican point guard Walter Hodge (183-86, college: Florida) who led the winners and scored 24 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists. American center Kirk Archibeque (205-84, college: Fort Lewis, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) accounted for 12 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side. American point guard Josh Miller (169, college: W.Virginia St., agency: Hart Sports Mngm) came up with 19 points and swingman Marek Piechowicz (203-88) added 17 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Siarka Jezioro in the defeat. Five Zastal ZG and four Siarka Jezioro players scored in double figures. Zastal ZG moved-up to sixth place. Siarka Jezioro at the other side keeps the eighth position with ten games lost. Zastal ZG will play against AZS Politechnika Warszawska (#12) in Warszawa in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Siarka Jezioro will play on the road against the league's second-placed PGE Turow (#2) in Zgorzelec and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Zastal ZG: W.Hodge 24+8reb+9ast, K.Chanas 17+1reb, M.Sroka 15+2reb+1ast, K.Archibeque 12+9reb+1ast, P.Stelmach 12+3reb, U.Mirkovic 6+3reb+1ast
Siarka Jezioro: J.Miller 19+2reb+3ast, M.Piechowicz 17+7reb, J.Tiller 12+2ast, N.Doaks 11+4reb+1ast, W.Barycz 7+4reb+1ast, L.Corbett 7+4reb+4ast
gschID: 149242




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


Standings
Div.A Standings
 1. Timisoara 13-2 
 2. U.Mobitel.CN 11-3 
 3. Gaz Metan 11-4 
 4. Oradea 11-4 
 5. Targu Mures 11-4 
 6. CSM Bucuresti 10-5 
 7. CSU Sibiu 10-5 
 8. Ploiesti 9-6 
 9. Rovinari 8-7 
 10. Pitesti 7-8 
 11. Otopeni 4-11 
 12. Giurgiu 4-11 
 13. Dinamo B. 4-11 
 14. Craiova 4-11 
 15. Perla Harghitei 2-12 
 16. Politehnica 0-15 


Chris Terrell is a new Head Coach of CSS Giurgiu - by Eurobasket News
Chris Terrell is a new Head Coach of CSS Giurgiu to start with the team in January 2012. The American specialist comes from Mexico.
He started his career as coach Assistant with Pierce College 2003 and then Brookhaven College. In 2005 he moved to Dallas Diesel (USBL) and showed 26-7 record with his team. In 2006 coached Marineros de Guaymas (Mexico-CIBACOPA). In 2006 he was the Director of Basketball Operations at the World Basketball Association (WBA). In August 2006 was hired by Cimarrones de UABC (Mexico-LNBP). Chris worked also as a General manager of Mayas de Yucatan (Mexico-LNBP) and Cimarrones de UABC (Mexico-LNBP), and then Director of Basketball Development.
In 2006-2007 coached Fort Worth Flyers (D-League), also head coach at Texas Tycoons (ABA).
In 2009-2010 coached Dallas Generals (ABA), team folded in Jan.'10 and in 2010 moved to Pioneros Los Mochis (Mexico-CIBACOPA).
In 2010-2011 worked as a Coach Assistant with Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (China-CBA). In 2011 moved to Fuerza Guinda Nogales (Mexico-CIBACOPA) and remained until the trip to Romania.
With his former teams Chris Terrell reached ABA All-Star Game -07, became ABA White Conference Champion -07 and ABA Finalist -07. He was named Mexican CIBACOPA All-Star Game -10 and the League Director of Basketball Operations - CIBACOPA Tournament -12.


Darius Hargrove returns to CSU Asesoft Ploiesti - by Eurobasket News
Darius Hargrove returns to CSU Asesoft Ploiesti for the rest of the season. The American Guard comes back from Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels.
In 2006-2007 Darius played for CSU Asesoft Ploiesti (Romania-Div.A) and in FIBA EuroCup averaged 13.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 68.3%, 3FGP: 19.2%, FT: 70.6%.
In 2007-2008 for CSU Asesoft Ploiesti (Romania-Div.A) showed 9.1ppg, 1.6rpg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 73.3%. In 2008-2009 his stats read 13.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg in EuroChallenge and in Romanian League after 38 games had 15.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 79.3%.
In 2009-2010 for CSU Asesoft Ploiesti (Div.A, starting five) in EuroChallenge he had high 16.7ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 92.9%, while in Romanian League Darius Hargrove averaged 17.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 45.2%, FT: 79.1%.
In 2010-2011: moved to Proteas Danoi AEL (Cyprus-Division A, starting five), but in Nov.'10 moved to KFUM Jamtland Basket (Sweden-Basketligan, starting five). IN Sweden he became the top-scorer with 21.9ppg, 6.2rpg, 3.7apg, Steals-3 (1.9spg), FGP: 50.1%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 80.7%.
In Apr.'11 signed at VOO Verviers-Pepinster (Belgium-D1, starting five) and after 6 games showed 13.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.3apg, 3.2spg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 80.0%. The season 2011-2012 started for Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (Germany-ProA), but left in Dec.'11.


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


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


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


Valladolid bring in Curtis Borchardt - by Eurobasket News
Valladolid strengthened their roster. They agreed on terms of contract with Curtis Borchardt (211-C-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Stanford). The centre is meant to replace injured Kahiem Seawright (203-C/F-86, agency: Edge Sports, college: Rhode Island). Curtis Borchardt was last seen in the 2009/10 season in France. He played for Asvel. The centre posted 20 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists in one Euroleague appearance. In ProA his stats read 5.9 points, 4.2 boards and 1.4 assists. Previously Curtis Borchardt had stints in Spain and NBA. Eurobasket.com named the player All-Spanish ACB Centre of the Year in 2006. He was also named the ACB Newcomer of the Year the same season.



*****************************************************
  TAIWAN   


Kevin Johnson gets MVP of the Week award for Taiwanese SBL - by Eurobasket News
American Kevin Johnson (201-F-84, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Yulon Luxgen and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 3.
The 27-year old forward had a double-double of 17 points and twenty one rebounds, while his team crushed Taiwan Mobile (#6, 2-4) with 18-point margin 96-78. Yulon Luxgen maintains the 2nd position in Taiwanese SBL. They would have been even better if they did not have these two lost games earlier in Regular Season. Yulon Luxgen will need more victories to improve their 5-2 record. Johnson turned to be Yulon Luxgen's top player in his first season with the team. Humboldt State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Johnson. Johnson is in league's top in points (3rd best: 19.0ppg), assists (3rd best: 3.7apg) and averages solid 2.3bpg,51.9% FGP and 42.4% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 28-year old American power forward Quincy Davis (206-F/C-83) of Pure Youth. Davis impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 29 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as Pure Youth was edged by Taiwan Beer (3-2) 93-91. The season is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round. Davis is a newcomer at Pure Youth 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 16.2ppg (#9). He also registered 9.0 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was American Antoine Broxsie (209-F-79) of KKL (#5). Broxsie scored 14 points and grabbed twenty rebounds (!!!). Despite Broxsie's great performance KKL lost 76-77 to Yulon Luxgen (#2, 5-2). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of KKL not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 4 games, recording just two victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Broxsie could try to bring KKL's a little bit higher in the standings. Broxsie has individually a great season in Taiwan. After only 6 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 18.2ppg (5th best) and rebounds with 14.5rpg (2nd best). He also has 4.3bpg and FGP: 51.4%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Kevin Johnson (201-F-84) of Yulon Luxgen - 22 points, 18 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Dennis Carr (201-F-81) of Taiwan Mobile - 19 points and 15 rebounds
6. Kevin Johnson (201-F-84) of Yulon Luxgen - 18 points, 17 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Antoine Broxsie (209-F-79) of KKL - 17 points and 14 rebounds
8. Chin-Min Yang (188-G-84) of Taiwan Beer - 27 points and 6 rebounds
9. Emmanuel Jones (200-F-85) of Taiwan Beer - 19 points and 18 rebounds
10. Douglas Creighton (195-F-85) of Pure Youth - 16 points, 9 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)

*****************************************************
  TUNISIA   


Standings - D1
D1 Standings
 1. ES Sahel 9-0 
 2. C Africain 8-2 
 3. ESG 7-2 
 4. ES Rades 6-3 
 5. Stade Nabeulien 6-3 
 6. CA Bizerte 5-3 
 7. Ezzahra 5-3 
 8. JS Kairouan 4-3 
 9. US Monastir 3-5 
 10. Tunisair 3-6 
 11. AS Hammamet 2-6 
 12. ASC Bizerte 1-7 
 13. JS Manazeh 1-8 
 14. C Cheminots 0-9 


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


Usak Universitesi keeps Ruben Douglas - by Baha Kurtulus
Usak Universitesi Belediyespor landed 33-year-old guard Ruben Douglas (193-G-79, college: N.Mexico). Ruben Douglas played for Casajol Sevilla in 2009-2010 season. He scored 6.7 points, 1.8 boards Spain ACB.
He was a member of Dynamo Moscow in 2005-2006 season. He scored 16.3 points, 4.4 boards and 1.0 assists per game in ULEB Cup and won the title and he was named ULEB Cup Final MVP.
He also won the 2004-05 Italian National Championship with Fortitudo Bologna. He played the Greek All Star Game in 2004 and Italian all Star Game in 2005
Eurobasket.com Eurobasket.com All-ULEB Cup Player of the Year 2006, All-ULEB Cup Guard of the Year 2006, All-ULEB Cup Import Player of the Year 2006, All-ULEB Cup 1st Team 2006, All-ULEB Cup All-Imports Team 2006, All-Russian A Superleague Honorable Mention 2006 and Russian A Superleague All-Imports Team 2006.


*****************************************************
  UBA   


Horace Signs To Play In Germany - by Travis McAvene
Daniel Horace (6'7''-F-83, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Miami, OH) of the Cincinnati Slam recently signed with Etzella Ettelbruck in Luxembourg, Germany. Horace adds to the impressive list of UBA players currently playing professional basketball overseas. Last season, Horace played overseas for the ECE Bulls Kapfenberg in Austria, where he averaged 14.6ppg, 5.1rpg. 'Danny is a very talented player who can score and rebound with the best, said Coach Travis McAvene . Horace should be back in time to play in the UBA playoffs with the Cincinnati Slam, added McAvene.



URBL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Jermaine BARNES
  (194-G/F-82)
  Avg: 29.6
 1. Barnes, GIE M.29.6 
 2. Canady Jr., Atlan.25.0 
 3. Williams, GIE M.24.0 
 4. Blackmon, Houst.23.5 
 5. Williams, Georgia23.0 
 6. Sims, Georgia L.23.0 
 7. Jennings, Atlan.22.5 
 8. Cantrell, GIE M.21.0 
 9. Webb, Nashville M.21.0 
 10. Baker, Cleveland20.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jermaine DAILEY
  USA
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 17
 1. Dailey, Georgia L.17.0 
 2. Terrell, Dallas St.15.0 
 3. White, Tennesse.13.5 
 4. Corpening, S.Gen.13.0 
 5. Hampton, Tennesse.11.8 
 6. Morning, C.Tex.11.7 
 7. Green, GIE M.11.7 
 8. Canady Jr., Atlan.11.0 
 9. Joseph, S.Generals11.0 
 10. Eichelberger, GIE9.5 
Assists Per Game
 DeAndre BRAY
  (168-G-85)
  Avg: 13
 1. Bray, S.Generals13.0 
 2. Belton, Atlanta A.8.5 
 3. Horton, C.Texas C.8.0 
 4. Cantrell, GIE M.7.2 
 5. Webb, Nashville M.7.0 
 6. Barnes, GIE M.7.0 
 7. Sims, Georgia L.6.5 
 8. Bryant, Austin K.6.0 
 9. Glover, C.Texas C.5.7 
 10. Baker, Cleveland5.3 
Steals Per Game
 Freddie WILLIAMS
  (188-G-87)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Williams, GIE M.5.3 
 2. Bray, S.Generals5.0 
 3. Horton, C.Texas C.4.0 
 4. Barnes, GIE M.3.6 
 5. Jennings, Atlan.2.5 
 6. Glover, C.Texas C.2.3 
 7. Bowdy, Dallas S.2.0 
 8. Ragsdale, GIE M.2.0 
 9. Blackmon, Houst.2.0 
 10. Antoine, Atlanta2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Raymond DAVIS
  (193-G-)
  Avg: 0
 1. Davis, Atlanta A.0.0 
 2. Adkins, Austin K.0.0 
 3. Danzey, Georgia L.0.0 
 4. Lewis, Austin K.0.0 
 5. Daniels, Tennesse.0.0 
 6. Kusljic, Nashville0.0 
 7. Dairy, Tennessee D.0.0 
 8. Joshua, Clevelan.0.0 
 9. Dailey, Georgia L.0.0 
 10. Jones, Tennessee0.0 


Standings
UBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Buckeye B. 3-0 
 2. Cincinnati S. 2-0 
 3. S.Ohio K. 2-1 
 4. SE Hoopstars 2-1 
 5. Cleveland R. 1-3 
 6. Louisville S. 0-0 
 7. Ohio R. 0-1 
 8. Midwest M. 0-3 
Southern
 1. GIE Morrow D. 5-0 
 2. Tennessee D. 3-2 
 3. Georgia L. 2-2 
 4. Atlanta A. 2-2 
 5. S.Generals 1-1 
Western
 1. C.Texas C. 3-1 
 2. Cleveland H. 1-2 
 3. DFW Warriors 0-0 
 4. Austin K. 0-1 
 5. Houston E. 0-2 
D-League
 1. Queen City G. 0-1 
 2. Nashville M. 0-3 
Traveling Teams
 1. Dallas Stars 1-2 
 2. Team Japan 0-0 


*****************************************************
  UBL   


UBL News - by Ozzie Denson

ARKANSAS WARRIORS

VS

MISSISSIPPI TOURNADOES

JAN 14, 2012 TIPOFF AT 6:00 PM

HILLCREST CHRISTIAN H-SCHOOL

4060 SOUTH SIWELL ROAD

@ JACKSON, MS 39212

601-259-5911

BALLIN 4 CHRIST CONCERT 5:00 TO 5:45PM

TEXAS WRANGLERS

VS

AUSTIN RHYTHMS

JAN 28, 2012 3:PM

@ AUSTIN TEXAS


What: RHYTHMS Open Tryouts

United Basketball League

When: January 14, 2012 @ 6:00 p.m.

Where: Austin Hoop Zone

826 Rutland Dr.

Austin, TX 78758

Cost: $50 per person $65 at the door

For more info email: AustinRhythmBasketball@hotmail.com

Austin Rhythm Basketball on Facebook

www.austinrhythmbasketball.webs.com

www.ublhoops.com

CALL 830-220-2417




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

  UNITED KINGDOM   


Heat Overpower Wildcats In Basement Clash - by Paul Nilsen
BBL Championship
Guildford Heat 99 (31,50,80) (McLemore 30, Ogedengbe 21, Martin 17)
Durham Wildcats 67 (15,38,52) (Galvin 19, Flaherty 12, Bucci 10)

Guildford Heat had the best possible start to the new year with a comfortable home victory in their bottom of the table battle with Durham Wildcats.

Martelle McLemore (pictured) was in good scoring form with 30 points and the Heat star was helped by contributions from Tayo Ogedengbe on 21 points and Michael Martin with 17.

Heat put together runs of 13-2 and 16-6 to take the first quarter 31-15. Durham closed the gap to 32-22 at the start of the second period as Guildford struggled from the free throw line but the home team still led 50-38 at half time.

An 11-5 burst to begin the third quarter opened up a 61-43 advantage for Heat and then a 19-2 tear gave them their biggest lead of the night at 80-47 with 39 seconds to play in the period.

Wildcats scored the last four points of the third to trail 80-52 heading into the final stanza and the BBL new boys were never able to significantly reduce the arrears as Heat twice stretched out to equal their 33 point lead high point - 94-61 and 96-63.

Guildford coach Creon Raftopoulos said: 'I'm really happy to start 2012 with a win. We joked before the game that it was like going back to 2011 with Drew Lasker out injured and when he's fully fit I'm convinced we will climb the table.

'Our team defence was the key for us today. Martelle McLemore took the ball to the basket and took good threes. We had a great crowd; we fed off their energy and look forward seeing them again on January 29.'

Standings - EBL Conf.
EBL Standings
 1. Bristol AF 7-2 
 2. Worthing T. 7-2 
 3. Derby T. 6-3 
 4. Leicester W. 6-3 
 5. Bradford D. 5-3 
 6. Medway Park 5-3 
 7. Brixton T. 5-4 
 8. Reading R. 5-4 
 9. Leeds Carnegie 3-6 
 10. Leopards 2-4 
 11. Tees Valley M. 2-6 
 12. London Cap. 1-7 
 13. Westminster W. 1-8 


EBL Div.1 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Vernon TEEL
  Leopards
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 28.8
 1. Teel, Leopards28.8 
 2. Kakad, Derby T.23.6 
 3. Glavin, Tees V.23.3 
 4. Krubally, Leopards22.7 
 5. Gariba, London Cap.22.5 
 6. Silcott, Bradford.21.0 
 7. Vear, Medway Park21.0 
 8. Rivers, Worthing.20.0 
 9. Treasure, Brist.19.0 
 10. Gayle, Derby T.17.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ousman KRUBALLY
  Leopards
  (198-F-88)
  Avg: 12.7
 1. Krubally, Leopards12.7 
 2. Rivers, Worthing.12.0 
 3. Silcott, Bradford.10.5 
 4. Pettway, Leiceste.9.7 
 5. Teel, Leopards9.6 
 6. Bowne, Bristol AF9.3 
 7. Gariba, London Cap.9.0 
 8. Bolomo, Tees V.8.5 
 9. Whittington, Derby8.4 
 10. Tullis, Worthing8.4 
Assists Per Game
 Steve VEAR
  Medway Park
  (180-G-)
  Avg: 8
 1. Vear, Medway Park8.0 
 2. Teel, Leopards6.4 
 3. Edmunds, Bradford.5.5 
 4. Guymon, Reading R.4.8 
 5. Fenyn, Medway Park4.5 
 6. Streete, Bristol AF4.5 
 7. Pearson, Leiceste.4.3 
 8. Lascelles, Derby T.4.1 
 9. Glavin, Tees V.4.0 
 10. Popoola, Westmins.4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Ibrahim GARIBA
  London Cap.
  (206-C-84)
  Avg: 3
 1. Gariba, London Cap.3.0 
 2. Small, Worthing T.2.7 
 3. Popoola, Westmins.2.6 
 4. Toluwase, Brixt.2.5 
 5. Vear, Medway Park2.5 
 6. Sulcs, Bradford D.2.5 
 7. Odumosu, Tees V.2.3 
 8. Edmunds, Bradford.2.3 
 9. Treasure, Brist.2.3 
 10. Teel, Leopards2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Marcus TULLIS
  Worthing T.
  (198-F-86)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Tullis, Worthing T.2.7 
 2. Whittington, Derby2.3 
 3. Matzeder, Readi.1.8 
 4. Garcia, Bristol AF1.6 
 5. Gariba, London Cap.1.5 
 6. Schow, Medway Park1.3 
 7. Bowne, Bristol AF1.3 
 8. Bulambwe, Westmi.1.2 
 9. Amato, Worthing T.1.1 
 10. Attewell, Derby T.1.0 


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


Summary Uruguayan basketball in 2011 - by Sergio Palay
Malvin won the LUB 2010-2011. The team coached by Pablo Lopez beat Atletico Bigua in the finals 3-1.
Atletico Tabare won the Metropolitan tournament and returned to the LUB. The Nacional De Futbol was who accompanied. after defeated Larranaga inthe playoffs for the second ascent.

Uruguay finished seventh in the Olympic Qualifying tournament in Mar del Plata and failed to qualify for London 2012.
Uruguay finished eighth in the Pan American Games Guadalajara, but can beat the United States for the fourth time in its history.
In women's basketball champion was again Malvin

The LUB 2011-2012 started in september. LUB has a more national character, with three areas throughout the country. In February 2012 begin the Super Liga to decide the champion of Uruguay.






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

Women News

*****************************************************
  BELGIUM - Women  


Isis Arrondo is a newcomer at Castors Braine - by Eurobasket Center
Castors Braine added to their roster 23-year old French guard Isis Arrondo (166-G-89). Arrondo played most recently at Tarbes Gespe Bigorre (France). While playing 7 games for Tarbes this season she averaged 1.3ppg, 1.0rpg and 1.0spg. That will be her first experience abroad. Arrondo was playing in Tarbes since 2008 and won French League Champion 2010 and French League Finalist 2011. She also won the Gold medal at the U20 European Championships in Gdynia with France


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


Tarbes Gespe Bigorre to sign Murphy to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Tarbes Gespe Bigorre agreed terms with 28-year old Canadian international forward Lizanne Murphy (185-F-84, college: Hofstra). She replaces serbian power forward Ljubica Drljaca released by Tarbes 2 weeks ago. Murphy played most recently at Energa Torun (Poland). While playing 8 games in EuroCup for Energa Torun last season she recorded 9.3ppg and 6.1rpg. She also played 26 games in Polish League and her stats were 8.3ppg, 5.2rpg and 1.3apg. She helped them to make it to the cup final. Murphy is a very experienced player. She played also pro basketball in Brazil, Colombia, Finland, Lithuania, Slovakia and Canada. Murphy graduated from Hofstra University in 2007 and it will be her fifth season in pro basketball. Murphy played for Canadian senior national team this year. She represented Canada at the FIBA Americas in Neiva Huila (Colombia) last year. Murphys team won Bronze and her stats at this event were 6 games: 6.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP-2 (68.8%), 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 76.5%.
Lizanne joins two other Canadian players in the French League - Krysten Boogaard (195-C-88, college: Kansas) in Nice and Stephany Skrba (188-F-87, college: Michigan) in Montpellier.



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


Czech Republic U16 edged the hosts in Budapest - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U16 edged the hosts in Budapest but Hungary U16 won the International Tournament. The capital of Hungary farewell to Olympic Hopes Tournament.
Poland U16 overcame Czech Republic U16 69:66. Karolina Pobozy (188-F-96) poured in 18 points to lead the charge, while Amalia Rembiszewska (189-F-96) added 10. Radomska scored 9, while Siemienias and Ossowska nailed 8 apiece. Prachaova replied with 19 points in the losing effort.
Czech Republic U16 edged Hungary 64:58. Trailing 12-15 after the first period, the guests won the second and the third quarters. Hungary replied with 17-14 in the last quarter but lost the game. Dubei and Farkas scored 14 points each in the losing effort.



*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE - Women  


Fenerbahce about to sign Cappie Pondexter - by Eurobasket News
Fenerbahce are getting stronger. The Turkish powerhouse are close to landing Cappie Pondexter (175-G-83, college: Rutgers). The guard left UMMC last month. Cappie Pondexter notched 10.9 points, 3.2 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in Euroleague. In Russian League Cappie Pondexter tallied 10.6 points, 5.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds per appearance. It was the fourth straight season with UMMC for the guard. Cappie Pondexter is not new to Fenerbahce. The guard played for the team back in 2006/2008 seasons. She was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TBBL Player of the Year in both 2007 and 2008. Cappie Pondexter was the member of the USA National Team in 2007/10.


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


PeKa land Yolanda Jones - by Eurobasket News
PeKa have decided to change one of their import players. Yolanda Jones (184-F-84, college: La-Lafayette) is set to join the team. The forward was last seen in Puerto Rico. She played for Gigantes de Carolina. Yolanda Jones posted 20.4 points, 12.6 boards, 2.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game in BSNF. Yolanda Jones is not new to PeKa. She played for the team back in 2009/10 season. The forward notched 21.9 points, 11.4 boards, 2.3 steals and 1.7 assists per appearance in D1. Yolanda Jones also had a stint with Espoo Team. The forward is the member of Puerto Rican National Team. She participated at Panamerican Games this year. Yolanda Jones tallied 5.2 points and 2.0 boards per game in Guadalajara.
Yolanda Jones will replace Kamela Gissendanner (185-G-85, college: Penn St.) on the roster.


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


Isis Arrondo is a newcomer at Castors Braine - by Eurobasket Center
Castors Braine added to their roster 23-year old French guard Isis Arrondo (166-G-89). Arrondo played most recently at Tarbes Gespe Bigorre (France). While playing 7 games for Tarbes this season she averaged 1.3ppg, 1.0rpg and 1.0spg. That will be her first experience abroad. Arrondo was playing in Tarbes since 2008 and won French League Champion 2010 and French League Finalist 2011. She also won the Gold medal at the U20 European Championships in Gdynia with France


Tarbes Gespe Bigorre to sign Murphy to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Tarbes Gespe Bigorre agreed terms with 28-year old Canadian international forward Lizanne Murphy (185-F-84, college: Hofstra). She replaces serbian power forward Ljubica Drljaca released by Tarbes 2 weeks ago. Murphy played most recently at Energa Torun (Poland). While playing 8 games in EuroCup for Energa Torun last season she recorded 9.3ppg and 6.1rpg. She also played 26 games in Polish League and her stats were 8.3ppg, 5.2rpg and 1.3apg. She helped them to make it to the cup final. Murphy is a very experienced player. She played also pro basketball in Brazil, Colombia, Finland, Lithuania, Slovakia and Canada. Murphy graduated from Hofstra University in 2007 and it will be her fifth season in pro basketball. Murphy played for Canadian senior national team this year. She represented Canada at the FIBA Americas in Neiva Huila (Colombia) last year. Murphys team won Bronze and her stats at this event were 6 games: 6.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP-2 (68.8%), 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 76.5%.
Lizanne joins two other Canadian players in the French League - Krysten Boogaard (195-C-88, college: Kansas) in Nice and Stephany Skrba (188-F-87, college: Michigan) in Montpellier.



*****************************************************
  GERMANY - Women  


Sims completes NBO squad - by Marsha Owusu Gyamfi
Jania Sims (170-G-88, college: Pittsburgh), former Pittsburgh Panther, is the new wing/guard for evo New Basket Oberhausen 1st division team.

1.70m US-player Sims looked good on the tapes and is a perfect fit for NBO's high speed game. Her first club abroad was Sweden where she played for the Solna Vikings. She had 10.0 ppg, is a good freethrow-shooter and can pass the ball.

After a long journey to Oberhausen she started practicing with her new team and get's ready for the cup game vs Gruenberg on sunday.



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


Hungary U16 wins Budapest Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Hungary U16 wins Budapest Tournament with 2-1 record.
In Day 1 the hosts overcame Poland U16 67:46. The Hungarian team started with 17-5 lead and added 18-16 in the second quarter. Moreover they won the third and the last stanzas to seal the victory. Farkas poured in 18 points to lead the charge and Dubei, Horvath and Toth posted 8 apiece.
In Day 2 Hungary overcame Slovakia but then did not mind the loss from Czech Republic in Day 3. Czech Republic U16 edged Hungary 64:58. Trailing 12-15 after the first period, the guests won the second and the third quarters. Hungary replied with 17-14 in the last quarter but lost the game. Dubei and Farkas scored 14 points each in the losing effort.


*****************************************************
  ISRAEL - Women  


D1 Round 9: Maccabi Ashdod keep the perfect record - by Eurobasket News
Coincidentally all hosts won their games.

Maccabi Ashdod (7-0) beat Maccabi Ramat Hen (6-2) 91-79 on Monday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Maccabi Ramat Hen. The game was mostly controlled by Maccabi Ashdod. Maccabi Ramat Hen managed to win third quarter 17-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Maccabi Ashdod dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Maccabi Ramat Hen's 48. They outrebounded Maccabi Ramat Hen 37-20 including a 29-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Maccabi Ashdod looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was Plenette Pierson (188-81, college: Texas Tech) who had a double-double by scoring 25 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. Ashley Shields (180-85, college: SW Tenn.St.CC) chipped in 26 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals (perfect from the field making all ten shots !!!). At the other side the best for losing team was forward Sequoia Holmes (185-86, college: UNLV, agency: Merit Sports) who recorded 28 points and 7 rebounds. Undefeated Maccabi Ashdod have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader. Maccabi Ramat Hen at the other side dropped to the third place with two games lost. They share the position with Ramat Hasharon. They were replaced at the leadership position by Maccabi Ashdod. Maccabi Ramat Hen will play next round against strong Ramat Hasharon trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Maccabi Ashdod will try to continue on its current victory against tenth ranked Hapoel Tel-Aviv on the road.
Elitzur Netanya can celebrate finally their first win this season after seven consecutive loses. They used home court advantage to defeat Hapoel Tel-Aviv (1-7) 102-72. It was a good game for Bjorklund who led her team to a victory with 34 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds. Ambrosia Anderson contributed with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. American guard Sherill Baker (174-82, college: Georgia) answered with 31 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for Hapoel Tel-Aviv. Elitzur Netanya left bottom position moving up to ninth place, which they share with Hapoel T-A. Elitzur Netanya will play against higher ranked B.C. Habikaa (#7) in Kiryat Ono in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hapoel Tel-Aviv will play at home against the league's leader Maccabi Ashdod where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
The game in supposed to be also quite interesting. 5th ranked B.C. Habikaa (4-4) played at the court of sixth ranked Hap.Petah Tikva (5-3). Hap.Petah Tikva smashed B.C. Habikaa 72-50 on Monday. The game was also dominated by American players. Sheri Lynette Sam stepped up with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. The best for the losing side was Amanda Thompson with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds. B.C. Habikaa's coach Rafi Bogatin gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. The victory was the third consecutive win for Hap.Petah Tikva. They moved-up to fifth place. B.C. Habikaa lost their third game in a row. Newly promoted team dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. Hap.Petah Tikva will meet Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion (#8) on the road in the next round. B.C. Habikaa will play against Elitzur Netanya and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last two games of round 9 Elitzur Holon was crushed by Ramat Hasharon in a road game 77-58. Elitzur Ramla beat H.R. Le-Zion at home 90-82.

Ramat Hasharon - Elitzur Holon 77-58

There was no surprise when 10th ranked Elitzur Holon (1-8) was crushed on the road by fourth ranked Ramat Hasharon (6-2) 77-58 on Monday. The game was mostly controlled by Ramat Hasharon. Elitzur Holon managed to win second period 14-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Ramat Hasharon dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Elitzur Holon's 32. Ramat Hasharon forced 24 Elitzur Holon turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Elitzur Holon's players. The game was also dominated by American players. Forward Alysha Clark (178-87, college: Middle Tenn.St.) stepped up and scored 21 points and 5 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for the winners and forward Porsha Phillips (187-88, college: Georgia) chipped in 17 points and 8 rebounds. Four Ramat Hasharon players scored in double figures. Ramat Hasharon's coach Orna Ostfeld used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was guard Tahnee Robinson (175-88, college: Nevada) with 16 points and 6 rebounds and guard Brittani Shells (170-89, college: Richmond, agency: Merit Sports) scored 13 points. Ramat Hasharon moved-up to third place, which they share with Maccabi R.Hen. Elitzur Holon lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the bottom position with eight games lost. Ramat Hasharon will meet Maccabi Ramat Hen (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Elitzur Holon will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Ramat Hasharon: A.Clark 21+5reb+2ast, P.Phillips 17+8reb+1ast, J.Perkins 12+5reb+4ast, M.Reid 10+2reb+8ast, J.Breland 8+7reb+1ast, Y.Aharonov 3+4ast
Elitzur Holon: T.Robinson 16+6reb, B.Shells 13+3reb+3ast, H.New 9+7reb, T.Jenkins 8+8reb+2ast, H.Gutin 5+1reb+1ast, B.Gilinsky 4+6reb+2ast
gschID: 153699


Elitzur Netanya - Hapoel T-A 102-72

Elitzur Netanya can celebrate finally their first win this season after seven consecutive loses. They used home court advantage to defeat Hapoel Tel-Aviv (1-7) 102-72. The game without a history. Elitzur Netanya led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Hapoel Tel-Aviv's players. It was a good game for Bjorklund who led her team to a victory with 34 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds. American forward Ambrosia Anderson (186-84, college: BYU) contributed with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Four Elitzur Netanya players scored in double figures. American guard Sherill Baker (174-82, college: Georgia) answered with 31 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import forward Brittany Ford (185-87, college: St.Joseph's) added 12 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Hapoel Tel-Aviv. Elitzur Netanya left bottom position moving up to ninth place, which they share with Hapoel T-A. Elitzur Netanya will play against higher ranked B.C. Habikaa (#7) in Kiryat Ono in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hapoel Tel-Aviv will play at home against the league's leader Maccabi Ashdod where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Elitzur Netanya: A.Bjorkland 34+7reb+2ast, A.Anderson 21+6reb+6ast, O.Howard 14+1reb+4ast, R.Ben Nun 13+3reb+6ast, J.Lawson 9+13reb+3ast, N.Ganor 6+3reb+4ast
Hapoel T-A: S.Baker 31+9reb+4ast, h.New 12+2reb+2ast, B.Ford 12+10reb+1ast, T.Washington 9+11reb+2ast, Y.Katz 8+1ast, I.Seroshtan 0+1ast
gschID: 153697


Maccabi Ashdod - Maccabi R.Hen 91-79

Round 9 in D1 means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Ashdod where host Maccabi Ashdod (7-0) beat league's leader Maccabi Ramat Hen (6-2) 91-79 on Monday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Maccabi Ramat Hen. The game was mostly controlled by Maccabi Ashdod. Maccabi Ramat Hen managed to win third quarter 17-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Maccabi Ashdod dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Maccabi Ramat Hen's 48. They outrebounded Maccabi Ramat Hen 37-20 including a 29-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Maccabi Ashdod looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was Plenette Pierson (188-81, college: Texas Tech) who had a double-double by scoring 25 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. Ashley Shields (180-85, college: SW Tenn.St.CC) chipped in a double-double by scoring 26 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals (perfect from the field making all ten shots !!!). At the other side the best for losing team was forward Sequoia Holmes (185-86, college: UNLV, agency: Merit Sports) who recorded 28 points and 7 rebounds and forward Kelsey Griffin (188-87, college: Nebraska) added 15 points respectively. Maccabi Ashdod have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader. Maccabi Ramat Hen at the other side dropped to the third place with two games lost. They share the position with Ramat Hasharon. They were replaced at the leadership position by Maccabi Ashdod. Maccabi Ramat Hen will play next round against strong Ramat Hasharon trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Maccabi Ashdod will try to continue on its current victory against tenth ranked Hapoel Tel-Aviv on the road.
Top scorers:
Maccabi Ashdod: A.Shields 26+11reb+5ast, P.Pierson 25+11reb+8ast, M.Dori 10+1reb, B.Denson 8+7reb+1ast, N.Kolodny 8+4reb+6ast, T.Young 8+2reb+2ast
Maccabi R.Hen: S.Holmes 28+7reb+1ast, K.Griffin 15+2reb+2ast, S.Tzairi 10+2reb+2ast, D.Morris 9+1reb+5ast, D.Robinson 6+5reb+7ast, L.Peleg 6
gschID: 153698


Elitzur Ramla - H.R. Le-Zion 90-82

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Elitzur Ramla (7-2) defeated at home 8th ranked Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion (2-6) 90-82 on Monday. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 23-12. But Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion won third quarter 24-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Elitzur Ramla made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Elitzur Ramla outrebounded Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion 46-27 including a 36-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. International Shay Doron (175-85, college: Maryland) stepped up and scored 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) for the winners and the former international point guard Laine Selwyn (172-81, college: Pittsburgh, agency: Data Plus Group) chipped in 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was American guard Alexis Gray-Lawson (173-87, college: California) with 23 points and 4 assists and the other American import forward Victoria Dunlap (185-89, college: Kentucky) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 13 rebounds. Five Elitzur Ramla and four Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion players scored in double figures. Defending champion maintains second place with 7-2 record having just -2 point less than leader Maccabi Ashdod. Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the eighth position with six games lost. Elitzur Ramla will meet Bnot Hasharon (#6) in the next round. Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion will play against Hap.Petah Tikva and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Elitzur Ramla: S.Doron 25+5reb+5ast, A.Turcinovic 17+10reb+1ast, L.Selwyn 15+11reb+4ast, A.Jackson 11+6reb+3ast, T.Wright 11+11reb+7ast, K.Levitsky 8+1reb+3ast
H.R. Le-Zion: A.Gray-Lawson 23+3reb+4ast, J.Davis 18+4reb+4ast, B.Spears 15+3reb, V.Dunlap 13+13reb+1ast, N.Shalom 9+2reb+2ast, K.Nechama 2+1reb+1ast
gschID: 153695


Hap.Petah Tikva - B.C. Habikaa 72-50

The game in supposed to be also quite interesting. 5th ranked B.C. Habikaa (4-4) played at the court of sixth ranked Hap.Petah Tikva (5-3). Hap.Petah Tikva smashed B.C. Habikaa 72-50 on Monday. The hosts trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 12-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 72-50. Hap.Petah Tikva dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to B.C. Habikaa's 32. Hap.Petah Tikva forced 21 B.C. Habikaa turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by B.C. Habikaa's players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Hap.Petah Tikva made 9 blocks. The game was also dominated by American players. Swingman Sheri Lynette Sam (183-74, college: Vanderbilt) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners and forward Kaili McLaren (188-88, college: Connecticut) chipped in 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 blocks. Four Hap.Petah Tikva players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was forward Amanda Thompson (183-87, college: Oklahoma) with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds and guard Cetera Degraffenreid (167-88, college: N.Carolina) scored 17 points and 4 assists. B.C. Habikaa's coach Rafi Bogatin gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. The victory was the third consecutive win for Hap.Petah Tikva. They moved-up to fifth place. B.C. Habikaa lost their third game in a row. Newly promoted team dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. Hap.Petah Tikva will meet Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion (#8) on the road in the next round. B.C. Habikaa will play against Elitzur Netanya and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hap.Petah Tikva: K.McLaren 17+6reb+2ast, S.Porat 15+2reb+5ast, S.Lynette Sam 15+11reb+8ast, C.Reed 10+4reb+6ast, T.Ben-Ishay 6+2reb, P.New 5+3reb+2ast
B.C. Habikaa: C.Degraffenreid 17+3reb+4ast, N.Stevenson 13+3reb+1ast, A.Thompson 12+12reb+2ast, J.Smith 4+7reb+2ast, I.Mizrachi 2+1reb, D.Yahalomi 2
gschID: 153696




Standings (W)
D1 Standings
 1. Maccabi Ashdod 7-0 
 2. Elitzur Ramla 7-2 
 3. Maccabi R.Hen 6-2 
 4. Ramat Hasharon 6-2 
 5. Hap.Petah Tikva 5-3 
 6. Bnot Hasharon 4-3 
 7. B.C. Habikaa 4-4 
 8. H.R. Le-Zion 2-6 
 9. Elitzur Netanya 1-7 
 10. Hapoel T-A 1-7 
 11. Elitzur Holon 1-8 


Loud transfers bolster the rosters - by Eurobasket News
Loud transfers bolster the rosters in some teams in the country.
Maccabi Bnot Ashdod strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old American guard Tamera Young (188-G-86, college: JMU). In her first game she scored 8 points helping her new team beat Maccabi R.Hen 91-79. Young played most recently at Istanbul Universitesi SK (Turkey). She is a very experienced player. Young played also pro basketball in France, Italy, Latvia, Spain and Turkey. She graduated James Madison University in 2008 and actually missed last season. It will be her fourth season in pro basketball.
Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old American forward Victoria Dunlap (185-F-89, college: Kentucky). In her first game she scored 13 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Despite her good performance her new team lost to Elitzur Ramla 82-90. Dunlap played most recently at Optimum TED Ankara Kolejliler (Turkey). She just graduated University of Kentucky and actually missed last season. It will be her first season in pro basketball.
Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion agreed terms with 24-year old American forward Brittany Spears (185-F-88, college: Colorado). In her first game she scored 15 points and grabbed 3 rebounds. Despite her good performance her new team lost to Elitzur Ramla 82-90. Spears played most recently at Soller Joventud Mariana (Spain). She just graduated University of Colorado and actually missed last season. It will be her first season in pro basketball.
Elitzur Netanya signed 28-year old American forward Ambrosia Anderson (186-F-84, college: BYU). In her first game she scored 21 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and 6 assists helping her new team beat Hapoel T-A 102-72. Anderson played most recently at Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion (D1). She helped them to make it to the final. Anderson played also pro basketball in Greece and Portugal. She graduated Brigham Young University in 2006 and actually missed last season. It will be her sixth season in pro basketball.


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


Stats Leaders - Women
Points Per Game
 Gunta BASKO
  TTT Riga
  (181-F-80)
  Avg: 19.7
 1. Basko, TTT Riga19.7 
 2. Nimane, TTT Riga18.9 
 3. Niedola, TTT Riga18.1 
 4. Egle, DU16.5 
 5. Laksa, Kolibri/U-1616.3 
 6. Krastina, TTT Riga15.5 
 7. Alilujeva, Liepajas15.1 
 8. Vorma, LU14.8 
 9. Kreslina, Kolibri/.13.9 
 10. Aizsila, TTT J.13.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Liene BERNSONE
  Cesis
  (185-C-85)
  Avg: 11.3
 1. Bernsone, Cesis11.3 
 2. Niedola, TTT Riga10.4 
 3. Horelika, Cesis9.0 
 4. Krasovska, Liepajas8.1 
 5. Alilujeva, Liepajas8.0 
 6. Veidere, TTT J.7.7 
 7. Egle, DU7.7 
 8. Nimane, TTT Riga7.4 
 9. Basko, TTT Riga7.1 
 10. Lisnere, RTU-Merks6.8 
Assists Per Game
 Olesja JEVSEJEVA
  DU
  (174-F-86)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Jevsejeva, DU5.1 
 2. Neimane, TTT J.4.4 
 3. Krastina, TTT Riga4.4 
 4. Kazakevica, DU3.3 
 5. Basko, TTT Riga3.3 
 6. Lisnere, RTU-Merks3.1 
 7. Reke, Cesis3.1 
 8. Sarja, TTT Juniores2.8 
 9. Lapsina, Cesis2.8 
 10. Egle, DU2.8 
Steals Per Game
 Sabine NIEDOLA
  TTT Riga
  (184-F-91)
  Avg: 3.9
 1. Niedola, TTT Riga3.9 
 2. Basko, TTT Riga3.7 
 3. Krastina, TTT Riga3.6 
 4. Reke, Cesis2.9 
 5. Malkevica, RTU-M.2.7 
 6. Nimane, TTT Riga2.5 
 7. Aizsila, TTT J.2.5 
 8. Jevsejeva, DU2.4 
 9. Egle, DU2.2 
 10. Kazakevica, DU2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Liga SURKUSA
  TTT Riga
  (194-C-91)
  Avg: 2
 1. Surkusa, TTT Riga2.0 
 2. Veidere, TTT J.1.6 
 3. Bernsone, Cesis1.5 
 4. Krasovska, Liepajas1.4 
 5. Langina, TTT J.1.3 
 6. Bundule, Cesis1.2 
 7. Basko, TTT Riga1.0 
 8. Tomsone, TTT J.1.0 
 9. Vitola, RTU-Merks0.9 
 10. Lisnere, RTU-Merks0.9 


Standings - LSBL
LSBL Standings
 1. TTT Riga 14-0 
 2. Cesis 9-5 
 3. RTU-Merks 9-5 
 4. Liepajas 8-6 
 5. DU 7-7 
 6. TTT Juniores 7-7 
 7. LU 2-12 
 8. Kolibri/U-16 0-14 


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


Poland U16 posted two victories - by Eurobasket News
Poland U16 posted two victories at the International Tournament in Hungary.
In Day 1 the hosts overcame Poland U16 67:46. The Hungarian team started with 17-5 lead and added 18-16 in the second quarter. Moreover they won the third and the last stanzas to seal the victory. Farkas poured in 18 points to lead the charge and Dubei, Horvath and Toth posted 8 apiece.
Later Poland U16 overcame Czech Republic U16 69:66. Pobozy poured in 18 points to lead the charge, while Amalia Rembiszewska (189-F-96) added 10. Radomska scored 9, while Siemienias and Ossowska nailed 8 apiece. Prachaova replied with 19 points in the losing effort.
In Day 3 Poland U16 edged Slovakia U16 66:34. Zapart top-scored for the winners with 13 points, while Gwarda notched 9. Pobozy scored 8 and Plucinska as well as Ossowska delivered 6 apiece. Striesova ended up with 15 points in the losing effort.


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


Cassovia Kosice bring Sladana Todorovic and Anna Buksic - by Eurobasket News
Cassovia Kosice bring Sladana Todorovic (175-G-82) and Anna Buksic for the rest of the season. Sladana Todorovic is a Montenegrin Guard. In 2006-2007 she played for Stara Pazova (1A, starting five). In 2008-2009 spent the season with Politekhnika Galitsiya Lviv (Ukraine-UBL, starting five). As a Montenegrin National Team in 2006 she played at European Championships against Slovenia and Iceland.
Anna Buksic is a Serbian player who will join the team.


Slovakia U16 comes back from Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Slovakia U16 comes back from Hungary after Olympic Hopes Tournament.
In Day 3 Poland U16 edged Slovakia U16 66:34. Zapart top-scored for the winners with 13 points, while Gwarda notched 9. Pobozy scored 8 and Plucinska as well as Ossowska delivered 6 apiece. Striesova ended up with 15 points in the losing effort.


*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA - Women  


Standings - WKBL
WKBL Standings
 1. S-Birds 20-3 
 2. Winnus 15-9 
 3. Bichumi 13-10 
 4. KB Stars 10-13 
 5. Cool Cats 7-16 
 6. Woori Hansae 4-18 


WKBL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Jung-Eun KIM
  Cool Cats
  (180-F-87)
  Avg: 19.1
 1. Kim, Cool Cats19.1 
 2. Jung, KB Stars16.4 
 3. Kang, S-Birds15.9 
 4. Kim, Cool Cats14.9 
 5. Cho, Winnus14.8 
 6. Han, Winnus14.7 
 7. Lee, S-Birds14.3 
 8. Sin, Winnus14.0 
 9. Lim, Woori Hansae14.0 
 10. Kim, S-Birds13.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jung Ja SIN
  Winnus
  (185-F/C-80)
  Avg: 12.8
 1. Sin, Winnus12.8 
 2. Heo, Cool Cats9.1 
 3. Kang, S-Birds8.5 
 4. Jung, KB Stars7.0 
 5. Bae, Woori Hansae6.5 
 6. Gang, Cool Cats6.3 
 7. Kim, S-Birds6.2 
 8. Kim, Bichumi6.1 
 9. Choi, S-Birds6.0 
 10. Yang, Woori Hans.5.8 
Assists Per Game
 Mi Sun LEE
  Bichumi
  (175-G-79)
  Avg: 7
 1. Lee, Bichumi7.0 
 2. Kim, Cool Cats6.6 
 3. Choi, S-Birds6.0 
 4. Lee, Winnus4.3 
 5. Sin, Winnus4.2 
 6. Heo, Cool Cats3.9 
 7. Park, KB Stars3.9 
 8. Kim, S-Birds3.7 
 9. Park, Bichumi3.5 
 10. Kim, Cool Cats3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Mi Sun LEE
  Bichumi
  (175-G-79)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Lee, Bichumi2.4 
 2. Han, Winnus2.0 
 3. Choi, S-Birds1.7 
 4. Lee, S-Birds1.7 
 5. Roberson, Bichumi1.6 
 6. Jung, KB Stars1.4 
 7. Beon, KB Stars1.2 
 8. Cho, Winnus1.1 
 9. Sin, Winnus1.0 
 10. Bae, Woori Hansae1.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Sun-Hwa JUNG
  KB Stars
  (184-C/F-85)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Jung, KB Stars1.7 
 2. Kang, S-Birds1.3 
 3. Gang, Cool Cats1.3 
 4. Sin, Winnus1.2 
 5. Kim, S-Birds1.2 
 6. Kim, Cool Cats0.9 
 7. Ha, S-Birds0.7 
 8. Roberson, Bichumi0.7 
 9. Bae, Woori Hansae0.6 
 10. Kim, Woori Hansae0.6 


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


Rachel Allison practised with Arranz-Jopisa Burgos - by Eurobasket News
Rachel Allison (185-F-87, college: Baylor) is on the way to Arranz-Jopisa Burgos for the rest of the season. The American player trained yesterday for the first time under the direction of Ricardo Gonzalez.
Rachel Allison started her career in 2005-2006 for Baylor (NCAA) and debuted with 5.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, 0.5bpg, FG: 45.7%. In the last season there she averaged 8.5ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3Pts: 30.4%, FT: 54.1%.
In 2010-2011 moved to Townsville Fire (Australia-WNBL, starting five) and in 20 games had 10.1ppg, 6.2rpg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 64.9%.
The season 2011-2012 started for C.B. Arxil Pontevedra (Spain-LF2, starting five). She recorded 25 points twice in year 2011. At the Regular Season Round 11 Ferrol beat Arxil as they used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Pontevedra 71:62. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 22-10. But Arxil Pontevedra won second period 19-18. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Universitario de Ferrol won last quarter 21-14. They also forced 28 Arxil Pontevedra turnovers. American forward Rachel Allison answered with 25 points and 7 rebounds and Russian center Olga Fedorova added 16 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Arxil Pontevedra.


Hejkova said to be disappointed with general manager of Ros Casares - by Lino Lopez
The famous coach Natalia Hejkova gave an interview last week.Hejkova was fired as coach of Ros Casares a few weeks ago by Carme Lluveras,general manager of Ros Casares. Obviously,Hejkova statement was against the general manager,who has made her decision without clear reasons.Ros Casares is leading LF and its Euroleague group actually with one of best rosters of their history. Hejkova said to be proud of her players, she recognized that Lauren Jackson was the only one signing that she claimed. Hejkova felt herself very press by Lluveras,whom she stated that she was the general manager,the coach and the chief of team. She expected too more collaboration of a person who was coaching a long time ago. This fact isn't new for Lluveras, because she fired last coach, Jordi Fernandez, such as the same way as Hejkova.After an Euroleague game won by her team Lluveras announced she was fired. In spite of this, Hejkova is glad to have been in spanish female basketball and she hopes that Ros Casares was next champion of Euroleague.

Sarah Chan, new center for Ibiza - by Lino Lopez
Ibiza has been to change a lot of players after Dennet,Scanlon an Pirsic leavings.After the netherlands signings,now is the time of Sarah Chan. She is a center who was born in Sudan. Actually she was playing in Lincoln (Nebraska) where she was averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds. Chan will try to keep the steps of other players of her country as manute Bol and Luol Deng. Ibiza begins its particular mission in Hondarribia, other team which will fight to avoid last positions. Miguel Angel Ortega have a difficult task but he has quite experience in this situations.

*****************************************************
  SWEDEN - Women  


KFUM Umea Comets signs Kara Murphy - by Eurobasket Center
Former Akron Zip Kara Murphy (172-F), the school's all-time leading scorer, will continue her basketball career in Sweden in 2012. Murphy, who graduated last May, signed a professional contract to play for the KFUM Umea Comets of Umea, Sweden. Kara is signed for the second half of the season for the Damligan, the most competitive women's league in Sweden, to help the Comets reach the playoffs.

While at The University of Akron, Kara Murphy finished her career with 1,777 points and started in 123 straight games. She holds numerous school records, including the single season scoring record (580 pts), free throws made in a season (166), free throws made for a career (480) and is third all-time in 3-pointers made for a career (127). In 2007-08, Kara was named to the MAC All-Freshman team and 3rd Team All-MAC. In 2008-09, she was All-MAC First Team and All-MAC Tournament Team. In 2009-10, Murphy was named All-MAC 2nd Team and in 2010-11 she received All-MAC Honorable Mention honors.



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


Pondexter is back! - by Serkan Ozdemir
Since her departure in 2008, Fenerbahce Spor Kulubu fans expected Cappie Pondexter (175-G-83, college: Rutgers)'s return. Now, they got what they need: Pondexter is coming back to Fenerbahce.

Cappie Pondexter played for Fenerbahce from 2006 to 2008 before moving to UMMC. She had two league championships on her belt.

The club have officially announced the signing of 'their beloved' Cappie Pondexter. 'She kept her promise, and came back' says the official website. However, Fenerbahce has two non-EU players on their roster in Penny Taylor (185-F-81) and Angel McCoughtry (185-F-86, college: Louisville). Coach Dikeoulakos will have a problem cutting one of them each game. Currently, Fenerbahce is the only unbeaten team in Euroleague.

Pondexter will join the team before February 1 game against Perfumerias Avenida.

Pondexter started the season with UMMC. However, she was cut a month ago.

2008 olympic gold medalist Pondexter also won two WNBA championships, and earned the 2007 Finals MVP award.


*****************************************************
  UBA - Women  


WUBA Standings
WUBA Standings
Northern Conference
 1. Cinncinatti S. 0-0 
 2. Queen City G. 0-0 
 3. Seven Hills F. 0-0 
 4. Sharonville F. 0-0 
Southern Conference
 1. GIE Disciples 4-0 
 2. Metro A. Sparks 2-0 
 3. Southern G. 1-2 
 4. Tennessee D. 0-2 
 5. Atlanta A. 0-3 


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  USBA - Women  


WUSBA will continue Community Partnership Programs with church groups; Revenue sharing programs established - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (January 2, 2012) -----The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) is committed to strengthen its efforts to aid those in need in all of their team communities with a variety of programs provided by the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., the 501 (c) (3) not for profit sister company of the WUSBA. Through the Community Partnership Programs, it appears the league is attempting to tackle some of the core challenges facing the nations cities, churches and schools.

The league will partner with the Presbyterian Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, The Progressive National Baptist Convention Church, the United Methodist Church, the A.M.E. Zion Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the National Baptist Convention, and the Episcopalian Church. All of our programs are available to any church in all our team communities that needs assistance', said WUBSA president, Duane Allen Jenkins. We will hire the choirs to sing the national anthem and well also contract with the churches to entertain our fans at halftime.

WUSBA players and coaches will be active on and off the court, assisting in a very wide variety of community outreach programs, charitable fund raising events, youth advocates programs, RSVP retired senior citizen programs, and family progress initiatives. 'These programs will aid the community and its citizens as a whole. The WUSBA and the WUSBA Youth Outreach prides itself on being an advocate within the community. From the youngest child to the oldest senior citizen, helping people is our strongest commitment. The WUSBA will build relationships by its loyalty and its faith based participation in each community'.

The league will hire church parishioners to fulfill game day positions. The church choir will have the duties of singing the national anthem. The churches will share in the revenue created by concession sales. According to the itinerary issued by the league, each home game will host two pre-games that will pit four church youth teams playing against one another, a pair of youth boys team and a pair of youth girl team from different denominations. 'God never said the Presbyterians couldnt play a basketball game against the Lutherans', said Jenkins, 'In fact this should be very entertaining'. The league said they will use the children as court attendants during the feature game. 'We'll pay the kids $25.00 apiece for their services, just to give them some walking around money', Jenkins continued.

WUSBA players, coaches, and team staff members will visit senior facilities, hospitals, Boys and Girls Clubs, and local schools. The WUSBA will help raise money for local charities, collect food for local food banks and be a positive mentor to children who are housed in juvenile retention facilities, as well as children who live in foster care facilities.

The WUSBA and the WUSBA Youth Outreach have partnered with the United States Marine Corps and the 'Toys for Tots' holiday program and Feeding America, who supplies the local community food banks.

The WUSBA's coaches, players, staff and the WUSBA Youth Outreach will serve as a great role model to other and will always be a positive inspiration to all, thus being an important asset to all team cities and their communities.

The WUSBA Community Partnership programs will team up with a league wide community service partnership that will join with the city, the county, the private sector, the local business community and major industry to instill the ideals of educational values, ethical performance, honesty, sportsmanship, fair play and integrity to the youth of the local community. These programs will allow youth to develop a personal positive educational commitment and practice Faith based contributions to their community.

The purposes of the WUSBA Youth Outreach programs is to provide the youth in the community with a positive role model through a series of free educational programs.

Church leaders and local school districts from across the southeast United States are supporting this concept created by the WUSBA and the WUSBA Youth Outreach, which will comprise of a partnership between church groups, the community, the local schools, the WUSBA league office and all WUSBA basketball teams. The program labeled the WUSBA Community Partnership Initiative will be implemented in every town which houses a WUSBA team. The partnership programs will be made available to all churches and synagogues and their members and is open to the general public.

The initiative is launched by the WUSBA, national church leaders, local independent congregations and general religious groups. The not-for-profit initiative was designed to encourage enthusiasts to be included in the assistance of the local community. The partnership will help churches and local charities raise funds for their own causes, as well as making a contribution towards Christian aid programs.

The Community Partnership campaign is designed to unite churches and professional basketball with its emphasis on a total partnership. Selling alcohol beverages is not permitted at any WUSBA game, we know beer and alcohol sales are a huge profit center for sporting events, it will not be a part of our profit center', said Jenkins, 'Having children integrated in our games is our main focus, we have structured the WUSBA to be a different kind of basketball league'.