Eurobasket Daily News Report: 4/21/2012 1:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 4/21/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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ACPBL

Kareem Corprew - ACPBL Week 18 Player of the Week - by Mike Lee

Kareem Corprew (6'6''-F-88), a 6'6' forward for the Manhattan Pride was named as the Player of the Week in the ACPBL for Week 18. In a hard-fought 117-115 loss to the New York City 524, Corprew led the Pride with 52 points, 19 rebounds, and 5 assists. He also added 2 steals and 2 blocks in the loss. The Corporal has led the Pride throughout the season, scoring over 30 points on multiple occasions throughout the year. Corprew was selected as an All-Star this year and will receive strong consideration for MVP honors this year as well.

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ARGENTINA

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

Joe SMITH
  La Union
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 17.3

1. Smith, La Union	17.3
2. Gutierrez, Obras	16.8
3. Villegas, Sionista	16.6
4. McHopson, Quilm.	16.3
5. OBannon, Boca Jrs	16.1
6. DeGroat, Olimpico.	15.8
7. Martinez, San M.	15.6
8. Pittman, Libertad.	15.4
9. Meyinsse, Wuber-.	15.3
10. Quinteros, Regat.	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Jack Michael MARTINEZ
  San M.
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 12.4

1. Martinez, San M.	12.4
2. Battle, Libertad S.	9.9
3. Davis, GECR I.	9.5
4. Garces, Atenas	9.4
5. Sandes, Sionista	9.1
6. Lloreda, Olimpico.	8.8
7. Gutierrez, Obras	8.4
8. Williams, Quimsa	7.6
9. DeGroat, Olimpico.	7.5
10. Truscott, Quilm.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (179-PG-91)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Campazzo, Penarol	6.2
2. Sanchez, Wuber-.	5.5
3. Stanic, Boca Jrs	5.5
4. Cequeira, Sionista	4.8
5. Martinez, Regat.	4.8
6. Laprovittola, Lanus	3.8
7. Victoriano, San M.	3.7
8. Sucatzky, Atenas	3.7
9. Osimani, Obras	3.4
10. Labaque, Atenas	3.4

Steals Per Game

Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (179-PG-91)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Campazzo, Penarol	2.3
2. Lescano, Atenas	2.3
3. Quinteros, Regat.	1.8
4. Moldu, Olimpico LB	1.7
5. McHopson, Quilm.	1.6
6. Sanchez, Wuber-.	1.5
7. Ciorciari, GECR I.	1.5
8. Stanic, Boca Jrs	1.4
9. DeGroat, Olimpico.	1.4
10. Torre, Club 9	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Robert BATTLE
  Libertad S.
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Battle, Libertad S.	1.5
2. Rollins, Sionista	1.2
3. Clancy, Club 9	1.2
4. Meyinsse, Wuber-.	1.2
5. Gutierrez, Obras	1.1
6. Matthews, Quilm.	1.0
7. Roe, Regatas C.	1.0
8. Garces, Atenas	0.9
9. Humphrey, Atenas	0.9
10. Rollins, San M.	0.9

Liga A: Regatas completes Semifinals picture - by Eurobasket News

Lanus - Regatas 67-78

Regatas outplayed Lanus as a guest 67-78 and it was crucial Game Five of the Liga A Quarterfinals. Visitors exploded in the last ten minutes to win this game and they booked a spot for the Semis. There, Regatas will meet Obras. It will be another best-of-five series with the first game scheduled for April 25. Nicolas Romano (197-F/C-87) and Louis Roe (201-F-72, college: Massachusetts) scored 20 points each in Regatas, and they also grabbed 6 and 5 rebounds respectively. Paolo Quinteros (185-PG-79) followed them with 15 points. In Lanus, Mariano Byro (195-G-82) had 18 points and Jamaal Levy (206-C-83, college: Wake Forest) added 13 points, plus 11 boards. Adrian Boccia (195-G/F-82) collected 11 points and 8 rebs in this defeat. Quarters: 20-16, 16-17, 15-18, 16-27. Obras will have a home court advantage in the Semifinals series against Regatas.

Lanus: Mariano Byro 18, Jamaal Levy 13+11 boards, Adrian Boccia 11+8 boards
Regatas: Nicolas Romano 20+6 boards, Louis Roe 20+5 boards, Paolo Quinteros 15

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AUSTRALIA

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Kevin LISCH
  Wildcats
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 17.4

1. Lisch, Wildcats	17.4
2. Wilson, Taipans	17.3
3. Deleon, Blaze	16.6
4. Johnson, 36ers	16.5
5. Wilkinson, Breakers	16.4
6. Khazzouh, Kings	16.4
7. Tragardh, Tigers	16.3
8. Bose, Kings	15.5
9. Abercrombie, Break.	15.3
10. Crawford, Croco.	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Julian KHAZZOUH
  Kings
  (209-C-86)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Khazzouh, Kings	10.8
2. Holmes, Crocodiles	9.0
3. Simpsons, 36ers	8.6
4. Grant, Kings	8.1
5. Johnson, 36ers	7.7
6. Crosswhite, Taipa.	7.7
7. Bose, Kings	6.7
8. Worthington, Blaze	6.3
9. Hudson, Blaze	6.0
10. Vukona, Breakers	6.0

Assists Per Game

Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Jackson, Breakers	6.3
2. Gibson, Blaze	4.7
3. Bruce, Kings	4.4
4. Gill, Crocodiles	3.8
5. Martin, Hawks	3.6
6. Martin, Wildcats	3.5
7. Dillon, Tigers	3.4
8. Ubaka, Tigers	3.3
9. Warren, 36ers	3.2
10. Lisch, Wildcats	3.2

Steals Per Game

Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Jackson, Breakers	2.3
2. Martin, Wildcats	2.1
3. Deleon, Blaze	1.6
4. Gill, Crocodiles	1.4
5. Robbins, Wildcats	1.4
6. Mims, Crocodiles	1.3
7. Tovey, Wildcats	1.2
8. Lisch, Wildcats	1.1
9. Crawford, Croco.	1.1
10. Gibson, Blaze	1.1

Blocks Per Game

Julian KHAZZOUH
  Kings
  (209-C-86)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Khazzouh, Kings	2.1
2. Simpsons, 36ers	1.5
3. Grant, Kings	1.4
4. Nevill, Wildcats	1.2
5. Johnson, 36ers	1.0
6. Martin, Wildcats	0.9
7. Crosswhite, Taipa.	0.9
8. Abercrombie, Break.	0.9
9. Pledger, Breakers	0.8
10. Forman, Hawks	0.8

Wildcats win Game 2 - by Hugh McAuliffe

The Perth Wildcats defeated the New Zealand Breakers 87-86 to level the Grand Final in yet another classic battle between the NBL's fiercest rivals.

An attempted game-winner from CJ Bruton (188-G-75, college: Indian Hills CC) was spectacularly blocked by Shawn Redhage (203-F-81, college: Arizona St.), sending The Jungle crowd into hysterics.

Bruton had been huge with 20 points at 63 per cent from long range, while Breakers centre Gary Wilkinson had 28 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

For Perth it was a relentless team performance to deliver victory, Jesse Wagstaff and Kevin Lisch both scoring 15 points, Matt Knight 13 and Greg Hire and Redhage 12.

The first quarter was the intense, tight struggle everyone was predicting, with six lead changes and both teams shooting above 50 per cent.

A Tom Abercrombie triple and two Cedric Jackson free throws gave the Breakers a 28-26 quarter-time lead.

New Zealand started fast in the second term, with Jackson and Wilkinson finishing inside. When Bruton scored seven points in 62 seconds midway through the period the visitors' lead was 44-31.

A crucial play came when Wilkinson tried to intervene in a minor scuffle between Kevin Lisch and Dillon Boucher, only to be whistled for an unsportsmanlike foul.

Lisch converted that into a six-point play and Perth closed to within three points with 50 seconds remaining.

Wilkinson made amends with four quick points to restore an eight-point Breakers lead at the long break.

Like in Game 1 the Wildcats came out breathing fire in the third term, scoring the first seven points before Wilkinson again responded.

When Bruton nailed another triple with a minute left in the quarter the margin was seven, but Damian Martin reduced it to 76-71 at three-quarter-time.

The final quarter intensity was immense, Jackson hitting a three-pointer before Nevill slammed home from close range.

When Abercrombie made his second triple the Breakers were out by seven again, but Knight inspire a 6-0 with his physical work down low.

Defence dominated the final minutes until Wilkinson unwittingly tipped the ball in the Wildcats basket to give them the lead, before Redhage's heroics secured the win in one of the NBL's great games.

SBL: Giants gear up for acid test - by Eurobasket News

Silver Lake Resources Goldfields Giants coach Daniel Fisher believes his team has turned the corner after back-to-back State Basketball League victories.

The Giants, who sit seventh on the SBL ladder with a 3-3 win-loss record, posted a 94-86 victory against Willetton on Saturday which followed a superb road win over Geraldton.

However, the Giants face a major acid test this weekend with a road double-header against Lakeside Lightning and East Perth Eagles.

Lakeside is undefeated so far this season while the inconsistent Eagles had recent wins over Kalamunda and the Perth Redbacks. I think we turned the corner in the Geraldton game and then to have our first win at home was great, Fisher said.

But it is a big road trip we have to start winning games against teams which are above us on the ladder.

Lakeside hasnt lost a match yet and East Perth had a good win over the Redbacks on Saturday.

We beat East Perth in the Pre-Season Blitz when they were almost full strength so we should go all right against them.

The Giants will again look to import Michael Haney, who has been in sensational form after filling in for the injured Darnell Dialls this season.

Haney is averaging 21.5 points and 11.3 rebounds per match, including a game-high 27 points in the come-from-behind win over Willetton on Saturday.

Fisher said Haney had not only impressed during games, but also at training. He (Haney) just loves the competition and he keeps on getting better, he said.

He also loves the training and he is constantly encouraging his team-mates to work harder.

Hopefully the rest of the team will start to get the message because there have been a few softies at training recently.

Fisher expressed his relief at finally notching his first victory at home, despite trailing by seven points at half-time. I never thought we were out of it and the boys really tightened up in the last half, he said.

We are starting to play some attractive basketball but its just a matter of narrowing the gap between our best and worst performances.

Mentally we are starting to find some rhythm but we have to keep up the hard work on the training track.

The Giants face Lakeside on Saturday night before tackling East Perth on Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Geraldton Buccaneers have joined their country rivals in moving into the top eight after solid wins against the struggling Rockingham Flames and East Perth Eagles.

Import Michael Lay top-scored with 49 points to help the Buccaneers thrash the winless Flames 111-86 on Sunday, including five-of-eight from beyond the three-point line.

Article by Michael Philipps
Courtesy of: http://www.sbl.asn.au/

Big V: Round 5 Game Previews - by Eurobasket News

GAME OF THE ROUND:
Corio Bay vs Waverley 2.00pm Sun Apr 22 @ Life Be In It Centre
Corio Bay continues to silence the critics and look a genuine finals threat with Eric Williams on
board, but just how big of a threat they are will be answered when they meet the reigning the
champs who, bar Daniel Dillon, are at full strength. Ivan Platenik (201-F-83, college: Alaska-Anch.), Kelleher and Lewis are all in top form
and should propel the Falcons to victory. Interestingly both units sit at 2-2, so theres plenty on the
line in what looks to be the pick of the round.
Hume City vs Bulleen 8.00pm Sat Apr 21 @ Broadmeadows Stadium
The Broncos are sharing the love and getting maximum results, while the Boomers are in the dumps
and need to find a spark to get a maiden victory. Look for Brown, Jermaine Maybank (193-G-82, college: Kansas St.) and Lowry to keep the
Broncos stampeding forward, while for Bulleen the likes of Standerfer and Best need others to step
up and carry some of the load. Hume City will start warm favourites in this one.
Ringwood vs Eltham 8.15pm Sat Apr 21 @ Maroondah Indoor Sports Stadium
Two quality teams meet in a crucial clash with plenty on the line. The Hawks remain unbeaten in
four, while the Wildcats have dropped just one in four. Whispers persist of more additions to come
for Eltham, while another import (Skylar Bowlin) has joined the nest. Home turf advantage goes the
way of Ringwood, but this one is too close to call.
Melbourne vs Sherbrooke 8.30pm Sat Apr 21 @ Oakleigh Recreation Centre
The Tigers are yet to win, but theyve done little wrong and look a competitive outfit, whereas right
now the Suns have hit the skids and look bang out of form. Qaafow is a nice add for Melbourne and
will be a key player in this one. With three straight losses Sherbrooke looks shakey, especially at the
offensive end, but can they turn it around or will the Tigers get win number one?
Diamond Valley vs Ringwood 3.00pm Sun Apr 22 @ Diamond Valley Sports & Fitness
Ringwood faces a tough double this week and how they roll into Sunday will depend largely on
Saturday nights result against Eltham. The Eagles copped their first loss in round four against E-Will
and the Stingrays, so how they bounce back might go a long way to showing us whether or not they
have the right ingredients to be a contender in 2012. Sam Belt will need to fire, maybe well see the
new import, but the big question mark here is if Ringwoods older statesmen (and they have a few)
can get up against a fresh team?
ROUND 5 PREVIEW SCM
Courtesy of: bigv.com.au

SBL:Southern rivalry to test Lightning (Round 6 men's preview) - by Eurobasket News

The undefeated Lakeside Lightning will face another big test this weekend when they face cross-town rivals Cockburn Cougars on Friday night.

Cockburn have won four games in a row and with the recent addition of import Jeremiah Wilson could prove to be a big test for the Lightning.

Lakeside will also be sweating on the availability of Ben Beran (200-C-85, college: S.Dakota St.) who could be the key against Cockburn. The star import only managed seven minutes last week with an injury.

In another big Friday night clash Wanneroo Wolves will take on the Mandurah Magic at Joondalup Basketball stadium.

Both teams have won the last two games but the Magic have everything to prove against the defending champions as they fight for their first finals appearance since 1999.

The Wolves import Jordan Wild (203-F, college: Fresno Pacific) has had a strong start to the season averaging 24.7 points and nearly 13 rebounds a game, his battle with Magic big man Taylor Mullenax (201-F/C-86, college: St.Edward's) will be crucial for this contest.

The Magic will also be hoping to get over the line at home on Saturday night against the struggling Kalamunda Eastern Suns who have only managed one win so far this campaign.

The Goldfields Giants hit the road to Perth for the first time since round one and face the Lightning on Saturday night and East Perth Eagles on Sunday in a crucial weekend for them after a mixed start to the season.

Perry Lakes Hawks will travel to Geraldton to take on the Buccaneers in a game that could see the Hawks drop out of the top eight.

After last weeks loss the Perth Redbacks take on the Stirling Senators at Warwick with the Senators looking to push into the top eight.

Willetton Tigers will be hoping to put their fourth single figure loss behind them when they take on the East Perth Eagles at home on Saturday night.

In a bottom of the ladder clash the Rockingham Flames take on the South West Slammers who last week had their second week of the season.

Both teams will be eager with Rockingham on a seven game losing streak while their southern rivals the Slammers have now won more games than the past two seasons combined.

Article by Hannah Coleman
Courtesy of: http://www.sbl.asn.au/

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AUSTRIA

BK Mattersburg Rocks win 2.Basketball Bundesliga - by Eurobasket News

2.Basketball Bundesliga FINAL
UKJ Hypo Mistelbach - BK Mattersburg Rocks 81:88 (18:21, 19:30, 23:16, 21:21)

BK Mattersburg Rocks win 2.Basketball Bundesliga as they beat UKJ Hypo Mistelbach in the Final. The second team of the Regular Season overcame the favorites 88:81. David Geisler (186-G-80) was named MVP of the tournament.
BK Mattersburg Rocks started with 21:18 lead and continued their dominance in the second quarter. They produced a 30-19 surge to take 14-point lead. Moreover they led 17 points, but managed the opponent to reduce in the game. UKJ Hypo Mistelbach won the third quarter 23-16 to cut it to 7. Both teams nailed 21 points each in the last stanza for the final result.
David Geisler top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Jason Forrestal (204-F-69, college: Benedictine, IL) nailed 16. Stefan Ulreich (184-G-85) notched 15, while Joey Vickery (180-G-67) scored 12. Daniel Gajdosik (189-G-80) replied with 30 points in the losing effort and Vladimir Sismilich (195-F-85) netted 16. Ivo Prachar (206-F/C-82) delivered 11, whilst Singer added 6.

UKJ HYPO Mistelbach: Daniel Gajdosik 30, Vladimir Sismilich 16, Ivo Prachar 11, Singer 6
BK Mattersburg Rocks: David Geisler 17, Jason Forrestal 16, Stefan Ulreich 15, Joey Vickery 12

A Bundesliga: Kapfenberg and Gmunden advance to Semifinals - by Eurobasket News

Fourth games of the A Bundesliga Quarterfinals were played last night. Kapfenberg and Gmunden celebrated road wins and eliminated their rivals with almost perfect 3-1 in the series. Gmunden will meet Wels in the Semis, while Kapfenberg waits for the winner of Furstenfeld - Klosterneuburg series. The Panthers celebrated last night and forced crucial fifth game. That meeting is scheduled for Sunday and Klosterneuburg will be the host.

Gussing - Kapfenberg 83-89 OT (1-3)
Gussing Knights were tied after three quarters and then recorded another tie at the end of regular time. They were eventually defeated in overtime 9-15s. Kapfenberg Bulls made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. The former international guard Thomas Schreiner (195-87, agency: Dynamics Global Management) fired 17 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. American forward Chad Gray (200-85, college: Co.Carolina) chipped in 24 points. Gray is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Kapfenberg Bulls players scored in double figures. Naturalized Serbian power forward Aleksandar Djuric (210-82) produced 29 points and 7 rebounds and international guard Thomas Klepeisz (188-91) added 20 points and 7 assists respectively for lost side. Gussing Knights' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Kapfenberg: C.Gray 24+4reb+1ast, T.Schreiner 17+5reb+8ast, L.Gordon 16+11reb+1ast, D.Mayes 14+8reb+4ast, D.Nelson 10+5reb+3ast, A.Kuttnig 8+1reb
Gussing: A.Djuric 29+7reb+1ast, T.Klepeisz 20+1reb+7ast, M.Jandrasits 14, S.Koch 6+8reb+5ast, C.Astl 5+2reb, C.Scott 4+13reb+4ast

BC Vienna - Gmunden 76-93 (1-3)
BC Vienna was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. It was a great shooting night for Gmunden Swans especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by BC Vienna's players. American guard Morris Curry (178-G-87, college: Providence) fired a double-double by scoring 25 points, 9 rebounds and 17 assists for the winners. The other American import forward Dan Oppland (203-84, college: Valparaiso, agency: SportsTalent) chipped in 20 points and 5 rebounds (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field). Five Gmunden Swans players scored in double figures. The former international guard Stjepan Stazic (199-78, agency: World Sport Agency) produced 34 points (!!!) (made all of his nine free throws !!!) and American swingman Bryant Matthews (201-82, college: Virginia Tech) added 18 points and 11 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Gmunden: M.Curry 25+9reb+17ast, D.Oppland 20+5reb, E.Murati 19+2reb+3ast, M.Oppland 17+6reb+1ast, M.Mayer 10+6reb+4ast, P.Huetter 2+1reb
BC Vienna: S.Stazic 34+3reb+3ast, B.Matthews 18+11reb+2ast, J.Francois 10+8reb+3ast, D.Hasenburger 6+4reb, T.Gaspar 4+2reb+1ast, P.Csar 2+1reb

Furstenfeld - Klosterneub. 91-85 (2-2)
The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Xion Dukes won third quarter 23-16. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Furstenfeld Panthers forced 19 Xion Dukes turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Furstenfeld Panthers made 7 blocks. Xion Dukes were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American power forward Gary Ware (205-83, college: Purdue, agency: TSS Management) fired 26 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks for the winners. The other American import guard Anthony Shavies (191-83, college: Missouri St., agency: Interperformances) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists. Bosnian power forward Ramiz Suljanovic (206-79) produced a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds and American power forward Jason Chappell (208-83, college: Wisconsin) added 14 points and 13 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Furstenfeld: G.Ware 26+8reb+1ast, K.Payton 23+5reb+5ast, A.Shavies 17+7reb+10ast, J.Robinson 12+5reb, P.Radakovics 6, L.O'Neal 5+7reb+3ast
Klosterneub.: R.Suljanovic 22+11reb, J.Chappell 14+13reb+1ast, D.Zeleznik 14+5reb+4ast, C.Nagler 14+4reb+4ast, C.Bobb 9+6reb, M.Lanegger 7+2reb+2ast

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BELARUS

Standings - Premier League

Premier Standings

Championship
1. Minsk-2006		28-1
2. Grodno-93		25-4
3. Rubon		13-16
4. Minsk-2006 II		10-19
Play-Out
1. SBK Osipovichi		12-15
2. BGUIR-RTI		12-17
3. Sozh Gomel		0-28

Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 5

Championship

Apr. 20: Minsk-2006 - Minsk-2006 II 96-53
Apr. 20: Grodno-93 - Rubon 82-69

Play-Out

Apr. 20: BGUIR-RTI - SBK Osipovichi 67-82
Apr. 21: BGUIR-RTI - SBK Osipovichi

Stats Leaders - Premier League

Points Per Game

Ronaldas RUTKAUSKAS
  Minsk-.
  (203-F-92)
  Avg: 19.7

1. Rutkauskas, Minsk.	19.7
2. Sitnik, SBK O.	16.7
3. Matyukevych, Grod.	15.5
4. Mishukov, SBK O.	14.4
5. Ignatchik, Minsk-.	14.4
6. Maze, Minsk-2006	14.4
7. Patupchyk, Sozh G.	14.0
8. Sugoniako, BG.	13.9
9. Knox, Minsk-2006	13.6
10. Charykau, SBK O.	13.4

Rebounds Per Game

Pavel BLIZNETS
  Sozh Gomel
  (205-C-94)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Bliznets, Sozh Gom.	11.8
2. Rutkauskas, Minsk.	9.3
3. Zakhar, BG.	8.8
4. Krisevich, Minsk-.	7.8
5. Mishukov, SBK O.	7.6
6. Drobyshevski., Soz.	6.7
7. Ovsepian, Rubon	6.6
8. Kojenets, Minsk.	6.4
9. Matyukevych, Grod.	6.3
10. Knox, Minsk-2006	6.0

Assists Per Game

Siarhei CHARYKAU
  SBK O.
  (184-PG-82)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Charykau, SBK O.	5.9
2. Kuzmin, Grodno-93	5.3
3. Shustau, Minsk-20.	5.0
4. Akulich, Rubon	4.9
5. Maze, Minsk-2006	4.0
6. Kudrautsau, Minsk.	4.0
7. Ignatchik, Minsk-.	2.9
8. Papruha, BG.	2.7
9. Korzh, Grodno-93	2.7
10. Sitnik, SBK O.	2.2

Steals Per Game

Siarhei CHARYKAU
  SBK O.
  (184-PG-82)
  Avg: 3

1. Charykau, SBK O.	3.0
2. Zakhar, BG.	2.4
3. Akulich, Rubon	2.2
4. Ovsepian, Rubon	2.1
5. Papruha, BG.	2.0
6. Sitnik, SBK O.	1.8
7. Patupchyk, Sozh G.	1.8
8. Sapegin, Rubon	1.8
9. Malkov, Rubon	1.6
10. Yafremov, Grodn.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Vadim MATYUKEVYCH
  Grodn.
  (208-C-80)
  Avg: 0

1. Matyukevych, Grod.	0.0
2. Akulich, Rubon	0.0
3. Mastou, Grodno-93	0.0
4. Trastsinetsk., Min.	0.0
5. Malyavko, Minsk-20.	0.0
6. Svirydov, SBK O.	0.0
7. Malkov, Rubon	0.0
8. Strukov, BG.	0.0
9. Malakhau, Minsk-20.	0.0
10. Solianikov, Sozh	0.0

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BELGIUM

Antwerp Transfer News - by Peter Buyse

With the signing deadline ending on Saturday April 21st, Port of Antwerp Giants has added another player to their roster. Mike Morrison (205-F-89) is the new forward/center who is joining the team. He just recently finished his college career at George Mason. In 33 games as senior he averaged 9.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg and 2.0 bpg. He made 59.2 of his field goals but only 55.0 of his free throws. He is expected to play his first game this weekend. Was selcted to the CAA All Tournament team in 2012.

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BRAZIL

Vivo/Franca advance into NBB quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News

Vivo/Franca reached NBB quarterfinals. They swept the eighth-final series versus Paulistano. Vivo/Franca earned a 77:69 win in the third game to seal the next round ticket. William Drudi (206-C/F-81) stepped up with 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Vivo/Franca strongly opened the game. They established a 37:28 halftime lead. But Paulistano erased the deficit in the third quarter. The teams stayed close for some time before Vivo/Franca made a decisive push late in regulation and cleared off for good. Kevin Sowell (190-G-81, agency: Interperformances) finished with 15 points, while Helinho Garcia (186-G-75) added 13 points in the victory. Betinho Nardi Duarte (195-G/F-88) answered with 22 points for Paulistano. Renato Carbonari (204-F/C-87) provided 16 points in the loss.
Joinville rallied past Winner/Limeira 88:69 to spur ahead in the series. Joinville unleashed 52 points in the first half to build an 18-point halftime lead. Winner/Limeira failed to recover after the big break and had to surrender at the end. Shilton Santos (198-F/C-82) notched 16 points for Joinville. Tiago Lima (201-C/F-81) and Audrei Parisotto (195-G-84) contributed 15 points each for Joinville. Diego Pinheiro topscored with 15 points for Winner/Limeira.

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

- Championship Games all set for Saturday - by David Edole

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI-- With the exception of the U10 age group, all the Play Offs in the Tre Erickson BD Basketball District King League were completed this week.
And it promises to be a Basketball bonanza as in the Under 13 Championship slated for Saturday April 21, District 4 will play District 8 and in the U16s District 5 faces District 6.

The U10s Championship will also be decided with first the semi finals between District 5 and District 2, followed by District 9 against District 8.

The weeks Play Offs culminated with District 4 U13s beating District 9, 33-12. Jackoy Walwyn scoring 9 points, 2 rebounds and 3 steals along with Dekembe Parsons, who finished on 6 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. For District 9, Elian ONeal scored 4 points, 1 rebound and 1 steal.

In the U16s, District 6 defeated District 9, 40 36 with Jomori Dagou netting 13 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist. Mickey Joseph added 10 points and 4 rebounds.

In the other U13 Play Off, District 8 defeated District 2, 12-10. Joel Douglas top scored with 4 points, 1 rebound and 1 steal. Akeem Bradshaw added 2 points, 6 rebounds and 1 steal. For District 2, Cymoi George scored 5 points with 3 rebounds and 1 steal, whilst Dmoi Hodge scored 3 points, 1 rebound and picked up 3 steals.

District 5 U16s made the Final with a 41-34 victory over District 2. Jkwon Frett scored 14 points with 2 rebounds and Franklyn Penn added 6 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. For District 2, Romain Minott finished with 17 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals. Dominic Adams added 6 points and 7 rebounds.

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CROATIA

A1 Standings

A1 Standings

Championship Group
1. Cibona		10-0
2. Cedevita		7-3
3. Zadar		6-3
4. KK Split		6-3
5. KK Zagreb CO		5-4
6. Zabok		1-8
7. Jolly		1-8
8. Svjetlost		1-8
Play-Out
1. Alkar Sinj		10-6
2. Krizevci		10-6
3. Kvarner 2010		9-7
4. Darda		7-9
5. Borik		6-10
6. Dubrovnik		6-10

Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 10

Championship

Apr. 20: Cibona - Cedevita 79-76
Apr. 21: Svjetlost - Zadar
Apr. 21: Zabok - Jolly

Play-Out

Apr. 21: Darda - Dubrovnik
Apr. 21: Kvarner 2010 - Borik
Apr. 21: Krizevci - Alkar Sinj

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Ivan MIMICA
  KK Split
  (193-G-80)
  Avg: 19.5

1. Mimica, KK Split	19.5
2. Ceskovic, Kvarner	18.1
3. Ross, Jolly	17.8
4. Simovic, Kvarner	15.7
5. Vrbanc, Zadar	14.8
6. Stimac, Svjetlost	14.8
7. Sobin, KK Split	14.8
8. Kruslin, Zabok	14.3
9. Grgat, Krizevci	14.1
10. Peraica, Darda	13.9

Rebounds Per Game

Ive IVANOV
  Zadar
  (201-C-85)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Ivanov, Zadar	7.5
2. Simovic, Kvarner	7.3
3. Stimac, Svjetlost	7.1
4. Zupic, Alkar Sinj	6.7
5. Cinac, Kvarner 2010	6.6
6. Sobin, KK Split	6.6
7. Peraica, Darda	6.5
8. Grgat, Krizevci	5.9
9. Vujcic, KK Split	5.9
10. Kastropil, Zadar	5.9

Assists Per Game

Nikola VUJCIC
  KK Split
  (211-C-78)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Vujcic, KK Split	4.9
2. Glavinic, Krizevci	4.9
3. Ross, Jolly	4.5
4. Subotic, KK Split	4.1
5. Blajic, Kvarner	4.1
6. Kostomaj, Svjet.	3.9
7. Ceskovic, Kvarner	3.3
8. Tomas, Zabok	3.0
9. Bubalo, Alkar Sinj	2.7
10. Kruslin, Zabok	2.7

Steals Per Game

Ronald ROSS
  Jolly
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Ross, Jolly	2.9
2. Bicvic, Darda	2.0
3. Blajic, Kvarner	2.0
4. Kostomaj, Svjet.	1.9
5. Ivanov, Zadar	1.6
6. Mimica, KK Split	1.5
7. Ceskovic, Kvarner	1.5
8. Puljko, Jolly	1.4
9. Stimac, Svjetlost	1.4
10. Zadnik, Zadar	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Filip KRALJEVIC
  Zabok
  (214-F-89)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Kraljevic, Zabok	1.6
2. Sarlija, Borik	1.3
3. Zupic, Alkar Sinj	1.2
4. Bubalo, Zabok	1.1
5. Vujcic, KK Split	1.0
6. Buva, Krizevci	0.8
7. Vukovic, KK Split	0.8
8. Kastropil, Zadar	0.7
9. Sobin, KK Split	0.6
10. Babic, KK Split	0.5

Transfer rumors for next season! - by Dani Erceg

Participant in next season Euroleague edition Cedevita Zagreb is interested to sign Croatian NT members Krunoslav Simon and Marko Popovic. Simon is currently playing for KK Zagreb where he spent entire career so far, this season he averaged 15.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 3.8apg and 1.6spg in Adriatic League. Popovic is currently playing for Zalgiris Kaunas, this season he averaged 9.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.1apg in VTB League.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Peter SEDMAK
  USK Praha
  (207-C-85)
  Avg: 19.7

1. Sedmak, USK Praha	19.7
2. Pope, Chomutov	19.6
3. McFadden, Usti n.	18.2
4. Grant, Levice	18.2
5. Lowery, Chomutov	17.6
6. Hruban, USK Praha	16.7
7. Houska, BK Decin	15.4
8. Arnold, BK Pardu.	15.0
9. Meno, Svitavy	14.8
10. Stanek, Chomutov	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Stanislav VOTROUBEK
  USK P.
  (212-C-81)
  Avg: 8.8

1. Votroubek, USK P.	8.8
2. Pesic, Inter B.	8.5
3. Meno, Svitavy	8.4
4. Gottselig, Usti n.	8.0
5. Arnold, BK Pardu.	7.7
6. Naymick, CEZ N.	7.7
7. Gadri-N., BK Prost.	7.5
8. Peterson, BK Prost.	7.4
9. Modric, Levice	7.2
10. Gavran, Inter B.	6.8

Assists Per Game

Emanuel UBILLA
  Inter B.
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Ubilla, Inter B.	5.3
2. Deloach, Svitavy	5.1
3. Sotnar, USK Praha	4.7
4. Wright, NH Ostrava	4.6
5. Wright, Chomutov	4.6
6. Vrubl, Plzen	4.4
7. Lawrence, CEZ N.	4.1
8. Sirina, B&W Opava	4.1
9. McFadden, Usti n.	4.1
10. Barnes, BC Kolin	3.9

Steals Per Game

Rashaan AMES
  BC Kolin
  (184-PG-78)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Ames, BC Kolin	2.7
2. Ubilla, Inter B.	2.5
3. Wright, Chomutov	2.4
4. McFadden, Usti n.	2.3
5. Wright, NH Ostrava	2.1
6. Lowery, Chomutov	1.9
7. Klecka, B&W Opava	1.9
8. Pumprla, CEZ N.	1.8
9. Sirina, B&W Opava	1.8
10. Deloach, Svitavy	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Andrew NAYMICK
  CEZ N.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Naymick, CEZ N.	1.7
2. Hughes, NH Ostrava	1.3
3. Miklosik, B&W O.	1.3
4. Gadri-N., BK Prost.	1.2
5. Williams, BK Decin	1.0
6. Pumprla, CEZ N.	0.9
7. Grant, Levice	0.9
8. Reese, Usti n.	0.9
9. Meno, Svitavy	0.8
10. Arnold, BK Pardu.	0.8

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D-LEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Blake AHEARN
  Reno B.
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 23.8

1. Ahearn, Reno B.	23.8
2. Almond, Maine RC	23.4
3. Emmett, Reno B.	23.1
4. Dentmon, Austin T.	22.6
5. Efevberha, Iowa E.	19.6
6. Millsap, Los A.	19.6
7. Mitchell, Sioux F.	19.6
8. Gilder, Sioux F.	19.2
9. Ubiles, Dakota W.	19.2
10. Green, Los A.	19.1

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus LEWIS
  Tulsa 66ers
  (203-F/C-86)
  Avg: 12.7

1. Lewis, Tulsa 66ers	12.7
2. Harangody, Canton	11.7
3. Dawson, Austin T.	10.4
4. Butch, Bakersfi.	10.3
5. Thomas, Los A.	9.2
6. Foote, Springfield	9.0
7. Criswell-L., Austi.	8.9
8. Williams, Texas L.	8.9
9. Reid, Tulsa 66ers	8.6
10. Horner, Springfi.	8.4

Assists Per Game

Walker RUSSELL
  Ft.Wayne.
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 9.9

1. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	9.9
2. Conroy, Rio G.	9.0
3. Daniels, Texas L.	8.7
4. Curry, Springfield	6.3
5. Wise, Bakersfield	6.2
6. Fortson, Los A.	5.9
7. Stinson, Iowa E.	5.8
8. Bailey, Idaho S.	5.8
9. Baker, Dakota W.	5.7
10. Johnson, Austin	5.5

Steals Per Game

Marqus BLAKELY
  Sioux F.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Blakely, Sioux F.	2.2
2. Coleman, Sioux F.	2.2
3. Smith, Springfield	2.2
4. Fortson, Los A.	2.1
5. Hannah, Dakota W.	2.0
6. Owens, Tulsa 66ers	1.9
7. Saunders, Rio G.	1.9
8. Millsap, Los A.	1.9
9. Curry, Springfield	1.9
10. Bobbitt, Idaho S.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Hamady N''DIAYE
  Maine R.
  (213-C-87)
  Avg: 3.2

1. N''Diaye, Maine R.	3.2
2. Foster, Idaho S.	2.9
3. Williams, Texas L.	2.5
4. Saunders, Rio G.	2.3
5. Daniels, Erie B.	2.1
6. Thomas, Los A.	1.9
7. Hill, Maine RC	1.8
8. Ojougboh, Tulsa	1.7
9. Strong, Iowa E.	1.6
10. Dawson, Austin T.	1.6

Semifinals, first games: D-Fenders drop Jam, Canton tops Toros in overtime - by Eurobasket News

Bakersfield J. - Los Angeles D. 104-109
The Los Angeles D-Fenders defeated the Bakersfield Jam 109-104 in a back-and-forth Game 1 of the NBA Development League Semifinals at the Jam Events Center. Despite trailing by as many as 23 points in the second quarter, the D-Fenders (1-0) closed the half on a 20-5 run, and then outscored the Jam 38-20 in the third quarter to go up 86-76. The D-Fenders pushed their lead to as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter and weathered the Jam's comeback attempt to close out the Thursday night road win. Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) totaled a game-high 34 points (12-23 FG, 7-10 FT), seven rebounds and four steals, Malcolm Thomas (6'9''-C-88, college: San Diego St.) finished with 21 points (8-15 FG), eight rebounds and three steals, and Orien Greene (6'4''-G-82, college: La-Lafayette) tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds along with a game-high five steals for the D-Fenders. Additionally, Mardy Collins scored 14 points (7-14 FG), grabbed four rebounds and handed out four assists to round out the D-Fenders in double-digits. Bakersfield (0-1) was paced by Juan Pattillo (6'6''-F-88, college: W.Kentucky) (28 points [10-14 FG], 8 rebounds, 3 blocks), Jeremy Wise (19 points [12-14 FT]), and Trey Johnson (13 points, 5 assists). Meanwhile, Renaldo Major scored 11 points for the Jam in the loss. In a game that included eight lead chances and eight ties, the D-Fenders outscored the Jam 52-28 in points in the paint, 30-8 on second chance points and 16-6 on the fast break. However, the Jam sank 34 free-throws (34-41 FT) compared to 19 by the D-Fenders (19-23 FT). Game 2 of the three game semifinals will take place in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 21st at 6:30 p.m. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Canton C. - Austin T. 112-109 OT
Tyrell Biggs (6'8''-F-86, college: Pittsburgh) scored 23 points, including six in overtime, to lead the Canton Charge to a 112-109 victory over the Austin Toros in the opening game of their NBA D-League playoff series Thursday night before a crowd of 3,180 at Canton Memorial Civic Center. Kyle Gibson (6'5''-G-87, college: Louisiana Tech) added 21 points and Antoine Agudio had 20 for Canton. Justin Dentmon scored a game-high 24 points and Julian Wright (6'8''-F-87, college: Kansas) added 23 for Toros. Austin held a 54-46 halftime lead. The game was tied at 98 at the end of regulation. The Toros will host the second game of the best-of-three series on Saturday starting at 7:30 p.m. *Courtesy of www.statesman.com

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EBA

Christopher Matthews Pushes Madness to Final Four - by EBA Media

Christopher Matthews just came home from playing in Mexico as a point guard averaging 27 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists per game. The 6' 4' combo guard came back and picked up in the EBA right where he left off playing for the Washington Madness. In just over five games, he is averaging 23.9 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists per game, shooting an impressive 48% from NBA 3-point line.

This past weekend, Matthews showed why he earned the MVP award in the 2011 EBA All-Star game. He helped the Madness clinch a tough-fought win over the Harrisburg Horizon, producing 34 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 NBA 3's playing in just over three quarters.

The Washington Madness has advanced to the EBA Final Four where they will take on the Hudson Valley Hype on Saturday, April 21st at the Elmcor Gym in Corona, N.Y.

Catch up with all your favorite players and teams by visiting the <a href='http://www.easternbasketballalliance.com'>Eastern Basketball Alliance</a> website.

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ESTONIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Reinis STRUPOVICS
  Valga
  (192-G-87)
  Avg: 20.9

1. Strupovics, Valga	20.9
2. Raadik, Parnu	18.1
3. Raley-Ross, Tln K.	17.3
4. Soo, Rapla	16.9
5. Cipruss, Tarvas	16.8
6. Raap, Parnu	16.2
7. Veideman, Tartu U.	15.6
8. Pilk, TTU	15.3
9. Hallik, Tarvas	14.7
10. Akenparg, TTU	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Kaspars CIPRUSS
  Tarvas
  (210-C-82)
  Avg: 10.2

1. Cipruss, Tarvas	10.2
2. Cricelli, Valga	8.4
3. Fedortchuk, Tln K.	8.2
4. Raadik, Parnu	7.8
5. Arnold, TTU	7.6
6. Shaw, Tln Kalev	7.4
7. Ringmets, Rapla	7.0
8. Pilk, TTU	6.6
9. Fall, Kalev/Cramo	6.4
10. Allingu, Tartu U.	6.2

Assists Per Game

Edgars CUNDA
  Valga
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Cunda, Valga	4.5
2. Laane, Rapla	4.3
3. Sokk, Tartu Ulikool	4.1
4. Kriisa, Tarvas	3.6
5. Sirsnins, Tarvas	3.6
6. Pilk, TTU	3.6
7. Dorbek, Tarvas	3.4
8. Raap, Parnu	3.3
9. Keedus, TTU	3.0
10. Skele, Kalev/Cramo	2.8

Steals Per Game

Edgars CUNDA
  Valga
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Cunda, Valga	2.5
2. Laane, Rapla	2.2
3. Raley-Ross, Tln K.	2.2
4. Kaldre, Rapla	2.1
5. Veideman, Tartu U.	2.1
6. Leppik, Tartu Ulik.	2.1
7. Dorbek, Tarvas	2.0
8. Skele, Kalev/Cramo	1.9
9. Raap, Parnu	1.8
10. Cricelli, Valga	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Bamba FALL
  Kalev/Cramo
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Fall, Kalev/Cramo	1.7
2. Raadik, Parnu	1.4
3. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	1.2
4. Fedortchuk, Tln K.	1.0
5. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	0.7
6. Hallik, Tarvas	0.5
7. Ulyanko, Kalev/Cr.	0.5
8. Veski, Tarvas	0.5
9. Keedus, TTU	0.4
10. Makke, TTU	0.4

Tartu crushes Rapla in first semifinal - by Janar

Tartu started the semifinal series against Rapla with a convincing 108:70 victory. The hosts made all first five three-pointers and led 15:2 with 4 minutes played. It went a lot worse for the guests as they made only one shot of their first 13 attempts and added 6 turnovers in first 9 minutes as Tartu went on to lead 25:2. First quarter ended 30:7, halftime score was 52:26 and after 3 quarters 79:52.

Tanel Kurbas (197-F-88) led the winners with 24 points, making 5/7 from a long range. Kristo Saage (184-G-85) added 18+9rbs+4ast, Bill Amis (205-F-87, college: Hawaii) 17 points and Sten-Timmu Sokk (181-G-89) 12+8ast. For Rapla, Janar Soo (199-G/F-91) scored 22 points as he was the only one with double-digits.

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EUROLEAGUE

Standings

Euroleague Stage Two Standings

Group E
1. CSKA			5-1
2. Olympiacos			3-3
3. Galatasaray			3-3
4. Anadolu Efes			1-5
Group F
1. Montepaschi			4-2
2. Gescrap BB			4-2
3. Real Madrid			4-2
4. Unicaja			0-6
Group G
1. Panathinaikos			4-2
2. Unics			3-3
3. Armani Mit			3-3
4. Fener.Ulker			2-4
Group H
1. FCB Regal			6-0
2. Maccabi T-A			3-3
3. Bennet Cantu			3-3
4. Zalgiris			0-6

Stage One Standings

Semi-Finals: Round 1

May. 11: Olympiakos - FCB Regal
May. 11: CSKA - Panathinaikos

2011-12 All-Euroleague team nominees - by Eurobasket News

After counting the votes from fans and media members far and wide, Euroleague Basketball is pleased to release the names of the 10 nominees for the All-Euroleague teams. Tens of thousands of fans from around the globe were able to cast votes for their favorite players, as did media members from each of the countries with Euroleague teams this season. Teams that qualified to the Final Four dominated the nominations, with CSKA Moscow striking three nominees, while FC Barcelona Regal and Panathinaikos each had two. Only two nominees came teams that did not reach the Final Four, which highlights the importance playing team-oriented, winning basketball has on being an All-Euroleague nominee. The All-Euroleague first and second teams as well as the identity of the 2011-12 Euroleague MVP will be revealed at the Efes Pilsener Euroleague Awards Ceremony on the evening of May 12 at Ciragan Palace in Istanbul during the 2012 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four.

Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.), Panathinaikos
An All-Euroleague first team member last season, Mike Batiste is an institution for all Panathinaikos fans. In his ninth consecutive season with the club - a great accomplishment for a foreign player in such a demanding club -, Batiste stays as the Greens' main pillar in the paint, leading Panathinaikos in offensive rebounds (2 orpg.) and being second in performance index ranking (10.6 per game). Batiste has been taking care of business in the paint since he joined Panathinaikos in 2003. The Greens have won the Greek League in every season he has been at the club and been a perennial threat to win the Euroleague, too, lifting the trophy in 2007, 2009 and 2011. Batiste leads the Euroleague in all-time two-pointers made (861) with great effectiveness (60.1%), showing how steady and relentless his work has been over the years. He is one of only three active players to be on the Euroleague Basketball career top 10 for both scoring and rebounding. Batiste has helped Panathinaikos to record seven consecutive Final Four games since 2005. Two more wins would give Batiste a fourth Euroleague title, confirming that he is simply the winningest American player in Europe in almost four decades.

Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80), Panathinaikos
Coming off a dream Turkish Airlines Euroleague season, Dimitris Diamantidis hopes to lead Panathinaikos to consecutive continental crowns for the first time in club history. Last season, Dimitris Diamantidis was Turkish Airlines Euroleague MVP, the All-Euroleague First team point guard, the Best Defender and the Final Four MVP, winning his third title in five years. Far from being done, Diamantidis has kept leading Panathinaikos, shining when it matters most. Diamantidis was chosen as the bwin MVP for March and April, leading the playoffs in performance index ranking (24 per game) and fouls drawn (7.4 per game). He also earned playoffs Games 1 and 5 MVP honors, leading Panathinaikos to two critical wins to its tough way to the Final Four. Diamantidis leads Panathinaikos in scoring (11.3 ppg.), assists (4.9 apg.), steals (1.5 spg.) and index (17 per game), which says enough about how important he is for the Greens. In his eighth Euroleague season, Diamantidis led Panathinaikos to Euroleague titles in 2007, 2009 and 2011, lifted eighth consecutive Greek League trophies, is a six-time Best Defender Trophy winner and now has the chance to get to the All-Euroleague first team for the third time.

Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois), Unics Kazan
Unbridled scorer Henry Domercant was the leader of one of this seasons best Turkish Airlines Euroleague stories. Domercant filled nets around Europe in bunches all season long in guiding rookie Euroleague team Unics Kazan all the way to the playoffs. The 31-year-old shooting guard finished the season as the league leader in three-pointers made (48), ranked fifth in three-point accuracy (49.48 %), fourth in scoring (15.5 ppg.) and seventh in performance index rating (16.3). At one point Domercant compiled a streak of 21 straight free throws made. He also captured bwin MVP for January honors after leading Unics to a 2-0 start in the Top 16. Domercant established himself as Unicss go-to guy with a 30-point performance on opening night, even though his team lost to Siena. From that point on Domercant emerged as the team leader and played a prominent role in a number of memorable come-from-behind wins. Domercant averaged double figures in points in each of his five previous Euroleague seasons with Efes Pilsen, Olympiacos and Montepaschi Siena. Over the course of nine professional seasons with seven teams in four countries, he has celebrated three domestic championships and four cups.

Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81), CSKA Moscow
It took him 11 years to return to the Turkish Airlines Euroleague but small forward Andrei Kirilenko has proved to be instrumental in CSKA Moscow's comeback season. Kirilenko had a sudden impact inthe competition, earning regular season Games 1 and 4 MVP honors and being chosen as the bwin MVP for October. He also leads the 2011-12 Euroleague in performance index ranking (24.1 per game), rebounds (7.2 rpg.) and blocks (1.87 bpg.). Kirilenko is second in steals (1.53 spg.) and was the Euroleague's only player to rank among the 10 best in scoring, rebounding, steals and blocks. His intensity, energy and quickness allowed Kirilenko to become the 2011-12 Best Defender Trophy winner, but he was a decisive factor on offense, too. Kirilenko was the playoffs best scorer (17.5 ppg.), ranked fourth in fouls drawn (5.1 per game) and second in free throws made (4.6 per game). A EuroBasket winner with Russia in 2007 and a bronze medalist in 2011, Kirilenko's last trip to a Final Four was at age 20, back in 2001, when CSKA played the SuproLeague. A world-class player nowadays, Kirilenko is hungrier than anyone to win his first Euroleague title, dominating at both ends of the floor.

Nenad Krstic (213-C-83), CSKA Moscow
A well-rounded veteran right at the prime of his career makes his first appearance in the All-Euroleague teams. Nenad Krstic has been CSKA Moscow's main reference under the baskets, changing games with his solid post skills, effective jumpers and winning character. Chosen as the bwin MVP for November, Krstic had a stellar start, leading the regular season in total index ranking (217) and keeping CSKA undefeated to get its comeback season going. Krstic also earned Top 16 Game 3 MVP honors and is among the 10 best players in several different stats categories. Krstic ranks second overall in index (19.6 per game), fifth in scoring (14.7 ppg.), ninth in rebounds (5.9 rpg.), fifth in foul drawns (4.9 per game) and sixth in two-point percentage (63.9%) despite hitting more shots inside the arch (166) than anyone else in the competition. It all explains how solid he has been until now in his first Euroleague season since 2003-04. Krstic averaged 14.5 points on 22-of-30 two-pointers (73.3%) in the playoffs, showing that he is made for big games. He helped Serbia to win a silver medal at EuroBasket 2009 but with a long contract with CSKA and at age 28, the best is yet to come for him.

Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.), FC Barcelona Regal
One of the most talented big men in European basketball returns to the All-Euroleague teams in a great season for him and his team. Erazem Lorbek has been all the over place until now, leading FC Barcelona Regal in scoring (13.8 ppg.), rebounding (4.7 rpg.), index (16.3 per game) and true shooting percentage (54.2%). Lorbek has helped Barcelona to get to the Final Four with the best record in the competition, losing just one of its 19 Euroleague games until now. He has also worked hard to help Barcelona become the best defensive team (61.5 ppg.) since the competition started in 2000 and earned regular season Game 7 co-MVP honors. Despite playing for a defensive-minded team, Lorbek is 10th in scoring and fifth in index this season. In his third season with Barcelona, Lorbek won the Euroleague title with his current club in 2010 and reached the title game with Fortitudo Bologna (2004) and CSKA Moscow (2009). It is Lorbek's third appearance in the All-Euroleague teams in the last two years - he was named to the 2008-09 and 2009-10 All-Euroleague Second Team. Lorbek was also the first player to win the Euroleague Rising Star trophy in 2004-05.

Bo McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans), Montepaschi Siena
Bo McCalebb, who is also the 2012 Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy winner, makes his second appearance on an All-Euroleague team in just his third season in the competition. The Montepaschi Siena playmaker proved himself as an elite game changer by taking two teams to the Final Four in his first two Euroleague seasons Partizan in 2010 and Siena in 2011. Perhaps the fastest player with the ball in the league, McCalebb combined that weapon with his passing ability and uncanny shooting to lead the Montepaschi attack. He scored in double figures in every game he played for a 16.9 points per game average in leading his team to the playoffs and an overall 13-7 record. McCalebb was also tied for the league lead in three-point accuracy (52.63 %), ranked third in performance index rating (17.3), sixth in steals (1.3 spg.), ninth in fouls drawn (4.2 pg.) and led all guards in two-point shooting (63.7%) and true shooting percentage (63.5%). McCalebb, 27, was previously an All-Euroleague Second Team selection for the 2009-10 season. In three professional seasons, he has won three league titles and three cups. McCalebb also holds a FYROM passport and led that countrys national team to the EuroBasket 2011 semifinals in remarkable fashion.

Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80), FC Barcelona Regal
By becoming the Turkish Airlines Euroleague's all-time top scorer this season, FC Barcelona Regal superstar Juan Carlos Navarro added another milestone to his already legendary career. Navarro is a two-time Euroleague champion and was the 2008-09 Euroleague MVP and the 2010 Euroleague Final Four MVP. All told Navarro will play in his sixth Euroleague Final Four and been named to the All-Euroleague First Team a record five times. Navarro shined when his team needed its most, becoming the second-best scorer in the playoffs (17.3 ppg.) and helping Barcelona to be the team team to sweep its five-game series. Despite battling injuries earlier this season, Navarro scored 12 points or more in his last six games, making Barcelona reach the Final Four with an open, 10-game winning streak. Complementing his Euroleague accomplishments, Navarro boasts several medals with Spanish national team, highlighted by winning the title at the 2006 World Championships, being chosen as the EuroBasket 2011 MVP and leading Spain to gold medal also in EuroBasket 2009. An Olympic medal in 2008 - and a fourth appearance in London 2012 - turn Navarro into a living legend fighting for another Euroleague title!

Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket), Olympiacos Piraeus
Perhaps no other player has been more important to his own team than Vassilis Spanoulis has been to Olympiacos. A Turkish Ailines Euroleague champion and Final Four MVP with Panathinaikos in 2009, Spanoulis is in his second season with the Reds and ready to keep making headlines. Simply put, Spanoulis has been the Reds' heart and soul throughout his Euroleague season, leading Olympiacos in scoring, assists and index ranking. He is the competition's second-best scorer (16.5 ppg.) and ranks fifth in index (16.4 per game), leading the 2011-12 Euroleague in fouls drawn (5.9 per game) and free throws made (102 of 122, 83.6%). Spanoulis was chosen as the bwin MVP for February, making Olympiacos come back to a 0-2 start in the Top 16 to clinch a playoffs spot. Spanoulis was chosen to the All-Euroleague second team in 2006 and 2011. He is a regular with the Greek national team and has won a gold medal at EuroBasket 2005, reached the finak at the World Championships in 2006 and got bronze at EuroBasket 2009. Always ambitious and ready, Spanoulis faces the challenge of winning the Euroleague with both Greek powerhouses. Only Dimitris Papanikolaou won it with Panathinaikos and Olympiacos in the past.

Milos Teodosic (195-G-87), CSKA Moscow
Mercurial playmaker Milos Teodosic fueled the leagues most dominant attack in his first season with CSKA Moscow. Teodosic, 25, recorded more assists than any player in the league entering the Final Four and ranked third in assists per game (5.2 apg.). Moreover, he was the only player in the league to record multiple double-digit assist games and did so in back-to-back weeks to finish the regular season. The former Euroleague MVP dished a league-best 5.9 assists per game in helping CSKA to an undefeated regular season. He was again best in the league in the playoffs with 6.5 dished per game. All the while, Teodosic continued to score (10.1 ppg.) and was never afraid to take big shots as evidenced by his buzzer-beating three-pointer to beat Brose Baskets on the road in Week 7. Teodosic arrived at CSKA this season after spending the previous four with Greek club Olympiacos, during which he reached back-to-back Euroleague Final Fours, won a pair of Greek Cups and was named Euroleague MVP and All-Euroleague First Team for the 2009-10 season. A native of Serbia, he also helped his countrys national team win the silver medal at EuroBasket 2009 and reach the semifinals at the 2010 World Championships.

Courtesy of Euroleague

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FRANCE

Standings - ProA

ProA Standings

1. Gravelines		23-3
2. Chalon		21-5
3. Orleans		18-8
4. Nancy		16-10
5. Le Mans		16-10
6. Paris-Levallois		16-11
7. Roanne		14-12
8. Cholet		14-13
9. Strasbourg		12-14
10. Dijon		12-14
11. Nanterre		12-14
12. ASVEL		11-15
13. Poitiers		8-18
14. Le Havre		8-18
15. Pau-Lacq-Orthez		6-20
16. Hyeres-Toulon		2-24

Regular Season: Round 27

Apr. 20: Paris-Levallois - Cholet 70-85
Apr. 21: Chalon - Le Havre
Apr. 21: Le Mans - Hyeres-Toulon
Apr. 21: Orleans - Nanterre
Apr. 21: Poitiers - ASVEL
Apr. 21: Strasbourg - Dijon
Apr. 21: Roanne - Nancy
Apr. 21: Pau-Lacq-Orthez - Gravelines

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Eric CHATFIELD
  Paris-.
  (191-G-79)
  Avg: 20.1

1. Chatfield, Paris-.	20.1
2. Rochestie, Le Mans	17.8
3. Hughes, Hyeres-T.	17.4
4. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	17.3
5. Williams, Paris-.	17.1
6. Hamilton, Paris-.	16.5
7. Causeur, Cholet	16.2
8. Schilb, Chalon	16.0
9. Delaney, Chalon	15.8
10. Cox, Le Havre	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Chinemelu ELONU
  Pau-Lacq.
  (206-F/C-87)
  Avg: 8.2

1. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.	8.2
2. Hamilton, Paris-.	8.0
3. Akingbala, Nancy	7.8
4. Greer, Strasbourg	7.4
5. Vebobe, Cholet	7.0
6. Armstrong, AS.	7.0
7. Aminu, Chalon	6.8
8. Nsonwu-Amadi, Roa.	6.8
9. Falker, Cholet	6.7
10. Labeyrie, Hyeres-.	6.5

Assists Per Game

Kareem REID
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (178-PG-75)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Reid, Hyeres-Toulon	7.6
2. Rochestie, Le Mans	6.5
3. Wise, Le Havre	5.6
4. Pellin, Orleans	5.3
5. Linehan, Nancy	5.1
6. Dixon, Dijon	5.0
7. Barrett, Roanne	4.9
8. Schilb, Chalon	4.8
9. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	4.6
10. Cox, Le Havre	4.1

Steals Per Game

Andrew ALBICY
  Gravelines
  (178-PG-90)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Albicy, Gravelines	2.5
2. Wise, Le Havre	2.0
3. Riley, Nanterre	2.0
4. Linehan, Nancy	1.9
5. Pellin, Orleans	1.8
6. Shuler, Nancy	1.7
7. Melody, Dijon	1.7
8. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	1.7
9. Dixon, Dijon	1.7
10. Acker, Le Mans	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Alexis AJINCA
  Strasbourg
  (215-C-88)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Ajinca, Strasbourg	2.2
2. Gobert, Cholet	1.4
3. Falker, Cholet	1.4
4. Hamilton, Paris-.	1.2
5. Akingbala, Nancy	1.2
6. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.	1.1
7. Williams, Paris-.	0.9
8. Issa, Gravelines	0.9
9. Akpomedah, Grave.	0.9
10. Daniels, Nanterre	0.8

Standings - ProB

ProB Standings

1. Limoges		24-6
2. Boulazac		22-9
3. Chalons-Reims		21-10
4. Fos Ouest		20-11
5. Maurienne		19-11
6. Bordeaux		18-13
7. Boulogne		17-13
8. Lille		16-15
9. Bourg		15-16
10. Evreux		15-16
11. St Vallier		14-16
12. Antibes		14-16
13. Nantes		13-18
14. Le Portel		11-19
15. Denain		10-20
16. Rouen		10-20
17. Quimper		8-22
18. Vichy		7-23
19. St Etienne		0-0

Regular Season: Round 31

Apr. 20: Lille - Bourg 83-85
Apr. 20: Chalons-Reims - Evreux 75-76
Apr. 20: Fos Ouest - Nantes 74-70
Apr. 20: Boulazac - Bordeaux 72-78
Apr. 21: Boulogne - Maurienne
Apr. 21: Limoges - Antibes
Apr. 21: Rouen - Le Portel
Apr. 21: St Vallier - Vichy
Apr. 21: Quimper - Denain

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Jason SIGGERS
  Rouen
  (189-SG-85)
  Avg: 18.3

1. Siggers, Rouen	18.3
2. Davis, Le Portel	17.3
3. Brown, Maurienne	16.8
4. Wood, Evreux	16.2
5. McCray, Boulogne	16.1
6. Denave, St Vallier	15.8
7. Paelay, Quimper	15.7
8. Osby, Maurienne	15.7
9. Monroe, Boulazac	15.5
10. Prowell, St Valli.	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Christophe MASSIE
  Limoges
  (206-C/F-77)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Massie, Limoges	11.6
2. Wood, Evreux	11.1
3. Rossiter, Denain	9.8
4. Osby, Maurienne	9.5
5. Monroe, Boulazac	9.4
6. Barro, Bourg	8.6
7. Daniels, Chalons-.	8.6
8. Allen, Antibes	8.3
9. Badiane, Nantes	8.1
10. Brown, Maurienne	7.8

Assists Per Game

Ronnie TAYLOR
  Le Portel
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Taylor, Le Portel	6.8
2. Mullins, Chalons-.	5.6
3. Rowland, Evreux	5.5
4. Copeland, Bourg	5.3
5. Darnauzan, Mauri.	5.2
6. Darrigand, Bordeaux	4.9
7. Patiejunas, Rouen	4.9
8. Denave, St Vallier	4.8
9. Mouillard, Quimper	4.6
10. Sauret, Lille	4.4

Steals Per Game

Chris MCCRAY
  Boulogne
  (196-G/F-84)
  Avg: 2.4

1. McCray, Boulogne	2.4
2. Charles, Nantes	2.4
3. Shiloh, St Vallier	2.0
4. Paelay, Quimper	1.9
5. Mullins, Chalons-.	1.9
6. Eito, Vichy	1.9
7. Driss, Bordeaux	1.8
8. Rowland, Evreux	1.8
9. Allen, Antibes	1.8
10. Denave, St Vallier	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Sherman GAY
  Fos Ouest
  (201-PF-82)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Gay, Fos Ouest	1.8
2. Jefferson, Vichy	1.7
3. Badiane, Antibes	1.7
4. Osby, Maurienne	1.4
5. Ford, Bordeaux	1.0
6. Massie, Limoges	1.0
7. Fields, Nantes	0.9
8. Daniels, Chalons-.	0.9
9. McKenzie, Boulazac	0.9
10. Rossiter, Denain	0.8

Standings - N1

NM1 Standings

1. St Quentin		24-7
2. Orchy		23-8
3. Souffel		23-8
4. Charleville		23-8
5. Roche		22-9
6. Blois		21-10
7. Cognac		19-12
8. Sorgues		18-13
9. Brest		17-15
10. Angers BC 49		14-17
11. Lievin		14-17
12. Rueil		14-17
13. Challans		14-17
14. Chartres		12-18
15. Clermont		8-23
16. Montbrison		6-25
17. Le Puy		5-26
18. CFBB		2-29

Regular Season: Round 32

Apr. 20: Brest - CFBB 88-71
Apr. 21: Angers BC 49 - Cognac
Apr. 21: Sorgues - Roche
Apr. 21: Lievin - Rueil
Apr. 21: Sorgues - St Quentin
Apr. 21: Chartres - Clermont
Apr. 21: Le Puy - Challans
Apr. 21: Montbrison - Orchy
Apr. 21: Charleville - Blois

Stats Leaders - N1

Points Per Game

Ville KAUNISTO
  Blois
  (204-F-82)
  Avg: 18.4

1. Kaunisto, Blois	18.4
2. Bigote, Cognac	17.5
3. Pridotkas, Brest	16.8
4. Petrovic, Orchy	16.8
5. Pearson, Angers B.	16.3
6. Almanson, Challans	16.3
7. Thomas, Roche	16.1
8. Bluntt, Orchy	16.0
9. Herard, Challans	15.8
10. Belser, Charlevil.	15.7

Rebounds Per Game

Ville KAUNISTO
  Blois
  (204-F-82)
  Avg: 11.7

1. Kaunisto, Blois	11.7
2. Jaiteh, CFBB	10.1
3. Caskill, Cognac	9.6
4. Pearson, Angers B.	8.6
5. Sanborn, Lievin	8.1
6. Aubry, Montbrison	8.0
7. Avramovic, Chart.	7.8
8. Lesieu, St Quentin	7.8
9. Toney, Charleville	7.8
10. Pridotkas, Brest	7.7

Assists Per Game

Johan RATHIEUVILLE
  Brest
  (177-G-85)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Rathieuville, Brest	6.5
2. Calvez, Charleville	5.3
3. Godin, Cognac	5.2
4. Daube, Le Puy	5.0
5. Tillon, Montbrison	4.9
6. Brochard, Blois	4.7
7. Ball, St Quentin	4.5
8. Barbry, Orchy	4.4
9. Dessart, Lievin	4.2
10. Cortey, Clermont	4.2

Steals Per Game

Aurelien TOTO N''KOTE
  Roche
  (194-F-79)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Toto N''Kote, Roche	2.3
2. Pistre, Charleville	2.1
3. Calvez, Charleville	2.1
4. Ball, St Quentin	1.8
5. Davis, Blois	1.8
6. Bichard, St Quentin	1.8
7. Daube, Le Puy	1.7
8. Godin, Cognac	1.6
9. Merie, Chartres	1.6
10. Gotagni, Le Puy	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Jacques ALINGUE
  Souffel
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Alingue, Souffel	1.7
2. N''Diaye, Souffel	1.6
3. Caskill, Cognac	1.4
4. Davis, Blois	1.4
5. Sanborn, Lievin	1.4
6. Diame, Rueil	1.2
7. Morin, CFBB	1.2
8. Traore, Angers B.	1.1
9. Ipouck, Chartres	1.0
10. Tornato, Blois	1.0

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FYR MACEDONIA

Bo McCalebb's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among FYR Macedonians playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

Here is the weekly review of the top performing FYR Macedonian players, who play currently abroad.

Bo McCalebb

#1. This week's number one is an international point guard Bo McCalebb (183-85, college: New Orleans), who plays in the Italian SerieA. He could not help Montepaschi Siena (20-7) in their last game. Despite McCalebb's very good performance the league leader Montepaschi Siena was edged in an overtime 95-94 on the road by the second-ranked Bennet Cantu. He had a double-double by scoring 19 points and making 11 passes. McCalebb also added 4 rebounds in 35 minutes on the court. McCalebb has relatively good stats this year: 13.7ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.2apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 60.3%(108-179), 3FGP: 34.8% and FT: 77.8% in the 26 games he played so far. He is a naturalized American. Despite McCalebb played previously for the USA national team, he is currently a member of the FYR Macedonian senior national team. Strangely McCalebb has never played in FYR Macedonia.

Pero Antic

#2. Second place goes to an international forward Pero Antic (210-82, agency: Beo Basket). He led Olympiacos to a victory over the eighth-ranked PAOK (10-14) crushing them 81-53 in the Greek A1 last Thursday. Antic was MVP of the game. He recorded 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (23-1) is placed first in the A1. It was his team's 20th consecutive victory in a row. This season Antic averages: 7.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 53.0%, 3FGP: 32.1% and FT: 79.2%. He has a dual citizenship: FYR Macedonian and Bulgarian. Despite Antic played previously for the Bulgarian national team, he is currently a member of the FYR Macedonian senior national team.

Darius Washington

#3. The FYR Macedonian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international point guard Darius Washington (188-85, college: Memphis). Washington was the main contributor in an overtime Turk Telekom's surprising victory against the third-ranked Anadolu Efes (22-6) 95-87 in the Turkish TBL on Monday night. He was the best player in that game. Washington recorded 34 points (!!!) in 29 minutes. Turk Telekom Ankara (12-16) is placed ninth in the TBL. They ended the series of three consecutive loses. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. It's Washington's first season with the team. He has individually a very good year with high stats. Washington averages: 16.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 4.3apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 53.3%, 3FGP: 41.4% and FT: 76.4% in the 20 games. He is a naturalized American. Despite Washington played previously for the USA national team, he is currently a member of the FYR Macedonian senior national team. Apparently Washington has never played in FYR Macedonia.

Marques Green

#4. Point guard Marques Green (167-82, college: St.Bonaventure), who plays in the Italian SerieA was not able to help Air Avellino (13-15) in their last game on Thursday. Despite his very good performance Air Avellino was crushed 109-79 in Siena by the leading Montepaschi. Green was the top scorer with 25 points. He also added 5 rebounds and dished 6 assists (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!). There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. Green is currently seventh on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best passers (first place). This season he has very high stats. Green averages: 15.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 6.3apg and 2.4spg. He is a naturalized American. Despite Green played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the FYR Macedonian national team roster. Interesting that Green has never played in FYR Macedonia.

Jeremiah Massey

#5. Former international forward Jeremiah Massey (202-82, college: Kansas St.) contributed to Lokomotiv's victory against the second-ranked Spartak St.Petersburg (11-5) 71-57 in the VTB United League last Wednesday. He was the top player that evening. Massey recorded 18 points in 26 minutes. Lokomotiv Kuban (9-7) is placed fourth in group B. This year Massey has relatively solid stats: 13.3ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.2apg and 1.3spg in the 19 games. He is a naturalized American. Despite Massey played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the FYR Macedonian national team roster. However Massey has never played in FYR Macedonia.

Vojdan Stojanovski

#6. Guard Vojdan Stojanovski (193-87) contributed to a 1-point BC Donetsk's victory against the eighth-ranked Dnipro (21-18) 76-75 in the Ukrainian Superleague on Thursday night. He was the top player that evening. Stojanovski scored 15 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. BC Donetsk (31-8) is placed first in the Superleague. It was his team's 13th consecutive victory in a row. Stojanovski has reliable stats this season: 10.7ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg and 1.1spg. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Stojanovski is also an international player who is currently on the senior FYR Macedonian National Team roster.

Predrag Samardziski

#7. International center Predrag Samardziski (214-86, also represented by Beo Basket) contributed to a Lietuvos rytas' victory against the closely-ranked Khimky (12-4) 82-71 in the VTB United League in Wednesday night's game. He recorded 6 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in only 11 minutes. Lietuvos rytas Vilnius (10-6) is placed third in group B. This year Samardziski's overall stats are: 5.9ppg and 4.1rpg in the 18 games. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Samardziski is currently in the FYR Macedonian national team roster.

Damjan Stojanovski

#8. Forward Damjan Stojanovski (197-87) helped Lukoil Academik win their game against the league outsider Chernomorets (3-24) crushing them 87-53 in the Bulgarian NBL last Saturday. He scored 10 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Lukoil Academik Sofia (24-3) is placed first in the NBL. Stojanovski's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is quite important. Stojanovski's total stats this season are: 6.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.2apg and 1.2spg. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Stojanovski is currently in the FYR Macedonian national team roster.

Vlado Ilievski

#9. International point guard Vlado Ilievski (189-80, another player represented by Beo Basket) is a teammate of previously mentioned Jeremiah Massey and both played together in the last VTB United League game. Ilievski helped his Russian team Lokomotiv win their game against the second-ranked Spartak St.Petersburg (11-5) 71-57. He recorded 8 points and had 3 steals in 26 minutes. This year Ilievski's total stats are: 6.4ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.4apg and 1.1spg in the nine games. Despite he played previously for the Slovenian national team, Ilievski is currently in the FYR Macedonian national team roster.

Kiril Pavlovski

   #10. Center Kiril Pavlovski (210-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza), who plays in the Bulgarian NBL was not able to secure a victory for Chernomorets (3-24) in their last game on Friday. Despite his very good performance the bottom-ranked Chernomorets was crushed 110-80 in Sofia by the second-ranked Levski. Pavlovski was the top scorer with 28 points. He also added 5 rebounds. Pavlovski's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is extremely important. Pavlovski is ranked fifth on the list of the top scorers in the league and also on the list of best rebounders (second place). This season he has very high stats. Pavlovski averages: 15.9ppg, 9.7rpg and 1.1bpg. Despite he played previously for the Slovenian national team, Pavlovski is also an international player who is currently on the senior FYR Macedonian National Team roster.

   #11. International forward Blagoj Janev (203-84, college: New Hampshire) was the major contributor in a Thor Thorl's victory against the closely-ranked KR 100-86 in the Icelandic Express League last Sunday. He scored 18 points and had 3 steals in 31 minutes. Janev's stats this year are: 15.0ppg and 6.2rpg in the 21 games. Despite he played previously for the Australian U21 national team, Janev is currently in the FYR Macedonian national team roster.

   #12. Former international forward Jovan Zdravevski (197-80) helped Stjarnan win their game against the league leader Grindavik 82-65 in the Icelandic Express League on Monday night. He was the top player that evening. Zdravevski scored 18 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. He has averaged so far 9.9ppg, 3.5rpg and 1.6apg. Despite Zdravevski played previously for the Australian national team, he is currently in the FYR Macedonian national team roster.

   #13. Former international forward Milos Pejanovic, who plays in the Serbian B League (second division) couldn't help Mladost Cacak (15-11) in their last game. Despite Pejanovic's good performance Mladost Cacak lost 61-70 in Nis to the second-ranked Konstantin. He was the second best scorer with 14 points in 27 minutes. Pejanovic averaged so far 10.1ppg, 2.7rpg and 2.4apg in the 20 games. Despite he played previously for the Australian national team, Pejanovic is currently in the FYR Macedonian national team roster.

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

GABON

GABON - Libreville: The second edition of Basketball Camp 2012 by AGEBs - by Rodrigue Olivier Kassa

The Gabonese Association of Basketball Coaches (AGEBs) recently held a working meeting with its members to identify the administrative and technical details for the imminent completion of the second edition of 'Camp Basketball UOB 2012' be held in July in Libreville in Gabonese Republic ...
Indeed, the first edition was held from July 20 to 30, 2011 has seen a modest participation of 25 students whose ages are between 12 and 17. During 10 days, these young trainees (of all nationalities) under the supervision of experienced coaches have flourished through the learning and development of fundamental basketball techniques.
This second edition is expected to accommodate more trainees under the enthusiasm of those at the previous edition and parental satisfaction ...
Also, there AGEBs offers an opportunity for young basketball players and basketball players (of any nationality) living in Gabon (or passage) to learn the basics for some basic techniques and grow, for others, as part safe and enjoyable at the University Omar Bongo.
The objective of this double-pronged camp will offer a healthy activity for our young people on holiday in the Gabonese capital, Libreville, practicing basketball and why not inculcate moral values of any society that are Respect, the effort, Solidarity, Friendship, Love, Discipline ...
The AGEBs; showcase of Basketball Coaches in Gabon, has the ambition to give to future editions international status and it was only natural that she solemnly appeal to all for making this charity ...

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

GERMANY

Stats Leaders - 2.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

Martin SAMARCO
  Karlsruhe
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 20.8

1. Samarco, Karlsruhe	20.8
2. McKiver, Braves	20.2
3. Alexander, ETB W.	18.5
4. Reese, Duesseldorf	18.3
5. Hassan, Leitersh.	17.6
6. Reid, MBC	17.5
7. Roessler, Karlsruhe	17.1
8. Mason, Webmoebel	17.1
9. Brooks, Kirchheim	16.6
10. Lipke, Leitershof.	16.4

Rebounds Per Game

Justin HOWARD
  Karlsruhe
  (208-C-81)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Howard, Karlsruhe	10.3
2. Alawoya, Braves	8.5
3. Uskoski, Kirchheim	8.2
4. Richardson, Leiter.	7.9
5. Black, Jena	7.7
6. Gerwig, Cuxhaven	7.6
7. Shaw, Chemnitz	7.6
8. Harris, Cuxhaven	7.3
9. Webb, Crailsheim	7.2
10. Moore, Karlsruhe	7.1

Assists Per Game

Ahmad SMITH
  Kirchheim
  (194-G-84)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Smith, Kirchheim	6.5
2. Jeka, Braves	5.2
3. Johnson, Chemnitz	5.0
4. Rice, Cuxhaven	4.9
5. Holcomb Faye, MBC	4.3
6. Chavis, NBC	4.3
7. Burgess, Heidelberg	4.3
8. Reese, Duesseldorf	4.0
9. Williamson, Ehingen	3.9
10. Wendt, Webmoebel	3.8

Steals Per Game

Gary JOHNSON
  Chemnitz
  (188-PG-82)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Johnson, Chemnitz	2.2
2. Bowlin, Leitershof.	2.0
3. Matthews, Ehingen	1.9
4. Brooks, Kirchheim	1.9
5. Rice, Cuxhaven	1.8
6. Capel, Cuxhaven	1.6
7. Alexander, ETB W.	1.5
8. Williamson, Ehingen	1.4
9. Griffin, Kirchheim	1.4
10. Smith, Kirchheim	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Dmitriy CHEREMNYKH
  Braves
  (213-C-78)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Cheremnykh, Braves	1.6
2. De Michael, NBC	1.4
3. Williamson, Ehingen	1.2
4. Zipser, Heidelberg	1.0
5. Flomo, Duesseldorf	0.9
6. Lawson, Chemnitz	0.9
7. Howard, Karlsruhe	0.9
8. Harris, Cuxhaven	0.9
9. Buechert, Ehingen	0.8
10. Schoo, Heidelberg	0.8

ProA Round 1 of Semi-Finals - by Eurobasket News

MBC - Crailsheim 98-68

The game without a history. Mitteldeutscher BC led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 27-of-33 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. 27 personal fouls committed by Crailsheim Merlins helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The game was dominated by American players. point guard Louis Hinnant (193-84, college: Boston Coll.) fired 18 points and 4 assists for the winners. Guard Robert Holcomb Faye (185-84, college: Radford) chipped in 13 points and 7 assists. Holcomb Faye is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Mitteldeutscher BC players scored in double figures. Guard Mark Hill (180, college: CS Northridge) produced 15 points and forward Darryl Webb (198-88, college: Indiana, PA, agency: Pro One Sports) added 10 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
MBC: L.Hinnant 18+2reb+4ast, R.Holcomb Faye 13+1reb+7ast, A.Reid 12+6reb+1ast, S.Leutloff 10+4reb+1ast, J.Collins 10+5reb, S.Wachalski 10+7reb
Crailsheim: M.Hill 15+2reb+1ast, B.Lischka 12+1reb, D.Webb 10+5reb+2ast, J.Stohl 8+1reb+2ast, J.Buck 6+8reb, B.Obiango 4+2reb+1ast

Kirchheim - Duesseldorf 98-79

The game was mostly controlled by Kirchheim Knights. Gloria Giants managed to win fourth quarter 16-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Kirchheim Knights made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American forward Devin Uskoski (198-85, college: Rocky Mountain) fired 20 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. His fellow American import guard Ahmad Smith (194-84, college: St.Bonaventure) chipped in 6 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists. Estonian forward Rait Keerles (201-80) produced 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and naturalized Croatian guard Marin Petric (190-80) added 14 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Kirchheim: R.Tomasevic 21+1reb+1ast, D.Uskoski 20+5reb, N.Menck 13+1ast, S.Adeberg 11+1reb+4ast, B.Bekteshi 10+1reb, B.Griffin 8+9reb+1ast
Duesseldorf: M.Petric 14+3reb+3ast, R.Keerles 13+5reb+4ast, Q.Lollis 12+5reb, A.Akingbade 7+4reb, A.Reese 7+3ast, C.Pfeil 6+2reb+1ast

Rene Schilling will be Bernau's new head coach - by Moritz Korff

SSV Lok Bernau named Rene Schilling its new head coach for the 2012-13 season, the club announced. The 32-year-old ends his long time stint with the White Devils Cottbus and replaces Axel Rueber, who parted company with the Bernau team recently. SSV Lok will be relegated to the 1. Regionalliga North for next season and is eager to set up a new team with a new coach. 'We want our youth department and our men's teams to be linked closer together and want to put a bigger focus on the youth. To achieve that goal we have found the right person with our new head coach Rene Schilling', Thomas Schoenhoff, member of the Bernau managing staff states. Schilling led the White Devils Cottbus to a 4-18 record this past RLN season, the first after moving up from Regionalliga 2.

Uskoski comes back to VfL Kirchheim Knights - by Eurobasket Center

VfL Kirchheim Knights (ProA) strengthened their roster with addition of 27-year old American forward Devin Uskoski (198-F-85, college: Rocky Mountain). It's actually Uskoski's comeback to Kirchheim as he played here before. In his first game he scored 20 points and grabbed 5 rebounds helping his new team beat Duesseldorf 98-79. Uskoski played most recently at Vancouver Volcanoes (IBL) in the U.S. He graduated Rocky Mountain College in 2009 and it will be his third season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Igor Perovic Shows The Beko BBL His Talent For The Right Formula For Basketball Player Speculation - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

There is always a certain kind of risk in life when speculating if it is playing your luck on the stock market, playing the lottery one too many times and realizing at the end of the week that there is no extra money for the misses, a 15 year old hanging out in New York at one of the 275 hotels and hoping that Justin Bieber is staying there for his concert, going with Duke in the 2012 NCAA tournament or booking a summer trip to the UK in hopes of not catching unending rain. This season, two teams gambeled heavily in the Beko BBL with BG Goettingen and the Walter Tigers Tuebingen with new young player signings and the success rate wa slike night and day. In Goettingen, the team brought in 5 NCAA players and only Paris Horne was able to make an impact while the club had to say farewell to the other four during the season. In Tuebingen, the club brought in three NCAA players with Vaughn Duggins, Adnan Hodzic and Tyrone Nash, second year man Reggie Redding and PRO B player Josh Young and despite a slow start by the team, this core of players who were younger than 24 have been a big reason for the Tigers breathing a little bit of playoff air even though the season goal of the team was to land somewhere in no mans land between the end of the standings and the playoffs places. Not only did the speculation of Igor Perovic work, but he managed to already keep one third of the team for next season by giving Americans Tyrone Nash, Josh Young, Vaughn Duggins and Reggie Redding together and showing that he wants to build for the future by giving these players the chance to further develop in Tubingen. With a bad start where the Walter Tigers Tuebingen started the season with a six game losing streak, the team was able to stay on the same page with has to do a lot with coach Igor Perovic and the solid play by Nash, Young, Redding and Duggins which stayed very consistent with the two Beko BBL rookies and other two that have combined two years professional experience before coming to the Schwaben town. I'm very happy that the team was able to bounce back from adversity and show their true character. It's not easy losing a lot of close games, especially early in the season, and then to bounce back the way they have is really special. I think Igor's attitude went a long way in helping the team achieve their success. He's a very calm and easygoing person, so it's good that he didn't get rattled early on and just approached every practice day by day, just like chipping away at a large deficit in a game. You don't get it all back at once, you have to remain patient and continue working, and that's exactly what they have done, stressed ex Walter Tiger Tuebingen Canadian Velimir Radinovic.

Since coming into the BBL in 2004-2005, the Walter Tigers Tuebingen have been treading water in the BBL middle standings and at times scrapping the deregulation area. The best finish of the club was 2006-2007 as they finished in 10th place. The Tigers have been more a harmless creature that seems to have their mouth sealed with little power escaping instead of showing their absolute unconquerable qualities of a tiger on the court. The team has been known for developing a healthy fan base and letting guys like Rasko Katic and AJ Moye (his first year) develop into top BBL players, but then again also have gone the usual BBL route of signing an abundance of Americans and closing an eye for further developing German players and the organization also has been prone to getting involved with minor scandals like in 2006 with Tamien Trent and Mike Moten who were banned by the German basketball federation following a drug test. Making the jump to the BBL is not easy and if one were to ask experts in the Tuebingen surrounding, one would always here two things. A slim budget and not getting the right mix of players seemed to be the most important reasons why the club has never been able to play games in May when it counts most. Since entering the Beko BBL in 2004, the team has always hovered between 10th and 15th place and their best finish was 2007 as they were in 10th place.

Last season, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen finished in 12th place with a record of 15-19. Lacking more consistence at home in the Paul Horn arena showed with their 9-8 record. Last season the team celebrated huge victories against The EWE Baskets Oldenburg, Alba Berlin and The Telekom Baskets Bonn before the Allstar break, but then again showed their inconsistency losing games to teams like the Mitteldeutscher BC or Phoenix Hagen. Just like the season before, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen made a dash for the Beko BBl playoffs in winter winning six games in a row and heightening the playoffs hopes for the fans with big wins against Bonn Oldenburg and Ulm. However then as if each player had seen a black cat and then walked under a ladder for so called bad luck went on an unlucky losing streak losing six games in a row and finishing the season 2-7 and once again not making the playoffs. A 40 point loss to Bamberg in the heat of their six game winning streak and an 18 point loss to the LTi Giessen 46ers just seemed uncharachteristic after their successful run. It was an up and down season. The season started rough, then we had a nice winning streak, but then had a long losing streak, but closed out the season well. We hurt ourselves with our inconsistency. We were unable to bring the same effort night in and night out which killed us, stressed ex Walter Tigers Tuebingen forward Chris Oliver who is playing in France this season with SIG Strassburg.

This season, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen might use a motto that German basketball player Christian Standhardinger might be using after a few miscues in the NCAA and always coming back to try his luck in the NCAA with If you dont succeed at first then try try again in hopes of reaching the Beko BBL playoffs. However if a strong starting five last season with Bane Ratkovica, Johannes Herber, Chris Oliver, Dane Watts and Anatoly Kashirov wasnt potent enough for May basketball, how does the team see making an impact this season in the even stronger Beko BBL and a new starting five? Guys like Dane Watts had a very strong season whereas other starters solid seasons, but were still able to double their market value and get better financial contracts with other teams. Some teams play for titles, while other teams play for the playoffs and in the last years , The Walter Tigers Tuebingen seem to be a team that brings in younger talented players guaranteeing them playing time so they can develop further and then go to more attractive and more lucrative teams. You can expect a group of guys that play with a lot of passion and play extremely hard. We will defend well and can score with anybody in the Bundesliga, warned Vaughn Duggins. Last season, Tuebingen already had established Beko BBL players like Dane Watts and Chris Oliver, but this season the team has their youngest team ever having six guys that were only 23 years old this summer. With Beko BBL babies Vaughn Duggins, Tyrone Nash and Adnan Hodzic coming from the NCAA and Americans Reggie Redding and Josh Young coming off their rookie years last season and born in 1988, Igor Perovic has indirectly shown that these guys will have perform right away getting their feet wet quickly. Perovic has much experience with thirty something players Lou Campbell and Velomir Radiovic and Nicolai Simon who has title experience with Alba Berlin, but still many young bucks that will be in a nasty shark infested basketball pool each weekend. . I think if you have a good chemistry of players then it is a good thing. Experience is key in close games early in the season but once your out on the court all that age goes out the window in most cases. It is risky but if you got good chemistry it will help in a lot of ways. I think the team will play hard and will surprise a lot of teams. Young teams are usually hungry and they may struggle at times but just like most young teams we may not know which team may show up. But they will be a team that competes just like the rest of the BBL, warned TBB Trier guard John Bynum. Still having so much youth can also be a positive thing. I think their strength will be them playing hard, I didnt really get a chance to see them in preseason but on paper they have some solid individual players. I really dont know about weaknesses but I'm sure that will show up as the season goes along, added John Bynum. We just need to continue to get better as a whole. Our ceiling with how good we can be is so high because we are so young. If we get better every day we will be fine during the season, added Walter Tigers Tuebingen guard Vaughn Duggins. The glue for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen will be Lou Campbell and teams will learn quickly that keeping the American in check will make basketball life on the court very difficult for the Tigers. I think they Campbell is a key but we have to see what the newcomers bring to the table as well. To put so much pressure on one guy meaning Campbell isnt fair but I think they got some young guys who can make a difference as well, stressed John Bynum. One Skyliner that will be motivated to play hopefully his first official professional game and against the NCAA players is Michael Thompson who is aware of the NCAA rookies in Tuebingen. I will be great to be on the court with those three great players with Duggins, Nash and Hodzic. All three had great careers in the NCAA. I played against Nash. We will have to keep an eye on him. He can do it all, shoot the three, play with his back to the basket and play aggressive defense, warned Michael Thompson. Tuebingen isnt the same team that we played at the start. They have improved their chemistry and can compete with any team. They are a very good offensive team that are good on the transition and switch a lot on defense. They are coming into the game with no pressure and this can always lead a team to play better', stressed Skyliners head coach Muli Katzurin. The Fraport Skyliners host the Walter Tigers Tuebingen on Sunday April 22nd.

The speculating really played dividends for head coach Igor Perovic despite starting with a six game losing streak. Much like the Fraport Skyliners, the Walter Tigers Tuebingen didnt have any luck with their draw at the start getting opponents like Bamberg, FC Bayern Munich, Artland, Alba Berlin and ratiopharm Ulm. However they finally got their first win in Bremerhaven and from then on slowly got going getting out of the Beko BBL cellar. After an unneeded loss at home against BBC Bayreuth followed a three game winning streak as they beat Phoenix Hagen and potential playoff teams B raunschweig and Bonn displaying that they are atalented team that can play with anyone. In February followed the highlight of the season where they went on a four game winning streak beating FC Bayern Munich and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg at home. It wasnt quite enough for the Beko BBL playoffs, but this team should be stronger next season with the core that is staying and it will be interesting to see if they can bring back point guard Lou Campbell. In the first meeting of the season, the Tigers lost to the Fraport Sklyiners 73-66 in a game that was on the line in crunch time and a game they could of won. Duggins brought the Tigers to 66-69 with 1.13 to play, but a Jon Leuer bucket and Justin Gray free throws sealed the win for Frankfurt.

The first and most important signing this past summer for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg was Lou Campbell who is a 32 year old 190cm point guard from New Jersey that played three years in Japan was easily the top playmaker in the BEKO BBL in 2009-2010. Had he been with Oldenburg in 2009-2010, he might have made the difference between an early exit in the playoffs and a second championship. After getting a jump start in Giessen from 2004-2006, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven in 2009-2010 leading the team into the playoffs playing 43 games averaging 13.0ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-2 (5.7apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 81.6% . He can guide an offense, but also score when needed especially in crunch time. However a lot of the magic that he had for Douglas Spradley two years ago wasnt present last season for Predrag Krunic and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg as he played 40 games averaging 9.8ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 82.1%. However what many didnt know, Campbell has a serious Adductor injury. Most guys would of sat out, but he continued to play, because Oldenburg had no other alternative at the point. The team brought in 29 year old 210cm Lithuanian Paveles Cukinas who has Good size, Good turn around jumper, can control the game, is smart player and hasery soft hands for a man his size. He played for top team Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius from 2002-2006 playing 12 Euroleague games. He then came to Germany in 2006-2007 and helped EnBW Ludwigsburg reach the playoffs playing 40 games: 9.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 53.0%, 3FGP: 27.3%, FT: 56.2% . Since then he has played in countries like Latvia, Italy and Lithuania. Even though Nicolai Simon is only 24 and should belong to the younger generation, is the third most experienced player on the roster. He is a 191 cm guard that is playing his second season in Tuebingen. He is made a comeback in The BEKO BBL in 2009-2010 after coming into the BEKO BBL in 2006-2007 after being heralded as a big German talent. In 2006-2007, he was able to play 33 games for Alba Berlin despite being on a team with a deep roster. In 2007-2008, he injured himself playing only five games. Last season, he took a step back and played for Ergas Ehingen in the German PRO B averaging 8,9ppg, 2,4rpg and 5,2apg. and to develop further as a professional basketball player. In 2009, he played at the World University games in Belgrad averaging 4,1ppg, 3,6rpg and 1,4apg. Last season for Tuebingen, he played 31 games: 2.8ppg, 1.4rpg.

Vaughn Duggins is a Beko BBL rookie that is a 24 year old 187cm guard from Pendelton, Indiana. He played at Wright State from 2006-2011 including his freshman season with 2011 Beko BBL MVP Dashaun Wood as has fond memories of the Alba Berlin guard on the court and their one on one battles. Every once in a while at practice I'd be walking by Dashaun and he would stop me and tell me exactly how he was going to score on his opponent that next possession and sure enough he would go out there and do that exact thing and look at me and laugh while running down the court. Thats easy! Dashaun beat me 9 out of 10 times on one on one. I was a young puppy out of high school and he was the horizon league player of the year. I don't remember him having any weaknesses other than he was smaller than me so I could post him up, stressed Vaughn Duggins. In his senior year, the American played 33 games: 18.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 82.2%. Beko BBL teams will have to be aware of the dangerous game of the American. He is a scorer, but also has hidden attributes. My jumping ability isnt always noticed. I've surprised a lot people when I get up to block a shot or dunk, warned Vaughn Duggins. Another Beko BBL rookie this season is Tyrone Nash. Nash is a 23 year old 203cm forward from Queens, New York. He played together with FC Bayren Munich guard Ben Hansbrough at Notre Dame and in his senior year played Notre Dame 34 games: 9.5ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.9%. Another Beko BBL rookie for the Tigers is Adnan Hodzic who is a 23 year old 203cm forward from Bosnia and Herzegovina. He played at Lipscomb (NCAA) from 2007-2011 together with BG Goettingen guard Josh Slater and in his senior year played 30 games: 17.7ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 72.6%. Despite playing for a less known school and losing some credibility of his worth, he had some great performances at the NCAA level which brought notice. It did hurt a bit, however, some of my best games were against bigger schools and better competition. The best player I played against in the NCAA was my junior year. I played against Derrick Williams. I had 34pts 13reb I just play hard every night. The critics and doubters will always be there, warned Adnan Hodzic. Hodzic also has a hidden strength. One strength that is very overlooked is my ability to shoot from outside. All spring and summer I have been working on expanding my game. I have developed a good mid range and long range shot. I am also good at driving the ball to the rim, stressed Adnan Hodzic.

The team also brought in Reggie Redding who will be starting his second professional season despite being only 23 years old. Redding is a 196cm guard from Philadelphia and possesses a great feel for the game, moves well without the ball, offers size and the ability to score from the guard position. He played at Villanova (NCAA) with ex BG Goettingen forward Dwayne Anderson and in his senior year played 23 games: 7.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 63.8%. he reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2008. Last season he played for InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-Division A) winning the league and cup title and played 16 games: 9.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 73.9%; EuroChallenge: 8 games: 7.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 62.5%. The club also brought in Josh Young who makes the jump from the PRO B to the Beko BBL. Young is a 23 year old 185cm guard from Shawnee, Oklahoma. He played at Drake from 2006-2010 including two years with ex Skyliner Adam Emmenecker. In his senior year, he played 32 games: 14.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 73.0%. Last season he came to Germany and played for Bayer Giants Leverkusen (Germany-ProB) tearing up the league playing 11 games averaging 26.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.0apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 45.3%, FT: 79.0%. Rueben Spoeden is a 22 year old 202cm forward from Frankfurt that is playing his second season in Tuebingen. He started his basketball career with Eintracht Frankfurt an dthen played for TV Langen where his teammate was Robin Benzing. He also has a license for Ergas Ehingen. Last season he with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen he played 8 games: 1.3ppg; also played at ErdgaEhingen/Urspringschule (ProB): 28 games: 7.4ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 60.7%. German American Akeem Vargas rounds out the roster. He is a 21 year old 190 cm guard that started his basketball career with the SG Urspringschule junior team in 2005. In 2009-2010, he got experience in the States playing for Iowa Lakes CC (JUCO): 31 games: 5.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.0%, FT: 94.0%. Last season with Tuebingen, he got into 12 games: 0.4ppg; and also had also a license to play for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (2. Bundesliga Pro B)playing 27 games: 8.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 77.6%.

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

GREECE

Standings - A1

A1 Standings

1. Olympiacos		23-1
2. Panathinaikos		22-2
3. Kolossos		16-8
4. AGOR		15-9
5. Panionios		14-10
6. Kavala		13-11
7. Aris		11-13
8. PAOK		10-14
9. KAOD		9-15
10. Ikaros		8-16
11. Ilysiakos		7-17
12. Peristeri GS		7-17
13. Marousi		1-23

Quarter-Finals: Round 2

Apr. 20: Panionios - AGOR 74-67
Apr. 20: Kavala - Kolossos 67-73
Apr. 21: Aris - Panathinaikos
Apr. 21: PAOK - Olympiacos

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Nestoras KOMMATOS
  Marousi
  (203-F-77)
  Avg: 20.4

1. Kommatos, Marousi	20.4
2. Christmas, AGOR	18.6
3. Gagaloudis, Marousi	15.6
4. Charalampidi., KAO.	15.6
5. Beck, Ikaros	14.8
6. Dikoudis, PAOK	14.8
7. James, Aris	14.5
8. Taylor, Kavala	13.9
9. Tapoutos, Aris	13.7
10. Baynes, Ikaros	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Aron BAYNES
  Ikaros
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Baynes, Ikaros	8.7
2. Haritopoulos, Maro.	7.6
3. NaNa, Ilysiakos	7.5
4. Stepheson, Panio.	7.3
5. Kommatos, Marousi	6.6
6. Symtsak, Kavala	6.4
7. Tapoutos, Aris	6.0
8. O''Bryant, Kavala	5.9
9. Scott, Peristeri GS	5.7
10. Ceranic, KAOD	5.7

Assists Per Game

Yannis GAGALOUDIS
  Marousi
  (192-G-78)
  Avg: 6

1. Gagaloudis, Marousi	6.0
2. Spanoulis, Olympia.	4.9
3. Diamantidis, Panat.	4.5
4. Charalampidi., KAO.	4.3
5. Xanthopoulos, Pani.	4.3
6. James, Aris	4.1
7. Wright, AGOR	4.1
8. Thompson, Ilysi.	3.5
9. Mocnik, Perister.	3.1
10. Calathes, Panathi.	3.1

Steals Per Game

Zack WRIGHT
  AGOR
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Wright, AGOR	2.5
2. James, Aris	1.9
3. Calathes, Panathin.	1.7
4. Thompson, Ilysi.	1.7
5. Logan, Panathin.	1.6
6. Christmas, AGOR	1.6
7. Gagaloudis, Marousi	1.5
8. Perperoglou, Panat.	1.5
9. Hatten, Kolossos	1.5
10. Kommatos, Marousi	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Patrick O''BRYANT
  Kavala
  (213-C-86)
  Avg: 1.5

1. O''Bryant, Kavala	1.5
2. Muldrow, Aris	1.3
3. Petway, AGOR	1.3
4. Elegar, Marousi	1.1
5. Hines, Olympiacos	1.0
6. Vougioukas, Panat.	0.9
7. Stepheson, Panio.	0.9
8. Michel, KAOD	0.9
9. Tsontzos, Marousi	0.7
10. Baynes, Ikaros	0.7

Greek colour at the 2011-12 All-Euroleague team - by Diamadis Farmakis

Euroleague basketball, released the names of the 10 nominees for this years All-Euroleague team.Thousands of fans from around the globe were able to vote for their favorite players, as did media members from all the countries with Euroleague teams this season. Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, as expected, have their own players in that list.

Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80), Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) from the champion Panathinaikos and Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) from Olympiacos, is the representers of Greek basketball.

Batiste, was an All-Euroleague first team member last season. He is leading Panathinaikos this year, in offensive rebounds and being second in perfomance index ranking with 10.6 per game.

Diamantidis, last year was the Turkish Airlines Euroleague MVP, the All-Euroleague First team point guard, the Best Defender and the Final Four MVP. This year, he was chosen as the bwin MVP for March and April, leading the playoffs in perfomance index ranking (24 per game) and fouls drawn (7.4 per game).

Spanoulis, a Turkish Euroleague champion in 2009 and MVP of the Final Four, this year is leading Olympiacos in scoring, assists and index ranking. He is also the competition's second-best scorer (16.5 ppg).

The other 7 players of the All-Euroleague team are: Andrei Kirilenko, Nenad Krstic, Bo MacCalebb, Juan Carlos Navarro, Erazem Lorbek, Milos Teodosic, Henry Domercant.

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

HOLLAND

Knicks adding Dan Gadzuric - by Fred Roggen

Veteran NBA center Dan Gadzuric (211-C-78, college: UCLA) is on his way to Cleveland to join the Knicks and will be playoff eligible, reported Newsday's Al Iannazzone on his Twitter account. Swingman Bill Walker, who has been dealing with elbow issues, will be released to make room for the big man.

Gadzuric played with the Nets and the Golden State Warriors last season and has averaged 4.7 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in his career. Of course, the former UCLA Bruin is now 34 and even though he's known for keeping himself in good shape, it's doubtful he'll be able to contribute significantly this year.

Henk Norel selected the top Dutch playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from Dutchs who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Henk Norel

#1. This week's number one is former international power forward Henk Norel (212-87). He led FIATC Joventut to an easy victory against the closely-ranked CAI Zaragoza (14-15) crushing them 85-63 in the Spanish ACB on Sunday night. Norel scored 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 23 minutes on the court. FIATC Joventut Badalona (13-16) is placed 12th in the ACB. It's Norel's fourth season with the team. This year he averages: 6.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 2FGP: 52.5% and FT: 73.3% in the 23 games he played so far. Despite Norel played previously for the Australian national team, he played also for the Dutch national team in 2010.

Aaron Doornekamp

#2. Second place goes to former international forward Aaron Doornekamp (198-85, agency: Interperformances). Doornekamp led Otto Caserta to a victory against the closely-ranked Air Avellino (13-15) 76-67 in the Italian SerieA in Sunday night's game. He scored 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Otto Caserta (11-16) is placed 13th in the SerieA. They ended the series of five consecutive loses. Doornekamp's overall stats this season are: 6.8ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 44.4%, 3FGP: 44.6% and FT: 79.3%. He has a dual citizenship: Canadian and Dutch. Despite Doornekamp played previously for the Canadian national team, he played also for the Dutch national team in 2010.

Matthew Otten

#3. The Dutch player who performed third best last week abroad was an international guard Matthew Otten (196-81, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: San Francisco St.). Otten was the major contributor in a Liverpool Mersey Tigers' surprising victory against the league leader Newcastle Eagles (23-6) 82-74 in the British BBL last Friday. He scored 18 points in 26 minutes. Liverpool Mersey Tigers (10-20) is placed ninth in the BBL. Otten's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical. Otten has relatively good stats this year: 11.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 46.5%, 3FGP: 31.3% and FT: 62.5% in the 29 games. He is a naturalized American. Despite Otten played previously for the USA national team, he is currently a member of the Dutch senior national team.

Robin Smeulders

#4. Forward Robin Smeulders (208-87, agency: Court Side, college: Portland) managed to help EWE Baskets Oldenburg to win against the second-ranked ratiopharm Ulm (25-7) 84-80 in the German BBL on Sunday night. Smeulders scored only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. EWE Baskets Oldenburg (15-17) is placed 11th in the BBL. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. Smeulders' overall stats this season are: 4.7ppg and 4.0rpg. He is another player who holds two passports: Dutch and German. Smeulders is also Dutch national team player.

Devon Van Oostrum

#5. International guard Devon Van Oostrum (190-93), who plays in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) could not help CB Tarragona 2017 (11-22) to beat Ford Burgos (22-11). He scored 9 points and added 4 passes in 26 minutes. But CB Tarragona 2017 lost 73-78 on the road to the second-ranked Ford_Burgos. It was CB Tarragona 2017's fifth consecutive loss in a row. Van Oostrum's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. It's Van Oostrum's first season with the team. This year his overall stats are: 5.7ppg, 1.7rpg and 2.4apg in the 31 games. Van Oostrum has both Dutch and British nationalities. Despite he played previously for the British national team, Van Oostrum is currently in the Dutch national team roster.

Roeland Schaftenaar

   #6. Power forward Roeland Schaftenaar (211-88, college: Oregon St.) was not able to help UB La Palma (19-14) in their game against Lleida Basquet (20-13) in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division). He scored 7 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. UB La Palma was defeated 58-54 on the opponent's court by the higher-ranked Lleida_Basquet (#4). It was UB La Palma's fifth consecutive loss in a row. Schaftenaar's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. This season Schaftenaar has relatively solid stats: 12.1ppg, 6.0rpg and 1.1apg. Despite he played previously for the British national team, Schaftenaar is also a former international player as he played for the Dutch senior team two years ago.

   #7. Former international forward Denis Scott (188) was not able to secure a victory for Bradford Dragons (17-3) in their game against Derby Trailblazers (16-8) in the British EBL (second division). He recorded only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 17 minutes. The league leader Bradford Dragons lost 72-83 in Derby to the lower-ranked (#3) Trailblazers. This year Scott's total stats are: 4.9ppg and 3.0rpg in the 21 games. He used to play for the Dutch national team two years ago.

The list of other players, who all have Dutch passport but never been selected to any of Dutch national teams:

   #1. Kim Tillie (210-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Utah), who plays in the French ProA could not help ASVEL (11-15) in their last game. Despite his very good performance ASVEL lost 71-84 on the road to the higher-ranked (#10) JDA Dijon. Tillie was the top scorer with 21 points. He also added 8 rebounds in 27 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Tillie's second season in pro basketball. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Tillie has relatively good stats this year: 11.6ppg, 5.0rpg and 1.3apg in the 26 games he played so far. He has also French passport.

   #2. Daniel Kickert (208-C-83, college: St.Mary's, CA), who plays in the Polish PLK was not able to help PGE Turow (2-8) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Kickert's very good performance the sixth-placed PGE Turow was edged 79-76 at home by the higher-ranked Anwil (#4) in the Group A. He was the top scorer with 16 points. There are only three games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game is very crucial. It's Kickert's first season with the team. Kickert has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 15.1ppg and 4.1rpg. Kickert has a dual citizenship: Australian and Dutch. Despite his Dutch passport, Kickert currently plays for the Australian national team and is not eligible to play for the Dutch team.

Second stage of Eredivisie: Round One review - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Den Bosch - Leeuwarden 92-71
The game without a history. Den Bosch led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. American point guard Frank Turner (178-88, college: Canisius, agency: Court Side) stepped up and scored 15 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists for the winners and the former international forward Kees Akerboom (200-83, agency: Court Side) chipped in 19 points. Den Bosch's coach Raoul Korner felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side center Sjors Poels (209-86, agency: R.H.Consultancy) responded with 11 points and 8 rebounds and Nigerian forward Manny Adako (203-87, college: Northeastern, agency: Court Side) scored 14 points. Five Den Bosch and four Leeuwarden players scored in double figures. Leeuwarden will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Den Bosch will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Leiden on the road.
Top scorers:
Leeuwarden: M.Adako 14+3reb+2ast, L.Jeter 12+3reb+2ast, B.Rozzell 11+4reb, S.Poels 11+8reb, C.Chitwood 9+3reb+1ast, T.de Paula 8+2ast
Den Bosch: K.Akerboom 19+4reb, T.Wesley 15+4reb+3ast, F.Turner 15+6reb+9ast, R.Jansen 10+2reb+5ast, J.van der List 10+7reb+1ast, D.Steenvoorde 8+1reb

Group B

Nijmegen - Zwolle 80-86
The guests were already 12 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 31-25 Nijmegen's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 86-80 at the end of the game. They outrebounded Nijmegen 46-26 including a 30-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Nijmegen was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. International forward Gerald Robinson (204-84, college: Tenn-Martin, agency: Court Side) nailed a double-double by scoring 17 points and 17 rebounds for the winning side and American guard Damon Huffman (187-85) accounted for 21 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Zwolle players scored in double figures. American forward Markel Humphrey (198-87, college: Marshall) came up with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and Canadian forward Henry Bekkering (198-85, college: E.Washington, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) added 20 points respectively for Nijmegen in the defeat. Zwolle will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Nijmegen will play on the road against Groningen in Groningen and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nijmegen: M.Humphrey 21+7reb+4ast, H.Bekkering 20+4reb+2ast, T.Vermeulen 15+3reb+1ast, D.Van Der Horst 8+5reb+6ast, L.Hargrove 6+4reb, M.Acker 5+1reb+2ast
Zwolle: D.Huffman 21+8reb+5ast, G.Robinson 17+17reb+1ast, C.Wells 17+3reb+4ast, A.Saaka 11+8reb+3ast, N.Hulzebos 6+2reb, K.Zondervan 6+4reb+1ast

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

HUNGARY

A Division Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Justin INGRAM
  FS Debre.
  (185-PG-85)
  Avg: 24.6

1. Ingram, FS Debre.	24.6
2. Ciric, PVSK P.	22.0
3. Timberlake, Falco-.	21.2
4. Raivio, Kaposvari	21.1
5. Austin, Jaszberenyi	20.8
6. Ivosev, Szedeak	20.4
7. Schachtner, FS Deb.	20.1
8. Doyne, PVSK P.	20.1
9. Levy, Szedeak	19.1
10. Bell, Kormend	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Miklos SZABO
  FS Debrecen
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Szabo, FS Debrecen	10.4
2. Miskovic, Marso N.	9.6
3. Fey, Kaposvari	9.1
4. Pantelic, Falco-Sz.	8.9
5. Townes, Kormend	8.8
6. Raivio, Kaposvari	8.7
7. Ivosev, Szedeak	8.6
8. Bader, Szolnok	8.5
9. Austin, Jaszberenyi	8.1
10. Egemonye, Soproni	8.1

Assists Per Game

Laszlo KALMAN
  Falco-Sz.
  (186-G-72)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Kalman, Falco-Sz.	6.9
2. Wilson, Kaposvari	5.9
3. Simon, Albacomp	5.8
4. Ingram, FS Debre.	5.7
5. Williams, Atomeromu	5.6
6. Trotter, Szolnok	5.6
7. Thomas, Soproni	4.7
8. Fekete, Marso N.	4.6
9. Drahos, Szedeak	4.3
10. Hodges, Jaszbere.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Stefan FEKETE
  Marso N.
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Fekete, Marso N.	2.7
2. Drahos, Szedeak	2.6
3. Austin, Jaszberenyi	2.5
4. Trotter, Szolnok	2.4
5. Ingram, FS Debre.	2.4
6. Wittmann, Kecsk.	2.3
7. Raivio, Kaposvari	2.3
8. Perine, ZTE K.	2.2
9. Toth, PVSK P.	2.2
10. Ivosev, Szedeak	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Darian TOWNES
  Kormend
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2

1. Townes, Kormend	2.0
2. Pantelic, Falco-Sz.	1.6
3. Keller, Albacomp	1.4
4. Egemonye, Soproni	1.0
5. Levy, Szedeak	1.0
6. Chism, Albacomp	0.9
7. Ivosev, Szedeak	0.9
8. Morgen, Atomeromu	0.9
9. Bell, Kormend	0.8
10. Fey, Kaposvari	0.8

Albacomp and Szolnok advance to Semifinals - by Eurobasket News

Third games of the Hungarian league Quarterfinals just ended. Albacomp and Szolnok outplayed their rivals once again winning the series with perfect 3-0. These two teams will meet in the Semifinals. Soproni and Kormend also celebrated tonight, but they took 2-1 lead against Falco-Szova and Atomeromu. They will meet on Monday in Game Four. Soproni and Kormend need one more win for the Semis.

Falco-Szova - Soproni 65-67 (1-2)
The guests trailed by 8 points at the halftime before their 18-7 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Soproni dominated on the defensive end, holding Falco-Szova to just 7 points in third quarter. 24 personal fouls committed by Falco-Szova helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Nigerian center Benson Egemonye (207-83, college: Niagara) who scored 19 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). American guard Dontay Thomas (186-84, college: La Salle) chipped in 15 points. Soproni's coach Robert Meszlenyi used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was international forward Zsolt Szabo (202-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) who recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds and American guard Chad Timberlake (194-84, college: Fair Dickinson) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively.
Top scorers:
Soproni: B.Egemonye 19+7reb, D.Thomas 15+4reb+3ast, A.Molnar 10+2reb+1ast, R.Keresztes 9+5reb, J.Rubin 6+5reb+3ast, P.Lakatos 4+1ast
Falco-Szova: Z.Szabo 14+12reb+1ast, C.Timberlake 12+5reb+2ast, T.Will 10+4reb, T.Harazin 9+3reb, L.Kalman 9+3reb+5ast, M.Szanati 5+1reb+1ast

Kormend - Atomeromu 92-88 (2-1)
Atomeromu was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. It was a great evening for American forward Rashad Bell (201-82, college: Boston U.) who led his team to a victory scoring 23 points and 5 assists. His fellow American import power forward Darian Townes (208-84) helped adding 15 points and 13 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). The best for the losing side was international swingman David Vojvoda (191-90, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) with 12 points and 6 rebounds and American Nick Williams (192-83, college: Cincinnati, agency: Beo Basket) scored 15 points. Four Kormend and five Atomeromu players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Kormend: M.English 23+3ast, R.Bell 23+4reb+5ast, I.Nemeth 20+4reb+1ast, D.Townes 15+13reb+2ast, J.Eilingsfeld 6+3reb, C.Ferencz 3+2reb+2ast
Atomeromu: N.Williams 15+2reb+2ast, L.Williams 14+2reb+3ast, D.Vojvoda 12+6reb+2ast, A.Kovacs 12+4reb+2ast, T.Kaman 10+5reb+1ast, T.Frost 8+2reb+1ast

Albacomp - PVSK Pannon 96-62 (3-0)
The game was mostly controlled by Albacomp. PVSK Pannon managed to win second period 19-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded PVSK Pannon 41-28 including 29 on the defensive glass. Albacomp shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 60.9 percentage. Worth to mention a quality performance of American forward Damian Hollis (203-88, college: G.Washington, agency: Two Points) who helped to win the game recording 15 points. International power forward Akos Keller (206-89, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) helped adding 10 points and 7 rebounds. Five Albacomp players scored in double figures. Albacomp's coach Branislav Dzunic felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was the former international forward Norbert Toth (203-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Peter Kovacs (189-88) scored 26 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field).
Top scorers:
Albacomp: Z.Supola 16+2reb, D.Hollis 15+4reb+2ast, F.Bodi 12+2reb+1ast, L.Juhos 12+5reb, A.Keller 10+7reb+2ast, W.Chism 10+5reb+2ast
PVSK Pannon: P.Kovacs 26+2reb+2ast, N.Toth 17+15reb+4ast, O.Biro 8+2reb, A.Deak 6+2reb+1ast, N.Vasojevic 3+4reb, A.Csabay 2+1reb+1ast

Szolnok - Kecskemeti 66-64 (3-0)
The hosts were already 15 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 21-8 Kecskemeti's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 66-64 at the end of the game. It was a good game for international point guard Obie Trotter (186-PG-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 assists and 4 steals. Bulgarian forward Hristo Nikolov (200-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) contributed with 15 points and 4 steals for the winners. Szolnok's coach Peter Por allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. The former international guard Krisztian Wittmann (185-85, agency: FCM) answered with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals and the former international power forward Milan Csorvasi (209-88, agency: FCM) added 12 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Kecskemeti.
Top scorers:
Szolnok: O.Trotter 16+3reb+10ast, H.Nikolov 15+2reb+1ast, A.Horvath 14+1reb+3ast, J.Mills 7+5reb+2ast, B.Gay 6+6reb, P.Grebenar 3+2reb
Kecskemeti: K.Wittmann 19+5reb+6ast, M.Csorvasi 12+10reb+1ast, P.Mate 10+9reb+3ast, G.Denes 9+3reb+2ast, M.Pongo 4+1reb+2ast, G.Hegedus 4+2reb+2ast

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

IBA

Standings

IBA Standings

1. Gary Splash		8-2
2. Albany L.		6-0
3. Chicago R.		5-1
4. Kankakee S.		5-1
5. Lake County S.		4-5
6. Lansing C.		3-5
7. Kenosha B.		2-6
8. Battle Creek K.		1-6
9. L.Angeles L.		0-0
10. Rockford RD		0-0
11. Springfield E.		0-6

Regular Season: Round 12

Apr. 20: Kankakee S. - Springfield E. 157-135
Apr. 20: Albany L. - Gary Splash 127-114

Regular Season: Round 13

Apr. 21: Albany L. - Gary Splash
Apr. 21: Lansing C. - Chicago R.

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

IBL

Standings

IBL Standings

Branding
1. Jersey G-F		0-0
2. Orlando V.		0-0
3. Yamhill H.		0-0
Continental
1. Bellingham S.		0-0
2. Olympia R.		0-0
3. Vancouver V.		0-0
International
1. Edmonton E.		0-0
2. Nippon T.		0-0
3. Portland C.		0-0
Travel Team
1. Los Angeles		0-0
2. S. Soldiers		0-0
3. W.Coast H.		0-0

Regular Season: Round 1

Apr. 20: Olympia R. - Bellingham S.
Apr. 21: Bellingham S. - S. Soldiers

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

ICELAND

Stats Leaders (Men)

Points Per Game

Robert JARVIS
  IR
  (180-G-87)
  Avg: 24

1. Jarvis, IR	24.0
2. Govens, Thor Thorl	23.8
3. Echols, Njardvik	22.4
4. Walkup, Fjolnir	22.2
5. Holmes, Njardvik	21.9
6. Cole, Keflavik	21.0
7. Bullock, Grindavik	20.7
8. Sovic, IR	20.5
9. Brown, KR	20.2
10. O''Neil, Fjolnir	20.2

Rebounds Per Game

Quincy HANKINS-COLE
  Snaef.
  (203-F-90)
  Avg: 13

1. Hankins-Cole, Snae.	13.0
2. Hairston, Thor T.	12.3
3. Echols, Njardvik	11.1
4. Smith, Haukar	10.7
5. Tratnik, Valur	10.4
6. Cole, Keflavik	10.3
7. Walkup, Fjolnir	10.1
8. Bullock, Grindavik	9.8
9. Lindmets, Stjarnan	8.6
10. Magnusson, KR	8.3

Assists Per Game

Justin SHOUSE
  Stjarnan
  (180-G-81)
  Avg: 7.1

1. Shouse, Stjarnan	7.1
2. Watson, Grindavik	7.0
3. Miller, Tindastoll	6.0
4. Hall, Snaefell	5.5
5. Govens, Thor Thorl	5.0
6. Brown, KR	4.7
7. Fridriksson, Njard.	4.5
8. O''Neil, Fjolnir	4.5
9. Parker, Keflavik	4.0
10. Arnarson, IR	3.8

Steals Per Game

Travis HOLMES
  Njardvik
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Holmes, Njardvik	2.9
2. Allen, Tindastoll	2.8
3. Cothran, Stjarnan	2.7
4. Gunnarsson, Kefla.	2.3
5. Hall, Snaefell	2.2
6. Parker, Keflavik	2.2
7. Govens, Thor Thorl	2.2
8. Miller, Tindastoll	2.2
9. Shouse, Stjarnan	2.0
10. Watson, Grindavik	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Junior HAIRSTON
  Thor T.
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Hairston, Thor T.	3.7
2. Smith, Haukar	3.6
3. Tratnik, Valur	2.2
4. Lindmets, Stjarnan	1.3
5. Ferguson, KR	1.1
6. Holmes, Njardvik	1.0
7. Cole, Keflavik	1.0
8. Gudbrandsson, Kefl.	1.0
9. Barja, Haukar	0.9
10. Valdimarsson, Stj.	0.9

Express L. Round 4 of Semi-Finals. Grindavik and Thor Thorl advance into Final - by Eurobasket News

Stjarnan - Grindavik 77-79

Grindavik stole a narrow road win over Stjarnan to reach Express League Finals. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 26-17. But Stjarnan won third quarter 21-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Grindavik looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward J'Nathan Bullock (196-87, college: Cleveland St., agency: Pro One Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 26 points and 11 rebounds. The former international center Sigurdur Thorsteinsson (204-88) contributed with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. American-Estonian forward Renato Lindmets (198-84, college: Westfield St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and American guard Justin Shouse (180-81, college: Mercyhurst) added 22 points and 6 assists in the effort for Stjarnan.
Top scorers:
Grindavik: J.Bullock 26+11reb+3ast, S.Thorsteinsson 15+13reb+1ast, T.Olafsson 10+3ast, J.Olafsson 9+6reb+3ast, P.Axel Vilbergsson 7+4reb+1ast, R.Pettinella 6+2reb
Stjarnan: J.Shouse 22+4reb+6ast, K.Cothran 21+3reb+4ast, R.Lindmets 18+11reb+4ast, M.Valdimarsson 8+6reb+3ast, J.Zdravevski 3+2reb+1ast, S.Larusson 2+2reb+1ast

Thor Thorl - KR 83-80

Thor Thorl booked the spot in the Finals following a determined home win over KR. The game without a history. Thor Thorl led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Thor Thorl forced 19 KR turnovers. KR was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Darrin Govens (185-88, college: St.Joseph's) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists and 6 steals and the other American import forward Joseph Henley (196-85, college: Sacred Heart) who added 16 points and 11 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American guard Joshua Brown (187-88, college: Towson) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 assists and center Finnur Magnusson (206, college: Catawba) produced a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. Four Thor Thorl and five KR players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Thor Thorl: D.Govens 22+8reb+10ast, G.Jonsson 16+3reb+1ast, J.Henley 16+11reb, G.Erlendsson 12+2reb, B.Janev 8+8reb+1ast, D.Hilmarsson 7+2reb+3ast
KR: J.Brown 19+2reb+10ast, R.Ferguson 17+8reb+2ast, F.Magnusson 15+10reb+2ast, H.Magnusson 12+2reb+1ast, D.Sencanski 10+7reb+3ast, M.Hermannsson 5+3reb

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IRAN

Standings - Superleague

Superleague Standings

1. Mahram		22-0
2. Foolad Mahan		18-4
3. Petrochimi		15-7
4. Azad		15-7
5. Zob Ahan		14-8
6. Sanaye Petrochimi		11-11
7. M.H.Ahvaz		8-14
8. Gorgan		7-15
9. Zanjan		7-15
10. Pouya		6-16
11. Shiraz a.s Pipe		6-16
12. Jahesh		3-19

Quarter-Finals: Round 2

Apr. 17: Azad - Zob Ahan 81-76
Apr. 17: Sanaye Petrochimi - Petrochimi 71-70
Apr. 17: M.H.Ahvaz - Foolad Mahan 65-95
Apr. 19: Gorgan - Mahram 53-109

Three-time defending champions Mahram advanced to the semis - by Eurobasket News

Three-time defending champions Mahram advanced to the semis as they swept the Quarterfinal series over Shahrdari Gorgan. The favorites easily rolled over the opponent 109:53.
Mahram started with 17:4 in the opening tip and never looked behind in the game. They increased to 31:7 at the end of the first period in Azadi Arena in Tehran. Later on the hosts had 38:13 lead and then led 56:20 at the halftime. Mahram enjoyed 70:22 midway through the third stanza and finished it with 81:36 advantage. They had 97 points with 5 minutes to go and managed to secure three-digit number at the end.
Farid Aslani (183-PG-88) stepped up with 24 points for the winners and Amir Sedighi (203-F-93) netted 23. Nik Khahbahrami S. delivered 16, while Hamed Afagh (190-G-83) posted 13. Sasoon Abramian (206-F/C-87) replied with 15 points and Nima Bakhshi (198-F-89) collected 10 points and 12 boards.

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ISRAEL

Stats Leaders - National League

Points Per Game

Errick MCCOLLUM
  Hapoel K.
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 24.4

1. McCollum, Hapoel K.	24.4
2. Miller, Macc.B.Y.	23.5
3. Sanders, Hapoel Y.	23.1
4. Clinch, Lev H.	22.7
5. Hall, Macc.B.Y.	22.0
6. Ginyard, Ironi N.	21.6
7. Daniel, Ironi K-A	21.5
8. Clemente, Kiryat T.	21.0
9. Bet-Yosef, Macc.B.	20.8
10. Laing, Elitzur Ya.	20.7

Rebounds Per Game

Ramon CLEMENTE
  Kiryat T.
  (200-PF-85)
  Avg: 14.6

1. Clemente, Kiryat T.	14.6
2. Thondique, Hapoel	12.9
3. Turner, Hapoel Y/M	11.2
4. Moses, Hapoel K/S	10.7
5. Blair, Ironi N.	9.5
6. Daniel, Ironi K-A	9.3
7. Webb, Ironi R.	9.3
8. Traimel, Ironi N.	9.0
9. Bacon, Elitzur Ram.	8.8
10. Sanders, Hapoel Y.	8.6

Assists Per Game

Ilan NANIKASHVILI
  Ironi K.
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 7.7

1. Nanikashvili, Iron.	7.7
2. Berkowitz, Elitzu.	6.8
3. Bannister, Ironi R.	6.7
4. Eliyahu, Ironi N.	6.6
5. Sukar, Hod Hashar.	6.6
6. Assaf, Ironi N.	5.4
7. Bet-Yosef, Macc.B.	5.2
8. Gonzalez, Hod H.	4.9
9. Rub, Lev Hasharon	4.7
10. Miller, Macc.B.Y.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Yoad BET-YOSEF
  Macc.B.
  (182-PG-87)
  Avg: 3

1. Bet-Yosef, Macc.B.	3.0
2. Miller, Macc.B.Y.	2.9
3. Hofman, Elitzur	2.8
4. Benn, Ironi N.	2.5
5. Sanders, Hapoel Y.	2.4
6. Gonzalez, Hod H.	2.3
7. Eliyahu, Ironi N.	2.3
8. Berkowitz, Elitzu.	2.2
9. McCollum, Hapoel K.	2.2
10. Davidi, Ironi R.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Lenny DANIEL
  Ironi K-A
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Daniel, Ironi K-A	2.6
2. Kelly, Hapoel T-A	2.3
3. Johnson, Hod H.	2.0
4. Blair, Ironi N.	1.8
5. Webb, Ironi R.	1.4
6. Thondique, Hapoel	1.4
7. Clemente, Kiryat T.	1.4
8. Bacon, Elitzur Ram.	1.3
9. Naor, Hapoel T-A	1.1
10. Younger, Ironi K-A	0.9

National League Round 2 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News

Hapoel Afula - Ironi Nes-Ziona 71-68

Hapoel Afula claimed a home win and forced the decisive third game in the series. The hosts trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 6-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 71-68. Hapoel Afula forced 21 Ironi Nes-Ziona turnovers and had a 13-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. American forward Gregg Thondique (201-87, college: Virginia Union) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 15 rebounds. Forward Elad Knafo (197-89) contributed with 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American swingman Bilal Benn (196-86, college: Niagara) replied with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and naturalized Welsh forward Tal Michael Dunne (197-87) added 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Ironi Nes-Ziona. Four Ironi Nes-Ziona players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Ironi Nes-Ziona: B.Benn 25+11reb+3ast, T.Michael Dunne 13+7reb+4ast, R.Zehavian 13+4reb+1ast, G.Blair 11+2reb, T.Karpeles 6+2reb+1ast, N.Tavor 0
Hapoel Afula: G.Thondique 15+15reb+2ast, E.Knafo 14+7reb+2ast, E.Eliyah 12+1reb+2ast, G.Cohen 9+4reb+1ast, Y.Deri 9+1reb, R.Booker 6+2reb+3ast

Kiryat Tivon - Elitzur Yavne 68-93

Elitzur Yavne overcame Kiryat Tivon on the road to book the ticket to the semifinal. The game was mostly controlled by Elitzur Yavne. Kiryat Tivon was better in third quarter 25-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Kiryat Tivon to just 7 points in fourth quarter. Elitzur Yavne dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Kiryat Tivon's 28. Elitzur Yavne forced 23 Kiryat Tivon turnovers. Kiryat Tivon was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. American swingman Brian Laing (195-85, college: Seton Hall, agency: I.D.S. Law) orchestrated the victory by scoring 27 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Avi Cohen (185-82) contributed with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four Elitzur Yavne players scored in double figures. Power forward Kobi Izik (204-83) replied with 21 points and 9 rebounds and forward Offir Hover (198-90) added 16 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Kiryat Tivon.
Top scorers:
Kiryat Tivon: K.Izik 21+9reb, O.Hover 16+7reb+1ast, J.Gomes 12+1reb+1ast, B.Hagbi 6+3reb+4ast, L.Ariely 6+6reb+2ast, V.Gandlin 3+2reb
Elitzur Yavne: B.Laing 27+6reb, E.Hofman 15+5reb+4ast, A.Cohen 15+8reb+2ast, E.Engel 11+6reb+4ast, Y.Levi 7+3reb, Z.Volfer 7+7reb+3ast

Hod Hasharon - Macc.B.Yaakov 94-99

Maccabi Beer Yaakov advanced into the next round following a road win over Hod Hasharon. The guests trailed by 13 points at the halftime before their 35-16 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Beer Yaakov made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Hod Hasharon turnovers. Strangely Hod Hasharon outrebounded Beer Yaakov 41-28 including a 32-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Point guard Yoad Bet-Yosef (182-PG-87) orchestrated the victory by scoring 31 points and 4 steals. American guard Nate Miller (193-87, college: Bowling Green) contributed with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Naturalized American guard Charles Dewhurst (195-87, college: Charlotte) replied with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds and naturalized Latvian swingman Gary Gandel (203-80) added 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Hod Hasharon. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Hod Hasharon: C.Dewhurst 23+10reb+2ast, G.Gandel 19+7reb+5ast, A.Skverer 14+4reb+6ast, O.Winter 11+5reb+7ast, H.Ratner 8, A.Johnson 8+6reb
Macc.B.Yaakov: Y.Bet-Yosef 31+1reb+3ast, N.Miller 20+10reb+4ast, I.Simin 16+1reb+3ast, J.Hall 14, E.Beniamin 11+9reb, I.Buchman 7+6reb+4ast

Ironi Ramat Gan - Hapoel T-A 101-104 2OT

Hapoel Tel-Aviv needed two overtimes to tame Ironi Ramat Gan and scrape into the semis. Ironi Ramat Gan cut a 13-point halftime deficit to tie the game at the end of regular time. But they lost double-overtime period 8-8. Hapoel Tel-Aviv made 29-of-37 free shots (78.4 percent) during the game. Ironi Ramat Gan was plagued by 31 personal fouls down the stretch. American Curtis Kelly (205-88, college: Kansas St.) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. point guard Gal Eytan (183-87, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) contributed with 20 points and 6 assists for the winners. Guard Dror Davidi (190-84) replied with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals and American point guard T.J. Bannister (180-84, college: Liberty, agency: KMG Sports Management) added 22 points and 5 assists in the effort for Ironi Ramat Gan. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Ironi Ramat Gan: T.Bannister 22+2reb+5ast, D.Davidi 20+10reb+4ast, R.Pitshon 15+10reb, L.Rubinstein 13+2reb+2ast, A.Tamir 13+9reb+3ast, Y.Yatzkan 10+4reb+3ast
Hapoel T-A: G.Eytan 20+3reb+6ast, C.Carr 19+5reb+1ast, C.Kelly 18+10reb+2ast, M.Naor 16+8reb+2ast, D.Stitt 13+5reb, B.Timor 12+2reb+3ast

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ITALY

Serie C Regionale Campania - Round 27 Results - by Crazy

SERIE C REGIONALE CAMPANIA - ROUND 27 RESULTS

Poule Promozione:
Eosolare Matera - Meomartini Benevento: 81-63
Casaurea - Cala Moresca: 78-81
Arzano - Cercola: 81-63
Mugnano - Capua: 67-64
Group Matera - Senise: 73-83
Casavatore - Maddaloni: 61-95
Scafati - S.Maria a Vico: 70-63
Savoia - Stabia: 82-85

Poule Retrocessione:
Battipaglia - Partenope: 38-82
Solofra - Barra: 57-50

Scoring Leaders: Njegos Visnjic (199-F-79) (Maddaloni) 24.0 points per game; Accettola (Meomartini) 21.9 ppg; Andrija Djukanovic (205-PF-89) (Telese) 19.9 ppg; Dominik Kos (198-G/F-87) (Senise) 19.1 ppg; Gallaro (Meomartini) 17.9 ppg. <<>><<>>

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JAPAN

Welcome to Japan: A Change for the Good!! - by Ivan McFarlin

Hello Eurobasket!! Its been a long time since I have wrote a blog about my basketball and the many other events that has occured in my life. First of all, I would like to say that I love my wife Angela and my three kids, Ivan II, Matthew and Mikayla for being so patience and loving while I'm overseas playing basketball and being far far away. I love them alot. Secondly, I would like to thank the Eurobasket website for accepting my blogs and encouraging other players to express their feeling being overseas.

As you know I was in Australia and I had another great year in Bendigo leading the league in rebounding and top ten in scoring. I made all-star five and mvp of my team. We won our conference final for the second time in a row but fail to win the grand finale. It was a great time being there but I had to go somewhere and better my chances to get back to the NBA. After I arrived home for Australia, I received a message that would be a change for the good!! A coach from Japan named Bruce Palmer, that saw me play in Bendigo was interested in me and he wanted to come to Japan and tryout for a team named Tochigi Brex. The team had lost their import to a shoulder injury and I felt that it was a good opportunity for me to take.

When I got there, it felt a little weird because it was my first time in Japan and the language was a BIG factor when I got over to Japan. The city that I played my ball in, which is Utsunomiya, was a good city and the people are awesome. I felt like this was a great chance to show my talents and get my name back on the eurobasket circuit. This was a season that I will never forget and I will tell you why...

First my stats were 15.6 points per game (6th), 9.7 rebounds per game (2nd), 1.5 assists per game, 1 steal per game, 0.8 blocks per game, 54% for the field, 33% from 3 and 67 from the line while playing 29.5 minutes per game and 36 games. This was one of my best season playing overseas and I feel that it made me better and I know that I am a GREAT player. I still have alot more in the tank for me to play and I'm going to continue so my family and I will be ok and fine.

This summer is going to be very busy with working out, possibly some NBA workouts and summer league and it will challenge me alot. Taking care of my three kids and my wife will be hard but fun and this is the challenge that I need in my life too. There is alot to come and I know that have been away for a while but its time to get back and I am starting in my prime now so it should be fun and exciting!! Bye Bye for now!!

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LATVIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Zanis PEINERS
  LU
  (203-G-90)
  Avg: 19

1. Peiners, LU	19.0
2. Kalve, Valmiera	18.8
3. Mayo, Liepaja	18.7
4. Lucas, Valmiera	16.7
5. Ozols, Jurmala	16.4
6. Krumins, Jelgava	15.8
7. Mediss, Turiba	15.5
8. Bankevics, Valmiera	14.3
9. Young, Ventspils	14.3
10. Timma, Liepaja	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Ervins JONATS
  Jurmala
  (199-F-91)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Jonats, Jurmala	9.3
2. Willard, Ventspils	8.1
3. Rozitis, Valmiera	8.0
4. Dargais, LU	7.8
5. Berzins, VEF Riga	7.6
6. Mednis, Turiba	6.7
7. Kalve, Valmiera	6.3
8. Timma, Liepaja	6.2
9. Nelson, Jelgava	5.8
10. Butjankovs, Valmi.	5.8

Assists Per Game

Josh MAYO
  Liepaja
  (182-G-87)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Mayo, Liepaja	4.9
2. Lucas, Valmiera	4.4
3. Kravcenko, Liepaja	4.0
4. Coders, Jurmala	3.6
5. Lejasmeiers, Vents.	3.4
6. Krumins, Jelgava	3.3
7. Valters, VEF Riga	2.9
8. Silavs, Jelgava	2.9
9. Gray, Ventspils	2.9
10. Peiners, LU	2.8

Steals Per Game

Kristaps KANBERGS
  Jelgava
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Kanbergs, Jelgava	1.9
2. Peiners, LU	1.8
3. Timma, Liepaja	1.8
4. Mayo, Liepaja	1.7
5. Gray, Ventspils	1.6
6. Osins, LU	1.6
7. Ozols, Jurmala	1.4
8. Kosuskins, Jurmala	1.4
9. Krumins, Jelgava	1.4
10. Piternieks, Turiba	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Jekabs ROZITIS
  Valmiera
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Rozitis, Valmiera	1.5
2. Berzins, VEF Riga	1.5
3. Leiteris, Liepaja	0.9
4. Cain, VEF Riga	0.9
5. Ozols, Jurmala	0.9
6. Jonats, Jurmala	0.8
7. Plivda, LU	0.7
8. Meiers, Ventspils	0.6
9. Duselis, Jelgava	0.6
10. Berzins, Ventspils	0.6

LITHUANIA

Khimky forced the decider versus Lietuvos Rytas - by Eurobasket News

VTB League
Khimky - Lietuvos Rytas 80:62
Lietuvos Rytas lost Game 2 to Russian representative in VTB League. Khimky edged the Baltic side 80:62.

Khimky forced the decider in the quarterfinal series versus Lietuvos Rytas. The game was mostly controlled by Khimky. Lietuvos rytas was better in third quarter 13-10. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Khimky forced 19 Lietuvos rytas turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. American forward Jeff Adrien (201-F-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Connecticut) scored 16 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Chris Quinn (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) chipped in 11 points and 7 assists during the contest. Five Khimky players scored in double figures. Arturas Jomantas (200-G/F-85) responded with 11 points and 6 rebounds and Renaldas Seibutis (195-G-85) scored 13 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.

Khimky: Jeff Adrien 16, Egor Vyaltsev (192-G-85) 11, Chris Quinn 11, Sergey Monya (203-F-83) 10, Mickael Gelabale (201-F-83, agency: Court Side) 10
Lietuvos Rytas: Renaldas Seibutis 13, Arturas Jomantas 11, Mindaugas Katelynas (206-F-83, college: Chattanooga) 9

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LUXEMBOURG

Standings

Diekirch Standings

1-6 places
1. T71		22-4
2. Sparta		21-6
3. Musel Pikes		14-12
4. Residence		13-13
5. Amicale		13-14
6. Etzella		11-15
7-10 places
1. Basket Esch		15-9
2. Soleuvre		12-12
3. BBC Nitia		3-21
4. Heffingen		3-21

Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 9

Apr. 20: Sparta - Amicale 85-79
Apr. 22: Etzella - Residence
Apr. 22: Musel Pikes - T71

Scoring Leaders - DBBL

Points Per Game

Lamonte ULMER
  Soleuvre
  (198-SF-86)
  Avg: 26.2

1. Ulmer, Soleuvre	26.2
2. Arre, BBC Nitia	25.7
3. Raji, Etzella	23.5
4. Schumacher, T71	22.8
5. Kennedy, Residence	22.4
6. McNutt, Heffingen	22.2
7. Muller, T71	21.0
8. Rajniak, Basket E.	20.4
9. Smith, Sparta	20.2
10. Perre, Musel Pikes	20.0

Rebounds Per Game

Lamonte ULMER
  Soleuvre
  (198-SF-86)
  Avg: 12.5

1. Ulmer, Soleuvre	12.5
2. Gary, Musel Pikes	12.3
3. McNutt, Heffingen	12.0
4. Stephens, T71	11.3
5. Svitek, Basket Es.	10.9
6. Poznaks, BBC Nitia	10.1
7. Smith, Sparta	9.9
8. Kennedy, Residence	9.9
9. Raji, Etzella	9.8
10. Carvalho, Heffing.	9.4

Assists Per Game

Kasey ULIN
  Sparta
  (184-PG-82)
  Avg: 4.7

1. Ulin, Sparta	4.7
2. Schartz, Amicale	4.1
3. Schumacher, T71	3.8
4. Arre, BBC Nitia	3.7
5. Rajniak, Basket E.	3.6
6. Biever, Basket Es.	3.3
7. Delgado, Etzella	3.3
8. Ruffato, T71	3.0
9. Koster, Residence	2.9
10. Jones, Amicale	2.5

Steals Per Game

Christopher JONES
  Amicale
  (188-G-90)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Jones, Amicale	2.5
2. Arre, BBC Nitia	2.2
3. Kennedy, Residence	2.1
4. Carvalho, Heffingen	1.7
5. Ulmer, Soleuvre	1.6
6. Perre, Musel Pikes	1.5
7. Schumacher, T71	1.3
8. Smith, Sparta	1.3
9. Gary, Musel Pikes	1.3
10. Ruffato, T71	1.2

Blocks Per Game

Brandon GARY
  Musel Pikes
  (202-F/C-83)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Gary, Musel Pikes	2.1
2. McNutt, Heffingen	1.5
3. Ulmer, Soleuvre	1.3
4. Hoffmann, Sparta	1.1
5. Carvalho, Heffingen	0.9
6. Jorssen, Soleuvre	0.9
7. Djerman, Amicale	0.6
8. Poznaks, BBC Nitia	0.5
9. Svitek, Basket Es.	0.5
10. Smith, Sparta	0.5

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MALI

Amara Sy selected the top Malian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Malians who are currently playing abroad.

Amara Sy

#1. This week's number one is an international forward Amara Sy (202-81). He led Entente Orleans 45 to a victory over the league outsider Hyeres-Toulon (2-24) crushing them 105-80 in the French ProA in Saturday night's game. Sy was MVP of the game. He scored 19 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 26 minutes on the court. Entente Orleans 45 (18-8) is placed third in the ProA. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Sy has relatively good stats this year: 12.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 52.4%, 3FGP: 28.8% and FT: 83.3% in the 26 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Mali and French. Despite Sy played previously for the French national team, he is currently a member of the Mali senior national team.

Yohann Sangare

#2. Second place goes to an international guard Yohann Sangare (193-83) is a teammate of previously mentioned Amara Sy and both played together in the last French ProA game. Sangare managed to help Entente Orleans 45 to win against the league outsider Hyeres-Toulon (2-24) crushing them 105-80. He scored 5 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished 8 assists. It's Sangare's first season with the team. This year Sangare averages: 5.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, 3FGP: 10.8% and FT: 81.7%. He is another player who holds two passports: Mali and French. Sangare is in the roster of the Mali senior national team.

Mamoutou Diarra

#3. The Mali player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Mamoutou Diarra (200-80, agency: Two Points). He contributed to a JSF Nanterre's victory against the closely-ranked Poitiers (8-18) 86-75 in the French ProA on Saturday night. Diarra scored 11 points in 25 minutes. JSF Nanterre (12-14) is placed 11th in the ProA. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. This year Diarra's overall stats are: 8.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 61.0%(25-41), 3FGP: 43.8% and FT: 69.2% in the 12 games. Similarly like Sangare and Sy above he has both Mali and French nationalities. Despite Diarra played previously for the French national team, he played also for the Mali national team in 2008.

Souarata Cisse

#4. Swingman Souarata Cisse (197-86) faced previously mentioned Amara Sy in the French ProA last game. Cisse, who plays in the French ProA could not help Hyeres-Toulon (2-24) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his good performance the bottom-ranked Hyeres-Toulon was crushed 105-80 at home by the much higher-ranked Entente Orleans 45 (#3). Cisse scored 14 points. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important. Cisse's total stats this season are: 7.5ppg, 1.4rpg and 1.5apg. Similarly like three previous players above, he also holds two passports: Mali and French. Despite Cisse played previously for the French U20 national team, he is currently in the Mali national team roster.

Ibrahim Saounera

#5. International guard Ibrahim Saounera (179-87) was the main contributor in Cognac's victory against the 11th-ranked Lievin Basket (14-17) crushing them 94-68 in the French NM1 (third division) last Saturday. Saounera was the best player in that game. He recorded 17 points and added 4 assists in 26 minutes. Cognac BB (19-12) is placed seventh in the NM1. They ended the series of three consecutive loses. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be extremely important. This year Saounera's total stats are: 6.8ppg, 1.8rpg and 2.0apg in the 30 games. He holds both Mali and French passports. Despite Saounera played previously for the French national team, he is currently in the Mali national team roster.

Sambou Traore

#6. An experienced power forward Sambou Traore (199-79) helped Limoges CSP Elite win their game against one of league's weakest teams JA Vichy (7-23) 82-72 in the French ProB (second division) on Saturday night. Traore scored 8 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Limoges CSP Elite (24-6) is placed first in the ProB. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. Traore has averaged so far 8.3ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.2apg. Despite he played previously for the French national team, Traore is also an international player who is currently on the senior Mali National Team roster.

Tahirou Sani

#7. International forward Tahirou Sani (204-85) helped Blois win their game against the 16th-ranked Montbrison (6-25) 72-57 in the French NM1 (third division) in Saturday night's game. He was the top player that evening. Sani recorded 16 points in 24 minutes. ADA Blois Basket (21-10) is placed sixth in the NM1. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. Sani has averaged so far 8.5ppg and 3.5rpg in the 31 games. Despite he played previously for the French national team, Sani is currently in the Mali national team roster.

Dramane Diarra

#8. Power forward Dramane Diarra (203-80, college: Kansas St.) was not able to help Saint Vallier (14-16) in their game against Le Portel (11-19) in the French ProB (second division). Despite his good performance last Friday He scored 12 points. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. Diarra has averaged so far 6.1ppg and 2.8rpg. Despite he played previously for the French national team, Diarra is currently in the Mali national team roster.

Mahamadou Drame

#9. International shooting guard Mahamadou Drame (188-86) helped Nantes win their game against the 16th-ranked SPO Rouen (10-20) 95-88 in the French ProB (second division) on Friday night. He scored 8 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 6 assists in 23 minutes. Hermine Nantes Atlantique (13-13) is placed eighth in the ProB. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. Drame has averaged so far 6.7ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.5apg in the 27 games. Despite he played previously for the French national team, Drame is currently in the Mali national team roster.

Modibo Niakate

   #10. Guard Modibo Niakate (185-81, college: Cleveland St.) helped Rueil win their game against one of league's weakest teams Le Puy ASMB (5-26) crushing them 84-62 in the French NM1 (third division) in Saturday night's game. He recorded 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Rueil Athletic Club (14-17) is placed 12th in the NM1. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. This season Niakate has relatively solid stats: 11.3ppg, 2.2rpg and 2.3apg. Despite he played previously for the French national team, Niakate is also an international player who is currently on the senior Mali National Team roster.

   #11. International swingman Mahmoud Diakite (197-86, college: Wyoming) was not able to secure a victory for Stade Clermont in their game against Sorgues in the French NM1 (third division). He recorded 8 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 21 minutes. His team lost 88-96. Diakite has averaged so far 8.1ppg and 3.6rpg in the 30 games. Despite he played previously for the French national team, Diakite is currently in the Mali national team roster.

   #12. International forward Mamoudou Sy (196-83, college: Cowley County CC) is a teammate of previously mentioned Tahirou Sani and both played together in the last French NM1 game. Sy helped Blois win their game against the 16th-ranked Montbrison 72-57. He recorded 5 points. Sy has averaged so far 6.0ppg and 2.2rpg. He is also in the roster of the Mali national team.

   #13. International guard Ludovic Chelle (183-83) faced previously mentioned Mahamadou Drame in the French ProB last game. Chelle couldn't help SPO Rouen in their game against Nantes. He cannot count Friday's game as one of the best ones. Chelle scored only 3 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 25 minutes. His team lost 88-95. Chelle has averaged so far 6.4ppg and 2.0rpg in the 30 games. He is also Mali national team player.

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

MONTENEGRO

Nikola Pekovic lifts Timberwolves to 91-80 victory over Pistons - by Eurobasket News

It took almost three full seasons, but the Minnesota Timberwolves finally won a game in April.

Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) scored 23 points and J.J. Barea flirted with a triple-double to help the Timberwolves to a 91-80 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night. The win was the franchises first in the final month of the regular season since 2009 - breaking a 27-game losing streak.

We finally got a win, said Berea, who finished with 13 points, 12 assists and six rebounds to help Minnesota snap an 11-game overall losing skid. We had a lot of energy and we moved the ball well.

The Timberwolves never trailed and took a 49-31 halftime lead after shooting 57 percent (21 of 37) from the field. An 8-0 run pushed the lead to over 20 points midway through the third quarter but the Pistons rallied in the fourth to make it close.

Tayshaun Prince had 18 points and Will Bynum scored all of his 17 in the fourth quarter for the Pistons, who lost for the second time in as many nights.

Except for parts of the fourth quarter it was pretty good, Minnesota coach Rick Adelman said. We just want to see if we can turn this around in the last two games and end the season on a positive note.

Pekovic made five of his first six shots to start the game and had 13 points in the first half to pace the Wolves, who hadnt won since March 28, at Charlotte. He finished with nine rebounds.

The Pistons ended the first quarter by missing 10 straight field goals and shot just 29 percent in the first half. The 31 first-half points were one off their worst halftime output this season.

Detroit trailed 78-55 with less than 8 minutes to play but outscored the Wolves 19-3 over the next 6 minutes to cut the lead to seven points. Pekovic had a putback and dunk in the last 90 seconds to end the rally and force the Pistons to foul.

Pistons coach Lawrence Frank, who called Wednesdays lackluster 116-84 loss at Atlanta unacceptable, wasnt much happier with most of the next nights effort.

We looked a little punch drunk at times out there, he said after his teams starters shot a combined 16 of 50 from the field.

Ben Gordon scored 14 points for the Pistons and fellow reserve Charlie Villanueva grabbed 12 rebounds.

Anthony Randolph had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Michael Beasley added 13 points for the Wolves, who finish the season with two home games.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Nikola Pekovic selected the top Montenegrin playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from Montenegrins who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Nikola Pekovic

#1. This week's number one is an international center Nikola Pekovic (210-86, agency: Beo Basket). He led Minnesota Timberwolves to a victory over the Detroit Pistons (23-40) 91-80 in the NBA in Thursday night's game. Pekovic was MVP of the game. He scored 23 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 32 minutes on the court. The Minnesota Timberwolves have 26-38 record this season. There are only two games left until the end of the NBA Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Pekovic has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 13.6ppg, 7.1rpg, 2FGP: 56.2%(241-429) and FT: 74.6% in the 45 games he played so far. Pekovic is currently a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Vladimir Dragicevic

#2. Second place goes to an international power forward Vladimir Dragicevic (206-86), who plays in Russia. He could not help Spartak St.Petersburg (11-5) in their last game on Friday. Despite Dragicevic's very good performance the second-placed Spartak St.Petersburg was defeated 69-60 on the road by the lower-ranked Lokomotiv (#4) in the group B of VTB United League. He recorded a double-double by scoring 19 points and getting 10 rebounds. It's Dragicevic's first season with the team. Dragicevic has relatively good stats this year: 10.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 2FGP: 62.3%(76-122) and FT: 57.7%. He is in the roster of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Milko Bjelica

#3. The Montenegrin player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Milko Bjelica (207-84, also represented by Beo Basket), who plays in the Spanish ACB. Bjelica was not able to help Caja Laboral (20-9) in their last game. Despite his good performance Caja Laboral was edged 72-70 in Manresa by the lower-ranked (#9) Assignia. Bjelica was the second best scorer with 13 points. He also added 5 rebounds in 21 minutes. This year Bjelica's overall stats are: 8.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 2FGP: 62.1%(72-116), 3FGP: 13.3% and FT: 85.0% in the 26 games. He has a dual citizenship: Serbian and Montenegrin. Despite Bjelica played previously for the Serbian national team, he is currently a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Nikola Mirotic

#4. Power forward Nikola Mirotic (207-91) contributed to a Real Madrid's victory against the eighth-ranked Meridiano Alicante (15-13) 91-87 in the Spanish ACB in Sunday night's game. Mirotic scored 9 points. Real Madrid (22-7) is placed second in the ACB. Mirotic's total stats this season are: 8.9ppg and 4.4rpg. He is another player who holds two passports: Montenegrin and Spanish. Despite Mirotic played previously for the Spanish U20 national team, he is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

Bojan Subotic

#5. International power forward Bojan Subotic (206-90) was the main contributor in Zvezda's victory against the fifth-ranked Radnicki Basket (4-3) crushing them 89-65 in a derby game in the Serbian A League last Thursday. Subotic was the best player in that game. He scored 16 points in a mere 19 minutes. Crvena Zvezda Beograd (0-0) is placed first in SuperLiga group. This year Subotic's total stats are: 5.4ppg and 1.8rpg in the five games. Despite he played previously for the Spanish national team, Subotic is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

Goran Martinic

#6. Point guard Goran Martinic (184-87, agency: BeoExcell) helped CSM Bucuresti win their game against the second-ranked Timisoara (21-7) 92-80 in the Romanian Division A on Wednesday night. He was the top player that evening. Martinic scored 29 points (!!!), had 5 rebounds and dished 6 assists. CS Municipal Bucuresti (19-9) is placed seventh in the Division A. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. Martinic is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fifth year in CSM Bucuresti's roster. He is currently third on the list of top scorers. This season Martinic has very high stats. He averages: 23.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 5.3apg and 1.6spg. Despite Martinic played previously for the Spanish national team, he is also a former U21 international player as he played for the Montenegrin team five years ago.

Suad Sehovic

#7. International swingman Suad Sehovic (197-87) was not able to secure a victory for Budivelnyk (30-9) in their game against BC Odessa (22-17) in the Ukrainian Superleague, despite his very good performance in Friday night's game. Sehovic was the top scorer with 17 points. He also added 7 rebounds in 26 minutes. But Budivelnyk lost 90-95 at home to the lower-ranked (#7) BC Odessa. This year Sehovic has relatively solid stats: 10.3ppg, 5.6rpg and 1.2spg in the 41 games. Despite he played previously for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, Sehovic is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

Dusan Djordjevic

#8. Guard Dusan Djordjevic (195-83, another player represented by Beo Basket) couldn't help Base Oostende (17-9) in their game against Optima Gent (10-17) in the Belgian D1. Despite his very good performance last Wednesday He was the second best scorer with 14 points. Djordjevic also added 5 rebounds and dished 3 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). Djordjevic is currently second on the list of best passers. He has averaged so far 9.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.5apg and 1.2spg. Despite Djordjevic played previously for the Serbian national team, he is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

Branko Cuic

#9. International guard Branko Cuic (197-78) helped Timisoara edge the seventh-ranked CSM Bucuresti (19-9) 77-76 in the Romanian Division A on Thursday night. Cuic recorded 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in 39 minutes. BC Timisoara (21-7) is placed second in the Division A. Cuic has averaged so far 9.5ppg, 5.9rpg and 4.8apg in the 31 games. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Cuic is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

Mensud Julevic

   #10. Center Mensud Julevic (200-85) couldn't help Elektra (2-5) in their game against Union Olimpija (5-2) in the Slovenian Telemach League. Despite his very good performance in Thursday night's game He was the top scorer with 19 points. Julevic also added 7 rebounds. There are only three games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game is very crucial. Julevic has reliable stats this season: 12.7ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.5apg. Despite he played previously for the Slovenian U21 national team, Julevic is also an international player who is currently on the senior Montenegrin National Team roster.

   #11. Former international power forward Ivan Maras (208-86, another player represented by Beo Basket) helped Belfius Mons-Hainaut win their game against the league outsider VOO Verviers-Pepinster crushing them 92-67 in the Belgian D1 last Wednesday. He scored 10 points, grabbed 9 boards, passed 3 assists and added 3 steals in 26 minutes. Maras has averaged so far 7.4ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.4apg and 1.9spg in the seven games. Despite he played previously for the Slovenian national team, Maras is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

   #12. Former international forward Ivan Ivanovic (206-80) was the major contributor in a Gaz Metan's victory against the eighth-ranked Rovinari 83-72 in the Romanian Division A on Thursday night. He recorded 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Ivanovic averaged so far 14.0ppg, 6.0rpg and 2.4apg. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Ivanovic is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

   #13. International guard Goran Jeretin (192-79, another player represented by Beo Basket) faced previously mentioned Mensud Julevic in the Slovenian Telemach League last game. Jeretin managed to help Union Olimpija Ljubljana in a victory against the fifth-ranked Elektra 72-68. He scored only 4 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 10 minutes. Jeretin has averaged so far 2.6ppg, 1.6rpg and 2.6apg in the seven games. He is also Montenegrin national team player.

   #14. International point guard Omar-Sharif Cook (186-82, another player represented by Beo Basket, college: St.John's) helped Armani Milano win their game against the closely-ranked Bennet Cantu 72-64 in the Italian SerieA last Sunday. Cook scored 5 points and added 3 assists. Cook belongs to league's best passers and is ranked #4. He has averaged so far 7.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.9apg and 1.4spg. Cook is a naturalized American. He plays currently for the Montenegrin national team. Strangely Cook has never played in Montenegro.

   #15. International forward Nikola Vucevic (208-90, college: USC) couldn't help the Philadelphia 76ers in their game against the New Jersey Nets in the NBA. He cannot count Friday's game as one of the best ones. Vucevic scored only 2 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 11 minutes. His team lost 89-95 in the NBA. He has averaged so far 5.7ppg and 4.7rpg in the 47 games. Vucevic is also in the roster of the Montenegrin national team.

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

NBA

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.		37-26
2. New York K.		33-29
3. Philadelph.76		32-30
4. New Jersey N.		22-41
5. Toronto R.		22-41
Central Div.
1. Chicago B.		47-16
2. Indiana P.		41-22
3. Milwaukee B.		29-33
4. Detroit P.		23-40
5. Cleveland C.		20-41
Southeast Div.
1. Miami Heat		45-17
2. Atlanta H.		37-25
3. Orlando M.		36-26
4. Washington W.		16-46
5. Charlotte B.		7-54
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Oklah.City T.		45-17
2. Denver N.		34-28
3. Utah Jazz		33-30
4. Portland TB		28-35
5. Minnesota T.		26-38
Pacific Div.
1. LA Lakers		40-23
2. LA Clippers		39-24
3. Phoenix Suns		33-30
4. Golde State W.		22-39
5. Sacramento K.		20-42
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.		45-16
2. Memphis G.		37-25
3. Dallas M.		35-28
4. Houston R.		32-31
5. N.Orleans H.		20-43

Regular Season: Round 113

Apr. 19: Phoenix Suns - LA Clippers 93-90
Apr. 19: Miami Heat - Chicago B. 83-72
Apr. 19: Detroit P. - Minnesota T. 80-91
Apr. 19: Indiana P. - Milwaukee B. 118-109
Apr. 19: N.Orleans H. - Houston R. 105-99 OT

Regular Season: Round 115

Apr. 21: Phoenix Suns - Denver N.
Apr. 21: Miami Heat - Washington W.
Apr. 21: Houston R. - Golde State W.
Apr. 21: Milwaukee B. - New Jersey N.
Apr. 21: Indiana P. - Philadelph.76
Apr. 21: Chicago B. - Dallas M.
Apr. 21: Memphis G. - Portland TB
Apr. 21: Utah Jazz - Orlando M.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-G-78)
  Avg: 28.1

1. Bryant, LA Lakers	28.1
2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	27.8
3. James, Miami Heat	27.1
4. Love, Minnesota T.	26.0
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	23.9
6. Anthony, New Y.	22.6
7. Wade, Miami Heat	22.5
8. Rose, Chicago B.	22.5
9. Ellis, Golde S.	21.9
10. Nowitzki, Dallas	21.8

Rebounds Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 14.5

1. Howard, Orlando M.	14.5
2. Love, Minnesota T.	13.4
3. Bynum, LA Lakers	12.1
4. Humphries, New J.	11.0
5. Cousins, Sacramen.	11.0
6. Griffin, LA Clipp.	10.9
7. Gasol, LA Lakers	10.4
8. Chandler, New Y.	10.0
9. Gortat, Phoenix	9.9
10. Smith, Atlanta H.	9.6

Assists Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Rondo, Boston C.	11.6
2. Nash, Phoenix Suns	10.7
3. Paul, LA Clippers	9.0
4. Calderon, Toron.	8.8
5. Williams, New J.	8.7
6. Rubio, Minnesot.	8.2
7. Rose, Chicago B.	7.9
8. Parker, San A.	7.7
9. Wall, Washington W.	7.7
10. Conley, Memphis G.	6.8

Steals Per Game

Chris PAUL
  LA Clippers
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Paul, LA Clippers	2.4
2. Conley, Memphis G.	2.2
3. Rubio, Minnesot.	2.2
4. James, Miami Heat	1.9
5. Shumpert, New Y.	1.8
6. Millsap, Utah Jazz	1.8
7. Iguodala, Philadel.	1.8
8. Rondo, Boston C.	1.8
9. Westbrook, Oklah..	1.7
10. Ariza, N.Orleans	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Serge IBAKA
  Oklah.Ci.
  (208-C/F-89)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	3.6
2. McGee, Washingt.	2.5
3. Howard, Orlando M.	2.1
4. Jordan, LA Clippers	2.0
5. Hibbert, Indiana P.	2.0
6. Bynum, LA Lakers	1.9
7. Gasol, Memphis G.	1.8
8. Smith, Atlanta H.	1.8
9. Jefferson, Utah J.	1.7
10. O''Neal, Boston C.	1.7

A Look At the 2012 Olympic Team - by Miguel Rivera

So Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) is having surgery. That's obviously bad news for the Orlando Magic, but what about Team USA? The easiest name to write into the starting lineup for the London games was Howard's at center. Where does Coach K and his staff turn to to guard the middle now? Here are some options (from least likely to most likely):

LaMarcus Aldridge- Aldridge may have a hard time even making the squad with his latest injury. He's the newest member to the group and probably one of the odd men out when it comes to final cuts.

Kevin Love- Love is a power forward, but could easily play the center spot in an international competition. He's a great rebounder and can hit the outside shot. I see him as more useful coming off the bench, though.

Chris Bosh- Bosh was the backup big-man for the gold-medal winning team in 2008. It could be fitting for him to step right in as the 'understudy' to Howard.

Tyson Chandler (7'1''-C-82)- Let's be honest. In Olympic play, Dwight is out there to rebound and block shots. They have enough scoring, and the international game is not for back-to-the-basket big men. So if Howard can't fill that role, who better than Chandler? He's as good a defensive center as there is in the NBA, and he truly loves playing for his country. This could be a match made in heaven.

Here's how I see the Olympic team breaking down (assuming everyone is still healthy and interested):

Starters:

PG- Derrick Rose- Coach K loves him. He plays differently for USA than he does for the Bulls. He's a happy distributor and can be a physical defender.

SG- Kobe Bryant- Kobe is the 'defensive specialist' on this team, and will also take the shot with the game on the line.

SF- Kevin Durant- The MVP of the 2010 World Championships, Durant may have the game best suited for the international game.

PF- LeBron James- LeBron does a bit of everything, and will play every role on this team at one point in the tournament.

C- Tyson Chandler- See above comments

Bench:

Guards- Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, Deron Williams

Wings- Carmelo Anthony, Andre Iguodala

Bigs- Kevin Love, Chris Bosh

Bulls guard Derrick Rose wants to return before playoffs begin - by Eurobasket News

Point guard Derrick Rose (6'3''-G-88, college: Memphis) can't explain why he has suffered so many injuries, but he said Wednesday that sitting out the last four regular-season games to ensure hes healthy when the playoffs begin is not an option hes considering.

'I want to play as soon as possible', Rose said. 'I just want to get out there, man. I miss the game.'

Rose missed his 25th game with his fifth different injury when he was ruled out against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena.

Forward Luol Deng also missed his second consecutive game with sore ribs.

They suffered their injuries in the game Sunday against the Detroit Pistons, and the status for both Thursday against the Miami Heat will be game-time decisions.

Its not the actual bone; its the tendons around my ankle that have fluid on them, Rose said. That fluid causes pain. Right now, Im just waiting for the fluid to move around. Were trying to get it out as quick as possible. I should be all right.

Rose said he felt pain walking to the locker room after the Pistons game. When he took off his shoe, the pain was throbbing.

With four games left in the regular season, Rose was asked if he expected to be limited when the postseason begins.

Im not thinking that way, he said. If you put things into the universe, they come true. Im just trying to stay focused, stay happy, stay positive, keep my spirits up. Hopefully, Ill be healthy in the playoffs.

Rose missed a combined six games his first three seasons.

He said his teammates have gone out of their way to make sure he still feels like part of the team.

Thats the only thing that has changed, he said when asked if the condensed schedule has contributed to his injuries. How I worked out was the same even though I ran more than I usually did in the past. I really dont now what to blame it on.

Prepping for playoffs

Teams usually have a few days to prepare for their first-round playoff series. Not this year.

The regular season ends April 26, and the playoffs begin April 28.

Last year, we won our last nine going in, coach Tom Thibodeau said. We hit the ground running. This year, its a different season entirely.

You dont have nearly as much practice time, not nearly as much rest, and youre not going to have nearly as much time to prepare when youre going into the playoffs. Basically, its one day and youre playing. Were going to have to be ready when it comes.

Courtesy of www.suntimes.com

Report: Boston Celtics to sign Sean Williams, waive Jermaine O'Neal - by Eurobasket News

The revolving door in Boston's frontcourt continues to spin.

The Celtics will reportedly sign center Sean Williams (6'10''-F-86, college: Boston Coll.), who became a free agent after he was released by the Dallas Mavericks in March, according to ESPN.com. The site reported that Williams will be playoff-eligible and ready to make his debut on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks.

The Celtics will reportedly waive center Jermaine O'Neal (6'11''-F/C-78) to open a roster spot to add Williams. The Celtics announced that O'Neal would undergo season-ending wrist surgery back on March 19. Boston also added free agent big man Ryan Hollins in March after losing forwards Jeff Green and Chris Wilcox for the season with heart-related ailments.

Williams, 25, appeared in eight games this season for the Mavericks, averaging 3.6 points and 1.6 rebounds per game, while also spending some time in the D-League. He spent his first three seasons in the NBA with the New Jersey Nets. Williams holds career averages of 4.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.

Williams joins a frontcourt that includes Kevin Garnett, Brandon Bass, Greg Stiemsma, JaJuan Johnson and Hollins.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Knicks sign Gadzuric as playoff insurance, waive Walker - by Eurobasket News

Mike Woodson announced that the Knicks will sign 6-11 journeyman center Dan Gadzuric (6'11''-C-78, college: UCLA) and waive swingman Bill Walker (6'6''-G/F-87, agency: N.E.T., college: Kansas St.) in a move to provide depth and insurance for the playoffs.

Gadzuric, 34, an athletic big man out of UCLA, will be added in case Amare Stoudemire and Jared Jeffries break down in the playoffs. Prior to signing with the Knicks, Gadzuric played for the Texas Legends in the D-League and overseas in China. Gadzuric's last NBA action came last season when he played for the Nets, appearing in 14 games. Gadzuric had played eight seasons for the Bucks after UCLA.

'It gives us another big,'' Woodson said. 'Just in case Jared is not able to come back from his rest. It gives us a veteran big that's been around that could use fouls and rebound.''

Stoudemire will make his return Friday from a bulging disk, and Jeffries may be shut down until the start of the playoffs as he battles chronic knee pain and swelling. Jeffries may undergo a bloodspinning knee procedure in the offseason.

The Knicks also have rookie center Jerome Jordan and Josh Harrellson on the roster but Woodson wanted a veteran as insurance. Plus, Woodson hadn't used Walker since the swingman returned from elbow surgery 12 days ago.

Iman Shumper will be in the starting lineup Friday against the Cavaliers, leaving Landry Fields as the odd man out, coming off the bench.

Courtesy of www.nypost.com

Thursday's games review (5): Suns end Clippers' streak with wild 93-90 win - by Eurobasket News

Detroit P. - Minnesota T. 80-91
Nikola Pekovic (6'11''-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) scored 23 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves ended an 11-game losing streak with a 91-80 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night. The Timberwolves never trailed and took a 49-31 halftime lead after shooting 57 percent (21 of 37) from the field. An 8-0 run pushed the lead to over 20 points midway through the third quarter but the Pistons rallied in the fourth to make it close. Tayshaun Prince (6'9''-F-80, college: Kentucky) had 18 points to lead to lead Detroit, which lost for the second time in as many nights. Anthony Randolph added 15 points and 10 rebounds for Minnesota, while Michael Beasley and J.J. Barea had 13 points each. Barea had 12 assists and six rebounds. Pekovic made 5 of his first six shots to start the game and had 13 points in the first half to pace the Wolves, who hadn't won since March 28 at Charlotte. He finished with nine rebounds. The Pistons ended the first quarter by missing 10 straight field goals and shot just 29 percent in the first half. The 31 first-half points were one off their worst halftime output this season. Detroit trailed 78-55 with less than 8 minutes to play but outscored the Wolves 19-3 over the next 6 minutes to cut the lead to seven points. Pekovic had a putback and dunk in the last 90 seconds to end the rally. Will Bynum added 17 points for the Pistons and Ben Gordon had 14. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Miami Heat - Chicago B. 83-72
The earliest Miami and Chicago could meet again is Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. Good thing. The tempers could use a little time to cool down. And after a game filled with shoves and takedowns, the race for the No. 1 seed in the East is still going strong. LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) had 27 points and 11 rebounds, Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) scored 18 points and Miami tightened up the race in the East by beating the Bulls 83-72 on Thursday night in a scuffle-filled win that pulled the Heat within 1 games of Chicago in the conference standings. 'This is what the postseason is all about,' James said. 'Both teams struggling to score offensively, and defensively, two very good defensive teams. It's a possession game. That's what happens in the postseason. The game slows down. Not many fast-break points. You've got to work for every attempt, work for every shot.' Mario Chalmers scored 16 points and Udonis Haslem grabbed 10 rebounds for Miami, which held the Bulls to a season-low point total. The Bulls had been 23-0 this season when holding teams to 86 points or less. John Lucas scored 16 points for Chicago, which was again without reigning MVP Derrick Rose because of injuries. Joakim Noah had 15 points and 10 rebounds, Luol Deng added 11 points and Carlos Boozer had 10 for the Bulls, who split four games with Miami this season and could have clinched the top spot in the East with a win on Thursday. 'We wanted it bad, but they wanted it more,' Noah said. 'That can't happen.' The teams combined for four individual technical fouls, two flagrant fouls and Miami reserve James Jones was ejected. But above all else, Miami decided this one with defense. The Bulls went up 21-20 on a layup by Deng with 3:36 left in the first quarter, making them 10 of 14 from the field at that point. They shot 15 for 56 - 27 percent - the rest of the way. Chicago (47-16) has games with Dallas, Indiana and Cleveland left, while Miami (45-17) still has matchups with Washington (twice), Houston and Boston. Miami won despite playing without Chris Bosh, sidelined for the second straight night to rest minor bumps and bruises. 'This season's been a long, short year,' Wade said. 'But this is the time of the year we all love and enjoy.' In case anyone forgot that the Heat and Bulls don't particularly care for one another, the refresher courses came often in this one. The first real salvo came with 6:05 left in the first half, when Jones was ejected after being assessed a flagrant-2 for excessive contact against Noah while trying for a rebound. Jones stretched out both arms to move Noah out of the way, making contact around the head. By the end of the game, that play seemed like a love tap. 'Every time we play them that's how it's going to be,' Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. 'You have to have the mental toughness to get through all of that.' Wade and Chicago guard Richard Hamilton - rivals for years - raised the level of angst a few more notches early in the third quarter. Hamilton led with his elbow and shoulder to create some space, and Wade took exception - so he delivered an elbow and shoulder back, sending the Bulls' guard sprawling to the court. The jousting then turned verbal, enough to merit a technical foul for each, plus a flagrant-1 on Wade. 'Two people that are trying to out-will each other and fight to help their team win,' Hamilton said. And then things really got hot a few minutes later, not long after James was pulled down under the basket. James set a screen to free Chalmers from some pressure and was run into by Lucas, who gives up 9 inches and 85 pounds to the two-time NBA MVP. Predictably, Lucas went flying. Even more predictably, Lucas - who was leapfrogged for a dunk by James in Chicago's first trip to Miami this season - got angry. 'I knew I had him,' James said. After Deng fouled Chalmers to stop the play, and reopened a cut over his own left eye in the process, Lucas ran at James and the other eight players on the court at the time quickly converged on the area. It took referees about 5 minutes to sort out the mess, which only resulted in a personal foul on Deng and technicals on Lucas and James (who, upon hearing his name announced, shouted, 'For what?). James shrugged off the next hit, a hard foul by Chicago's Omer Asik about a half-minute later, converting a three-point play in the process. 'It was a physical, competitive game against two teams that defend,' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. 'That tends to lead to a little bit more passion. And nobody was really backing down.' *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Indiana P. - Milwaukee B. 118-109
These Pacers know how to hold their punches. Danny Granger (6'8''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) scored 29 points to help Indiana beat the Milwaukee Bucks 118-109 on Thursday night in a game that featured two altercations, four technical fouls, a flagrant foul and an ejection. The game featured playoff-level intensity. The Pacers needed a win to clinch homecourt advantage in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs and the Bucks desperately needed a win to stay in the East playoff race. Two incidents in the fourth quarter put Pacers players at risk of getting into fights. The team wants to avoid suspensions so close to the playoffs, and the franchise wants to avoid fights as the memory of the incident between Pacers players and Pistons fans in 2004 still lingers. So close to doing something special and completely turning the page, the Pacers came frighteningly close to taking a major step back. 'We've got a lot more to lose in that situation if something happens, if anyone throws a punch or anything like that, so we have to have that composure to back away and realize our season is far from over,' Granger said. With just over 9 minutes left, Milwaukee's Mike Dunleavy drove to the basket and Leandro Barbosa fouled him hard. Dunleavy fell onto Indiana's Tyler Hansbrough (6'9''-F-85, college: N.Carolina), and Hansbrough and Dunleavy had to be separated. There still was bad blood between the two because Dunleavy broke Hansbrough's nose on March 24. Barbosa was called for a flagrant 1 foul. 'Some words were said, some tempers were lost,' Hansbrough said. 'It happens.' Later, Milwaukee's Larry Sanders, already called for a technical earlier in the fourth quarter, caused a scuffle while walking away after committing a foul. Sanders talked trash to Indiana's George Hill, pointed at David West, then went after Granger. Sanders' teammates held him back while Pacers coach Frank Vogel stepped in front of West. Sanders was ejected and Granger and West were issued technical fouls with 3:29 remaining. Bucks coach Scott Skiles had little to say about Sanders' antics. 'No comment,' he said. 'I will let the league handle that.' The exchange energized Milwaukee, and the Bucks made the game close in the final minutes. Luc Richard Mbah A Moute hit a 3-pointer, his first of the season, to cut Indiana's lead to 113-108 with 36.8 seconds remaining. Hill made the second of two free throws with 36.1 seconds remaining to push Indiana's lead to six points. Granger made two free throws, then Paul George thrilled the crowd with a dunk to put the final touch on Indiana's win. Hill had 22 points and eight assists and West added 21 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists for the Pacers, who won their seventh straight and 11th of 12. 'It's not that we didn't play hard, it's that you need an extraordinary effort against a team like this, not an ordinary one,' Skiles said. 'It's a great club. They'll be a tough out in the playoffs.' Brandon Jennings scored 27 points and Dunleavy, a former Pacer, added 23 for the Bucks. Monta Ellis, one of Milwaukee's top scorers, finished with 12 points on 5-for-14 shooting. Milwaukee lost its third straight and is running out of time to catch Philadelphia for the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference standings. West's tip-in at the buzzer gave the Pacers a 56-50 lead at halftime. The Pacers scored the final eight points of the first half after squandering a 12-point lead. In one frantic third-quarter sequence, Indiana'sLou Amundson blocked a shot by Milwaukee's Drew Gooden, then threw a pass into traffic that Hill somehow snagged. Hill found Barbosa, who drained a 3-pointer as Beno Udrih fouled him. Barbosa converted the four-point play to give Indiana an 86-71 lead. The Pacers led 89-78 at the end of the third quarter. Jennings scored 11 points in the period to prevent the Bucks from getting blown out. Indiana held on and improved to 22-8 at home. 'We try to preach to everybody on this team that we've got to protect this house,' Hill said. 'This is our house. We can't let anybody come in here and try to take advantage of us, push us around. We've got to be the ones who go out and do that.' The Pacers improved to 7-0 with Hill as their starting point guard. Before the game, Vogel said Hill has done enough to be the starter, but he was unsure who would start if Darren Collison recovers from a sore groin. 'It's not my decision,' Hill said. 'It's the GM's decision and the coaches' decision who they want out there on the floor. I just know they gave me the opportunity to do it [start] and I just try to take advantage of it. At the end of the day, when D.C. comes back, we're going to get another great player back and whatever coaches ask us to do, I'm going to try to do it the best I can.' *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

N.Orleans H. - Houston R. 105-99 OT
Eric Gordon (6'4''-G-88, college: Indiana) scored 27 points, Carl Landry (6'7''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Purdue) had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and the New Orleans Hornets dealt a blow to Houston's playoff hopes with a 105-99 overtime victory Thursday night, the Rockets' sixth straight loss. Goran Dragic scored 23 points and Chase Budinger tied a season-high with 22 points for Houston (32-31), which dropped one game behind Utah (33-30) for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with three games left. Al-Farouq Aminu scored 17 points, Marco Belinelli had 13 points, and Gustavo Ayon had nine points and 10 rebounds for New Orleans, which went ahead for good in the overtime with a 9-0 run. The Hornets have won seven of their last 10 games at a time when losing would have enhanced their chances of winning the NBA's draft lottery. The Rockets took their last lead when Luis Scola scored inside to make it 89-87 with 3:19 to go in overtime. Landry responded with an inside basket to tie it, then scored again underneath while being fouled after Ayon found him with a precision pass from the lane. After Budinger missed a 3, Aminu added a short but difficult rainbow jumper. Then Gordon broke up Budinger's pass and got the ball back from Greivis Vasquez for a breakaway dunk that made it 96-89 with 1:32 to go. Houston could not recover. Courtney Lee finished with 15 points for the Rockets, while Marcus Camby had 14, none in the second half when he was bothered by a sore back. Scola finished with 11 points. Houston trailed most of the fourth quarter but took the lead when Lee drained a transition 3 from the corner and Patrick Patterson added a fast-break layup to make it 83-81 with 2:30 to go. The Hornets tied it on Landry's putback. The teams then exchanged one-point leads four times. After the Hornets had gone ahead 87-86 on Ayon's jumper, Budinger missed a late 3 for the lead and the rebound fell to Vasquez. Lee sneaked in to steal the ball from behind and was fouled, giving him a chance to put Houston back in front with 15.3 seconds left. He made only one free throw to tie it, however, then Gordon missed a step-back jumper in the final seconds of regulation, forcing the extra session. After trailing by as many as 13 points in the first half, the Hornets surged into the lead when they opened the second half on a 13-4 run, It started with Smith's consecutive jumpers and Gordon later added and 3 and two free throws he set up with a steal, putting New Orleans up 56-55. Gordon reached the 20-point mark - for the fifth time in his eight games this season - in the third quarter, during which the Hornets outscored Houston 26-13. The Rockets, who shot 51.2 percent (21 of 41) in the first half, made only six of 20 shots in the period, after which they trailed 69-64. The Rockets took their largest lead early in the second quarter with a 15-2 run that Budinger started with a 3. He added another 3 during the spurt, which he capped with a short jumper from the lane to make it 35-22. Belinelli then snapped a string of 12 straight Houston points with the first of his three 3-pointers in the second quarter. His third got the Hornets within 39-33. Budinger then answered with his third 3 of the game and Houston did not allow New Orleans to get any closer than six points in the period. Camby's jumper gave the Rockets 51-43 lead at the half. *Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

Phoenix Suns - LA Clippers 93-90
Steve Nash (6'3''-PG-74, college: Santa Clara) hit a crucial driving layup, then made two free throws for the deciding points and the Phoenix Suns bolstered their playoff hopes with an intense 93-90 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night. There were 24 lead changes in the Suns' 10th straight win over the Clippers in Phoenix. Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest), who had 10 assists, scored 17 of his 19 points in the second half of just the third loss in 16 games for the Clippers, who had won five straight. Caron Butler added 19 points for the Clippers, while Blake Griffin scored 16 points, only two after the first quarter. Jared Dudley scored 18 points and Channing Frye had 16 for the Suns, who moved into a tie with Utah for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Suns have the tiebreaker against the Jazz. Marcin Gortat had 14 points and 14 rebounds for Phoenix while Nash and Sebastian Telfair both scored 13. The Clippers fell one game behind the first-place Lakers in the Pacific Division with the Lakers holding the tiebreaker. Phoenix's Robin Lopez was ejected from the game for a flagrant foul on Griffin with 6:14 to play. Lopez was ejected for a 'flagrant foul 2'' for coming down hard on Griffin's head and neck on a layup, sending the forward crashing to the court. Referees in the loosely officiated game reviewed the play before confirming the call, then added a technical against the Clippers' Mo Williams for shoving Lopez after the play. Telfair made the free throw on the technical, then Griffin sank one of two free throws to give Los Angeles a 78-75 lead. It stayed close the rest of the way. Paul made two free throws, then Nash sank the driving layup to tie it at 88 with 1:15 remaining. In a rare move, point guards Nash and Telfair played together down the stretch. That allowed Telfair to defend Paul. With the game tied at 88, Paul missed a jumper with Telfair in his face. Telfair found Gortat for a breakaway. He missed the dunk but was fouled by Randy Foye. Gortat, though, made just one of two free throws to put Phoenix ahead 89-88 with 48.4 seconds to go. Paul made two more from the line with 42.5 seconds to go to put the Clippers ahead 90-89. After a timeout, Nash was fouled by Martin on a drive to the lane and made both free throws, giving Phoenix a 91-90 lead with 25.9 seconds left, the game's 24th lead change. Telfair knocked the ball out of the hands of a driving Paul with 7.7 seconds to play. On the subsequent out of bounds play, the Clippers had to call a timeout, their last of the game, as Telfair denied Paul the pass. After Williams' long 3-pointer rimmed in and out, Frye made two free throws with 2 seconds to go and Griffin couldn't connect from the top of the key at the buzzer. Neither team led by more than four points until the Clippers mounted an 11-2 run to go up 67-58 with 3:54 to play. The run ended on Paul's free throw following a technical foul against Dudley, who fouled Griffin, then chest-bumped the Clippers' forward in a face-to-face confrontation after the whistle. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Jazz will sign sharpshooter Blake Ahearn for rest of season after 10-day contract expires - by Eurobasket News

The Utah Jazz will re-sign sharpshooter Blake Ahearn (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.) for the remainder of the season after his 10-day contract expires.

The 6-foot-2 guard has played sparingly in three games since being signed April 10. He has hit 1 of 5 from 3-point range and 1 of 6 overall, with two rebounds and an assist. With guards Earl Watson and Raja Bell still out with knee injuries, the Jazz need more depth with three games remaining in the regular season.

Entering Thursday, Utah owned the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference playoff race, and it controls its own destiny if it can win its three remaining games. The Jazz finish with home games against Orlando, Phoenix and Portland.

Ahearn was called up from the Reno Bighorns of the NBAs D-League.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

NBA doesn't see a future for the shorter schedule - by Eurobasket News

The shorter NBA season is on the way out.

Though the league says ratings are up and attendance will be about the same as last season, Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver sees no future for a 66-game schedule.

If you cut the season shorter, we cut our revenues significantly as well. Players would make less, so no, and I think its not optimal to play a condensed season in this fashion, he said Thursday.

I think both we and the players union recognized that going in, but it was a compromise on both our parts to maximize the amount of salary players would get this season and to have as authentic a season as possible, sufficient number of games for competitive reasons.

The normal 82-game season wasnt possible when owners and players couldnt agree to a new collective bargaining agreement until Thanksgiving weekend. The sides agreed to fit in 66 games starting on Christmas, each team playing about two extra games a month.

The result has been frequent compelling matchups and tight playoff races in both conferences with a week left in what Commissioner David Stern called a barnburner of a season during a meeting with Associated Press Sports Editors.

And though the compressed schedule has been taxing on players bodies, Stern said injuries are about at the same rate as a normal season. NBA President Joel Litvin said there were actually fewer injuries to top players 35 this season for players who were All-Stars in the previous two years, down from 43 last season.

I think its turned out OK, Silver said, but again, we prefer the 82-game season to the 66-game season.

Stern said the early returns are excellent from the new labor deal. The league expects to lose a little money this season but predicts a profit in 2012-13 after saying it lost hundreds of millions annually every year of the old deal that was ratified in 2005.

Stern said he had nothing to add on the future of the Kings in Sacramento after a tentative deal for a new arena collapsed last week. The agreement, with the league negotiating on behalf of the Maloof family, which owns the Kings, had been reached during All-Star weekend in Orlando.

But the Maloofs said they had concerns about the terms and costs of the deal and might prefer renovating their arena. Mayor Kevin Johnson said the city wouldnt be interested in contributing to that.

Stern said it was unfortunate to not be able to deliver on what was a very promising situation, but that a cooling off period might be best.

Courtesy of www.rgj.com

Lester Hudson and Cleveland Cavaliers part ways - by Eurobasket News

Say so long to 'Les-anity.'

Guard Lester Hudson (6'3''-G-84, college: Tenn-Martin) will not finish the season with the Cavaliers. Hudson, whose second 10-day contract expired on Wednesday, likely is heading to another team, although it was not clear yet where. He is not eligible to play in the NBA playoffs.

'Had a great run wit Cavs hopefully my next stop will b much better!!!!!' Hudson tweeted Thursday night.

Apparently Hudson had been hoping the Cavs would sign him for the rest of the season when his first 10-day contract expired on April 8. The Cavs were interested, but on their timetable and at their price, and the two sides were unable to reach agreement on Thursday.

Hudson, 27, a Tennessee-Martin product who started this season playing in China, joined the Cavs from the Austin Toros in the D-League on March 30 after Daniel Gibson was lost for the season with a torn tendon in his left foot. It didn't take him long to make an impression.

After scoring 12 and nine points in his first two games, Hudson had 23 at Toronto on April 6, 26 at New Jersey on April 8, 25 against Charlotte on April 10 and 19 against Indianapolis on April 11.

He hit last-second shots to send the New Jersey and Indiana games into overtime, although the Cavs wound up losing both. After Hudson's performance at New Jersey, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert tweeted about 'Les-anity,' a play on words on 'Lin-sanity' -- the excitement that gripped New York after Jeremy Lin burst onto the scene.

Hudson took full advantage of the minutes that came his way with injuries to Kyrie Irving (sprained right shoulder) and Anthony Parker (bruised sternum). But his minutes and his production tailed off in the last five games, averaging nine points during that stretch. In all, he averaged 12.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 24 minutes while shooting 39 percent from the field and 25 percent from 3-point range in 13 games.

With Irving and Parker back and just five games remaining, the Cavs obviously felt as though they could make do the rest of the way. Hudson's minutes likely will be taken by Manny Harris and Luke Walton.

Courtesy of www.cleveland.com

Dwight Howard will undergo surgery, miss rest of season - by Eurobasket News

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) will undergo back surgery and miss the rest of the season, including the playoffs, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports.

The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the announcement is official.

Howard, who has missed the past seven games and has not played since April 7, was diagnosed by Dr. Robert Watkins with a herniated disk in his lower back April 13 in the Los Angeles area. He received an epidural at that time, too.

Howard was re-evaluated this week, and his condition has not improved, the person told USA TODAY Sports. After consultation between the Magic's medical staff and Watkins, it was recommended that Howard undergo surgery.

It has been a trying season for Howard and the Magic on and off the court. Howard's future with the team has been a constant source of speculation.

Howard wanted to opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent after this season. Then he wanted to stay with the Magic next season. Then he wanted out. Ultimately, he decided to opt in and play next season for the Magic.

The situation turned untenable when Magic coach Stan Van Gundy revealed earlier this month that Howard indeed asked management to fire Van Gundy.

There is no guarantee Howard remains in Orlando next season. If Magic executives can't convince him to sign a long-term deal after this season, they might be inclined to trade him in the offseason rather than going through the cycle again next season.

Since the beginning of the season, Howard has maintained he would be there for his teammates. There is nothing to indicate that he didn't. He averaged 20.6 points, 14.5 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 1.9 assists and 1.5 steals.

The Magic are 36-26, three games ahead of the New York Knicks for the sixth seed and one game behind the Hawks for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Kobe (shin) could return Friday in San Antonio - by Eurobasket News

Kobe Bryant's (6'6''-G-78) return from his shin injury is looking possible Friday night in San Antonio.

Ill probably be on the floor next game, Bryant told ESPN sideline reporter Ric Bucher during the Lakers-Warriors game Wednesday night.

Bryant graduated to running and jumping Wednesday and did not incur any pain in his left shin, although he needs to be pain-free Thursday to pass the test. Bryant had already begun shooting work again Monday.

Bryant missed his seventh consecutive game Wednesday night at Golden State. The Lakers are scheduled to practice in San Francisco on Thursday and might keep that date so to re-integrate Bryant, even though the team is coming off back-to-back games.

After the game in San Antonio, the Lakers have two regular-season games left: Sunday vs. Oklahoma City and Thursday at Sacramento.

The Spurs routed the Lakers on Tuesday night at Staples Center without Bryant, although the Lakers won in San Antonio without him last week.

Lakers coach Mike Brown said theres a chance Bryant plays against the Spurs, though Brown does not stay abreast of all the details regarding Bryants status beyond whether hes completely right.

Courtesy of http://lakers.ocregister.com

Blazers say team hasn't inquired about Kupchak - by Eurobasket News

Portland Trail Blazers President Larry Miller said the team has not reached out to the Los Angeles Lakers for permission to talk to general manager Mitch Kupchak.

Miller would not comment specifically on an ESPN report Thursday that the Blazers are interested in interviewing Kupchak about the general manager's job in Portland. The team does not want to name potential candidates.

But he did say that that the Blazers had not taken the step of asking the Lakers for permission to talk with Kupchak, who has been the head of basketball operations for the Lakers for 12 years.

The Blazers are currently operating under interim general manager Chad Buchanan, who was Portland's director of college scouting until the team parted ways with former general manager Rich Cho last May.

Cho had been with the Blazers for less than a year when he was dismissed by billionaire owner Paul Allen. The search for a replacement was suspended during the NBA lockout and only recently resumed.

'We're moving along. We've got a few people we've reached out to, we've got a couple of people we have plans to talk to, and we've been contacted by a number of people,' Miller said. 'Our plan is to try not to move too fast. We want to take our time to get the right person. But it is moving. ''

Miller said that no candidate has been interviewed by Allen yet.

He said the priority will be to hire a general manager, ideally by the NBA draft in June, and then that person will be involved in the search for a new head coach. The Trail Blazers fired coach Nate McMillan at the trade deadline and replaced him on an interim basis with assistant Kaleb Canales.

Whoever is hired as general manager will inherit a team that has had a tumultuous season. The Blazers were rocked at the start of training camp when three-time All-Star Brandon Roy abruptly announced his retirement because of ongoing issues with his knees. The Blazers also learned that former No. 1 draft pick Greg Oden was still having trouble with a surgically repaired knee.

The Blazers appeared to address issues with their roster by acquiring sixth man Jamal Crawford and veteran Kurt Thomas. But from mid-February to mid-March, the team went 6-13 and fell out of the playoff race in the Western Conference.

As a result, McMillan was fired after six seasons and the Blazers appeared to move into rebuilding mode by trading away starters Marcus Camby and Gerald Wallace. The team also waived Oden, who had three microfracture surgeries on his knees and played just 82 games in five seasons in Portland.

Because of their player moves, the Blazers look to have an active offseason and that's not including the GM and coach search. If Crawford decides to opt out of his contract, it appears that the Blazers will have some $25 million in cap space to maneuver into free agency. They'll also have up to four picks in the NBA draft.

Miller said that Buchanan, who has been praised for his management of the team given the circumstances, would be considered for the GM job. Earlier, the Blazers had said that Buchanan was not a candidate because the team was seeking someone with previous experience as a general manager.

Miller also addressed concerns that the Blazers were having trouble attracting candidates because of the turmoil surrounding the team, including ever-present rumors that Allen is planning to sell the team. The owner has vehemently denied those rumors.

'I think people realize that we're in a good position going into the offseason with the picks that we potentially have, with the cap space that we have. I think it's an attractive situation for somebody,' Miller said. 'I've gotten no feedback from anyone that people are concerned with where we are. To me, if anything, it's just the opposite.'

Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

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

NCAA1

Its official: Larry Brown named coach at Big East-bound SMU - by Eurobasket News

Larry Brown is returning to college to get back into coaching.

The 71-year-old Hall of Fame coach was hired Thursday at SMU. It is his first college job in nearly a quarter century, and comes with a struggling program that is headed to the Big East after next season.

'It's a challenge like everything. The greater the challenge, the greater the opportunity,' Brown told The Associated Press by phone from his home in Philadelphia.

Brown, the only coach to win both an NBA championship and NCAA title, hasn't coached since leaving the Charlotte Bobcats in December 2010 after the NBA's team's 9-19 start. His contract there was to run through the end of the current season.

SMU hasn't won an NCAA tournament game since 1988, the year Brown led Kansas to the national championship in his last season as a college coach.

'It's not like I haven't been involved. I live in Villanova, I've been to Kentucky's practices the last two years, Kansas practices, Maryland's practices and Villanova. I've probably seen them practice 50 times a year,' Brown said when asked about returning to the college level.

'People have to understand, you're coaching college kids in the NBA, so I've found out kids want to be taught, they want to be coached, they want to get better,' he said. 'I really think the fact that I've had a background in both areas is going to help me.'

The Mustangs fired Matt Doherty last month after six seasons.

'Larry Brown is one of the top coaches in the history of the game,' said SMU athletic director Steve Orsini. 'He is a legend and has made every team he has ever coached a winner. As we transition into the nation's top basketball conference, the Big East, his leadership will be invaluable.'
Details of Brown's deal, including the length of the contract, weren't released by the private school. Brown said he wasn't ready to discuss who his assistant coaches would be. He said he has had plenty of inquiries about joining his staff.

'That's the hardest thing, I think,' he said. 'I don't have enough jobs to help people that have been great to me. It's been pretty painful in that respect.'

SMU will be Brown's 14th job in a four-decade coaching career.

Brown's first coaching job was at Davidson in 1972, though he didn't coach a game there before going to the ABA and then the NBA. He coached at UCLA (1979-81) and Kansas (1983-88) and was the coach of the 2004 U.S. Olympic team that had a disappointing bronze-medal finish.

'We're talking about a Hall of Fame coach that's won both an NCAA and NBA championship and is the only coach to ever do so,' said Kentucky coach John Calipari, who just won the NCAA championship and was an assistant under Brown at Kansas from 1983-85. 'He's been a friend and mentor for years and I look forward to watching him take SMU to new heights.'

SMU last went to the NCAA tournament in 1993, five years after beating Notre Dame in a first-round game.

Doherty was fired March 13 with one year left on the deal for the former North Carolina coach and player after he went 80-109 in six seasons. The Mustangs lost 11 of their last 14 games, including a 47-28 home loss to UAB on Feb. 15.

SMU has plans for a $40 million renovation of Moody Coliseum and built a new practice facility during Doherty's stint.

The hiring of Brown came as SMU's search was going into its sixth week. Among other candidates the Mustangs talked with were Marquette's Buzz Williams, Long Beach State's Dan Monson and Rick Majerus from Saint Louis.

Brown visited the SMU campus Monday and Tuesday, long after showing interest in the job.

'I was confident it was going to get done, I had phenomenal visit there. The people treated me great,' he said. ' (SMU football coach) June Jones was an advocate, he's been trying to help me for a month, not give up and to understand this is a great place for me and I never doubted that.'

Brown has a reputation for impressive turnarounds and often messy departures from teams. When Michael Jordan hired him in Charlotte, Brown had been out of coaching for two years following a 23-59 mark in his only season with the New York Knicks.

Brown has held a record nine NBA jobs. He was 1,098-904 (.548 winning percentage) with Denver, New Jersey, San Antonio, the Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana, Philadelphia, Detroit, the Knicks and Charlotte. He took all of those teams but New York to the playoffs. Add in his four seasons coaching in the ABA, and his 1,327 victories put him nine shy from passing Don Nelson for the most all-time wins.

Brown led Detroit to an NBA championship in 2004, and the Pistons got back to the finals in 2005 before losing to San Antonio in seven games.

Even during that second Eastern Conference championship season in Detroit, reports linked Brown to jobs in New York, Los Angeles and Denver. The Cleveland Cavaliers had talked with Brown about becoming their president of basketball operations after getting permission from the Pistons.

Within weeks after that season ended, Brown and the Pistons reached a settlement on the final three years of his contract that left him free to coach another team. He then went to the Knicks.

His longest tenure with any team was six seasons with Philadelphia. He left the 76ers with two years left on his contract to go to Detroit.

Brown was 135-44 in five seasons at Kansas, but the Jayhawks were banned from the 1989 NCAA tournament after he left because of recruiting violations. He was 42-17 at UCLA, whose runner-up finish in the 1980 NCAA tournament was later vacated by the NCAA.

Courtesy of www.mercurynews.com

NCAA defends APR decision, UConn ban - by Eurobasket News

The NCAA defended its standard for academic performance Thursday that led to Connecticut's men's basketball team being banned from next year's postseason and has sparked concerns from members of Congress.

UConn faces a postseason ban because of several years of low scores on the NCAA's Academic Progress Rate. The school argues the penalty was applied retroactively and hurts current students, who had nothing to do with the low scores.

Six members of Connecticut's Congressional delegation wrote a letter Wednesday expressing similar concerns with how the rule was implemented.

'While we understand and support the goals of ensuring quality educational opportunities for student-athletes and the need for strong sanctions for failure to meet those goals, we have misgivings about the retroactive implementation of the penalty,' the members of Congress wrote. 'In particular, the NCAA appears to have imposed an overly harsh and unfair penalty by imposing APR sanctions retroactively for conduct and circumstances that had already occurred.'

But Bob Williams, an NCAA spokesman, said colleges have known about the standard and penalties since 2006.

'Every other team at the University of Connecticut met the standard,' Williams said. 'Every other team in the entire Northeast did. So obviously the standard was well known and others met the standard. The real issue is the academic performance of the UConn men's basketball team.'

The NCAA approved rules in October requiring a school have a two-year average score of 930 or a four-year average of 900 on the NCAA's annual Academic Progress Rate, which measures the academic performance of student-athletes, in order to qualify for the 2013 postseason tournament.

Williams said he understands the disappointment over the penalty.

'But the process is inherently fair,' Williams said. 'They've essentially had since 2006 to ensure that their academic performance was above 900.'

Connecticut's men's basketball program scored 826 for the 2009-10 school year. UConn's score for 2010-11 was 978. That would not be high enough. It would give Connecticut a two-year score of 902 and a four-year score of below 890.

But if more recent scores were used, UConn could be part of the tournament in 2013.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Pitt's Travon Woodall, J.J. Moore to undergo surgery - by Eurobasket News

Pittsburgh point guard Travon Woodall (5'11''-G-89) and forward J.J. Moore (6'6''-F-91) will both undergo surgery Friday,

Coach Jamie Dixon says Woodall will have surgery to repair a sports hernia initially sustained during a win over Duquesne last November. The junior missed 11 of Pitt's next 12 games but still led the Panthers with 171 assists while averaging 11.7 points.

Moore will have surgery to repair the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. He averaged 6.1 points and 2.3 rebounds but came on during the last month of the season, averaging 11.8 points over Pitt's final 13 games as the Panthers won the College Basketball Invitational.

Both players are expected to miss three months, though Dixon expects both to be fully recovered in time for the 2012-13 season.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Wisconsin lifts transfer restrictions for freshman Jarrod Uthoff - by Eurobasket News

Wisconsin will allow freshman forward Jarrod Uthoff (6'8''-F) to transfer to any school outside the Big Ten, hoping to defuse a situation that has drawn national criticism.

The school said Uthoff asked for permission to contact 16 schools and the Badgers rejected four of them. Uthoff appealed over three of those schools and met Thursday with Athletic Director Barry Alvarez and associate AD Justin Doherty.

The two officials then met with coach Bo Ryan and decided Uthoff can contact any school he wants to outside the Big Ten.

The school said in a release that 'Ryan wanted the appeals process to serve as a means for dialogue to occur between Uthoff and UW Athletics administration.'

If Uthoff wants to appeal the 'permission to contact' denial to any Big Ten school, he may request a hearing to the Chair of the Athletic Board within eight business days, the school said.

Uthoff's former AAU coach in Iowa, Jamie Johnson, said on Wednesday said Uthoff will visit Creighton, one of the schools approved by Wisconsin even before the appeals process.

The 6-foot-8 Uthoff is a former Iowa Mr. Basketball. He redshirted as a freshman last season.

ESPN analyst Jay Bilas tweeted his disgust with the school trying to 'control a player's destination.'

NCAA rules allow a player to transfer, requiring them to sit out a year in most cases. But as Uthoff's situation shows, the process can be more complicated than simply finding a new school and filling out some forms. According to the NCAA's website, most transfers also require a 'permission-to-contact' letter from the current school to the new school.

According to a student-athlete handbook posted on Wisconsin's website, a player who intends to transfer must make a written request to the school's director of compliance for permission to speak to another institution or use the transfer exception. A coach may deny permission, and the student-athlete can appeal.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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

NEW ZEALAND

Standings Men

NBL Standings

1. Bay Hawks		8-1
2. Auckland P.		8-2
3. Wellington S.		5-3
4. Hub Jets		4-3
5. Taranaki MA		4-7
6. Nelson G.		3-5
7. OceanaGold N.		3-6
8. Southland S.		3-6
9. Harbour H.		2-7

Regular Season: Round 8

Apr. 18: Auckland P. - Taranaki MA 114-88
Apr. 20: Hub Jets - OceanaGold N. 103-79
Apr. 20: Bay Hawks - Harbour H. 102-83
Apr. 21: Nelson G. - OceanaGold N.
Apr. 21: Southland S. - Wellington S.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Phill JONES
  Nelson G.
  (196-G-74)
  Avg: 25.4

1. Jones, Nelson G.	25.4
2. Horvath, Hub Jets	24.1
3. Gurley, Wellington	24.0
4. Wright, OceanaGo.	23.1
5. Braswell, Southlan.	22.8
6. Leasure, Taranaki.	22.0
7. Tisby, OceanaGo.	21.8
8. Pace, Hub Jets	21.6
9. Hudson, Taranaki.	20.9
10. Tait, Auckland P.	20.4

Rebounds Per Game

Nick HORVATH
  Hub Jets
  (208-F/C-81)
  Avg: 16.4

1. Horvath, Hub Jets	16.4
2. Tisby, OceanaGo.	12.0
3. Atkinson, Harbo.	9.6
4. Johnson, Bay Hawks	9.4
5. Abney, Southland	9.2
6. Frank, Wellington	9.1
7. Muhammad, Aucklan.	8.9
8. Wright, OceanaGo.	8.8
9. Young, Bay Hawks	7.8
10. Pace, Hub Jets	7.6

Assists Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Wellington S.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 9.9

1. Crowe, Wellington	9.9
2. Tait, Auckland P.	8.0
3. Dickel, OceanaGo.	6.4
4. Jones, Nelson G.	5.8
5. Bailey, Harbour H.	4.3
6. Wright, OceanaGo.	4.3
7. Pace, Hub Jets	4.1
8. Kenny, Bay Hawks	4.0
9. Young, Bay Hawks	3.9
10. Hudson, Taranaki.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Wellington S.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Crowe, Wellington	2.9
2. Braswell, Southlan.	2.6
3. Leasure, Taranaki.	2.2
4. Wright, OceanaGo.	2.1
5. Pace, Hub Jets	2.0
6. Gurley, Wellington	2.0
7. Bailey, Harbour H.	1.9
8. Dickel, OceanaGo.	1.9
9. Muhammad, Aucklan.	1.8
10. Tait, Auckland P.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Antoine TISBY
  OceanaGo.
  (203-F/C-83)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Tisby, OceanaGo.	1.8
2. Trousdell, Wellin.	1.3
3. Wright, OceanaGo.	1.1
4. Abney, Southland	1.1
5. Atkinson, Harbo.	1.0
6. Muhammad, Aucklan.	1.0
7. Frank, Wellington	1.0
8. Cartwright, Auckla.	0.7
9. Newbold, Auckland.	0.7
10. Prewster, Southla.	0.6

Kirk Penney selected the top New Zealander playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Here is the weekly review of the top performing New Zealand players, who play currently abroad.

Kirk Penney

#1. This week's number one is an international guard Kirk Penney (196-80, college: Wisconsin), who plays in the Spanish ACB. He could not help Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (11-18) in their last game. Despite Penney's very good performance Baloncesto Fuenlabrada was crushed 90-68 on the road by the much higher-ranked (#5) Valencia Basket. He was the top scorer with 17 points in 26 minutes on the court. Penney is currently sixth on the league's list of top scorers with 14.4ppg. He also averaged so far 2.2rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 54.2%, 3FGP: 34.7% and FT: 78.6% in the 28 games he played so far. Penney is currently a member of the New Zealand senior national team.

Mika Vukona

#2. Second place goes to an international forward Mika Vukona (198-82). He led New Zealand Breakers to an overtime victory against the closely-ranked Perth Wildcats (19-9) 104-98 in the Australian NBL last Thursday. Vukona recorded 14 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. New Zealand Breakers (21-7) are placed first in the NBL. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. This season Vukona averages: 8.7ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 53.3% and FT: 68.8%. He has a dual citizenship: Fijian and New Zealand. Despite Vukona played previously for the Fijian national team, he is currently a member of the New Zealand senior national team.

Alex Pledger

#3. The New Zealand player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Alex Pledger (213-87, college: Belm.Abbey) is a teammate of previously mentioned Mika Vukona. But that was another game of his team in Australian NBL which we would like to mention. Pledger, who plays in the Australian NBL. He was not able to help New Zealand Breakers (21-7) in their last game. Despite Pledger's good performance the league leader New Zealand Breakers were edged 87-86 in Perth by the second-ranked Wildcats. He scored 14 points in only a mere 11 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Pledger's third season in pro basketball. This year Pledger's overall stats are: 8.4ppg, 5.4rpg, 2FGP: 58.5%(117-200) and FT: 68.8% in the 33 games. Despite he played previously for the Fijian national team, Pledger is currently a member of the New Zealand senior national team.

Dillon Boucher

#4. An experienced forward Dillon Boucher (196-75) is a teammate of previously mentioned Mika Vukona and both played together in the last Australian NBL game. Boucher contributed to an overtime New Zealand Breakers' victory against the closely-ranked Perth Wildcats (19-9) 104-98. He recorded 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. It's Boucher's fourth season with the team. Boucher's total stats this year are: 2.4ppg, 3.8rpg and 2.5apg. Despite he played previously for the Fijian national team, Boucher is currently in the New Zealand national team roster.

Brendon Polyblank

#5. Former international swingman Brendon Polyblank (197-78, college: Texas St.), who plays in the Swiss LNA was not able to secure a victory for Fribourg (4-1) in their last game. Despite his good performance Fribourg lost 76-83 in Chiasso to the lower-ranked (#5) SAV Vacallo. Polyblank was the second best scorer with 13 points. He also added 4 rebounds in 32 minutes. They ended the series of six consecutive victories. It's Polyblank's first season with the team. This year Polyblank's total stats are: 9.1ppg, 3.6rpg and 1.8apg in the 29 games. He is another player who holds two passports: British and New Zealand. Despite Polyblank played previously for the British national team, he is currently in the New Zealand national team roster.

Thomas Abercrombie

#6. Swingman Thomas Abercrombie (198-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Washington St.) is a teammate of previously mentioned Mika Vukona. He played also in the last Australian NBL game facing Alex Pledger (above) in the other team. Abercrombie couldn't help New Zealand Breakers (21-7) in their game against Perth Wildcats (19-9). He scored 6 points. The league leader New Zealand Breakers were edged 87-86 in Perth by the second-ranked Wildcats. Abercrombie is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fourth year in New Zealand Breakers' roster. Abercrombie is ranked ninth on the list of the top scorers in the league. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Abercrombie averages: 15.3ppg, 4.6rpg and 1.6apg. Despite he played previously for the British national team, Abercrombie is also an international player who is currently on the senior New Zealand National Team roster.

Leon Henry

#7. International swingman Leon Henry (200-85, college: S.Idaho JC) is a teammate of previously mentioned Mika Vukona. He played also in the last Australian NBL game facing Thomas Abercrombie (above) in the other team. Henry couldn't help New Zealand Breakers (21-7) in their game against Perth Wildcats (19-9). He cannot count it as his best performance. Henry scored only 2 points in 8 minutes on the court. The league leader New Zealand Breakers were edged 87-86 in Perth by the second-ranked Wildcats. Henry has averaged so far 3.0ppg and 2.9rpg in the 22 games. He is also New Zealand national team player.

Other top New Zealand players, who play abroad:

Benny Anthony (198-F-88) plays for New Zealand Breakers in Australian NBL
Joshua Bloxham (186-G-90) plays for New Zealand Breakers in Australian NBL
Jeremiah Trueman (206-F/C-87) plays for Perth Wildcats in Australian NBL
Aron Baynes (208-C-86) plays for Ikaros in Greek A1
Pani Patu (192-G/F) plays for Bankstown Bruins in Australian ABA
Tyrone Davey (188-G-86) plays for Parramatta Wildcats in Australian ABA
Simon Bennett (188-G-85) plays for Willich in German Regionalliga
Mark Jones (197-F/G-83) plays for Willetton Tigers in Australian SBL

Notice: The list above includes only some of the New Zealand playing currently abroad. Go to New Zealand Abroad Page to see completed list.

Marcel Jones joins Hub Jets - by Eurobasket News

Hub Jets bolstered their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Marcel Jones (203-F-85, agency: David Lee services, college: Oregon St.). The forward has already debuted for his new team. Marcel Jones will replace Dustin Mitchell (206-F/C-87, college: WiscKing.-Whitew.) on the Jets roster. Marcel Jones started the season with Zrinjski HT in Bosnia. He averaged 15.2 points, 13.0 boards and 2.2 steals per game in Balkan League. Later the forward moved to the Yamhill Highflyers in IBL. Marcel Jones is not new to New Zealand. He played for the Jets in 2009, while in 2010 the forward had a stint with the Wellington Saints. Marcel Jones also played in D-League, Finland, Hungary, United Kingdom and Syria. He was British BBL champion in 2010. He also celebrated victory in New Zealand NBL the same year.

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

NIGERIA

OQT: Nigeria commence build-up with 14 home-base - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Nigerias bid to appear its maiden Men Basketball Event of the Olympic Games commenced today (Thursday) in Lagos with fourteen home-base players drawn from the DStv Premier Basketball League.

The camp which will run through Saturday will see the fourteen players sweating it out under the watchful eyes of coaches Ayo Bakare, Sani Ahmed and Ayinla Johnson at the national stadium, Lagos.

The fourteen players according to a release from the Secretariat of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) were carefully selected from various clubs in the Nigerian domestic league.

The players include two of the players who were among Nigeria third place finish at the 26th Afrobasket in Madagascar Abubakar Usman of Kano Pillars basketball club and Stanley Gumut of Nigeria Customs basketball.

Others include Orseer Ikayaator (point guard) of Islanders basketball club; Adebayo Adeniyi (Centre) Union Bank basketball club; Darlignton Onyia (shooting guard) Comets basketball club; Ibrahim Yusuf (small forward) and Mathew Onmonya (small forward) Kano Pillars basketball club; the trio of Dodan Warriors basketball club Mohammed Bukar (shooting guard), Abdulwahab Yahaya (forward) and Akpara Akita (point guard) the quartet of Royal Hoopers basketball club Michael Ohiero (point guard), Azuoma Dike (shooting guard), Adeolu Olaiya Ojo (point guard) and Onyeka Ekpete (power forward).

Nigeria is in group-B alongside host Venezuela and Lithuania in July 2-8, 2012 London 2012 Olympic Games qualifiers. Stanley Gumut (197-F-86)

Ben Uzoh selected the top Nigerian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from Nigerians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Ben Uzoh

#1. This week's number one is former international point guard Ben Uzoh (191-88, college: Tulsa). He contributed to a Toronto Raptors' victory against the Boston Celtics (37-26) 84-79 in the NBA last Friday. Uzoh scored 8 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished 5 assists. The Toronto Raptors have not so impressive 22-41 record this season. There are only three games left until the end of the NBA Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. This season Uzoh averages: 4.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.2apg, 2FGP: 39.0% and FT: 46.2%. He has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and American. Despite Uzoh played previously for the USA national team, he played also for the Nigerian national team in 2003.

Akinlolu Akingbala

#2. Second place goes to former international center Akinlolu Akingbala (208-83, college: Clemson), who plays in the French ProA. Akingbala could not help Sluc Nancy (16-10) in their last game. Despite his good performance Sluc Nancy lost 79-84 on the road to the second-ranked Chalon/Saor. Akingbala had a double-double by scoring 11 points and getting 13 rebounds. He also added 2 blocks in 33 minutes. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. It's Akingbala's fourth season with the team. Akingbala is currently third on the list of best rebounders and also on the list of best blockers (fifth place). He has very reliable stats this year: 12.5ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.2bpg, 2FGP: 63.3%(131-207) and FT: 52.9% in the 26 games he played so far. Despite Akingbala played previously for the USA national team, he played also for the Nigerian national team in 2009.

Solomon Alabi

#3. The Nigerian player who performed third best last week abroad was former U19 international center Solomon Alabi (216-88, college: Florida St.) is a teammate of previously mentioned Ben Uzoh. But that was another game of his team in NBA which we would like to mention. Alabi. He was not able to help the Toronto Raptors (22-41) in their game against the Atlanta Hawks (37-25). Alabi scored 8 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. The Toronto Raptors were crushed 109-87 in Atlanta by the Hawks. Alabi's overall stats this season are: 1.6ppg, 1.7rpg, 2FGP: 42.1%. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Alabi played also for the Nigerian U19 national team in 2007.

Uche Nsonwu-Amadi

#4. An experienced power forward Uche Nsonwu-Amadi (208-78, agency: Beo Basket, college: Wyoming) led Chorale de Roanne to a victory over the closely-ranked Le Mans (16-10) 73-69 in the French ProA last Saturday. He was MVP of the game. Nsonwu-Amadi scored 16 points in 30 minutes. Chorale de Roanne Basket (14-12) is placed seventh in the ProA. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important. Nsonwu-Amadi has relatively good stats this year: 11.2ppg and 6.8rpg in the 26 games. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Nsonwu-Amadi is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

Ekpe Udoh

#5. Former international power forward Ekpe Udoh (208-87, college: Baylor) was not able to secure a victory for the Milwaukee Bucks (29-33) in their game against the Indiana Pacers (41-22) in the NBA. He scored 7 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and made 2 blocks. The Milwaukee Bucks were defeated 118-109 in Indianapolis by the Indiana Pacers. It was Bucks' third consecutive loss in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the NBA Regular Season. So now every game will be extremely important. Udoh's overall stats this season are: 5.2ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.2apg and 1.8bpg. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Udoh is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

Tony Skinn

#6. Guard Tony Skinn (185-83, college: George Mason) couldn't help Ironi Ashkelon (10-14) in their game against Maccabi T-A (22-2) in the Israeli Premier League, despite his very good performance in Thursday night's game. He was the second best scorer with 18 points. Skinn also added 4 rebounds and dished 5 assists in 37 minutes. But Ironi Ashkelon was badly defeated 88-69 in Tel-Aviv by the leading Maccabi T-A. It was Ironi Ashkelon's seventh consecutive loss in a row. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. This year Skinn has relatively solid stats: 10.6ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.9apg and 1.7spg in the 24 games. He is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and American. Despite Skinn played previously for the USA national team, he is also a former international player as he played for the Nigerian senior team three years ago.

Adeola Dagunduro

#7. Former international guard Adeola Dagunduro (196-86, college: Nebraska) was the major contributor in a Leuven Bears' victory against the closely-ranked Okapi Aalstar (14-12) 91-81 in the Belgian D1 last Wednesday. Dagunduro scored 16 points, made 3 passes and 6 steals; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his third season in pro basketball. Stella Artois Leuven Bears (13-12) is placed fifth in the D1. They ended the series of three consecutive loses. Dagunduro is currently first on the list of most steals. This season he has very good stats: 11.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.0apg and 2.5spg. Despite Dagunduro played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

Chinemelu Elonu

#8. Power forward Chinemelu Elonu (206-87, college: Texas A&M) couldn't help Pau-Lacq-Orthez (6-20) in their game against Cholet (14-13) in the French ProA, despite his very good performance on Saturday night. Elonu was the second best scorer with 19 points. He also added 8 rebounds (was perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line) in 28 minutes; not bad, considering it's only Elonu's third season in pro basketball. But Pau-Lacq-Orthez lost 85-93 on the opponent's court to the much higher-ranked (#8) Cholet. It was Pau-Lacq-Orthez's sixth consecutive loss in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. It's Elonu's first year with the team. Elonu is the league's best rebounder with 8.2rpg. This year his other stats are: 10.5ppg and 1.1bpg in the 26 games. Despite Elonu played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

Oritseweyinmi Efejuku

#9. Former international guard Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-86, college: Providence) couldn't help Indios (16-6) in their game against Brujos (7-15) in the Puerto Rican BSN. Despite his very good performance in Thursday night's game Efejuku was the top scorer with 18 points. He also added 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Efejuku has reliable stats this season: 13.9ppg, 3.3rpg and 2.6apg. Despite he played previously for the Jamaican national team, Efejuku is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

Derrick Obasohan

   #10. Forward Derrick Obasohan (199-81, also represented by Beo Basket, college: Texas Arlington) was the main contributor in a FIATC Joventut's victory against the closely-ranked CAI Zaragoza (14-15) crushing them 85-63 in the Spanish ACB last Sunday. He was the best player in that game. Obasohan scored 15 points in 27 minutes. FIATC Joventut Badalona (13-16) is placed 12th in the ACB. This year Obasohan's overall stats are: 9.2ppg, 2.1rpg and 1.3apg in the 29 games. He has both American and Nigerian nationalities. Despite Obasohan played previously for the USA national team, he is also an international player who is currently on the senior Nigerian National Team roster.

   #11. Former international forward Ekenechukwu Ibekwe (206-85, college: Maryland) couldn't help BBC Bayreuth in their game against Phoenix Hagen in the German BBL. Despite his very good performance on Saturday night Ibekwe was the top scorer with 19 points. He also added 5 rebounds. Ibekwe is ranked third on the list of the best blockers in the league. He has very solid stats this season: 11.4ppg, 5.6rpg and 1.7bpg. Ibekwe also holds two passports: Nigerian and American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Ibekwe is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

   #12. Former international guard Chamberlain Oguchi (198-86, college: Illinois St.) couldn't help Panteras in their game against Trotamundos in the Venezuelan LPB, despite his very good performance in Saturday night's game. He was the top scorer with 20 points. Oguchi also added 5 rebounds in 24 minutes. But his team lost 86-94. His stats this year are: 12.9ppg, 2.2rpg and 1.4apg in the 20 games. Despite Oguchi played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

   #13. Former international power forward Olaseni Lawal (208-86, college: Wayne St., MI) helped CB Clavijo win their game against the closely-ranked Girona FC 90-85 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) last Friday. He recorded a double-double by scoring 12 points and getting 16 rebounds. Lawal also added 2 blocks. Lawal is the league's best rebounder and also on the list of best blockers (second place). His total stats this season are: 9.3ppg, 10.7rpg and 1.7bpg. Worth to mention Lawal played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball. Despite Lawal played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

   #14. International forward Ime Udoka (198-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Portland St.) helped UCAM Murcia win their game against the 11th-ranked Unicaja Malaga 86-77 in the Spanish ACB on Sunday night. Udoka scored 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 21 minutes. Udoka is ranked second on the list of the most steals in the league with 1.6spg. This year his other stats are: 11.5ppg, 4.7rpg and 1.9apg in the 14 games. Udoka holds both American and Nigerian passports. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Udoka is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

   #15. International power forward Alade Aminu (207-87, college: Georgia Tech) faced previously mentioned Akinlolu Akingbala in the French ProA last game. Aminu managed to help ES Chalon-Sur-Saone to win against the closely-ranked Sluc Nancy 84-79. He scored only 4 points. Aminu is currently seventh on the league's list of best rebounders. He has very solid stats this season: 12.2ppg and 6.8rpg. Aminu is also in the roster of the Nigerian national team.

One more player who has never been selected to any of national teams, but has Nigerian passport:

   #1. Ike Diogu (204-F/C-83, college: Arizona St.), who plays in Puerto Rico could not help Capitanes (1-2) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the fourth-placed Capitanes was edged in a double overtime (!!!) 97-96 on the road by the higher-ranked (#3) Cocodrilos in the group F of Liga Americas. Diogu had a double-double by scoring 27 points and getting 12 rebounds in 33 minutes. The Second Stage already ended in the Liga Americas. Diogu has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 19.3ppg and 9.7rpg in the three games he played so far. Diogu has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and American. Despite his Nigerian passport, Diogu previously played for the USA national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Nigerian team.

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PANAMA

Levour Warren selected the top Panamanian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Panamanian players, who play currently abroad.

Levour Warren

#1. This week's number one is former international forward Levour Warren (196-81, agency: SportsTalent, college: S.Carolina), who plays in the Croatian A1. He could not help Cedevita (7-3) in their last game. Despite Warren's very good performance the second-placed Cedevita was edged 80-78 on the road by the lower-ranked (#4) KK Split in the Championship Group. He was the second best scorer with 18 points in 27 minutes on the court. There are only four games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game will be critical. It's Warren's first season with the team. Warren has relatively good stats this year: 12.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 63.5%(33-52), 3FGP: 33.3% and FT: 91.4%(32-35) in the 10 games he played so far. He is a naturalized American. Despite Warren played previously for the USA national team, he played also for the Panamanian national team in 2005. Strangely Warren has never played in Panama.

Danilo Pinnock

#2. Second place goes to an international guard Danilo Pinnock (196-83, college: G.Washington). He led Capitanes to an easy victory against the sixth-ranked Mets (11-11) crushing them 85-63 in the Puerto Rican BSN last Tuesday. Pinnock scored 15 points, had 7 boards, passed 7 assists and added 6 steals. Capitanes de Arecibo (12-9) is placed second in the BSN. Pinnock belongs to league's best passers (ranked #5) and also on the list of most steals (second place). He has individually a very good season with high stats. Pinnock averages: 15.1ppg, 6.0rpg, 4.9apg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 49.3%, 3FGP: 33.3% and FT: 75.7%. He is a naturalized American. Despite Pinnock played previously for the USA national team, he is currently a member of the Panamanian senior national team. Pinnock used to play for Toros de Chorrillo in Panamanian league.

Gabriel Giron

#3. The Panamanian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Gabriel Giron (192-88). He was the major contributor in a Frayles de Guasave's victory against the closely-ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (11-11) 100-93 in the Mexican CIBACOPA on Friday night. Giron had a double-double by scoring 27 points and getting 10 rebounds. He also added 2 blocks in 38 minutes. Frayles de Guasave (10-12) is placed sixth in the CIBACOPA. Giron has very impressive stats this year: 16.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 62.6%(102-163), 3FGP: 32.7% and FT: 70.2% in the 21 games. He has a dual citizenship: Panamanian and Mexican. Despite Giron played previously for the Mexican university national team, he is currently a member of the Panamanian senior national team.

Gary Forbes

#4. Swingman Gary Forbes (201-85, college: Virginia) was not able to help the Toronto Raptors (22-41) in their game against the Miami Heat (45-17) in the NBA. Forbes recorded 9 points. But the Toronto Raptors were crushed 96-72 in Miami by the Heat. There are only three games left until the end of the NBA Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. Forbes' overall stats this season are: 6.0ppg and 2.0rpg. He is a naturalized American. Despite Forbes played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Panamanian national team roster. Apparently Forbes has never played in Panama.

Jamaal Levy

#5. International center Jamaal Levy (206-83, college: Wake Forest), who plays in the Argentinian LigaA was not able to secure a victory for Lanus (2-1) in their last game. Despite his good performance Lanus lost 67-78 at home to the much lower-ranked (#10) Regatas Corrientes. Levy had a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 11 rebounds. He also added 2 blocks in 30 minutes. This year Levy's overall stats are: 8.0ppg and 5.8rpg in the 49 games. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Levy is currently in the Panamanian national team roster.

Dionisio Gomez Camargo

#6. Forward Dionisio Gomez Camargo (203-80, college: Arkansas) led Shiga L-Stars to a victory over the seventh-ranked Shinshu BW (18-30) 82-68 in the Japanese BJ League on Sunday night. He was MVP of the game. Gomez Camargo recorded a double-double by scoring 17 points and getting 11 rebounds. Shiga Lakestars (32-16) are placed third in Western group. It was his team's eighth consecutive victory in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important. This season Gomez Camargo has relatively solid stats: 12.4ppg, 8.4rpg and 1.9apg. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Gomez Camargo is also an international player who is currently on the senior Panamanian National Team roster.

Jose Lloreda

#7. International power forward Jose Lloreda (201-80, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: LSU) contributed to an easy victory against the league leader Indios (16-6) crushing them 107-75 in the Puerto Rican BSN in Monday night's game. He scored 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in a mere 15 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Atleticos de San German (13-10) is placed fourth in the BSN. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Lloreda has reliable stats this year: 11.0ppg, 9.8rpg and 1.5apg in the four games. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Lloreda is currently in the Panamanian national team roster.

Leonardo Pomare

#8. Forward Leonardo Pomare (203-86, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: San Diego) couldn't help Hamamatsu Phoenix (33-15) in their game against Oita Heat Devils (20-28) in the Japanese BJ League. Despite his very good performance last Sunday He scored 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be extremely important. Pomare's total stats this season are: 6.2ppg and 5.3rpg. He is a naturalized American. Despite Pomare played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Panamanian national team roster. Pomare used to play for Fieras de Cocle in Panamanian league.

Michael Hicks

#9. An experienced international swingman Michael Hicks (194-76, college: Texas A&M-CC) couldn't help Sigma Barcellona (15-11) in their game against S.Antimo (9-16) in the Italian Lega2 (second division), despite his very good performance on Sunday night. He scored 13 points in 21 minutes. But Sigma Barcellona lost 85-100 in Sant'Antimo to the much lower-ranked (#12) S.Antimo. They ended the series of three consecutive victories. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. Hicks' stats this year are: 12.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.1apg and 1.3spg in the 25 games. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Hicks is currently in the Panamanian national team roster.

Ruben Garces

#10. Power forward Ruben Garces (206-73, college: Providence) is a teammate of previously mentioned Danilo Pinnock. But that was another game of his team in Liga Americas which we would like to mention. Garces couldn't help Capitanes (1-2) in their game against Uniceub/BRB (2-1). He scored 5 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Capitanes (#4) was edged 74-72 in Brasilia by the second-ranked Uniceub/BRB in the group F of Liga Americas. Garces is ranked second on the list of the best rebounders in the league. His total stats this season are: 4.0ppg and 8.3rpg. Garces is an international player who is currently on the senior Panamanian National Team roster.

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PBL

USBasket.com All-PBL Awards 2011-12 - by Eurobasket News

USBasket.com All-PBL 1st Team 2012

Petty

Radcliff

Commons

Davis

Slack

Player of the Year: Perry Petty (6'1''-G-88) of Cent.Illinois D.
PBL Finals MVP: Perry Petty (6'1''-G-88) of Cent.Illinois D.
Guard of the Year: Perry Petty (6'1''-G-88) of Cent.Illinois D.
Forward of the Year: Chris Commons (6'9''-F-84) of Scranton/W-B
Center of the Year: Anthony Slack (6'8''-F/C-84) of Cent.Illinois D.
Defensive Player of the Year: Marcel Anderson (5'9''-PG-86) of Chicago M.
Coach of the Year: A.J. Guyton of Cent.Illinois D.

1st Team
G: Perry Petty (6'1''-88) of Cent.Illinois D.
G: Keith Radcliff (6'1''-86) of Indiana D.
F: Chris Commons (6'9''-84) of Scranton/W-B
F: Jamaal Davis (6'10''-79) of Rochester R.
F/C: Anthony Slack (6'8''-84) of Cent.Illinois D.

2nd Team
G: Vincent Simpson (6'1''-88) of Scranton/W-B
G: Herman Favors (5'9''-84) of Sauk Valley P.
PG: Marcel Anderson (5'9''-86) of Chicago M.
F: Rodney Edgerson (6'5'') of Cent.Illinois D.
F: Carlton Fay (6'8''-88) of Sauk Valley P.

Honorable Mention
Billy Pettiford (6'7''-F) of Indiana D.
William Harris (6'7''-F-87) of Dayton A.S.
David Inabnit (6'4''-G/F-84) of Indiana D.
Corey Hill (6'4''-G/F) of St. Louis P.
Casey Love (6'9''-C-80) of Chicago M.
Mike Rose (6'4''-G/F-87) of Sauk Valley P.

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POLAND

Karlis Muiznieks named Best Coach of the PLK regular season - by Eurobasket News

Trefl Sopot's Karlis Muiznieks (agency: Alti Sport) is named Best Coach of the PLK regular season. The choice was made by all coaches in the league. Muiznieks got the votes of Krzysztof Szablowski (Anwil Wloclawek), Mihailo Uvalin (Zastal Zielona Gora), Dainius Adomaitis (Energa Czarni Slupsk), Miodrag Rajkovic (Slask Wroclaw), Tomasz Mrozek (Kotwica Kolobrzeg) and Piotr Zych (LKS Lodz). Trefl Sopot finished regular season as No.2 with 6-4 record. They will meet Slask Wroclaw in the Playoff Quarterfinals. Earlier this season Trefl Sopot won the Polish Cup. Karlis Muiznieks took over the team in 2009. In their first season together he was named Eurobasket.com All-Polish League Coach of the Year -10. Before Trefl Sopot, Muiznieks worked with Barons/LMT Riga and Venstpils. In 2008, he was named Eurobasket.com All-FIBA Eurocup and All-Baltic League Coach of the Year -08.

Unique rules of classification in the group A of PLK - by Maciej Paszyn

In the second round of PLK season which ended in the last weekend, teams were divided in two groups according to record from the first phase. Teams from places 6-13 were assigned to the B group, in which they competed for two last places into the play-off round playing matches in the system everyone with everyone with ranking record from the first phase. More a complicated situation had in the group A. An Asseco team which didn't play in the first round on account of the participation in the Euroleague and the VTB league joined 5 best teams. Authorities of the league which didn't want to disadvantage teams with best balance, implemented the classification system (following the example of the NBA) based on the percent of won games from all season. For every won match the team received two points, for the defeat one and for default zero. The number of points was being divided next by the number of played matches and on this base an order was established ahead of the play-off. According to this system order in the group A looks as follows:

1.Asseco Prokom Gdynia 1.8 (8-2)
2.Trefl Sopot 1,735 (25-9)
3.Anwil Wloclawek 1.647 (22-12)
4Zastal Zielona Gora 1.618 (21-13)
5.Energa Czarni Slupsk 1.588 (20-14)
6.PGE Turow Zgorzelec 1.559 (19-15)

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QATAR

Sadd clinch Emir Cup title - by Eurobasket News

Sadd - Rayyan 81:56

Sadd clinched the Emir Cup title. They overcame Rayyan in the Final tonight. Abdulrahman Saad (192-F/G-85) scored 23 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace the winners.
Sadd cleared off late in the opening frame. They piled up a 21:13 lead ten minutes into the game. Sadd maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. They ensured a comfortable 44:27 buffer at the interval. The margin just kept on growing in the third frame. Sadd established a 64:43 buffer heading into the fourth term. Rayyan did not stand a chance in the fourth quarter as Sadd cruised to the victory. Michael Southall (210-C-82, college: La-Lafayette) delivered 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Djibril Thiam (208-F-86, college: Wyoming) added 14 points for the winners. Erfan Ali (198-PF-83) answered with 15 points for Rayyan. Chauncey Leslie (183-G-81, college: Iowa) provided 12 points in defeat.

Sadd: Abdulrahman Saad 23, Michael Southall 16+11 boards, Djibril Thiam 14
Rayyan: Erfan Ali 15, Chauncey Leslie 12

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RUSSIA

Standings - Superleague A

PBL Standings

1. CSKA		16-1
2. Khimky		15-2
3. Triumph		12-5
4. Lokomotiv		9-8
5. Spartak SP		8-9
6. Unics		7-10
7. Spartak-Prim.		7-10
8. Krasnie Krilya		7-11
9. N.Novgorod		3-15
10. Enisey		2-15

Regular Season: Round 21

Apr. 20: CSKA - Krasnie Krilya 98-63
Apr. 19: N.Novgorod - Triumph 70-83
Apr. 22: Spartak-Prim. - Triumph
Apr. 22: Enisey - Spartak SP

Stats Leaders - Superleague A

Points Per Game

Davon JEFFERSON
  Triumph
  (204-F-86)
  Avg: 20.8

1. Jefferson, Triumph	20.8
2. Rush, Krasnie Kril.	16.6
3. Thomas, Spartak-.	16.3
4. Beverley, Spart.	16.1
5. McKee, Triumph	14.7
6. Massey, Lokomotiv	14.6
7. Victor, Spartak-.	14.5
8. Fridzon, Khimky	13.9
9. Karasev, Triumph	13.6
10. Bykov, Lokomotiv	13.2

Rebounds Per Game

Cuthbert VICTOR
  Spartak-.
  (197-F-83)
  Avg: 8.6

1. Victor, Spartak-.	8.6
2. Massey, Lokomotiv	8.1
3. Jefferson, Triumph	7.5
4. Landry, Triumph	6.4
5. Kirilenko, CSKA	6.2
6. Khryapa, CSKA	6.2
7. Baxter, Enisey	6.0
8. Veremeenko, Unics	5.9
9. Beverley, Spart.	5.9
10. Savenkov, Sparta.	5.8

Assists Per Game

Aaron MILES
  Krasnie Krilya
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 6

1. Miles, Krasnie Kri.	6.0
2. Teodosic, CSKA	5.1
3. Beverley, Spart.	5.1
4. Thomas, Spartak-.	4.9
5. Halperin, Spart.	4.6
6. Samoylenko, Unics	4.5
7. McKee, Triumph	4.4
8. Planinic, Khimky	4.4
9. Rush, Krasnie Kril.	3.4
10. Khryapa, CSKA	3.2

Steals Per Game

Patrick BEVERLEY
  Spart.
  (185-PG-88)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Beverley, Spart.	2.4
2. Thomas, Spartak-.	2.2
3. Massey, Lokomotiv	2.2
4. Baburin, Spartak-.	1.9
5. Halperin, Spart.	1.7
6. Planinic, Khimky	1.7
7. Jefferson, Triumph	1.6
8. Victor, Spartak-.	1.5
9. Lyday, Unics	1.4
10. Miles, Krasnie Kr.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Andrei KIRILENKO
  CSKA
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Kirilenko, CSKA	1.3
2. Jefferson, Triumph	1.2
3. Likhodey, Spart.	1.0
4. Vasiliev, Krasni.	0.9
5. Traore, Lokomotiv	0.8
6. Lavrinovic, CSKA	0.8
7. Savenkov, Spartak.	0.8
8. Monya, Khimky	0.7
9. Baxter, Enisey	0.7
10. Krstic, CSKA	0.6

CSKA Moscow: No serious damage to Nenad Krstic's toe, will return soon - by Eurobasket News

CSKA Moscow officially announced that Nenad Krstic (213-C-83) will be back to team practices in the coming days. Krstic, who practices individually, passed the scheduled tests on Thursday. Well-known traumotologists Prof. Andrey Korolev and Prof. Andrey Kardanov confirmed that there is no serious damage to centers left pinkie toe. Krstic will miss todays game against Krasnye Krylia. Earlier this week many European media, including Eurobasket, reported that Nenad Krstic is out with broken toe, but it seems the injury is not that series after all. It means that Krstic will definitely be able to help his teammates at the Euroleague Final Four. Nenad Krstic is one of the key CSKA players this season. He had 14.7 ppg and 5.9 rpg for 20 Euroleague games. In Russia, Krstic added 10.2 ppg and 3.2 rpg, while almost the same numbers he also had in VTB United league. Nenad Krstic joined CSKA last summer from the NBA. He split last season between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics. Krstic played for Triumph Lyubertsy in 2008/09. He is active member of the Serbian National Team.

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SAUDI ARABIA

Mesho to Al Ittihad - by Ali Ahmed

Michel Maadanly (195-G-81) jonied Al Ittihad Jeddah to play al Nukbah Cup.

Outlook:
One of the best players in the country. Good young prospect at the point and shooting guard position; nice shooting 3 pionts rang ,attacks basket and finishes effectively; nobody can stop him when he is making layup or dunk; excellent upper body strenght speed,and quickiness .soild denfeder

Awards/Achievements:
Syrian National Team -01, 04-07, 10-11
Asian Championships -01 (Semifinals)
Syrian League Champion -04, 07, 08, 09, 11
Syrian Cup Finalist -04
Syrian Cup Winner -05, 07, 09
West Asian Games -05 (bronze)
Asia-Basket.com All-Syrian League Guard of the Year -06, 09, 11
Asia-Basket.com All-Syrian League Domestic Player of the Year -06, 09, 11
Asia-Basket.com All-Syrian League 1st Team -06, 09, 11
Asia-Basket.com Syrian League All-Domestic Players Team -06, 09, 10, 11
Syrian League Regular Season Champion -06, 07, 09, 10, 11
Syrian League Finalist -06, 10
Asian Club Championships -03 (Champion), 04, 06 (Finalist), 07 (Finalist + Top Scorer)
Asia-Basket.com Asian Club Championships 1st Team -06, 07
Asian Games in Doha -06
Asia-Basket.com All-Syrian League Player of the Year -09, 11
Aleppo International Tournament Champion -09
Asia-Basket.com All-Syrian League 2nd Team -10
WABA Club Championships -11 (Finalist)
West Asia Basketball Championships in Duhok (Iraq) -11 (Bronze)

Cole joins Al Ansar - by Ali Ahmed

Brandon Cole (203-F/C-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Xavier) joined Al Ansar Medina to play al Nukbah Cup.

Outlook:
An athletic big man that can be a dominant player. He's a good rebounder, and provides size and interior defense.

Awards/Achievements:
Chicago Sun Times All-Area Team -02, 03
Second Team All-State selection -02
Preseason Atlantic 10 All Rookie Team -03
McDonald's All-American Nominee -03
AAU 2nd Team All-American -03
Atlantic 10 Tournament Winner -04, 06
NCAA Elite Eight -04
Atlantic 10 Regular Season (West Division) Runner-Up -05
Atlantic 10 Tournament Semifinals -05, 07
Hoops Pro Invitational All Showcase Team -07
Atlantic 10 Regular Season Champion -07
Mexican LNBP Northern Division Regular Season Champion -08
Eurobasket.com All-Macedonian League Import Player of the Year -10
Eurobasket.com All-Macedonian League 2nd Team -10
Asia-Basket.com All-Japanese BJ League 2nd Team -11

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SCOTLAND

Mychal Green Shortlisted for BBL Fan's Team of the Year - by Eurobasket News

Congratulations to Mychal Green (193-G-83, college: Ohio), who has been included in the BBLs shortlist of 10 guards for their Fans Team of the Year 2012.

The BBL Fans Team of the Year is a new set of awards from the league, in conjunction with UKAmericanSportsFans.com and BBLFans.com, designed to give fans a chance to vote for their performers of the season. Theyre also offering a prize of a Molten Gold Ball to one lucky voter! You can read full details of the awards on the BBLs website.

Courtesy of: http://www.glasgowrocks.co.uk

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SERBIA

SPAIN

Standings - LEB Gold

LEB Gold Standings

1. Canarias		25-8
2. Burgos		22-11
3. Menorca		21-12
4. Lleida		20-13
5. Navarra		20-13
6. La Palma		19-14
7. Melilla		19-14
8. Breogan		18-15
9. Knet Clavijo		18-15
10. Caceres		17-16
11. Palencia		17-16
12. Girona		16-17
13. Leon		15-18
14. Mallorca		14-19
15. Huesca		12-21
16. CB Tarragona		11-22
17. Granada		7-26
18. Clinicas Rincon		6-27

Regular Season: Round 33

Apr. 20: Canarias - Huesca 92-55
Apr. 20: Menorca - CB Tarragona 89-61
Apr. 20: Girona - Knet Clavijo 85-90
Apr. 20: La Palma - Palencia 81-84
Apr. 20: Burgos - Navarra 67-64
Apr. 20: Leon - Clinicas Rincon 65-76
Apr. 20: Granada - Breogan 63-80
Apr. 20: Lleida - Melilla 58-61
Apr. 20: Caceres - Mallorca 102-82

Regular Season: Round 34

Apr. 25: Knet Clavijo - Caceres
Apr. 27: Melilla - Girona
Apr. 27: Mallorca - Leon
Apr. 27: Clinicas Rincon - Granada
Apr. 27: Breogan - Burgos
Apr. 27: Navarra - Menorca
Apr. 27: CB Tarragona - Canarias
Apr. 27: Huesca - La Palma
Apr. 27: Palencia - Lleida

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

Troy DEVRIES
  Melilla
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 19.1

1. DeVries, Melilla	19.1
2. Witt, Knet Clavijo	18.3
3. Feldeine, Breogan	17.8
4. Quezada, Leon	16.5
5. Franklin, Huesca	16.2
6. Bivia, Mallorca	16.1
7. Fernandez, Granada	15.6
8. Moss, Palencia	15.3
9. Antelo, Caceres	15.1
10. Detrick, Lleida	15.1

Rebounds Per Game

Olaseni LAWAL
  Knet Clavijo
  (208-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Lawal, Knet Clavijo	10.7
2. Diouf, Palencia	8.8
3. Donaldson, Canarias	8.7
4. Kuzmin, Clinicas.	8.3
5. Starosta, Navarra	8.1
6. Sikma, La Palma	7.9
7. Fernandez, Granada	7.8
8. Mortellaro, Leon	7.7
9. McDermott, Palen.	7.6
10. Williams, Caceres	7.6

Assists Per Game

Oscar ALVARADO
  La Palma
  (184-PG-91)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Alvarado, La Palma	6.1
2. Bivia, Mallorca	5.1
3. Witt, Knet Clavijo	4.5
4. Norris, Lleida	4.3
5. Lopez, Burgos	4.0
6. Bernabe, Leon	3.8
7. Perez, Menorca	3.8
8. Sabat, Canarias	3.6
9. Quezada, Leon	3.4
10. Garrido, Palencia	3.4

Steals Per Game

Alexander FRANKLIN
  Huesca
  (196-PF-88)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Franklin, Huesca	2.4
2. Toledo, Burgos	2.2
3. Xavier, Palencia	2.1
4. Bernabe, Leon	2.0
5. Norris, Lleida	1.9
6. Abrines, Clinic.	1.9
7. Rost, Canarias	1.8
8. Green, Mallorca	1.8
9. Alonso, Mallorca	1.8
10. Arco, Melilla	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Ognen KUZMIN
  Clinicas.
  (215-C-90)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Kuzmin, Clinicas.	2.1
2. Lawal, Knet Clavijo	1.7
3. Diouf, Palencia	1.6
4. Green, Mallorca	1.3
5. Olmos, Caceres	1.2
6. Odiakosa, Melilla	1.2
7. Coleman, Girona	1.1
8. Samb, Granada	1.1
9. Antelo, Caceres	1.0
10. Donaldson, Canari.	0.9

Standings - LEB Silver

LEB Silver Standings

1. Andorra		18-5
2. Ourense		17-6
3. Prat Juventud		15-9
4. Las Rozas		14-9
5. Barca Regal II		13-10
6. Coruna		13-10
7. Lan Mobel ISB		12-11
8. Aurteneche M.		12-11
9. Avila		10-13
10. Oviedo CB		7-16
11. Plasencia		7-16
12. Tenerife		7-16
13. Gandia Basquet		5-18

Regular Season: Round 25

Apr. 20: Barca Regal II - Andorra 93-88
Apr. 20: Las Rozas - Plasencia 80-81
Apr. 20: Tenerife - Prat Juventud 75-70
Apr. 20: Gandia Basquet - Oviedo CB 69-74
Apr. 20: Ourense - Avila 69-51
Apr. 20: Lan Mobel ISB - Coruna 58-71

Regular Season: Round 26

Apr. 27: Aurteneche M. - Ourense
Apr. 27: Avila - Lan Mobel ISB
Apr. 27: Coruna - Las Rozas
Apr. 27: Plasencia - Gandia Basquet
Apr. 27: Oviedo CB - Barca Regal II
Apr. 27: Andorra - Tenerife

Stats Leaders-LEB Silver

Points Per Game

Alfredo OTT
  Lan M.
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 17.4

1. Ott, Lan M.	17.4
2. Monroe, Tenerife	16.6
3. Todorovic, Prat J.	16.6
4. Atoyebi, Lan M.	16.3
5. Eriksson, Barca R.	15.9
6. Salson, Las Rozas	15.1
7. Ausina, Aurtenec.	14.0
8. Balmon, Las Rozas	13.9
9. Elias, Tenerife	13.0
10. Macia, Oviedo CB	13.0

Rebounds Per Game

Alex THOMPSON
  Aurtenec.
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 8.5

1. Thompson, Aurtene.	8.5
2. Elias, Tenerife	8.4
3. Atoyebi, Lan M.	8.3
4. Balmon, Las Rozas	8.3
5. Todorovic, Prat J.	8.1
6. Ausina, Aurtenec.	7.7
7. Monroe, Tenerife	7.6
8. Ortega, Oviedo CB	7.1
9. Mbaye, Barca R.	6.9
10. Adams, Coruna	6.7

Assists Per Game

Federico BAVOSI
  Andorra
  (184-PG-81)
  Avg: 6

1. Bavosi, Andorra	6.0
2. Ibargutxi, Lan M.	4.7
3. Guigou, Tenerife	4.0
4. Alvarado, Gandia B.	3.5
5. Vilanova, Prat J.	3.4
6. Llorente, Avila	3.3
7. Faner, Plasencia	3.0
8. Ugrinoski, Las R.	3.0
9. Perez, Barca R.	3.0
10. Robles, Plasencia	2.9

Steals Per Game

Alfredo OTT
  Lan M.
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Ott, Lan M.	2.9
2. Faner, Plasencia	2.8
3. Guigou, Tenerife	1.7
4. Bavosi, Andorra	1.6
5. Barcelo, Aurtenec.	1.6
6. Balmon, Las Rozas	1.5
7. Arcelus, Aurtenec.	1.5
8. Ros, Plasencia	1.5
9. Elias, Tenerife	1.5
10. Forbes, Coruna	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Papa MBAYE
  Barca R.
  (209-C-90)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Mbaye, Barca R.	1.7
2. Todorovic, Prat J.	1.6
3. Marti, Prat J.	1.4
4. Serrano, Lan M.	1.1
5. Thompson, Aurtene.	1.0
6. Iglesias, Plasencia	0.9
7. Flis, Andorra	0.9
8. Miller, Gandia B.	0.9
9. Olaizola, Lan M.	0.9
10. Brigman, Prat J.	0.8

LEB Gold Round 33: Ford Burgos defeat Grupo Iruna Navarra in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News

There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in LEB Gold. There was no lack of interesting games this round. The round ended with favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The most exciting game of round 33 in the LEB Gold took place in Burgos. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 3rd placed Grupo Iruna Navarra (20-13) to second ranked Ford Burgos (22-11) 67-64 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Grupo Iruna Navarra. The hosts trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 25-15 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Naturalized Brazilian forward Marcus Vinicius Toledo (203-86) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and American power forward Jerome Tillman (198-87, college: Ohio) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Czech center Ondrej Starosta (215-79) with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds. Ford Burgos have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Ford Burgos maintains second place with 22-11 record having just three points less than leader Canarias. Grupo Iruna Navarra at the other side dropped to the fourth position with 13 games lost. They share it with Lleida. Ford Burgos is looking forward to face Leche Rio Breogan (#8) in Lugo in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Grupo Iruna Navarra will play at home against Menorca Basquet (#3) in Mahon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Lleida. Seventh ranked Melilla Baloncesto (19-14) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 5th ranked Lleida Basquet (20-13) 61-58 on Friday evening. Guard Jose Salvador Arco (194-85) nailed 17 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side and Ridge McKeither accounted for 8 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Miguel Feliu (200-85) came up with 18 points and 4 steals for Lleida Basquet in the defeat. Lleida Basquet's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Melilla Baloncesto moved-up to sixth place, which they share with La Palma. Lleida Basquet at the other side dropped to the fourth position with 13 games lost. They share it with Navarra. Melilla Baloncesto will play against Girona FC (#12) at home in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Lleida Basquet will play against Palencia Baloncesto (#11) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Clinicas Rincon managed to get a sixth victory, breaking the series of four consecutive loses on Friday night. This time they won against thirteenth-ranked Baloncesto Leon 76-65. The best player for the winners was Ognen Kuzmin who had a double-double by scoring 21 points, 16 rebounds and 6 blocks. Clinicas Rincon's coach Manuel Povea used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was Cristopher Mortellaro who recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. Clinicas Rincon maintains eighteenth place with 6-27 record. Loser Baloncesto Leon keeps the thirteenth position with 18 games lost. Clinicas Rincon will meet at home higher ranked CB Granada (#17) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Baloncesto Leon will play against Basquet Mallorca (#14) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
LEB Gold top team - Canarias (25-8) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed fifteenth ranked Lobe Huesca (12-21) in Tenerife 92-55. It was a good game for Levi Rost who led his team to a victory with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Canarias' coach Alejandro Martinez felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Canarias maintains first place with 25-8 record. Lobe Huesca at the other side keeps the fifteenth position with 21 games lost. Canarias' next round opponent will be CB Tarragona 2017 (#16) on the road which should be another easy win for them. Lobe Huesca will play against UB La Palma.
Important game to mention about took place in La Palma. Eleventh ranked Palencia Baloncesto (17-16) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging higher ranked UB La Palma (19-14) 84-81 on Friday evening. Carles Bravo stepped up and scored 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. The victory was the third consecutive win for Palencia Baloncesto. Palencia Baloncesto moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Caceres. UB La Palma lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the sixth position with 14 games lost. Palencia Baloncesto will face higher ranked Lleida Basquet (#4) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 33: Mallorca was destroyed by Caceres on the opponent's court 102-82. Girona unfortunately lost to Knet Clavijo in a home game 85-90. CB Tarragona was rolled over Menorca on the road 61-89. Granada was defeated by Breogan on its own court 63-80.

Caceres - Mallorca 102-82

Very expected game when 14th ranked Basquet Mallorca (14-19) was crushed on the road by tenth ranked Caceres 2016 (17-16) 102-82 on Friday. The game without a history. Caceres 2016 led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Caceres 2016 dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Basquet Mallorca's 38. They outrebounded Basquet Mallorca 42-26 including 28 on the defensive glass. Caceres 2016 looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Basquet Mallorca was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Belizean-American power forward Leon Williams (203-86, college: Ohio) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds for the winners and power forward Jose Angel Antelo (203-87) chipped in 11 points and 9 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American forward Shaun Green (203-87, college: Utah, agency: Limelight Hoops) with 22 points and point guard Joan Carles Bivia (185-85) scored 18 points and 6 assists. Five Caceres 2016 and four Basquet Mallorca players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Caceres 2016. Caceres 2016 maintains tenth place with 17-16 record, which they share with Palencia. Basquet Mallorca lost their third game in a row. Newly promoted Basquet Mallorca keeps the fourteenth position with 19 games lost. Caceres 2016 will face higher ranked CB Clavijo (#9) in Logrono in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Basquet Mallorca will play at home against Baloncesto Leon (#13) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Mallorca: S.Green 22+4reb+3ast, J.Carles Bivia 18+3reb+6ast, J.Amador 17+7reb+2ast, G.Justo 14+2reb+1ast, M.Angel Garcia 6+6reb+2ast, J.Cabot 5+1reb
Caceres: F.Sanchez 15+2reb+4ast, P.Robles 15+2reb+3ast, L.Williams 14+11reb+1ast, D.Rodriguez 13+2reb+4ast, J.Angel Antelo 11+9reb+1ast, S.Olmos 10+6reb

Girona - Knet Clavijo 85-90

Rather predictable result when ninth ranked CB Clavijo (18-15) defeated on the road 12th ranked Girona FC (16-17) 90-85 on Friday. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 25-15. But Girona FC won third quarter 31-21. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when CB Clavijo won last quarter 23-19. American point guard Mathew Witt (183-84, college: E.Kentucky) stepped up and scored 28 points and 7 assists for the winners and Nigerian power forward Olaseni Lawal (208-86, college: Wayne St., MI) chipped in 12 points and 16 rebounds. Lawal is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. CB Clavijo's coach Jesus Sala allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. The best for the losing side was Latvian power forward Rolands Freimanis (207-88, agency: Players Group) with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and point guard Ignacio Ordin (183-78) scored 20 points and 5 rebounds. Five CB Clavijo and four Girona FC players scored in double figures. The victory was the third consecutive win for CB Clavijo. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Breogan. Loser Girona FC keeps the twelfth position with 17 games lost. CB Clavijo will face Caceres 2016 (#10) at home in the next round. Girona FC will play against Melilla Baloncesto.
Top scorers:
Girona: R.Freimanis 23+7reb+5ast, D.Middleton 21+2reb+1ast, I.Ordin 20+5reb+1ast, S.Pino 17+6reb, E.Jimenez 2+2reb, E.Gatell 2+2reb+1ast
Knet Clavijo: M.Witt 28+1reb+7ast, A.Ruiz de Galarreta 13+4reb, O.Lawal 12+16reb, J.Bonds 11+1reb+1ast, M.Mejeris 10+4reb+4ast, B.Arevalo 8+3reb+1ast

La Palma - Palencia 81-84

Important game to mention about took place in La Palma. Eleventh ranked Palencia Baloncesto (17-16) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging higher ranked UB La Palma (19-14) 84-81 on Friday evening. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 27-25. But UB La Palma won second period 16-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Swingman Carles Bravo (192-79) stepped up and scored 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and American forward Ian O'Leary (201-86, college: St.Mary's, CA) chipped in 10 points and 8 rebounds. Five Palencia Baloncesto players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward Antonio Pena (203-86, college: Villanova) with 20 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import forward Lucas Sikma (203-89, college: Portland) scored 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. The victory was the third consecutive win for Palencia Baloncesto. Palencia Baloncesto moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Caceres. UB La Palma lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the sixth position with 14 games lost. Palencia Baloncesto will face higher ranked Lleida Basquet (#4) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
La Palma: L.Sikma 20+5reb+4ast, A.Pena 20+8reb+2ast, J.Bonhome 9+1reb+5ast, C.Diaz 8+1reb+2ast, F.Santana 7+1reb+4ast, R.Martinez 5+2ast
Palencia: C.Bravo 19+6reb, J.Xavier 12+4reb+1ast, E.Garrido 11+4ast, A.Moss 11+5reb, I.O'Leary 10+8reb, R.Guerra 8+2reb+1ast

Canarias - Huesca 92-55

LEB Gold top team - Canarias (25-8) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed fifteenth ranked Lobe Huesca (12-21) in Tenerife 92-55. The game without a history. Canarias led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 20-of-23 charity shots (87.0 percent) during the game. Canarias outrebounded Lobe Huesca 45-27 including a 33-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a good game for American forward Levi Rost (201-83, college: W.Michigan) who led his team to a victory with 16 points and 7 rebounds. His fellow American import power forward Jakim Donaldson (204-83, college: Edinboro) contributed with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Four Canarias players scored in double figures. Canarias' coach Alejandro Martinez felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American Alexander Franklin (196-88, college: Siena) answered with 13 points and 5 rebounds and point guard Oscar Herrero (182-87) added 9 points and 5 assists in the effort for Lobe Huesca. Canarias maintains first place with 25-8 record. Lobe Huesca at the other side keeps the fifteenth position with 21 games lost. Canarias' next round opponent will be CB Tarragona 2017 (#16) on the road which should be another easy win for them. Lobe Huesca will play against UB La Palma.
Top scorers:
Huesca: A.Franklin 13+5reb+2ast, L.Knutson 12+4reb+1ast, O.Herrero 9+3reb+5ast, G.Leonavicius 8+4reb+2ast, J.Orfila 5+5reb, M.Montanana 3+3reb
Canarias: L.Rost 16+7reb+2ast, A.Zengotitabengoa 14+2reb, F.Lampropoulos 12+8reb+2ast, J.Chagoyen 11+6reb+2ast, J.Donaldson 10+10reb+3ast, N.Richotti 9+4reb+3ast

Menorca - CB Tarragona 89-61

Not a big story in a game in Mahon where 16th ranked CB Tarragona 2017 (11-22) was rolled over by fourth ranked Menorca Basquet (21-12) 89-61 on Friday. The game without a history. Menorca Basquet led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. Menorca Basquet forced 25 CB Tarragona 2017 turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 2 passes made by CB Tarragona 2017's players. Power forward Urko Otegui (203-81) stepped up and scored 12 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and point guard Daniel Perez (188-90) chipped in 14 points and 7 assists. The best for the losing side was American forward Jonathan Mitchell (200-87, college: Rutgers) with 12 points and swingman Alejandro Alba (193-77) scored 8 points and 6 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Menorca Basquet moved-up to third place. CB Tarragona 2017 lost their fifth game in a row. Loser CB Tarragona 2017 keeps the sixteenth position with 22 games lost. Menorca Basquet will face Grupo Iruna Navarra (#5) in Pamplona in the next round. CB Tarragona 2017 will play at home against the league's leader Canarias (#1) in Tenerife.
Top scorers:
CB Tarragona: J.Mitchell 12+3reb+1ast, A.Schreiber 10+3reb, R.Fornas 9+5reb, A.Llorca 9+5reb, A.Alba 8+6reb+1ast, J.Santana 7+2reb
Menorca: T.Coppenrath 17+2reb, D.Perez 14+7ast, R.Bas 12, U.Otegui 12+6reb+3ast, D.Navarro 8+2reb+2ast, M.Blanch 7+2reb+1ast

Burgos - Navarra 67-64

The most exciting game of round 33 in the LEB Gold took place in Burgos. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 3rd placed Grupo Iruna Navarra (20-13) to second ranked Ford Burgos (22-11) 67-64 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Grupo Iruna Navarra. The hosts trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 25-15 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Naturalized Brazilian forward Marcus Vinicius Toledo (203-86) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and American power forward Jerome Tillman (198-87, college: Ohio) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Czech center Ondrej Starosta (215-79) with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds and guard Inaki Narros (194-81) scored 12 points. Four Grupo Iruna Navarra players scored in double figures. Ford Burgos have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Ford Burgos maintains second place with 22-11 record having just three points less than leader Canarias. Grupo Iruna Navarra at the other side dropped to the fourth position with 13 games lost. They share it with Lleida. Ford Burgos is looking forward to face Leche Rio Breogan (#8) in Lugo in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Grupo Iruna Navarra will play at home against Menorca Basquet (#3) in Mahon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Navarra: I.Narros 12+4reb+1ast, J.Garcia 12+2reb, O.Starosta 11+10reb, M.Uriz 10+2reb+3ast, I.Sanz 7+6reb+4ast, K.Langford 7+6reb
Burgos: R.Huertas 15+5ast, J.Tillman 15+6reb+1ast, M.Vinicius Toledo 12+10reb+2ast, D.Phillip 8+5reb, M.Kedzo 6+5reb, J.Castro 4+2ast

Granada - Breogan 63-80

Everything went according to plan when eighth ranked Leche Rio Breogan (18-15) beat on the road 17th ranked CB Granada (7-26) 80-63 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Leche Rio Breogan. CB Granada was better in fourth quarter 18-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Dominican-American guard James Feldeine (193-88, college: Quinnipiac) stepped up and scored 29 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and American power forward Brooks Sales (208-80, college: Villanova) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. Four Leche Rio Breogan players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was the former international center Jesus Fernandez (204-75) with 24 points and 6 rebounds and power forward Jose Manuel Coego (204-78) scored 12 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Leche Rio Breogan maintains eighth place with 18-15 record, which they share with Knet Clavijo. Loser CB Granada keeps the seventeenth position with 26 games lost. Leche Rio Breogan will face league's second-placed Ford Burgos at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. CB Granada will play against Clinicas Rincon (#18) in Malaga and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Granada: J.Fernandez 24+6reb+3ast, J.Manuel Coego 12+9reb+1ast, G.Sanchez 7+1ast, J.Hernandez 5+2reb, R.Lopez 4+4reb+2ast, E.Ruiz 4+6reb
Breogan: J.Feldeine 29+7reb, S.Ogirri 14+1reb+1ast, B.Sales 12+8reb+1ast, E.Sanchez 11+2reb+1ast, M.Gomez 8+4reb+3ast, P.Dia 4+6reb+1ast

Leon - Clinicas Rincon 65-76

Bottom-ranked Clinicas Rincon managed to get a sixth victory, breaking the series of four consecutive loses on Friday night. This time they won against thirteenth-ranked Baloncesto Leon 76-65. The guests trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 43-29 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Clinicas Rincon made 7 blocks. The best player for the winners was Bosnian center Ognen Kuzmin (215-90) who had a double-double by scoring 21 points, 16 rebounds and 6 blocks. point guard Alberto Diaz (190-94) chipped in 16 points and 5 rebounds. Four Clinicas Rincon players scored in double figures. Clinicas Rincon's coach Manuel Povea used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was American-Italian power forward Cristopher Mortellaro (206-82, college: Drury) who recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds and swingman Julio Alberto Gonzalez (196-81) added 18 points and 4 assists (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively. Clinicas Rincon maintains eighteenth place with 6-27 record. Loser Baloncesto Leon keeps the thirteenth position with 18 games lost. Clinicas Rincon will meet at home higher ranked CB Granada (#17) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Baloncesto Leon will play against Basquet Mallorca (#14) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Leon: J.Alberto Gonzalez 18+3reb+4ast, J.Durley 16+4reb, C.Mortellaro 14+10reb+1ast, F.Rocchia 5+2reb, E.Quezada 5+4reb+1ast, J.Jose Bernabe 3+2reb+4ast
Clinicas Rincon: O.Kuzmin 21+16reb+1ast, A.Diaz 16+5reb+2ast, T.Sabonis 11+4reb+1ast, J.Pozas 11+3reb+3ast, L.Conde 8+1reb+5ast, S.Faifr 3+2reb+2ast

Lleida - Melilla 58-61

Important game to mention about took place in Lleida. Seventh ranked Melilla Baloncesto (19-14) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 5th ranked Lleida Basquet (20-13) 61-58 on Friday evening. Lleida Basquet was ahead by 5 points at the halftime before a 17-4 third quarter run of Melilla Baloncesto. Melilla Baloncesto dominated on the defensive end, holding Lleida Basquet to just 4 points in third quarter. Guard Jose Salvador Arco (194-85) nailed 17 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side and American forward Ridge McKeither (198-88, college: Angelo St.) accounted for 8 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Miguel Feliu (200-85) came up with 18 points and 4 steals and American-Madagascar power forward Charles Ramsdell (208-85, college: Tulsa, agency: Court Side) added 13 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Lleida Basquet in the defeat. Lleida Basquet's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Melilla Baloncesto moved-up to sixth place, which they share with La Palma. Lleida Basquet at the other side dropped to the fourth position with 13 games lost. They share it with Navarra. Melilla Baloncesto will play against Girona FC (#12) at home in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Lleida Basquet will play against Palencia Baloncesto (#11) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Lleida: M.Feliu 18+4reb, C.Ramsdell 13+8reb, J.Detrick 11+4reb+1ast, J.Kale 6+4reb+1ast, J.Simeon 5+3reb+1ast, A.Alzamora 5+7reb+1ast
Melilla: J.Salvador Arco 17+6reb+2ast, C.Odiakosa 9+4reb, M.Suka-Umu 9+4reb+1ast, R.McKeither 8+7reb+1ast, H.Manzano 8+5reb+2ast, J.Riera 6+1reb+2ast

LEB Silver Round 25: #1 River Andorra is defeated by Barca Regal II - by Eurobasket News

There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in LEB Silver. There was no lack of interesting games this round. The round ended with defeat of the leader and favorites losing the games.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked River Andorra (18-5) in Barcelona on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by fifth ranked Barca Regal II (13-10) 93-88. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of River Andorra. The hosts trailed by 11 points after three quarters before their 32-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Strangely River Andorra outrebounded Barca Regal II 34-22 including 22 on the defensive glass. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 52.2 percentage. Swedish swingman Marcus Eriksson (196-93) stepped up and scored 31 points for the winners and power forward Ivan Garcia (207-86) chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds. At the losing side naturalized Russian center Dmitry Flis (203-84) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Barca Regal II maintains fifth place with 13-10 record, which they share with Coruna. River Andorra at the other side still keeps top position with five games lost. Barca Regal II is looking forward to face Feve Oviedo (#10) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. River Andorra will play against Tenerife (#12) and is hoping to win this game.
Very significant was Leyma Basquet's (#6) 71-58 road victory against 7th ranked Lan Mobel ISB. Naturalized Venezuelan power forward Javier Roman (207-80) nailed 14 points for the winning side and Dynile Forbes accounted for 9 points and 6 assists. Nigerian power forward Olasumbo Atoyebi (203-88, college: Elon) came up with 16 points and 5 rebounds for Lan Mobel ISB in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Leyma Basquet (13-10) moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Barca Regal II. Lan Mobel ISB lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 11 games lost. They share it with Aurteneche M.. Leyma Basquet will play against higher ranked Las Rozas (#4) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Lan Mobel ISB will play against Fontedoso Carrefour in Avila and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Prat Juventud (15-9) against twelfth ranked Tenerife (7-16) on Friday night. Visiting Prat Juventud was defeated by Tenerife in a tough game in Tenerife 70-75. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Prat Juventud. Sammy Monroe fired a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Tenerife's coach Jou Costa used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Gerbert Marti produced 18 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Tenerife have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Plasencia and Oviedo CB. Loser Prat Juventud keeps the third position with nine games lost. Tenerife will meet league's leader River Andorra on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Prat Juventud will have a break next round.
A very interesting game took place in Las Rozas. It ended with only one-point home defeat of 4th placed Las Rozas (14-9) to eleventh ranked Plasencia Extremadura (7-16) 81-80 on Friday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the home team. Worth to mention a great performance of Alex Ros who helped to win the game recording 19 points. Plasencia Extremadura's coach Pedro Calles allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Plasencia Extremadura moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Tenerife and Oviedo CB. Newly promoted Las Rozas keeps the fourth position with nine games lost. Plasencia Extremadura's next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Gandia Basquet (#13) in Valencia. Las Rozas will play on the road against Leyma Basquet (#6) in Coruna and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Second ranked Ourense (17-6) crushed at home 9th ranked Fontedoso Carrefour (10-13) by 18 points 69-51, which is the biggest margin this round on Friday night. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Fontedoso Carrefour. Francis Koffi stepped up and scored 16 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Ourense have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain second place with 17-6 record behind leader Andorra. Loser Fontedoso Carrefour keeps the ninth position with 13 games lost. Ourense will face Aurteneche M. (#7) in Vitoria-Gasteiz in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Fontedoso Carrefour will play at home against Lan Mobel ISB in Azpeitia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 25 Oviedo CB won against Gandia Basquet on the opponent's court 74-69.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 19 points and 5 assists by Nick Wolf of Las Rozas.

Ourense - Avila 69-51

Second ranked Ourense (17-6) crushed at home 9th ranked Fontedoso Carrefour (10-13) by 18 points 69-51, which is the biggest margin this round on Friday night. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Fontedoso Carrefour. The game without a history. Ourense led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Ourense forced 21 Fontedoso Carrefour turnovers. French-Ivorian forward Francis Koffi (202-81, college: Fresno St.) stepped up and scored 16 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and guard Alberto Miguel (188-77) chipped in 18 points. At the losing side forward Adrian Casas (195-89) responded with 13 points and Czech forward Ondrej Kohout (204-91) scored 10 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Ourense have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain second place with 17-6 record behind leader Andorra. Loser Fontedoso Carrefour keeps the ninth position with 13 games lost. Ourense will face Aurteneche M. (#7) in Vitoria-Gasteiz in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Fontedoso Carrefour will play at home against Lan Mobel ISB in Azpeitia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Avila: A.Casas 13+3reb, O.Kohout 10+3reb, A.Cruz 10+3reb, P.Fernandez 7+5reb+1ast, D.Guardia 4+1reb, M.Fall 3+4reb
Ourense: A.Miguel 18, F.Koffi 16+6reb, A.Jaume Vicens 8+4reb+2ast, F.Cardenas 6+5reb+1ast, R.Guillandeaux 6+1reb+1ast, M.Webster 6+3reb

Gandia Basquet - Oviedo CB 69-74

Rather expected game in Valencia where 13th ranked Gandia Basquet (5-18) was defeated by tenth ranked Feve Oviedo (7-16) 74-69 on Friday. The guests trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 18-11 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Feve Oviedo shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 57.1 percentage. Power forward David Ortega (199-84) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and forward Hector Macia (198-77) chipped in 18 points and 4 assists. Four Feve Oviedo players scored in double figures. At the losing side naturalized Brazilian center Guilherme Gitterer (204-85) responded with 7 points and 13 rebounds and American forward Anthony jr. Oha (198-83, college: Prairie View A&M) scored 17 points. Feve Oviedo maintains tenth place with 7-16 record, which they share with Tenerife and Plasencia. Gandia Basquet lost their third game in a row. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 18 games lost. Feve Oviedo will face higher ranked Barca Regal II (#5) in Barcelona in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Gandia Basquet will play on the road against Plasencia Extremadura (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Gandia Basquet: A.jr. Oha 17+2reb, S.Miller 11+5reb+1ast, A.Segovia 11+5reb+2ast, J.Manuel Alvarado 8+3reb+3ast, G.Gitterer 7+13reb, F.Garcia 6+2reb
Oviedo CB: A.Gonzalez 18+3reb+2ast, H.Macia 18+3reb+4ast, D.Ortega 13+12reb+1ast, B.LeDuc 11+9reb, A.Prieto 9+2reb, R.Suarez 3+3reb+1ast

Las Rozas - Plasencia 80-81

A very interesting game took place in Las Rozas. It ended with only one-point home defeat of 4th placed Las Rozas (14-9) to eleventh ranked Plasencia Extremadura (7-16) 81-80 on Friday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the home team. The guests were tied after three quarters but managed to speed up in last quarter eventually winning the game. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Alex Ros (192-83) who helped to win the game recording 19 points. American forward Clayton Longmire (201-84, college: St.Rose, NY) contributed with 20 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. Plasencia Extremadura's coach Pedro Calles allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Forward Javier Salson (199-82, college: Bloomfield) answered with 23 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field) and American swingman Nick Wolf (198-88, college: Rollins, agency: KMG Sports Management) added 19 points and 5 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) in the effort for Las Rozas. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Plasencia Extremadura moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Tenerife and Oviedo CB. Newly promoted Las Rozas keeps the fourth position with nine games lost. Plasencia Extremadura's next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Gandia Basquet (#13) in Valencia. Las Rozas will play on the road against Leyma Basquet (#6) in Coruna and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Las Rozas: J.Salson 23+6reb+4ast, N.Wolf 19+4reb+5ast, A.Ugrinoski 14+1reb, R.Martinez 10+4reb+1ast, I.De Miguel 7, J.Balmon 5+9reb+5ast
Plasencia: C.Longmire 20+4reb, A.Ros 19+4reb+2ast, J.Merino 18+3ast, J.Iglesias 11+5reb+5ast, J.Miguel Morales 5+1reb+1ast, C.Fonseca 4+5reb+1ast

Lan Mobel ISB - Coruna 58-71

Very significant was Leyma Basquet's (#6) 71-58 road victory against 7th ranked Lan Mobel ISB. Lan Mobel ISB was ahead by 3 points after three quarters before a 23-7 charge of Leyma Basquet, which allowed them to win the game. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Lan Mobel ISB to just 7 points in fourth quarter. Leyma Basquet made 19-of-23 charity shots (82.6 percent) during the game. They also forced 25 Lan Mobel ISB turnovers. Naturalized Venezuelan power forward Javier Roman (207-80) nailed 14 points for the winning side and Bahamas guard Dynile Forbes (188-86, college: La-Monroe) accounted for 9 points and 6 assists. Nigerian power forward Olasumbo Atoyebi (203-88, college: Elon) came up with 16 points and 5 rebounds and American-French guard Alfredo Ott (193-83, college: Dillard) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Lan Mobel ISB in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Leyma Basquet (13-10) moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Barca Regal II. Lan Mobel ISB lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 11 games lost. They share it with Aurteneche M.. Leyma Basquet will play against higher ranked Las Rozas (#4) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Lan Mobel ISB will play against Fontedoso Carrefour in Avila and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Lan Mobel ISB: O.Atoyebi 16+5reb, A.Ott 12+5reb+3ast, M.Motos 11+1reb+1ast, V.Serrano 6+10reb, X.Osa 5+4reb+1ast, M.Casado 4+3reb+3ast
Coruna: J.Roman 14+4reb, J.Alberto Expsito 10+3reb+2ast, R.Lazaro 9+6reb, D.Forbes 9+1reb+6ast, D.Smith 7+6reb, X.Lopez 7+2reb

Tenerife - Prat Juventud 75-70

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Prat Juventud (15-9) against twelfth ranked Tenerife (7-16) on Friday night. Visiting Prat Juventud was defeated by Tenerife in a tough game in Tenerife 70-75. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Prat Juventud. The hosts trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 18-11 charge, which allowed them to win the game. They outrebounded Prat Juventud 42-29 including 30 on the defensive glass. American forward Sammy Monroe (198-85, college: Newberry, agency: Prossin Sports Management) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. His fellow American import point guard Nicholas Moore (186-80, college: Toledo) chipped in 19 points and 7 rebounds. Monroe is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Tenerife players scored in double figures. Tenerife's coach Jou Costa used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Power forward Gerbert Marti (203-91) produced 18 points and 7 rebounds and American center Brandon Brigman (203-83, college: S.Florida) added 12 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Tenerife have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Plasencia and Oviedo CB. Loser Prat Juventud keeps the third position with nine games lost. Tenerife will meet league's leader River Andorra on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Prat Juventud will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Prat Juventud: G.Marti 18+7reb+2ast, B.Brigman 12+7reb, A.Barrera 11+1reb+2ast, J.Tomas 7+4reb+1ast, A.Suarez 6+4reb, G.Vives 6+2reb+2ast
Tenerife: N.Moore 19+7reb+2ast, S.Monroe 17+13reb+1ast, G.Elias 10+5reb+1ast, J.Perez 10+6reb+2ast, I.Guigou 8+5reb+10ast, M.Diouf 4+2reb

Barca Regal II - Andorra 93-88

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked River Andorra (18-5) in Barcelona on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by fifth ranked Barca Regal II (13-10) 93-88. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of River Andorra. The hosts trailed by 11 points after three quarters before their 32-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Strangely River Andorra outrebounded Barca Regal II 34-22 including 22 on the defensive glass. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 52.2 percentage. Swedish swingman Marcus Eriksson (196-93) stepped up and scored 31 points for the winners and power forward Ivan Garcia (207-86) chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds. At the losing side naturalized Russian center Dmitry Flis (203-84) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds and power forward Devin Wright (203-86) scored 15 points and 8 rebounds. Five Barca Regal II and four River Andorra players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Barca Regal II maintains fifth place with 13-10 record, which they share with Coruna. River Andorra at the other side still keeps top position with five games lost. Barca Regal II is looking forward to face Feve Oviedo (#10) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. River Andorra will play against Tenerife (#12) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Andorra: D.Flis 17+10reb+2ast, D.Wright 15+8reb+2ast, I.Torres 14+5reb+1ast, A.Farfan 12+2reb+2ast, A.Maresch 9+2reb+1ast, D.Marin 6+1reb
Barca Regal II: M.Eriksson 31+2reb+1ast, I.Garcia 15+8reb, J.Creus 14+1reb+2ast, E.Riu 10+3reb, C.Marzo 10+4reb+3ast, A.Zhigulin 6+1reb+1ast

Fuenlabrada add Kimany Ffriend - by Eurobasket News

Fuenlabrada strengthened their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Kimany Ffriend (211-C-77, agency: Court Side, college: Nebraska). The centre started the season in Iran. He played for Hamyari Shahrdari Zanjan. Last season Kimany Ffriend in Turkey. He played for Bornova. His stats read 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds per game in Turkish League. Previously Kimany Ffriend had stints in Venezuela, Cyprus, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Israel, Serbia, Puerto Rico and Russia. Eurobasket.com named kimany Ffriend All-Serbia and Montenegro League Centre of the Year in 2004. Last season the centre earned All-Turkish League Honourable Mention. Kimany Ffriend has been the member of Jamaican National Team since 2002.

CAI Zaragoza tab Laszlo Dobos - by Eurobasket News

CAI Zaragoza brought in Laszlo Dobos (221-C-93, agency: FCM). They inked a five-year deal with the youngster. The Hungarian centre spent the last two seasons in Greece. Laszlo Dobos played for Ikaros Kallitheas. He appeared in just one game in A1 League this season though. Previously Laszlo Dobos had stints with Kecskemeti in Hungary. He was the member of Hungarian U16 and U18 National Teams.

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SWEDEN

Stats Leaders - Basketligan

Points Per Game

Evaldas ZABAS
  Jamtland
  (188-PG-88)
  Avg: 21.9

1. Zabas, Jamtland	21.9
2. Sigurdarson, Sunds.	19.2
3. Flowers, Solna	19.0
4. Relphorde, LF Ba.	18.9
5. Krayem, Boras	18.6
6. Smith, Sodertalje	18.0
7. Palm, Boras	16.9
8. McKnight, Boras	16.8
9. Watt, Eco Orebro	16.6
10. Zamroz, Boras	16.2

Rebounds Per Game

Delvon JOHNSON
  Uppsala
  (206-F/C-89)
  Avg: 10.2

1. Johnson, Uppsala	10.2
2. Baeringsson, Sunds.	10.1
3. Palm, Boras	9.8
4. Toombs, Eco Orebro	9.6
5. Ramsey, LF Basket	9.2
6. Simms, Sodertalje	8.9
7. Watt, Eco Orebro	8.5
8. Lalugba, Jamtland	8.4
9. Stamper, Jamtland	8.0
10. McKnight, Boras	7.8

Assists Per Game

Andrew PLEICK
  Eco Orebro
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Pleick, Eco Orebro	6.4
2. Mbemba, LF Basket	6.3
3. Krayem, Boras	6.1
4. Carter, Uppsala	5.7
5. Ermolinskij, Sunds.	5.0
6. Beck, Solna	4.6
7. Zabas, Jamtland	4.6
8. Chuk, Sodertalje	4.5
9. Mitchell, Norrkopi.	4.1
10. Jeromanovs, Norrk.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Jonte FLOWERS
  Solna
  (196-F/G-85)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Flowers, Solna	2.8
2. Smith, Sodertalje	2.7
3. Carter, Uppsala	2.5
4. Tyndale, Sundsvall	2.2
5. Mbemba, LF Basket	2.2
6. Mitchell, Norrkopi.	2.0
7. Krayem, Boras	2.0
8. Ramsey, LF Basket	1.9
9. Ermolinskij, Sunds.	1.8
10. Johnson, Sundsva.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Dino GREGORY
  Sundsvall
  (200-F-89)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Gregory, Sundsvall	1.5
2. Simms, Sodertalje	1.5
3. Johnson, Uppsala	1.5
4. Ramsey, LF Basket	1.5
5. Toombs, Eco Orebro	1.3
6. Lalugba, Jamtland	1.1
7. Palm, Boras	1.0
8. Doychinov, Solna	1.0
9. Watt, Eco Orebro	1.0
10. Ayuba, Norrkoping	0.7

Basketligan Finals: Kings beat Dolphins in Game Two 75-66 (1-1) - by Eurobasket News

Basketligan Finals, Game 2: Sodertalje - Norrkoping 75-66 (1-1)

Second game of the Basketligan Finals just ended. Sodertalje Kings celebrated 75-66 home victory tying the score to 1-1 in the series. The format is best-of-seven and Norrkoping will be the host of Game Three. That meeting is scheduled for Sunday. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Norrkoping Dolphins won third quarter 18-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American center Kenneth Simms (203-86, college: Cumberland, agency: JEMsports) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds. The former international guard Dino Pita (192-88) contributed with 16 points for the winners. American guard Andrew Mitchell (181-79, college: Kent St.) replied with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and Lithuanian center Petras Balocka (205-86, college: Hawaii) added 14 points in the effort for Norrkoping Dolphins. Four Norrkoping Dolphins players scored in double figures. Norrkoping Dolphins were the regular season champions with 23-13 record. Sodertalje Kings were No.2 with the same score. Game Three - Sunday, Game Four - Tuesday, Game Five - Thursday. If necessary, sixth and seventh games will be played on April 29 and May 1.

Sodertalje: K.Simms 19+12reb+1ast, D.Pita 16+3reb+2ast, M.Griskenas 12+8reb+1ast, T.Borg 8+1ast, W.Grenthe 6+3reb, M.Joseph 6+2reb+3ast
Norrkoping: P.Balocka 14+4reb, G.Watt 12+5reb, M.Ringstrom 11+6reb+1ast, A.Mitchell 10+6reb+4ast, M.Lindquist 9+7reb+1ast, A.Saks 6+2reb

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SWITZERLAND

Stats Leaders LNA

Points Per Game

Mohammed ABUKAR
  Lugano T.
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 20.2

1. Abukar, Lugano T.	20.2
2. Sharper, Boncourt	19.4
3. Burrows, Starwings	18.2
4. Jenkins, Starwings	17.8
5. Calasan, Boncourt	17.7
6. Barnette, Geneve	17.5
7. Jones, SAM M.	16.8
8. Smith, Monthey	16.6
9. Mitrovic, SAM M.	16.3
10. Gibson, SAV Vacal.	16.1

Rebounds Per Game

Babacar TOURE
  Geneve Lions
  (205-F/C-85)
  Avg: 9.6

1. Toure, Geneve Lio.	9.6
2. Calasan, Boncourt	9.1
3. Bing, Geneve Lions	8.6
4. Knutson, BBC Nyon	8.3
5. Burrows, Starwings	8.1
6. Esterkamp, Fribo.	7.9
7. Barnette, Geneve	7.5
8. Molteni, SAM M.	7.5
9. Jones, SAM M.	7.3
10. Sloan, SAV Vacallo	7.2

Assists Per Game

Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	6.4
2. Brown, Lugano T.	6.3
3. Jenkins, Starwings	5.3
4. Draughan, Lugano	4.9
5. Petkovic, Starw.	4.7
6. Boylan, Monthey	4.4
7. Bobetso, BBC Nyon	4.0
8. Buscaglia, Geneve	3.9
9. Parker, Monthey	3.6
10. Petkovic, Fribourg	3.6

Steals Per Game

Miroslav PETKOVIC
  Starw.
  (183-G-88)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Petkovic, Starw.	3.1
2. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	2.7
3. Boylan, Monthey	2.6
4. Jones, SAM M.	2.2
5. Jenkins, Starwings	2.1
6. Dubas, Monthey	1.9
7. Louissaint, Month.	1.8
8. Stockalper, Lugano	1.8
9. N''Diaye, Boncourt	1.8
10. Sloan, SAV Vacallo	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Babacar TOURE
  Geneve Lions
  (205-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Toure, Geneve Lio.	2.3
2. Knutson, BBC Nyon	1.7
3. Matter, Starwings	1.2
4. Molteni, SAM M.	1.2
5. Roberson, Boncourt	1.1
6. Burrows, Starwings	1.0
7. Albrecht, Starw.	0.9
8. Barnette, Geneve	0.9
9. Bing, Geneve Lions	0.9
10. Dubas, Monthey	0.9

LNA Round 5 of Quarter-Finals. Monthey and Fribourg complete semifinal picture - by Eurobasket News

Fribourg - SAV Vacallo 62-50

Fribourg overcame SAV Vacallo at home court to seal semifinal ticket. The game without a history. Fribourg led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. The best player for the winners was American-British swingman Tarick Johnson (192-81, college: Campbell) who scored 26 points. International guard Jonathan Kazadi (195-91) chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds. Italian-Argentinian forward Fabricio Vay (206-86, agency: Interperformances) produced 15 points and American guard Rickey Gibson (191-84, college: Stillman) added 12 points respectively for the guests.
Top scorers:
Fribourg: T.Johnson 26+3reb, J.Kazadi 13+8reb+3ast, O.Vogt 10+5reb+1ast, D.Esterkamp 6+7reb+5ast, R.Yates 5+6reb+2ast, B.Polyblank 2+1reb+2ast
SAV Vacallo: F.Vay 15+4reb, R.Gibson 12+4reb+3ast, M.Sloan 10+7reb, M.Schneiderman 6+8reb+1ast, F.Ramseier 5+7reb, L.Waldesbuehl 2

Monthey - Boncourt 83-68

Monthey toppled Boncourt to reach the next stage of the tournament. The game was mostly controlled by Monthey. Boncourt managed to win third quarter 20-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Monthey looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American center Sean Finn (212-82, college: Dayton) who scored 23 points and 9 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). His fellow American import guard Kelvin Parker (183-82, college: NW Missouri St.) chipped in 19 points and 6 assists. Four Monthey players scored in double figures. Serbian-Bosnian center Nemanja Calasan (203-85, college: Purdue) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds and American point guard John Sharper (186-84, college: San Diego St.) added 18 points and 5 assists respectively for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Monthey: S.Finn 23+9reb, K.Parker 19+2reb+6ast, M.Mihajlovic 11+6reb+1ast, T.Smith 11+3reb+3ast, J.Dubas 10+5reb+2ast, I.Boylan 6+10reb+8ast
Boncourt: J.Sharper 18+2reb+5ast, N.Calasan 18+11reb+3ast, A.Herrmann 10+3reb+4ast, L.Lahey 8+2reb+1ast, L.Roberson 4+3reb+2ast, M.Salomone 3+1reb+1ast

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TURKEY

Standings - TB2L

TB2L Standings

1. Selcuk Univ.		29-7
2. Optimum TED		28-7
3. Genc Telekom		27-9
4. Maliye Milli		25-11
5. Vestel		24-12
6. Gaziantep		24-12
7. Final Genclik		24-12
8. Akhisar Bld		21-15
9. Gelisim		17-20
10. Balikesir		16-20
11. Darussafaka		15-21
12. Istanbul B.B.		15-22
13. Pertevniyal		14-22
14. Istanbulspor		13-23
15. Usak		13-23
16. Baskent Genclik		12-24
17. Orman Genc		12-24
18. Tire Gucu		12-24
19. Pamukkale		12-24
20. TED Istanbul		8-29

Regular Season: Round 38

Apr. 20: Gelisim - Istanbul B.B. 87-83
Apr. 21: Pertevniyal - Gaziantep
Apr. 21: Pamukkale - Baskent Genclik
Apr. 21: Balikesir - Orman Genc
Apr. 21: Optimum TED - Vestel
Apr. 21: Maliye Milli - TED Istanbul
Apr. 21: Akhisar Bld - Genc Telekom
Apr. 22: Tire Gucu - Selcuk Univ.
Apr. 22: Usak - Final Genclik
Apr. 22: Darussafaka - Istanbulspor

TB2L Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Tyrone NELSON
  Akhisar Bld
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 21.9

1. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	21.9
2. Jackson, Balikesir	19.4
3. Gray, Baskent	18.9
4. Waller, Gaziantep	18.4
5. Delic, Genc Telekom	18.2
6. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	18.1
7. Carter, Tire Gucu	17.9
8. Williams, Gelisim	17.2
9. Taggart, TED I.	16.7
10. Dobie, Selcuk Uni.	15.7

Rebounds Per Game

Tyrone NELSON
  Akhisar Bld
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 11.7

1. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	11.7
2. Jackson, Balikesir	11.4
3. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	10.2
4. Kolaric, Istanbul.	10.0
5. Gray, Baskent	9.6
6. Taggart, TED I.	8.5
7. Can, Pertevniyal	8.5
8. Caudle, Pamukkale	8.1
9. Ozseven, TED I.	8.0
10. Barber, Istanbul.	8.0

Assists Per Game

Admir KAN
  Istanbulspor
  (185-G-83)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Kan, Istanbulspor	6.3
2. Eryuz, Gaziantep	5.5
3. Sinanoglu, Final G.	5.2
4. Rizvanoglu, Genc T.	5.1
5. Eris, Istanbul B.B.	5.0
6. Bayraktar, Tire G.	4.8
7. Bayrak, Usak	4.6
8. Dobie, Selcuk Univ.	4.5
9. Senol, Pamukkale	4.4
10. Kavaklioglu, Opti.	4.4

Steals Per Game

Matthew PILGRIM
  Pamukkale
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	2.7
2. Yavuklu, Basken.	2.4
3. Akcay, Balikesir	2.0
4. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	1.8
5. Carter, Tire Gucu	1.7
6. Okkali, Final Genc.	1.7
7. Dobie, Selcuk Univ.	1.6
8. Waller, Gaziantep	1.6
9. Mentese, Gelisim	1.6
10. Rizvanoglu, Genc	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Ismail CEVIK
  Selcuk Univ.
  (206-F-81)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Cevik, Selcuk Univ.	1.4
2. Pasco, Vestel	1.3
3. Ozseven, TED I.	1.3
4. Washington, Gelisim	1.3
5. Gray, Baskent	1.3
6. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	1.2
7. Kaplan, Gaziantep	1.1
8. Brown, TED I.	1.1
9. Tekin, Pertevniyal	1.1
10. Garrison, Maliye	1.0

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

FIBA U 18 DRAW AND SCHEDULE - by David Edole

The draw for the FIBA Americas U18 Championship was held in the afternoon in the offices of the International Basketball Federation Americas Zone, under the leadership of Sports Director of the institution, Mr. Anibal Garcia and the results were as follows:

Group A - Brazil (BRA), United States (USA), Virgin Islands (ISV), Mexico (MEX)

Group B - Canada (CAN), Argentina (ARG), Colombia (COL), Puerto Rico (PUR)

Brazil, represented by Vinicius Alvarez, special rep of the Technical Department of the Brazilian Basketball Confederation (CBB), selected to play in Group A and scheduled their games to face Mexico, the Virgin Islands, and the United States respectively.

Therefore, the itinerary of the first round of the FIBA Americas U18 Championship is set as follows.

June 16
Brazil vs. Mexico
United States vs. Virgin Islands
Canada vs. Puerto Rico
Argentina vs. Colombia

June 17
Virgin Islands vs. Brazil
Mexico vs. United States
Colombia vs. Canada
Puerto Rico vs. Argentina

June 18
Brazil vs. U.S.
Virgin Islands vs. Mexico
Canada vs. Argentina
Colombia vs. Puerto Rico

The first two teams from each group advance to the semifinals. These top four teams will have qualified for U19 FIBA World Championship in 2013. The first place teams of each group will play against the second place teams in the semis.

The other four teams will play for positions 5-8.

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

UKRAINE

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Willie SOLOMON
  Cherkasy
  (187-G-78)
  Avg: 22.1

1. Solomon, Cherkasy	22.1
2. Culpepper, Fe.	20.7
3. Burtt, Dnipro	18.9
4. Deane, BC Odessa	18.4
5. Vukosavljevi., Hal.	17.9
6. King, BC Odessa	17.4
7. Guinn, Fe.	17.2
8. Mitchell, Khimik	16.9
9. Green, Mykolaiv	16.9
10. Harris, Halychyna	16.3

Rebounds Per Game

Vladan VUKOSAVLJEVIC
  Halych.
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Vukosavljevi., Hal.	10.9
2. King, BC Odessa	10.5
3. Dunigan, DniproAzot	8.9
4. Davis, Fe.	8.4
5. Odufuwa, Halychyna	8.1
6. Goodridge, BC Kyiv	8.0
7. Drozdov, Azovmash	7.7
8. Davis, Kryvbasb.