EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/28/2012

Copyright © 1997-2012 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com


Men News

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


Kings and Wariors stay on top - by Gianni Pascucci
The American Basketball Association has just released its Power Rankings for the week ending February 26th and the Colorado Kings and South Carolina Warriors continued to share the top spot with multiple wins last week. 'With only a week to go in the season, it appears that these two teams will emerge as the favorites to win the ABA Championship,' stated Joe Newman , ABA CEO. 'But here are many other teams that feel they will be the last team standing when the playoffs are completed.'
'We don't know how strong a schedule the Kings and Warriors have,' stated Ron Hicks , owner of the Chicago Steam, 'since we haven't played them. But from experiences over the past few years, there could be some upsets. I know the West Coast has some very strong teams as does the Southeast. The playoffs will be fun and competitive.'

1. Colorado Kings and South Carolina Warriors
3. San Diego Sol
4. Chicago Stea00m
5. Arizona Scorpions
6. Jacksonville Giants
7. San Francisco Rumble
8. Athens Razors
9. Richmond Elite
10. Texas FUEL
11. North Dallas Vandals
12. Little Rick Lightning
13. Lynchburg Legends
14. Carolina Cheetahs
15. Bay Area Matrix
16. Memphis Bluff City Reign
17. Richmond Rockets
18. Connecticut Topballerz
19. Conway Cyclones
20. Missouri Rhythm
21. Los Angeles Slam
22. East Bay Pit Bulls
23. Jersey Express
24. Northeast Arkansas Swag

'With one week remaining in the regular season, there are at least four teams that could break into the Power Rankings with a win over one of the ranked teams,' added Newman. 'And the rankings will have significance in the seeding for the playoffs.' For more information, visit www.abalive.com

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


Standings
Adriatic League Standings
 1. Maccabi T-A 18-1 
 2. Cedevita 16-4 
 3. Partizan 15-6 
 4. Buducnost 14-6 
 5. Siroki WWin 12-9 
 6. Cibona 11-10 
 7. KK Zagreb CO 11-10 
 8. Union Olimpija 11-10 
 9. Radnicki K. 10-10 
 10. Crvena Zvezda 9-12 
 11. Hemofarm 5-15 
 12. Krka 5-16 
 13. Helios 5-16 
 14. Zlatorog 2-19 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 David SIMON
  Radnicki K.
  (207-C-82)
  Avg: 20.9
 1. Simon, Radnicki K.20.9 
 2. Scott, Radnicki K.18.1 
 3. Kasun, KK.17.6 
 4. Panic, Zlatorog17.5 
 5. Vucevic, Buducnost16.9 
 6. Simon, KK.16.7 
 7. Pilepic, Siroki W.15.5 
 8. Pavkovic, Radnicki14.1 
 9. Gay, Helios13.8 
 10. Pasalic, Helios13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Boris SAVOVIC
  Hemofarm
  (206-F-87)
  Avg: 11.4
 1. Savovic, Hemofarm11.4 
 2. Vucevic, Buducnost9.7 
 3. Macvan, Partizan8.5 
 4. Kasun, KK.8.0 
 5. Simon, Radnicki K.7.1 
 6. Pasalic, Helios6.2 
 7. Pavic, Krka6.1 
 8. Scott, Radnicki K.5.8 
 9. Popovic, Crvena Z.5.7 
 10. Collins, Siroki W.5.6 
Assists Per Game
 Steven MARKOVIC
  Radnicki K.
  (190-G-85)
  Avg: 7.5
 1. Markovic, Radnicki7.5 
 2. Pavkovic, Radnicki6.5 
 3. Vladovic, Siroki W.5.0 
 4. Vujasinovic, Zlato.4.9 
 5. Nissim, Krka4.6 
 6. Mulaomerovic, KK Z.4.5 
 7. Papaloukas, Macca.4.2 
 8. Simon, KK.3.9 
 9. Draper, Cedevita3.7 
 10. Mocnik, Union O.3.5 
Steals Per Game
 D.J. GAY
  Helios
  (183-G-89)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Gay, Helios2.2 
 2. Markovic, Radnicki1.8 
 3. Simon, KK.1.8 
 4. Dragic, Krka1.7 
 5. Draper, Cedevita1.6 
 6. Ramljak, Siroki W.1.6 
 7. Dasic, Union Olimp.1.6 
 8. Hendrix, Maccabi1.5 
 9. Papaloukas, Macca.1.5 
 10. Zubcic, Cibona1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 David SIMON
  Radnicki K.
  (207-C-82)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Simon, Radnicki K.1.5 
 2. James, Maccabi T-A1.5 
 3. Vucevic, Buducnost1.1 
 4. Savovic, Hemofarm1.0 
 5. Rizvic, Buducnost1.0 
 6. Thompson, Union O.0.9 
 7. Hendrix, Maccabi0.9 
 8. Pekovic, Partizan0.8 
 9. Collins, Siroki W.0.8 
 10. Ilic, Crvena Zvez.0.8 


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


Cordoba regional league 2011/12 rosters - by Facundo Iatzky
The regional league of Cordoba is the most important regional league of argentina. where 9 teams fight for get the promotion to Torneo Federal.
these are the most important players who play this season in this league:

Tiro Federal Morteros: Luis Martina, Agustin Busso (180-F-89), Lucas Frank (183-F-91), Manuel Mira, Eric Freeman (205-C-79, college: Ky Wesleyan), Pedro Zabala (176-G-92)
9 de julio morteros: Diego Canete (93), Leandro Saavedra (199-F-88), Radbel Hechavarria (188-G-75), Marcus Sikes (203-F-84, college: Cincinnati), Emmanuel Forrest (184-G-80)
Atletico rio Tercero: Gerardo Rivarola (189-G-90), Gonzalo Santos, Fernando Cavagna (200-G/F-78), Ramiro Imaz (F), Alejandro Quigley (195-C-93), Leonardo Diaz (196-F/C-75)
Estudiantes rio Cuarto: Leandro Giovanna (187-G-87), Mauro Meneguzzo (194-C-82), Luciano Poggi, Federico Bonini (194-F-84), Juan Novatti, Gustavo Ferrochio, Peter Lawal (198-F-86, college: Post), Jorge Bagatolli, Sebastian Faure, Juan Salamone (180-G-75)
El Tala san Francisco: Gabriel Manzotti (196-F-87), Ramiro Ortiz, Damian Peruchena (190-F-89), Oscar Cabrera (192-F-89), Jared Strode (196-F-86)
Union Oncativo: Juan Davico (200-F-77), Matias Astrada (184-G-85), Marcos Ferreyra (182-G-79), Diego Lopez (195-F-80)
Juventud Ameghino: Gabriel Hospital (170-G-91), Santiago Iglesias (183-G-89)
complejo Origone: Jose Gutierrez (185-G-87), Luciano Aiello (192-G-80), Agustin Kreiber (201-F-79), Matias Perez (195-F-79), Diego Rosatti (192-F-87), Victor Chana (192-F-86)
hindu Club: Gabriel Butori (85), Andres Tuja, Juan Filloy (194-G-83, agency: Interperformances), Manuel Cadenazzi (205-C-85), Jose Fornaciari (189-F-84), Federico Duelli (186-G-89), Juan Cavagliatto (188-F-87)

Standings - LigaA
LigaA Standings
 1. Obras 19-7 
 2. Penarol 17-8 
 3. Libertad S. 17-9 
 4. Lanus 17-9 
 5. Atenas 15-10 
 6. Sionista 15-10 
 7. La Union 14-11 
 8. Quimsa 13-12 
 9. GECR Indalo 13-12 
 10. Regatas C. 13-14 
 11. Wuber-Est.Bahia 11-15 
 12. Boca Jrs 10-16 
 13. Olimpico LB 10-16 
 14. Club 9 8-18 
 15. Quilmes MP 8-19 
 16. San Mart.C. 6-20 


*****************************************************
  ASEAN LEAGUE   


Anthony Johnson claims ASEAN League weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Experienced American Anthony Johnson (197-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader Philip.Patriots and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 8.
The 32-year old swingman had a double-double of 26 points and thirteen rebounds, while his team beat Bangkok C. (#6, 3-5) 80-72. It allowed Philip.Patriots to consolidate first place in the ASEAN League . Philip.Patriots have a solid 7-1 record. In the team's last game Johnson had a remarkable 57.1% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at Philip.Patriots, being already a very valuable addition to the team. University Louisiana at Lafayette graduate has very impressive stats this year. Johnson is in league's top in points (2nd best: 24.8ppg), rebounds (9th best: 8.6rpg), assists (7th best: 2.6apg) and averages solid 1.1bpg and 57.0% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 30-year old American forward Dalron Johnson (206-F-81) of Petron Blaze. Johnson impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 22 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as Petron Blaze was edged by slightly higher-ranked KL Dragons (#2, 6-2) 73-70. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Petron Blaze still maintains its place in the top 3 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 5-3 record is not bad at all. Johnson is one of the most experienced players at Petron Blaze and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.3ppg (#2). He also registered 9.3 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was American Tiras Wade (200-F-81, agency: Interperformances) of second-ranked KL Dragons. Wade scored 28 points and passed six assists. He was a key player of KL Dragons, leading his team to a 73-70 win against #3 ranked Petron Blaze. KL Dragons needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 6 victories and 2 lost games. Wade has a great season in ASEAN League. After only 6 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 25.7ppg (best scorer) and assists with 5.0apg (2nd best). He also has 2.5spg and FGP: 58.9%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Douglas Thomas (206-F/C-83) of Petron Blaze - 16 points and 12 rebounds
5. Jonathan Smith (206-F-82) of Satria Muda - 10 points and 14 rebounds
6. Jai Reyes (173-G) of Bangkok C. - 21 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists
7. Nguyen Dung (188-F-85) of Saigon H. - 13 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Donald Little (211-C-78) of Singapore S. - 20 points and 7 rebounds
9. Steve Thomas (204-C/F-81) of Satria Muda - 17 points and 12 rebounds
10. Brian Williams (208-C-87) of KL Dragons - 11 points, 16 rebounds and 3 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)

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


Australian NBL round 21 best performance: Mark Worthington - by Eurobasket News
Former international forward Mark Worthington (202-F-83) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Blaze, receiving a Australiabasket.com Player of the Week award for round 21.
The 28-year old player was the main contributor (26 points, seven rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Hawks (#9, 6-17) 94-86. Blaze is placed at 4th position in Australian NBL. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Blaze will need more victories to improve their 13-9 record. In the team's last game Worthington had a remarkable 88.9% from 2-point range. He turned to be Blaze's top player in his first season with the team. Former Metropolitan State College of Denver star has very solid stats this year. Worthington is in league's top in points (7th best: 16.0ppg), rebounds (7th best: 6.7rpg) and averages impressive 50.3% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 23-year old American Chris Warren (178-G-88) of 36ers. Warren had a very good evening with 26 points and 8 assists. Of course 36ers cruised to a 92-83 relatively comfortable win over slightly higher-ranked Tigers (#6, 10-14). 36ers' 8th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 7-16 record. Warren is a newcomer at 36ers, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was another 36ers' star - center Daniel Johnson (212-C-88). Johnson scored 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Despite Johnson's great performance 36ers lost 79-90 to the higher-ranked Wildcats (#2, 16-8). But his team cannot count on just these two top stars as they also need help of the other teammates. The chances of 36ers not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 16 games, recording just seven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Johnson could try to bring 36ers' a little bit higher in the standings. Johnson has individually a great season in Australia. After 23 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 16.4ppg (6th best) and rebounds with 7.9rpg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Diamon Simpson (201-F-87) of 36ers - 13 points and 10 rebounds
5. Gary Wilkinson (204-F/C-82) of Breakers - 18 points and 10 rebounds
6. Kevin Lisch (188-G-86) of Wildcats - 23 points and 3 rebounds
7. Will Hudson (206-F/C-89) of Blaze - 15 points and 9 rebounds
8. Ayinde Ubaka (193-G-85) of Hawks - 24 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Cedric Jackson (191-G-86) of Breakers - 15 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists
10. Jamar Wilson (185-PG-84) of Taipans - 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists

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

*****************************************************
  AUSTRIA   


Standings - A Bundesliga
A Standings
Group A
 1. Klosterneub. 17-6 
 2. Gmunden 17-6 
 3. Oberwart 16-7 
 4. Kapfenberg 16-7 
 5. Wels 16-7 
 6. Gussing 11-12 
Group B
 1. Furstenfeld 9-13 
 2. BC Vienna 8-13 
 3. UBSC Graz 8-14 
 4. Arkadia 5-18 
 5. St.Polten 1-21 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Stjepan STAZIC
  BC Vienna
  (199-G-78)
  Avg: 26.9
 1. Stazic, BC Vienna26.9 
 2. Booker, St.Polten26.0 
 3. Wade, Arkadia24.4 
 4. Drenovac, Arkadia22.3 
 5. Reed, Oberwart19.9 
 6. Djuric, Gussing18.6 
 7. Shavies, Furstenf.18.2 
 8. Fears, Kapfenberg18.0 
 9. Shaw, Oberwart17.7 
 10. Rakocevic, BC Vi.17.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Zarko RAKOCEVIC
  BC Vi.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 13.8
 1. Rakocevic, BC Vi.13.8 
 2. Werner, Wels8.9 
 3. Gordon, Kapfenberg8.0 
 4. Reed, Oberwart7.8 
 5. Oppland, Gmunden7.7 
 6. Moric, UBSC G.7.5 
 7. Skurdauskas, Arkad.6.9 
 8. Scott, Gussing6.9 
 9. Nelson, Kapfenberg6.8 
 10. Robinson, Fursten.6.7 
Assists Per Game
 Benedikt DANEK
  Arkadia
  (176-PG-86)
  Avg: 6.7
 1. Danek, Arkadia6.7 
 2. Fears, Kapfenberg5.7 
 3. Schreiner, Kapfe.5.4 
 4. Shavies, Furstenf.5.1 
 5. Klepeisz, Gussing4.9 
 6. Stazic, BC Vienna4.7 
 7. Rakocevic, BC Vi.4.6 
 8. Milosevic, St.Polt.4.4 
 9. Curry, Gmunden4.2 
 10. Lanegger, Kloster.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Jeremy FEARS
  Kapfenberg
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Fears, Kapfenberg2.4 
 2. Pryor, Wels2.3 
 3. Schreiner, Kapfe.2.3 
 4. Shavies, Furstenf.2.2 
 5. Brown, Wels1.7 
 6. Jandl, Oberwart1.6 
 7. Wade, Arkadia1.5 
 8. Milosevic, St.Polt.1.5 
 9. Artner, Oberwart1.4 
 10. Oppland, Gmunden1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Zarko RAKOCEVIC
  BC Vi.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Rakocevic, BC Vi.3.2 
 2. Scott, Gussing1.2 
 3. Ware, Furstenfeld1.1 
 4. Koch, Gussing0.8 
 5. Kohlmaier, Wels0.8 
 6. Skurdauskas, Arkad.0.6 
 7. Moric, UBSC G.0.6 
 8. Brown, Wels0.6 
 9. Greimeister, Klost.0.5 
 10. Arnold, Gmunden0.5 


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


Standings
Premier League Standings
 1. Muharraq 17-1 
 2. Al Manama 15-4 
 3. Al Ahli 14-4 
 4. Al Hala 11-7 
 5. Issa Town 11-7 
 6. Sitra 10-8 
 7. Nuwaidrat 8-10 
 8. Al Ittihad 7-10 
 9. Bahrain Club 3-15 
 10. Al Najma 2-16 
 11. Samaheej 1-17 


ALMuharraq is with 17-1 record on top - by Eurobasket News
ALMuharraq is with 17-1 record on top after another few victories in the League. The team lost the initial game to Issa Town 76:78. In the latest game ALMuharraq overcame Al-Hala 79:73.
Al-Manama is second with 15-4 record beating Al-Nweidrat 82:66 on February 27th. AlAhli is third with 14- 4 record edging Al-Ittihad 81:59.


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


Standings - Division II
D2 Standings
 1. Gembo 17-5 
 2. Waregem 17-5 
 3. Fleurus 15-6 
 4. Kangar.-Boom 15-7 
 5. Excelsior 15-7 
 6. St-Niklase 13-9 
 7. Sint-Jan Ant. 11-11 
 8. Essor Charleroi 10-11 
 9. Liege II 9-11 
 10. Sprimont 9-11 
 11. M.Hainaut II 8-13 
 12. Melsele 4-16 
 13. Gistel 3-18 
 14. De Westhoek 3-19 


Belgian D1 round 21 best performance: Graham Brown - by Eurobasket News
American center Graham Brown (205-C-84) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Gent, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 21.
The 27-year old player had a double-double of 27 points and 16 rebounds, while his team Gent maintains the 8th position in Belgian D1. Too late to salvage the team, which is currently ranked such low. They already lost 14 games and recorded just five victories. It was one of impressive evenings for Brown as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Former University of Michigan star has very solid stats this year. Brown leads league in rebounds with 8.5rpg. Brown is in league's top in and averages impressive 59.7% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 25-year old American Dominic Waters (185-PG-86) of Liege. Waters had a very good evening with 26 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists. It was enough for Liege to edge slightly lower-ranked Gent (#8, 5-14) 82-76. Liege's 7th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 7-11 record. Waters is a newcomer at Liege, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Stefon Jackson (196-G-85) of Aalstar (#3). Jackson scored 17 points and grabbed ten rebounds. He was a key player of Aalstar, leading his team to a 94-58 easy win against the lower-ranked Verviers-Pep. (#9, 3-16). Aalstar needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 12 victories and 7 lost games. Jackson has a very solid season. In 18 games in Belgium he scored 12.4ppg. He also has 5.6rpg and FGP: 52.3%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Christopher Copeland (203-F-84) of Aalstar - 22 points and 6 rebounds
5. Christopher Young (206-F/C-79) of Aalstar - 12 points and 9 rebounds
6. Bingo Merriex (204-F-80) of Verviers-Pep. - 16 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Matt Lojeski (198-G-85) of Oostende - 22 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Timothy Black (178-PG-81) of Antwerp - 23 points and 2 assists
9. Maxime De Zeeuw (205-F-87) of Verviers-Pep. - 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
10. A.J. Slaughter (191-G-87) of M.Hainaut - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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


D1, Round 21: Wins for top teams - by Eurobasket News
Round 21 of the Bosnian D1 for men was played on Saturday and Sunday. The league top teams had no troubles to beat their rivals. Igokea destroyed Celik 112-71 for 19-1 record. Milan Dozet (204-SF-79) had 22 points for the hosts, while Milos Komatina (205-FC-84) collected 21 points and 8 rebounds. Second ranked Bosna ASA BHT handed 88-77 loss to Borac. Bosna improved to 15-4 after this victory. Their leading scorer was Dzenan Rahimic (204-C/F-74) with 23 points and 12 boards. Dino Hodzic (190-PG-90) also was great adding 22 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds. Capljina jumped to 15-5 after 81-74 home win against Servitium. Marko Jagodic Kuridza (204-C-87) had 25 points and 8 rebs for the hosts. Round 22 is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Regular Season - Round 21
Feb. 26, 2012 Vogosca-Mladost 82-80
Feb. 25, 2012 Hercegovac-Zrinjski HT 73-81
Feb. 25, 2012 Bosna-Borac Nektar 88-77
Feb. 26, 2012 Brotnjo-Varda HE 72-78
Feb. 25, 2012 Capljina-Servitium 81-74
Feb. 25, 2012 Igokea-Celik 112-71

D1 Standings
1. Igokea 19-1
2. Bosna 15-4
3. Capljina 15-5
4. Varda HE 12-7
5. Leotar 11-8
6. Mladost 11-9
7. Hercegovac 8-11
8. Servitium 8-11
9. Borac Nektar 6-13
10. Zrinjski HT 6-14
11. Vogosca 5-14
12. Celik 5-14
13. Brotnjo 5-15

Standings - BIH League
D1 Standings
 1. Igokea 19-1 
 2. Bosna 15-4 
 3. Capljina 15-5 
 4. Varda HE 12-7 
 5. Leotar 11-8 
 6. Mladost 11-9 
 7. Hercegovac 8-11 
 8. Servitium 8-11 
 9. Borac Nektar 6-13 
 10. Zrinjski HT 6-14 
 11. Vogosca 5-14 
 12. Celik 5-14 
 13. Brotnjo 5-15 
Play in international cups:
 1. Siroki WWin - 


*****************************************************
  BRAZIL   


Coach Daniel Wattfy sign with a new team - by Paulo Freire
The America/Unirp/Rodobens/Smel/Abzil of Sao Jose do Rio Preto city of Sao Paulo has a new head coach on command.
Coach Daniel Wattfy sign with the America/Unirp/Rodobens/Smel/Abzil team and will start working right away.
Wattfy has experience coaching one of the traditional basketball team such as Franca, last season he coached the Araraquara team.
He will have the mission to put America/Unirp/Rodobens/Smel/Abzil in the top teams of Sao Paulo State basketball.
Let's see how he will build his roster for the 2012 season.



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


Standings A2
Division A Standings
 1. Beroe 14-0 
 2. Academik PL 10-3 
 3. Academik BL 9-5 
 4. Overgas 8-6 
 5. Cherno More U18 7-7 
 6. Vidabasket 7-7 
 7. Dunav 2007 6-8 
 8. Chavdar 4-10 
 9. Balkan 2 2-11 
 10. Shumen 2-12 


Asefa Estudiantes Madrid sign Willie Deane - by Eurobasket Center
Willie Deane (188-PG-80, college: Purdue, agency: Higher Vision Sports), the best point guard in Ukraine this season after ranking 4th in scoring with 18.4 points per game and 3rd in assisst with an average of 5.8 assists, moved onto officially signing with the Spanish ACB's Asefa Estudiantes Madrid on Saturday after settling on a buyout. Last season, Deane helped French Club Nancy win the French LNB Championship and Deane has won three Bulgarian Championships and one Bulgarian Cups. Deane has played for prestigious clubs such as Zalgiris and Turk Telekom and starred for Purdue University as a collegiate where he was first team All-Big Ten in 2003.

Filip Vukosavljevic claims Bulgarian NBL weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Serbian Filip Vukosavljevic (205-F/C-83) had an amazing evening in the last round for Rilski Sportist and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 19.
The 28-year old power forward had a double-double of 30 points and fourteen rebounds, while his team beat Spartak Pleven (#7, 3-16) 80-75. Rilski Sportist is placed at 3rd position in Bulgarian NBL. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Rilski Sportist will need more victories to improve their 11-8 record. Vukosavljevic turned to be Rilski Sportist's top player in his first season with the team. Filip Vukosavljevic averages this season 16.5ppg and 6.4rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 26-year old American guard Marcus Hall (185-G-85) of second-ranked Levski Sofia. Hall impressed basketball fans with 23 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Of course Levski Sofia cruised to a 88-76 relatively comfortable win over the lower-ranked Chernomorets (#8, 2-17). Levski Sofia's second position in the standings has not changed. His team lost just three games this season, while they won 16 matches. Hall is a newcomer at Levski Sofia and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was Stanimir Marinov (191-G-91) of Balkan (#6). Marinov showcased his all-around game by recording 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the last round. He was a key player of Balkan, leading his team to a 66-54 win against slightly higher-ranked Cherno More (#5, 9-10). The chances of Balkan not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 12 games, recording just seven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Marinov could try to bring Balkan's a little bit higher in the standings. Marinov has a very solid season. In 21 games in Bulgaria he scored 13.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Stefan Georgiev (206-C/F-78) of Levski Sofia - 16 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Tsvetoslav Ostrev (184-G-86) of Spartak Pleven - 18 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Ilia Stankov (198-F-76) of Spartak Pleven - 25 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Dejan Dunovic (193-G-82) of Chernomorets - 24 points and 4 assists
8. Bruno Sundov (221-C-80) of Lukoil Academik - 23 points and 7 rebounds
9. Kiril Pavlovski (210-C-85) of Chernomorets - 19 points and 7 rebounds
10. Julian Radionov (188-G-79) of Tundja Yambol - 21 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists

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

Levski got closer to Lukoil Academic at the table in Bulgaria - by Valentin Anguelov
Levski used the loss of Lukoil Academic in Yambol and after a good game in Burgas cut the distance between the two favorites for the title at the top of the table. They beat Chernomorets by the score 88-76 and now they are just one win from their rival for first place in the final standings of the regular season. Just a remainder, if Levski and Lukoil Academic win all six matches against other opponents, the match between them in 'Universiada' will decide the first place and home-advantage in the playoffs. Levski need the difference of 14 points in this and they will finish first at the table.

Earlier last night Levski prevent any surprise and routinely beat Chernomorets with 12 points difference. The advantage of The Blues' was much bigger, however in this game the most important thing was the victory, and not the difference. The host team stay closed for three quarters but in the beginning of the last ten minutes Levski run away by more than 20 points and the winner was well known.

After missing the meeting with Napredak in Krusevac earlier in the week, Marcus Hall (185-G-85, college: Colorado) was a top scorer for the club with 23 points as he added also 5 assists. Stefan Georgiev - Toro managed 16 points and 8 rebounds while Dimitar Angelov ended with 14 points and 5 boards.

For the home team Dejan Dunovic scored 24 points and Kiril Pavlovski added 19 points.

At the end of this week, on March 2 (Friday) at 17.30 local time in 'Universiada' Levski will play versus Rilski Sportist Samokov in a game that everyone expected to happen in the semis of the cup of Bulgaria. However this game will be from next round of the National Basketball League.

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


Steve Nash reaffirms commitment to Suns at NBA All-Star Weekend in Orlando - by Eurobasket News
When Steve Nash (6'3''-PG-74, college: Santa Clara) was not answering questions Friday about Jeremy Lin, he was asked about other point guards.

When he was not speaking in English, he took questions in Spanish.

But when the topic of Nash's All-Star media session turned to himself, he no longer was talking about the present. It always was his future.

Nash's eighth All-Star trip at age 38 is remarkable as the oldest All-Star point guard -- ever. But with a 14-20 Suns team, the interest in Nash's career is what comes next in July free agency and speculation about the March 15 trade deadline.

'It's up to the team,' Nash said. 'I'm happy where I am. I'm not happy with our record. I feel like I made a commitment to the fans and my teammates. But at the same time, I'd understand if the team wanted to make a move, so I'm completely open. To be honest, I just occupy myself with trying to prepare to play and play as well as I can.'

The Suns have made it clear that he would not be traded unless he asked for it. That is not in Nash's nature.

'I feel like it's a difficult position for me to demand a trade when I've been a part of that community for so long,' Nash said in his 10th Suns season. 'I really feel like I owe it to my teammates to do the best I can for the group. I don't feel like I should be demanding anything.'

What Nash discussed more openly was the length of his career and uncertainty of free agency. He never has delved fully into free agency; he quickly committed to Phoenix in 2004 and extended his contract in 2009 to avoid free agency.

Without a dip in performance or passion, Nash has begun to mention playing as many as five more years if he maintains his health and desire.

As the 2011-12 NBA leader in assists with the best shooting percentage of any guard, his dedication to preparation has remained an indicator of his love of the game and competition.

'I also like the lifestyle of getting up every day and having to work out,' Nash said. 'That's just who I am. If I wasn't playing in the NBA, I'd still be doing that anyway, so why not do it in a competitive, structured environment?

'I don't feel like I have to be in a frame of mind that this is the end, like this is the last chapter.'

Potential high-profile free agents Dwight Howard and Deron Williams each made it clear Friday that they would not be discussing their free agency. Nash, hardly looking the role of megastar in Vans, jeans and a plaid shirt, did not get specific but entertained the idea of what is coming July 1.

'It'll be an interesting period for me this summer to go through that, because I haven't necessarily been in that position to open myself up to be a free agent for a while,' Nash said. 'I haven't thought about it. I'm totally consumed with trying to get through this season in the best shape we can as a team and individually.'

Nash said it is natural to desire a championship or the best team but said he will consider factors such as a franchise's fit for him, environment and contract offer.

'I can't even envision what it's going to be like,' Nash said. 'I don't think by weighing my options or seeing what's possible, it's going to be a situation where Phoenix is going to automatically diminish because other teams are ahead of them as far as the roster or development. I don't think that's the case. Phoenix has a special opportunity with the cap space.'

Former Suns teammate James Jones said the Suns should not trade Nash.

'Steve, regardless of age, will always be one of the top, if not the top, point guard in the league,' Jones said.

'Steve is a one-in-a-million type of player that the older and slower he gets, the more efficient he becomes and it seems like he gets faster. It's odd, but he's found a great way to not only extend his athleticism but extend his speed and skill.'

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com

CIS Round 1 of Play-Offs - by Eurobasket News
Canada West
TWU - Saskatchewan 83-98

The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Huskies outrebounded Spartans 40-23 including a 31-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. American point guard Jamelle Barrett (180) fired 36 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 9 assists for the winners. International forward Michael Lieffers (203-87) chipped in 12 points and 9 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). Guard Sean Peter (191) produced 16 points and 9 rebounds and American forward Kyle Coston (203-87, college: Portland St.) added 25 points respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest.
Top scorers:
TWU: K.Coston 25+3reb, S.Peter 16+9reb+3ast, C.Westbrook 14+3reb+1ast, T.Smith 13+1reb+5ast, N.Monachini 5+4reb, K.Osborne 4+1reb
Saskatchewan: J.Barrett 36+7reb+9ast, D.Jones 14+5reb+2ast, M.Lieffers 12+9reb+2ast, B.Baker 10+3reb+2ast, M.Forbes 7+3reb+1ast, C.Unsworth 6+6reb
gschID: 170007


Calgary - Victoria 73-68

Vikies were ahead by 1 point after three quarters before a 20-14 charge of Dinos, which allowed them to win the game. Naturalized Bosnian forward Boris Bakovic (201-88, agency: Interperformances) nailed a double-double by scoring 27 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side and guard Tyler Fidler (206-89) accounted for 19 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Guard Ryan Mackinnon (193-89) came up with 18 points and guard Zac Andrus (180) added 15 points, 5 assists and 4 steals respectively for Vikies in the defeat. Four Vikies players scored in double figures. Vikies' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game.
Top scorers:
Victoria: R.Mackinnon 18+3reb+2ast, Z.Andrus 15+3reb+5ast, M.Berg 12+8reb, T.Evans 12+4reb+1ast, P.Anderson 8+6reb+4ast, A.Kaila 2+1reb
Calgary: B.Bakovic 27+11reb+5ast, T.Fidler 19+6reb+6ast, J.Ogungbemi 9+4reb+3ast, K.Milburn 9+3reb, A.McGuinness 4+2reb, J.Owen-Thomas 3+1reb+3ast
gschID: 170008


Lethbridge - UFV 66-74

The guests trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 22-11 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Pronghorn was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Jasper Moedt (203) fired 21 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Guard Joel Friesen (193) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Dominyc Coward (198) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds and Daryl Cooper added 12 points and 5 assists (made all of his ten free throws !!!) respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Lethbridge: D.Coward 19+13reb+2ast, D.Cooper 12+2reb+5ast, D.Waldner 11+3reb, N.Kovac 9+3reb, L.Reiter 3, A.Fletcher 3+2reb+1ast
UFV: J.Moedt 21+9reb, S.Freeman 12+2reb+2ast, J.Friesen 10+10reb+4ast, K.Grewal 9+10reb+3ast, S.Bjorgaard 6+3reb+2ast, J.Blackman 6+1reb
gschID: 170009


Lethbridge - UFV 87-78

Cascades were tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Cascades were plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. Daryl Cooper fired 25 points for the winners. Morgan Duce chipped in 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his seven free throws). Pronghorn's coach Dave Adams used an eleven-player rotation saving starting five for next games. Forward Kyle Grewal (198-88) produced a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds and American guard Sheldon Bjorgaard (178, college: MSU Moorhead) added 15 points respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
UFV: K.Grewal 22+10reb, S.Bjorgaard 15+3reb+3ast, S.Freeman 11+4reb+3ast, J.Friesen 11+1reb+2ast, J.Blackman 6+2reb+1ast, J.Moedt 4+14reb
Lethbridge: D.Cooper 25+3reb+3ast, M.Duce 18+5reb+4ast, D.Coward 14+6reb+1ast, D.Waldner 13+8reb+2ast, A.Fletcher 8, N.Kovac 5+6reb
gschID: 170005


UBC - Alberta 69-79

The guests trailed by 8 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 79-69. Golden Bears forced 19 Thunderbirds turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Golden Bears made 9 blocks. International guard Jordan Baker (192-91, college: Utah Valley) fired a double-double by scoring 15 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Swingman Daniel Ferguson (191, college: Valdosta St.) chipped in 25 points. Swingman Kamar Burke (196-86) produced 17 points and 9 rebounds and American guard Doug Plumb (193, college: Minnesota St.) added 15 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Thunderbirds' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
UBC: K.Burke 17+9reb+2ast, D.Plumb 15+5reb+2ast, T.Nixon 10+5reb+1ast, G.Bath 9+3reb+2ast, N.Yu 8+1reb+2ast, G.Pippus 3+2reb+1ast
Alberta: D.Ferguson 25+3ast, S.Saffa 23+3reb, J.Baker 15+13reb+6ast, M.Cardoza 7+1reb, R.Dewar 5+6reb+1ast, L.Taylor 2+3reb+2ast
gschID: 170006


OUA playoff
York - Ottawa 63-78

The game was mostly controlled by Gee-Gees. Lions was better in fourth quarter 17-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Forward Gabriel Gonthier-Dubue (196) fired a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds for the winners (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Guard Johnny Berhanemeskel (185) chipped in 18 points and 5 rebounds. Guard David Tyndale (180) produced 13 points and 6 rebounds and forward Nick Tufegdzich (201) added 9 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
York: D.Tyndale 13+6reb+3ast, V.Velici 9+5reb+1ast, N.Tufegdzich 9+8reb+2ast, R.Iheadindu 8+3reb, M.Ziobrowski 6+3reb, M.Noble-Mohamed 6+1reb+2ast
Ottawa: G.Gonthier-Dubue 20+14reb+1ast, J.Berhanemeskel 18+5reb+1ast, C.Anderson 11+3reb+1ast, J.Vig 7+4reb, V.Gill 6+3ast, M.L'Africain 4+3reb+4ast
gschID: 170004


Brock - Windsor 80-88

Badgers were trailing by 9 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 22-13 charge of Lancers, which allowed them to win the game. It was a great shooting night for Lancers especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 55.0 percentage. Guard Enrico Diloreto (186-90) fired 32 points for the winners. International forward Lien Phillip (203-89) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 14 rebounds. Forward Mark Gibson (198) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 17 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and guard Andrew Kraus (188-86) added 16 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Brock: D.Mukendi 18+7reb+4ast, A.Kraus 16+7reb+7ast, A.Ferguson 15+1reb+3ast, M.Gibson 14+17reb+2ast, M.Williams 8+2reb, T.Kasamba 5+2reb+1ast
Windsor: E.Diloreto 32+3reb+3ast, J.Collins 20+3reb+3ast, L.Phillip 17+14reb+2ast, J.Malcom 11+5reb, E.Matthews 4+1reb, J.McQueen 3+5reb+3ast
gschID: 170001


Guelph - Laurier 61-58

The hosts trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 17-11 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Strangely Golden Hawks outrebounded Gryphons 50-32 including a 36-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. Guard Drew Morris (183) stepped up and scored 20 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners and guard Kareem Malcolm (183) chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds. At the losing side guard Conor Meschino (195) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds and forward Sharif Wanas (205) scored 9 points and 14 rebounds. Golden Hawks' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game.
Top scorers:
Laurier: C.Meschino 16+11reb+3ast, K.Harrison 15+3reb+3ast, K.Enright 10+6reb+1ast, S.Wanas 9+14reb, M.Buckley 6+11reb+1ast, T.Berry 2+2ast
Guelph: D.Morris 20+4reb, K.Malcolm 15+7reb+1ast, Z.Angus 10+1reb+4ast, D.McCarthy 9+9reb+3ast, A.Bering 5+8reb, S.Wiredu 2+3reb+1ast
gschID: 170002


Toronto Univ. - Laurentian 74-80

The guests were already 11 points ahead at halftime and as many as 18 after three quarters before a 29-17 last quarter charge of Blues cut the lead to 80-74 at the end of the game. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Mike Hull (198-87) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Manny Pasquale (183) contributed with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists for the winners. Four Voyageurs players scored in double figures. Center Andrew Wasik (201) answered with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds and Arun Kumar (183) added 20 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Blues. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Toronto Univ.: A.Hill 23+1ast, A.Kumar 20+5reb+2ast, A.Wasik 13+12reb+3ast, S.Nickel 6+5reb+1ast, D.Glisic 4+6reb+2ast, B.Garvin 4+2reb
Laurentian: M.Pasquale 18+5reb+9ast, I.Pasquale 16+6reb+2ast, M.Hull 16+14reb+4ast, G.Serresse 11+7reb+1ast, A.Ratte 9+3reb+1ast, N.Yengue 7+4reb
gschID: 170003




Rainmen drench Kebs - by Eurobasket News
The Halifax Rainmen delivered a resounding message Sunday afternoon in Quebec City.

The Rainmen dismantled the Quebec Kebs 127-75 in a record-setting effort that lifted them into a second-place tie with the Kebs and put them in the drivers seat to secure home-court advantage for the first round of the National Basketball League of Canada playoffs.

Lawrence Wright (6'5''-F-84, college: Bradley) scored 22 points and the Rainmen obliterated the NBL mark for largest margin of victory to sweep a weekend series with Quebec in a preview of their best-of-three semifinal. The Rainmen nipped the Kebs 101-98 on Friday night at the Metro Centre.

'Our defence was just amazing today,' said Wright, who also snagged a game-high 10 boards. 'We frustrated them and I think this game is the best game defensive-wise weve had all year.'

He wasnt exaggerating. Halifax set a franchise record for fewest points allowed in a game while holding the Kebs to 29 per cent shooting from the floor. The Rainmen also established a season best by limiting Quebec to 29 first-half points.

The win snapped the Rainmens six-game road losing skid and left their fate completely in their own hands, since the Kebs (22-13) have only one game remaining, on Thursday in London against the league-leading Lightning.

The Rainmen (21-12) are in Moncton tonight to play the Miracles, return home to entertain Moncton on Thursday night and travel to Saint John next Sunday to meet the fourth-place Mill Rats in the leagues regular-season finale.

Since the Rainmen beat the Kebs 5-1 in their season series, they hold the tiebreaker should the two clubs finish with identical records. That means Halifax would clinch second place with one more win should Quebec lose in London, where the Kebs are 0-2 this season. If the Kebs beat the Lightning, Halifax would need to win at least

two of its remaining three to secure second spot.

'Weve got some pretty tough games but were gonna come out and play as hard as we can and I think well be able to clinch that No. 2 spot,' Wright said.

'Home-court advantage is always important, especially in the playoffs, just having the crowd behind you and especially for us since the only team weve lost to at home is London.'

Halifax is 15-2 at the Metro Centre and beat the Kebs in all three meetings there this season but is only 6-10 on the road. Quebec finishes 14-4 at home, is 8-9 on the road and beat the Rainmen just once in three tries in Quebec City.

That lone victory, 103-80 on Feb. 3, represented Halifaxs worst loss of the year, giving the Rainmen plenty of motivation if they needed any Sunday afternoon.

The two teams traded just a pair of baskets each in the first 3 minutes. But Wrights deuce to break the 4-4 draw got the visitors off and running.

By the end of the quarter, theyd orchestrated a pair of 11-0 runs to open up a 35-13 lead, punctuated by Taliek Browns buzzer-beating runner from far beyond the arc.

They bounded into the locker-room at halftime with a 63-29 advantage over the shell-shocked Kebs, whose top-rated defence entered the game yielding only 95.1 points per outing.

Tyrone Levett (6'5''-F-80, college: Alabama St.) trey with 1:25 left in the third put Halifax in front 98-51 and Darnell Hugee sank a turnaround baseline jumper as the quarter ended to get the Rainmen to the century mark at 100-51.

Levett finished with 18 points while Joey Haywood (6'1''-G-84) netted 15, Chris Hagan 14, Bryan McCullough 11 and Richard Anderson 10. Brown added nine points to go along with 10 of Halifaxs season-high 34 assists.

Carl Krauser (6'1''-G-81, college: Pittsburgh) topped Quebec with 14.

The 52-point win shattered the old mark for largest point spread set by London on Tuesday in a 119-84 thrashing of the Miracles.

'I think it always makes a statement when you beat a team by so much,' Wright said. 'Going into the playoffs were 5-1 (against Quebec) and mentally thats gonna hurt them, but for us were still gonna treat it like its our first game against them.'

Courtesy of http://thechronicleherald.ca

Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Manny PASQUALE
  Laure.
  (183-G-)
  Avg: 24.8
 1. Pasquale, Laure.24.8 
 2. King, TRU23.1 
 3. Barbeau, Western23.0 
 4. Barrett, Saskatch.22.8 
 5. Dorsey, Cape Bret.22.8 
 6. Fassett, St.Mary''s21.3 
 7. Ferguson, Alberta19.9 
 8. Mackinnon, Victoria19.4 
 9. Kok, TRU19.3 
 10. Baker, Alberta19.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Lien PHILLIP
  Windsor
  (203-F-89)
  Avg: 12.4
 1. Phillip, Windsor12.4 
 2. Lieffers, Saskatch.11.4 
 3. Burke, UBC10.5 
 4. Baker, Alberta10.3 
 5. King, TRU10.1 
 6. Coward, Lethbridge9.7 
 7. Klassen, Acadia9.6 
 8. Lual, UPEI9.0 
 9. Buckley, Laurier8.7 
 10. Hadzimuratov., La.8.7 
Assists Per Game
 Jimmy DORSEY
  Cape Breton
  (188-G-)
  Avg: 8.8
 1. Dorsey, Cape Bret.8.8 
 2. Barrett, Saskatch.7.2 
 3. Cunningham, Winnip.5.8 
 4. Kanza Mata, Dalho.5.8 
 5. Smith, TWU5.8 
 6. Collins, Windsor5.7 
 7. Bonhomme, Brandon5.6 
 8. Allin, Laurier5.4 
 9. Kraus, Brock5.4 
 10. Vernon, St.Franc.5.1 
Steals Per Game
 Jimmy DORSEY
  Cape Breton
  (188-G-)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Dorsey, Cape Bret.2.8 
 2. Carter, Lakehead2.7 
 3. Collins, Windsor2.7 
 4. Laroche, Concordia2.6 
 5. Thomas, St.Franc.2.6 
 6. Cote-K., UQ.2.6 
 7. Oliver, Manitoba2.5 
 8. Ogungbemi, Calgary2.4 
 9. Russel, Lakehead2.4 
 10. Yu, UBC2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Mike ANDREWS
  Bishop''s
  (208-C-)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Andrews, Bishop''s1.9 
 2. Glisic, Toronto Un.1.7 
 3. Fidler, Calgary1.6 
 4. Bains, UBC1.5 
 5. Coward, Lethbridge1.5 
 6. Duke, UPEI1.5 
 7. Klassen, Acadia1.4 
 8. Thomas, St.Franc.1.1 
 9. Eyitayo, Concordia1.1 
 10. Dewar, Alberta1.1 


*****************************************************
  CHILE   


Deportes Castro wins Liga Nacional title - by Eurobasket News
Deportes Castro is the champion of Liga Nacional for season 2011/12. They grabbed crucial 92-97 OT win against Boston College last night. It means that Deportes Castro won the series with almost perfect 3-1. They celebrated in the first two games at home 104-80 and 71-66. Boston College was better in Game Three 101-73, but was not able to avoid defeat last night. Deportes Castro finished regular season as the second ranked team. They had 10-4 record. Later in the Semifinals, Deportes Castro had to work very hard to eliminate Osorno. They won the series 3-2. Finally, Deportes Castro outplayed Boston College 3-2 in the finals to win the title.

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


CBA refuses Letter of Clearance for Wilson Chandler - by Eurobasket News
Several teams are waiting to sign Chandler Wilson (6'8''-F-87, college: De Paul) once he leaves the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). But the CBA has refused to give Chandler Wilson a letter of clearance to play immediately in NBA, sources tell Adrian Wojnarowski. According to Chandlers agent, though, approval to play in NBA should come this week: 'The China Basketball Association has refused to give Chandler Wilson a letter of clearance to play immediately in NBA', sources tell Yahoo! [...] 'Chandler will file an appeal and a source believes resolution is possible within next week'. 'Still, no one is sure how soon this plays out. [...] One source in process tells Y! he believes there's a good chance an LOC will be obtained in coming week'. For now Denver has to wait.

Courtesy of www.slamonline.com

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


Croatian A1 round 18 best performance: Ronald Ross - by Eurobasket News
American guard Ronald Ross (188-G-83) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Jolly JBS, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 18.
The 28-year old player had a double-double of 35 points and 10 rebounds, while his team edged out Zadar (12-4) 75-73. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Jolly maintains the 2nd position in Croatian A1. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Jolly will need more victories to improve their 12-4 record. Ross turned to be Jolly's top player in his first season with the team. Former Texas Tech University star has very solid stats this year. Ross is in league's top in points (2nd best: 18.6ppg), assists (3rd best: 4.3apg) and averages impressive 3.3spg and 54.5% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 28-year old former international Ljubo Samadan (208-C/F-83) of Svjetlost. Samadan had a very good evening with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as Svjetlost lost that game 70-75 to the lower-ranked Borik (#8, 7-10). Svjetlost managed to keep the same 5th spot in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 8-8 record is not bad and everything may still change. Samadan is well-known at Svjetlost and is a proven leader in his second season with the team.

Third on the list of top players last round was Bosnia and Herzegovina center Teo Simovic (205-C-84, agency: Interperformances) of Kvarner 2010 (#6). Simovic scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds. He was a key player of Kvarner 2010, leading his team to a 79-78 win against the lower-ranked Alkar Sinj (#9, 6-10). The chances of Kvarner 2010 ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 9 games, recording just eight victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Simovic could help Kvarner 2010 to bring them higher in the standings. Simovic has a great season in Croatia. After 14 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 15.2ppg (7th best) and rebounds with 7.4rpg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Rudolf Jugo (183-PG-84) of Darda - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Andrej Stimac (204-F/C-79) of Svjetlost - 15 points and 11 rebounds
6. Filip Kruslin (198-G-89) of Zabok - 21 points and 3 rebounds
7. Ivo Josipovic (205-F-75) of Jolly - 19 points and 2 rebounds
8. Matija Ceskovic (192-G-81) of Kvarner 2010 - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Mato Peraica (203-C-81) of Darda - 11 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Marino Sarlija (207-F/C-89) of Borik - 16 points and 7 rebounds

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

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


BK Prostejov and Arvydas Eitutavicius Part Ways - by Surujh Roopnarine
29-year old Arvydas Eitutavicius (188-PG-82, college: American) and BK Prostejov mutually agreed to terminate their relationship for the rest of the Mattoni NBL season. Eitutavicius' final games came during the Czech Cup playoffs last week, but he will return to his native Lithuania to rest and prepare for next season. A former Lithuanian National Team member, Eitutavicius, appeared in 26 NBL contests, averaging 9.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 46.8% from the field to go along with 32.6% from three and 81.7% from the free-throw line.
Eitutavicius posted similar numbers in Prostejov's two Eurocup qualification games as well as their six EuroChallenge group stage contests.


Standings - D2
1Liga Standings
 1. J.Hradec 22-1 
 2. Sparta Praha 19-4 
 3. Opava B 17-6 
 4. Sokol H.Kralove 15-8 
 5. Proton Zlin 15-8 
 6. Sokol Prazsky 13-10 
 7. Trutnov 11-12 
 8. Liberec 10-13 
 9. Vysehrad 10-13 
 10. Prostejov B 9-14 
 11. Benesov 9-14 
 12. Litomerice 8-15 
 13. Mlada Boleslav 2-21 
 14. Kladno 1-22 


Vojtech Hruban claims Czech Republic NBL weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Former international forward Vojtech Hruban (202-F-89) had an amazing evening in the last round for USK Praha and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 2 (Second Stage).
The 22-year old forward had the game-high 38 points adding seven rebounds and five assists for USK Praha as his team lost overtime game against BC Kolin (#5, 18-20) 96-102. USK Praha maintains the 6th position in Czech Republic NBL. USK Praha is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. But it was their 13th lost game this season out of 28 games. In the team's last game Hruban had a remarkable 76.5% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at USK Praha, through which he has constantly improved. Hruban has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (7th best: 17.5ppg) and averages solid 53.6% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 30-year old American guard Patrick Pope (183-G-81) of Chomutov. Pope impressed basketball fans with 36 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists. Bad luck as Chomutov lost that game 86-119 to Usti n/Labem (9-21). The Second Stage 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. Pope is a newcomer at Chomutov 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 20.2ppg (#1). His other stats are also decent: 4.2rpg and 3.8apg.

The third best performed player last round was Canadian Troy Gottselig (203-F-87) of Usti n/Labem (#0). Gottselig scored 28 points and grabbed nine rebounds. He was a key player of Usti n/Labem, leading his team to a 119-86 easy win against #-2 ranked Chomutov in a game of the week. The chances of Usti n/Labem not to end season at such low position in A2, however are less than slim as they have already lost 21 games, recording just nine victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Gottselig could try to bring Usti n/Labem's a little bit higher in the standings. Gottselig has a very solid season. In 8 games in Czech Republic he scored 10.6ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. James Hughes (211-C-83) of NH Ostrava - 22 points and 11 rebounds
5. Rashaan Ames (184-PG-78) of BC Kolin - 24 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists
6. Bertengeh Gadri-Nicholson (208-C-83) of BK Prostejov - 14 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
7. David Machac (204-F-80) of BC Kolin - 20 points and 9 rebounds
8. Thaddeus McFadden (188-G-87) of Usti n/Labem - 22 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists
9. Thaddeus McFadden (188-G-87) of Usti n/Labem - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
10. Jakub Sirina (185-G-87) of B&W Opava - 22 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists

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

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


Adama Darboe claims Danish Ligaen weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Former international guard Adama Darboe (190-G-86) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Svendborg and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 26.
The 25-year old guard had the game-high 23 points adding eight rebounds and six assists for Svendborg in his team's victory, helping them to beat Bakken (#1, 23-2) 81-70. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Svendborg maintains the 2nd position in Danish Ligaen. They are still close to the very top. Svendborg would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 23-3 record. In the team's last game Darboe had a remarkable three three-pointers out of 6 attempts. It's his second year at Svendborg and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Adama Darboe averages this season 15.0ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 25-year old American forward Will Harris (198-F-86) of Horsens IC. Harris impressed basketball fans with 34 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists. Of course he lead Horsens IC to another comfortable win 94-81 over slightly higher-ranked SISU (#4, 12-14) being unquestionably team leader. Horsens IC's 5th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 11-15 record. Harris is a newcomer at Horsens IC 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 24.8ppg (#2). He also registered 7.8 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was American Jordan Glynn (200-F-89, agency: I.D.S. Law) of Naestved (#3). Glynn scored 22 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Naestved, leading his team to a 93-69 easy win against the lower-ranked Aabyhoj (#9, 8-18). Naestved needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 17 victories and 9 lost games. Glynn has a great season in Denmark. After 26 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 10.7rpg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Joe Benjamin (201-F/C-83) of Horsholm - 18 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Mickey Dennis (190-G/F-78) of SISU - 33 points and 5 rebounds
6. Corin Henry (180-PG-88) of Naestved - 25 points, 2 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Joshua Alexander (193-G-87) of Bakken - 23 points and 6 rebounds
8. Christopher Sprinker (205-C/F) of Vaerlose - 16 points and 13 rebounds
9. Mikkel Plannthin (195-G-88) of Svendborg - 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Tony Bishop (201-F-89) of Aalborg - 15 points and 12 rebounds

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

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


Booker Woodfox defends 3-point shooting competition title - by Eurobasket News
Booker Woodfox (6'1''-PG-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Creighton), the 2011 NBA D-League 3-Point Competition champion, defended his title against the 2009 sharp-shooting champion Blake Ahearn (Reno Bighorns) by a second-round score of 26-20. In the first round of the shootout, Ahearn led all shooters with 27 points, while Woodfox advanced with a score of 20 points. Lee Humphrey (Rio Grande Valley Vipers) finished with 18 points in the first round while Moses Ehambe (Iowa Energy) scored 9.

L.D. Williams (6'4''-G-88, college: Wake Forest) defeated Chris Roberts (Texas Legends) by a final score of 93-70 in the second round in the Dunk Contest. He punctuated the high-flying competition with a windmill dunk that left him hanging from the rim by his right elbow. For the first time, the event was broadcast live on NBA TV during halftime of the 2012 NBA D-League All-Star game presented by 26 Seconds.


3-POINT SHOOTING COMPETITION

First Round Score
Moses Ehambe (Iowa) 9
Blake Ahearn (Reno) 27
Lee Humphrey (Rio Grande Valley) 18
Booker Woodfox (Texas) 20

Final Round
Booker Woodfox (Texas) 26
Blake Ahearn (Reno) 20


DUNK CONTEST

First Round Score
Zach Andrews (Los Angeles) 38-49 - -87
Osiris Eldridge (Bakersfield) 35-36 - -74
Chris Roberts (Texas) 37-50 - - 97
L.D. Williams (Springfield) 48-50 - -98

Final Round
Chris Roberts (Texas) 31-39 - - 70
L.D. Williams (Springfield) 48-45 - -93

Booker Woodfox, Chris Roberts, and the Texas Legends (17-18) will host the Austin Toros (22-12) on March 1st at Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco at 7:00PM CST.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com



Warriors plan to send rookie Jeremy Tyler to Dakota Wizards - by Eurobasket News
The Golden State Warriors have used the All-Star break as a way to rest up and recover for the second half of the season.

Stephen Curry sat out of the Taco Bell Skills Challenge after winning last year. Surprisingly, zero representatives from the Warriors, who have some of the most-accurate three-point shooters in the league thus far, participated in the Foot Locker Three-Point Contest that was eventually won by Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Kevin Love. Monta Ellis, the team's best chance at an All-Star representative this season, is at home instead of playing in the All-Star game in Orlando.

With hopes of having a much better second half of the season, the Warriors are planning to send rookie Jeremy Tyler (6'10''-F-91) to their Developmental League affiliate Dakota Wizards after the All-Star break, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

Little was expected out of Tyler this season. After spending two years overseas in Israel and Japan, the young center from San Diego was drafted with the 39th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats, acquired by the Warriors for cash considerations, and was viewed as a developmental project for the team.

Even with injuries to Andris Biedrins and Kwame Brown during the season and little depth at the center position, coach Mark Jackson has chosen not to play the inexperienced rookie. At the halfway point, Tyler has played in just 14 of the team's 30 games and has only put up significant minutes in one big loss (15 minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 27). Needless to say, Tyler has had little impact on the team's successes and failures this season.

This move makes sense given the little playing time Tyler received while on the roster. Like former D-League roster member Chris Wright, Tyler will receive a sizeable increase in minutes and continue to get valuable playing experience. Since the Wizards are the Warriors' personal affiliate, the staff in Dakota will be able to work with his strengths and weaknesses to the team's liking for an eventual recall to the NBA roster.

Given the Warriors' spot in the standings right now, Tyler may see more minutes with the team down the line if they are too far out of playoff contention near the end of the season. This move could also make way for a new signing if the Warriors decide to bring on a veteran free agent or a promising D-League prospect.

Since adding a new player at this point of the season seems unlikely and the roster will probably stay set for the rest of the season, the Warriors will likely rely on Ekpe Udoh and Dominic McGuire to backup Biedrins and David Lee in a thin Warriors frontcourt.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com

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


Stats Leaders
EBA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1, Wise, Washington Madness, 33
2, Board, Washington Madness, 28
3, Ayeni, Hudson Valley Hype, 27.8
4, Leon, Hudson Valley Hype, 26.3
5, Scott, New York Wizards, 25.2
Rebounds Per Game
1, Coker, New York Wizards, 14
2, Lawley, New York Wizards, 10.7
3, Brown, Metropolitan All-Stars, 10.6
4, Bailey, Washington Madness, 10
4, Esonwune, Hudson Valley Hype, 10
Assists Per Game
1, Flegler, Nova Hawks, 9.8
2, Scott, New York Wizards, 8.2
3, Labase, Hudson Valley Hype, 5.6
4, Perez, N.Y.C. Jaguars, 5.6
5, Harding, Metropolitan All-Stars, 4.8
Steals Per Game
1, Hernandez, Nova Hawks, 3.2
2, Ferguson, New York Wizards, 3
3, Flegler, Nova Hawks, 2.8
4, Harding, Metropolitan All-Stars, 2.5
4, Scott, New York Wizards, 2.5
Blocks Per Game
1, Coker, New York Wizards, 4.3
2, Harrington, Nova Hawks, 2.5
3, Brown, Metropolitan All-Stars, 2
4, Hawkins, Metropolitan All-Stars, 1.3
4, Onunaku, Winchester Storm, 1.3
4, Williams, Metropolitan All-Stars, 1.3
4, Zephyr, New York Wizards, 1.3


Standings
EBA Standings
Northern Division
 1. New York W. 7-1
 2. HV Hype 6-1
 3. Philadelphia L. 1-5
 4. NYC Jaguars 0-7
Southern Division
 1. M. All-Stars 8-0
 2. Washington M. 3-4
 3. NoVa Hawks 2-4
 4. Harrisburg H. 2-4
 5. Winchester S. 2-5


Metro All-Stars Stay Undefeated - by EBA Media
With two resounding wins this past weekend (2/25/12 & 2/26/12), the Metropolitan All-Stars (8-0) kept their spotless record intact. The All-Stars posted a 103 to 73 road win over the NoVa Hawks on Saturday, then returned home to defeat the NYC Jaguars 131 to 88.

The All-Stars will now take a break and travel to Peru for games the next two weeks South of the Border. They will be back in action March 17th against Northern Division powerhouse Hudson Valley Hype.

The New York Wizards moved their record to 7 an 1 with a 130 to 107 win over the NYC Jaguars, Saturday in Brooklyn. This win enabled them to move into first place over the Hudson Valley Hype (6-1) who we playing an exhibition game against the Connecticut Top Ballerz of the ABA. The Hype showed EBA dominance with an easy 137 to 92 win.

In a battle to escape last place in the EBA Southern Division, the Harrisburg Horizon came out on top 103 to 89 over the Winchester Storm. The win boosted the Horizon to a third-place division tie with the NoVa Hawks (2-4).

Catch up with all your favorite players and teams by visiting the Eastern Basketball Alliance website.

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


Standings - KML
KML Standings
 1. Tartu Ulikool 19-2 
 2. Kalev/Cramo 14-2 
 3. Tarvas 14-6 
 4. Rapla 11-10 
 5. TTU 10-10 
 6. Tln Kalev 8-15 
 7. Parnu 3-18 
 8. Valga 3-19 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Reinis STRUPOVICS
  Valga
  (192-G-87)
  Avg: 20.9
 1. Strupovics, Valga20.9 
 2. Raadik, Parnu19.2 
 3. Pilk, TTU17.6 
 4. Soo, Rapla17.6 
 5. Cipruss, Tarvas17.5 
 6. Raley-Ross, Tln K.17.5 
 7. Raap, Parnu16.3 
 8. Veideman, Tartu U.15.6 
 9. Arnold, TTU14.5 
 10. Hallik, Tarvas14.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kaspars CIPRUSS
  Tarvas
  (210-C-82)
  Avg: 10.1
 1. Cipruss, Tarvas10.1 
 2. Arnold, TTU8.9 
 3. Cricelli, Valga8.4 
 4. Ringmets, Rapla8.1 
 5. Fedortchuk, Tln K.7.9 
 6. Raadik, Parnu7.9 
 7. Shaw, Tln Kalev7.6 
 8. Allingu, Tartu U.6.8 
 9. Amis, Tartu Ulikool6.6 
 10. Keedus, TTU6.3 
Assists Per Game
 Edgars CUNDA
  Valga
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 4.5
 1. Cunda, Valga4.5 
 2. Laane, Rapla3.9 
 3. Kriisa, Tarvas3.6 
 4. Raap, Parnu3.5 
 5. Dorbek, Tarvas3.4 
 6. Keedus, TTU3.4 
 7. Pilk, TTU3.3 
 8. Sokk, Tartu Ulikool3.3 
 9. Veideman, Tartu U.2.8 
 10. Skele, Kalev/Cramo2.8 
Steals Per Game
 Edgars CUNDA
  Valga
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Cunda, Valga2.5 
 2. Laane, Rapla2.2 
 3. Dorbek, Tarvas2.2 
 4. Veideman, Tartu U.2.1 
 5. Raley-Ross, Tln K.2.0 
 6. Kaldre, Rapla2.0 
 7. Leppik, Tartu Ulik.2.0 
 8. Skele, Kalev/Cramo1.9 
 9. Dorbek, Kalev/Cr.1.8 
 10. Keedus, TTU1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Bamba FALL
  Kalev/Cramo
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Fall, Kalev/Cramo1.7 
 2. Amis, Tartu Ulikool1.5 
 3. Raadik, Parnu1.4 
 4. Fedortchuk, Tln K.1.0 
 5. Toome, Kalev/Cramo0.7 
 6. Varbanov, Kalev/Cr.0.7 
 7. Hallik, Tarvas0.6 
 8. Shaw, Tln Kalev0.5 
 9. Ulyanko, Kalev/Cr.0.5 
 10. Makke, TTU0.5 


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


Lokomotiv Kuban part ways with Primoz Brezec - by Uygar Karaca
According to sportando.net, Lokomotiv Kuban waives Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79), the Slovenian center. After parting the way with Nikolay Padius, Brezec also leaves after joining the team in the beginning of 2011-2012 season. These two departures are interesting because the team is fighting for the Quarter Final Playoffs in the Eurocup campaign and tomorrow is a very important matchday against Alba Berlin for Kuban. The team, coached by Maljkovic currently sits at fourth place in PBL with 6-5 W/L count and in 4th place 7-6 in VTB United League. Brezec averaged 10.7 mins and 3.2 pts at Russia, 17.6 mins, 6 pts and 3 rebs at VTB and 11.9 mins and 3 rebs in Eurocup.

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


Anadolu Efes parts ways with Ufuk Sarica, hires Ilias Zouros as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News
Ufuk Sarica is no longer a Head Coach of Anadolu Efes. The Turkish giant failed to reach Euroleague Playoffs and decided to fire Sarica. At the same time, Efes hired Ilias Zouros (agency: Alti Sport) as new Head Coach. It is important to mention that Efes faced with 95-86 road loss against Banvit on Saturday. Ilias Zouros most recently worked with Zalgiris Kaunas. He took them over in January of 2011, but they split ways in October. Zouros won the Baltic and Lithuanian league titles with Zalgiris, and they also celebrated in Lithuanian Cup. The Greek specialist was named Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Coach of the Year -11. Before Zalgiris, he worked three years with Panellinios Athens. Zouros also has experience from Paris Basket Racing, Aris, Peristeri, Sagesse Beirut and Olympiakos. He led Greek National Team last summer at the EuroBasket in Lithuania.



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


Young's double-double lands him 1st Division Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
26-year old forward Jerrah Young (202-F-85) put on an amazing game in the last round for Porvoon Tarmo and receives a Eurobasket.com 1st Division Player of the Week award for round 20.
He had a double-double of 23 points and 16 rebounds, while his team beat Ura Basket (#10, 8-12) 90-75. Porvoon Tarmo is placed at 7th position in Finnish 1st Division. Porvoon Tarmo is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 9-11 record. Young just recently signed at Porvoon Tarmo, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Jerrah Young averages just after three games 19.3ppg and 13.0rpg. Worth to mention Young played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

Second best performed player last round was Baboucarr Bojang (204-F-80) of Huima. He is Gambian forward in his first season at Huima. In the last game Bojang recorded impressive double-double of 18 points and 17 rebounds. Of course Huima cruised to a 88-79 relatively comfortable win over the higher-ranked BC Nokia (#5, 13-7). Huima's 8th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 9-11 record. Bojang is one of the most experienced players at Huima and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to Eryk Thomas (200-C/F-85) of SayRi (#9). Thomas scored 24 points and grabbed thirteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of SayRi, leading his team to a 91-73 easy win against the higher-ranked Tapiolan Honka (#2, 14-6). The chances of SayRi ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 12 games, recording just eight victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Thomas could help SayRi to bring them higher in the standings. Thomas has a very solid season. In 2 games in Finland he scored 22.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Josh Nofflet (194-F-88) of Oulun NMKY - 26 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Darren Townes (201-F-86) of BC Nokia - 19 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Benzor Simmons (195-G-88) of Porvoon Tarmo - 26 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Shawn Henderson (190-G-88) of Porvoon Tarmo - 21 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Eric Williams (198-F-85) of Lapua - 16 points and 13 rebounds
9. Joni Harjula (189-G-83) of Pyrinto II - 19 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists
10. Marcel Liukko (195-F-92) of Huima - 26 points and 6 rebounds

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

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


Monds' double-double lands him Player of the Week award (by BasketStore) - by Eurobasket News
28-year old forward David Monds (205-F-83) put on an amazing game in the last round for Orleans and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 19.
He had a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds, while his team beat ASVEL (#7, 10-9) 71-60. Orleans is placed at 3rd position in French league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Orleans will need more victories to improve their 13-6 record. It was one of impressive evenings for Monds as usually he does not deliver so high stats. David Monds averages this season 11.2ppg and 5.2rpg.

Second best performed player last round was Sean Marshall (198-G/F-85) of Dijon. He is American swingman in his first season at Dijon. In the last game Marshall recorded impressive 30 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists. Of course he lead Dijon to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Hyeres-Toulon (#16, 2-17) 86-66. The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Dijon keeps 9th position. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 9-10 record. Marshall is a newcomer at Dijon and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Eric Chatfield (191-G-79) of Paris-Levallois (#5). Chatfield scored 27 points and passed eight assists. Despite Chatfield's great performance Paris-Levallois lost 80-83 to the lower-ranked Roanne (#8, 9-10). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Paris-Levallois needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 13 victories and 6 lost games. Chatfield has a great season in France. After 19 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 21.9ppg (best scorer).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Akinlolu Akingbala (208-C-83) of Nancy - 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Joao Paulo Batista (207-F/C-81) of Le Mans - 17 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Mykal Riley (198-F-85) of Nanterre - 19 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Lamont Hamilton (208-C/F-84) of Paris-Levallois - 20 points and 7 rebounds
8. Luc-Arthur Vebobe (203-F-80) of Cholet - 9 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Taylor Rochestie (185-PG-85) of Le Mans - 25 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists
10. Ryvon Covile (206-C-84) of Nanterre - 14 points and 13 rebounds

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

Nancy tab Rob Kurz - by Eurobasket News
Nancy are deepening their frontcourt. The French powerhouse has reportedly agreed on terms of contract with Robert Kurz (206-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame). The forward started the season in Spain. Robert Kurz played for UCAM Murcia. He tallied 6.9 points, 4.9 rebounds per game in ACB. Last season Robert Kurz started with CB Granada. His stats read 13.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals in ACB. Later the forward moved to Artland Dragons in Germany. The forward notched 7.4 points and 6.6 boards per appearance. Previously Robert Kurz had stints in NBA and D-League. He participated at D-League All-Star Game in 2010.


Tony Parker wins NBA 2012 Skills Challenge - by Eurobasket News
San Antonio Spurs veteran guard Tony Parker (183-PG-82) won the Skills Challenge on Saturday with a time of 32.8 seconds as part of the NBAs All-Star weekend.

The Skills Challenge is made up of a course that includes various dribbling, shooting and passing obstacles.

Parker edged Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics and Deron Williams of the New Jersey Nets in the final round to earn the win.

Rondo, who was a late addition to the event due to an injury to Golden States Stephen Curry, won a tiebreaker round with John Wall of the Wizards to advance to the final, where he posted a time of 34.6 seconds.

Williams, meanwhile, finished with a time of 41.4 seconds in the final round.

Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Kyrie Irving and Oklahoma Citys Russell Westbrook were knocked out in the first round.

Courtesy of http://missourisportsmag.com

French ProB round 23 best performance: Darryl Monroe (by BasketStore) - by Eurobasket News
American Darryl Monroe (202-C/F-86) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Boulazac, receiving a Eurobasket.com ProB Player of the Week award for round 23.
The 25-year old player had a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds, while his team beat Bourg (#10, 11-12) 83-75. It allowed Boulazac to consolidate first place in the French ProB. Boulazac have a solid 19-4 record. Monroe turned to be Boulazac's top player in his first season with the team. Former George Mason University star has very solid stats this year. Monroe is in league's top in rebounds (5th best: 9.2rpg) and averages impressive 60.6% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 26-year old American Jeremiah Wood (200-C/F-85, agency: Court Side) of Evreux. Wood had a very good evening with a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds. Bad luck as Evreux lost that overtime game 89-96 to slightly higher-ranked Le Portel (10-13). The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Evreux dropped in the standings to 14th position. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 10-13 record. Wood is a newcomer at Evreux, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 16.1ppg (#7). He also registered 11.3 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was Raphael Desroses (199-SF-80) of league's second-best Limoges. Desroses scored 21 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was a key player of Limoges, leading his team to a 95-50 easy win against the lower-ranked Quimper (#17, 5-18). Limoges is closer and closer to the top of the standings. They will still need more victories. But 19-4 record is not that bad... Desroses has a very solid season. In 23 games in France he scored 11.0ppg. He also has 4.3rpg, FGP: 52.0% and 3PT: 42.3%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Lamine Kante (200-SF-87) of Denain - 27 points and 5 rebounds
5. Malick Badiane (211-F/C-84) of Nantes - 13 points, 19 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Wilbert Brown (199-PF-84) of Maurienne - 16 points, 15 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Nigel Wyatte (204-C/F-81) of Le Portel - 19 points and 10 rebounds
8. Amadi McKenzie (201-PF-86) of Boulazac - 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Christophe Massie (206-C/F-77) of Limoges - 9 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists
10. LaQuan Prowell (203-SF-84) of St Vallier - 21 points and 4 rebounds

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

Marcus Jackson claims French NM1 weekly honour (by BasketStore) - by Eurobasket News
American Marcus Jackson (202-F-82) had an amazing evening in the last round for Clermont and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com NM1 Player of the Week award for round 23.
The 29-year old forward had a double-double of 16 points and eleven rebounds, while his team edged out Lievin (#11, 12-11) 79-75. The game was not the highest importance and did not have significant influence on the top of the standings. Clermont maintains the 15th position in French NM1. Clermont is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 8-15 record. Jackson just recently signed at Clermont, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Marcus Jackson averages just after three games 17.0ppg and 9.0rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 29-year old Finnish forward Ville Kaunisto (204-F-82) of Blois. Kaunisto impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as Blois lost that game 64-71 to slightly higher-ranked Roche (#6, 15-8). This loss caused Blois to drop to 7th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 14-9 record is not bad and everything may still change. Kaunisto is a newcomer at Blois 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 18.5ppg (#1). He also registered 12.0 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was Moise Diame (206-C-86) of Rueil (#14). Diame scored 19 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Despite Diame's great performance Rueil lost 75-91 to the higher-ranked Cognac (#5, 15-8). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Rueil not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 14 games, recording just nine victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Diame could try to bring Rueil's a little bit higher in the standings. Diame has a very solid season. In 22 games in France he scored 11.1ppg. He also has 7.3rpg, 1.1bpg and FGP: 60.6%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Corey Belser (200-F-82) of Charleville - 22 points and 7 rebounds
5. Olivier Gouez (219-C-84) of Orchy - 22 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Fabien Herard (198-F-79) of Challans - 23 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Brice Vounang (202-F/C-82) of Brest - 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists
8. Aurelien Toto N'Kote (194-F-79) of Roche - 15 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Josh Almanson (205-F-82) of Challans - 19 points and 8 rebounds
10. Jonathan Godin (185-G-82) of Cognac - 15 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists

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

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


Gecevski number one in FYR Macedonia for round 5 - by Eurobasket News
International center Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked MZT Skopje, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 5 (Second Stage).
The 34-year old player was the main contributor (27 points, seven rebounds and three assists) to his team's victory, helping them to crush Feni Indistrija (17-4) with 19-point margin 90-71. It allowed MZT Skopje to take over top position in the FYR Macedonian Superleague. MZT Skopje have a solid 17-4 record. In the team's last game Gecevski had a remarkable 100.0% from 2-point range. He turned to be MZT Skopje's top player in his first season with the team. Todor Gecevski has solid league stats. He is in league's top in points (3rd best: 18.3ppg), rebounds (3rd best: 7.8rpg) and averages impressive 1.1bpg,67.0% FGP and 42.9% from behind 3-point line.

The second best player in last round's games was 28-year old Dejan Vegov (205-F/C-83) of Kozuv. Vegov had a very good evening with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Of course he lead Kozuv to another comfortable win outscoring slightly lower-ranked ABA Strumica (#9, 2-15) 146-62. Kozuv's 8th position in Play Out has not changed. 13 lost games are too many comparing to just four victories Kozuv managed to get this Second Stage. Vegov is a newcomer at Kozuv and despite he is not a team leader yet, every game he becomes more reliable player. Hopefully performances like the last one will happen more often.

Third on the list of top players last round was international guard Aleksandar Kostoski (188-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) of Kumanovo (#5). Kostoski showcased his all-around game by recording 24 points, five rebounds and eight assists in the last round. Despite Kostoski's great performance Kumanovo lost 94-98 to slightly higher-ranked Torus Skopje (#3, 14-7). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Kumanovo ranking at the top of , however are very questionable as they have already lost 12 games, recording just nine victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Kostoski could help Kumanovo to bring them higher in the standings. Kostoski has a great season in FYR Macedonia. After 20 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 3.7apg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Igor Mijajlovic (193-G-84) of MZT Skopje - 19 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Justin Reynolds (204-F/C-88) of Torus Skopje - 17 points and 6 rebounds
6. Velibor Buha (208-C-88) of Kozuv - 19 points and 3 rebounds
7. Toni Simic (210-C-76) of Lirija - 24 points and 7 rebounds
8. Nemanja Jelesijevic (210-C/F-79) of Rabotnicki - 21 points and 9 rebounds
9. Milan Janjusevic (196-F-83) of Kumanovo - 27 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Petar Apcev (199-F-89) of Kozuv - 16 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists

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

*****************************************************
  GEORGIA   


Geogian Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Larry BLAIR
  MIA Academy
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 27.6
 1. Blair, MIA Academy27.6 
 2. Patsatsia, Sokhumi24.3 
 3. Parghalava, Sokhu.23.5 
 4. Kreps, MIA Academy23.1 
 5. Carter, Dinamo T.23.1 
 6. Smith, MIA Academy18.0 
 7. Chikviladze, Samed.17.6 
 8. Niniashvili, TSU T.17.2 
 9. Woodside, Armia16.2 
 10. Khmelidze, Rustavi16.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Keyon CARTER
  Dinamo T.
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 14.2
 1. Carter, Dinamo T.14.2 
 2. Revazashvili, Batu.11.5 
 3. Patsatsia, Sokhumi10.8 
 4. Dvalishvili, Samed.10.8 
 5. Milutinovic, Olimpi9.9 
 6. Matiashvili, Kutai.9.5 
 7. Bekauri, Samedicino9.4 
 8. Smith, MIA Academy9.4 
 9. Keshelava, Batumi9.1 
 10. Hoger, Olimpi9.1 
Assists Per Game
 Giorgi GAMQRELIDZE
  Olimpi
  (183-G-86)
  Avg: 9.5
 1. Gamqrelidze, Olimpi9.5 
 2. Blair, MIA Academy7.3 
 3. Woodside, Armia7.2 
 4. Chitashvili, TSU T.6.8 
 5. Gaines, Armia6.5 
 6. Mikeladze, Batumi5.9 
 7. Tsivtsivadze, Dina.5.8 
 8. Parghalava, Sokhu.5.5 
 9. Artsividze, Rustavi5.5 
 10. Bakradze, Dinamo4.3 
Steals Per Game
 Larry BLAIR
  MIA Academy
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 3.9
 1. Blair, MIA Academy3.9 
 2. Ramishvili, Batumi2.6 
 3. Gaines, Armia2.5 
 4. Kokhreidze, TSU T.2.5 
 5. Beruashvili, STU T.2.3 
 6. Machaladze, STU T.2.2 
 7. Tsivtsivadze, Dina.2.0 
 8. Patsatsia, Sokhumi2.0 
 9. Chachanidze, Rust.2.0 
 10. Woodside, Armia2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Milan OLUIC
  Dinamo Tbilisi
  (210-C-84)
  Avg: 4.8
 1. Oluic, Dinamo Tbil.4.8 
 2. Bekauri, Samedicino2.4 
 3. Kjellbom, Armia1.6 
 4. Toudjani, MIA A.1.5 
 5. Beruashvili, STU T.1.4 
 6. Matiashvili, Kutai.1.4 
 7. Nozadze, STU T.1.3 
 8. Milutinovic, Olimpi1.2 
 9. Atuashvili, Sokhumi1.2 
 10. Ilic, Samedicino1.1 


Todorovic's 28 points and 9 rebounds give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
27-year old Ivan Todorovic (214-C/F-84, agency: Interperformances) put on an amazing game in the last round for second-ranked Olimpi and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 15.
He had the game-high 28 points adding nine rebounds for Olimpi in his team's victory, helping them to crush Sokhumi (#4, 8-6) with 19-point margin 84-65. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Olimpi maintains the 2nd position in Georgian league. They are still close to the very top. Olimpi would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 11-2 record. In the team's last game Todorovic had a remarkable 64.7% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at Olimpi and just after two games he already turned to be a very valuable addition to the team. Ivan Todorovic averages just after two games 25.0ppg and 7.5rpg.

Second best performed player last round was Beka Tsivtsivadze (190-G-89) of Dinamo Tbilisi. He is a guard in his first season at Dinamo Tbilisi. In the last game Tsivtsivadze recorded impressive double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds. Of course he lead Dinamo Tbilisi to another comfortable win 89-75 over the lower-ranked Samedicino (#9, 5-9) being unquestionably team leader. Dinamo Tbilisi's 6th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 7-7 record is not bad and everything may still change. Tsivtsivadze is one of the most experienced players at Dinamo Tbilisi and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to center Ivo Hoger (225-C-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) of league's second-best Olympus. Hoger scored 15 points and grabbed seventeen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Olimpi, leading his team to a 84-65 easy win against #4 ranked Sokhumi in a game of the week. Olimpi is closer and closer to the top of the standings. They will still need more victories. But 11-2 record is not that bad... Hoger has a very solid season. In 11 games in Georgia he scored 12.0ppg. He also has 9.1rpg, 1.1bpg and FGP: 62.5%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Keyon Carter (203-F-88) of Dinamo Tbilisi - 23 points, 16 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Will Thomas (203-PF-86) of Armia - 20 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Davit Barbakadze (203-F-82) of Kutaisi - 15 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Tracy Smith (203-F) of MIA Academy - 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Vasili Beruashvili (198-F-90) of TSU Tbilisi - 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Richard Matiashvili (209-C-89) of Kutaisi - 15 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Ben Woodside (180-PG-85) of Armia - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists

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

Highest League Standing
Superleague Standings
 1. Armia 13-0 
 2. Olimpi 11-2 
 3. Kutaisi 10-4 
 4. Sokhumi 8-6 
 5. MIA Academy 8-6 
 6. Dinamo Tbilisi 7-7 
 7. TSU Tbilisi 5-8 
 8. STU Tbilisi 5-9 
 9. Samedicino 5-9 
 10. Batumi 2-12 
 11. Rustavi 1-12 


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


Morinia's 29 points give him ProB Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
30-year old guard Lamar Morinia (183-G-81) put on an amazing game in the last round for Leipzig and receives a Eurobasket.com ProB Player of the Week award for round 26.
He had the game-high 29 points adding five rebounds and four assists for Leipzig in his team's victory, helping them to crush Giessen (#12, 2-20) with 22-point margin 94-72. Leipzig maintains the 3rd position in German ProB. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Leipzig will need more victories to improve their 15-7 record. In the team's last game Morinia had a remarkable five three-pointers out of 8 attempts. It's his second year at Leipzig and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Lamar Morinia averages this season 16.0ppg and 4.5apg.

Second best performed player last round was Martinis Woody (201-F/C-82) of Bernau. He is American forward in his first season at Bernau. In the last game Woody recorded impressive double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds. Bad luck as Bernau was edged by the higher-ranked Herten (#2, 17-7) 85-82. Bernau managed to keep the same 13th spot in North. 22 lost games are too many comparing to just two victories Bernau managed to get this year. Woody is a newcomer at Bernau and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Tyrone Bradshaw (203-F-86, agency: KMG Sports Management) of Licher Baeren (#9). Bradshaw scored 29 points and grabbed five rebounds. He was a key player of Licher Baeren, leading his team to a 86-64 easy win against the higher-ranked BSW Sixers (#4, 14-8). Licher Baeren needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams in South. Their record at this point is 11 victories and 11 lost games. Bradshaw has a very solid season. In 21 games in Germany he scored 14.4ppg. He also has 7.3rpg, 1.5bpg and FGP: 61.1%. Bradshaw attended one of camps at Eurobasket Summer League on his way to pro basketball.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Dennis Schroeder (186-G-93) of SU Medien - 24 points and 9 assists
5. Jason Holmes (191-G-86) of Schwelm - 22 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Matt Reid (185-G-84) of Vechta - 23 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Zamal Nixon (185-G-89) of Herten - 30 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Tim Kasper (198-F-92) of Dragons - 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Kevin Schaffartzik (187-G-88) of Gotha - 23 points, 2 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Darren Stackhouse (198-F) of ALBA Berlin II - 16 points and 5 rebounds

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

Jermale Jones and Martinis Woody - Battle like there is no tomorrow - by Juliane Hoehne
This weekend, SSV Lokomotive Bernau lost their last regular season game to Herten with 85-82, which puts Bernau at a 2-22 record. Bernau will now have to fight in the play-downs for their stay in the league. Therefore, I talked to Martinis Woody (201-F/C-82, college: Benedict) and Jermale Jones (186-G-86, college: Tuskegee), the American Duo from Bernau.


Martinis, this is your third season playing professional basketball overseas. The first two seasons, you played with teams on the regional level (1. Regionalliga), now you are playing in ProB do you notice a difference between those two leagues, and if so, what is it?
There is not much difference to me. The only difference is the further road trips, but I feel as the level of play is still the same.

Jermale, this is your first season overseas. How would you describe the differences between European and American basketball, and do you have anything in particular you struggled with adjusting to, i.e. the first step most American have problems with?
The only difference I noticed here in Europe is the aggressive play. When I was back home friends that played overseas before were telling me about the first step in European basketball. Mostly all Americans when they first come to Europe to play have trouble with the first step rule. While I was at home I worked on that first step a lot so when I got a chance to play in Europe, I would have the first step down.

Usually it is known that American Basketball is more physical than European, do you play a different position here than when you played in college?
Well, actually when I was in college I played strictly the shooting guard position because in college we had a true Point Guard. Now that Im playing in Europe, Im mostly playing the Point Guard position and thats a major transition for me because Im used to scoring and now Im just making adjustments day by day to develop and become a better Point Guard.

Martinis, you have been with Bernau from the start this season. You are having a tough season. The team went 0-9 before Jermale joined the team, right now your record is 2-22 has something changed since the arrival of Jermale?
Yes a couple of things have changed, such as Jermale taking pressure off of me and then he adds quickness and speed to the game. Also, he always stays positive no matter, if we are winning or losing.

Jermale, I am sure you are glad to have gotten the opportunity to play professionally in Europe, but how do you feel about having such a disappointing season in your first year?
Yes, its very disappointing for my first season to be like this, but things happen for a reason. After a season like this it just makes me want to work even harder, so I wont have another season going through so much pain.

As I mentioned before you are currently 2-22 and the last seated team in the North Group in ProB with only one regular season game left. Out of the 22 lost games you lost 8 games with less than 10pts, including 6 games by less than 5pts. What do you guys think is the reason you couldnt win more games, and what are your ambitions for the rest of the play-downs?
Jermale: With those small margin losses we just didnt know how to finish. We basically gave those games away. Ambitions for the rest of these games are getting better in practice daily and getting ready for the play downs so we can stay in the league.

Martinis: One reason might be our 12man Rotation, instead of just 7/8 players. Also, we need to limit our turnovers and keep key players in the game, when it is close.

You two are the top scorers of Bernau, Jermale you average currently 17.7ppg and Martinis is getting 16.4ppg along with 10.0rpg and 1.4bpg. What does your team have to change to win games in the play-downs to secure the stay in ProB?
Martinis: Everyone knowing their role and better decision making.

Jermale: We have to put a whole 40 minutes together and dig deep down and just battle like there is no tomorrow. In play-downs we should go with what is working instead of going away from certain things that are having us successful in the games.

Jermale, after you joined the team you put up some impressive numbers, i.e. scoring 25 pts (7/12 3s) vs. Wolfenbttel and 31pts (6/10 3s) vs. Herten in your 2nd and 3rd game with the team. The last couple weeks your numbers have been decreasing scoring wise what is the reason for that?
When I first joined this team I was more of a scorer but now since I have been here a while I had to make more adjustments to try to get everyone involved.
Another reason why my numbers are decreasing is because teams are starting to make adjustments in their defense and in some games, they play a Box a One to make it harder for me, but that opens up my teammates games.

Martinis, you had some impressive stats while playing in Regionalliga, for Iserlohn you averaged 20.8ppg and 11.8rpg, for Itzehoe 18.5ppg. This year you havent slowed down either, putting up some good numbers with 16.4ppg and 10.0rpg. How far do you think you can go in International Basketball? Where do you see yourself in a couple of years? Do you want to stay in Germany or do you have another country you would like to play inwhy?
I feel I can go to the top but its all about whom you know and who is willing to take a chance with a person from a division 2 school. The reason I haven't slowed down is because Im the only person that can stop me! I see myself in a couple of years on a higher level. I would like to stay in Germany, but whoever will give this double-double man a chance, thats where I will be.


What about you Jermale, are you planning on continuing your career overseas?
Yes, I plan on playing overseas until I cant play anymore. As long as I get an opportunity to play Ill be there.


Do you have a goal where to play atlike a certain league or country?
I basically want to continue to play in Germany but if doors open up in another country, I would try it out. However, I love Germany and in the near future like 1 or 2 years Im trying to be on someones roster in the BEKO BBL.


Both of you have been to Germany before this season, Martinis played already in Germany and Jermale, you have been to a tournament in Germany before as well. Since you both came back to Germany, I take it you enjoy it here, is that true?
Martinis: Yes, its true that I like it here and I made it to a higher league. I just wanted to show my skills; and show no matter what league I am playing in that I can do the same thing, if giving the chance.

Jermale: Yes, I like it here in Germany and the reason I came back is because I was giving the opportunity to start my career here.

What were the hardest things to adapt to living in Europe?
Jermale: The first thing I had to adapt to was the food. I had to figure out how I was going to survive with the certain types of food here. Two German foods that I find very tasting is a chicken Dner and Schnitzel. If I had a chance I would eat them every day but some of the American foods I miss are RIBS and Pork Chops. The second thing I had to adapt to was the time difference. Since the NBA is back I hate the games come on so late here due to the time difference. Now the weather is very different. The third thing I had to adjust to is the weather Im from Birmingham, Alabama, where we dont see a lot of snow and in the winter it doesnt get that cold. The coldest weather I ever felt in my life was last week here in Germany and it was -18C. It was way too cold here!

Martinis: The hardest things for me were food, language and weather. I mean trying new things and trying to read what u eating. As far as the weather, Im from South Carolina, and just like Jermale, we never see snow either! If it snows or even if ice is on the road, everything will close down. I have never been in -18C weather or in snow. It snows every other day here! Another thing that is hard is trying to find a person to cut your hair, I rather do it myself now.

Yea, you two chose the right winter to spend in Germany, because this year was a new record as coldest winter ever. How are things looking with your German - Have you picked up some German yet? Martinis, you should be fluent by now, right? ;-)
Martinis: I know a little German, but I am far from being fluent. I know things like alles Gute,Tschi or schneller and weiter the things my German teammates say in practice.

Jermale: I have picked up on a little German like wie gehts, danke, bitte, wie war dein Tag. If I usually need something off a menu at a restaurant or something I just point at what I want.

What do you like the most about Germany and your current club SSV Lokomotive Bernau?
Jermale: In Germany I mostly like the scenery, the atmosphere and the people. The thing I love about SSV Lokomotive Bernau is our amazing fans. No matter how bad the season is going, they are supporting us 100%. Thats what you call loyal fans1oo% LOK. We All In!

Martinis: I like about Germany that there are plenty of sightseeing places, night clubs and there are people from everywhere in one city. I have run across Russians, Turkish, Polish, African, and French people. There are a lot of friendly people and also a lot of rude people. I catch people starring all the time at me. What I like about my club is that they are very loyal, no matter if we winning or losing, they give 100% support.

Oh I am sure, people are starring at you because you are quite tall or has it happened to you too that people star at you, Jermale?
Nope, never.


Thats what I thought ;-) Jermale, when you first started playing for Bernau, you wore #5, now you are playing with #3, why this number?
Allen Iverson is the reason I wear #3. He inspired me that size doesnt matter and no matter how much adversity you have you can still be successful. I use his quote all the time 'Only the strong survive.'

Martinis, any special reason why you wear #50?
I chose the number 50 because unlike most people choose the number of the all-time NBA great players such as Jordan 23, Bird 33, Magic 32, McGrady 1, Hakeem 34, and if u notice most common numbers worn by stand out player are 1,3,5,15,21,24,30,32,33,34,and now 41 because of dirk. I choose 50 because I stand alone and want to be notice by myself even though David Robinson made 50 a good number but u will not see too many people wearing 50. Another reason is, Im still trying to get 10pts 10rebs 10stls 10blks and 10dimes in 1 game if u add it up it equals 50.

That was very interesting. I know you guys have now a weekend off before the play-downs start and you will travel to Lich, who is 9th in the south group, for your first play down game. I wish you all the best for the remaining games this season and all the best for your future careers!







German ProA round 24 best performance: DeWayne Richardson - by Eurobasket News
American center DeWayne Richardson (202-C-77) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Leitershofen, receiving a Eurobasket.com ProA Player of the Week award for round 24.
The 34-year old player was the main contributor (28 points, three rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Cuxhaven (#13, 9-13) 98-90. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Leitershofen maintains the 15th position in German ProA. Too late to salvage the team, which is currently ranked at the very bottom. They already lost 17 games and recorded just five victories. In the team's last game Richardson had a remarkable 76.9% from 2-point range. He turned to be Leitershofen's top player in his first season with the team. Former Fairmont State University star has very solid stats this year. Richardson is in league's top in rebounds (8th best: 7.6rpg) and averages impressive 54.8% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 26-year old American Andre Calvin (196-F-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) of Ehingen. Calvin had a very good evening with 29 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Bad luck as Ehingen was edged by slightly higher-ranked NBC (#10, 10-12) 88-84. The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Ehingen dropped in the standings to 12th position. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 10-13 record. Calvin is a newcomer at Ehingen, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Jeremy Black (203-F-85, agency: Court Side) of Jena (#8). Black scored 20 points and grabbed fifteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Black's great performance Jena lost 87-88in overtime to slightly higher-ranked ETB Wohnbau (#7, 11-11). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Jena ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 12 games, recording just eleven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Black could help Jena to bring them higher in the standings. Black has a great season in Germany. After 23 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 8.2rpg (4th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Steve Wachalski (203-F/C-83) of MBC - 17 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Chris Alexander (186-PG-83) of ETB Wohnbau - 25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Paul Zipser (195-G-94) of Heidelberg - 21 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Andreas Buechert (208-C-87) of Ehingen - 16 points and 10 rebounds
8. Dwuan Rice (180-G) of Cuxhaven - 15 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists
9. Joseph Buck (201-F-81) of Crailsheim - 11 points and 13 rebounds
10. Corey Hassan (193-G-87) of Leitershofen - 22 points and 7 rebounds

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

Stats Leaders - 2.Bundesliga
Points Per Game
 Martin SAMARCO
  Karlsruhe
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 20.9
 1. Samarco, Karlsruhe20.9 
 2. McKiver, Braves20.2 
 3. Reese, Duesseldorf20.2 
 4. Alexander, ETB W.19.3 
 5. Hassan, Leitersh.18.6 
 6. Stommes, Webmoebel17.6 
 7. Reid, MBC17.6 
 8. Howard, Karlsruhe17.1 
 9. Mason, Webmoebel16.9 
 10. Roessler, Karlsru.16.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Justin HOWARD
  Karlsruhe
  (208-C-81)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Howard, Karlsruhe10.9 
 2. Alawoya, Braves9.5 
 3. Uskoski, Kirchheim8.3 
 4. Black, Jena8.2 
 5. Moore, Karlsruhe8.1 
 6. Webb, Crailsheim7.7 
 7. Gerwig, Cuxhaven7.6 
 8. Harris, Cuxhaven7.3 
 9. Richardson, Leiter.7.3 
 10. Mason, Webmoebel7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Ahmad SMITH
  Kirchheim
  (194-G-84)
  Avg: 6.2
 1. Smith, Kirchheim6.2 
 2. Johnson, Chemnitz5.4 
 3. Jeka, Braves5.2 
 4. Holcomb Faye, MBC4.6 
 5. Rice, Cuxhaven4.4 
 6. Chavis, NBC4.4 
 7. Reese, Duesseldorf4.3 
 8. Burgess, Heidelberg4.3 
 9. Matthews, Ehingen4.2 
 10. Hill, Crailsheim4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Skyler BOWLIN
  Leitershofen
  (190-G-89)
  Avg: 2
 1. Bowlin, Leitershof.2.0 
 2. Brooks, Kirchheim2.0 
 3. Rice, Cuxhaven1.9 
 4. Matthews, Ehingen1.9 
 5. Johnson, Chemnitz1.8 
 6. Williamson, Ehingen1.6 
 7. Alexander, ETB W.1.6 
 8. Capel, Cuxhaven1.5 
 9. Harris, NBC1.5 
 10. Diggs, Webmoebel1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Dmitriy CHEREMNYKH
  Braves
  (213-C-78)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Cheremnykh, Braves1.6 
 2. De Michael, NBC1.4 
 3. Zipser, Heidelberg1.2 
 4. Williamson, Ehingen1.1 
 5. Flomo, Duesseldorf0.9 
 6. Lawson, Chemnitz0.9 
 7. Oakes, MBC0.9 
 8. Harris, Cuxhaven0.9 
 9. Buechert, Ehingen0.8 
 10. Howard, Karlsruhe0.8 


Phoenix Hagen Bring In Davin White - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Phoenix Hagen have brought in some experience at the guard position with Davin White (186-G-81, college: CS Northridge). White is a 30 year old 186cm guard from Phoenix, Arizona that last played for Halcones UV Xalapa (Mexico-LNBP) playing 39 games: 12.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 71.3%. 'He can play both guard positions. He is very experienced, athletic and presents fine body language. That is importnat, because our guards are too calm. We need aggressiveness and that winning attitude. You never know what to expect from a player that has never played in the Beko BBL ', expressed Phoenix Hagen head coach Ingo Freyer.

White started his basketball career in 2001 for Chandler-Gilbert Community College (NJCAA) until 2003. He then went to play at Cal.St.-Northridge (NCAA) until 2005, the same school that ex Phoenix Hagen guard Jason Crowe. In 2005-2006, he started his professional basketball career for Niagara Dare Devils (Canada-ABA), but the team folded in Dec 2005 and then signed at Mineros de Cananea (Mexico-CIBACOPA): 11 games: 24.5ppg, then moved to Correcaminos Tampico - Reynosa (Mexico-LNBP). From 2006-2008, he played in the D-League for the Anaheim Arsenal and the Colorado 14ers. In 2008-2009, he played for Mineros de Cananea (Mexico-CIBACOPA)19 games: 31.7ppg, 1.7rpg, 6.5apg and he then signed at KK Swisslion Takovo Lions Vrsac (Serbia-A League), Balkan League: 4 games: 4.8ppg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg; then moved to Halcones UV Cordoba (Mexico-LNBP, starting five): 2 games: 9.5ppg, 5.0rpg, 5.5apg, 3.0spg, in April '09 agreed terms with KK Swisslion Takovo Lions Vrsac (Serbia-A League): 11 games: 4.8ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.1apg. In 2010, he played for Mineros de Cananea (Mexico-CIBACOPA, starting five): 12 games: 22.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 67.3%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 81.8%. In 2011, he played for : Mineros de Cananea (Mexico-CIBACOPA): 50 games: Score-2 (28.0ppg), 3.4rpg, Assists-4 (5.4apg), Steals-1 (2.3spg), 1.1bpg, FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 81.1%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been JUCO All-Region and Second team All-American -03, BWC Tournament Finalist -04, All-BWC Honorable Mention -04, Big West Tournament Semifinals -05, All-BWC 2nd Team -05, Mexican CIBACOPA Regular Season Champion -06, 11, Mexican CIBACOPA Finalist -06, Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA Honorable Mention -06, Mexican CIBACOPA All Star Game -08, Mexican LNBP Semifinals -09, Mexican CIBACOPA Champion -11, Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA Player of the Year -11, Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA Guard of the Year -11, Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA Import Player of the Year -11, Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA 1st Team -11, and Latinbasket.com Mexican CIBACOPA All-Imports Team -11.

Source: Phoenix Hagen

Standings - 1. Bundesliga
BBL Standings
 1. Brose Baskets 21-2
 2. Ratiopharm 19-5
 3. ALBA 17-6
 4. Art.Dragons 17-7
 5. s.Oliver Baskets 14-9
 6. Bremerhaven 13-10
 7. B.Muenchen 13-11
 8. Telekom Baskets 12-11
 9. NY Phantoms 12-11
 10. EWE Baskets 12-11
 11. Fraport SKY 11-13
 12. Walter Tigers 10-13
 13. Bayreuth 9-15
 14. TBB Trier 8-16
 15. Phoenix Hagen 7-16
 16. EnBW L'burg 7-17
 17. LTi 46ers 7-17
 18. Goettingen 2-22


Standings - ProA
ProA Standings
 1. MBC 18-4 
 2. Kirchheim 15-7 
 3. Crailsheim 15-8 
 4. Chemnitz 14-9 
 5. Webmoebel 12-9 
 6. Duesseldorf 11-11 
 7. ETB Wohnbau 11-11 
 8. Jena 11-12 
 9. Karlsruhe 10-12 
 10. NBC 10-12 
 11. Heidelberg 10-12 
 12. Ehingen 10-13 
 13. Cuxhaven 9-13 
 14. Braves 6-17 
 15. Leitershofen 5-17 


BG Goettingen Waive Roberto Mafra - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
BG Goettingen announced today that Roberto Mafra (206-F/C-85, college: San Diego) will not finish the season with the club. 2010 Eurochallenge champion BG Goettingen waived the 26 year old 206cm and he has returned back to his native Brasil. Mafra played a total of 18 Beko BBL games, but was unable to fit the standards of the club on the court as he avergaed 2,7ppg and 1,9rpg in eight minutes per game. He had a better Eurochallenge playing six games and averaging 8,5ppg and 3,0rpg in 18 minutes per game. His best game was 10 points and seven rebounds against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen and in the Eurochallenge scoring 18 points and scooping up nine rebounds against Armia.

Source: BG Goettingen

The Eye Of The Tiger Of Jimmy Mckinney Scares BBC Bayreuth As The Fraport Skyliners Win 90-57 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


In the Beko BBL, you can experience loud arenas and then again you can witness bedlam atmospheres as well. Giessen or Artland can be very hostle places to play especially when Toby the dragon is roaming the sidelines looking to scare an unknown face and the Stechert arena in Bamberg is known to be the loudest place to play in the Beko BBL. However the Oberfranken arena in Bayreuth may not be the biggest, but the noise volume that is generated there can be as annoying for opponents as it is for NBA teams to currently face the killer scoring instinct of New York Knick Jeremy Lin, David Holston getting punished for an untimely turnover and having to guard big ratiopharm Ulm center John Byrant or New England Patriots having to survive another off season with the New York Giants fans heckling them about a second Super Bowl loss to them. For ex Skyliner Dashaun Wood, the Oberfranken halle remains an unfriendly place as he has lost both times in a Skyliner jersey despite pouring in 29 points last season and recently with Alba Berlin, but the Fraport Skyliners wanted revenge for the loss last year as well as for their loss in Frankfurt in December as they showed a superb performance blasting BBC Bayreuth 90-57 and playing as if an announcement had come before the game that Kevin Durant had arrived for an autograph signing outside the Oberfranken arena and everyone departed to see the NBA superstar legend, because Frankfurt played as if nobody was in the arena blocking out any Bayreuth fan distractions making it look so easy. The atmosphere here is amazing and that we were able to block out the atmosphere was great. We were able to play our game and stay calm for 40 minutes despite the noise. It may have looked easy, but it was still hard to win here, warned Skyliner captain Marius Nolte. For BBC Bayreuth, they have only a 6-6 record at home and seem unable to use the fans as a sixth man. When you start 0-8 and are behind in double digits after 3-4 minutes, you take the crowd out of the game. We were unable to give the crowd a chance for getting going with this loss, stated BBC Bayreuth guard Kevin Hamilton. This was the second time that Jacob Burtschi played in Bayreuth and continued to be impressed by the atmosphere. Our start was the big difference and we were able to take crowd out of game. For every run they had, we always had an answer. BBC Bayreuth have faithful fans, even when they were down by 25, the fans were loud, commented ex Phoenix Hagen forward Jacob Burtschi.

After the big 68-49 win last weekend against FC Bayern Munich, the Fraport Skyliners were able to continue their strong play with their second win in a row and started another winning streak on the road after the bitter loss in Bremerhaven 10 days ago. This was a game where not only the defense was superb like it had been for the last months, but also the offense was strong as the team was able to give a top performance for 40 minutes and never let BBC Bayreuth get into the game. Key for Frankfurt was their fast start. Their strong offense got the defense of BBC Bayreuth out of rhythm and the team had no answer the rest of the way. Frankfurt played with a lot of intensity on offense and defense and BBC Bayreuth were unable to stay with them, stressed ex Science city American Sean Mccaw. Since the 79-71 win in Frankfurt where the team was riding a high after new coach Marco Van Den Berg had sparked them to some wins, the club has struggling with only a 3-8 record and have lost five of their last six games and their playoff aspirations seem to be dwindling each day. BBC Bayreuth was unlucky that they witnessed a very hot shooting performance by the Fraport Skyliners. Frankfurt is very much a different team from the first time we played them in Frankfurt. They have really come together as a team and play a lot better defense. Their strong defense and hitting their shots really hurt us today, expressed 2010 Dutch top scorer Danny Gibson.

The Fraport Skyliners arrived in the Oberfranken halle in Bayreuth for a rare Saturday afternoon basketball matinee and 3,308 fans packed the arena and quickly made their living room feel like a place where they could of ordered some ear plugs from the nearest drug store, but the gang of Muli Katzurin didnt let the belligerent atmosphere hinder their play as they jumped on BBC Bayreuth right away going on a 8-0 run. Frankfurt was without Justin Gray and BBC Bayreuth was weakened as they didnt have the services of Americans Kevin Hamilton and Tyler Smith and German Stefan Schmidt. For Brose Baskets Bamberg head coach Chris Fleming taking an afternoon off seems to be something you cant do when you are pursuing the triple and despite their next game against Giessen was the next day, the 2008 cup winner with the Artland Dragons and Bamberg manager Wolfgang Heyder scouted the game for their encounter next weekend in Frankfurt. Tim Ohlbrecht started the run with a pretty left hand lay in past ex NBA player Brandon Hunter who soon was dinner for various Skyliners on defense. Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi tested his 29% parking lot shooting percentage with a three pointer and followed that up with a lay in and free throw. The Fraport Skyliners quickly found their rhythm showing BBC Bayreuth who was king in their living room supplying rapid pressure on offense and defense controlling the game and having the momentum. After young German Tom Spoler followed up his own miss with a lay in, the Fraport Skyliners offense continued to clicking on all cylinders on offense as Michael Thompson found his touch from outside, Ohlbrecht connected over Hunter again and Jimmy Mckinney dropped his first three pointer of the contest as Frankfurt led 16-5. BBC Bayreuth got a bucket from ex Bamberg American Beckham Wyrick and got to the free throw line, but Frankfurt continued to score any which way as Quantez Robertson snuck inside and Devin Gibson hit a contested three pointer from the top of the key as Frankfurt led 21-13. After Canadian Osvaldo Jeanty cut the Frankfurt lead to 25-17, Muli Katzurin continued to gaze down his bench and inserted ex NBA player Jermareo Davidson who quickly found his touch making a beautiful fade away jumper over Brandon Hunter and dunking home a beautiful Gibson pass who had escaped losing the ball and somehow found the big man inside with one second to play in the first quarter as the Fraport Skyliners led 29-21. Frankfurt was clearly better as they had very high shooting percentages and rebounded very well, stressed Brose Baskets Bamberg manager Wolfgang Heyder.

In the second quarter, The Fraport Skyliners continued where they left off in the first quarter with an aggressive offense that just didnt want to miss as they went on a 12-1 run to extend their lead to 41-22. Jimmy Mckinney and Jacob Burtschi hit back to back three pointers, Jermareo Davidson burned ex Boston Celtic Brandon Hunter another time with a fade away jumper and got a pat on his butt from Muli Katzurin as he was running back to get on defense, German national player Johannes Herber hit in the zone with a difficult fade away jumper and Gibson stole the ball from Gibson and fed Burtschi who gave Robertson a quick no look pass as the American scored inside. After a Tom Spoler floater, Frankfurt countered back with a Herber three pointer and another Davidson fade away jumper as Frankfurt led 47-27. Estonian guard Rain Veideman tried to give the team some energy with a thunderous two handed dunk, but Thompson stopped any kind of BBC Bayreuth run to continue as he hit back to back shots as Frankfurt continued to stay in control doing what they wanted on offense leading 52-29. Skyliner captain Marius Nolte then scored inside getting a nifty back door pass from Herber as scored on a layup. The Fraport Skyliners led 55-32 at halftime. The bottom line at half time wasnt how much Frankfurt had given up, but the point difference. BBC Bayreuth may have came back in Giessen last weekend, but to do the same against avery strong Frankfurt team would have been very difficult, stressed Bamberg head coach Chris Fleming. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting a whopping 72% from the field and from the three point line while BBC Bayreuth was shooting 50% from the field and 17% from the three point line. Frankfurt led the rebounding duel 12-9 and had only three turnovers while BBC Bayreuth had eight turnovers.

Muli Katzurin was surely aware of the capability that BBC Bayreuth showed last weekend in Giessen scoring 63 points in the second half and getting the win, but BBC Bayreuth wasnt able to transform the words of head coach Marco Van Den Berg into cutting down the lead of Frankfurt. Coach told us to keep fighting and try to cut lead down to 10 or less, so we could have a chance in the fourth quarter, added Danny Gibson. Coach had warned us about the Braunschweig game where they came from 20 back. That experience helped us in the second half as we never let them get the run they needed, expressed Jacob Burtschi. The Fraport Skyliners continued their offensive rampage starting the third quarter going on a 7-2 run to extend their lead to 62-34 and dashing the hopes of BBC Bayreuth more quickly about ever turning the game around to their fortune. In this run, Jimmy Mckinney who was hot spun in the zone and finished with a pull up jumper, Burtschi nailed another three pointer and Davidson hit a mid distance jumper. After Hunter and Thompson traded buckets, BBC Bayreuth was trailing 65-36. However BBC Bayreuth went on a 9-1 run to close out the third quarter, but still trailed 67-45. It is never easy to be fully concentrated for 40 minutes, but even harder when you are leading by 29 points. In this run, Frankfurt missed some shots and also an easy Robertson tip in while BBC Bayreuth was grinding away at the mammoth Frankfurt lead. Ibekwe and Wyrick hit some free throws while Brandon Hunter hit his trade mark mid distance jumper. It was getting more evident that BBC Bayreuth simply had too little time left and were running out of energy. We got hit so early that we couldnt rebound and find the momentum. Whenever we made a dunk or play, Frankfurt had an answer not letting us get closer, commented ex Phantom Kevin Hamilton.

In the fourth quarter, the Fraport Skyliners held their own stepped up their offense again while BBC Bayreuth were unable to get any kind of notable run on offense scoring only a meager 12 points. The Fraport Skyliners jumped on BBC Bayreuth again like they had in every quarter going on a 7-2 run to lead 75-47. Frankfurt outscored BBC Bayreuth 35-5 combined in their four runs to start each quarter. In the fourth quarter 7-2 run, Frankfurt got support with a Mckinney lay in with one second on the shot clock, an open three pointer from Thompson, Nolte lay in and free throw. Even after a Veideman three pointer, Frankfurt always had answer as Mckinney silenced the Oberfranken halle with a three point bomb as Frankfurt led 78-50. Frankfurt then went on a 6-0 run to have their biggest lead of the game 84-50. Frankfurt got busy getting to the free throw line as Mckinney,Gibson and Robertson connected. Veideman then made the play of the game stealing the ball from Gibson at mid court and going to the basket and finishing with a thunderous two handed slam, but it was too little too late as BBC Bayreuth still trailed 84-53. Frankfurt got a Mckinney catch and pop jumper and Nolte lay in after getting a bullet pass from Gibson from the bass line and ex Skyliner Maksym Shtein scored twice to end the game. We got phenomenal defense today and our offense was great. We had great ball movement and we were knocking down our shots, expressed Jacob Burtschi. We werent hitting our shots and we were unable to pick up our defense, stressed ex Nordlingen Giant Danny Gibson.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Jimmy McKinney (192-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Missouri) with 22 points. Jacob Burtschi and Michael Thompson chipped in with 14 points a piece. It felt good having my shot again. I hope I can keep my confidence and my shot continues to fall in practice and in the next games, stressed Jacob Burtschi. Jermareo Davidson contributed 12 points. BBC Bayreuth was led by Brandon Hunter with 12 points. The Fraport Skyliners finished the game with an astounding 57% from the field and 62% from the parking lot while BBC Bayreuth shot 41% from the field and 23% from the parking lot. Frankfurt won the rebounding battle 25-24, but the stat of the game was the incredible five turnovers that the Skyliners produced while BBC Bayreuth had 16 turnovers. Despite the potent offense, the big Skyliner weapon continues to be their defense. Our pick and role defense was good and we really did a good job on Gibson and Jeanty. We showed a lot of hustle and effort on defense which sparked our offense, warned Jacob Burtschi. Frankfurt really have good personal on defense. They all work well together and have big bodies. Their instinct is to play together, commented Kevin Hamilton. The Fraport Skyliners host the Brose Baskets BambergMarch 4th.

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


Zouros is the new Head Coach of Anadolu Efes - by Chris Mammides

The Greek Head Coach Ilias Zouros is officially the new Head Coach of the Turkish super power Anadolu Efes Istanbul. The 45 years old ex Zalgiris Coach remain out of benches only for three months (his last stop was in Lithuania and Zalgiris Kaunas) and is back not only in action but in one of the top European teams in a very competitive league. Zouros is replacing the Turkish 40 years old Head Coach Ufuk Sarica after the elimination of Efes from both the Euroleague and the Turkish cup. Now the one and only target for the new team of Coach Zouros will be the Turkish championship a target which is not easy at all! Zouros, though is very used to come across very difficult situations which he can handle quite decently.

This is als overy good for the Greek National Coach as by going back in the action will be more than ready for the Puerto Rican games (qualification round) for teh Olympic Games in London. Eurobasket.com wished all the best to the Greek Head Coach.




Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game
 Nestoras KOMMATOS
  Marousi
  (203-F-77)
  Avg: 20.4
 1. Kommatos, Marousi20.4 
 2. Christmas, AGOR19.4 
 3. Charalampidi., KAO.17.4 
 4. Roby, Peristeri GS16.4 
 5. Beck, Ikaros16.0 
 6. Gagaloudis, Marousi15.6 
 7. Tapoutos, Aris15.4 
 8. Dikoudis, PAOK15.4 
 9. Baynes, Ikaros14.6 
 10. James, Aris14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aron BAYNES
  Ikaros
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Baynes, Ikaros9.1 
 2. NaNa, Ilysiakos7.7 
 3. Haritopoulos, Maro.7.6 
 4. Stepheson, Panio.7.4 
 5. Goree, PAOK7.1 
 6. Flowers, KAOD6.7 
 7. Kommatos, Marousi6.6 
 8. Bavcic, KAOD6.2 
 9. Tapoutos, Aris6.0 
 10. O''Bryant, Kavala5.9 
Assists Per Game
 Yannis GAGALOUDIS
  Marousi
  (192-G-78)
  Avg: 6
 1. Gagaloudis, Marousi6.0 
 2. Diamantidis, Panat.4.8 
 3. Charalampidi., KAO.4.7 
 4. Spanoulis, Olympia.4.7 
 5. Xanthopoulos, Pani.4.4 
 6. Wright, AGOR4.2 
 7. James, Aris4.1 
 8. Thompson, Ilysi.4.1 
 9. Tsamis, Kolossos3.4 
 10. Petroulas, Perist.3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Zack WRIGHT
  AGOR
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Wright, AGOR2.5 
 2. James, Aris1.9 
 3. Hatten, Kolossos1.8 
 4. Baxter, Ikaros1.7 
 5. Logan, Panathin.1.6 
 6. Thompson, Ilysi.1.6 
 7. Perperoglou, Panat.1.6 
 8. Calathes, Panathin.1.6 
 9. Christmas, AGOR1.6 
 10. Gagaloudis, Marou.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Patrick O''BRYANT
  Kavala
  (213-C-86)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. O''Bryant, Kavala1.5 
 2. Muldrow, Aris1.5 
 3. Flowers, KAOD1.3 
 4. Hines, Olympiakos1.2 
 5. Elegar, Marousi1.1 
 6. Johnson, Ikaros1.0 
 7. Petway, AGOR0.9 
 8. Michel, KAOD0.9 
 9. Stepheson, Panio.0.9 
 10. Edwards, Perister.0.8 


Standings - A1
A1 Standings
 1. Olympiakos 18-1 
 2. Panathinaikos 16-2 
 3. Kolossos 13-5 
 4. Panionios 13-6 
 5. AGOR 11-7 
 6. Kavala 10-9 
 7. PAOK 8-11 
 8. KAOD 7-11 
 9. Ilysiakos 7-12 
 10. Aris 6-12 
 11. Peristeri GS 6-12 
 12. Ikaros 5-15 
 13. Marousi 0-19 


Christmas' double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
25-year old guard Dionte Christmas (196-G-86) put on an amazing game in the last round for AGOR and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 20.
He had a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds, while his team beat Marousi (#13, 0-19), the league's bottom-ranked team 92-80. AGOR maintains the 5th position in Greek league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. AGOR will need more victories to improve their 11-7 record. In the team's last game Christmas had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range. He turned to be AGOR's top player in his first season with the team. Temple University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Christmas is in league's top in points (2nd best: 19.4ppg) and averages solid 54.7% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Zack Wright (188-G-85, agency: Court Side). He is American guard in his first season at AGOR. In the last game Wright recorded impressive 21 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course AGOR cruised to a 92-80 relatively comfortable win over Marousi (#13, 0-19). AGOR's 5th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 11-7 record is not bad and everything may still change. Wright is a newcomer at AGOR and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to center Aron Baynes (208-C-86) of Ikaros (#12). Baynes scored 18 points and grabbed thirteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Ikaros, leading his team to a 74-64 win against the higher-ranked Panionios (#4, 13-6). Ikaros can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 5-15 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Baynes he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Baynes has individually a great season in Greece. After 18 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 14.6ppg (9th best) and rebounds with 9.1rpg (#1 in league).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Romel Beck (203-G/F-82) of Ikaros - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
5. David Logan (184-G-82) of Panathinaikos - 17 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Giannis Demertzis (194-F-83) of Marousi - 16 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Uros Duvnjak (190-G-86) of PAOK - 20 points and 3 rebounds
8. Periklis Dorkofikis (206-F-80) of AGOR - 15 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Nick Calathes (198-G-89) of Panathinaikos - 11 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists
10. Harding NaNa (203-F-81) of Ilysiakos - 20 points and 10 rebounds

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

Kyriakopoulos' 31-point game gives him A2 Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
28-year old guard Giannis Kyriakopoulos (185-G-83) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Panelefsiniakos and receives a Eurobasket.com A2 Player of the Week award for round 20.
He had the game-high 31 points adding four rebounds for Panelefsiniakos in his team's victory, helping them to beat Lavrio (#6, 11-9) 81-73. It allowed Panelefsiniakos to consolidate first place in the Greek A2. Panelefsiniakos have a solid 16-4 record. In the team's last game Kyriakopoulos had a remarkable six three-pointers out of 10 attempts. He turned to be Panelefsiniakos' top player in his first season with the team. Giannis Kyriakopoulos averages this season 16.0ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Fedonas Pagonis (197-G/F-85) of Amyntas Dafnis. He is a swingman in his second season at Amyntas Dafnis. In the last game Pagonis recorded impressive 21 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Bad luck as Amyntas Dafnis was edged by the higher-ranked Arkadikos (#4, 12-8) 85-83. This loss caused Amyntas Dafnis to drop to 12th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 9-11 record. Pagonis is well-known at Amyntas Dafnis and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Nikos Argyropoylos (188-G-78) of league's second-best Apollon Patras. Argyropoylos scored 23 points and passed four assists. He was a key player of Apollon Patras, leading his team to a 77-66 win against the lower-ranked Doxa Lefkadas (#9, 10-10). Apollon Patras needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 15 victories and 5 lost games. Argyropoylos has a great season in Greece. After 19 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 19.7ppg (best scorer) and assists with 4.4apg (7th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Andronikos Gizogiannis (200-F/C-83) of Arkadikos - 18 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Dimitris Katiakos (205-C/F-87) of OFI - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Thanasis Straganiotis (180-G-83) of Panerythraikos - 20 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Nikos Pettas (195-G-81) of Doxa Lefkadas - 16 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Petros Noeas (204-F-87) of AEK - 10 points and 11 rebounds
9. Darrel Lewis (192-G-76) of OFI - 18 points and 5 rebounds
10. Kostas Tsotsos (205-F/C-83) of Doxa Lefkadas - 22 points and 4 rebounds

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

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


Markel Humphrey, "I'm going to do everything for the team" - by Fred Roggen
I had an interesting time talking with former Marshall standout Markel Humphrey (198-F-87, college: Marshall). Last week Markel Humphrey took the game against EiffelTowers Den Bosch into hands and lead Magixx for KidsRights to the FinalFour of the Dutch Cup. This Sunday, Markel showcased his talents on the DBL All-Star game in Zwolle, lead the South team in total points with 24 points.
When it comes to Dutch Basketball League results, Magixx for KidsRights small forward Markel Humphrey sets the bar high. In his third DBL season,
In this Eurobasket.com interview, Humphrey talks about his season with Magixx for KidsRights, what its like to live in Nijmegen and looks ahead to the Playoffs.
What I can be certain about is that the most capable team will win the trophy in Holland,

First of all, how has been the season for you and for Magixx for KidsRights so far?
So far the season has been great. As a team so far we are meeting the goals we set before the season began. Lately we've been going through a little adversity with loses and players battling injuries but things like that has brought us close together as a team. Coach has done a great job putting us through different game drills we need to work on to improve our play. Right now we are in fourth place trying to fight our way into the top 3 teams before the playoffs begin. We also just made it to the cup final four.

How have you seen the development of the competition in terms of playing level and competition system?
Holland is a good league to play in. With this being my third year out here I would have to say I have played against so good players, teams and coaches. I like the style of play in this league it's fast pace. One thing I have learned in this league is that any team can win on any giving night. Every team has competitive players. The DBL is a good league to start your career and build a good resume.

It looks that you have found a second home there. How comfortable do you feel in Nijmegen and how important has Magixx's been to your career?
Your right, this is my second home. Nijmegen fans have been good to me and it's a blessing for the organization to have wanted me back for a third year. This is a comfortable spot for at least for the past three seasons it has been. I like the playing style coach has for us. The Magixx are playing a bug part in my career. My first year it was to the point I thought I wasn't going to be able to get a contract luckily the Magixx liked my played style and thought I would fit perfect in the system. My second year the Magixx organization thought I would have already in a bigger league but a month past by after the season started I was at home and that's when I got the call to join the Magixx again and once that happened I knew I would be back for a third season.

Throughout your career, you have been able to do some of everything: score, rebound and assists. Where did you get your all-around style?
Never to be a one dimensional player! Coach loves a player that does everything. My dad taught me to never play for stats play to win so for that reason I try to do everything possible to help my team win rather it's scoring points or under the basket snatching up rebounds. I've never been that guy who was considered the best scorer on the team and I've always played my roll. Every team I play with I go in with the attitude of ' I'm going to do everything for the team'. To sum it all up my mentality comes from the advice I get from my mentors.

Fans and supporters of Magixx for KidsRights expect of you to be a decisive player in every match. Do you feel pressure from the stands?
No, I do not feel any pressure only because this organization has made me feel comfortable because of that fact they brought me back for a third year. They have confidence in me and it makes me more confident to perform every night. Our fans are alway positive rather we win or lose, rather I play good or bad they never change and have the same attitude toward me and the team after every match. The positive energy they have toward me makes me want to play my hardest for them every night I step on the court and there is no better feeling than that.

Markel, how has coach Schuurs helped you develop your game over the years?
Coach Shuurs has helped me be a better leader over the years. He has a lot of trust in me to lead the team when he isn't around. When he needs something done he knows I'm the to step for the team and do what he needs. When adversity hits us in the game, things aren't going our way he holds me responsible to keep the team together and turn things around. As far as my game goes he has help me developed my outside game a little more from my shot to my footwork and my aggressive drives to the basket. My first year he had me at the power forward spot no he has developed me more to 2-3 which I think it's good because I can play outside and inside. One thing I like about coach is he is always studying film and schedules individual workouts trying to correct the part of my game I need to improve.

Speaking of your game. You had what was called a breakout season last year and are doing even better in this one, more consistent. How did that consistency come about the last couple seasons?
I would have to agree with you I also thought I had a breakout season last year I had a chip on my shoulders after what happened last summer with other teams. My consistency come from the focus level I have everyday. I try my hardest to practice the way I play every day I step on the court so when game time comes my body already knows what is needed to be done. A lot of people don't know this but muscle memory plays a big part on how you perform on an everyday basics. I bring that same energy everyday does not matter if I'm fighting injuries or I'm just wore out from game and practice I try to be consistent in that area therefore I bring it easily in every game. As long as I can remember I have always been the underdog I was always overlooked everywhere I played I used that motivation and so far it hasn't failed me yet.

There has been a lot of talk about whether you should play small forward or power forward, because you have the skills work both inside and outside.
What is your feeling on the subject?
Honestly, I prefer to be considered a small forward first then power forward second the reason I say that is because the wing is my natural position. With my 6'6 frame and the strength I have it's easier to crack the boards and post up easily or drive and use my athleticism to shoot over my Opponent. I don't think it's a negative thing to be considered both that means more playing time (hahahah) but no really that goes back to what I said about not being a one dimensional player. I think it's harder to guard a player who can adjust from the small forward position to the power forward position it's always going to be a mid match on the court rather it's me or for my teammates. I feel I always have the upper hand in the situation.

Which way is basketball going in your opinion? Don't you think there's an abuse of the pick-and-roll?
First I think these days people are over looking the hard work part of basketball. How do you separate yourself these days? Everybody can dunk, everybody can shoot I feel that can only get you so far. Even the Kobe's and the Jordan's put that extra work in I'm pretty sure they don't wake up everyday just prating and playing the games. Is the pick-and-roll being abused? Yes, I think there is to much one on one which is ok at times but why not add a couple picks in the offense. Look at John Stockton and Karl Malone they are the best ever to do it it was unstoppable. Do you know how hard it is to stop a pick-and-roll? If you have the right players and they perfect that type of offense. You have an aggressive guard taking at least two dribbles off a good bug man who sets a solid pick with a good roll the opposite wing helps and the shooter is wide open if he doesn't help the big is open for a dunk it's a win win situation.

Magixx for KidsRigts is one of the outsiders to lift the Championship trophy this season. Who will be your biggest opponents in the Playoffs.
In my opinion every team we end up playing in the playoffs will be our biggest opponent. We are one of the teams not picked to win the championship so in my eyes every team we step against is in our way. Of course we look forward to play the top three teams but you can never over look the under the radar teams that's when surprises happen.

You are one of the leaders on this Magixx's team. Are you guys comfortable looking ahead this year and saying the goal is the Playoffs Final?
Yes we are very comfortable but as a leader I make sure we don't get to complacent we have to stay hungry. Doesn't matter how many game we win during the regular season. When the playoffs start all of that goes out the window. We take one game at a time right now we are the type of team that can't get ahead of ourselves and start looking ahead. We are still working on things and getting better as a whole I know the playoffs are in a month but we still have tough games to finish out.

Markel, Thanks for your time doing this interview and success the upcoming playoffs.



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


Hungarian A Division round 20 best performance: Chad Timberlake - by Eurobasket News
American guard Chad Timberlake (194-G-84) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Falco-Szova, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 20.
The 27-year old player was the main contributor (26 points, five rebounds and two assists) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Soproni (#9, 8-12) 103-89. It allowed Falco-Szova to consolidate first place in the Hungarian A Division. Falco-Szova have a solid 17-2 record. In the team's last game Timberlake had a remarkable 80.0% from 2-point range. He turned to be Falco-Szova's top player in his first season with the team. Former Fairleigh Dickinson University star has very solid stats this year. Timberlake is in league's top in points (2nd best: 22.1ppg) and averages impressive 69.4% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 28-year old Nigerian Benson Egemonye (207-C-83) of Soproni. Egemonye had a very good evening with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Bad luck as Soproni lost that game 89-103 to the higher-ranked Falco-Szova (#1, 17-2). Soproni managed to keep the same 9th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 8-12 record. Egemonye is a newcomer at Soproni, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Jonathan Levy (193-G-82) of Szedeak (#11). Levy scored 25 points and passed six assists. Despite Levy's great performance Szedeak lost 73-89 to the higher-ranked Kecskemeti (#5, 13-7). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Szedeak can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 5-15 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Levy he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Levy has a very solid season. In 16 games in Hungary he scored 19.0ppg. He also has 5.3rpg, 3.3apg, 1.1bpg and FGP: 57.7%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Darian Townes (208-F/C-84) of Kormend - 19 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Laszlo Kalman (186-G-72) of Falco-Szova - 23 points, 2 rebounds and 10 assists
6. Rashad Bell (201-F-82) of Kormend - 14 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Ivan Miskovic (203-F/C-84) of Marso NYKK - 19 points and 8 rebounds
8. Hristo Nikolov (200-F-85) of Szolnok - 22 points and 7 rebounds
9. Kyle Austin (203-F-88) of Jaszberenyi - 28 points and 9 rebounds
10. Balazs Simon (188-PG-80) of Albacomp - 6 points, 3 rebounds and 10 assists

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

Janos Eilingsfeld transfers to Kormend - by Levente Szabo
After losing Gergely David in this past 2 weeks MJUS-Fortress Kormend was in big search of a backup big man. Finally an agreement has been reached with promising youngster Janos Eilingsfeld (198-F/C-91, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) who will leave his hometown PVSK Pannonpower Pecs and will join coach Martic's team today.

Janos Eilingsfeld is a very talented young player who was member and key player of the Hungarian National Team in every age group. In 2008 he played at the U18 All-Star Game at European Championships Finals in Poland. One year later at the U18 European Championships he was selected for the All-European 1st Team as he was second in scoring (22.8ppg) and first in rebounding (12.7rpg). This past summer at the U20 European Championship in Sarajevo he played great averaging 22.7ppg and 7.8rpg.

Meanwhile he played also in the Hungarian First Division for PVSK Pannonpower Pecs. He ran his best season so far this year playing 24.3 minutes while he recorded 7.8ppg, 4.4rpg and 1.3 spg.


*****************************************************
  ICELAND   


Standings - 1 Division
D1 Standings
 1. KFI 16-1 
 2. Skallagrimur 11-4 
 3. Hamar 10-5 
 4. Hottur 9-6 
 5. Breidablik 8-8 
 6. IA 7-8 
 7. Thor AK 6-9 
 8. FSU 5-11 
 9. IG 4-12 
 10. Armann 2-14 


D1 Round 16: Thor AK edges Skallagrimur by two points - by Eurobasket News
There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in D1.

The most exciting game of round 16 in the D1 took place in Akureyri. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of much higher ranked Skallagrimur (11-4) to seventh ranked Thor AK (6-9) 70-68 on Friday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Skallagrimur. The hosts trailed by 7 points at the halftime before their 18-6 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Thor AK dominated on the defensive end, holding Skallagrimur to just 6 points in third quarter. Thor AK maintains seventh position with 6-9 record. Skallagrimur at the other side keeps the second place with four games lost. Thor AK are looking forward to face higher ranked Hamar (#3) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Skallagrimur will play against IG and is hoping to win this game.
Leader KFI delivered the sixteenth victory. This time they crushed 5th ranked Breidablik (8-8) 100-78 in Kopavogur. KFI (16-1) have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position. Breidablik at the other side keeps the fifth place with eight games lost. KFI will play against Hottur (#4) in Egilsstadir in the next round. Breidablik will play against IA and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Reykjavik. Local Armann (2-14) was outscored by third ranked Hamar (10-5) 106-65 on Friday night. Hamar have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 10-5 record having eight points less than leader KFI. Armann lost fourth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 14 games lost. Hamar will meet at home Thor AK (#7) in the next round. Armann will play against FSU in Selfoss and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last two games of round 16 FSU was defeated by IA in a road game 95-83. IG was smashed by Hottur at home 91-120.


Breidablik - KFI 78-100

Leader KFI delivered the sixteenth victory. This time they crushed 5th ranked Breidablik (8-8) 100-78 in Kopavogur. The game without a history. KFI led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. KFI (16-1) have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position. Breidablik at the other side keeps the fifth place with eight games lost. KFI will play against Hottur (#4) in Egilsstadir in the next round. Breidablik will play against IA and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 140319


Armann - Hamar 65-106

The game with biggest result difference took place in Reykjavik. Local Armann (2-14) was outscored by third ranked Hamar (10-5) 106-65 on Friday night. The game without a history. Hamar led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Hamar have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 10-5 record having eight points less than leader KFI. Armann lost fourth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 14 games lost. Hamar will meet at home Thor AK (#7) in the next round. Armann will play against FSU in Selfoss and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 140320


Thor AK - Skallagrimur 70-68

The most exciting game of round 16 in the D1 took place in Akureyri. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of much higher ranked Skallagrimur (11-4) to seventh ranked Thor AK (6-9) 70-68 on Friday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Skallagrimur. The hosts trailed by 7 points at the halftime before their 18-6 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Thor AK dominated on the defensive end, holding Skallagrimur to just 6 points in third quarter. Thor AK maintains seventh position with 6-9 record. Skallagrimur at the other side keeps the second place with four games lost. Thor AK are looking forward to face higher ranked Hamar (#3) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Skallagrimur will play against IG and is hoping to win this game.
gschID: 140321


IA - FSU 95-83

There was no surprise when 8th ranked FSU (5-11) was defeated on the road by sixth ranked IA (7-8) 95-83 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by IA. FSU managed to win second period 23-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Newly promoted IA maintains sixth position with 7-8 record. Loser FSU keeps the eighth place with 11 games lost. IA will meet at home higher ranked Breidablik (#5) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. FSU will play against Armann in Reykjavik and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 140322


IG - Hottur 91-120

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Hottur (9-6) smashed on the road 9th ranked IG (4-12) 120-91 on Saturday. The game without a history. Hottur led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Hottur have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 9-6 record. IG lost eleventh consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the ninth place with 12 games lost. Hottur will meet at home league's leader KFI in the next round and it may be the game of the week. IG will play against the league's second-placed Skallagrimur (#2) in Borgarnes and hope to secure a win.
gschID: 140323




*****************************************************
  IRAN   


Jeleel Akindele signed wit Petrochimi - by Kazem Ghayem
Nigerian Center Jeleel Akindele (216-C-83, college: Chicago St.) agreed the terms and signed a contract with Petrochimi to help them in WABA league and Iranian league play-offs. Akindele was playing in Russia at the begining of this season and have experience of euro league and alose Italy serie A.
petrochimi have to face Champville Lebanon today in Beyrout while they loose their first match in Iran to them. today's match will be a fight with both team's Center's where new coming Akindele has to play against their first match MVP Samuel Haskin. but champville have another star named Fadi El Khetb who will be the role player in the game.
basketball fans will see a beautiful game today.
lets wait to see what Samuel Haskin and Jeleel Akindele will do today.

WABA League: Champville edge Petrochimi to enter semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Champville - Petrochimi 84:71

Champville advanced into WABA League semifinals. They fired past Petrochimi to seal the next stage appearance. Champville entered the second game of the quarterfinal series having a 13-point lead after the road game. Fadi Khatib (199-F-79, agency: Pro Management Agency) knocked down 29 points as Champville cruised to the win at home court.
The hosts opened the game aggressively. They fired 29 points in the starting ten minutes to take a 6-point lead. The tempo slowed down in the second term but Champville maintained the advantage. The home team ensured a 47:38 lead at halftime. Petrochimi however sparked the intrigue in the third term. The visitors limited Champville to just 11 points in the quarter to tie things up at 58. But Champville fired 26 points in the final quarter and marched to the win at the end. Garnett Thompson (207-F/C-80, college: Providence) accounted for 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Samuel Hoskin (206-F/C-79, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: De Paul) had 15 points for the winners. Jeleel Akindele (216-C-83, college: Chicago St.) responded with 26 points and 11 rebounds for Petrochimi. Mehrad Atashi (190-G-86) chipped in 11 points in the loss.

Chamvpille: Fadi Khatib 29, Garnett Thompson 18+11 boards, Samuel Hoskin 15
Petrochimi: Jeleel Akindele 26+11 boards, Mehrad Atashi 11


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


Standings - EBS Superleague
SuperLeague Standings
North Conference
 1. DCU Saints 16-4 
 2. 11890 Killester 14-6 
 3. UCD Marian 6-14 
 4. Belfast Star 3-16 
South Conference
 1. UCC Demons 14-5 
 2. UL Eagles 11-9 
 3. B.Gais Neptune 10-8 
 4. Moycullen 4-16 


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


Standings - BSL
Premier League Standings
 1. Maccabi T-A 14-2 
 2. Galil Gilboa 12-5 
 3. Hapoel Holon 11-6 
 4. Maccabi Rishon 10-6 
 5. Ironi Ashkelon 10-7 
 6. Hapoel J-M 8-8 
 7. Maccabi Ashdod 7-9 
 8. B.C. Habikaa 6-10 
 9. Elitzur Netanya 5-11 
 10. Bnei Hasharon 4-12 
 11. Maccabi Haifa 3-14 


Best players of Israeli Premier League round 18 - by Eurobasket News
American Ron Lewis (193-G-84) had an amazing evening in the last round for Hapoel Holon and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 18.
The 27-year old guard had the game-high 34 points adding three assists for Hapoel Holon in his team's victory, helping them to edge out Maccabi Ashdod (#7, 7-9) 98-97. Hapoel Holon maintains the 3rd position in Israeli Premier League. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Hapoel Holon will need more victories to improve their 11-6 record. In the team's last game Lewis had a remarkable 60.0% from 2-point range. He turned to be Hapoel Holon's top player in his first season with the team. Ohio State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Lewis is in league's top in points (4th best: 20.2ppg).

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 25-year old American Josh Duncan (203-C/F-86) of Maccabi Ashdod. Duncan impressed basketball fans with 28 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Bad luck as Maccabi Ashdod was edged by the higher-ranked Hapoel Holon (#3, 11-6) 98-97. Maccabi Ashdod is still in a red zone at 7th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 7-9 record. Duncan is well-known by Maccabi Ashdod fans and he already established his position as one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.9ppg (#6). He also registered 7.8 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was American Jeremis Smith (203-F-86) of Maccabi Haifa (#11). Smith showcased his all-around game by recording 21 points, ten rebounds and four assists in the last round. Despite Smith's great performance Maccabi Haifa lost 81-87 to the higher-ranked Maccabi T-A (#1, 14-2). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Maccabi Haifa can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have extremely bad season and 3-14 record places them at the very bottom of the standings. Too bad for Smith he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Smith has a very solid season. In 6 games in Israel he scored 12.2ppg. He also has 7.2rpg and FGP: 58.7%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Bryant Dunston (202-F/C-86) of Hapoel Holon - 17 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Brandon Bowman (204-F-84) of Maccabi Rishon - 16 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Joseph Jones (204-C/F-86) of Galil Gilboa - 19 points and 6 rebounds
7. Josh Carter (201-F/G-88) of Maccabi Ashdod - 30 points and 2 rebounds
8. Keith Langford (193-G/F-83) of Maccabi T-A - 17 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Marco Killingsworth (202-F/C-82) of Ironi Ashkelon - 16 points and 10 rebounds
10. Rashaun Freeman (206-C/F-84) of B.C. Habikaa - 21 points and 10 rebounds

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

Premier League Round 18: Hapoel Holon edges Maccabi Ashdod by one point - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in Premier League is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 4 rounds.

The most exciting game of round 18 in the Premier League took place in Ashdod. This derby game ended with only one-point home defeat of 7th ranked Maccabi Ashdod (7-9) to third ranked Hapoel Holon (11-6) 98-97 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Maccabi Ashdod. The guests trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 27-17 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Hapoel Holon made 27-of-32 free shots (84.4 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. 24 personal fouls committed by Maccabi Ashdod helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was guard Ron Lewis (193-84, college: Ohio St.) who scored 34 points (!!!). Power forward Bryant Dunston (202-86) chipped in 17 points and 12 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was power forward Josh Duncan (203-86) who recorded 28 points and 8 rebounds. Hapoel Holon maintains third position with 11-6 record having just two points less than leader Maccabi T-A. Maccabi Ashdod at the other side keeps the seventh place with nine games lost. Hapoel Holon are looking forward to face league's leader Maccabi T-A in Tel-Aviv in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Maccabi Ashdod will play on the road against Maccabi Rishon (#4) in Rishon Le-Zion and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Eighth-ranked B.C. Habikaa (6-10) made lots of trouble for fifth ranked Ironi Ashkelon (10-7). Ironi Ashkelon managed to secure only two-point victory 87-85. However their fans expected easier game. It was a good game for the former international guard Raviv Limonad (192-84) who led his team to a victory with 16 points, 9 assists and 5 steals. Marco Killingsworth contributed with 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. American guard Frank Robinson (193-84, college: CS Fullerton) replied with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for B.C. Habikaa. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Ironi Ashkelon maintains fifth position with 10-7 record. B.C. Habikaa lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with ten games lost. Ironi Ashkelon will play against Bnei Hasharon (#10) in Hod Hasharon in the next round where they are favorite. B.C. Habikaa will play at home against Elitzur Netanya and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Leader Maccabi T-A delivered the fourteenth victory on Sunday night. This time they beat 11th ranked Maccabi Haifa (3-14) 87-81 in Tel-Aviv. Keith Langford scored 17 points and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners. Maccabi T-A's coach David Blatt used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was Jeremis Smith with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Defending champion maintains first position with 14-2 record. Maccabi Haifa lost eleventh consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 14 games lost. Maccabi T-A will meet Hapoel Holon (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Maccabi Haifa will play against Hapoel J-M (#6) in Jerusalem and hope to secure a win.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Netanya. Local Elitzur Netanya (5-11) lost to fifth ranked Maccabi Rishon (10-6) 80-65. Brandon Bowman notched a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds to lead the effort. Maccabi Rishon moved-up to fourth place. Elitzur Netanya at the other side keeps the ninth position with 11 games lost. Maccabi Rishon's next round opponent will be Maccabi Ashdod (#7) at home. Elitzur Netanya will play against B.C. Habikaa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 18 Bnei Hasharon was defeated by Galil Gilboa in a road game 73-61.


Maccabi Ashdod - Hapoel Holon 97-98

The most exciting game of round 18 in the Premier League took place in Ashdod. This derby game ended with only one-point home defeat of 7th ranked Maccabi Ashdod (7-9) to third ranked Hapoel Holon (11-6) 98-97 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Maccabi Ashdod. The guests trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 27-17 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Hapoel Holon made 27-of-32 free shots (84.4 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. 24 personal fouls committed by Maccabi Ashdod helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was guard Ron Lewis (193-84, college: Ohio St.) who scored 34 points (!!!). Power forward Bryant Dunston (202-86) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was power forward Josh Duncan (203-86) who recorded 28 points and 8 rebounds and swingman Josh Carter (201-88, college: Texas A&M) added 30 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Hapoel Holon maintains third position with 11-6 record having just two points less than leader Maccabi T-A. Maccabi Ashdod at the other side keeps the seventh place with nine games lost. Hapoel Holon are looking forward to face league's leader Maccabi T-A in Tel-Aviv in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Maccabi Ashdod will play on the road against Maccabi Rishon (#4) in Rishon Le-Zion and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Hapoel Holon: R.Lewis 34+1reb+3ast, B.Dunston 17+12reb+2ast, P.Sullivan 14+5reb, T.Mitchell 14+3reb+2ast, S.Daniel 10+1reb+1ast, M.Roth 9+4reb+12ast
Maccabi Ashdod: J.Carter 30+2reb+1ast, J.Duncan 28+8reb+3ast, D.Hagag 13+1reb+2ast, A.Tyus 12+8reb, M.Tapiro 8+2reb+5ast, I.Iram 4+2reb+3ast
gschID: 137371


Elitzur Netanya - Maccabi Rishon 65-80

The game with biggest result difference took place in Netanya. Local Elitzur Netanya (5-11) lost to fifth ranked Maccabi Rishon (10-6) 80-65. The game was mostly controlled by Maccabi Rishon. Elitzur Netanya was better in third quarter 17-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great shooting night for Maccabi Rishon especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 55.0 percentage. They brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. American forward Brandon Bowman (204-84, college: Georgetown) notched a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds to lead the effort and guard Nizan Hanochi (194-86, agency: Ronsport) supported him with 21 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Five Maccabi Rishon players scored in double figures. Even 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists by American guard Adrian Banks (191-86, college: NW Mississippi CC) did not help to save the game for Elitzur Netanya. His fellow American import forward Brian Asbury (200-86, college: Miami, FL) added 16 points and 6 rebounds. Maccabi Rishon moved-up to fourth place. Elitzur Netanya at the other side keeps the ninth position with 11 games lost. Maccabi Rishon's next round opponent will be Maccabi Ashdod (#7) at home. Elitzur Netanya will play against B.C. Habikaa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Maccabi Rishon: N.Hanochi 21+3reb+2ast, B.Bowman 16+11reb+3ast, J.Crawford 16+2reb+4ast, D.Kitchen 10+8reb+4ast, A.Uter 10+4reb+4ast, A.Ben David 5+2reb+1ast
Elitzur Netanya: A.Banks 20+5reb+4ast, B.Asbury 16+6reb+1ast, L.Segev 9+1reb+3ast, L.Lifshitz 8+2reb+3ast, E.Hicks 4+3reb, E.Campbell 3+1reb+1ast
gschID: 137372


Ironi Ashkelon - B.C. Habikaa 87-85

Eighth-ranked B.C. Habikaa (6-10) made lots of trouble for fifth ranked Ironi Ashkelon (10-7). Ironi Ashkelon managed to secure only two-point victory 87-85. However their fans expected easier game. It looked good early as B.C. Habikaa took an 11-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Ironi Ashkelon took control getting tie in the second period and winning the second half and eventually winning the game that evening by 2 points. Ironi Ashkelon forced 21 B.C. Habikaa turnovers. B.C. Habikaa was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for the former international guard Raviv Limonad (192-84) who led his team to a victory with 16 points, 9 assists and 5 steals. American power forward Marco Killingsworth (202-82, college: Indiana, agency: Interperformances) contributed with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. American guard Frank Robinson (193-84, college: CS Fullerton) replied with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and his fellow American import power forward Rashaun Freeman (206-84, college: Massachusetts) added 21 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for B.C. Habikaa. Five Ironi Ashkelon and four B.C. Habikaa players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Ironi Ashkelon maintains fifth position with 10-7 record. B.C. Habikaa lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with ten games lost. Ironi Ashkelon will play against Bnei Hasharon (#10) in Hod Hasharon in the next round where they are favorite. B.C. Habikaa will play at home against Elitzur Netanya and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ironi Ashkelon: D.Mitchell 18+3reb+3ast, M.Killingsworth 16+10reb+1ast, R.Limonad 16+3reb+9ast, T.Skinn 13+4reb+4ast, J.Skeen 12+3reb+1ast, N.Berkowitz 7+1reb+1ast
B.C. Habikaa: R.Freeman 21+10reb+1ast, F.Robinson 18+9reb+5ast, D.Dowell 16+3reb+3ast, P.Delaney 12+4reb+3ast, I.Grinboim 8+1reb+3ast, N.Cohen 6+6reb+2ast
gschID: 137373


Galil Gilboa - Bnei Hasharon 73-61

There was no surprise when 10th ranked Bnei Hasharon (4-12) was defeated on the road by second ranked Galil Gilboa (12-5) 73-61. The game without a history. Galil Gilboa 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 Bnei Hasharon's 28. American Romeo Travis (200-84, college: Akron) notched 20 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort and the former international guard Dagan Yavzuri (193-85) supported him with 19 points and 4 assists. Galil Gilboa's coach Lior Lubin allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 27 points by American point guard Tweety Carter (180-86, college: Baylor) did not help to save the game for Bnei Hasharon. Naturalized American power forward Isaac Rosefelt (205-85, college: St.Thomas, agency: Avi Zilberman) added 8 points and 10 rebounds. Galil Gilboa have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 12-5 record having just one points less than leader Maccabi T-A. Bnei Hasharon at the other side keeps the tenth place with 12 games lost. Galil Gilboa will have a break next round. Bnei Hasharon will play on the road against Ironi Ashkelon (#5).
Top scorers:
Galil Gilboa: R.Travis 20+9reb+2ast, D.Yavzuri 19+4reb+4ast, J.Jones 19+6reb+1ast, C.Fells 6+3reb+2ast, I.Kozikaro 4+7reb, J.Martin 3+1reb
Bnei Hasharon: T.Carter 27+1reb+3ast, J.Williams 10+3reb+1ast, K.Lawson 9+6reb, I.Rosefelt 8+10reb+1ast, L.Dunn 5+9reb+2ast, G.Lavie 2+1reb
gschID: 137374


Maccabi T-A - Maccabi Haifa 87-81

Leader Maccabi T-A delivered the fourteenth victory on Sunday night. This time they beat 11th ranked Maccabi Haifa (3-14) 87-81 in Tel-Aviv. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 26-22. But Maccabi Haifa won second period 22-20. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Maccabi T-A won last quarter 23-19. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American swingman Keith Langford (193-83, college: Kansas) scored 17 points and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the former international forward David Blu (201-80, college: USC) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Maccabi T-A's coach David Blatt used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was American forward Jeremis Smith (203-86, college: Georgia Tech) with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) and his fellow American import forward Tyler Wilkerson (202-88, college: Marshall) scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Four Maccabi T-A and five Maccabi Haifa players scored in double figures. Defending champion maintains first position with 14-2 record. Maccabi Haifa lost eleventh consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 14 games lost. Maccabi T-A will meet Hapoel Holon (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Maccabi Haifa will play against Hapoel J-M (#6) in Jerusalem and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Maccabi T-A: K.Langford 17+3reb+5ast, Y.Ohayon 14+2reb+4ast, G.Pnini 13+2reb+1ast, D.Blu 12+8reb+3ast, R.Hendrix 9+7reb, T.Burstein 8+2reb+2ast
Maccabi Haifa: J.Smith 21+10reb+4ast, A.Ben-Chimol 14+4ast, T.Wilkerson 14+8reb+3ast, C.Powell 13+6reb+2ast, S.Landesberg 10+5reb+2ast, T.Ariely 5
gschID: 137375




Loto League Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Adrian BANKS
  Elitzur .
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 21.9
 1. Banks, Elitzur21.9 
 2. Carter, Bnei H.21.3 
 3. Landesberg, Macca.21.3 
 4. Lewis, Hapoel Holon20.2 
 5. Crawford, Maccab.19.4 
 6. Duncan, Maccabi18.9 
 7. Delaney, B.C. H.18.8 
 8. Asbury, Elitzur18.3 
 9. Travis, Galil Gilb.17.8 
 10. Bradley, Maccabi17.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Bryant DUNSTON
  Hapoel H.
  (202-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.3
 1. Dunston, Hapoel H.10.3 
 2. Rosefelt, Bnei H.8.1 
 3. Williams, Maccabi7.9 
 4. Asbury, Elitzur7.9 
 5. Duncan, Maccabi7.8 
 6. James, Bnei H.7.7 
 7. Bowman, Maccabi7.6 
 8. Tyus, Maccabi7.6 
 9. Kitchen, Maccabi7.5 
 10. Burns, Elitzur7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Moran ROTH
  Hapoel Holon
  (183-PG-82)
  Avg: 8.3
 1. Roth, Hapoel Holon8.3 
 2. Tapiro, Maccabi7.3 
 3. Randle, Elitzur6.6 
 4. Carter, Bnei H.6.3 
 5. Thomas, Galil Gilb.5.5 
 6. Jackson, Maccabi5.4 
 7. Mitchell, Ironi A.4.8 
 8. Ohayon, Maccabi4.6 
 9. Limonad, Ironi A.4.4 
 10. Delaney, B.C. H.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Danilo PINNOCK
  B.C. H.
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Pinnock, B.C. H.2.8 
 2. Campbell, Elitzu.2.7 
 3. Limonad, Ironi A.2.1 
 4. Robinson, B.C. H.2.1 
 5. Mitchell, Ironi A.2.0 
 6. Ben-Chimol, Maccab.2.0 
 7. Ohayon, Maccabi2.0 
 8. Delaney, B.C. H.1.9 
 9. Kitchen, Maccabi1.9 
 10. Berkowitz, Ironi1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Sean WILLIAMS
  Maccabi .
  (208-F-86)
  Avg: 4.1
 1. Williams, Maccabi4.1 
 2. Uter, Maccabi2.1 
 3. Varnado, Hapoel J.2.0 
 4. Dunston, Hapoel H.1.9 
 5. James, Maccabi T-A1.7 
 6. Hendrix, Maccabi1.3 
 7. Tyus, Maccabi1.1 
 8. Powell, Maccabi Ha.1.1 
 9. Randle, Hapoel J-M1.1 
 10. Sullivan, Hapoel1.0 


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


Sigma Barcellona accepts coach Pancotto resignation - by Andrea Centenari
In the day after the loss with Tezenis Verona, Legadue team Sigma Barcellona has accepted the resignation of coach Cesare Pancotto who led the team to a 11-9 record.
The club wanted to thank the coach for his contribution to the cause with great professionalism and wished him the best for the rest of his career.
Now the team is assigned to the assistant coach Stefano Vanoncini that will conduct his first practice tomorrow morning.


Tariq Kirksay and Montegranaro part ways - by Andrea Centenari
Fabi Shoes Montegranaro and Tariq Kirksay (199-F-79, college: Iona) today have reached an agreement to part ways. Kirksay signed the contract with Montegranaro last summer after two season spent in Spain with Castilleja Cajasol Sevilla.
In this season the french-american shooting guard played 13 games in the italian Legabasket averaging 6,8 points, 5,7 boards and 2,7 assists per game.
According to Sportando.net, Kirksay will probably sign with Asefa Estudiantes Madrid in the next few days.

stats leader
Points Per Game
 Bernardo MUSSO
  Napoli
  (192-G-86)
  Avg: 19.2
 1. Musso, Napoli19.2 
 2. Evangelisti, Recan.17.4 
 3. Ferrarese, Castell.15.2 
 4. Portannese, Torino15.1 
 5. Benevelli, Orlandi.15.0 
 6. Mei, Comsum.it SI15.0 
 7. Prandin, Casalp.14.9 
 8. Vitale, Treviglio14.5 
 9. Tessitori, Comsum..14.4 
 10. Poltroneri, Perug.14.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Emanuele ROSSI
  Chieti
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 12.5
 1. Rossi, Chieti12.5 
 2. Iannilli, Napoli9.6 
 3. Borra, Treviglio8.5 
 4. Benevelli, Orlandi.8.3 
 5. Gandini, Trieste8.3 
 6. Simeoli, Comsum.i.8.3 
 7. Tessitori, Comsum..8.2 
 8. Baldi Rossi, Perug.8.1 
 9. Raminelli, Castell.7.5 
 10. Iannuzzi, Ferenti.7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Matteo BERTOLAZZI
  Omegna
  (181-G-79)
  Avg: 4.5
 1. Bertolazzi, Omegna4.5 
 2. Musso, Napoli4.0 
 3. Stanic, Fabriano3.6 
 4. Guarino, Ferentino3.4 
 5. Santolamazza, Ana.3.3 
 6. Ferrarese, Castell.3.0 
 7. Vico, Matera3.0 
 8. Zanelli, Orlandina2.8 
 9. Parente, Torino2.8 
 10. Iannilli, Napoli2.8 
Steals Per Game
 Alessio IARDELLA
  Fabriano
  (187-F-88)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Iardella, Fabriano3.2 
 2. Bertolazzi, Omegna3.0 
 3. Malamov, Anagni2.9 
 4. Musso, Napoli2.9 
 5. Maggio, Pavia2.8 
 6. Rivali, Santarcang.2.8 
 7. Rossi, Chieti2.7 
 8. Truccolo, Perugia2.7 
 9. Portannese, Torino2.7 
 10. Cazzaniga, Pavia2.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrea ANCELLOTTI
  Santar.
  (212-C-88)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Ancellotti, Santar.1.7 
 2. Capitanelli, Firen.1.7 
 3. Borra, Treviglio1.5 
 4. Candido, San Seve.1.2 
 5. Gandini, Trieste1.1 
 6. Tessitori, Comsum..1.0 
 7. Pascolo, Trento1.0 
 8. Raminelli, Castell.1.0 
 9. Cazzaniga, Pavia1.0 
 10. Corral, Anagni0.9 


SerieA Round 22: #1 Montepaschi Siena is defeated by Lottomatica Roma - by Eurobasket News
The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Montepaschi Siena (15-6) on the court of eleventh ranked Lottomatica Roma on Sunday night. Visitors were edged by Lottomatica Roma 77-76. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Montepaschi Siena. The hosts trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 18-15 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Lottomatica Roma made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Lottomatica Roma made 7 blocks. 25 personal fouls committed by Montepaschi Siena helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard Clay Tucker (196-80, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee, agency: Pro One Sports) scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Bosnian forward Nihad Djedovic (196-90, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 14 points during the contest. At the losing side Australian center David Andersen (212-80) responded with 15 points. Montepaschi Siena's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Lottomatica Roma have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Angelico BI. Defending champion Montepaschi Siena still keeps top position with six games lost. Lottomatica Roma is looking forward to face Vanoli-Braga (#16) in Cremona in the next round where they are favorite. Montepaschi Siena will play at home against the league's second-placed Armani Milano (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Fifth ranked Umana Venezia (12-7) crushed at home 6th ranked Scavolini Pesaro (11-8) by 26 points 87-61, which is the biggest margin this round. American-Bulgarian point guard Kiki Clark (173-84, college: St.Peter's) notched 25 points to lead the effort and Szymon Szewczyk supported him with 13 points. Umana Venezia's coach Andrea Mazzon felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 20 points by American guard James White (199-84, college: Cincinnati, agency: Court Side) did not help to save the game for Scavolini Pesaro. Umana Venezia have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 12-7 record. Scavolini Pesaro at the other side dropped to the seventh place with eight games lost. Umana Venezia will play against Banca Tercas (#15) in Teramo in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Scavolini Pesaro will play at home against Otto Caserta (#12) and hopes to get back on the winning track.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 22: CS Bologna won against Banca Tercas on the opponent's court 86-71. Armani Mit outscored Novipiu CM in a home game 83-60. Benetton TV recorded a loss to Bennet Cantu on the road 79-67. Banco di Sard. defeated Sidigas AV on its own court 87-73. Cimberio VA beat Otto Caserta in Varese 91-87. Angelico BI won against Vanoli CR at home 73-62. Angelico BI unfortunately lost to Banca Tercas on the opponent's court 77-82.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 27 points and 4 steals by Bruno Cerella of Banca Tercas.

Banca Tercas - CS Bologna 71-86

Very expected game in Teramo where 14th ranked Banca Tercas (7-13) were defeated by third ranked CS Bologna (13-8) 86-71. The game was mostly controlled by CS Bologna. Banca Tercas was better in second period 24-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. CS Bologna dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Banca Tercas' 32. They outrebounded Banca Tercas 39-27 including 26 on the defensive glass. American guard Chris Douglas-Roberts (201-87, college: Memphis) notched 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and Lithuanian forward Deividas Gailius (200-88) supported him with 20 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Even 22 points and 6 rebounds by Montenegrin forward Milos Borisov (201-85) did not help to save the game for Banca Tercas. The former international power forward Valerio Amoroso (204-80) added 12 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. CS Bologna moved-up to second place, which they share with Armani Mit and Banco di Sard. Banca Tercas at the other side dropped to the fifteenth position with 13 games lost. CS Bologna will play against Cimberio Varese (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Banca Tercas will play against Air Avellino (#8) and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
CS Bologna: C.Douglas-Roberts 23+7reb+4ast, D.Gailius 20+4reb+1ast, K.Lang 12+5reb, V.Sanikidze 9+11reb+2ast, A.Gigli 9+5reb, P.Koponen 5+5reb+5ast
Banca Tercas: M.Borisov 22+6reb+2ast, V.Amoroso 12+7reb+1ast, R.Fultz 10+4ast, B.Brown 9+6reb+1ast, B.Cerella 9+4reb, D.Brown 7+3reb+1ast
gschID: 150804


Armani Mit - Novipiu CM 83-60

Very predictable result when second ranked Armani Milano (13-8) smashed at home bottom-ranked Novipiu CM (5-16) 83-60. Novipiu CM was ahead by 10 points at the halftime before a 54-21 second half run of Armani Milano. American-Bosnian guard Ernest Bremer (194-80, college: St.Bonaventure, agency: Higher Vision Sports) notched 11 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the effort and American-Montenegrin point guard Omar-Sharif Cook (186-82, college: St.John's, agency: Beo Basket) supported him with 9 points and 7 assists. Even 19 points and 5 steals by American guard Mustafa Shakur (193-84, college: Arizona) did not help to save the game for Novipiu CM. Naturalized American power forward David Chiotti (205-84, college: N.Mexico, agency: Court Side) added 7 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Novipiu CM's coach Andrea Valentini gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Armani Milano maintains second position with 13-8 record having just two points less than leader Montepaschi, which they share with Banco di Sard. and CS Bologna. Novipiu CM lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom place with 16 games lost. Armani Milano will play against league's leader Montepaschi Siena on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Novipiu CM will play against Benetton Treviso (#13) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Armani MI: S.Mancinelli 12+1ast, E.Bremer 11+5reb+7ast, M.Rocca 9+4reb, O.Cook 9+3reb+7ast, A.Fotsis 9+2reb, M.Hairston 9+4reb+2ast
Novipiu CM: M.Shakur 19+2reb+2ast, R.Minard 11+3reb+2ast, D.Chiotti 7+8reb+1ast, J.Hukic 6+2reb+2ast, G.Temple 6+2reb, O.Stevic 4+1reb
gschID: 150805


Bennet Cantu - Benetton TV 79-67

Not a big story in a game when 13th ranked Benetton Treviso (8-12) was defeated on the road by seventh ranked Bennet Cantu (12-8) 79-67. The game was mostly controlled by Bennet Cantu. Benetton Treviso was better in second period 21-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Bennet Cantu made 29-of-36 charity shots (80.6 percent) during the game, while Benetton Treviso only scored eleven points from the stripe. Benetton Treviso was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Maarten Leunen (206-85, college: Oregon) notched 20 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and Georgian guard Manuchar Markoishvili (196-86) supported him with 16 points. Four Bennet Cantu players scored in double figures. Even 22 points by American forward Marcus Goree (201-77, college: W.Virginia) did not help to save the game for Benetton Treviso. Naturalized American forward Jeffrey Viggiano (197-84, college: Massachusetts) added 13 points for lost side. Benetton Treviso's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Bennet Cantu moved-up to sixth place. Benetton Treviso at the other side keeps the thirteenth position with 12 games lost. Bennet Cantu will play against Air Avellino (#8) on the road in the next round. Benetton Treviso will play against Novipiu CM (#17) in Casale and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Bennet Cantu: M.Leunen 20+6reb+2ast, M.Markoishvili 16+4reb+3ast, G.Shermadini 14+3reb+1ast, N.Mazzarino 12+5reb, V.Micov 6+1reb+5ast, D.Marconato 4+3reb
Benetton TV: M.Goree 22+3reb, J.Viggiano 13+3reb+1ast, J.Thomas 11+3reb+1ast, S.Becirovic 6+7reb+3ast, M.Bulleri 6+2reb+6ast, B.Ortner 5+2reb+1ast
gschID: 150799


Banco di Sard. - Sidigas AV 87-73

Everything went according to plan in Sassari where fourth ranked Banco di Sard. (13-8) beat 8th ranked Air Avellino (11-9) 87-73. The game without a history. Banco di Sard. led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Banco di Sard. forced 21 Air Avellino turnovers. They shot the lights out from three nailing 15 long-distance shots on high 57.7 percentage. American-Georgian swingman Quinton Hosley (201-84, college: Fresno St.) notched 28 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort and American point guard Travis Diener (184-82, college: Marquette) supported him with 17 points and 8 assists. Four Banco di Sard. players scored in double figures. Even 19 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals by American-FYR Macedonian point guard Marques Green (167-82, college: St.Bonaventure) did not help to save the game for Air Avellino. Slovenian-Croatian forward Jurica Golemac (209-77, agency: Beo Basket) added 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for lost side. Banco di Sard. have an impressive six-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Armani Mit and CS Bologna. Air Avellino at the other side keeps the eighth position with nine games lost. Banco di Sard. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Air Avellino will play at home against Bennet Cantu (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Banco di Sard.: Q.Hosley 28+7reb+2ast, D.Diener 20+3reb+5ast, T.Diener 17+4reb+8ast, M.Vanuzzo 11+2reb, G.DeVecchi 5+1ast, V.Plisnic 4+3reb
Sidigas AV: M.Green 19+5reb+9ast, J.Golemac 15+7reb+5ast, L.Johnson 15+10reb, R.Slay 9+3reb, V.Gaddefors 8+5reb+2ast, A.Infanti 4+2reb
gschID: 150800


Otto Caserta - Cimberio VA 87-91

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 10th ranked Otto Caserta's (9-11) home loss to ninth ranked Cimberio Varese (11-10) 87-91. Otto Caserta was ahead by 3 points after three quarters before a 31-24 charge of Cimberio Varese, which allowed them to win the game. They outrebounded Otto Caserta 36-24 including 23 on the defensive glass. Estonian forward Kristjan Kangur (201-82) notched 23 points and 5 rebounds to lead the effort and Croatian point guard Rok Stipcevic (185-86) supported him with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Even 31 points by American guard Charlie Bell (191-79, college: Michigan St., agency: Priority Sports) did not help to save the game for Otto Caserta. His fellow American import forward Andre Smith (203-85, college: N.Dakota St.) added 17 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Cimberio Varese maintains ninth position with 11-10 record. Otto Caserta at the other side dropped to the twelfth place with 11 games lost. Cimberio Varese will play against higher ranked CS Bologna (#3) at home in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Otto Caserta will play against Scavolini Pesaro (#7) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Cimberio VA: K.Kangur 23+5reb+2ast, T.Rannikko 16+3reb, D.Fajardo 12+7reb+2ast, R.Stipcevic 11+5reb+8ast, G.Ganeto 9, Y.Diawara 7+6reb
Otto Caserta: C.Bell 31+3reb+1ast, A.Smith 17+8reb+1ast, A.Collins 12+1reb+6ast, A.Righetti 10+3reb+1ast, A.Stipanovic 8+6reb+1ast, G.Maresca 5+2reb+2ast
gschID: 150801


Umana Venezia - Scavolini PS 87-61

Fifth ranked Umana Venezia (12-7) crushed at home 6th ranked Scavolini Pesaro (11-8) by 26 points 87-61, which is the biggest margin this round. The game without a history. Umana Venezia led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Umana Venezia outrebounded Scavolini Pesaro 35-22 including 26 on the defensive glass. They shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 52.2 percentage. American-Bulgarian point guard Kiki Clark (173-84, college: St.Peter's) notched 25 points to lead the effort and Polish center Szymon Szewczyk (209-82) supported him with 13 points. Umana Venezia's coach Andrea Mazzon felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 20 points by American guard James White (199-84, college: Cincinnati, agency: Court Side) did not help to save the game for Scavolini Pesaro. Lithuanian power forward Tautvydas Lydeka (208-83) added 15 points for lost side. Umana Venezia have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 12-7 record. Scavolini Pesaro at the other side dropped to the seventh place with eight games lost. Umana Venezia will play against Banca Tercas (#15) in Teramo in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Scavolini Pesaro will play at home against Otto Caserta (#12) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Umana Venezia: K.Clark 25+3reb+3ast, S.Szewczyk 13+2reb+1ast, A.Young 10+4ast, T.Slay 8+3reb+1ast, T.Bowers 7+5reb+4ast, G.Tomassini 6+1reb+1ast
Scavolini PS: J.White 20+3reb+2ast, T.Lydeka 15+4reb, D.Hackett 9+3reb+4ast, M.Cusin 6+4reb, R.Hickman 5+1reb+2ast, M.Alibegovic 3
gschID: 150802


Angelico BI - Vanoli CR 73-62

No shocking result in a game when twelfth ranked Angelico Biella (10-11) won against at home 16th ranked Vanoli-Braga (6-15) 73-62. Serbian power forward Tadija Dragicevic (206-86, agency: Beo Basket) notched a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort and American point guard Jacob Pullen (182-89, college: Kansas St.) supported him with 22 points and 4 assists. Four Angelico Biella players scored in double figures. Angelico Biella's coach Massimo Cancellieri allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 14 points and 7 rebounds by Slovenian forward Marko Milic (201-77) did not help to save the game for Vanoli-Braga. Croatian forward Jasmin Perkovic (205-80) added 9 points and 9 rebounds for lost side. Angelico Biella moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Acea Roma. Vanoli-Braga at the other side keeps the sixteenth position with 15 games lost. Angelico Biella will play against Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (#14) at home in the next round. Vanoli-Braga will play against Lottomatica Roma and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Angelico BI: J.Pullen 22+4ast, T.Dragicevic 16+10reb+2ast, A.Coleman 16+5reb+3ast, G.Jurak 11+5reb, M.Soragna 6+4reb+2ast, A.Miralles 2+8reb
Vanoli CR: M.Milic 14+7reb+1ast, D.Lighty 10+4reb+2ast, J.Perkovic 9+9reb+2ast, D.Cinciarini 9+5reb+1ast, B.Tabu-Eboma 8+3reb+4ast, J.Rich 8+2reb
gschID: 150803


Acea Roma - Montepaschi 77-76

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Montepaschi Siena (15-6) on the court of eleventh ranked Lottomatica Roma on Sunday night. Visitors were edged by Lottomatica Roma 77-76. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Montepaschi Siena. The hosts trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 18-15 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Lottomatica Roma made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Lottomatica Roma made 7 blocks. 25 personal fouls committed by Montepaschi Siena helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard Clay Tucker (196-80, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee, agency: Pro One Sports) scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Bosnian forward Nihad Djedovic (196-90, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 14 points during the contest. At the losing side Australian center David Andersen (212-80) responded with 15 points and American forward David Moss (196-83, college: Indiana St., agency: SportsTalent) scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. Montepaschi Siena's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Lottomatica Roma have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Angelico BI. Defending champion Montepaschi Siena still keeps top position with six games lost. Lottomatica Roma is looking forward to face Vanoli-Braga (#16) in Cremona in the next round where they are favorite. Montepaschi Siena will play at home against the league's second-placed Armani Milano (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Acea Roma: N.Djedovic 14+4reb+1ast, C.Tucker 14+6reb+6ast, N.Gordic 11+3reb, M.Kakiouzis 8+5reb+1ast, L.Datome 8+4reb+1ast, U.Slokar 8+8reb+1ast
Montepaschi: B.McCalebb 15+3ast, D.Andersen 15+4reb+2ast, D.Moss 14+6reb+1ast, I.Rakocevic 9+2reb+1ast, M.Thornton 8+1reb, T.Ress 6+4reb
gschID: 150798


Round 20
Banca Tercas - Angelico BI 82-77

There was a minor upset in Teramo where 12th ranked Angelico Biella (10-11) was defeated by fourteenth ranked Banca Tercas (7-13) 82-77. Angelico Biella was ahead by 12 points after three quarters before a 34-17 charge of Banca Tercas, which allowed them to win the game. They made 19-of-24 charity shots (79.2 percent) during the game. Angelico Biella was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Naturalized Argentinian swingman Bruno Cerella (194-86, agency: Players Group) notched 27 points and 4 steals to lead the effort and American point guard Dee Brown (185-84, college: Illinois) supported him with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Banca Tercas' coach Alessandro Ramagli allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Even 21 points and 8 rebounds by American guard Aubrey Coleman (193-87, college: Houston) did not help to save the game for Angelico Biella. Serbian power forward Tadija Dragicevic (206-86, agency: Beo Basket) added 16 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Four Angelico Biella players scored in double figures. Despite that victory Banca Tercas went down to fifteenth position due to points difference. Angelico Biella at the other side dropped to the tenth place with 11 games lost. They share the position with Acea Roma. Banca Tercas will play against higher ranked Air Avellino (#8) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Angelico Biella will play against Fabi Shoes Montegranaro and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Banca Tercas: B.Cerella 27+2reb+2ast, D.Brown 12+6reb+4ast, A.Polonara 9+5reb+1ast, V.Amoroso 9+4reb+4ast, R.Fultz 7+1reb+4ast, A.Goods 6+1reb
Angelico BI: A.Coleman 21+8reb+2ast, T.Dragicevic 16+7reb+1ast, A.Miralles 13+1reb, J.Pullen 11+2ast, M.Soragna 7+3reb+3ast, M.Chessa 5+2reb+1ast
gschID: 168555




Italian Lega2 round 22 best performance: Jeff Brooks - by Eurobasket News
American forward Jeff Brooks (203-F-89) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Fileni BPA, receiving a Eurobasket.com Lega2 Player of the Week award for round 22.
The 22-year old player had a double-double of 27 points and 11 rebounds, while his team beat Giorgio Tesi PT (#3, 14-7) in overtime 115-109. Fileni BPA maintains the 7th position in Italian Lega2. Fileni BPA is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 10-10 record. In the team's last game Brooks had a remarkable 90.9% from 2-point range. He turned to be Fileni BPA's top player in his first season with the team. Jeff Brooks averages this season 16.0ppg and 6.8rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 27-year old American Bobby Jones (201-F-84) of Giorgio Tesi PT. Jones had a very good evening with a double-double of 21 points and 19 rebounds. Bad luck as Giorgio Tesi PT lost that overtime game 109-115 to the lower-ranked Fileni BPA (#7, 10-10). This loss caused Giorgio Tesi PT to drop to 3rd position in the standings. His team's 14-7 record is not bad at all. Jones is a newcomer at Giorgio Tesi PT, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was forward Patrick Baldassarre (200-F/C-86, agency: Players Group) of Biancoblu BO (#11). Baldassarre showcased his all-around game by recording 21 points, fifteen rebounds (!!!) and four assists in the last round. He was a key player of Biancoblu BO, leading his team to a 76-72 win against the higher-ranked Centrale Latte (#6, 11-10). The chances of Biancoblu BO ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 12 games, recording just eight victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Baldassarre could help Biancoblu BO to bring them higher in the standings. Baldassarre has a great season in Italy. After 20 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 7.8rpg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Michele Maggioli (212-C-77) of Fileni BPA - 29 points and 7 rebounds
5. Alessandro Cittadini (207-C/F-79) of S.Antimo - 25 points
6. Clint Cotis Harrison (194-G-76) of Morpho Basket - 29 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Dwayne Anderson (198-F-86) of Morpho Basket - 17 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Gerald Lee (208-F-87) of Prima Veroli - 16 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-G-79) of Sigma Barcel. - 21 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Antonio Porta (187-G-83) of Tezenis Verona - 25 points, 2 rebounds and 5 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)

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


BJ League Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Michael PARKER
  Shimane SM
  (202-F-81)
  Avg: 23.5
 1. Parker, Shimane SM23.5 
 2. Staten, Chiba Jets20.7 
 3. Hargrow, Chiba J.20.7 
 4. Flowers, Saitama20.5 
 5. Palmer, Fukuoka20.5 
 6. Cummings, Oita H.19.7 
 7. Humphrey, Saitama19.4 
 8. Burrell, Yokohama.19.4 
 9. Mims, Sendai 89ers19.3 
 10. Woods, Akita NH18.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Chris HOLM
  Niigata Albirex
  (212-C/F-84)
  Avg: 14.7
 1. Holm, Niigata Albi.14.7 
 2. Rickert, Kyoto H.10.6 
 3. Staten, Chiba Jets10.6 
 4. Hamilton, Fukuok.10.5 
 5. Mims, Sendai 89ers10.4 
 6. Burrell, Yokohama.10.3 
 7. Allred, Kyoto H.10.2 
 8. Malloy, Iwate B.10.2 
 9. Newton, Okinawa GK10.1 
 10. Cummings, Oita H.10.1 
Assists Per Game
 Kenny SATTERFIELD
  Saitam.
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 6.1
 1. Satterfield, Saita.6.1 
 2. Shimura, Sendai5.7 
 3. Gardener, Akita NH5.6 
 4. Dixon, Hamamats.5.3 
 5. Takushi, Oita H.5.2 
 6. Yamamoto, Shima.5.1 
 7. Dukes, Sendai 89e.4.6 
 8. Yamamoto, Iwate B.4.5 
 9. Namizato, Okina.4.4 
 10. Hamilton, Fukuok.4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Jamel STATEN
  Chiba Jets
  (198-G-83)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Staten, Chiba Jets2.9 
 2. Palmer, Fukuoka2.9 
 3. Parker, Shimane SM2.5 
 4. Humphrey, Saitama2.1 
 5. Lyons, Miyazaki SS2.0 
 6. Golson, Shimane SM1.8 
 7. Dixon, Hamamats.1.8 
 8. Hamilton, Fukuok.1.8 
 9. Arnold, Hamamats.1.8 
 10. Nakanishi, Fukuok.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Jeral DAVIS
  Shimane SM
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 3.9
 1. Davis, Shimane SM3.9 
 2. Blackledge, Osaka3.0 
 3. Singleton, Sendai2.8 
 4. Blackledge, Hamama.2.3 
 5. Hughes, Shinshu BW1.6 
 6. Mims, Sendai 89ers1.6 
 7. Marshall, Osaka E.1.5 
 8. Dukes, Sendai 89e.1.5 
 9. Moliva, Chiba Jets1.4 
 10. Turner, Toyama G.1.4 


BJ League Round 40: Chiba Jets beat Shiga L-Stars by one after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The most exciting game of round 40 in the BJ League took place in Shiga. This derby game ended with only one-point home defeat of 5th ranked Shiga L-Stars (21-15) to eighth ranked Chiba Jets (13-21) 101-100 on Sunday evening. 24 personal fouls committed by Shiga L-Stars helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Jamel Staten (198-83, college: Minnesota St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 32 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists. The other American import guard Maurice Hargrow (193-83, college: Minnesota) contributed with 36 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American forward Ray Nixon (203-84, college: Wisconsin) replied with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 11 rebounds for Shiga L-Stars. Chiba Jets moved-up to seventh place. Shiga L-Stars at the other side keep the fifth position with 15 games lost. Chiba Jets are looking forward to face Shinshu BW (#8) in Nagano in the next round. Shiga L-Stars will have a break next round.
Seventh-ranked Shinshu BW (13-23) used its home court advantage to challenge third ranked Toyama Grouses (19-15) in Nagano. The visitors from Toyama managed to secure only three-point victory 79-76. However their fans expected much easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Dominican power forward Larry Turner (210-82, college: Tennessee St., agency: Strategic Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 14 points and 16 rebounds and Masashi Joho who added 20 points during the contest. At the losing side American guard Derek Raivio (190-84, college: Gonzaga) responded with 18 points and 4 assists. Toyama Grouses have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 19-15 record having five points less than leader Okinawa GK. Shinshu BW lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth place with 23 games lost. Toyama Grouses will play against Saitama Broncos (#9) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Shinshu BW will play against Takamatsu FA and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Kyoto Hannar. (23-11) against ninth ranked Saitama Broncos (10-23) on Sunday night. Host Kyoto Hannar. was defeated by Saitama Broncos in a tough game in Kyoto 68-77. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Kyoto Hannar.. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by John Flowers who scored that evening 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Even a double-double of 11 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists by Lee Cummard did not help to save the game for Kyoto Hannar.. Saitama Broncos maintains ninth position with 10-23 record. Loser Kyoto Hannar. keeps the third place with 11 games lost. Saitama Broncos will meet higher ranked Toyama Grouses (#3) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Kyoto Hannar. will play against the league's leader Hamamatsu Phoenix having rather not much hope for a victory.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Akita Happinets (22-14) against fourth ranked Niigata Albirex (19-17) on Sunday night. Host Akita Happinets were defeated by Niigata Albirex in Akita 91-81. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Akita Happinets. Nile Murry fired a double-double by scoring 27 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Akita Happinets' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Niigata Albirex maintains fourth position with 19-17 record. Akita Happinets at the other side keep the second place with 14 games lost. Niigata Albirex will have a break next round. Akita Happinets will play at home against Fukuoka Rizing and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game for Hamamatsu Phoenix (23-12) which played road game in Osaka against their biggest opponent Osaka Evessa (24-10). First ranked Hamamatsu Phoenix managed to get a 8-point victory 89-81. It was a key game for the top position in the league. It was a very good performance for Jermaine Dixon who helped to win the game recording 25 points, 8 assists and 4 steals. Osaka Evessa's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Hamamatsu Phoenix have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 23-12 record. Loser Osaka Evessa keeps the second place with ten games lost. Hamamatsu Phoenix will face Kyoto Hannar. (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Osaka Evessa will play against Yokohama BC.

Other games in round 40 were not that significant. Oita H.Devils beat Shimane SM on the road 80-73. Yokohama BC won against Miyazaki SS on its own court 81-64. Okinawa GK managed to outperform Iwate Big Bulls in a road game 79-69. Sendai 89ers managed to beat Takamatsu FA at home 72-54.


Shimane SM - Oita H.Devils 73-80

There was a small surprise when eighth ranked Oita Heat Devils (12-23) beat on the road 6th ranked Shimane Magic (20-16) 80-73 on Sunday. The guests trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 80-73. Oita Heat Devils dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Shimane Magic's 38. American players dominated also this game. It was a very good performance for forward T.J. Cummings (205-81, college: UCLA) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 27 points and 14 rebounds. Guard Wendell White (198-84, college: UNLV) contributed with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Forward Michael Parker (202-81, college: Evergreen St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Reggie Golson (201-81, college: SE Missouri St., agency: Court Side) added 13 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Shimane Magic. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Oita Heat Devils maintains eighth position with 12-23 record. Loser Shimane Magic keeps the sixth place with 16 games lost. Oita Heat Devils will face higher ranked Sendai 89ers (#5) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game.
Top scorers:
Oita H.Devils: T.Cummings 27+14reb+3ast, N.Takushi 14+4reb+4ast, W.White 12+8reb+5ast, M.Lottich 12+1reb+3ast, T.Finger 6+5reb+2ast, K.Mitomo 4
Shimane SM: M.Parker 15+10reb+4ast, T.Yokoo 15+1reb+1ast, R.Golson 13+8reb+3ast, E.Yamamoto 10+3reb+2ast, J.Davis 8+9reb+2ast, K.Yamabuchi 7
gschID: 142178


Shinshu BW - Toyama Grouses 76-79

Seventh-ranked Shinshu BW (13-23) used its home court advantage to challenge third ranked Toyama Grouses (19-15) in Nagano. The visitors from Toyama managed to secure only three-point victory 79-76. However their fans expected much easier game. Shinshu BW was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. Toyama Grouses brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Dominican power forward Larry Turner (210-82, college: Tennessee St., agency: Strategic Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 14 points and 16 rebounds and Masashi Joho (183-82) who added 20 points during the contest. Five Toyama Grouses players scored in double figures. At the losing side American guard Derek Raivio (190-84, college: Gonzaga) responded with 18 points and 4 assists and his fellow American import power forward Lee Roberts (201-87, college: Findlay, OH) scored 12 points and 7 rebounds. Toyama Grouses have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 19-15 record having five points less than leader Okinawa GK. Shinshu BW lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth place with 23 games lost. Toyama Grouses will play against Saitama Broncos (#9) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Shinshu BW will play against Takamatsu FA and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Toyama Grouses: M.Joho 20+4reb+3ast, I.Brown 16+5reb+1ast, B.Harper 15+6reb+3ast, T.Mito 14+5reb+4ast, L.Turner 14+16reb+3ast, B.Gillespie 0
Shinshu BW: D.Raivio 18+1reb+4ast, S.Yosuke 15+2ast, L.Roberts 12+7reb+1ast, K.Luckett 9+11reb, T.Hughes 7+3reb, E.Morris 6+8reb+2ast
gschID: 142173


Yokohama BC - Miyazaki SS 81-64

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 7th ranked Miyazaki Shining Suns' (16-20) road loss to sixth ranked Yokohama BC (17-18) 64-81 on Sunday. Yokohama BC made 31-of-39 free shots (79.5 percent) during the game, while Miyazaki Shining Suns only scored eleven points from the stripe. Yokohama BC forced 20 Miyazaki Shining Suns turnovers and outrebounded them 48-34 including 35 on the defensive glass. Miyazaki Shining Suns were plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. American players dominated also this game. It was a very good performance for forward Justin Burrell (235-88, college: St.John's) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 17 points and 18 rebounds. Guard Marcus Simmons (198-88, college: USC) contributed with 10 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Four Yokohama BC players scored in double figures. Yokohama BC's coach Reggie Geary used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Swingman Dexter Lyons (198-81, college: Cent.Florida, agency: I.D.S. Law) replied with 24 points and 4 steals and forward O'Neal Mims (208-83, college: Angelo St.) added 14 points and 12 rebounds in the effort for Miyazaki Shining Suns. Yokohama BC maintains sixth position with 17-18 record. Loser Miyazaki Shining Suns keep the seventh place with 20 games lost. Yokohama BC will face league's second-placed Osaka Evessa on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Miyazaki Shining Suns will play against Iwate Big Bulls (#10).
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: J.Burrell 17+18reb+1ast, K.Yamada 14+3ast, M.Simmons 10+8reb+4ast, D.Burns 10+4reb+1ast, M.Kabaya 9+3reb+1ast, C.McFarland 6+4reb+1ast
Miyazaki SS: D.Lyons 24+4reb+1ast, O.Mims 14+12reb+2ast, D.Dora 9+5reb+1ast, T.Shimizu 5+5reb+2ast, L.Witcher 5+5reb+3ast, Y.Tsubasa 4+1reb+4ast
gschID: 142174


Shiga L-Stars - Chiba Jets 100-101

The most exciting game of round 40 in the BJ League took place in Shiga. This derby game ended with only one-point home defeat of 5th ranked Shiga L-Stars (21-15) to eighth ranked Chiba Jets (13-21) 101-100 on Sunday evening. 24 personal fouls committed by Shiga L-Stars helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Jamel Staten (198-83, college: Minnesota St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 32 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists. The other American import guard Maurice Hargrow (193-83, college: Minnesota) contributed with 36 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American forward Ray Nixon (203-84, college: Wisconsin) replied with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 11 rebounds and Panamanian forward Dionisio Gomez Camargo (203-80, college: Arkansas) added 19 points and 12 rebounds in the effort for Shiga L-Stars. Four Shiga L-Stars players scored in double figures. Chiba Jets moved-up to seventh place. Shiga L-Stars at the other side keep the fifth position with 15 games lost. Chiba Jets are looking forward to face Shinshu BW (#8) in Nagano in the next round. Shiga L-Stars will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: M.Hargrow 36+7reb+4ast, J.Staten 32+14reb+7ast, T.Ishida 12+2ast, T.Kensuke 4+4reb+5ast, A.Broxsie 4+9reb+1ast, T.Nakamura 4+2reb
Shiga L-Stars: R.Nixon 30+11reb+3ast, D.Gomez Camargo 19+12reb+1ast, Y.Okada 16+2reb+3ast, J.Peppers 10+3reb+3ast, J.Ashby 8+5reb+2ast, S.Ogawa 7+5reb+4ast
gschID: 142175


Kyoto Hannar. - Saitama Bron. 68-77

Very important is a home loss of third ranked Kyoto Hannar. (23-11) against ninth ranked Saitama Broncos (10-23) on Sunday night. Host Kyoto Hannar. was defeated by Saitama Broncos in a tough game in Kyoto 68-77. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Kyoto Hannar.. The guests trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 12-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 77-68. Saitama Broncos dominated on the defensive end, holding Kyoto Hannar. to just 4 points in second quarter. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by forward John Flowers (200-89, college: W.Virginia, agency: KMG Sports Management) who scored that evening 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and swingman John Humphrey (188-80, college: Middle Tenn.St., agency: Court Side) supported him with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Even a double-double of 11 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists by Lee Cummard (201-85, college: BYU, agency: Priority Sports) did not help to save the game for Kyoto Hannar.. Guard Jermaine Boyette (188-78, college: Weber St., agency: SportsTalent) added 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. Five Saitama Broncos and four Kyoto Hannar. players scored in double figures. Saitama Broncos maintains ninth position with 10-23 record. Loser Kyoto Hannar. keeps the third place with 11 games lost. Saitama Broncos will meet higher ranked Toyama Grouses (#3) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Kyoto Hannar. will play against the league's leader Hamamatsu Phoenix having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Saitama Bron.: J.Humphrey 17+6reb+1ast, Y.Kitamuki 14+2reb+3ast, J.Miller 13+5reb+1ast, Y.Arai 12+1ast, J.Flowers 11+9reb+4ast, K.Satterfield 6+2reb+4ast
Kyoto Hannar.: J.Boyette 19+7reb+4ast, N.Nakamura 18+1reb+1ast, L.Cummard 11+14reb+8ast, L.Allred 10+8reb+1ast, B.Camara 8+5reb, T.Murakami 1+2ast
gschID: 142176


Osaka Evessa - Hamamatsu P. 81-89

An interesting game for Hamamatsu Phoenix (23-12) which played road game in Osaka against their biggest opponent Osaka Evessa (24-10). First ranked Hamamatsu Phoenix managed to get a 8-point victory 89-81. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The guests trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 47-35 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Osaka Evessa was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a very good performance for American guard Jermaine Dixon (191-87, college: Pittsburgh, agency: VVG Sports) who helped to win the game recording 25 points, 8 assists and 4 steals. The other American import forward Jeffrey Parmer (203-85, college: Florida Atlantic, agency: Dynamics Global Management) contributed with 17 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Five Hamamatsu Phoenix players scored in double figures. Haitian-American swingman Bobby St.Preux (196-80, college: N.Kentucky, agency: KMG Sports Management) replied with 20 points and 7 rebounds and American center Wayne Marshall (211-86, college: Temple) added 16 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Osaka Evessa. Osaka Evessa's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Hamamatsu Phoenix have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 23-12 record. Loser Osaka Evessa keeps the second place with ten games lost. Hamamatsu Phoenix will face Kyoto Hannar. (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Osaka Evessa will play against Yokohama BC.
Top scorers:
Hamamatsu P.: J.Dixon 25+1reb+8ast, J.Parmer 17+9reb, W.Arnold 14+3reb, S.Nakanishi 13+5reb+4ast, L.Blackledge 11+3reb, L.Pomare 5+5reb
Osaka Evessa: B.St.Preux 20+7reb+1ast, W.Marshall 16+8reb, C.Aoki 12+1reb+2ast, L.Washington 9+8reb+4ast, M.Bell 8+7reb+3ast, M.Obuchi 6+2reb
gschID: 142177


Iwate Big Bulls - Okinawa GK 69-79

Very predictable result when first ranked Okinawa GK (29-7) won against on the road 10th ranked Iwate Big Bulls (9-27) 79-69 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Okinawa GK. Iwate Big Bulls was better in second period 23-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Okinawa GK dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Iwate Big Bulls' 32. Okinawa GK forced 20 Iwate Big Bulls turnovers. Quite impressive performance for guard Narito Namizato (175-89) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 8 rebounds. American center Jeff Newton (205-81, college: Indiana) contributed with 18 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Four Okinawa GK players scored in double figures. Okinawa GK's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American power forward LaShawn Malloy (209-84, college: New Orleans, agency: Pro Management Agency) replied with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds and guard Yoshiaki Yamamoto (-82) added 11 points and 9 assists in the effort for Iwate Big Bulls. Okinawa GK have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 29-7 record. Iwate Big Bulls lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with 27 games lost. Okinawa GK will face Shimane Magic (#6) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Iwate Big Bulls will play against Miyazaki Shining Suns (#7).
Top scorers:
Okinawa GK: N.Namizato 21+8reb+3ast, J.Newton 18+9reb+1ast, D.Larkai 14+7reb+3ast, A.McHenry 12+11reb+2ast, M.Yamauchi 8, D.Sneed 4+6reb+1ast
Iwate Big Bulls: L.Malloy 12+11reb+2ast, Y.Yamamoto 11+3reb+9ast, J.Boykin 10+9reb+2ast, M.Sawaguchi 9+2reb+1ast, G.Klaiber 8+4reb, H.Kantake 8+2reb+2ast
gschID: 142170


Akita NH - Niigata Albirex 81-91

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Akita Happinets (22-14) against fourth ranked Niigata Albirex (19-17) on Sunday night. Host Akita Happinets were defeated by Niigata Albirex in Akita 91-81. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Akita Happinets. The game was mostly controlled by Niigata Albirex. Akita Happinets was better in second period 21-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Niigata Albirex dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Akita Happinets' 36. They outrebounded Akita Happinets 44-28 including a 15-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. American guard Nile Murry (193-83, college: TCU) fired a double-double by scoring 27 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. The other American import power forward Chris Holm (212-84, college: Vermont) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds. Four Niigata Albirex players scored in double figures. American-Kittitian forward Kyle Swanston (201-86, college: JMU, agency: SDJ Sports) produced 26 points and 4 assists and American swingman Ricky Woods (194-84, college: SE Louisiana) added 20 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Akita Happinets' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Niigata Albirex maintains fourth position with 19-17 record. Akita Happinets at the other side keep the second place with 14 games lost. Niigata Albirex will have a break next round. Akita Happinets will play at home against Fukuoka Rizing and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Niigata Albirex: N.Murry 27+12reb+4ast, S.Komatsu 16+2reb+1ast, C.Holm 15+12reb, K.Sato 14+3reb, B.Davis 6+7reb+1ast, E.Maxey 5+7reb+1ast
Akita NH: K.Swanston 26+4reb+4ast, R.Woods 20+9reb+2ast, E.Drayton 12+5reb, Y.Kikuchi 9+1reb+1ast, R.Mizumachi 6+1reb+1ast, L.Green 4+3reb
gschID: 142171


Sendai 89ers - Takamatsu FA 72-54

Not a big story in a game when 9th ranked Takamatsu FA (2-32) lost on the road to fifth ranked Sendai 89ers (18-16) 72-54 on Sunday. The game without a history. Sendai 89ers led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Takamatsu FA's 30. They outrebounded Takamatsu FA 54-35 including a 40-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Sendai 89ers made 7 blocks. Quite impressive performance for American center Rashaad Singleton (213-87, college: Florida Southern) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points, 11 rebounds and 6 blocks. The other American import forward Johnny Dukes (203-84, college: San Bernardino CC) contributed with 3 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Four Sendai 89ers players scored in double figures. Sendai 89ers' coach Robert Pierce used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. STVn center Nyika Williams (203-87, college: Pacific) replied with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 18 rebounds and American forward Kevin Smith (195-89, college: Richmond) added 18 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Takamatsu FA. Sendai 89ers maintains fifth position with 18-16 record. Takamatsu FA lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 32 games lost. Sendai 89ers will face Oita Heat Devils (#8) on the road in the next round. Takamatsu FA will play against Shinshu BW in Nagano and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: R.Singleton 21+11reb, F.Toncinic 14+10reb, D.Fitzgerald 13+6reb+2ast, T.Shimura 11+3reb+5ast, T.Komoda 5+5reb+1ast, H.Kusaka 3+1reb
Takamatsu FA: N.Williams 19+18reb+3ast, K.Smith 18+7reb+1ast, H.Kikuchi 12+4reb+4ast, M.Kita 2+1ast, Y.Kurihara 2+2reb, K.Tsutsumi 1+2reb+2ast
gschID: 142172




Standings - BJ League
BJ Standings
Eastern
 1. Hamamatsu P. 23-12 
 2. Akita NH 22-14 
 3. Toyama Grouses 19-15 
 4. Niigata Albirex 19-17 
 5. Sendai 89ers 18-16 
 6. Yokohama BC 17-18 
 7. Chiba Jets 13-21 
 8. Shinshu BW 13-23 
 9. Saitama Bron. 10-23 
 10. Iwate Big Bulls 9-27 
Western
 1. Okinawa GK 29-7 
 2. Osaka Evessa 24-10 
 3. Kyoto Hannar. 23-11 
 4. Fukuoka Rizing 22-12 
 5. Shiga L-Stars 21-15 
 6. Shimane SM 20-16 
 7. Miyazaki SS 16-20 
 8. Oita H.Devils 12-23 
 9. Takamatsu FA 2-32 


*****************************************************
  KOSOVO   


Kosova defeated Drita in the end - by Dren Shporta
Players of Kosova from Vushtrri realized a very important victory over Drita, 83:81. The match was decided in the last seconds of the game when Drita had a chance but couldnt score to take the game to overtime.

Artan Maloku was one of the best in Kosovas side scoring 24 points, while Behxhet Demolli and Driton Sylejmani of Drita were not enough for win, even they scored both nearly 50 points. Kosova is now 2-1 in front of Drita in the clashes between them, which will be important statistic if they end the league with same points.

Kosova will visit Futura in the next game, while Drita has a mission impossible in home court against champions, Sigal Prishtina. Kosova has 5 victories out of 15 games and has a great chance to keep the last train to the play-offs.


Standings - Superleague
SuperLeague Standings
 1. Trepca 14-1
 2. Sigal Prishtina 13-2
 3. Bashkimi 9-6
 4. Peja 8-7
 5. Kolegji Univer. 6-9
 6. Kosova 5-10
 7. Drita 3-12
 8. Futura 2-13


*****************************************************
  KUWAIT   


Standings
D1 Standings
 1. Kazma 11-4 
 2. Al Kuwait 10-5 
 3. Al Qadsia 10-5 
 4. Al Sahel 9-6 
 5. Al Jahraa 4-11 
 6. Al Yarmook 1-14 


*****************************************************
  LEBANON   


Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 Desmond PENIGAR
  Byblos
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 29.2
 1. Penigar, Byblos29.2 
 2. Khatib, Champville27.3 
 3. Spencer, Al Riyadi25.9 
 4. Ebi, Anibal24.8 
 5. Williams, Byblos24.1 
 6. Colwell, Antranik23.9 
 7. Oguchi, Hoops23.3 
 8. Youngblood, Anibal22.2 
 9. Gray, Byblos21.4 
 10. Johnson, Sagesse21.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Harold JAMISON
  Bejjeh
  (204-C-76)
  Avg: 14.8
 1. Jamison, Bejjeh14.8 
 2. Penigar, Byblos13.3 
 3. Dearman, Bejjeh12.4 
 4. Thompson, Champvil.11.6 
 5. Colwell, Antranik11.1 
 6. Crump, Sagesse10.6 
 7. Ismail, Al Riyadi10.5 
 8. Leather, Sagesse10.3 
 9. Hoskin, Champville9.8 
 10. Hamdar, Hoops9.5 
Assists Per Game
 Corey WILLIAMS
  Byblos
  (191-G-77)
  Avg: 7.1
 1. Williams, Byblos7.1 
 2. Akl, Anibal6.9 
 3. Clemons, Hoops6.3 
 4. Ismail, Al Riyadi6.0 
 5. Gray, Byblos5.9 
 6. Khatib, Champville5.8 
 7. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi5.7 
 8. Johnson, Moutahed5.5 
 9. Young, Antranik5.4 
 10. Oguchi, Hoops4.6 
Steals Per Game
 Vernon HAMILTON
  Hoops
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Hamilton, Hoops3.2 
 2. Youngblood, Anibal3.0 
 3. Clemons, Hoops2.8 
 4. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi2.7 
 5. Johnson, Moutahed2.4 
 6. Young, Antranik2.3 
 7. Spencer, Al Riyadi2.3 
 8. Heard, Hoops2.2 
 9. Williams, Byblos2.0 
 10. Estephane, Champv.2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Ndudi EBI
  Anibal
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Ebi, Anibal2.9 
 2. Colwell, Antranik2.2 
 3. Vogel, Al Riyadi2.0 
 4. Hamdar, Hoops1.8 
 5. Ismail, Al Riyadi1.7 
 6. Thompson, Champvil.1.6 
 7. Crump, Sagesse1.5 
 8. Sabra, Byblos1.4 
 9. Penigar, Byblos1.2 
 10. Youngblood, Anibal1.2 


WABA League: Champville edge Petrochimi to enter semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Champville - Petrochimi 84:71

Champville advanced into WABA League semifinals. They fired past Petrochimi to seal the next stage appearance. Champville entered the second game of the quarterfinal series having a 13-point lead after the road game. Fadi Khatib (199-F-79, agency: Pro Management Agency) knocked down 29 points as Champville cruised to the win at home court.
The hosts opened the game aggressively. They fired 29 points in the starting ten minutes to take a 6-point lead. The tempo slowed down in the second term but Champville maintained the advantage. The home team ensured a 47:38 lead at halftime. Petrochimi however sparked the intrigue in the third term. The visitors limited Champville to just 11 points in the quarter to tie things up at 58. But Champville fired 26 points in the final quarter and marched to the win at the end. Garnett Thompson (207-F/C-80, college: Providence) accounted for 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Samuel Hoskin (206-F/C-79, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: De Paul) had 15 points for the winners. Jeleel Akindele (216-C-83, college: Chicago St.) responded with 26 points and 11 rebounds for Petrochimi. Mehrad Atashi (190-G-86) chipped in 11 points in the loss.

Chamvpille: Fadi Khatib 29, Garnett Thompson 18+11 boards, Samuel Hoskin 15
Petrochimi: Jeleel Akindele 26+11 boards, Mehrad Atashi 11


Standings - Division A
Div.A Standings
 1. Al Riyadi 16-1 
 2. Champville 16-1 
 3. Anibal 9-7 
 4. Sagesse 8-9 
 5. Byblos 7-9 
 6. Bejjeh 7-10 
 7. Moutahed 6-11 
 8. Hoops 5-12 
 9. Antranik 1-15 


*****************************************************
  LIGA AMERICAS   


Standings
Liga Americas Standings
Group A
 1. Fuerza Regia 0-0 
 2. La Union 0-0 
 3. Pioneros 0-0 
 4. Vivo/Franca 0-0 
Group B
 1. Bucaneros 0-0 
 2. Guaros 0-0 
 3. Obras 0-0 
 4. Regatas C. 0-0 
Group C
 1. Arecibo 0-0 
 2. Cia do Terno 0-0 
 3. Cocodrilos 0-0 
 4. Leones SD 0-0 
Group D
 1. Itabom/Bauru 0-0 
 2. Los Leones 0-0 
 3. Quimsa 0-0 
 4. Uniceub/BRB 0-0 


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


Transfer news: Mornar signs Singletary. Koljevic returns to Cherkasy - by Darko Pekic
KK Mornar Bar got another reinforcement for the final battles in Balkan League and Montenegrin championship. They signed Mike Singletary (198-F-88, college: Texas Tech), a 23 year old forward from Texas. Singletary is fresh out of college but he already has some pro experience (Uruguay and Belgium). He currently holds Big 12 conference record in scoring as he scored 43 points ina game and in that way broke Kevin Durant (206-G/F-88, college: Texas)'s previous record (38 points). In his final year at Texas Tech he averaged 12.7ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.4apg. Singletary will play his first game for Mornar against Timisora in Balkan League on Tuesday.

When somebody signs a contracts, somebody else leaves the team. That's how the things go.. Stevan Milosevic (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances) finished his one month deal with Mornar and decided to move to...Venezuela! He will join Bucaneros de La Guaira and play in Southern America this spring. The journeyman from Bar also played for both Serbian giants- Partizan and Red Star as well as some teams from France, Turkey and Greece.

Another ex talent of Montenegrin basketball got a contract this week. Ivan Koljevic (185-G-84, agency: BeoExcell) returned to SK Cherkasy Monkeys (Ukraine) and will try to replace the injured Willie Solomon (187-G-78, agency: New Trend Agency, college: Clemson). Ivan Koljevic started the season in Poland. He played for Polpharma. His stats read 6.0 points, 4.0 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game in PLK. Koljevic is not new to SK Cherkasy Monkeys. He played for the team back in 2008/09 season. The guard notched 16.1 points, 3.5 assists, 2.1 boards and 1.1 steals per appearance.

*****************************************************
  MOROCCO   


Round 15. - by Marek Krala
The national championship basketball first division reasserts itself, this weekend, with meetings la15e day. The Leader, the Salt Association (SSA) receives in the top match of the day Al Shabab Houceima (CRA). In the first leg, the club Rif had tilted on its face prosecution Slaouis score of 83-93.
Playing at home, on paper, the Pirates Bourgreg, El Mesbahi, El Idrissi, Zouita, Patrick Bit and Bilal are the favorites against the CRA. But beware of the CRA, who recovered Bayang, the camerounian forward who left ASS after the African Club championship . It moves to the room with the conviction Fathallah Bouaazaoui to defeat the odds. In Casablanca Sidi Mohammed, Sports Plaza gets a derby Bidaoui Wydad Casablanca (WAC). The two teams tied for third place in the standings, but the WAC has a game in hand against CRA.
It should be noted that Wydad had won the first leg with a score of 58-52.
In other matches of the 15th day, FUS Rabat receives Moghreb Fes (MAS), the room Ibn Yassine. FUS always under the threat of relegation is imperative to win to avoid shipwreck.
However, the MAS aimed the fourth qualifying spot for the play-off will also garner the two points of victory. The meeting promises to be hotly contested.
Raja Casablanca (RCA), red lantern after another setback last Wednesday at home against Al Shabab Houceima (54-67), moves for Berkshire to face the local Renaissance. The Greens, who have lost all hope of maintaining among the elite, should not the match for the formation of Berkane will evolve before his audience.
All eyes will be focused on meeting the KAC Kenitra, second last with 17 points, and the Renaissance Tangier (RST) with 18 points on the clock.
This meeting is scheduled this Saturday at 15 pm in the Badr. A priori, it is the club that starts with Tangier favors predictions. But attention to a burst of pride KAC who needs a victory to avoid relegation direct.
-------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
Saturday Program
FUS Rabat bn Yassine 6:00 p.m.-MAS
Tange Badr 3:00 p.m. RST-KAC
Casablanca Sidi Med SP-WAC 5:00 p.m.
ASS Sale Bouazzaou 3:00 p.m.-CRA
RSB Berkane Room 3:00 p.m.-RCA

Chris Rodgers blog - by Christopher Rodgers
Assalamu Alaikum Hello everyone,

Would like to start off by saying thank you to any and everyone out there who took the time out of their busy schedule to read my first blog entry;
Reporting to you all from one the most commerce and biggest north african cities in the world beautiful casablanca! This city is full of life. With summer like weather all year around. It's
a very socially diverse, has amazing coastal views and the people here are very generous and welcoming.

Although im been blessed 'Hamdoulah' or 'Thank God' to have traveled all around the world. Honestly, coming here for the first time i didn't know what to expect. Muslim countries are not typically known for their great basketball leagues like the NBA or Euroleagues. However suprising enough this season has been very competitive season for all the teams in the 1st division league. There are alot of high level players represented in the league from all over the globe. My team specifically; SP Sport Casablanca. We currently sit in 4th place which guarantees
us a spot in the playoffs with 5 games left remaining in the regular season. Are next game is this weekend against are biggest city rival team 'Wydad,' who are also
located in Casablanca and currently are ranked above us in 3rd place. We are hosting them so i feel like that should give us the advantage as we say, 'inshaAllah' or 'God Willing.'

Personally, what I've learned about myself is that i play better on the road than i do at home games. I think it has to do with your emotions and feeling like its you and the team against the other opponents team and crowd. On the road you have less distractions, less pressure. Against all odds you have to depend of your teammates more and focus in or trying to pull off the win.

Take any team on the highest level of the game. Typically the one who wins the championship has the best road record or is a very good road team. Example, You guys remember the Jordan Bulls era. That team was dangerous on the road. Celtics in recent years. And even Miami and OKC this year.

This season our team has grown alot. We started off strong undefeated at one point. Lost focus during mid season. But now going down the stretch i feel as if we rounding into form. Next weekend we have a huge road game against Hocema on the road so i'll have to put my focus to test. The last 5 games is against all the toughest teams in the league so i have to keeping the push myself so that i can be at my best for my team going into the playoffs.

I'll close for now as i have to start my preparations for practice which starts in 2hrs.

Like i always say stay ready at all times, be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Ordinary man with extraordinary determination

thanks again everyone best regards, have a great day!

Chris Rodgers


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


Durant, West hold on to win NBA All-Star Game - by Eurobasket News
The Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) and Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) show won it for the West at the NBA All-Star game, holding off LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) at the end.

They got an MVP and a scoring record, too.

Bryant scored 27 points, moving past Michael Jordan (6'7''-F-63, college: N.Carolina) as the career scoring leader in the game, Kevin Durant had 36 in an MVP performance, and the Western Conference held on for a 152-149 victory over the East on Sunday night.

James and the East cut a 21-point deficit to one in the closing seconds, but weren't able to move in front. James had 36 points and fellow Heat star Dwyane Wade finished with a triple-double.

'With all these great players on the floor, you never know what will happen. Guys making big shots and they cut it down to one. We were up 18 (at halftime),' Durant said.

'It was fun. That's the type of All-Star game you want to see.'

Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) scored 22 points for the West, which rang up 89 points in the first half, setting an All-Star record. But he won the game with his defense, picking off James' pass when the East had a chance to tie in the final seconds.

'I can't turn the ball over like that,' James said. 'I let my team down, but overall it was a great weekend.'

Griffin then hit one free throw with 1.1 seconds left, and Wade was off on a 3-point attempt from the corner. He finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, joining Jordan and James as the only players with All-Star game triple-doubles.

Durant was the MVP, leaving Bryant tied for the All-Star record with his four. But he got a bigger mark in his 13th All-Star game.

He broke Jordan's record of 262 points on a dunk with 4:57 left in the third quarter and now has 271 for his career. He entered with 244 and passed Oscar Robertson (246 points) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (251) earlier in the game.

It nearly wasn't enough, as the East's comeback had the crowd filled with entertainers and athletes chanting for defense never a part of the All-Star game vocabulary in the final seconds.

With Bryant covering him, James hit two long 3-pointers in the final period, and the East had a chance when Bryant, with the crowd loudly booing, missed a free throw with 18 seconds left and the West up 151-149.

'Just being a competitor,' James said. 'They pretty much beat us up all game so we just wanted to make a game of it.'

But New Jersey's Deron Williams (6'3''-PG-84, college: Illinois) was short on a 3-pointer, and after the East came up with it, James fired a pass into a crowd that Griffin intercepted.

On a colorful night in Orlando, from pregame performer Nicki Minaj's pink and green hair to the neon sneakers many of the stars wore, Dwight Howard had nine points and 10 rebounds as the game's host.

The NBA's first All-Star game in Orlando in 20 years wasn't close after 2 quarters. But players always say it gets competitive in the final five minutes, and James was again up for the challenge.

He hiked his scoring average to 25.9 points over his eight All-Star games, and someday he'll probably take the record Bryant set Sunday.

But he couldn't quite catch Kobe in the game.

With the 2-year-old Amway Center considered by many the finest arena in the league, the NBA brought its midseason showcase back to Orlando for the first time since the memorable 1992 game, when Magic Johnson was MVP three months after retiring from the league because of the HIV virus.

This one was once in jeopardy of being lost when the lockout lasted into late November. Without a settlement then, All-Star weekend may have been wiped out, as it was in 1999 following a work stoppage.

The party was saved.

James and Howard, wearing bright orange shoes, danced onto the stage for pregame introductions, Howard breaking into an enormous grin when fans gave him a thunderous ovation as the last All-Star introduced. He insists that he and Magic fans still have a love affair despite his trade request, understanding he still loves the city even if not his team, and urged everyone to ignore the trade talk for a weekend and have fun.

'We did it big for our city,' he said in brief pregame remarks to the crowd before the game.

Then Andrew Bynum blocked his first shot attempt.

The speedy Russell Westbrook had the East looking like it was standing still late in the first half, and it was 88-69 at the break.

Howard and Derrick Rose (6'3''-G-88, college: Memphis) ditched their orange sneakers in the second half James kept his and the East quickly got back into it, trimming 12 points off its deficit in less than 6 minutes. They even started to defend Wade whacked Bryant so hard on a drive that the Lakers star needed a break between free throws to wipe blood from his nose before sinking it to tie Jordan.

Williams scored 20 points for the East. Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) had 19, and Rose finished with 14.

Kevin Love (6'10''-C-88, college: UCLA), who won the 3-point contest on Saturday, scored 17 points for the West, which has won two in a row. Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest) had eight points and 12 assists.

Courtesy of http://abcnews.go.com

Warriors plan to send rookie Jeremy Tyler to Dakota Wizards - by Eurobasket News
The Golden State Warriors have used the All-Star break as a way to rest up and recover for the second half of the season.

Stephen Curry sat out of the Taco Bell Skills Challenge after winning last year. Surprisingly, zero representatives from the Warriors, who have some of the most-accurate three-point shooters in the league thus far, participated in the Foot Locker Three-Point Contest that was eventually won by Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Kevin Love. Monta Ellis, the team's best chance at an All-Star representative this season, is at home instead of playing in the All-Star game in Orlando.

With hopes of having a much better second half of the season, the Warriors are planning to send rookie Jeremy Tyler (6'10''-F-91) to their Developmental League affiliate Dakota Wizards after the All-Star break, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

Little was expected out of Tyler this season. After spending two years overseas in Israel and Japan, the young center from San Diego was drafted with the 39th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats, acquired by the Warriors for cash considerations, and was viewed as a developmental project for the team.

Even with injuries to Andris Biedrins and Kwame Brown during the season and little depth at the center position, coach Mark Jackson has chosen not to play the inexperienced rookie. At the halfway point, Tyler has played in just 14 of the team's 30 games and has only put up significant minutes in one big loss (15 minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 27). Needless to say, Tyler has had little impact on the team's successes and failures this season.

This move makes sense given the little playing time Tyler received while on the roster. Like former D-League roster member Chris Wright, Tyler will receive a sizeable increase in minutes and continue to get valuable playing experience. Since the Wizards are the Warriors' personal affiliate, the staff in Dakota will be able to work with his strengths and weaknesses to the team's liking for an eventual recall to the NBA roster.

Given the Warriors' spot in the standings right now, Tyler may see more minutes with the team down the line if they are too far out of playoff contention near the end of the season. This move could also make way for a new signing if the Warriors decide to bring on a veteran free agent or a promising D-League prospect.

Since adding a new player at this point of the season seems unlikely and the roster will probably stay set for the rest of the season, the Warriors will likely rely on Ekpe Udoh and Dominic McGuire to backup Biedrins and David Lee in a thin Warriors frontcourt.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com

Magic deny Dwight Howard-trade-to-the-Lakers rumor - by Eurobasket News
Orlando Magic continue to say they have made no decisions about what they'll do with Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) as the NBA trade deadline approaches on March 15.

And they are saying that a rumor making its way around Orlando that they've reached a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers and a third team is totally false.

The scuttlebutt is that the Magic would send Howard, Hedo Turkoglu and Jameer Nelson to the Lakers and the Magic would receive Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. A third team, the Toronto Raptors, could be part of the deal or in a separate trade with the Magic, sending point guard Jos Calderon to Orlando.

Magic CEO Alex Martins told the Sentinel the rumor is wrong.

The Magic have said all along that they will speak to Howard at some point before or on March 1 to see what he plans to do when he can become a free agent this summer.

The Magic then would assess their situation from there.

Team officials want to retain Howard long-term, but they have not ruled out a trade if they deem it necessary.

Courtesy of www.orlandosentinel.com

Durant: LeBron, stars need to save Dunk Contest - by Eurobasket News
There's a consensus: something big needs to change so that the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest never happens again.

In the immediate aftermath of Saturday night's Slam Dunk Contest, which was marred by zero All-Star participants, terrible dunks, too many scrpted stories, an absence of judges and a sketchy fan voting process, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) made a clear statement: The NBA's biggest stars need to participate in future Dunk Contests.

'It's time for LeBron James (6'8''-F-84), Mr. Russell Westbrook (6'3''-PG-88, college: UCLA), Mr. Derrick Rose (6'3''-G-88, college: Memphis) and Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) to get in the Dunk Contest,' Durant tweeted.

'Not me but I agree with the others,' Wade replied.

On Friday, James told reporters that he would consider participating in the Dunk Contest if there was a substantial winner-take-all prize.

Durant's list of participants for a dream Dunk Contest is interesting, but imperfect.

Clearly, James is the holy grail. In the heart of his prime at 27 years old, he is probably the NBA's second best in-game dunker, trailing only Blake Griffin. A master of catching lobs, finishing with authority and getting way, way off the ground, he's an absolute no-brainer. Imagine full-court alley-oops, broken rims, backboard slapping. He could even dunk a ball then dunk his headband with the other hand as a response to all his hairline haters. He needs to do a Dunk Contest.

Westbrook, Durant's teammate in Oklahoma City, is an excellent pick as well. He flies at the rim like a scud missile, taking off from deep and finishing with plenty of force. He's got the charisma and moxie not to stand toe-to-toe with James too. He wouldn't shrink. He should definitely be in.

At 30, Wade's dunking prime is probably behind him, although he's still capable of putting anyone in the league on a poster. He would be better cast as the teammate/hype man for James and, realstically, these two would never face off against each other under any circumstances. If the Alpha Dog stuff is bad now, imagine the outcry and headlines if Wade somehow managed to upset James in a Dunk Contest. Let him throw the lob passes and dish out the daps.

Rose's inclusion by Durant is questionable. His physical talents are beyond reproach but his specialty is finishing lay-ups in traffic and/or after drawing contact, not dunking free of obstacles. Would he be compelling in this format? His personality doesn't exactly scream Dunk Contest. He's a technically sound dunker but his efforts are more likely to make you go 'mmm' rather than get off your feet and scream.

If James and Westbrook are in this and Wade and Rose are out, the final two spots should be filled by Griffin -- obviously -- and either Dwight Howard... or Durant himself. Howard has been there, done that with the Dunk Contest many times before, but he always seemed to back up the stupid costumes and props with memorable dunks. His flying Superman slam/shove dunk, for example, will stand as a classic for decades. One of the all-time 'Wow' Dunk Contest moments. Who wouldn't trade all of Saturday night's contest for that one dunk? No one.

While Durant is not a prototypical Slam Dunk competitor, he has absurd length, good hops, a star's personality and a respect for the history of the game that would likely inspire him to new levels of creativity. If anyone is going to come up wtih something that's never been done before, it's Durant. His wingspan would allow for up and under dunks from the baseline or behind the backboard. Surely James Harden could be on hand to provide the necessary passes and encouragement.

But this is exactly the problem. Everyone, including Durant, wants to see the stars in the Dunk Contest. But none of the stars, including Durant, is ready to step up and nominate themselves to be thrown into the ring.

No doubt, some prize money needs to be involved here, given how central an event this is on the NBA calendar. But the stars should look back at what past Dunk Contests have done for the likes of Howard and Griffin and realize that the 'there's nothing to gain and so much to lose' argument doesn't hold much water. Does anyone honestly believe that James would fall on his face during a Dunk Contest? Come on. He would kill it, just like Griffin did last year, and then he would profit off of it for years to come, just like Griffin is doing right now.

Hopefully Durant's Twiter plea is the first in a wave that will finally convince these guys to suck it up and get out there. Peer pressure, in this case, is a very good thing.

Courtesy of http://eye-on-basketball.blogs.cbssports.com

Clippers looking to sign Bobby Simmons - by Eurobasket News
In an effort to fill the scoring void left by Chauncey Billups, the Clippers reportedly are going to sign Bobby Simmons (6'6''-F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida St.) to a 10-day contract next week.

Simmons wont need a map to get around Los Angeles. He played for the Clippers in 2004-05 and averaged 16.4 points and 5.9 rebounds to earn Most Improved honors. It was his best season in the NBA.

The 6-foot-6 swingman currently is playing for the Reno Bighorns of the D-League, where he is averaging 13.5 points and 7.6 rebounds.

Billups suffered a season-ending Achilles tear earlier this month.

Courtesy of http://clippers.ocregister.com

Chicago Bulls first half of season recap - by Chris Mathieu
We are at the all-star break and the Bulls record at the break is about what anyone would have expected 27-8 tied with Oklahoma City and Miami with the most wins in the league. Not surprisingly also those three teams are most likely contenders for the NBA title.
The Bulls have played well going through some impressive win streaks, four straight road victories of over 20 points (an NBA record) The Bulls have had an impressive record when the team has been healthy this year but injuries have been the biggest story so far. Rose missed 10 games with back and toe injuries, Deng suffered a torn ligament in his wrist and missed 7 games, Hamilton has missed 24 games due to a groin injury and Watson has missed twelve games due to an elbow injury and a concussion.
The Bulls play has been impressive and even with all the injuries the Bulls are outscoring their opponents by almost 10 points a game! The Bulls play great team defense and make teams work hard to get good shots. Thats a big reason why bad teams struggle to stay in games against the Bulls. You can beat the Bulls but youre going to have to work hard both offensively and defensively to do so. Bad teams dont usually have a good work ethic and tend to put up shots early in possessions or take whatever is available to them even if it is a bad shot. Looking at advance defensive metrics and the Bulls are second in defense in the NBA. The road however, still leads through Miami and the Bulls need to be healthy come playoff time if they have any chance to beat the Heat who have improved their play and depth over last season.
A breakdown of the teams season so far
Derrick Rose- Another amazing season for the reigning league MVP so far. He is statistically having another great season even though his scoring is down slightly. Derrick is by far the best point guard in the league and a top five player in the NBA. Physically the most talented point guard in the NBA he is also the hardest working (sorry Jeremy Lin fans) point guard in the NBA. His midrange game, always a strength has now become automatic. His outside shooting has continued to improve as well. There is basically almost no way to stop him individually when you have to respect his outside shooting. Once he gets a slight crease he is gone like a flash. In his matchups with other top point guards in the NBA Derrick typically destroys them, physically wearing them down to the point they stop running hard through screens and picks on defense and on offense they typically wear down from all the contact and stop making the tough plays. If you go back and look at the games he has played against Rondo, Williams and Paul he has dominated those matchups in which he played. Rondos chest thumping and bravado when he lit up CJ Watson for a triple double when Rose was out, no doubt added fuel to Derricks fire, no doubt Derrick will have stored that in his memory for the next time they play. Derrick is the engine that makes the Bulls run and they need him healthy to have even a shot at the Heat. The toe and back problems are worrisome especially if they limit Derricks effectiveness or explosiveness. Once the playoffs roll around and its crunch time there is no doubt as to who will be playing on Derrick, guys with length and athleticism like Lebron James, Paul George and other players with size and speed who can make it hard on Derrick. The same flaws that knocked the Bulls out of the playoffs against the Heat still exist today. Derricks health needs to be the number one priority for the Bulls heading down the stretch and into the playoffs. Grade A-
Luol Deng-Arguably having his best year as a pro, Luol has thrived with three changes to his career the arrival of coach Tom Thibodeau and Derrick Rose and confidence gained from leading the British national team. Luol had back to back games of over 10 assists this season (the first Bulls forward to do this in their history, not even the great Scottie Pippen) his comeback from a torn ligament in his wrist has also been remarkable. Luol who once had his toughness questioned in Chicago media has silenced those critics. He has thrived under the current regime and playing alongside a star like Derrick. His outside shooting once a weakness has now become strength. For a player without great quickness or athleticism to become one of the best wing defenders in the NBA is remarkable. The Bulls need him to be playing at a high level if they are to overcome the Heat in the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how he takes contact to his torn wrist once the playoffs roll around. When they face tough physical teams for a month straight and teams are banging him off screens and committing hard fouls. Grade B+
Carlos Boozer-Much maligned since arriving in Chicago, Carlos has played as well as he is capable of doing in Chicago this year. Since he isnt the first or second option on most nights he just isnt going to put up the same numbers he did in Cleveland or Utah. He did slim down, get himself into better shape and is attacking the basket and going to the rim with more authority. What is often overlooked with Carlos is his great passing ability and that he can use both hands effectively going right or left. Carlos struggles when facing elite above the rim athletes and plays defense often with his hands instead of his feet. He has improved his defense this season, at least showing and recovering once. The problem is coach Thibs expects multiple defensive efforts on every possession. Carlos has been a steady influence on the team and has even played in every game so far this season. Grade B-
Jochim Noah- Jochim is a highly skilled unorthodox post player who has really improved in the last month before the all-star break. Jochim is a bit of a paradox a high energy player who sometimes struggles with energy. He has been healthy this season and really picked up his offensive game in the last few weeks highlighted by the triple double he put up on Milwaukee in the last game before the break. Jochim gets a lot of criticism for his unorthodox shooting style dubbed the tornado, a surprisingly effective shot. Teams tend to give him the 15 foot jumper and lately he has punished them for it. He also has the ability dribble into the post and make a great pass under the basket to the open player. When on offensively, him and Boozer make one of the best big man passing combos in the league. Lately he and Boozer have started to really feed off of each other in the post and get some easy baskets which is key to opening up the offense for the Bulls perimeter shooters. As well as he has played offensively he has struggled just a bit on his help defense. It seems for a high energy hustler, he has limits on his energy. Grade B-
Richard Hamilton- Rip has played about as well as you could expect from a 34 year old shooting guard. He has struggled with a groin injury that has derailed most of his season so far. Rip is an underrated passer, who along with Rose forms possibly the most potent midrange shooting backcourt in the NBA. When the two have been on the court together they also have an excellent ability to push the ball in transition and finish at the rim. Rip is an underrated ball handler who gives the Bulls the chance to play Rose off the ball and opens up the offense even more. Rip will be key if the Bulls are to beat the Heat in the playoffs. His nonstop motor and hustle makes him a tough cover for anyone in the NBA. Particularly Dwayne Wade hates to guard him as Rip loves to run off of screen after screen and is excellent on curls and pulling up for the jumper. You cant quit on Hamilton and he will make you work when you have to cover him defensively. Rips length and speed make him a tough matchup for any two guard in the NBA. His injuries are a concern going forward and the Bulls must get him all the way healthy if they have any hope at all at winning a title this year. His play this year hasnt been bad; his inability to stay healthy so far has been a real issue. Grade C-
C.J. Watson- CJ came out playing great and shooting well and playing under control. He has struggled with injuries, first to his elbow then with a concussion. When he plays under control and takes good shots he is a very good second point guard in the NBA. When CJ plays with less minutes or is relied on to carry too much of the burden, he struggles on both ends of the court with his energy and shot. The problem is finding the right balance with him and keeping him playing with high energy and within the offensive system. Grade C
Ronnie Brewer-Ronnie has been a savoir for the Bulls this season as the injuries have piled up. Ronnie can slide to from the SG to the SF and has even played a few minutes at PG for the Bulls this season. He came out shooting great this season then has struggled with his outside shooting. Ronnie is a great finisher around the basket and in transition and has been a key glue player for the Bulls the last two years. They couldnt ask for much more from a bench player Grade B-
Kyle Korver- Kyle is one of the best shooters in the NBA. He has seen an expanded role with the team with the injuries that have piled up on the team. Kyle for most of his career was a spot up shooter who made his living off of kick outs on the double teams of post players. The Bulls have him running more off the ball trying to shake loose on screens and curls, similar to what they run with Rip. Kyle is an underrated passer who does a good job of sharing the ball with the bigs on the team when they are open around the basket. It hasnt been his strength in his career but Kyle is a team player that hasnt complained about his changing role so far. The problem with Kyle is same as last year when they face the Heat. When he is on the floor they run pick and roll and when Kyle gets switched onto either Lebron or Dwayne they attack Kyle on every possession making him a huge liability. I dont see any reason why this would change this year. Grade C+
Taj Gibson- Another excellent defender Taj has great feet and defensive timing. An underrated shooter he has good range, even if he has struggled with his outside shooting so far in the season. Taj is very similar to PJ Brown who was an excellent starter and defender in the NBA for a long time. Taj plays a huge role defending better offensive players when Boozer is struggling defensively or they need a spark off the bench. His ability to switch onto any player on the court is key to the Bulls defense. Grade B
Omer Asik- Omer flashes great defensive potential but struggles with energy at times and can be a fouling machine. Omer seems to be struggling with the lack of practice time this season and has carried that into games with him. Still to have a center like Asik on the bench is a luxury few teams in the NBA can match. Grade C
John Lucas III- Even though Lebron James turned John Lucas into an internet sensation with his dunk over him earlier this season John has been a revelation for the Bulls. He struggles to maintain control and work within the system, he has lifted the Bulls to victory a few times while filling in for Derrick and CJ when hurt. He struggles at time because he is one of the smallest players in the NBA, you cant ask for much more from your third string point guard who has struggled to make NBA teams in his career so far. Grade B
Mike James-A great revelation coming in on ten day contracts and helping the Bulls win games as their fourth string point guard. Mike had a game earlier this season after getting signed out of the NBDL of 10points and 9 assists. You could argue that for the playoffs he is a more effective guard than Lucas will be because of his size and defensive ability. It seems perplexing how a guy like him would struggle to be in the NBA at this point in his career when the Lakers have a team that outside of the big three of Kobe, Andrew and Pau not a player on the team is good enough to even make the Bulls roster. I would take Mike James over Derrick Fisher in a heartbeat today. Mike will probably be cut loose as soon as his second ten day contract expires after the all-star break. Grade A
Jimmy Butler-Jimmy has played well in very limited minutes with the team so far. He does what the team asks and defends and takes the open shots. He looks like he has a future in the league for sure. Grade B-
Brian Scalabrine- Scalabrine is known as the human victory cigar in Chicago and a bit of a mascot for the team. That however is a bit insulting to a skilled player who has worked hard to stay in the NBA for 10 years. Whatever he lacks athletically he makes up for with hard work and a high basketball IQ. One of the smartest and hardest working NBA players around, Scalabrine would make a great NBA coach if he chooses to one day. His missed a three pointer at the end of a game earlier this season and was heavily criticized but it was the right play as he was wide open and Derrick had no shot. Give the man credit for being willing to take the tough shots at the end of games. Grade B

The Bulls are going to need to be healthy and get some breaks if they are going to have any chance to get past the Heat this season. If they continue to struggle with injuries they could even be upset before that matchup even happens. Home court advantage could prove to be critical for the Bulls again if they hope to advance past the Heat this season. Even if everything goes their way into the matchup against the Heat in the playoffs I would still only give them about a 25% chance of advancing past them in the playoffs. Without those things happening I would give them almost zero chance to advance. Bulls overall team grade B+


Pacers Prepare for Second of the Season - by Daniel Gibson
The Indiana Pacers weathered a rocky stretch where they lost five straight games by bouncing back to win the next four leading into the All-Star break. They will need to carry that momentum over into the second half of the season to maintain their position or move up.

The second half of the season will be a major challenge with a number of teams that are in the playoff hunt on the schedule. The good news is, the Pacers played a lot of road games throughout the first half of the season and will now be hosting the majority of the remaining games.

The month of March will be a busy one with 17 games with 11 of them coming against teams currently in the playoffs. They will see LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat twice and the rival Chicago Bulls once. They also have a home-at-home series with the New York Knicks on back to-back nights.

The Pacers end the month with a matchup against the San Antonio Spurs who are flying under the radar with the second best record in the Western Conference right now. In between that they get the Orlando Magic, Clippers and the Atlanta Hawks.

George Hill returned from injury a couple of games prior to the All-Star break and the team was definitely happy to have him back in the lineup. Hes a combo guard who can also defend both the point guard and shooting guard on most nights. The Pacers will need all their players to be available and healthy if they are going to make a push down the stretch.

When the team is being aggressive, battling down low and playing their smash mouth brand of basketball. Paul George, Darren Collison and David West will all have to bring their best every night and Roy Hibbert will have to prove his All-Star selection was real by holding down the middle. The team will also need steady contributions from Dahntay Jones and Lance Stephenson off of the bench to go along with Tyler Hansbrough.

It will be interesting to see just how far up the Pacers can climb or if they will give up ground to teams on their heels. The first game of the second half is against the Golden State Warriors. Its a great time to get going.


Steve Nash reaffirms commitment to Suns at NBA All-Star Weekend in Orlando - by Eurobasket News
When Steve Nash (6'3''-PG-74, college: Santa Clara) was not answering questions Friday about Jeremy Lin, he was asked about other point guards.

When he was not speaking in English, he took questions in Spanish.

But when the topic of Nash's All-Star media session turned to himself, he no longer was talking about the present. It always was his future.

Nash's eighth All-Star trip at age 38 is remarkable as the oldest All-Star point guard -- ever. But with a 14-20 Suns team, the interest in Nash's career is what comes next in July free agency and speculation about the March 15 trade deadline.

'It's up to the team,' Nash said. 'I'm happy where I am. I'm not happy with our record. I feel like I made a commitment to the fans and my teammates. But at the same time, I'd understand if the team wanted to make a move, so I'm completely open. To be honest, I just occupy myself with trying to prepare to play and play as well as I can.'

The Suns have made it clear that he would not be traded unless he asked for it. That is not in Nash's nature.

'I feel like it's a difficult position for me to demand a trade when I've been a part of that community for so long,' Nash said in his 10th Suns season. 'I really feel like I owe it to my teammates to do the best I can for the group. I don't feel like I should be demanding anything.'

What Nash discussed more openly was the length of his career and uncertainty of free agency. He never has delved fully into free agency; he quickly committed to Phoenix in 2004 and extended his contract in 2009 to avoid free agency.

Without a dip in performance or passion, Nash has begun to mention playing as many as five more years if he maintains his health and desire.

As the 2011-12 NBA leader in assists with the best shooting percentage of any guard, his dedication to preparation has remained an indicator of his love of the game and competition.

'I also like the lifestyle of getting up every day and having to work out,' Nash said. 'That's just who I am. If I wasn't playing in the NBA, I'd still be doing that anyway, so why not do it in a competitive, structured environment?

'I don't feel like I have to be in a frame of mind that this is the end, like this is the last chapter.'

Potential high-profile free agents Dwight Howard and Deron Williams each made it clear Friday that they would not be discussing their free agency. Nash, hardly looking the role of megastar in Vans, jeans and a plaid shirt, did not get specific but entertained the idea of what is coming July 1.

'It'll be an interesting period for me this summer to go through that, because I haven't necessarily been in that position to open myself up to be a free agent for a while,' Nash said. 'I haven't thought about it. I'm totally consumed with trying to get through this season in the best shape we can as a team and individually.'

Nash said it is natural to desire a championship or the best team but said he will consider factors such as a franchise's fit for him, environment and contract offer.

'I can't even envision what it's going to be like,' Nash said. 'I don't think by weighing my options or seeing what's possible, it's going to be a situation where Phoenix is going to automatically diminish because other teams are ahead of them as far as the roster or development. I don't think that's the case. Phoenix has a special opportunity with the cap space.'

Former Suns teammate James Jones said the Suns should not trade Nash.

'Steve, regardless of age, will always be one of the top, if not the top, point guard in the league,' Jones said.

'Steve is a one-in-a-million type of player that the older and slower he gets, the more efficient he becomes and it seems like he gets faster. It's odd, but he's found a great way to not only extend his athleticism but extend his speed and skill.'

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com

CBA refuses Letter of Clearance for Wilson Chandler - by Eurobasket News
Several teams are waiting to sign Chandler Wilson (6'8''-F-87, college: De Paul) once he leaves the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). But the CBA has refused to give Chandler Wilson a letter of clearance to play immediately in NBA, sources tell Adrian Wojnarowski. According to Chandlers agent, though, approval to play in NBA should come this week: 'The China Basketball Association has refused to give Chandler Wilson a letter of clearance to play immediately in NBA', sources tell Yahoo! [...] 'Chandler will file an appeal and a source believes resolution is possible within next week'. 'Still, no one is sure how soon this plays out. [...] One source in process tells Y! he believes there's a good chance an LOC will be obtained in coming week'. For now Denver has to wait.

Courtesy of www.slamonline.com

Kobe Bryant suffers nasal fracture - by Eurobasket News
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) suffered a nasal fracture during the Western Conference's 152-149 win over the East on Sunday night, the team announced on its website.

Bryant was bloodied by a hard foul from Miami's Dwyane Wade and stayed in the game, but he left to be evaluated afterward. A CT scan revealed a broken nose.

He was expected to be examined and re-evaluated by ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. John Rehm on Monday when he returns to Los Angeles.

During the game, Bryant surpassed Michael Jordan as the NBA All-Star Game's greatest scorer, breaking Jordan's record of 262 points on a dunk with 4:57 left in the third quarter. Bryant ended the night with 27 points and now has 271 for his career. He passed Oscar Robertson (246 points) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (251) earlier in the game.

Courtesy of ESPN

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


Rainmen drench Kebs - by Eurobasket News
The Halifax Rainmen delivered a resounding message Sunday afternoon in Quebec City.

The Rainmen dismantled the Quebec Kebs 127-75 in a record-setting effort that lifted them into a second-place tie with the Kebs and put them in the drivers seat to secure home-court advantage for the first round of the National Basketball League of Canada playoffs.

Lawrence Wright (6'5''-F-84, college: Bradley) scored 22 points and the Rainmen obliterated the NBL mark for largest margin of victory to sweep a weekend series with Quebec in a preview of their best-of-three semifinal. The Rainmen nipped the Kebs 101-98 on Friday night at the Metro Centre.

'Our defence was just amazing today,' said Wright, who also snagged a game-high 10 boards. 'We frustrated them and I think this game is the best game defensive-wise weve had all year.'

He wasnt exaggerating. Halifax set a franchise record for fewest points allowed in a game while holding the Kebs to 29 per cent shooting from the floor. The Rainmen also established a season best by limiting Quebec to 29 first-half points.

The win snapped the Rainmens six-game road losing skid and left their fate completely in their own hands, since the Kebs (22-13) have only one game remaining, on Thursday in London against the league-leading Lightning.

The Rainmen (21-12) are in Moncton tonight to play the Miracles, return home to entertain Moncton on Thursday night and travel to Saint John next Sunday to meet the fourth-place Mill Rats in the leagues regular-season finale.

Since the Rainmen beat the Kebs 5-1 in their season series, they hold the tiebreaker should the two clubs finish with identical records. That means Halifax would clinch second place with one more win should Quebec lose in London, where the Kebs are 0-2 this season. If the Kebs beat the Lightning, Halifax would need to win at least

two of its remaining three to secure second spot.

'Weve got some pretty tough games but were gonna come out and play as hard as we can and I think well be able to clinch that No. 2 spot,' Wright said.

'Home-court advantage is always important, especially in the playoffs, just having the crowd behind you and especially for us since the only team weve lost to at home is London.'

Halifax is 15-2 at the Metro Centre and beat the Kebs in all three meetings there this season but is only 6-10 on the road. Quebec finishes 14-4 at home, is 8-9 on the road and beat the Rainmen just once in three tries in Quebec City.

That lone victory, 103-80 on Feb. 3, represented Halifaxs worst loss of the year, giving the Rainmen plenty of motivation if they needed any Sunday afternoon.

The two teams traded just a pair of baskets each in the first 3 minutes. But Wrights deuce to break the 4-4 draw got the visitors off and running.

By the end of the quarter, theyd orchestrated a pair of 11-0 runs to open up a 35-13 lead, punctuated by Taliek Browns buzzer-beating runner from far beyond the arc.

They bounded into the locker-room at halftime with a 63-29 advantage over the shell-shocked Kebs, whose top-rated defence entered the game yielding only 95.1 points per outing.

Tyrone Levett (6'5''-F-80, college: Alabama St.) trey with 1:25 left in the third put Halifax in front 98-51 and Darnell Hugee sank a turnaround baseline jumper as the quarter ended to get the Rainmen to the century mark at 100-51.

Levett finished with 18 points while Joey Haywood (6'1''-G-84) netted 15, Chris Hagan 14, Bryan McCullough 11 and Richard Anderson 10. Brown added nine points to go along with 10 of Halifaxs season-high 34 assists.

Carl Krauser (6'1''-G-81, college: Pittsburgh) topped Quebec with 14.

The 52-point win shattered the old mark for largest point spread set by London on Tuesday in a 119-84 thrashing of the Miracles.

'I think it always makes a statement when you beat a team by so much,' Wright said. 'Going into the playoffs were 5-1 (against Quebec) and mentally thats gonna hurt them, but for us were still gonna treat it like its our first game against them.'

Courtesy of http://thechronicleherald.ca

NBLC Standings
NBL Canada Standings
 1. London L. 26-8
 2. Quebec K. 22-13
 3. Halifax R. 21-12
 4. St.John M.R. 16-18
 5. Oshawa P. 14-20
 6. Summerside S. 12-22
 7. Moncton M. 8-26


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


Miami center Johnson ruled ineligible by 'Canes - by Eurobasket News
Miami center Reggie Johnson (6'10''-C-89) has been declared ineligible by the Hurricanes after an investigation revealed that members of his family took impermissible travel benefits that the university said came from a member of former coach Frank Haith's staff.

The Hurricanes said Johnson was not aware of the benefits and personally received nothing. Miami has asked the NCAA for a speedy decision on whether Johnson can be reinstated.

'The University of Miami ... is seeking his immediate reinstatement,' read a statement distributed by school officials about an hour before tipoff of the Hurricanes' game against No. 15 Florida State. Miami - which is on the NCAA bubble - beat the Seminoles 78-62, certainly helping its postseason resume.

The NCAA could issue its decision about Johnson's eligibility at any time. Miami (17-10, 8-6 Atlantic Coast Conference) has its final two regular-season games this coming week, at North Carolina State on Wednesday and then home against Boston College on Saturday.

'It's my understanding Reggie and his family didn't do anything wrong,' Miami coach Jim Larranaga said. 'They didn't know of any impermissible benefit. It was somebody else that did that. Reggie's already paid a dear price, missing this game.'

Johnson was not available for comment. He wrote on his Twitter account after the game, 'Yessirrr good team win.'

Attempts to reach Johnson's family in Winston-Salem, N.C. were unsuccessful. When asked if he was aware which former coaching-staff member provided the alleged benefit, Larranaga said, 'You'll have to talk to someone who's more knowledgeable than I am.'

Raphael Akpejiori started in Johnson's place against the Seminoles, while Johnson took a seat on the bench with his teammates. Johnson has been aware of the investigation for several days, but his teammates were not told that he was declared ineligible until Sunday's pregame shootaround.

Larranaga said he was told on Wednesday that the NCAA wanted to speak with Johnson, and that meeting that took place a day later. The university then declared Johnson ineligible on Friday, though some around the program - including Larranaga himself - hoped the process would be completed before Sunday's game.

Larranaga said Johnson was disappointed, but even with the uncertainty over his future swirling, had strong practices on Friday and Saturday.

'We just told him to keep his head up,' Hurricanes forward Kenny Kadji said.

Johnson is averaging 10.6 points and 6.9 rebounds this season for Miami, which was rocked last summer when allegations made by former booster and convicted Ponzi scheme architect Nevin Shapiro - mostly involving the football program - were unveiled in an article published by Yahoo Sports. Shapiro's claims sparked a department-wide investigation into compliance practices.

Shapiro is not linked to the current situation, which was discovered by the NCAA. The NCAA and the university have been cooperating on a joint investigation for months.

'In the process of the ongoing joint NCAA-UM inquiry, it was discovered that members of Johnson's family received impermissible travel benefits from a member of the former basketball coaching staff,' the university's statement said. 'Johnson was unaware of the benefits and his family was told they were permissible by that member of the former basketball coaching staff.'

A message left for Haith, now the coach at Missouri and a national coach of the year candidate, was not immediately returned. Haith is not named in the university's statement, nor is there any reference to which coach was involving in giving the travel benefits for Johnson's family or what those benefits were.

In matters like this, schools are the ones who typically declare athletes ineligible, then appeal to the NCAA to reinstatement. That was the order of events last fall when members of the Hurricanes' football team were found to have accepted so-called 'extra benefits' such as cash, nightclub access and lavish meals from Shapiro. The NCAA reinstated those players, though many had to serve suspensions that ranged from one (in most cases) to up to six games.

'What I do know is we've got a great group of kids and they have fought through this since basically August,' Larranaga said. 'And to have it come up now is very unfortunate. But you see the quality of their character by how they played today.'

While Shapiro's claims made last August were primarily about football, there was a basketball tie in which he said he paid $10,000 to help ensure that DeQuan Jones signed with the Hurricanes. Shapiro also told Yahoo Sports that Jake Morton, who was on Miami's staff at the time as an assistant coach, was involved with that transaction.

Haith has denied Shapiro's claim repeatedly in recent months.

In November, Miami announced that Jones would sit out the season because of the investigation, but the university changed course in December and said Jones could play, adding that decision was made in consultation with the NCAA.

Johnson missed nine games at the start of the season while recovering from offseason knee surgery.

'It's the game of basketball,' Miami guard Durand Scott said. 'If one person goes down, you can't quit. I'm pretty sure he wanted us to step up. ... He practiced like a champion to prepare us for this game.'

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Scott leads Miami past No. 15 Florida State 78-62 - by Eurobasket News
Miami overcame the loss of a top player and enhanced its NCAA tournament resume.

Durand Scott (6'4''-G-90) scored 17 points and the Hurricanes beat No. 15 Florida State 78-62 on Sunday night, snapping a six-game losing streak to the rival Seminoles.

Miami had lost 11 of 12 against Florida State, which made this victory particularly sweet.

'It's our rivalry game,' Scott said. 'To get a quality win like that, it's great. And I'm sure the rest of the team feels the same way.'

Kenny Kadji (6'11''-F/C-88) added 15 points for the short-handed Hurricanes (17-10, 8-6 Atlantic Coast Conference), who pulled into a tie with Virginia for fourth place in the conference standings.

Miami played without starting center Reggie Johnson (6'10''-C-89), declared ineligible by the school an hour before the game after an investigation revealed members of his family had received benefits not allowed under NCAA rules. According to a statement released by the university, 'Johnson was unaware of the benefits and his family was told they were permissible by a member of the former basketball coaching staff.'

Miami is seeking a quick resolution from the NCAA in an attempt to reinstate Johnson, who is averaging 10.6 points per game.

'It's my understanding that Reggie and his family didn't know of any impermissible benefit,' coach Jim Larranaga said. 'It was somebody else.'

The Hurricanes used Johnson's absence as motivation.

'Just because one person goes down, you just can't quit,' Scott said. 'I'm pretty sure he wanted us to step up and do the things necessary that Coach wants us to win basketball games.'

Michael Snaer scored 20 points to lead third-place Florida State (19-9, 10-4).

The Seminoles rallied from a 59-42 deficit with 5:07 remaining and got within 65-58 on Snaer's two free throws with 2:39 left.

'We just tried to put everything on the line and try to claw our way back,' Snaer said. 'They knew we were going to come back with that type of firepower and aggressiveness on defense.'

Scott, Kadji and Shane Larkin (5'11''-PG-92) each hit two free throws in the next 58 seconds as Miami increased the lead to 71-58. Larkin finished with 13 points.

The Hurricanes expanded a four-point halftime lead and outscored the Seminoles 14-8 in the first 5:15 of the second half. Rion Brown hit the fourth 3-pointer in Miami's early second-half spurt to increase the lead to 38-28.

'We really finished the half strong,' Larranaga said.

Snaer's three-point play with 10:48 left cut it to 44-35 before the Hurricanes responded with consecutive 3-pointers from Trey McKinney-Jones (6'5''-G-90) Jones and Malcolm Grant.

Miami shot 7 of 13 from beyond the arc in the second half.

'I thought in the second half, they got their momentum going with their 3s,' Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton said. 'That kind of gave them confidence and we couldn't get anything going offensively.'

The Hurricanes rallied from an eight-point deficit and took the lead for good with a 13-2 run in the final 4:34 of the first half. Scott scored seven points during the surge and his layup with 22 seconds remaining gave the Hurricanes a 24-20 lead at halftime.

Okaro White scored four points during an 8-0 run for the Seminoles midway through the first half. White's basket with 5:37 remaining capped the spurt and gave Florida State an 18-11 lead.

Miami was held scoreless for a 7:03 stretch until Scott made the second of two free throw attempts with 4:34 left to cut the Seminoles' lead to 18-12.

Courtesy of www.chron.com

Stats Leaders - NCAA1
Points Per Game
 George BEAMON
  Manhattan
  (193-G/F-91)
  Avg: 18.2
 1. Beamon, Manhattan18.2 
 2. Glover, Iona18.1 
 3. Green, Niagara17.5 
 4. Sanders, Fairfield16.7 
 5. Washington, Canisi.16.7 
 6. Lamont, Iona16.2 
 7. Mason, Niagara15.4 
 8. Hymes, Canisius15.3 
 9. Anosike, Siena15.1 
 10. Hymes, Siena14.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 O.D. ANOSIKE
  Siena
  (203-F-91)
  Avg: 12.8
 1. Anosike, Siena12.8 
 2. Glover, Iona9.1 
 3. Sanders, Fairfield8.2 
 4. Etherly, Loyol.7.7 
 5. Manhertz, Canisius7.5 
 6. Kemp, Marist7.3 
 7. Conley, St.Peter''s7.1 
 8. Stewart, Rider6.7 
 9. Penn, Rider6.5 
 10. Heath, Canisius6.3 
Assists Per Game
 Scott MACHADO
  Iona
  (185-G-90)
  Avg: 10.1
 1. Machado, Iona10.1 
 2. Thompson, Rider4.8 
 3. Green, Niagara4.4 
 4. Hymes, Siena3.4 
 5. Needham, Fairfield3.4 
 6. Alvarado, Manha.3.1 
 7. Lamont, Iona3.0 
 8. Downey, Siena3.0 
 9. Andujar, Manhattan2.9 
 10. Ffrench, St.Peter.2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Juanya GREEN
  Niagara
  (190-G-)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Green, Niagara1.8 
 2. Hall, St.Peter''s1.8 
 3. Cormier, Loyol.1.7 
 4. Lewis, Marist1.6 
 5. Machado, Iona1.6 
 6. Jordan, Niagara1.4 
 7. Alvarado, Manha.1.4 
 8. Beamon, Manhattan1.4 
 9. Sanders, Fairfield1.4 
 10. Downey, Siena1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Rhamel BROWN
  Manhattan
  (198-F/C-92)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Brown, Manhattan2.5 
 2. Kemp, Marist2.3 
 3. Olander, Fairfield2.0 
 4. Etherly, Loyol.1.3 
 5. Walker, Loyola, MD1.3 
 6. Conley, St.Peter''s1.2 
 7. Glover, Iona1.2 
 8. Walters, Siena1.2 
 9. Anosike, Siena1.1 
 10. Ferguson, St.Pe.1.0 


Top 25 - Men
TOP25 Standings
 1. Kentucky 10-0 (24-1) 
 2. Syracuse 12-1 (24-1) 
 3. Missouri 10-3 (23-3) 
 4. Kansas 12-2 (22-5) 
 5. Duke 11-1 (22-2) 
 6. Michigan St. 11-1 (23-3) 
 7. N.Carolina 10-2 (21-2) 
 8. Ohio St. 9-4 (21-5) 
 9. Georgetown 9-4 (21-4) 
 10. Marquette 9-3 (19-5) 
 11. Michigan 7-4 (18-7) 
 12. Florida 9-3 (21-6) 
 13. Baylor 9-4 (22-4) 
 14. Murray St. 15-1 (28-1) 
 15. Florida St. 9-3 (18-8) 
 16. Wisconsin 6-6 (17-8) 
 17. Louisville 9-4 (20-7) 
 18. N.Mexico 6-3 (20-5) 
 19. Wichita St. 16-2 (26-4) 
 20. Notre Dame 12-3 (20-8) 
 21. UNLV 8-3 (24-5) 
 22. Temple 10-3 (21-6) 
 23. Indiana 8-5 (21-5) 
 24. San Diego St. 7-4 (21-6) 
 25. Virginia 6-5 (18-6) 


No. 17 Louisville holds on to beat Pitt, 57-54 - by Eurobasket News
There's no one quite as frustrating as Russ Smith (6'0''-G-91) is for Rick Pitino. The coach also realizes it's hard for his Louisville team to win without the frenetic guard.

'I don't mean to do the things that I do sometimes,' said Smith, who was apologizing to Pitino moments after the 17th-ranked Cardinals beat Pittsburgh 57-54 on Sunday. 'I'm not trying to get him upset, so I just want him to know that. I love Coach. I don't want to get him angry, mad at me.'

Smith scored 18 points and Kyle Kuric (6'4''-G/F-89) added 17, but Smith said his play late nearly cost Louisville when he nearly fouled by reaching in on defense in the final minute with the game on the line.

'It's so difficult with him,' Pitino said. 'It really is. I've never known what a nervous breakdown is, but coaching him almost daily I feel like I'm going to have a nervous breakdown.'

With Kuric, there's hardly any worry.

The senior overcame an 0-for-11 performance in Thursday's loss to Cincinnati by hitting his first shot and making a key 3-pointer late. Kuric's bucket as the shot clock expired gave Louisville (22-7, 10-6 Big East) a 53-48 lead with 3:25 left.

'I got it, just had to shoot it and it went in,' Kuric said. 'I wasn't thinking about it. I kept my confidence up like any other game and just not dwell on the fact that I was off (Thursday).'

Pittsburgh (15-14, 4-12) cut the lead to one and had three chances to tie or take the lead in the final minute, but Tray Woodall missed a jumper and senior Ashton Gibbs' shot from just inside halfcourt as time expired missed off the back iron with Smith chasing him.

'It was a good opportunity for us to come back and try and get in the groove and get the W but we fell short,' said Pittsburgh forward J.J. Moore, who scored 16 points. 'We made some flaws on the defensive end and we made some flaws on the offensive end. It just fell through.'

Leading 53-52, Louisville freshman Chane Behanan (6'7''-F-92) had two chances to ice the game. The 60 percent free-throw shooter missed the first in a one-and-one situation, but Woodall missed a jumper and Behanan was fouled with 13 seconds left.

After he hit both, Woodall drove to the hoop, scoring with 5.2 seconds to play. The Panthers fouled Peyton Siva just over a second later and Siva made both to finish with 11 points.

On the final play, Moore found Gibbs, who dribbled just past the halfcourt line and just missed on a good look that would've tied the game.

'We don't have to learn how to win again. We know how to win. We just have to execute a lot of plays,' Moore said. 'We play hard every day. The team knows how to win. We know how to win and we just have to put it out there on the court.'

Smith took over midway through the second half with the Cardinals trailing 38-35. Smith scored nine straight points in the span for Louisville, capping his spurt with a 3-pointer that made it 44-40 with 9:22 left.

'I have no idea what he does out there on the court,' Pitino said. 'He's won about four or five games for us this year, he really has. I live with it. I coached Antoine Walker, I can live with any type of shot.'

On the next possession, Louisville center Gorgui Dieng (6'10''-C-90) blocked a shot and then tipped an inbounds pass to Siva that started a break that Kuric finished with a reverse layup. Pittsburgh's bench was called for a technical foul and Kuric hit the second of two free throws to make it 47-40 with 8:31 left.

Pittsburgh had one more rally and Moore's basket cut it to 50-48, but Dante Taylor missed the front end of a one-and-one with a chance to tie, and Kuric hit a straightaway 3-pointer from 22 feet with the shot clock at 1 to put the Cardinals up 53-48 with 3:25 to go.

'You don't know how big that shot was,' Smith said. 'There's definitely no punch line to that. Once he released it, everybody on the bench was like, 'Please go in' and it went in. We got some breathing room, and that's what we needed.'

Woodall added hit a fadeaway shot over Kuric and Lamar Patterson found Taylor for a dunk with 28 seconds to go that made it 53-52 to set up the final sequence.

The Panthers have been hampered by injuries all season and Woodall (flu, groin), Nasir Robinson (left knee) and Gibbs (left ankle) missed parts of practice this week as the team has slumped following high preseason expectations.

There were brief glimpses of what Pittsburgh could've been, including a six-point spurt to start the second half that gave the Panthers a 30-25 lead, but Louisville answered when Siva hit a tough layup, made the first of two free throws and found Kuric for a 3-pointer to give Louisville a 31-30 lead.

The matchup had the feel of a Sunday pickup game with both sides trying to dribble through the other team's zone looks.

On one possession, Smith nearly lost the ball out of bounds on a pass as Pitino slapped his hands in his knees in disbelief. Passing proved to be a problem for Pittsburgh, too, when the ball from Woodall went right through Gibbs' hands without any pressure at midcourt as the teams combined for 33 turnovers.

'We felt it was a game we should have won and it just got away from us,' Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon said. 'Turnovers were what really hurt us.'

Courtesy of www.chron.com

No. 23 Indiana tops struggling Minnesota 69-50 - by Eurobasket News
Christian Watford (6'9''-F-91) rediscovered his shooting stroke with 12 points for 23rd-ranked Indiana, and the Hoosiers blew out sputtering Minnesota 69-50 on Sunday.

Victor Oladipo (6'5''-G-92) and Jordan Hulls (6'0''-PG) each scored 12 points themselves, and Verdell Jones III (6'5''-G-89) added 11 points off the bench for Indiana (22-7, 9-7 Big Ten), which held the Gophers to a season-low score and went 21 for 25 at the free-throw line.

Austin Hollins (6'4''-G) had 14 points for the Gophers (17-12, 5-11), who lost their fifth straight game. This was the lowest score against the Hoosiers in a conference game this season. They gave up 54 points to Penn State last month.

Courtesy of http://articles.boston.com

Wisconsin edges No. 8 Ohio State 63-60 - by Eurobasket News
Jordan Taylor (6'1''-PG-89) netted 19 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out four assists, and No. 16 Wisconsin edged No. 8 Ohio State, 63-60, in a thriller on Sunday.

Jared Berggren (6'10''-F/C-90) scored 18 points and Ryan Evans (6'6''-G/F) had a double-double with 10 points to go with 10 boards for the Badgers (21-8, 10-6 Big Ten), who bounced back from a one-point loss at Iowa on Thursday.

Deshaun Thomas (6'7''-F-91) led all scorers with 23 points and William Buford contributed 15 points and nine rebounds for the Buckeyes (23-6, 11-5), who have lost two of three. Aaron Craft added 13 points in defeat.

'We've played two very good teams. Today, we needed to have the ability to sustain what we had going, which we didn't do. We didn't get the execution or the defensive stops that we needed,' said Ohio State head coach Thad Matta.

Jared Sullinger (6'9''-F-92), Ohio State's leading scorer averaging 17.2 points per game, was held to eight points.

In a scintillating game that featured 22 lead changes, none was more important than Berrgen's three-pointer, giving the Badgers a 61-59 edge. It was a lead that they did not relinquish.

Down 59-58, Berggren accepted a pass from Taylor just beyond the arc on the left wing and drained his decisive three.

'You always measure people by what it takes to discourage them, if you get discouraged and get frustrated it doesn't help in the game of basketball. Our guys stayed to the task,' Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan said. 'Sometimes the ball bounces a certain way, sometimes it doesn't bounce your way and sometimes it does. We needed to knuckle down and we started to make some shots. The rim looks a little bigger when you can make a couple.'

Prior to that climatic trey, the teams had exchanged the lead an astounding eight times in under three minutes, with neither team leading by more than a single point.

The first came when Wisconsin erased a six-point Ohio State lead with a 7-0 spurt to go ahead 52-51 with 3:47 to play.

Craft responded on the Buckeyes' next possession with a jumper, then Taylor netted two free throws. Thomas had a chance to put Ohio State up two with the and-one free throw after a layup, but could not convert the freebie.

Berggren promptly slammed home a dunk to put Wisconsin on top, but Craft once again responded with a layup on the other end.

After rare pointless possessions by both squads, Taylor dropped in another two free throws with 1:03 remaining to play.

Sullinger followed with a layup to give Ohio State its final lead of the night.

The Badgers were held to just 39.3 percent (11-of-28) shooting from the field in the first half while the Buckeyes posted a 54.5 percent mark (12-of-22), but 10 Ohio State turnovers gave Wisconsin an opportunity to keep it close. The game was tied at 29 at halftime.

Courtesy of www.chicagotribune.com

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


2012 NBL teams - by Hugh McAuliffe
Harbour Heat
Justin Bailey (188-G-77, college: Hartford), Zack Atkinson (206-F/C-86, college: Cal-Irvine), Kevin Smith (196-F-79, college: Lee), Isaac Fotu (198-F-94), Reuben Te Rangi (193-F-94), Marco Alexander (185-G-91), Brad Anderson (190-G-92), Marty Davidson (177-G-89), Inga Solufuti, Charlie Piho (194-F-85, college: Brewton Parker), Cam Stuart (196-F-87, college: Cumberlands), James Ashby (185-G-93), Zac Fitzgerald, Ana Haku, Stefan Mandic (179-G-92), Mike Done.

Auckland Pirates
Lindsay Tait (192-G-82), Alex Pledger (213-C-87, college: Belm.Abbey), Hayden Allen (187-G-79), Ismail Muhammad (198-F-83, college: Georgia Tech), Tyler Newbold (196-G-86, college: Utah St.), Duane Bailey (197-F-91), Dillon Boucher (196-F-75), Houston O'Riley (183-G-88), Brook Ruscoe (189-G-90), Nick Barrow (203-F-92).

Taranaki Mountain Airs
Darryl Hudson (196-G-85, college: Howard), Christopher Daniel (197-G/F-85), Damon Rampton (203-F-76, college: Morningside), Che Yandle (191-G/F-77), Drew Green, Aaron Bailey-Nowell (196-G/F-81), Link Abrams (195-F-73), Mada Abdelhamid (197-F-87, college: San Diego Chr.), Eli Paurini (189-G-84), Xavier Shaw (198-F-92), Jack Leasure (191-G-86, college: Co.Carolina).

HBS Bank Hawks
Kareem Johnson (205-C-80, college: Cincinnati), Everard Bartlett (198-G-86), Alonzo Burton, Jarrod Kenny (188-G-85), Paora Winitana (196-G-76), Galen Young (198-F-75, college: Charlotte), Ben Hill (200-F-79), Aidan Daly (185-G-78), Morgan Natanahira (198-F/G-91), Ezra Nikora.

Manawatu Jets
Josh Pace (198-G/F-83, college: Syracuse), Dustin Mitchell (206-F/C, college: WiscKing.-Whitew.), Zane Meehl (191-PG-86, college: Mid-Continent), Ian O'Boyle (191-G-84, agency: JEMsports, college: NJIT), Zeke Meehl (181-PG-88), Nick Horvath (208-F/C-81, college: Duke), Mike Homik (204-F-78, college: Idaho Coll.), Jeremiah Trueman (206-F/C-87, college: Alaska-Anch.), Matt Te Huna (193-G-83), Kaine Hokianga (192-G-81), Miles Pearce (205-C-78).

Wellington Saints
Jason Crowe (193-G-76, college: CS Northridge), Arthur Trousdell (203-F/C-81, college: Cameron), Anthony Gurley (192-G-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Massachusetts), Martin Iti (213-C-83, college: N.Mexico St.), Damien Ekenasio (193-G-81), Ross Taurima (187-G-87), Casey Frank (203-F-77, college: N.Arizona), Troy McLean (193-G-79), Jordan Mills (188-G-89).

Fico Finance Nelson Giants
Pete Campbell (201-F-84, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Butler), Michael Harrison (206-F/C-84, agency: Interperformances), Gareth Dawson (206-C/F-89), Phill Jones (196-G-74), Mika Vukona (198-F-82), Joshua Bloxham (184-G-90), Darryl Jones (193-G/F-85), Michael Karena (205-F/C-93), Samuel Dempster (192-G/F-90), Aaron Dempster (G), Ben Wright (181-G-87), Bronson Beri (204-F-89).

OceanaGold Nuggets
Mark Dickel (188-G-76, college: UNLV), Benny Anthony (198-F-88), Leon Henry (200-F/G-85, college: S.Idaho JC), Akeem Wright (200-F/G-84, college: Kansas St.), Antoine Tisby (205-F-83, college: S.Carolina), Riki Buckrell (192-G-90), James Ross (188-G-89), Sam King (199-F-91), Matt Trueman (198-F), Hayden Miller (188-G).

Zero Fees Southland Sharks
Craig Bradshaw (208-F/C-83, college: Winthrop), Larry Abney (203-F-77, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Fresno St.), Dion Prewster (195-G/F-91, college: SF Austin), Jimmy Todd (197-F-87), Shaun Tilby (185-G-81), Kevin Braswell (188-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgetown), James Paringatai (202-F-86), Dan Peck (196-G/F-88), Paratene McLeod (190-G-91).



*****************************************************
  NIGERIA   


Panteras de Miranda adds Oguchi to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Panteras de Miranda agreed terms with 26-year old Nigerian ex-international guard Chamberlain Oguchi (198-G-86, college: Illinois St.). In his first game he scored 10 points and added 3 assists. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Trotamundos 79-82. Oguchi played most recently at Duhok (Iraq). While playing 4 games for Duhok this season he averaged 20.5ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.8apg and 1.3spg. Oguchi is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in France, Iraq, Lebanon, Philippines and Nigeria. Oguchi graduated Illinois State University in 2009 and it will be his third season in pro basketball. Oguchi played for Nigerian senior national until 2009.

By Eurobasket Data Center

*****************************************************
  NORWAY   


BLNO Round 19: Langhus IL is defeated by Centrum in a derby game - by Eurobasket News
The teams have now bigger motivation at this stage of Regular Season. Every game can be crucial and decide about teams' position at the end of Regular Season. Host teams show no mercy winning all games.

The most exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Oslo: Centrum (#4) and Langhus IL (#8). Centrum (12-8) won against visiting Langhus IL (0-19) 76-72. The hosts trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 21-13 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Centrum outrebounded Langhus IL 41-29 including a 30-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by Langhus IL helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for American-German forward Marco Sanders (202-79, college: Point Park) who led his team to a victory scoring 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. The former international forward Frank Nyborg (197-83) helped adding 14 points and 7 rebounds. At the losing side American point guard Terrance Randolph (180-71, college: Va Intermont) responded with 15 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Centrum have a solid series of four victories in a row. Newly promoted Centrum maintains fourth place with 12-8 record. Langhus IL at the other side, also newcomer in the league, still closes the standings. Centrum will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Langhus IL's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Oslo Ammerud Bskt.
BLNO top team - Froya Basket (15-2) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed seventh ranked Ammerud Bskt (2-18) in Laksevag 108-57. It was a quality performance for guard Ali Ouakkaha (185-90) who led the winners and scored 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Miilah Kombat accounted for 15 points and 12 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Swedish forward Elias Westerlund (197-88) came up with 24 points and 4 steals for Ammerud Bskt in the defeat. Froya Basket have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 15-2 record. Ammerud Bskt lost tenth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 18 games lost. Froya Basket will play against Gimle BBK (#6) in Bergen in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Ammerud Bskt's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Oslo to the arena Langhus IL.

In the last two games of round 19 Ammerud Bskt was destroyed by Gimle BBK on the opponent's court 77-53. Baerum Basket managed to outperform Gimle BBK in a home game 83-78.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 21 points and 14 rebounds by Parnell Smith of Gimle BBK.


Centrum - Langhus 76-72

The most exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Oslo: Centrum (#4) and Langhus IL (#8). Centrum (12-8) won against visiting Langhus IL (0-19) 76-72. The hosts trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 21-13 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Centrum outrebounded Langhus IL 41-29 including a 30-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by Langhus IL helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for American-German forward Marco Sanders (202-79, college: Point Park) who led his team to a victory scoring 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. The former international forward Frank Nyborg (197-83) helped adding 14 points and 7 rebounds. At the losing side American point guard Terrance Randolph (180-71, college: Va Intermont) responded with 15 points and 6 rebounds and guard David Crouch (-86) scored 13 points and 9 rebounds. Four Langhus IL players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Centrum have a solid series of four victories in a row. Newly promoted Centrum maintains fourth place with 12-8 record. Langhus IL at the other side, also newcomer in the league, still closes the standings. Centrum will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Langhus IL's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Oslo Ammerud Bskt.
Top scorers:
Centrum: M.Sanders 21+6reb+6ast, F.Nyborg 14+7reb+1ast, J.Kristian Jespersen 11+3reb+1ast, I.Petter Brodahl 8+4reb, L.Jaeger Torkildsen 7+10reb+2ast, B.Aunan 6+2reb+1ast
Langhus: O.Egeland 16+3reb+1ast, T.Randolph 15+6reb+2ast, D.Crouch 13+9reb, G.Klubnes 12+4reb, J.Stian Olsen 8+1reb+3ast, B.Andersen 4+1reb+1ast
gschID: 167008


Gimle BBK - Ammerud Bskt 77-53

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 7th ranked Ammerud Bskt's (2-18) road loss to sixth ranked Gimle BBK (9-10) 53-77. The game was mostly controlled by Gimle BBK. Ammerud Bskt was better in fourth quarter 17-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Gimle BBK forced 29 Ammerud Bskt turnovers and outrebounded them 44-33 including a 19-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Parnell Smith (200-84, college: Buffalo) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 14 rebounds. Serbian guard Mladen Pavlovic (193-89) accounted for 16 points and 4 assists for the winning side. Four Gimle BBK players scored in double figures. Swedish forward Elias Westerlund (197-88) came up with 20 points and 7 rebounds and the former international guard Orji Okoroafor (187-80) added 6 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for Ammerud Bskt in the defeat. Gimle BBK maintains sixth place with 9-10 record. Ammerud Bskt lost tenth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 18 games lost. Gimle BBK will play against league's leader Froya Basket in Laksevag in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Ammerud Bskt's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Oslo to the arena Langhus IL.
Top scorers:
Gimle BBK: P.Smith 21+14reb+2ast, M.Pavlovic 16+3reb+4ast, A.Stien 14+2reb+3ast, D.Hammer 11+10reb, F.Gnatt 6+4reb+1ast, S.Otabor 4+1reb+1ast
Ammerud Bskt: E.Westerlund 20+7reb+1ast, S.Wroldsen 8+1reb+1ast, O.Okoroafor 6+9reb+5ast, Z.Mahojlovic 6+2reb, R.Knight 6+3reb, M.Bryn 5+4reb
gschID: 167005


Baerum Basket - Gimle BBK 83-78

Rather predictable result in Bekkestua where third ranked Baerum Basket (12-5) defeated 6th ranked Gimle BBK (9-10) 83-78. The hosts were already 12 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 20-13 Gimle BBK's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 83-78 at the end of the game. Baerum Basket made 18-of-23 charity shots (78.3 percent) during the game. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Ryan Ferranti (196, college: Rollins) who led the winners and scored 23 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Stian Mjos (182-89) accounted for 21 points, 5 assists and 4 steals for the winning side. Four Baerum Basket players scored in double figures. American forward Parnell Smith (200-84, college: Buffalo) came up with a double-double by scoring 27 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) and guard Frederik Gnatt (193-84) added 11 points respectively for Gimle BBK in the defeat. Baerum Basket maintains third place with 12-5 record having just three points less than leader Froya Basket. Gimle BBK at the other side keeps the sixth position with ten games lost. Baerum Basket will play against league's second-placed Asker Aliens on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gimle BBK will play against the league's leader Froya Basket (#1) in Laksevag and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Baerum Basket: R.Ferranti 23+8reb+3ast, S.Mjos 21+4reb+5ast, T.Mjos 20+5reb+2ast, F.Sjostrom 11+6reb+1ast, O.Fritzen 6+5reb+1ast, C.Elgmork 2+2ast
Gimle BBK: P.Smith 27+10reb+4ast, F.Gnatt 11+4reb+3ast, A.Stien 10+6reb+2ast, D.Berg 8+4reb+1ast, M.Pavlovic 6+1ast, S.de Lange 5+2reb+1ast
gschID: 167006


Froya Basket - Ammerud Bskt 108-57

BLNO top team - Froya Basket (15-2) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed seventh ranked Ammerud Bskt (2-18) in Laksevag 108-57. The game without a history. Froya Basket led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to Ammerud Bskt's 36 and made 22-of-29 charity shots (75.9 percent) during the game, while Ammerud Bskt only scored six points from the stripe. Froya Basket forced 28 Ammerud Bskt turnovers and outrebounded them 42-19 including a 29-12 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a quality performance for guard Ali Ouakkaha (185-90) who led the winners and scored 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). The former international forward Miilah Kombat (200-88, college: N.Idaho JC) accounted for 15 points and 12 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winning side. Five Froya Basket players scored in double figures. Swedish forward Elias Westerlund (197-88) came up with 24 points and 4 steals and the former international guard Orji Okoroafor (187-80) added 10 points respectively for Ammerud Bskt in the defeat. Froya Basket have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 15-2 record. Ammerud Bskt lost tenth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 18 games lost. Froya Basket will play against Gimle BBK (#6) in Bergen in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Ammerud Bskt's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Oslo to the arena Langhus IL.
Top scorers:
Froya Basket: A.Ouakkaha 19+6reb+5ast, C.Ndow 18+4reb+1ast, N.Phillip 16+5reb, M.Kombat 15+12reb, E.Gabrans 13+5reb+8ast, K.Otabor 11+1reb+1ast
Ammerud Bskt: E.Westerlund 24+4reb, O.Okoroafor 10+3reb+1ast, S.Wroldsen 6+2reb+2ast, R.Knight 6+3reb, M.Bryn 6+2reb+1ast, Z.Mahojlovic 5
gschID: 167007




Standings - BLNO
BLNO Standings
 1. Froya Basket 15-2 
 2. Asker Aliens 14-5 
 3. Baerum Basket 12-5 
 4. Centrum 12-8 
 5. Tromso 10-7 
 6. Gimle BBK 9-10 
 7. Ammerud Bskt 2-18 
 8. Langhus 0-19 


BLNO Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Stian MJOS
  Baerum B.
  (182-G-89)
  Avg: 22.4
 1. Mjos, Baerum B.22.4 
 2. Lee-Ingram, Asker22.3 
 3. Karlsen, Centrum20.6 
 4. Land, Asker Aliens20.6 
 5. Westerlund, Ammeru.19.8 
 6. Smith, Gimle BBK18.2 
 7. Wallace, Tromso18.0 
 8. Kombat, Froya B.17.3 
 9. Oatis, Baerum B.16.1 
 10. Ferranti, Baerum15.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Anthony LEE-INGRAM
  Asker A.
  (198-F-)
  Avg: 12.4
 1. Lee-Ingram, Asker12.4 
 2. Oatis, Baerum B.9.5 
 3. Smith, Gimle BBK9.3 
 4. Karlsen, Centrum8.9 
 5. Bullock, Froya B.8.8 
 6. Byerson, Tromso8.6 
 7. Land, Asker Aliens8.6 
 8. Kombat, Froya B.7.9 
 9. Ferranti, Baerum B.7.8 
 10. Wallace, Tromso7.2 
Assists Per Game
 Stian MJOS
  Baerum B.
  (182-G-89)
  Avg: 4.8
 1. Mjos, Baerum B.4.8 
 2. Mahnin, Centrum4.4 
 3. Stien, Asker Aliens4.2 
 4. Gabrans, Froya B.4.1 
 5. Issalhi, Tromso4.1 
 6. Randolph, Langhus3.7 
 7. Byerson, Tromso3.7 
 8. Midtvedt, Asker A.3.4 
 9. Stien, Gimle BBK3.4 
 10. Mjos, Baerum B.3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Ryan FERRANTI
  Baerum B.
  (196-F-)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Ferranti, Baerum B.2.3 
 2. Mjos, Baerum B.2.3 
 3. Bullock, Froya B.2.2 
 4. Silavs, Froya B.2.1 
 5. Pavlovic, Gimle B.2.1 
 6. Issalhi, Tromso2.1 
 7. Gabrans, Froya B.1.9 
 8. Sahlertz, Tromso1.8 
 9. Byerson, Tromso1.7 
 10. Crouch, Langhus1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Donald OATIS
  Baerum B.
  (206-F/C-79)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Oatis, Baerum B.3.3 
 2. Sjostrom, Baerum B.1.2 
 3. Byerson, Tromso1.1 
 4. Nyborg, Centrum0.9 
 5. Hagen, Ammerud0.8 
 6. Karlsen, Centrum0.7 
 7. Bryn, Ammerud Bskt0.7 
 8. Lee-Ingram, Asker0.7 
 9. Bullock, Froya B.0.6 
 10. Hammer, Gimle BBK0.5 


*****************************************************
  PBL   


Standings
PBL Standings
Central Division
 1. Cent.Illinois D. 14-0 
 2. Sauk Valley P. 7-5 
 3. Chicago M. 6-6 
 4. St. Louis P. 2-8 
 5. Indiana D. 2-9 
Eastern Division
 1. Rochester R. 12-1 
 2. Scranton/W-B 5-6 
 3. Dayton A.S. 4-6 
 4. Lake Michigan 0-8 


Latest games with stats - by Eurobasket News
Group Central
St. Louis P. - Cent.Illinois D. 80-93
The Central Illinois Drive, presented by Sonic, beat the St. Louis Phoenix 93-80 Sunday afternoon on the road. With the win the Drive move to 14-0. Perry Petty (6'1''-G-88, agency: SDJ Sports, college: UTPA) led the Drive with 21 points. It was his second 20+ point performance of the week. On Thursday he had 27 points at Chicago. Rodney Edgerson had 20 points and Jemal Farmer had 15.The team shot 50.7% overall and went 6 for 19 from three-point range. The Drive hit 17 of 26 free throws. Central Illinois got out to a 17-10 lead in the 1st quarter. They extended the lead in the 2nd with a quarter score of 33-25. They were up 50-35 at halftime. The Phoenix outscored the Drive 26-22 in the 3rd but Central Illinois still led 72-61. The Drive led the 4th quarter scoring 21-19 and took home the win to wrap up the road trip. With the win the Drive are one win away from the Central Conference regular season title. They have a record of 14-0 while second place Sauk Valley is 7-5 and third place Chicago is 6-6. If the Drive were to only win one more game and Sauk Valley won the rest of their games, then they would both stand at 15-5. Because the Drive have already claimed the season series with Sauk Valley (3-0) the Drive hold the tie breaker. Chicago would only go to 14-6 if they won out. Also the Drive will be playing Sauk Valley next Sunday at 3:05 pm at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. So they will have the chance to claim the conference title at home against the second place team. Their fate is in their hands. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Chicago M. - Cent.Illinois D. 82-109
Matt Salley (6'7''-F-86, college: Bradley) made 10 of his 11 shots, scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Central Illinois Drive to their 13th straight win, 109-82 over the Chicago Muscle. The Drive remained undefeated in their first year in the Premier Basketball League with their second Windy City win in a row. Perry Petty was 9-of-10 from the free-throw line and scored 17 points and Mike Malat scored 14 for CID, which started the fourth quarter on a 21-4 run. *Courtesy of www.pjstar.com

Sauk Valley P. - St. Louis P. 103-94
If the rest of Jereme Richmond (6'8''-F, college: Illinois) 's playing days with the Sauk Valley Predators are anything like his debut, owners Brad and Leah Grenoble got themselves a steal. The once highly touted University of Illinois forward had 23 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and two steals in his first semi-pro basketball game on Saturday night, leading the Predators to a 103-94 victory over the St. Louis Phoenix in front of a packed house at Musgrove Fieldhouse. 'I'm just glad to be back playing again,' said Richmond, who sat out of organized basketball for nearly a full calendar year after leaving the Illini following last season. 'These guys are professionals, and they did a great job of getting me in the right position to score the basketball. We took control of the game and played with the same energy in the fourth quarter as we did in the first.' The Predators (7-5) started off slowly, missing several open shots and playing to a 24-24 tie after the first quarter. But after missing 14 of its 24 shots in the first 12 minutes, Sauk Valley warmed up, hitting 30 of its final 55 field-goal attempts and sinking 21 of its 28 free throws. 'We were a lot more efficient [after the first quarter],' point guard Herman Favors (5'9''-G-84, college: Georgia St.) said. 'We were aggressive, our open guys took the open shots, and we didn't let their defense reset once we got them out of position. We played well in transition and in the half court, and we didn't really ever miss a beat tonight.' No longer with the services of their top two scorers in Desmond Holloway and Justin Tubbs, both of whom left the team in the past two weeks to play overseas to play in Europe, the Predators still found a way to hit on all cylinders. Tied at 28-all early in the second quarter, Sauk Valley went on a 16-5 run to take a 44-33 lead with 4:42 to go before halftime. Richmond's jumper and Quin Humphrey's dunk on an offensive rebound sparked the spurt, and Carlton Fay's 3-pointer following back-to-back wide-open buckets from Favors and Mike Rose closed it out. Richmond's tough turnaround jumper on the right baseline pushed the lead to seven (52-45) at halftime. The Phoenix (2-7) cut the deficit to 10 early in the third qurter, but Rose's back-door cut and Jeremiah Box's three-point play on an alley-oop from Favors got the margin back to 17 (70-53). Richmond brought the house down midway through the third, nabbing a steal and finding Favors in the open court. Richmond sprinted down the floor and got the return pass from Favors in the form of an alley-oop dunk for 76-58 lead with 4:51 left in the quarter. 'His basketball IQ is very high,' Favors said of Richmond, 'and he's just a great young fella with great game. He came in here and wanted to fit in, and he played a fantastic game tonight.' Antwon Harris (12 points) gave the Predators their biggest lead at 87-68, starting the fourth quarter off with dunks on back-to-back possessions. Sauk Valley then did just enough to keep the lead from slipping away, slowing down the offense and working the clock for the final 11 minutes. Favors had two pretty drives to the basket, Richmond scored a layup and another dunk, and Rose (14 points, 6 rebounds) and Fay also scored inside to keep the Phoenix at arm's length. Favors (24 points, 10 assists) and Fay (20 points, 11 rebounds) joined Richmond with double-doubles of their own, and eight of the nine Predators who played in the game scored. Sauk Valley shot 50.6 percent from the field for the game, and limited St. Louis to 41.5 percent (34-for-82) - including 12 percent (3-for-25) from 3-point range. 'We all moved well tonight, on both ends of the court,' Fay said. 'We're all pretty good shooters, and we had plenty of guys get good shots and make them. We also played tough defense, and when we put those things together, we're going to win most of the time.' As for Richmond, the 2010 Illinois Mr. Basketball and McDonald's All-American is as happy to be playing for the Predators as his teammates - and coaches - are to have him. 'He's picked up this offense like he's been playing it all his life,' Predators coach Kevin Keathley said. 'The guys all said they were OK with bringing him in, and he's done everything I've asked and been a real likable teammate frmo the get-go. You couldn't ask for a better night for him or this team.' 'It was a good night tonight, and I'm looking forward to the next game,' Richmond said. 'I know I've got a lot to learn still, and I've got to get my conditioning back, but these guys here are going to make me a better player - and hopefully I can help them win some games.' *Courtesy of www.saukvalley.com

Group Eastern
Chicago M. - Cent.Illinois D. 103-113
The Central Illinois Drive, presented by Sonic, moved to 12-0 with after a 113-103 victory over the Chicago Muscle on the road Thursday night. The Drive pulled out the win even though they blew a 16 point lead in the final quarter. Perry Petty led the team with 27 points. He made 4 of 7 three-point baskets and had 6 rebounds. Todd Peterson (6'8''-F-84, college: N.Illinois) had 21 points and made 6 of 11 three-pointers. The Drive shot 51.32%. They made 15 of 31 three-point shots and 21 of 31 free throws. Central Illinois came out offensively in the 1st and quickly doubled up the Muscle 21-11. It was obvious that the team was on their game. Todd Peterson led the attack with 10 points in the quarter. The Drive led 31-22 at the end of the 1st quarter. The 2nd quarter was more balanced as the Drive only outscored Chicago 29-26. The Muscle had not contained the Drive much better than in the 1st but they were able to keep up offensively. At half time the Drive led 60-48. Perry Petty had 16 points. Josh Edmonds (6'5''-G-88, college: Quincy) was on his way to a nice game with 12 points. He would finish with 17 points. The 3rd quarter was much like the 2nd. The Muscle were once again not able to slow the offense of Central Illinois, but they were able to keep up and stay in the game. Chicago outscored the Drive 32-31 in the quarter. The Drive led 91-80 entering the final quarter of play. In the 4th the Muscle came out firing with a 14-2 run, erasing their deficit and giving Chicago a 94-93 lead. The Drive were able to go on a 7-2 run of their own and get their feet back under them. Central Illinois got the lead back and took home the win despite the late scare. *Courtesy of www.drivehoops.com

Scranton/W-B - Lake Michigan 137-124
Scranton Wilkes-Barre staged a second-half comeback to beat Lake Michigan 137-124 at Lakawanna College, Friday. The win evened the Steamers record at 5-5 and kept the Admirals winless at 0-8. The Steamers were down by as many as 21 points in the first quarter before Rob Robinson ignited Scranton, scoring 11 of his game high 24 points in the second. The Steamers added four three-pointers on top of Robinson's effort and trailed 69-65 at halftime. There were nine lead changes in the third quarter before Scranton used a 12-3 run to end the quarter with a 102-92 lead. Scranton outscored the Admirals 35-32 in the fourth quarter behind Kyle Robbins and Lionell Armstead. Lake Michigan was playing without its two leading scorers, Rodney Alexander and Florentino Vallencia. Alexander is now playing in Europe and Vallencia is headed to Puerto Rico. Romain Martin (6'3''-G-88, college: E.Illinois) led the Admirals with 23 points, Ogdra Bobo 19 and Tyc Snow with 18. Colby Batiste had 11, Courtney Blackmore and Shagari Alleyne followed with 10 points. The Admirals shot 50.52% from the field and 73.68% from the line. Scranton poured in 78 points in the paint, compared with Lake Michigan's 50 and outrebounded the Admirals 48-37. Vincent Simpson had 21 points, Tyler Bullock (6'2''-G-88, college: Nebraska-Omaha) and Chris Commons 17 and Armstead added 16. Robinson's 12 rebounds earned him a double-double on the night. The Admirals face the league-leading RazorSharks March 1 in Rochester before returning home March 3 and 4th against the Steamers. *Courtesy of www.lakemichiganadmirals.com

Rochester R. - Scranton/W-B 117-110 OT
Once again, it wasn't the outcome the Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre Steamers wanted against the Rochester RazorSharks. After a ferocious fourth-quarter run erased what was once a 15-point, second-half RazorSharks' lead, the Steamers lost, 117-110, after their offense sputtered in overtime in front of more than 3,000 in Rochester on Saturday. It was the fourth time the Eastern Division-leading RazorSharks (12-1) have beaten the Steamers (5-6) in four tries this season. 'We've got to figure out what we're going to do against them,' Steamers co-coach Dennis Mishko said. Trailing by eight points to begin the fourth quarter, the Steamers chipped away and eventually tied the game, 91-91, on a 3-pointer from guard Vincent Simpson (6'1''-G-88, college: Hampton) with a little more than 5:30 remaining. With the game still tied, Simpson pulled up in transition to hit another 3 and give the Steamers' a 97-94 lead with 3:21 left. The Steamers held onto the lead until the RazorSharks' Tasheed Carr sank four free throws over the final 48.1 seconds to send the game into overtime. With Rob Robinson, Chris Commons and Matt Gorman all on the bench after fouling out, the Steamers were unable to keep up with the RazorSharks in overtime, being outscored, 16-9 in the period. 'We showed so much character,' Mishko said. 'We hung in there. Hard to win when it comes to overtime and you don't have your guns out on the court.' Again, it was the Steamers' bench who kept the team in the game. Led by guard Tyler Bullock's 14 points, the Steamers' reserves outscored their Rochester counterparts, 47-27. 'Our guys off the bench played special again,' Mishko said. 'Yeoman work on the boards, pressure defense - they're the ones keeping us in games.' Simpson finished with a game-high 26 points, leading six Steamers' players in double figures. Jamaal Davis' (6'10''-F-79, college: Cincinnati) 22 points, and Aaron Williams' 19 helped the RazorSharks to a 70-56 points-in-the-paint advantage. *Courtesy of http://thetimes-tribune.com



Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Desmond HOLLOWAY
  Sauk V.
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 27.1
 1. Holloway, Sauk V.27.1 
 2. Collins, Z*Char.23.3 
 3. Simpson, Scranton.21.7 
 4. Favors, Sauk V.21.3 
 5. Valencia, Lake M.21.1 
 6. Armstead, Z*Char.20.5 
 7. Goldsberry, Z*Char.19.8 
 8. Radcliff, Indiana19.1 
 9. Tubbs, Sauk V.19.0 
 10. Commons, Scranto.18.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Billy PETTIFORD
  India.
  (201-F-)
  Avg: 12.2
 1. Pettiford, India.12.2 
 2. Robinson, Scranton.11.4 
 3. Hill, Chicago M.10.3 
 4. Valencia, Lake M.10.0 
 5. Fay, Sauk Valley P.9.9 
 6. Davis, Rochester R.8.8 
 7. Harris, Sauk V.8.4 
 8. Holloway, Sauk V.8.4 
 9. Hill, St. Louis P.7.6 
 10. Walton, Rocheste.7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Vince GOLDSBERRY
  Z*Char.
  (182-PG-89)
  Avg: 10.8
 1. Goldsberry, Z*Char.10.8 
 2. Favors, Sauk V.8.3 
 3. Simpson, Scranton.7.0 
 4. Ruffin, Cent.I.5.3 
 5. Smith, Dayton A.S.5.0 
 6. Petty, Cent.Ill.4.9 
 7. Snow, Lake M.4.3 
 8. Crouch, Rocheste.4.3 
 9. Anderson, Chica.4.2 
 10. Council, Rocheste.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Marcel ANDERSON
  Chica.
  (175-PG-86)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Anderson, Chica.2.1 
 2. Holloway, Sauk V.2.0 
 3. Snow, Lake M.1.8 
 4. Polk, St. Louis P.1.6 
 5. Smith, Dayton A.S.1.6 
 6. Collins, Z*Char.1.5 
 7. Blackmore, Lake M.1.4 
 8. Bobo, Lake M.1.4 
 9. Livas, Chicago M.1.3 
 10. Robinson, Scranto.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Shagari ALLEYNE
  Lake M.
  (221-C-84)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Alleyne, Lake M.3.1 
 2. Commons, Scranton.2.1 
 3. Slack, Cent.Ill.1.6 
 4. Webster, Rocheste.1.4 
 5. Robinson, Scranton.1.1 
 6. Pettiford, India.1.0 
 7. Hill, Chicago M.0.9 
 8. Robbins, Scranton.0.8 
 9. Davis, Rochester R.0.8 
 10. Gorman, Scranton.0.8 


*****************************************************
  PHILIPPINES   


Meralco Bolts adds Barron to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Meralco Bolts added to their roster 31-year old American center Earl Barron (212-C-109kg-81, college: Memphis). In his first game he scored 22 points and grabbed 18 rebounds. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Powerade T. 82-94. Barron played most recently at Golden State Warriors (NBA) in the U.S. While playing 2 games for Golden State W. this season he averaged 2.0ppg. Barron is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in China, Italy and Turkey. Barron graduated University of Memphis in 2003 and it will be his nineth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

PBA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Nick FAZEKAS
  Petron B.
  (211-F-85)
  Avg: 31
 1. Fazekas, Petron B.31.0 
 2. David, Powerade T.30.5 
 3. Crews, Rain o.28.5 
 4. Famous, Meralco26.0 
 5. Johnson, Barako B.25.7 
 6. Jones, Powerade T.24.5 
 7. Bowles, B-Meg L.22.7 
 8. Barron, Meralco22.0 
 9. Cardona, Meralco21.5 
 10. Baguio, Alaska A.21.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Chris ALEXANDER
  Ginebr.
  (216-C-80)
  Avg: 24
 1. Alexander, Ginebr.24.0 
 2. Barron, Meralco18.0 
 3. Jones, Powerade T.17.5 
 4. Douthit, Air21 E.17.0 
 5. Fazekas, Petron B.17.0 
 6. Famous, Meralco15.0 
 7. Parada, Alaska Ac.14.8 
 8. Crews, Rain o.11.5 
 9. Williams, Talk N.11.5 
 10. Samhan, Talk N.11.5 
Assists Per Game
 Joseph CASIO
  Powerade T.
  (177-PG-86)
  Avg: 10
 1. Casio, Powerade T.10.0 
 2. Ross, Meralco10.0 
 3. Alapag, Talk N Te.6.5 
 4. Cabagnot, Petron6.3 
 5. Tenorio, Alaska A.6.3 
 6. Helterbrand, Gineb.5.5 
 7. Douthit, Air21 E.5.0 
 8. Castro, Talk N Te.5.0 
 9. Hubalde, Air21 E.5.0 
 10. Lee, Rain or Shine4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Chris ROSS
  Meralco .
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Ross, Meralco2.5 
 2. Lee, Rain or Shine2.5 
 3. Norwood, Rain o.2.5 
 4. Johnson, Barako B.2.3 
 5. Hubalde, Air21 E.2.0 
 6. Lassiter, Powerade.2.0 
 7. Fazekas, Petron B.1.7 
 8. Arboleda, Barako B.1.7 
 9. Barroca, B-Meg L.1.7 
 10. Dillinger, Talk N.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Omar SAMHAN
  Talk N.
  (211-C-88)
  Avg: 4
 1. Samhan, Talk N.4.0 
 2. Jones, Powerade T.3.5 
 3. Fazekas, Petron B.3.3 
 4. Santos, Petron B.3.0 
 5. Parada, Alaska Ac.2.8 
 6. Barron, Meralco2.0 
 7. Famous, Meralco1.7 
 8. Johnson, Barako B.1.7 
 9. Crews, Rain o.1.5 
 10. Eman, Alaska Aces1.5 


Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference
PBA Standings
 1. Powerade T. 2-0 
 2. Talk N Text 2-0 
 3. B-Meg Llam. 2-1 
 4. Ginebra Kings 2-1 
 5. Alaska Aces 2-2 
 6. Petron Blaze 1-2 
 7. Rain or Shine 1-3 
 8. Meralco Bolts 1-3 
 9. Barako Bull 1-3 
 10. Shopinas.com C. 0-0 


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


Burrell's 27 points give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
27-year old point guard Stanley Burrell (190-PG-84) put on an amazing game in the last round for second-ranked Energa Czarni and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 1 (Second Stage).
He had the game-high 27 points adding five rebounds and three assists for Energa Czarni in his team's victory, helping them to beat Trefl Sopot (#3, 1-1) 88-83. Energa Czarni is placed at 2nd position in Polish league. But it's just the very beginning of the Second Stage and Energa Czarni won just one (their first) game. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. In the team's last game Burrell had a remarkable 64.3% from 2-point range. He turned to be Energa Czarni's top player in his first season with the team. Burrell has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in assists (5th best: 4.7apg) and averages solid 51.2% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was George Reese (201-F-77, agency: Alti Sport) of AZS Koszalin. He is American forward in his 5th season at AZS Koszalin. In the last game Reese recorded impressive 24 points and 6 rebounds. Bad luck as AZS Koszalin was edged by Siarka Jezioro (11-14) 87-83. The Second Stage 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. Reese is one of the most experienced players at AZS Koszalin and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 16.2ppg (#7). He also registered 5.0 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Josh Miller (169-PG, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) of Siarka Jezioro (#-3). Miller scored 23 points and passed five assists. He was a key player of Siarka Jezioro, leading his team to a 87-83 win against #-2 ranked AZS Koszalin in a game of the week. The chances of Siarka Jezioro ranking at the top of Group B, however are very questionable as they have already lost 14 games, recording just eleven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Miller could help Siarka Jezioro to bring them higher in the standings. Miller has a great season in Poland. After 22 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 15.7ppg (9th best) and assists with 4.7apg (6th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Darrell Harris (208-F/C-84) of Kotwica - 14 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Piotr Stelmach (205-F-84) of Zastal ZG - 27 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Robert Skibniewski (182-G-83) of Slask Wroclaw - 10 points, 2 rebounds and 11 assists
7. Walter Hodge (183-PG-86) of Zastal ZG - 21 points, 2 rebounds and 9 assists
8. Adam Wojcik (207-F-70) of Slask Wroclaw - 19 points and 4 rebounds
9. Filip Dylewicz (202-F-80) of Trefl Sopot - 21 points and 4 rebounds
10. Donatas Motiejunas (213-F/C-90) of Asseco Prokom - 16 points and 3 rebounds

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

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


Pushing Forward - by Cavel Witter
The season has been up and down from both an individual standpoint and team wise. The best thing to do is to stay focused through the adversity and getting through tough times, which build confidence and character in the long run. I'm a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. Just this time last year I was on bed rest recovering from a ruptured Achilles that ended my first season overseas. I was devastated and the incident left me wondering if I will ever recover from this injury. But with all the doubts I still had faith in myself and believed I could recover. Now I'm on a team that's having their best season in over 20 years and still on the up rise. I believe that this team can do great things. From an individual stand point, I learned that sometimes you have to sacrifice your talent for the greater good of the team. I would rather be on team that is winning with less personal stats than on a team that is losing with better personal stats. Winning is everything and the only thing that counts. Being able to say that your a winner is a better achievement then any stat. I'm looking forward to the rest of the season and hopefully taking advantage of some opportunities ahead.
Cavel Witter (183-G-87, college: Creighton)

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


Bayamon won BSN Preseason Tournament, Sweetney MVP: - by Luis Modestti

Vaqueros de Bayamon won the BSN Preseason Tournament by defeating Atleticos de San German 81-72 in the final game played in Guaynabo.

Carmelo Antrone Lee (201-F-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Long Beach St.) led the way with 20 points and Miguel Ali Berdiel (198-G-83, college: Valparaiso) added 15 for Bayamon. Michael Sweetney (203-F-82, college: Georgetown) had 13 points with 12 rebounds and was selected as the tournament MVP.

Vaqueros had a 45-41 halftime lead and kept it for most of the second half. A 10-4 run in the final quarter secured the victory for Bayamon.

Marlon Garnett (188-G-75, college: Santa Clara) had 21 points and Kevinn Pinkney (207-F-83, college: Nevada) 17 for Atleticos.

The 2012 BSN season begins this Thursday with two games.


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


Div.A Round 23: Ploiesti edges Gaz Metan by three points - by Eurobasket News
The most exciting game of round 23 in the Div.A took place in Ploiesti. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of second-ranked Gaz Metan (17-5) to sixth ranked Ploiesti (14-7) 75-72 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Gaz Metan. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Gaz Metan won third quarter 23-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was the former international center Catalin Burlacu (210-77, agency: Court Side) who scored 19 points and 7 rebounds. Serbian power forward Vladimir Tica (208-81, agency: BeoExcell) chipped in 17 points and 10 rebounds. The former international forward Titus Nicoara (203-88, agency: Interperformances) produced 13 points and 8 rebounds for the guests. Ploiesti have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Targu Mures. Gaz Metan at the other side keeps the second position with five games lost. Ploiesti is looking forward to face Perla Harghitei (#14) in Miercurea in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Gaz Metan will play at home against the league's leader Timisoara (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked U-Mobitelco (15-6) against tenth ranked Pitesti (12-10) on Monday night. Host U-Mobitelco was edged by Pitesti in a tough game in Cluj 72-75. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of U-Mobitelco. Serbian guard Slobodan Popovic (198-80, agency: BeoExcell) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds. Damien Kinloch contributed with 19 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Serbian center Zoran Krstanovic (204-82) answered with 24 points and 6 rebounds for U-Mobitelco. Pitesti moved-up to ninth place. Defending champion U-Mobitelco keeps the third position with six games lost. Pitesti will play against higher ranked Oradea (#7) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. U-Mobitelco will play against Rovinari (#10) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Oradea was also quite interesting. Second ranked Timisoara (17-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Oradea (13-8). Timisoara managed to secure a 4-point victory 85-81 on Saturday. It was a great evening for Bogdan Popescu who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 10 rebounds. Nemanja Maric responded with 17 points and 7 assists. Timisoara keeps a position of league leader. Loser Oradea keeps the seventh place with eight games lost. They share the position with CSU Sibiu. Timisoara will meet league's second-placed Gaz Metan in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Oradea will play against Pitesti (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Bucuresti. Local CSM Bucuresti (15-7) outscored 9th ranked Rovinari (11-10) 100-81. It was a quality performance for Goran Martinic who led the winners and scored 25 points and 7 assists. CSM Bucuresti's coach Hristu Sapera allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for CSM Bucuresti. They moved-up to fourth place. Rovinari at the other side dropped to the tenth position with ten games lost. CSM Bucuresti's next round opponent will be Politehnica (#15) in Iasi which should be an easy win for them. Rovinari will play at home against U-Mobitelco (#3) in Cluj.

In the last two games of round 23 Perla Harghitei was defeated by CSU Sibiu in a road game 118-101. Dinamo B. was beaten by Craiova at home 83-94.
The best stats of 23th round was 34 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 4 assists by Stephen Ross of Craiova.


Ploiesti - Gaz Metan 75-72

The most exciting game of round 23 in the Div.A took place in Ploiesti. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of second-ranked Gaz Metan (17-5) to sixth ranked Ploiesti (14-7) 75-72 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Gaz Metan. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Gaz Metan won third quarter 23-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was the former international center Catalin Burlacu (210-77, agency: Court Side) who scored 19 points and 7 rebounds. Serbian power forward Vladimir Tica (208-81, agency: BeoExcell) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds. The former international forward Titus Nicoara (203-88, agency: Interperformances) produced 13 points and 8 rebounds and American forward Deven Mitchell (197-84, agency: Interperformances) added 12 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the guests. Five Gaz Metan players scored in double figures. Ploiesti have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Targu Mures. Gaz Metan at the other side keeps the second position with five games lost. Ploiesti is looking forward to face Perla Harghitei (#14) in Miercurea in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Gaz Metan will play at home against the league's leader Timisoara (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ploiesti: C.Burlacu 19+7reb+3ast, V.Tica 17+10reb+2ast, D.Hargrove 14+5reb+2ast, A.Cepulis 8+4reb+1ast, A.Vlahovic 7+1reb+10ast, L.Szijarto 6+2reb+1ast
Gaz Metan: T.Dumitrescu 15+1reb+3ast, I.Zigeranovic 13+6reb, T.Nicoara 13+8reb+2ast, D.Mitchell 12+8reb+1ast, I.Tomeljak 11+3reb+3ast, C.Moore 6+3reb+2ast
gschID: 139040


CSU Sibiu - Perla Harghitei 118-101

There was no surprise when 14th ranked Perla Harghitei (3-18) was defeated on the road by eighth ranked CSU Sibiu (13-8) 118-101. It looked good early as Perla Harghitei took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then CSU Sibiu had a 38-10 second period charge getting the lead and Perla Harghitei was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 101-118. CSU Sibiu made 23-of-27 charity shots (85.2 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Perla Harghitei helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was an exceptional evening for Russian-German forward Nikita Khartchenkov (200-87) who led the winners and scored 40 points (!!!). American-Liberian guard Jaytonah Wisseh (185-88, college: LIU Brooklyn) accounted for 30 points and 7 rebounds (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!) for the winning side. American power forward Emmanuel Dies (204-77, college: Kansas St., agency: Interperformances) came up with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 13 rebounds and the other American import guard Christopher Long (187-87, college: Elon, agency: KMG Sports Management) added 23 points and 5 assists respectively for Perla Harghitei in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. CSU Sibiu moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Oradea. Perla Harghitei lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the fourteenth position with 18 games lost. CSU Sibiu's next round opponent will be Craiova (#11) on the road. Perla Harghitei will play against Ploiesti.
Top scorers:
CSU Sibiu: N.Khartchenkov 40+3reb, J.Wisseh 30+7reb+1ast, W.Funn 16+6reb+8ast, C.Craciun 11+12reb+3ast, C.Scott 8+5reb+3ast, D.Austin 5+1reb+2ast
Perla Harghitei: E.Dies 27+13reb+1ast, C.Long 23+3reb+5ast, E.Tucker 22+1reb+5ast, C.Jakab 19+9reb+2ast, Z.Samuila 5+3reb+2ast, A.Rosu 3+1ast
gschID: 139041


Dinamo B. - Craiova 83-94

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when twelfth ranked Craiova (7-14) defeated on the road 11th ranked CS Dinamo Bucuresti (7-15) 94-83. The game was mostly controlled by Craiova. CS Dinamo Bucuresti was better in third quarter 21-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was an exceptional evening for Canadian swingman Stephen Ross (201-80, college: Santa Clara, agency: Court Side) who led the winners and scored 34 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 4 assists (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!). American guard LeVar Seals (195-82, college: De Paul) accounted for 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. American forward Antonio Haymon (198-88, college: Lee) came up with 25 points and 6 rebounds and the other American import forward Jer'Vaughn Johnson (198-88, college: CS Fullerton) added 23 points and 6 rebounds respectively for CS Dinamo Bucuresti in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Craiova moved-up to eleventh place. Newly promoted CS Dinamo Bucuresti dropped to the twelfth position with 15 games lost. Craiova's next round opponent will be higher ranked CSU Sibiu (#8) at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. CS Dinamo Bucuresti will play against the league's leader Timisoara (#1) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Craiova: S.Ross 34+7reb+4ast, L.Seals 22+5reb+4ast, D.Gennie 17+1reb+2ast, A.Belanovic 11+4reb+1ast, L.Dawson 8+4reb+3ast, I.Orbeanu 2+14reb
Dinamo B.: A.Haymon 25+6reb+3ast, J.Johnson 23+6reb+1ast, S.Thompson 13+3reb+2ast, J.Blocker 12+6reb+2ast, P.Nelson 4+2reb+1ast, A.Badila 3+4reb+2ast
gschID: 139042


Oradea - Timisoara 81-85

The game in Oradea was also quite interesting. Second ranked Timisoara (17-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Oradea (13-8). Timisoara managed to secure a 4-point victory 85-81 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 13 points after first quarter, but they rallied back and won the game by 4 points. Timisoara made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. It was a great evening for the former international forward Bogdan Popescu (200-78, college: Alaska-Fairb.) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 10 rebounds. American forward Dominique Archie (200-87, college: S.Carolina) helped adding 13 points and 9 rebounds. Serbian guard Nemanja Maric (196-83) responded with 17 points and 7 assists and Serbian forward Milos Pesic (205-84, agency: 011 Sports) scored 15 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Timisoara keeps a position of league leader. Loser Oradea keeps the seventh place with eight games lost. They share the position with CSU Sibiu. Timisoara will meet league's second-placed Gaz Metan in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Oradea will play against Pitesti (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Timisoara: B.Popescu 30+10reb+1ast, Z.Jovanovic 14+8ast, D.Archie 13+9reb+1ast, I.Siriscevic 13+4reb, S.Spralja 8+3reb+1ast, B.Cuic 7+2reb+3ast
Oradea: N.Maric 17+2reb+7ast, M.Pesic 15+4reb+2ast, S.Topchov 13+5reb+1ast, G.Navickas 13+3reb+1ast, B.Tibirna 8+8reb+1ast, M.Markovic 6+3reb+2ast
gschID: 139036


U.Mobitel.CN - Pitesti 72-75

Very important is a home loss of third ranked U-Mobitelco (15-6) against tenth ranked Pitesti (12-10) on Monday night. Host U-Mobitelco was edged by Pitesti in a tough game in Cluj 72-75. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of U-Mobitelco. It looked good early as U-Mobitelco took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Pitesti had a 24-19 second period charge getting the lead and U-Mobitelco was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 72-75. Pitesti brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. Serbian guard Slobodan Popovic (198-80, agency: BeoExcell) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds. American forward Damien Kinloch (203-80, college: Tenn Tech, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) contributed with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Four Pitesti players scored in double figures. Serbian center Zoran Krstanovic (204-82) answered with 24 points and 6 rebounds and American Kyndall Dykes (190-87, college: New Orleans, agency: Edge Sports) added 17 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for U-Mobitelco. Pitesti moved-up to ninth place. Defending champion U-Mobitelco keeps the third position with six games lost. Pitesti will play against higher ranked Oradea (#7) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. U-Mobitelco will play against Rovinari (#10) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Pitesti: S.Popovic 22+11reb+2ast, D.Kinloch 19+12reb+1ast, O.Calota 12+5ast, D.Vujacic 10+1reb+3ast, A.Negut 5+2reb, I.Stefanovic 4+4reb+2ast
U.Mobitel.CN: Z.Krstanovic 24+6reb+1ast, K.Dykes 17+9reb+1ast, D.Lawrence 12+3reb+3ast, J.LaGrange 7+2reb+5ast, M.Paul 6+2ast, V.Mijovic 4+4reb+2ast
gschID: 139037


CSM Bucuresti - Rovinari 100-81

The game with biggest result difference took place in Bucuresti. Local CSM Bucuresti (15-7) outscored 9th ranked Rovinari (11-10) 100-81. The game without a history. CSM Bucuresti led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 24-of-26 charity shots (92.3 percent) during the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Rovinari helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a quality performance for Montenegrin point guard Goran Martinic (184-87, agency: BeoExcell) who led the winners and scored 25 points and 7 assists. Jamaican-Canadian guard Garry Gallimore (192-84) accounted for 20 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. CSM Bucuresti's coach Hristu Sapera allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Serbian guard Stefan Nikolic (192-87) came up with 24 points and American guard Louis Darby (196-84, college: Long Beach St.) added 12 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Rovinari in the defeat. Five CSM Bucuresti and four Rovinari players scored in double figures. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for CSM Bucuresti. They moved-up to fourth place. Rovinari at the other side dropped to the tenth position with ten games lost. CSM Bucuresti's next round opponent will be Politehnica (#15) in Iasi which should be an easy win for them. Rovinari will play at home against U-Mobitelco (#3) in Cluj.
Top scorers:
CSM Bucuresti: G.Martinic 25+1reb+7ast, G.Gallimore 20+5reb+3ast, E.Rhinehart 18+3reb+1ast, I.Bosnjak 12+4reb, B.McKenzie 10+8reb, C.Fometescu 7+4reb+2ast
Rovinari: S.Nikolic 24+4reb+2ast, P.Troupe 12+2ast, L.Darby 12+8reb+1ast, B.Kabengele-Kalala 10+4reb+1ast, R.Kljajevic 6+4reb, V.Mocanu 6+1ast
gschID: 139038




Standings
Div.A Standings
 1. Timisoara 17-3 
 2. Gaz Metan 17-5 
 3. U.Mobitel.CN 15-6 
 4. CSM Bucuresti 15-7 
 5. Targu Mures 14-7 
 6. Ploiesti 14-7 
 7. Oradea 13-8 
 8. CSU Sibiu 13-8 
 9. Pitesti 12-10 
 10. Rovinari 11-10 
 11. Craiova 7-14 
 12. Dinamo B. 7-15 
 13. Giurgiu 5-16 
 14. Perla Harghitei 3-18 
 15. Politehnica 0-22 
Folded
 1. Otopeni 4-11 


Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 Goran MARTINIC
  CSM B.
  (184-PG-87)
  Avg: 24.3
 1. Martinic, CSM B.24.3 
 2. Wisseh, CSU Sibiu24.3 
 3. Durham, Dinamo B.23.3 
 4. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.22.2 
 5. Brown, Dinamo B.21.5 
 6. Ross, Craiova19.9 
 7. Tomic, Craiova19.6 
 8. Dykes, U.Mobite.19.1 
 9. Kearse, CSU Sibiu18.5 
 10. Darby, Rovinari18.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Allen DURHAM
  Dinamo B.
  (198-F-88)
  Avg: 13.7
 1. Durham, Dinamo B.13.7 
 2. Nelson, Dinamo B.10.1 
 3. Kinloch, Pitesti9.6 
 4. Carutasu, CSM B.9.3 
 5. McKenzie, CSM B.9.1 
 6. Nicoara, Gaz Metan9.1 
 7. Grubisic, Giurgiu8.7 
 8. Steffel, Rovinari8.4 
 9. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.8.2 
 10. Dies, Perla Hargh.8.2 
Assists Per Game
 Jaytonah WISSEH
  CSU Sibiu
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 7.2
 1. Wisseh, CSU Sibiu7.2 
 2. Maric, Oradea6.6 
 3. Cooley, Targu M.6.2 
 4. Tomeljak, Gaz M.6.0 
 5. Vlahovic, Ploiesti5.4 
 6. Howell, Gaz Metan5.3 
 7. Brown, Dinamo B.4.9 
 8. Martinic, CSM B.4.8 
 9. Cuic, Timisoara4.7 
 10. Jovanovic, Timiso.4.7 
Steals Per Game
 Jaytonah WISSEH
  CSU Sibiu
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Wisseh, CSU Sibiu3.2 
 2. Cooley, Targu M.2.9 
 3. Howell, Gaz Metan2.1 
 4. Tucker, Perla H.2.0 
 5. Hurjui, Politehnica2.0 
 6. Mitchell, Gaz Metan1.9 
 7. Nicolae, Politehni.1.9 
 8. Dykes, U.Mobite.1.9 
 9. Riley, CSU Sibiu1.8 
 10. Martinic, CSM B.1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Milan OLUIC
  Rovinari
  (210-C-84)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Oluic, Rovinari1.9 
 2. McKenzie, CSM B.1.7 
 3. Tibirna, Otopeni1.7 
 4. Riley, CSU Sibiu1.7 
 5. Kinloch, Pitesti1.6 
 6. VanderMeer, Gaz M.1.5 
 7. Mijovic, U.Mobite.1.2 
 8. Albijanic, Ploiesti1.2 
 9. Dies, Perla Harghi.1.2 
 10. Durham, Dinamo B.1.1 


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


Primoz Brezec still a member of Lokomotiv Kuban - by Eurobasket News
According to Kosarka.si, it seems that Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79) is still a member of the Russian team Lokomotiv Kuban. Reportedly, the player's agent Boris Gorenc (ProStep Sports Agency) strongly denied that Gorenc is no longer a member of Lokomotiv. Gorenc stated that Gorenc is a player of Lokomotiv and also added that everything else is not true. Yesterday, various media informed that Brezec and Lokomotiv parted ways. Primoz Brezec joined Lokomotiv last summer. He averages 3.2 points and 3 rebounds for 9 games in Russian league. In EuroCup his numbers are 3.6 ppg and 3.1 rpg for 9 games. Brezec also appeared 10 times in VTB United league, where he registered 6 ppg and 4.5 rpg. Primoz Brezec spent last season in Russia as well. He had 12.4 ppg and 6.1 rpg for 26 PBL games with Krasnie Krilya Samara. In 2008/09, Brezec was a member of Lottomatica Roma.

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


Milos Bojovic number one in Serbia for round 21 - by Eurobasket News
Guard Milos Bojovic (198-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Zeleznicar, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 21.
The 30-year old player was the main contributor (38 points, four rebounds and three assists) to his team's victory, helping them to outclass Tamis (#6, 12-9) with 27-point margin 94-67. Zeleznicar is placed at 12th position in Serbian A League. Too late to salvage the team, which is currently ranked such low. They already lost 16 games and recorded just five victories. In the team's last game Bojovic had a remarkable 73.3% from 2-point range and got four three-pointers out of 8 attempts. He turned to be Zeleznicar's top player in his first season with the team. Milos Bojovic has solid league stats. He is league's best scorer averaging so far 23.5ppg. Bojovic is in league's top in and averages impressive 55.2% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was another Zeleznicar's star - 36-year old Bosnia and Herzegovina Vladimir Jojic (185-G-75). Jojic had a very good evening with a double-double of 13 points and 10 assists. Of course together with Bojovic he helped Zeleznicar with another comfortable win outscoring the higher-ranked Tamis (#6, 12-9) 94-67. This victory allowed Zeleznicar to move up to 12th position in the standings. 16 lost games are too many comparing to just five victories Zeleznicar managed to get this year. Jojic is one of the most experienced players at Zeleznicar and similarly like Milos Bojovic has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last round was guard Slobodan Dundjerski (190-G-88, agency: Alti Sport) of league's top team Vojvodina. Dundjerski showcased his all-around game by recording 16 points, five rebounds and seven assists in the last round. He was a key player of Vojvodina, leading his team to a 100-90 win against #3 ranked BKK Radnicki in a game of the week. Vojvodina confirms their top position in the standings Dundjerski has a great season in Serbia. After 20 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 5.3apg (2nd best). He also has 2.5spg and FGP: 55.0%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Sasa Ocokoljic (183-PG-76) of Borac - 22 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists
5. Zoran Majkic (207-C-78) of Proleter Naftagas - 19 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Dusan Cantekin (222-C-90) of Mega Vizura - 14 points and 12 rebounds
7. Stanoje Knezevic (202-PF-89) of OKK Beograd - 16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Ilija Cvetkovic (207-C/F-88) of Borac - 14 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Stefan Atanackovic (196-G-84) of Proleter Naftagas - 23 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93) of Mega Vizura - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists

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

A League: Mega Vizura kids close Round 21 with valuable victory - by Eurobasket News
The teams have now bigger motivation at this stage of Regular Season. Every game can be crucial and decide about teams' position at the end.

Second ranked Mega Vizura (16-5) celebrated valuable victory in Krusevac on Sunday night. The visitors from Belgrade managed to beat Napredak Rubin (5-16) 77-79. The guests trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 22-17 charge, which allowed them to win the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Napredak Rubin helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. 18-year-old prospect Andrija Bojic (206-C/F-93) shined for the winners with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Center Dusan Cantekin (222-90, agency: Beo Basket) also demonstrated great performance adding double-double of 14 points and 12 boards. Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) helped with 17 points, 7 assists and 4 rebs. Mega Vizura played without the league's leading scorer Branko Milisavljevic. The best for the losing side was Slaven Cupkovic (205-88) with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Mega Vizura have a solid series of four victories in a row. Mega Vizura maintains second place with 16-5 record having just two points less than leader Vojvodina. With this win the Belgrade team made a huge step forward to Superleague. Napredak Rubin lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with 16 games lost. They share it with Zeleznicar. Mega Vizura is looking forward to face league's leader Vojvodina in Novi Sad in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Napredak Rubin will play on the road against Sloga (#8) in Kraljevo and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Novi Sad. First ranked host Vojvodina (18-3) defeated second-best BKK Radnicki (15-6) 100-90. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of BKK Radnicki. Guard Slobodan Dundjerski (190-88, agency: Alti Sport) nailed 16 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals for the winning side and Dragan Zekovic accounted for 17 points and 5 assists. Guard Marko Boltic (193-87) came up with 18 points for BKK Radnicki in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Vojvodina have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 18-3 record. Newly promoted BKK Radnicki dropped to the third position with six games lost. Vojvodina will play against league's second-placed Mega Vizura on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. BKK Radnicki will play against Zeleznicar in Indjija and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Fourteenth-ranked Proleter Naftagas (2-19) gave a tough game to fifth ranked Borac (12-9) in Zrenjanin on Saturday. The visitors from Cacak managed to secure only one-point victory 74-73. However their fans expected much easier game. The best player for the winners was Sasa Ocokoljic who scored 22 points and 6 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Zoran Majkic who recorded a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds. Borac maintains fifth place with 12-9 record, which they share with Tamis and Smederevo. Proleter Naftagas lost their twelfth game in a row. They stay dead last with 19 lost games. Borac will meet at home OKK Beograd (#9) in the next round. Proleter Naftagas will play against Metalac (#11) in Valjevo and hope to secure a win.
An interesting game took place in Indjija where higher ranked Tamis (12-9) were upseton the court of thirteenth ranked Zeleznicar (5-16) 94-67. It was a good game for Milos Bojovic who led his team to a victory with 38 points (!!!). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Zeleznicar moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Napredak. Tamis at the other side dropped to the fifth position with nine games lost. Zeleznicar's next round opponent will be higher ranked BKK Radnicki (#3) in Beograd and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Tamis will play at home against Radnicki Basket where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 21: Metalac lost to Smederevo on the opponent's court 70-74. OKK Beograd managed to outperform Sloga in a home game 79-69. Sloboda Uzice recorded a loss to Radnicki Basket on the road 75-68.

Proleter Naftagas - Borac 73-74
Fourteenth-ranked Proleter Naftagas (2-19) gave a tough game to fifth ranked Borac (12-9) in Zrenjanin on Saturday. The visitors from Cacak managed to secure only one-point victory 74-73. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 17-14 charge, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was point guard Sasa Ocokoljic (183-76, agency: BeoExcell) who scored 22 points and 6 assists. Power forward Ilija Cvetkovic (207-88, agency: Prossin Sports Management) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was center Zoran Majkic (207-78, agency: Court Side) who recorded a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds and guard Stefan Atanackovic (196-84, agency: 011 Sports) added 23 points and 5 assists respectively. Borac maintains fifth place with 12-9 record, which they share with Tamis and Smederevo. Proleter Naftagas lost their twelfth game in a row. They stay dead last with 19 lost games. Borac will meet at home OKK Beograd (#9) in the next round. Proleter Naftagas will play against Metalac (#11) in Valjevo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Borac: S.Ocokoljic 22+3reb+6ast, N.Pesakovic 15+2reb, I.Cvetkovic 14+12reb+2ast, F.Dedijer 8+4reb+2ast, D.Radovic 7+2reb, N.Todorovic 6+5reb
Proleter Naftagas: S.Atanackovic 23+4reb+5ast, Z.Majkic 19+14reb+3ast, B.Obrenovic 11+3reb, N.Knezevic 6+5reb, D.Bozovic 5+2reb+1ast, M.Vulin 5+8reb+3ast
gschID: 147976


Smederevo - Metalac 74-70
Rather expected game when 11th ranked Metalac (7-14) was defeated on the road by eighth ranked Smederevo Vizura (12-9) 74-70. The hosts were tied after three quarters but managed to speed up in last quarter eventually winning the game. It was a good game for power forward Djordje Majstorovic (209-90) who led his team to a victory with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Guard Vojin Svilar (188-86, college: W.Georgia) contributed with 18 points for the winners. Four Smederevo Vizura players scored in double figures. Forward Stefan Balmazovic (202-89) answered with 21 points and 7 rebounds and naturalized Montenegrin center Milovan Savic (205-87) added 13 points and 5 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots) in the effort for Metalac. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Smederevo Vizura moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Borac and Tamis. Metalac at the other side keeps the eleventh position with 14 games lost. Smederevo Vizura's next round opponent will be Sloboda (#10) in Uzice which should be theoretically an easy game. Metalac will play at home against Proleter Naftagas in Zrenjanin.
Top scorers:
Smederevo: V.Svilar 18+2reb, D.Majstorovic 14+7reb, A.Nastic 11+3reb, V.Popovic 11+4reb+4ast, P.Sparovic 7+2reb+5ast, V.Vlaskovic 6+4reb
Metalac: S.Balmazovic 21+7reb+1ast, M.Savic 13+5reb, N.Tomasevic 8+3reb, N.Micevic 7+3reb, R.Marojevic 7+3reb, M.Trtic 5+5reb
gschID: 147977


Zeleznicar - Tamis 94-67
An interesting game took place in Indjija where higher ranked Tamis (12-9) were upseton the court of thirteenth ranked Zeleznicar (5-16) 94-67. The game was mostly controlled by Zeleznicar. Tamis was better in third quarter 17-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 20-of-23 charity shots (87.0 percent) during the game. Zeleznicar players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. It was a good game for guard Milos Bojovic (198-81, agency: Beo Basket) who led his team to a victory with 38 points (!!!). Bosnian guard Vladimir Jojic (185-75) contributed with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Four Zeleznicar players scored in double figures. Guard Branko Jereminov (187-87) answered with 10 points and 7 rebounds and forward Dejan Majstorovic (196-88) added 12 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Tamis. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Zeleznicar moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Napredak. Tamis at the other side dropped to the fifth position with nine games lost. Zeleznicar's next round opponent will be higher ranked BKK Radnicki (#3) in Beograd and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Tamis will play at home against Radnicki Basket where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Zeleznicar: M.Bojovic 38+4reb+3ast, V.Jojic 13+5reb+10ast, G.Bajic 12+1reb, N.Canak 10+10reb+3ast, D.Djordjic 7+1reb+2ast, V.Zivkovic 6+1reb+1ast
Tamis: D.Majstorovic 12+5reb, B.Jereminov 10+7reb+2ast, M.Bralovic 8+3reb, B.Stanojevic 7+2reb+2ast, M.Popadic 6+3reb+1ast, D.Buric 5+3reb+1ast
gschID: 147972


Vojvodina - BKK Radnicki 100-90
The game between Top Four teams took place in Novi Sad. First ranked host Vojvodina (18-3) defeated second-best BKK Radnicki (15-6) 100-90. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of BKK Radnicki. The game was mostly controlled by Vojvodina. BKK Radnicki was better in second period 25-24. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Vojvodina shot 64.8 percent from the field and made 26-of-34 charity shots (76.5 percent) during the game. Vojvodina outrebounded BKK Radnicki 30-17 including a 21-10 advantage in defensive rebounds. BKK Radnicki was plagued by 32 personal fouls down the stretch. Guard Slobodan Dundjerski (190-88, agency: Alti Sport) nailed 16 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals for the winning side and power forward Dragan Zekovic (210-87, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 17 points and 5 assists. Guard Marko Boltic (193-87) came up with 18 points and center Aleksandar Petrovic (206-72) added 13 points respectively for BKK Radnicki in the defeat. Five Vojvodina and four BKK Radnicki players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Vojvodina have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 18-3 record. Newly promoted BKK Radnicki dropped to the third position with six games lost. Vojvodina will play against league's second-placed Mega Vizura on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. BKK Radnicki will play against Zeleznicar in Indjija and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Vojvodina: D.Bunic 18+1reb, D.Zekovic 17+3reb+5ast, S.Dundjerski 16+5reb+7ast, N.Kalinic 16+1reb+2ast, S.Stojacic 11+3reb, B.Djumic 7+7reb
BKK Radnicki: M.Boltic 18+3reb+1ast, N.Gacic 18+1reb, D.Kitanovic 15+1reb+1ast, A.Petrovic 13+4reb+2ast, M.Tomic 8+1reb, Z.Osmokrovic 6+3ast
gschID: 147973


Napredak - Mega Vizura 77-79
Second ranked Mega Vizura (16-5) celebrated valuable victory in Krusevac on Sunday night. The visitors from Belgrade managed to beat Napredak Rubin (5-16) 77-79. The guests trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 22-17 charge, which allowed them to win the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Napredak Rubin helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. 18-year-old prospect Andrija Bojic (206-C/F-93) shined for the winners with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Center Dusan Cantekin (222-90, agency: Beo Basket) also demonstrated great performance adding double-double of 14 points and 12 boards. Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) helped with 17 points, 7 assists and 4 rebs. Mega Vizura played without the league's leading scorer Branko Milisavljevic. The best for the losing side was Slaven Cupkovic (205-88) with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Mega Vizura have a solid series of four victories in a row. Mega Vizura maintains second place with 16-5 record having just two points less than leader Vojvodina. With this win the Belgrade team made a huge step forward to Superleague. Napredak Rubin lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with 16 games lost. They share it with Zeleznicar. Mega Vizura is looking forward to face league's leader Vojvodina in Novi Sad in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Napredak Rubin will play on the road against Sloga (#8) in Kraljevo and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Mega Vizura: A.Bojic 17+9reb, N.Miljenovic 17+4reb+7ast, D.Cantekin 14+12reb+1ast, P.Reljic 10+1reb, S.Matovic 10+11reb, S.Avramovic 6+1reb+2ast
Napredak: A.Mandic 21+6reb+2ast, S.Cupkovic 14+10reb+7ast, M.Radonjic 13+5reb+5ast, V.Radmanovac 11+1reb+2ast, S.Pejovic 10+3reb+1ast, P.Beader 5
gschID: 147974


OKK Beograd - Sloga 79-69
There was a small surprise when ninth ranked OKK Beograd (11-10) defeated at home 7th ranked Sloga (11-10) 79-69. The game was mostly controlled by OKK Beograd. Sloga was better in fourth quarter 16-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Sloga 45-25 including a 32-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. OKK Beograd players were unselfish on offense dishing 29 assists. It was a good game for guard Vuk Malidzan (193-88) who led his team to a victory with 16 points and 8 assists. Stanoje Knezevic (202-89) contributed with 16 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. OKK Beograd's coach Vlado Djurovic allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Djordje Tresac (193-87) answered with 16 points and 7 assists and American center James Tyler (218-88) added 11 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Sloga. Four Sloga players scored in double figures. OKK Beograd moved-up to eighth place, which they share with defeated Sloga. OKK Beograd's next round opponent will be higher ranked Borac (#5) in Cacak and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
OKK Beograd: V.Malidzan 16+3reb+8ast, S.Knezevic 16+6reb+3ast, F.Sepa 15+6reb+3ast, M.Suzic 8+5reb, L.Milojevic 7+1reb+1ast, J.Koprivica 6+8reb+5ast
Sloga: D.Tresac 16+3reb+7ast, A.Marelja 15+5reb+1ast, J.Tyler 11+8reb+2ast, D.Vuletic 10+4reb+1ast, V.Jacovic 7+1reb+5ast, B.Popovic 5+3reb+1ast
gschID: 147975


Radnicki Basket - Sloboda Uzice 75-68
Not a big story in a game in Beograd where 10th ranked Sloboda (8-13) was defeated by fourth ranked Radnicki Basket (13-8) 75-68. The hosts were ahead by 3 points but lost the second period ending it with a 3-point deficit before their 20-10 run, which allowed them to win the game. Radnicki Basket forced 22 Sloboda turnovers. 24 personal fouls committed by Sloboda helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for guard Dejan Djokic (187-89) who led his team to a victory with 18 points. Forward Ivan Smiljanic (198-89) contributed with 20 points for the winners. Forward Ivan Kuburovic (203-81) answered with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and forward Branko Andjic (201-82) added 13 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Sloboda. Five Sloboda players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Newly promoted Radnicki Basket maintains fourth place with 13-8 record. Sloboda at the other side keeps the tenth position with 13 games lost. Radnicki Basket's next round opponent will be Tamis (#6) in Pancevo. Sloboda will play at home against Smederevo Vizura (#7).
Top scorers:
Radnicki Basket: I.Smiljanic 20+2reb, D.Djokic 18+3reb+2ast, M.Milovanovic 14+2reb+1ast, N.Siladji 8+5reb+2ast, P.Stamenkovic 6+1reb+4ast, M.Stojadinovic 4+1reb+1ast
Sloboda Uzice: B.Andjic 13+9reb, M.Rakic 12+1reb+2ast, N.Popovic 12+4reb+1ast, I.Kuburovic 11+6reb+6ast, N.Arnautovic 10+2reb, N.Jevtovic 3

Caja Laboral loan Dejan Musli to Mega Vizura - by Zoran Popovic
Serbian prospect Dejan Musli (213-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) will play for Mega Vizura until the end of season. Mega Vizura will definitely play Serbian Super league, so Musli will be great support for their young and prospective team. Dejan Musli moved to Caja Laboral two years ago and singed long term contract, but Management of Caja Laboral in the meantime loaned him to Montenegrano last season and this season to Fuenlabrada. Dejan Musli started career in Kragujevac, as a player grow in FMP Zeleznik and first professional contract signed with Caja Laboral. Dejan Musli was member of Serbian U16, U18 and U20 National team.

Standings - A Liga
A League Standings
 1. Vojvodina 18-3
 2. Mega Vizura 16-5
 3. BKK Radnicki 15-6
 4. Radnicki Basket 13-8
 5. Borac 12-9
 6. Smederevo 12-9
 7. Tamis 12-9
 8. Sloga 11-10
 9. OKK Beograd 11-10
 10. Sloboda Uzice 8-13
 11. Metalac 7-14
 12. Zeleznicar 5-16
 13. Napredak 5-16
 14. Proleter Naftagas 2-19
Play in international cups:
 1. Crvena Zvezda -
 2. Hemofarm -
 3. Partizan -
 4. Radnicki K. -


Standings - B Liga
B League Standings
 1. Konstantin 13-6 
 2. Jagodina 12-6 
 3. Mladost Zemun 12-7 
 4. Spartak 12-7 
 5. Mladost Cacak 11-7 
 6. Radnicki OB 10-9 
 7. Crnokosa 9-10 
 8. Viva Basket 9-10 
 9. Napredak A. 9-10 
 10. Beovuk 72 8-11 
 11. Sabac 8-11 
 12. Radnicki Stud. 6-12 
 13. Vojvodina 6-12 
 14. Jedinstvo NB 6-13 


Stats Leaders - 1A
Points Per Game
 Milos BOJOVIC
  Zeleznicar
  (198-G-81)
  Avg: 23.5
 1. Bojovic, Zeleznicar23.5 
 2. Milisavljevi., Meg.23.1 
 3. Popovic, Sloga21.1 
 4. Zigeranovic, Borac20.5 
 5. Balaban, Smederevo20.5 
 6. Bozovic, Sloga17.1 
 7. Pekovic, Prolet.16.5 
 8. Cupkovic, Napredak16.0 
 9. Dimic, Radnicki.15.6 
 10. Smiljanic, Radnic.15.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 James TYLER
  Sloga
  (218-C-88)
  Avg: 9.7
 1. Tyler, Sloga9.7 
 2. Balaban, Smederevo9.3 
 3. Zigeranovic, Borac8.2 
 4. Cantekin, Mega V.7.7 
 5. Cupkovic, Napredak7.2 
 6. Misanovic, OKK B.7.1 
 7. Petrovic, BKK R.7.0 
 8. Mijajlovic, Sloga6.8 
 9. Majkic, Prolet.6.8 
 10. Smiljanic, Radnic.6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Marko POPOVIC
  Sloga
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 6
 1. Popovic, Sloga6.0 
 2. Dundjerski, Vojvo.5.3 
 3. Jovic, Sloga5.1 
 4. Milisavljevi., Meg.5.0 
 5. Micic, Mega Vizura5.0 
 6. Miljenovic, Mega V.4.9 
 7. Boltic, BKK R.4.7 
 8. Stefanovic, Smede.4.3 
 9. Mitrovic, OKK B.4.0 
 10. Osmokrovic, BKK R.3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Negoslav GACIC
  BKK Radnicki
  (193-G-)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Gacic, BKK Radnicki3.6 
 2. Dundjerski, Vojvo.2.5 
 3. Micic, Mega Vizura2.5 
 4. Jovic, Sloga2.5 
 5. Boltic, BKK R.2.5 
 6. Vulin, Prolet.2.2 
 7. Kuzeta, Vojvodina2.0 
 8. Miljenovic, Mega V.2.0 
 9. Bojovic, Zeleznicar1.9 
 10. Kuburovic, Slobod.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 James TYLER
  Sloga
  (218-C-88)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Tyler, Sloga1.7 
 2. Misanovic, OKK B.1.5 
 3. Balaban, Smederevo1.2 
 4. Zigeranovic, Borac1.2 
 5. Bojic, Mega Vizura1.0 
 6. Matovic, Mega V.0.8 
 7. Bjegovic, Prolet.0.8 
 8. Todorovic, Borac0.8 
 9. Cantekin, Mega V.0.8&nbs