EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/12/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ACPBL   



Commissioner Graham states... - by Gianni Pascucci

Just after the end of 2011-12 season, ACPBL Commisioner Brian Graham has sent the following statement to Usbasket.com:

'Greetings from New York City. The ACPBL has completed its 2011-2012 season with the Beltway Bombers capturing the title over the top
seeded Palmieri Jeans. In what was an up and down season of minor league basketball
The ACPBL was able to survive and complete the season. The league saw a neck and neck finish in MVP voting between Fahreed Cheatham (6'5''-F-79, college: Lincoln, PA), Hugh Jones (6'5''-G/F-80) and Antoinne Morgano (6'5''-G/F-86) . Morgano ended up capturing the MVP award with averages of 31.0 ppg and 14rpg per game.
The league saw an influx of highly talented players including several D-league players Jamael Lynch (6'1''-G-85, college: Mass.-Lowell), Adrian Bowie (6'2''-G-89, college: Maryland), and Brian Kortovich (6'2''-G-81, college: Cuyahoga). The league also saw the birth of an up and coming star named Cavell Johnson (6'8''-F-85, college: UMBC). Johnson would go on and win the championship and capture the Finals MVP.
Moving forward into the upcoming season, the ACPBL will be in the process of solidifying its role within the minor league basketball community. The league will be exploring the following options for continued success. We will be developing a more developmental league approach including a possible name change. We will look to establish a 6 week summer league for players to gain added exposure, a downsizing of rosters from the standard 13 man to 10 man playing roster, this will give players an extra tool of exposure and playing in their quest to further their careers in basketball.
The development of a league referee assigner to create an unbiased approach to officiating. We are also looking to bring in more teams to create a balance within the geographical settings of the league. All other ideas will be discussed at a mid summer meeting with returning teams and newly added teams.
Once again the league would like to thank everyone within the basketball community for their continued support.!'


*****************************************************
  ANGOLA   


1 De Agosto Beat Asa - by Eurobasket News

Luanda 1 de Agosto beat on Thursday in ASA by 103-64 at Luanda's Rio Seco pavilion, in the seventh round of the national senior males basketball championship (BAI-basket2012).

With this result, 1 de Agosto occupy the second position with 13 points, whilst ASA are at fifth place with eight points.

Recreativo do Libolo lead the competition with 14 points.
Courtesy of: Angola Press


Jose Carlos Guimaraes named Angolas new head coach - by Eurobasket News

Jose Carlos Guimaraes has been appointed as the head coach of the Angolan mens basketball team.
The Angolan would take charge of the team ahead of their pre-Olympic tournament from the 2 to 8 July in Venezuela.
According to sources from the Angolan basketball federation, Jos Carlos
Guimaraes would be assisted by Jaime Prades and Manuel Trovoada who would be part of the technical squad at the pre-Olympic tournament. The new coach is expected to summon between 16 and 18 players for the tournament.
Courtesy of: StarAfrica.com


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


Liga A finals preview - by Facundo Iatzky

This monday will start the finals of Liga A 2011/12. This has been one of the most important and competitive seasons of the last years and eventually the two better teams during the whole season have arrived to the finals. This serie promise to be be exciting with many good players in both teams, and also the two last coaches of national team face to face.
What has each team to win the championship? Obras has showed the best type of play during the season. They combine a great deffense with a very effective offensive game. they also have the MVP of the last two season: Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83). the rest of the team is a good mix of experienced and young players. the negattive point for them is that the only player who has experience in finals is Julio Mazzaro (190-G-79).
On the other hand Penarol look to be the first team in history of Liga A to win the championship three straight years. They can do it because their players have a lot of experience and they have Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78), named by many as the most important player of the history of Liga A. they also have a budding star in Facundo Campazzo (179-PG-91), and other players with many playoffs games played.
So everything's is ready for a great serie.


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

Standings - SBL

SBL Standings
 1. Lakeside L. 10-1 
 2. Wanneroo W. 8-2 
 3. Mandurah M. 8-3 
 4. Cockburn C. 7-3 
 5. Perth R. 7-4 
 6. Goldfield G. 5-5 
 7. Perry Lakes H. 5-5 
 8. Willetton T. 5-6 
 9. Stirling S. 5-6 
 10. Geraldton B. 4-7 
 11. East Perth E. 4-7 
 12. SW Slammers 2-8 
 13. Rockingham F. 2-9 
 14. Kalamunda E.S. 1-9 

Regular Season: Round 9

May. 11: Lakeside L. - Perth R. 90-84
May. 11: Willetton T. - Mandurah M. 83-85
May. 12: Geraldton B. - Stirling S.
May. 12: Perth R. - Willetton T.
May. 12: Wanneroo W. - SW Slammers
May. 12: Mandurah M. - Goldfield G.
May. 12: East Perth E. - Cockburn C.
May. 12: Kalamunda E.S. - Rockingham F.
May. 13: Perry Lakes H. - Goldfield G.


SBL: Magic push for top four (Round nine men's preview) - by Eurobasket News

The Mandurah Magic will head into week nine mens State Basketball League action aiming for the top four as the halfway mark of the season fast approaches.

Mandurah sit in fifth position and have won four of their past five games and two wins this weekend could leave them pushing for a top four spot.

The Magic travel to Willetton on Friday night to play the sixth placed Willetton Tigers who will be desperate to put two wins together for the first time this season.

On Saturday night Mandurah host the Goldfields Giants who hit the road with a 5-5 record and in seventh position.

The Giants then play Perry Lakes Hawks on Sunday with new Hawks guard Matthew Rosinski facing his former team for the first time.

Top of the table Lakeside Lightning host the fourth placed Perth Redbacks in a big clash on Friday night with both teams suffering injury concerns to key players.

The Redbacks back that clash up with an equally dangerous challenge when they host the Tigers on Saturday night.

Perth will be celebrating guard Ryan Neills 450th SBL game, Neill will tie with SBL legend Greg Brown in second place on the all-time games list.

Cockburn Cougars will be looking to extend their streak to four games on the trot when they visit the East Perth Eagles on Saturday night.

The Cougars last week added local junior Gavin Field to their strong line-up after the exciting prospect returned from the University of West Georgia last week.

Second placed Wanneroo Wolves will hosts the improving South West Slammers who last week dismantled Perry Lakes in surprising fashion to pick up their third win of the season.

The Rockingham Flames have improved the past couple of weeks and will fancy their chances of extending their lead over the Kalamunda Eastern Suns in the bottom of the table clash.

Geraldton Buccaneers will be looking to bounce back from their home loss last week when they host the Stirling Senators in a crucial clash with both teams sitting just outside of the top eight.
Courtesy of: SBL


SBL: Senators thrive in Geraldton - by Eurobasket News

STIRLING Senators coach Don Jamieson said this weekend is his sides favourite of the season.

Jamieson and the Senators will embark on the 400km bus trip north to Geraldton to take on the Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers at Activewest Stadium tomorrow night.

Stirling is in ninth position after winning five of their opening 11 games.

Jamieson said they are one or two wins away from where they expected to be at this stage of the year.

But he expects his players to respond to the challenge of travelling to Geraldton this weekend.

Everyone loves going to Gero, we like it, it is a great atmosphere, he said.

It is quite a knowledgeable crowd, we enjoy the abuse and their attitude after the game so it is probably our favourite road trip of the year.

The total environment of the game at Gero we always found to be our best, we really enjoy everything that happens there.

Stirlings William Foster is expected to return from injury while their second American import is yet to arrive in Australia.

Adhar Mayen (203-F-89, college: Hawaii) leads the Senators in scoring, averaging 19.1 points per game.

Michael Jones has also stepped up this season with averages of 16.7 points and 10.5 rebounds per contest.

Jamieson said he and his player are wary of the task they face tomorrow night despite the Buccs four-seven win-loss record.

It is a wounded dog at the moment, he said.

We know what Gero have done over the years at home but at the moment they are a wounded dog, we are very cautious because we know how tough they are going to be.

We looked with interest at the numbers of the new import (Morgan Sabia) last week and we are expecting big things from him this week.

Article by Taylor Courtland (Geraldton Guardian)
Courtesy SBL


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


Al Rayyan won 32nd GCC Clubs Basketball Championship - by Eurobasket News

Al Rayyan won 32nd GCC Clubs Basketball Championship leaving no chances for Al-Hala. The team from Qatar beat the home side of the tournament 89:61.
Zain Bahrain Basketball Arena in Umm al Hassam desired to see Al Halas first title in the history of GCC Club Basketball Champions. Al Rayyan however started with 28-17 and never looked behind in the game. The team from Qatar added 24-12 in the second period and went for the 52:29 half-time scoreline. Al Rayyan kept the pressure on to take their lead out to 72:40 with ten minutes remaining. Nothing had changed in the last stanza as Al Rayyan won the game. The team remained undefeated in the tournament and deserved to be called the winners of the GCC title for a fifth time.
Rayyan thus share the top place in the roll of honor with Saudi Arabian clubs Uhud and Al Ittihad all having won the title five times each.


ALMuharraq celebrated the third place Zain Bahrain Basketball Arena - by Eurobasket News

ALMuharraq celebrated the third place Zain Bahrain Basketball Arena at the 32nd GCC Clubs Basketball Championship. The team from Bahrain overcame UAE's Al Wasl 83:66. The latter finished fourth at the tournament. CJ Giles and Ira Clark top-scored for the winners with 17 points each.


*****************************************************
  BELARUS   

Stats Leaders - Premier League

Points Per Game
 Ronaldas RUTKAUSKAS
  Minsk-.
  (203-F-92)
  Avg: 19.9
 1. Rutkauskas, Minsk.19.9 
 2. Sitnik, SBK O.16.8 
 3. Matyukevych, Grod.15.4 
 4. Maze, Minsk-200614.5 
 5. Ignatchik, Minsk-.14.4 
 6. Mishukov, SBK O.14.2 
 7. Sugoniako, BG.14.0 
 8. Charykau, SBK O.13.8 
 9. Knox, Minsk-200613.6 
 10. Patupchyk, Sozh13.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Pavel BLIZNETS
  Sozh Gomel
  (205-C-94)
  Avg: 11.3
 1. Bliznets, Sozh Gom.11.3 
 2. Rutkauskas, Minsk.9.6 
 3. Zakhar, BG.8.8 
 4. Mishukov, SBK O.7.6 
 5. Krisevich, Minsk-.7.5 
 6. Semianiuk, Minsk-.7.4 
 7. Drobyshevski., Soz.6.7 
 8. Ovsepian, Rubon6.6 
 9. Sharipov, SBK O.6.4 
 10. Kojenets, Minsk.6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Siarhei CHARYKAU
  SBK O.
  (184-PG-82)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Charykau, SBK O.6.8 
 2. Shustau, Minsk-20.5.4 
 3. Akulich, Rubon5.1 
 4. Kuzmin, Grodno-935.1 
 5. Maze, Minsk-20064.2 
 6. Kudrautsau, Minsk.4.0 
 7. Papruha, BG.3.0 
 8. Korzh, Grodno-932.7 
 9. Ignatchik, Minsk-.2.6 
 10. Sitnik, SBK O.2.5 
Steals Per Game
 Genniadiy ZAKHAR
  BG.
  (198-F/G-92)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Zakhar, BG.2.5 
 2. Charykau, SBK O.2.5 
 3. Akulich, Rubon2.4 
 4. Ovsepian, Rubon2.1 
 5. Papruha, BG.1.9 
 6. Sitnik, SBK O.1.8 
 7. Patupchyk, Sozh G.1.8 
 8. Sapegin, Rubon1.8 
 9. Malkov, Rubon1.6 
 10. Ovdeenko, Grodno.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Artem MALYAVKO
  Minsk-20.
  (203-F-92)
  Avg: 0
 1. Malyavko, Minsk-20.0.0 
 2. Akulich, Rubon0.0 
 3. Malkov, Rubon0.0 
 4. Sugoniako, BG.0.0 
 5. Malakhau, Minsk-20.0.0 
 6. Stankevich, Sozh0.0 
 7. Lashkevich, Minsk.0.0 
 8. Skidan, SBK O.0.0 
 9. Kuzmitski, BG.0.0 
 10. Sitnik, SBK O.0.0 



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

Standings - Division I

D1 Standings
 1. Spirou 23-9 
 2. Oostende 23-10 
 3. Antwerp 22-9 
 4. Aalstar 18-14 
 5. M.Hainaut 15-16 
 6. Leuven 14-18 
 7. Gent 12-20 
 8. Liege 11-21 
 9. Verviers-Pep. 5-26 

Regular Season: Round 35

May. 9: M.Hainaut - Leuven 83-69
May. 9: Aalstar - Gent 75-70
May. 9: Verviers-Pep. - Liege 71-84
May. 9: Oostende - Antwerp 65-55

Round 10

May. 7: Leuven - Oostende 81-87 OT

Regular Season: Round 36

May. 11: Liege - Aalstar
May. 11: Spirou - Oostende
May. 12: Antwerp - M.Hainaut
May. 12: Leuven - Verviers-Pep.


Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game
 Christopher COPELAND
  Aalstar
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 21.7
 1. Copeland, Aalstar21.7 
 2. Bostic, Liege16.7 
 3. Mallet, Spirou14.8 
 4. Lojeski, Oostende14.8 
 5. Black, Antwerp14.3 
 6. Haynes, Gent14.1 
 7. Taylor, M.Hainaut13.9 
 8. Love, Verviers-Pep.13.5 
 9. Freeman, Leuven13.5 
 10. Broyles, Spirou13.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jason LOVE
  Verviers-Pep.
  (206-F/C-87)
  Avg: 8.3
 1. Love, Verviers-Pep.8.3 
 2. Brown, Gent7.9 
 3. Mejri, Antwerp7.6 
 4. Young, Aalstar7.2 
 5. Merriex, Verviers.6.9 
 6. Mukubu, Verviers.6.8 
 7. McLean, Leuven6.5 
 8. Booker, Oostende6.3 
 9. Jackson, Aalstar6.1 
 10. Bostic, Liege5.7 
Assists Per Game
 Dominic WATERS
  Liege
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 4.1
 1. Waters, Liege4.1 
 2. Djordjevic, Ooste.3.6 
 3. Bosco, Gent3.4 
 4. Marnegrave, Leuven3.3 
 5. Black, Antwerp3.1 
 6. Slaughter, M.Hai.2.9 
 7. Mallet, Spirou2.9 
 8. Steinbach, Aalstar2.8 
 9. Taylor, M.Hainaut2.7 
 10. Thompson, Vervier.2.6 
Steals Per Game
 Adeola DAGUNDURO
  Leuven
  (196-G-86)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Dagunduro, Leuven2.5 
 2. Mukubu, Verviers.2.2 
 3. Black, Antwerp2.1 
 4. Hopkins, Antwerp2.1 
 5. Bosco, Gent2.0 
 6. Mallet, Spirou1.9 
 7. Wilson, Antwerp1.8 
 8. Muya, Liege1.7 
 9. Cage, M.Hainaut1.6 
 10. Bostic, Liege1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Salah MEJRI
  Antwerp
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Mejri, Antwerp2.5 
 2. Riddick, Spirou1.8 
 3. Jennings, Liege1.5 
 4. Young, Aalstar0.9 
 5. Love, Verviers-Pep.0.9 
 6. Booker, Oostende0.8 
 7. Nivins, M.Hainaut0.6 
 8. Vaughn, Antwerp0.5 
 9. De Zeeuw, Verviers.0.5 
 10. Copeland, Aalstar0.5 



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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Aaron HARPER
  Levski S.
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 20.1
 1. Harper, Levski S.20.1 
 2. Durchev, Tundja Y.18.0 
 3. Yanev, Cherno More17.4 
 4. Stankov, Spartak17.2 
 5. Pavlovski, Chernom.16.1 
 6. Ofoegbu, Tundja Y.15.6 
 7. Govedarov, Tundja15.3 
 8. Mirkovic, Rilski S.15.0 
 9. Vukosavljevi., Ril.14.9 
 10. Dunovic, Chernomo.14.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Vasil EVTIMOV
  Levski Sofia
  (207-C/F-77)
  Avg: 10.2
 1. Evtimov, Levski So.10.2 
 2. Pavlovski, Chernom.9.8 
 3. Ofoegbu, Tundja Y.8.6 
 4. Yanev, Cherno More8.6 
 5. Gugino, Tundja Y.7.4 
 6. Todorov, Spartak6.8 
 7. Georgiev, Levski S.6.3 
 8. Petkov, Tundja Y.6.1 
 9. Sundov, Lukoil A.6.0 
 10. Marintchechk., Ba.5.9 
Assists Per Game
 Brandon HEATH
  Lukoil A.
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Heath, Lukoil A.5.9 
 2. Dyakovski, Sparta.5.8 
 3. Radionov, Tundja Y.5.1 
 4. Mirkovic, Rilski S.4.8 
 5. Aleksiev, Cherno M.4.2 
 6. Howell, Levski Sof.3.7 
 7. Avramov, Lukoil A.3.5 
 8. Filipov, Balkan3.4 
 9. Hall, Levski Sofia3.4 
 10. Harper, Levski S.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Brandon HEATH
  Lukoil A.
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Heath, Lukoil A.2.2 
 2. Radionov, Tundja Y.2.0 
 3. Harper, Levski S.1.9 
 4. Roshmanov, Cherno.1.9 
 5. Zahariev, Rilski S.1.8 
 6. Dunovic, Chernomo.1.8 
 7. Howell, Levski Sof.1.8 
 8. Marinov, Balkan1.7 
 9. Gugino, Tundja Y.1.7 
 10. Jefferson, Tundja1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Tony GUGINO
  Tundja Y.
  (207-C-86)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Gugino, Tundja Y.1.3 
 2. Pavlovski, Chernom.1.0 
 3. Banev, Lukoil A.1.0 
 4. Ofoegbu, Tundja Y.0.9 
 5. Petkov, Tundja Y.0.8 
 6. Sundov, Lukoil A.0.8 
 7. Martin, Balkan0.7 
 8. Iliev, Cherno More0.6 
 9. Aleksov, Chernomo.0.6 
 10. Gocevski, Tundja0.6 



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


Zalgiris has no mercy for Team China at NIJT - by Eurobasket News

Team China - Zalgiris 76-107

2012 Nike International Junior Tournament started yesterday at the Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul. Zalgiris demonstrated its power against Team China celebrating 107-76 victory. Both teams are placed to Group B. Rokas Gustys (197-F-94) was the leading player in victory with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Justas Tamulis (194-G-94) also was great scoring 18 points and Mantvydas Staselis (190-G-94) added two less. In Team China, Gao Shang (197-G/F-94) led the way with 32 points and 6 boards. Huaibo Dai stopped to 13 points. Zalgiris dominated from the beginning and created 33-15 lead already in the first quarter. They made 28-17 in Q2 and 23-18 after the breather for 84-50 lead with ten minutes to go. Rest of the game was just the formality. Today, Zalgiris will take on Fenerbache Ulker. Team China will play against the reigning champions KK Zagreb.

Team China: Gao Shang 32+6 boards, Huaibo Dai 13
Zalgiris: Rokas Gustys 20+9 boards, Justas Tamulis 18, Mantvydas Staselis 16


*****************************************************
  COLOMBIA   


NATIONAL INTERLEAGUE TOURNAMENT DAYS 3 TO 5, RESULTS. - by Victor Garcia

Antioquia A is ruling easily the tournament; San Andres and Fama Valle looks like the only teams that can challenge them.

DAY 3 RESULTS:
Bogota Capitals 90 , D. Quiroz 19 pts.
Sucre 69, A. Blandon 28 pts.

San Andrs 91, J. Manuel 17
Fama Vallle 73, G. Pena 21

Antioquia A 82, A. Contreras 14
Guajira 60, M. Fernandez 25.

DAY 4 RESULTS:
Antioquia B 90, C. Alzate 17
Sucre 72, A. Blandon.

Fama Valle 63, G. Pea 16.
Bogot Capitals 58, S. Marquez 24

Antioquia A 87, S. Ortiz 30
San Andres 71, J. Manuel 15

DAY 5 RESULTS:
Sucre 69, A. Anchila
Fama Valle 101, G. Pea 23

Guajira 82, Y. Fernandez 23
San Andres 110, S. Steele 25

Antioquia A 87, S. Ortiz 30.
Antioquia B 58, S. Agudelo 18.


COLOMBIA MEN U-15 NATIONAL TEAM 2012 - by Victor Garcia

The Colombian National team that will travel to the Southamerican Championship in Maldonado - Uruguay is already working the city of Bucaramanga, coached by Carlos Parra, the team will travel soon, the following is the roster:

Santiago Perez (Liga de Bolivar)
Daniel Garcia (Liga de Santander)
Cristian Londoo (Liga del Valle)
Luis Acevedo (Liga del Vallle)
Juan Salcedo (Liga de Bolivar)
Joaquin Gomez (Liga de Santander)
Jainer Atencia (Liga de Santander)
Andres Deluque (Liga de Magdalena)
Jilber Gutierrez (Liga de Santander)
Federico Machado (Liga del Meta)
Julian Gomez (Liga deSantander).

Head Coach: Carlos Parra.
Assistant: Jorge Garca.


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

A1 Standings

A1 Standings
Championship Group
 1. Cibona 14-0 
 2. Cedevita 11-3 
 3. KK Split 10-4 
 4. Zadar 7-6 
 5. KK Zagreb CO 6-8 
 6. Svjetlost 3-11 
 7. Jolly 2-11 
 8. Zabok 2-12 
Play-Out
 1. Krizevci 12-7 
 2. Alkar Sinj 11-8 
 3. Kvarner 2010 10-9 
 4. Darda 9-10 
 5. Dubrovnik 8-11 
 6. Borik 7-12 
Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 14

Championship

May. 11: Cedevita - Zabok 96-73
May. 11: Svjetlost - KK Split 77-84
May. 12: Zadar - Jolly

Play-Out

May. 12: Dubrovnik - Kvarner 2010
May. 12: Krizevci - Darda
May. 12: Alkar Sinj - Borik


Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game
 Ivan MIMICA
  KK Split
  (193-G-80)
  Avg: 18.8
 1. Mimica, KK Split18.8 
 2. Ross, Jolly18.2 
 3. Ceskovic, Kvarner17.9 
 4. Markota, KK.17.6 
 5. Bilan, Cedevita17.1 
 6. Stimac, Svjetlost16.7 
 7. Sobin, KK Split15.3 
 8. Kruslin, Zabok15.1 
 9. Vrbanc, Zadar15.1 
 10. Simovic, Kvarner15.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Damir MARKOTA
  KK.
  (210-C/F-85)
  Avg: 7.5
 1. Markota, KK.7.5 
 2. Ivanov, Zadar7.5 
 3. Stimac, Svjetlost7.0 
 4. Bilan, Cedevita7.0 
 5. Simovic, Kvarner7.0 
 6. Suton, Cibona6.9 
 7. Cinac, Kvarner 20106.9 
 8. Sobin, KK Split6.9 
 9. Zupic, Alkar Sinj6.6 
 10. Peraica, Darda6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Josip GLAVINIC
  Krizevci
  (192-G-82)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Glavinic, Krizevci5.1 
 2. Vujcic, KK Split4.5 
 3. Ross, Jolly4.5 
 4. Blajic, Kvarner4.2 
 5. Subotic, KK Split4.2 
 6. Kostomaj, Svjet.3.7 
 7. Wright, Cibona3.6 
 8. Tomas, Zabok3.1 
 9. Ceskovic, Kvarner3.0 
 10. Bazdaric, Cedevita2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Ronald ROSS
  Jolly
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Ross, Jolly2.9 
 2. Rozic, Cibona2.1 
 3. Wright, Cibona1.9 
 4. Bicvic, Darda1.9 
 5. Blajic, Kvarner1.8 
 6. Kostomaj, Svjet.1.7 
 7. Sobin, KK Split1.6 
 8. Stimac, Svjetlost1.5 
 9. Kruslin, Zabok1.5 
 10. Puljko, Jolly1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Filip KRALJEVIC
  Zabok
  (214-F-89)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Kraljevic, Zabok1.7 
 2. Sarlija, Borik1.3 
 3. Bubalo, Zabok1.1 
 4. Zupic, Alkar Sinj1.1 
 5. Vujcic, KK Split0.9 
 6. Buva, Krizevci0.8 
 7. Owens, Cedevita0.8 
 8. Sobin, KK Split0.8 
 9. Vukovic, KK Split0.7 
 10. Babic, KK Split0.6 


2012 NIJT: Saric leads KK Zagreb to 79-76 win against Fenerbahce Ulker - by Eurobasket News

KK Zagreb - Fenerbahce Ulker 79-76

KK Zagreb started NIJT title defense with victory. They grabbed 79-76 win against Fenerbahce Ulker yesterday for 1-0 record in Group B. The game was played at Abdi Ipecki Arena in Istanbul. 2011 NIJT MVP Dario Saric (208-F/C-94) demonstrated wonderful performance in this meeting. He had 26 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals, reaching valuation 48. Dominik Mavra (195-G-94) led Zagreb in scoring with 32 points and he also had 6 rebounds, plus 4 assists. In defeat, Metecan Birsen (205-F/G-95) was better that the others with 22 points and Umar Atin (199-F-94) scored 15. Fenerbahce Ulker had 19-23 lead after 10 minutes, but Zagreb quickly responded with 16-1 run and later went to the halftime break with 41-36. Third quarter belonged to Fener (11-18), who later was 71-74 up with 1:29 remaining in the game. Dario Saric and Dominik Mavra led Zagreb to 8-2 run in the finish, what was enough for the victory. Zagreb will play against Team China today. Fener will meet Zalgiris.

KK Zagreb: Dominik Mavra 32+6 boards+4 as, Dario Saric 26+17 boards+6 as+5 st
Fenerbahce Ulker: Metecan Birsen 22, Umar Atin 15


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


BK Decin Forces Decisive Game Five with 76-66 Home Victory - by Surujh Roopnarine

BK Decin, on the back of ageless wonder Levell Sanders (189-G-75, agency: Stanley International, college: Seton Hall), defeated visiting BK Prostejov in game four of their best of five Semifinal series 76-66 tonight. Sanders, 36, scored a team high 15 points while handing out a game-high 5 assists for Decin as they fed off of a strong second quarter in which they outscored Prostejov by 12 points to ride to the game four victory. Prostejov stayed within striking distance for most of the game, trimming the lead down to as little as five points on one occasion, but consistently found themselves fighting an uphill battle. Now the focus will shift back to Prostejov where the teams will face off in a decisive game five.
Prostejov was led by Jamar Smith (191-SG-87, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: S.Indiana) who scored a game-high 20 points on 8-15 shooting. Decin was able to pull away due in large part to limiting Prostejov's effectiveness on offense, limiting them to just 24-78 shooting overall, as well as cleaning up the glass, collecting 51 rebounds as opposed to only 38 for the visitors.
BK DECIN: Levell Sanders (15pts+5ast), Miroslav Soukup (200-F-82) (12pts+7reb), Pavel Houska (204-F/C-84) (9pts+10reb), Admir Alic (198-F-84) (10pts+5reb)
BK PROSTEJOV: Jamar Smith (20pts), Matej Venta (187-PG-84) (16pts+6reb), Travis Peterson (208-C/F-85, college: Samford) (10pts+6reb), Dusan Pandula (196-F-84) (7pts)


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


Club Domingo Paulino wins 2012 SRT title - by Eurobasket News

SRT Finals, Game 6: Club Domingo Paulino (CDP) - Plaza Valerio 87-82 (4-2)

Club Domingo Paulino is the new SRT champion. They handed 87-82 loss to Plaza Valerio on Tuesday winning the Finals with 4-2 (best-of-seven). This is the sixth SRT title for the club. They won it also in 1992, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2010. Westher Molteni (200-F-87) led CDP with double-double of 17 points and 16 rebounds. Jose Fortuna (180-G-84) (6 as) and Juan Coronado (196-G-83) added 16 and 15 points respectively, while Johnny Garcia (206-F/C-87, college: Seton Hall) helped with one less. In the loosing squad, Edward Santana (203-F-80, agency: Regeneracom Sports) was better that the others with 21 points. Andres Sandoval (192-G-83) had 20 and Tyrone Thomas scored 13 points. CDP shined in the last ten minutes to grab this victory. They made 26-18 in Q4 and won the sixth SRT title in the clubs history.

Club Domingo Paulino: Westher Molteni 17+16 boards, Jose Fortuna 16+6 as, Juan Coronado 15, Johnny Garcia 14
Plaza Valerio: Edward Santana 21, Andres Sandoval 20, Tyrone Thomas 13


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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Bo MCCALEBB
  Montepas.
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 16.9
 1. McCalebb, Montepa.16.9 
 2. Spanoulis, Olympia.16.8 
 3. Domercant, Unics15.5 
 4. Weems, Zalgiris15.5 
 5. Krstic, CSKA14.3 
 6. Carroll, Real Madr.14.2 
 7. Kirilenko, CSKA14.2 
 8. Vujacic, Anadolu13.9 
 9. Navarro, FCB Regal13.6 
 10. Lorbek, FCB Regal13.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Andrei KIRILENKO
  CSKA
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 7.3
 1. Kirilenko, CSKA7.3 
 2. Freeland, Unicaja6.7 
 3. Reyes, Real Madrid6.3 
 4. Andersen, Montepa.6.2 
 5. Zoric, Unicaja6.1 
 6. Veremeenko, Unics6.0 
 7. Fischer, Gescrap BB5.9 
 8. Krstic, CSKA5.7 
 9. Jankunas, Zalgiris5.6 
 10. Savanovic, Anado.5.6 
Assists Per Game
 Sergio RODRIGUEZ
  Real M.
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 5.4
 1. Rodriguez, Real M.5.4 
 2. Teodosic, CSKA5.1 
 3. Diamantidis, Panat.5.0 
 4. Tunceri, Anadolu4.5 
 5. Huertas, FCB Regal4.5 
 6. Spanoulis, Olympia.4.1 
 7. Jackson, Gescrap3.9 
 8. Kalnietis, Zalgiris3.7 
 9. Khryapa, CSKA3.4 
 10. Llull, Real Madrid3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Jamon Lukas GORDON
  Galatasaray
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Gordon, Galatasaray1.9 
 2. Diamantidis, Panat.1.5 
 3. Kirilenko, CSKA1.4 
 4. Ohayon, Maccabi1.4 
 5. McCalebb, Montepa.1.3 
 6. Gist, Fener.Ulker1.3 
 7. Eidson, FCB Regal1.2 
 8. Shipp, Galatasaray1.2 
 9. Fitch, Unicaja1.2 
 10. Calathes, Panathi.1.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrei KIRILENKO
  CSKA
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 2
 1. Kirilenko, CSKA2.0 
 2. Begic, Real Madrid1.7 
 3. Hendrix, Maccabi1.3 
 4. Ndong, FCB Regal1.2 
 5. Fischer, Gescrap BB1.1 
 6. Vazquez, FCB Regal1.1 
 7. Hines, Olympiacos1.1 
 8. Perovic, FCB Regal0.9 
 9. Barac, Anadolu Ef.0.9 
 10. James, Maccabi T.0.9 


2012 Final Four official press conference - by Eurobasket News

The Euroleague Basketball family gathered together Thursday morning on the shores of the Bosphorus for the first official act of the 2012 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four in Istanbul, Turkey. The Mabeyn Ballroom at the magnificent Ciragan Palace hosted the opening press conference with Euroleague Basketball CEO and President, Mr. Jordi Bertomeu; Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board, Mr. Hamdi Topcu; President of the Turkish Basketball Federation, Mr. Turgay Demirel; Mayor of Istanbul, Mr. Kadir Topbas; Detur CEO and President, Mr.Firuz Baglikaya; as well as the head coach and a player from each of the participating teams CSKA Moscow, FC Barcelona Regal, Olympiacos Piraeus and defending champion Panathinaikos. The Euroleague trophy, which is ultimately what the teams here are all fighting for, was displayed before the dais as the players fielded questions from dozens of reporters and media outlets.

Built in the 19th century for Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Abdulaziz, Ciragan Palace housed a number of Turkish rulers before parts were destroyed by fire in 1910. It was restored in 1989 and renovated in 2007 to resemble its authentic look. In the years since, it has welcomed foreign dignitaries and heads of state and hosted lavish events as one of the must-see sites in the city. Here is what they said:


Euroleague Basketball CEO and President Jordi Bertomeu:

'Its a real pleasure to welcome you all to this press conference at this Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four 2012. We are proud to do this here in the amazing city of Istanbul and magnificent arena, Sinan Erdem. We expect to offer our fans a great weekend of basketball and if that happens, it will be because of those sitting with me at this table. We thank the Turkish Basketball Federation for its expertise. We thank the mayor of Istanbul. From the very beginning he has shown great enthusiasm for hosting this event. And a special thanks to our main partner, Turkish Airlines, because they have helped in all the aspects involved in making this Final Four successful. Thanks to all our sponsors, media and coaches and players. Thanks to them, we have enjoyed a great season this year.'

'The Final Four is growing every year. Its growing in many aspects. In TV distribution, this Final Four will reach 174 countries on five continents. We have 650 members of the media here. We expect millions of television viewers and even more on Euroleague.net, our official web site. And we will have 15,000 passionate fans at Sinan Erdem Arena. The Final Four is also about the Nike International Junior Tournament and the Devotion Fan Zone. The Final Four is about all these things. I hope all the teams have a successful weekend and I hope you all will have fun in Istanbul.'

I am extremely proud of the quality of our teams and coaches. I had the opportunity to state my opinions on this when the NBA had its lockout. No doubt we have unbelievable talent in Europe. No matter what, we are satisfied with our players and coaches.'

Every Final Four has special measures for security. We do not have any new measures this time because we are sure what has been done before has been enough and successful and everyone was comfortable with the measures taken. This year we have two teams from Greece, but we proved in Berlin that with the great cooperation we have from both teams, we can have a an absolutely safe Final Four. So for the two teams are staying at the same hotel and the measures in the arena are the same as in Barcelona and Paris. We expect we will all enjoy as always in the Euroleague, a safe Final Four.


President of the Turkish Basketball Federation, Mr. Turgay Demirel:

'Thank you press members and valuable guests. We are gathered in this beautiful city and are happy to be organizing and hosting the 2012 Final Four in Istanbul, which has been elected as the European capital of Sports. We will be watching and enjoying big games, successful coaches and great basketball teams. I am really grateful to the Mr. Kadir Topbas, Metropolitan Municipality Major of Istanbul and Mr. Hamdi Topcu, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board to offer us this great organization. Until now, the Turkish Basketball Federation is an organization with good experience in this field of organization competitions at the senior and junior level. I believe that we will keep succeeding in this event, offering you a pleasant basketball competition. Good luck to all coaches and players and I wish that the best will win.'


Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board, Mr. Hamdi Topcu:

'Dear guests, valuable press members, welcome to the press conference of such an important event. On behalf of Turkish Airlines, I would like to greet you. As one of the best airlines, we are happy to offer sponsorship to this basketball organization. We have an agreement with the Euroleague for five years, which could be extended for five more, and now have the privilege to host the Final Four in Istanbul in the second year of our agreement. We kept our promise, bringing in all members of all four teams free of charge. We provided flights for two Greek teams, a Spanish and a Russian team under this agreement. On behalf of Turkish Airlines, I wish success to all four participating teams. From now on, Turkish Airlines will carry on contributing to the Euroleague and the Final Four. The fact that this great event takes place in Istanbul is due to the attention the organizing committee had. More than a year ago, Istanbul hosted the World Championships and that proved to be a successful event. Istanbul is a city on the rise and I would like to mention our Major, Mr. Kadir Topbas. I thank him a lot for his decision and support to this event. I would also thank Mr. Turgay Demirel, president of the Turkish Basketball Federation, and the organizing committee. I believe that the Final Four will be successful, with so many forces joined together for the event. I wish success to all teams and welcome the audience that came here to follow the Final Four.'

'At the moment, Turkish Airlines Euroleague games are shown in four of our USA aircrafts. There is the facility to watch games during the flights. The service will be undertaken by NTV. They have not started broadcasts yet, but will try to offer the broadcast.'


Detur CEO and President, Mr. Firuz Baglikaya:

This is the greatest basketball organization in Europe and start from the day Istanbul was chosen to host the Final Four, we have enjoyed the privilege and trust to work with them. I would like to thank the Euroleague and Turkish Airlines and also the municipality of Istanbul. In the name of Detur, we think these organizations are fit for the magnificent city of Istanbul.'


Mayor of Istanbul, Mr. Kadir Topbas:

Here we meet in the final stage of a great organization. Let me thank everyone that contributed. I am probably the happiest because of this event. Because not all cities can afford to host such an event. I would like to talk about branding, something all cities try to do. And this event helps our brand. We are very happy to host these event. Before this, we hosted world basketball championships and were successful. Now we have chance to host the Final Four of the Euroleague. I also want to note that Istanbul was chosen as the European capital city for sport for 2012. We have been prepared in all aspects and put in immense effort. Our city of basketball lovers is very excited. So I wish success to all the teams here. Also I want to say that the greatest success here is of the city of Istanbul. I would also like to thank Turkish Airlines for its sponsorship and efforts, which contribute to the city of Istanbul itself.


CSKA Moscow head coach, Jonas Kazlauskas:

'It is very nice to be back to the Final Four after so many years. These are the four best teams in Europe and I like to feel this atmosphere in an excellent city like Istanbul. I hope that my team can win the trophy. From our side, I am sure that my team will give its best to compete for this trophy.

'For sure, if you are winning titles, you become more and more confident. I want more and more Chinese basketball fans to support CSKA. If they support us, it will be very good. I must admit I am a bit disappointed - these are four very good teams and there is only one trophy!'


CSKA Moscow forward Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81):

'I very happy to be here. The Euroleague is a great competition and the four best teams in Europe are playing this Final Four. It is going to be very tough to lift the trophy, but I think we did a pretty good job during the season and deserve to play here.'

'I am pretty sure all four teams here could be in the NBA playoffs. There are different rules and players, but all four teams have the heart of a champion and that is the most important thing. Talent and skills are important, but what you have in your head and heart are the main things and I am sure all four teams in this Final Four have it.'

'We had different experiences when we played in Turkey - we beat Efes and lost against Galatasaray. The fans were unbelievable and very, very passionate about basketball. I personally liked it even when they cheered against us. It is very nice to have people come to cheer that way. When you play against a lot of fans, even if they are cheering against you, is always nice.'

'From the very beginning of the season, I have been very excited to play in the Euroleague. I stayed in Europe and love to play for CSKA, where I started my professional career at the high level. I have a title with my national team and now I want a European title with a club team. It is not going to be easy, as all four teams are equally ready to win it. It is going to be a very tough matchup tomorrow. Panathinaikos is a great team, it won the title last year. This is our first step here in Istanbul and we have to be very focused against them.'


Panathinaikos head coach Zeljko Obradovic:

'I am sure it will be a very good Final Four. We have a great four teams here. We at Panathinaikos will try to do our best.'

'Everybody is talking about the problems in Greece, but I believe that many countries have similar problems. I believe for Olympiacos and us it is a great result to be here. We know that there are always people that support us and this is always important for the team. We play against a great team like CSKA and will try to do our best.'


Panathinaikos guard Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80):

'We are facing a formidable opponent in CSKA. I believe we will put 100 percent effort into winning.'

'We played Fenerbahce Ulker [earlier this season in Istanbul]. The stadium was great and the fans were really supportive of their team. At the Final Four, the situation is a little different. We are glad we had the experience of playing here.'

'We lost the regular season games [against CSKA]. It didnt work out well for us, but that is in the past and we wont repeat the mistakes of the past. We will try hard to advance.'


Olympiacos Piraeus head coach Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket):

I want first to congratulate the Turkish Airlines Euroleague for a great season. All the teams that were a part of this league and of course I want to wish good luck to all players, coaches and fans at the Final Four. As for my team and myself, it is a great pleasure to be here in Istanbul. We have to do our best. We have a great opponent in FC Barcelona. They have experience. I expect a great semifinal game.'

I think this season the best teams are here and my team is very talented with players that grew up very much this season. I remember our first game in Bilbao and until now I am very satisfied with how we have grown. I enjoyed very much my job with these players. The semifinals all of the Final Four games there are so many details that are important. We have to forget about all that has happened until now. I expect my team to play more than great basketball.'

It is true that there are so many problems all around the world. We play basketball to do our best. In this situation, I know that my team has the best fans that have come to support us. Since the last Final Four that Olympiacos played in Paris, we have had so many changes; I am very happy that we are here. I expect great games.'

There are so many details in this game. It is very difficult to speak about the key points. I think in general Barcelona has great experience. On the other side, Olympiacos is younger, has more energy. I expect a great game. The main thing for my young players is not to be under pressure.


Olympiacos Piraeus guard Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket):

Its great pleasure to be here. It was a tough road just to get here. This season I think we proved we belong here. Our goal is to play well against a great team, Barcelona, that has all our respect, and to do our best to get to the final.'

Its one more Final Four, but a different team and a totally different situation. I have to say for my team that we will do everything to win. A lot of guys dont believe in us or give us possibilities to win. We will try to prove on the court that we can do it.'

For us its fifth time we have been here. We came for preparation games against Fenerbahce Ulker and Efes and then played Galatasaray. It was a great experience. The arenas were full and it is always great to play in front of full arenas.'


FC Barcelona Regal head coach Xavier Pascual (agency: INVICTUS Sports Group):

'Hello everybody. We are happy to be here in Istanbul, it has been a long road; we played many games to make it to this Final Four. It will not be an easy game against Olympiacos, but we know we have our chance to win. They have experienced coaches and players and physical and technical skills. We will see what happens tomorrow.'

'It is true that one lives the emotions of facing those who, just a short time ago, had been your coaching references or idols, as the three magnificent head coaches who sit with me right now. Seeing them turn into your rivals is exciting. I have been through that already and I face every opposing coach without getting excited about it. I don't think that the age difference or experience are significant at this level, in a good or bad way.'

'I don't know the impression I give up here but I am very even-tempered facing the competition. I am looking forward to it, waiting for the games to start as soon as possible, especially ours. We have a lot of respect for our opponent, but we prepared for this game and I am sure it will go down to details. Personally, I am happy to be here.'

'To begin with, it is an honor that a big institution like FC Barcelona can be competitive in all other sports sections, especially in basketball, where it is right at the top level. We all have to understand the number of people each sport moves, football is different than basketball, and be fully aware of it.'

'Juan Carlos Navarro's fasciitis problems have returned. At this moment, he is being treated and undergoing some tests, so we will see his development. There are still more than 24 hours before the game, so we will see how he progresses, if he can play the game and in what condition. We are looking forward. Since he had to undergo some tests he couldn't be here.'


FC Barcelona Regal forward Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.):

'Trying to win a second Euroleague title has inspired us a lot. I mean, it is a great feeling for me to win the Euroleague title, and you always want to come back. We didn't make it last year and are really happy to be back and have another chance.'

'We played against Galatasaray this season and the fans were great. The game was very difficult for us and the fans made it more difficult. I think Turkish fans are great.'

'I feel very comfortable in Istanbul and am proud to be here. Above all, I am very happy to be in the Final Four, it is a great experience to be here.'

Courtesy of Euroleague


Olympiacos beats FC Barcelona Regal, joins CSKA Moscow in the Final - by Eurobasket News

Olympiacos Piraeus will play for its second Euroleague crown on Sunday after outlasting FC Barcelona Regal 68-64 in another thrilling semifinal showdown at the 2012 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four at Istanbuls Sinan Erdem Arena on Friday. Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) starred for Coach Ivkovic's squad with 21 points and 6 assists the last of which to Joey Dorsey (206-C/F-83, college: Memphis) put the Reds up two possessions with 16.1 seconds to go and paved the way to victory. Olympiacos led for much of the contest, but Barcelona never fell too far behind and was always in the thick of the hunt. But in the end Olympiacos got the job done at both ends and pulled out a tough win to get back to the title game for the second time in three years. Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) added 14 points for the winners. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) paced Barcelona with 18 points and Boni Ndong had 10 in defeat. Barcelona was hindered by poor three-point shooting 3 of 19 (15.8%) which cancelled out its 33-43 rebounding edge. Olympiacos made 9 of 20 from downtown (45%).

Vassilis Spanoulis opened the game with a three-pointer and Evangelos Mantzaris (196-G-90) also banked one in, before Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) drove to the basket for a layup and an 8-0 Olympiacos lead. Barcelona was held scoreless for the first four minutes, missed all 4 field-goals attempts and turned the ball over twice as well. But Erazem Lorbek scored in the low post to end the drought, and after Spanoulis answered with a layup, Boniface Ndong had a monster slam-dunk and Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports) drove to the basket to cut it to 10-6. Spanoulis hit another three, but Ndong scored a basket-and-foul to keep Barca close. Both head-coaches used nine players in the first eight minutes of the game, trying to keep a high energy level, and one of the players off the bench, Printezis, made a layup and 2 free-throws to put the Reds up 17-9. Before the quarter expired, Victor Sada (192-G-84) had a put-back dunk and it was 17-11 after the first 10 minutes.

Ko Sloukas and Francisco Vasquez (203-C-83) made shots in the paint at the beginning of the second quarter, and C.J. Wallace and Kostas Papanikolau traded threes couple of minutes later. Navarro scored his first points of the game after more than 12 minutes of play as Barcelona hit only one of its first 10 shots from behind the arc, but made that up with 9 offensive boards in that span. Lorbek in the post, and Perovic with a mid-range jumper, brought Barcelona within 2. Navarro drove to the basket to tie the score at 24-24. Acie Law hit a jumper for Olympiacos, but Navarro answered with a triple to give Barcelona its first lead, 26-27, with a little more than three minutes to go in the half. That lead lasted only for a few seconds because Spanoulis and Joey Dorsey both found their way to the basket to give Olympiacos another 4-point advantage. Barcelona kept the pressure on the offensive boards to stay within a possession of its opponents. Ndong tipped-in Lorbeks miss, but Olympiacos had the last word in the half when Spanoulis assisted Dorsey for a stunning alley-oop slam that gave the Reds a 33-29 lead at the break.

Spanoulis started the second half just like he did the first, with a three-pointer. Victor Sada answered with a runner, but Printezis hit another three to make it an 8-point game once again. The scoring spree continued with Navarro and Vasquez making buckets on one side, and Hines and Printezis on the other for a 43-37 lead four minutes in the second half. Pete Mickeal and Vasquez continued Barcelonas dominance in the paint by cutting the deficit to 43-41. Printezis scored inside and Lorbek made a hook-shot from close range, only to see Papanikolau hit a three-pointer and Law sink a long jump shot to make it 50-43. Before the end of the period Navarro and Lorbek made sure Olympiacos would go into the last 10 minutes trailing only 50-47.

Spanoulis and Antic gave Olympiacos another jump-start into the quarter, extending the lead to 54-47. After Huertas made an easy layup, Spanoulis made a jumper, but Navarro hit a three to keep Barcelona close. Both teams significantly stepped up on defense, before Sada was left wide-open for a jumper and Dorsey made an uncontested dunk. Barcelona countered with Navarros trademark La Bomba shot, but Printezis hit a big three-pointer to make it 61-56 with four-and-a-half minutes to go. Papanikolau and Mantzaris failed to add to the tally each making only 1 of 2 free throws, so Lorbek and Mickeal cut the lead to 63-59 with 2 minutes left in the game. After an offensive foul by Law, Navarro calmly sank a pair of free throws but Spanoulis had an answer hitting a three over Huertas to give his team 66-61 advantage. In the next 20 seconds, though, Ndong drew couple of fouls and hit three of four free throws to make it a 66-64. After that one miss, Olympiacos did not manage to control the rebound but Huertas missed a three-pointer that would put Barca in the lead with 35 seconds left. Instead, Dorsey fought in the paint making a layup while being fouled. He missed the free throw leaving the score 68-64 with 16.1 seconds to go. It was all over when Ndong missed a hook-shot on the next possession. Mantzaris grabbed the rebound and an army of Olympiacos fans could celebrate.

Courtesy of Euroleague


CSKA Moscow grabs 66-64 thriller win against Panathinaikos, advances to Big Final - by Eurobasket News

CSKA Moscow survived one of the greatest semifinal games in Euroleague history to edge mighty Panathinaikos 66-64 in the opener of the 2012 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four at Sinan Erdem Arena in Istanbul. The game went down to the wire and the Greens had a chance to tie it or win it on the last possession, but CSKA's rock-solid defense denied the Greek champs even a shot. Now CSKA will get a chance to play for its sixth Euroleague title in the final game on Sunday against the winner of Fridays second semifinal between FC Barcelona Regal and Olympiacos Piraeus. Panathinaikos simply dominated early and led by double figures for most of the first quarter, which ended at 15-29. However a record-setting defensive effort by CSKA carried the Russian champs back to tie it before Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) put Panathinaikos ahead 32-34 at halftime. CSKA took its first lead early in the third quarter and what ensued from then on was a basketball classic for the ages. Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) led the winners with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocked shots. Alexey Shved added 15 points including several clutch fourth-quarter scores and Milos Teodosic (195-G-87), who nailed the go-ahead bucket with 38.1 seconds to go, scored 12. Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) paced Panathinaikos with a season-high 19 points, but lost for the first time in his fifth Final Four. Batiste added 11 points, Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) tallied 10 plus 6 assists and Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) posted 10 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in defeat.

Aleks Maric opened the scoring with a dunk and a layup, assisted by Jasikevicius and Diamantidis, respectively. CSKA Moscow opened its account through a pair of Teodosic free-throws, but went on to missed its next 8 field-goal attempts. Maric scored a second dunk in the first three minutes before leaving the game, and his sub Batiste continued to hurt CSKA inside by scoring 5 points and drawing 2 fouls while giving Panathinaikos a 2-11 lead little more than three minutes of play. Ramunas Siskauskas finally scored for CSKA after an offensive rebound, but Romain Sato hit a three-pointer and Diamantidis drove to the basket to make it 4-16. Other than being 12 points behind, CSKA had problems with Kirilenko and Nenad Kristic both having 2 personal fouls. Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) and Jasikevicius then trade threes as Panathinaikos scored 19 points in less than five minutes of the game. On the other side of the floor, CSKA just could not find its shooting touch with Andrey Vorontsevitch and Teodosic missing 3 three-pointers on a single possession. Sasha Kaun and Alexey Sheved tried to get CSKAs offense going, but Jasikevicius hit a runner and a layup to make it a 14-point game and it was 15-29 at the end of first quarter after David Logan scored a coast-to-coast layup as time expired.

Krstic and Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) each scored twice from the charity stripe to close the gap to 10 points as CSKA stepped up on defense in the paint with Krstic blocking 2 shots and making a steal. But Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida) hit an open three-pointer from the left corner to make it 19-32 and force Coach Jonas Kazlauskas to call a timeout. A physical game offered low scoring, and Kirilenkos basket-plus-foul with less than five minutes remaining in the half was the first field-goal for CSKA in the second quarter. Darjus Lavrinovic cut the deficit to single digits a minute later, and Shveds coast-to-coast lay-up made it 26-32 with three minutes to play in the half. Panathinaikos had a very few open looks in the second quarter against CSKAs tough defense, and when the Greens did get an open shot, Kaimakoglou and Jaskievicius missed threes. On the other end, Teodosic and Kirilenko made three of 5 free-throws, and then Teodosic found Kirilenko in transition for an open three-pointer that capped a 13-0 run and tied the game at 32-32. Batiste answered with a layup that finally ended the Greens six-minute scoring drought and made it 32-34 at halftime.

Teodosic and Krstic hooked up on a pick-and-roll at the start of the third quarter, while Jasikevicius drove to the basket and hit a three-pointer to keep Panathinaikos in front. CSKA was again down by only 1 after Krstic was successful in the low-post and Siskauskas was rewarded with an easy layup. When Kirilenko hit a three-pointer a couple of possessions later, CSKA grabbed its first lead of the game, 41-39. Kaimakoglou answered with a three, and Khryapa threw an alley-oop for Kirilenko as both teams looked like they found their offense. A three by Diamantidis was followed up with Kaimakoglous basket-plus-foul for 46-50 Panathinaikos advantage. Both teams continued to make plays, with Kirilenko hustling for a tough layup and Shved making an impossible three, while Diamantidis drove through the crow to keep Panathinaikos up by 4 with and give his team 51-55 lead going into the final 10 minutes of the game.

Batiste sank 2 free throws and Kirilenko made a turnaround jumper to start the fourth quarter. CSKA went on a 7-0 run with a tough three-pointer by Teodosic and an easy layup by Krstic, but Jasikevicius hit a jumper to put Panathinaikos back up 58-59 with seven minutes to go. Seconds later Batiste went to the bench with 4 personal fouls, however no team scored in more than three minutes before Shved cut through the opposing defense for a reverse layup. After couple of turnovers, one on each side, Saras simply took over when he was needed most. With less than three minutes left, he sank a floater to give his team the lead, stole a ball and sank a three for 60-64. But after a timeout by Kazlauskas, Shved got a lucky bounce to cut the deficit, and then made 1 of 2 free throws to get CSKA to 63-64. Now coach Zeljko Obradovic called a timeout with 1 minute and 26 seconds to go as everything was set for a wild finish. Batiste missed a hook-shot in a mismatch with Siskauskas, then Teodosic hit a huge jumper immediately after his own in-bound pass to put CSKA up 65-64 with 38.1 seconds left on the clock. Jasikevicius tried to answer right back, but his attempt to drive to the basket was not successful. Shved went to the line with 21 seconds left in the game and hit only the first free throw, but Batiste did not manage to secure the defensive rebound. The ball went to CSKA and they ran 11 seconds off the clock before Teodosic was fouled. But he missed both free-throws giving Panathinaikos 8.3 seconds for the final possession. But CSKAs great defense stymied the Greens, who did not get off a final shot, which allowed CSKA to celebrate a tough win and move on to Sundays final!

Courtesy of Euroleague


CSKA sets defensive mark - by Eurobasket News

CSKA Moscow established a new Final Four era defensive record in the second quarter of the first game at the 2012 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four. The Russian champs limited Panathinaikos to 5 points, which represents the fewest points ever scored in a single quarter in a Final Four game. CSKA's defensive efforts not carried the team back from a double-digit deficit, but eclipsed the previous mark of 6. That record was set in the semifinals of the 2003 Final Four in Barcelona, where Montepaschi Siena held Benetton Treviso to 6 points in the third quarter.

Courtesy of Euroleague


2012 NIJT: Day One review - by Eurobasket News

GROUP A

Anadolu Efes - Lietuvos Rytas 69-88
Lietuvos Rytas started 2012 Nike International Junior Tournament in style. The Lithuanians handed 88-69 loss to Anadolu Efes at Abdi Ipekci Arena on Thursday afternoon. Both teams are placed to Group A, together with Crvena Zvezda and Barcelona. Lietuvos Rytas and Crvena Zvezda have 1-0 record now. Tautvydas Jodelis (194-G-94) stepped up for Rytas with 22 points, including five triples. Edvinas Seskus (191-F-95) had 19 points and Alvydas Zarskus (205-C-94) helped with 14 points, plus 9 rebs. In the loosing squad, Burak Yildizli (200-F-94) shined with 23 pts and Cedi Osman (195-PG-95) added 20 points, plus 7 rebs. Efes opened the game with 10-2 lead and later finished first period with 22-17. The Turkish squad jumped to plus 10 at the beginning of Q2, but than Tautvydas Jodelis and his teammates took control on Efes cutting the margin to 37-41. They exploded in the second half to celebrate comfortable victory at the end. Anadolu Efes will take on Crvena Zvezda today, while Rytas will meet Barcelona.

Anadolu Efes: Burak Yildizli 23, Cedi Osman 20+7 boards
Lietuvos Rytas: Tautvydas Jodelis 22, Edvinas Seskus 19, Alvydas Zarskus 14+9 boards


Crvena Zvezda - FC Barcelona Regal 86-77
2012 Nike International Junior Tournament started yesterday at Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul. The tenth edition of this tournament started with the game Crvena Zvezda - FC Barcelona Regal. The Serbian team celebrated 86-77 victory in this meeting for 1-0 record in Group A. Dusan Ristic (210-C/F-95) led the winners with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Point guard Nikola Rebic (186-PG-95) chipped in 17 points and five assists, while Brano Djukanovic (193-G-95) scored 15 points. Ludvig Hakanson (190-PG-96) answered with 14 points for Barcelona and another Swedish player Nicholas Spires (210-C/F-94) added 13. Alexandre Zhigulin (202-F-94) followed them with 10 points. Barcelona had better start as they made 6-point lead late in the first period. Dusan Ristic and his teammates replied with 14-5 run and later finished the first half with minimum lead, 36-35. The Serbian team jumped to 56-46 at the middle of Q3 and later increased their lead to plus 14. It was too much for Barcelona for rest of the way. Today, Crvena Zvezda will meet Anadolu Efes. Barcelona will play against Lietuvos Rytas.

Crvena Zvezda: Dusan Ristic 23+12 boards, Nikola Rebic 17+5 as, Brano Djukanovic 15
FC Barcelona Regal: Ludvig Hakanson 14, Nicholas Spires 13, Alexandre Zhigulin 10


GROUP B

KK Zagreb - Fenerbahce Ulker 79-76
KK Zagreb started NIJT title defense with victory. They grabbed 79-76 win against Fenerbahce Ulker yesterday for 1-0 record in Group B. The game was played at Abdi Ipecki Arena in Istanbul. 2011 NIJT MVP Dario Saric (208-F/C-94) demonstrated wonderful performance in this meeting. He had 26 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals, reaching valuation 48. Dominik Mavra (195-G-94) led Zagreb in scoring with 32 points and he also had 6 rebounds, plus 4 assists. In defeat, Metecan Birsen (205-F/G-95) was better that the others with 22 points and Umar Atin (199-F-94) scored 15. Fenerbahce Ulker had 19-23 lead after 10 minutes, but Zagreb quickly responded with 16-1 run and later went to the halftime break with 41-36. Third quarter belonged to Fener (11-18), who later was 71-74 up with 1:29 remaining in the game. Dario Saric and Dominik Mavra led Zagreb to 8-2 run in the finish, what was enough for the victory. Zagreb will play against Team China today. Fener will meet Zalgiris.

KK Zagreb: Dominik Mavra 32+6 boards+4 as, Dario Saric 26+17 boards+6 as+5 st
Fenerbahce Ulker: Metecan Birsen 22, Umar Atin 15


Team China - Zalgiris 76-107
2012 Nike International Junior Tournament started yesterday at the Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul. Zalgiris demonstrated its power against Team China celebrating 107-76 victory. Both teams are placed to Group B. Rokas Gustys (197-F-94) was the leading player in victory with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Justas Tamulis (194-G-94) also was great scoring 18 points and Mantvydas Staselis (190-G-94) added two less. In Team China, Gao Shang (197-G/F-94) led the way with 32 points and 6 boards. Huaibo Dai stopped to 13 points. Zalgiris dominated from the beginning and created 33-15 lead already in the first quarter. They made 28-17 in Q2 and 23-18 after the breather for 84-50 lead with ten minutes to go. Rest of the game was just the formality. Today, Zalgiris will take on Fenerbache Ulker. Team China will play against the reigning champions KK Zagreb.

Team China: Gao Shang 32+6 boards, Huaibo Dai 13
Zalgiris: Rokas Gustys 20+9 boards, Justas Tamulis 18, Mantvydas Staselis 16


2012 Euroleague Final four: Our thoughts.. - by Dimitris Katsionis

Cska Moscow vs Panathinaikos and Regal Barcelona vs Olympiakos today in Istanbul. The four coaches worked a lot for this and prepare their strategy. Lets see some things..

Pasqual will probably start Victor Sada (his toughest perimeter player) on Spanoulis with Chuck Eidson as a secondary option. We have seen in the pat Juan Carlos Navarro defending (most times successfully) the opponents best perimeter weapon but today this will be very risky. First of all Pasqual has to protect him from his injury and keep him fresh and secondary Spanoulis's aggressive style (plays with a lot of contacts and uses his body to attack straight to the rim) may put La Bomba in early foul troubles. Do you remember Prague's semifinal against CSKA (2006) when Trajan Langdon posted him from the start..?

Dusan Ivkovic prepared youngster Mantzaris to guard Juan Carlos Navarro. Olympiakos targets to send La Bomba deep in the paint for a lay up in front of Reds's towers. Finishing at the rim is Navarro's weakest point..If the Greek team manage to do this, its defense will be successful, no matter if the 32 year-old Spanish score or not.. Kostas Papanikolaou is ready for Pete Michael with the advantage that he has the ability to follow Barcelona's ''clutch'' weapon both inside and outside of the paint.

Olympiakos plays transition offense very effectively, like a Spanish team.. I dare to say better than any Spanish team (except Real Madrid..). Ivkovic wants to settle a fast tempo to the game to see his players run. He knows that the opponents half court defense (the best in the competition) does not give you much room for dreaming. The Greek team targets a 70-75 possessions game in addition with Pasqual's team which plays in a lower tempo and run a very effective half court offense based on cooperation and speed in small distance. Olympiakos must score at least 70 to be really competitive for the win..

KEY PLAYER: Acie Law. The Reds need his boost and personality to set their tempo.

CSKA-PANATHINAIKOS

Zeliko Obradovic faces the leagues favorite and this is a big challenge. CSKA has the most balanced offense in the competition sharing its shots perfectly to the frontcourt and the guards. The Serbian coach targets on CSKA's offensive creators. Milos Teodosic (mainly), Alexey Shved and Victor Khryapa. Teodosic runs a very cooperative offense with continuously motion from many athletic players who combine the speed of a guard and the above the rim game of a big man. Especially the forwards's line with Kirilenko-Khryapa-Vorontsevich is something incredible on both offensive and defensive end. Don't forget that the Russians have the best inside offense in the league, based on Nenad Krstic, their No1 offensive weapon.

However, Panathinaikos had some very good minutes against CSKA in the two regular season's games. He showed that he can be really competitive against the leagues best team so far. The Greek team is very experienced and Obradovic knows what to do to win, focusing on:

1.) Defensive rebound: Panathinaikos must win this with every cost.. CSKA has players with great second and third jumps in the same claiming, so the Greens have to be very careful.
2.) Three point shots: Its simple. Panathinaikos cant win tonight without having a good night from the arc. CSKA's forwards unconsciously) close inside (it's their blocking ability that have in mind) when the opponent drives to the rim. That means good looks from the perimeter (especially from the corners) for Obradovic's players.

KEY PLAYER: I just can't imagine how Panathinaikos can win without a great performance from Romain Sato. He is a little bit logy lately and Obradovic considers to start Kaimakoglou at ''3'' but Sato's physical strength maybe is the answer to Kazlauskas's forwards..


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  FINLAND   


Eurobasket.com All-Finnish Korisliiga Awards 2011-12 - by Eurobasket

Eurobasket.com All-Finnish Korisliiga 1st Team 2012
#s#
Martin Zeno
Zeno
Jared Newson
Newson
Tim Blue
Blue
Damon Williams
Williams
Sami Lehtoranta
Lehtoranta
#e#5

Player of the Year: Martin Zeno (196-G-85) of Nilan Bisons
Guard of the Year: Martin Zeno (196-G-85) of Nilan Bisons
Forward of the Year: Tim Blue (205-F-84) of KTP
Center of the Year: Sami Lehtoranta (205-C/F-79) of Kataja
Import Player of the Year: Martin Zeno (196-G-85) of Nilan Bisons
Domestic Player of the Year: Sami Lehtoranta (205-C/F-79) of Kataja
Defensive Player of the Year: Kelly Beidler (199-F-88) of Kauhajoki
Coach of the Year: Greg Gibson of Nilan Bisons

1st Team
G: Martin Zeno (196-85) of Nilan Bisons
G/F: Jared Newson (195-84) of Kataja
F: Damon Williams (201-73) of Pyrinto
F: Tim Blue (205-84) of KTP
C/F: Sami Lehtoranta (205-79) of Kataja

2nd Team
PG: Clevin Hannah (180-87) of Kauhajoki
G: Jeb Ivey (190-80) of Nilan Bisons
F: Antwine Williams (192-75) of Pyrinto
F: Kelly Beidler (199-88) of Kauhajoki
F/C: Antti Nikkila (210-78) of Pyrinto

Honorable Mention
B.A. Walker (188-G-84) of Kataja
Kenneth Lowe (192-G-80) of Pyrinto
Chase Griffin (188-G-83) of ToPo
Tony Crocker (201-G/F-87) of KTP
Lawrence Hamm (198-F-84) of LrNMKY
Allen Durham (198-F-88) of Salon Vilpas
John Fields (205-F-88) of Salon Vilpas
Anthony Brown (203-F-86) of Kouvot
Malik Moore (192-G-77) of Namika Lahti

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Mikko Koivisto (194-87) of Nilan Bisons
G: Antero Lehto (184-84) of Pyrinto
F: Matti Nuutinen (200-90) of Nilan Bisons
F/C: Antti Nikkila (210-78) of Pyrinto
C/F: Sami Lehtoranta (205-79) of Kataja

All-Imports Team
G: Martin Zeno (196-85) of Nilan Bisons
G/F: Jared Newson (195-84) of Kataja
F: Tim Blue (205-84) of KTP
F: Damon Williams (201-73) of Pyrinto
F: Kelly Beidler (199-88) of Kauhajoki

All-Defensive Team
Kelly Beidler (199-F-88) of Kauhajoki
Damon Williams (201-F-73) of Pyrinto
Tim Blue (205-F-84) of KTP
John Fields (205-F-88) of Salon Vilpas
Nigel Moore (195-F/G-81) of Korihait


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  FRANCE   


Nancy signs Jimmy Baxter for rest of the season - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Florida) became a new member of SLUC Nancy. Tariq Kirksay (199-F-79, college: Iona) turned down the proposal from Nancy and after that the team decided to bring in Baxter. The experienced American arrives to Nancy from the ProB team Bourg. He joined them in March averaging 18.5 points, 4.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds for 6 games. Baxter started the season with Krka Novo Mesto, but they parted ways in December. A month later he moved to Greek Ikaros. There, Baxter had 12.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 2 apg for 12 games. Jimmy Baxter spent 2010/11 season in Greece as well. He had 15.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 2 apg for 22 games with Ilysiakos. After that, the played moved to Iran. Jimmy Baxter changed many teams in the past. He has experience from Turkey, Belgium, Italy and Portugal.


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  FYR MACEDONIA   


Bo McCalebb selected the top FYR Macedonian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Bo McCalebb
Bo McCalebb
   #1. This week's number one is an international point guard Bo McCalebb (183-85, college: New Orleans). He led Montepaschi Siena to an easy victory against the 15th-ranked Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (12-20) crushing them 113-57 in the Italian SerieA in Sunday night's game. McCalebb recorded 14 points, 9 assists and 3 steals in 24 minutes on the court. Montepaschi Siena (24-8) is placed first in the SerieA. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical. McCalebb has relatively good stats this year: 13.9ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.5apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 63.0%(133-211), 3FGP: 35.7% and FT: 77.0% in the 31 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.

Jeremiah Massey
Jeremiah Massey
   #2. Second place goes to former international forward Jeremiah Massey (202-82, college: Kansas St.), who plays in Russia. He could not help Lokomotiv (9-7) in their last game on Thursday. Despite Massey's very good performance the fourth-placed Lokomotiv was defeated 91-83 on the road by the higher-ranked Lietuvos rytas (#3) in the group B of VTB United League. He was the top scorer with 22 points. Massey also added 3 assists. Massey belongs to league's best rebounders and is ranked #7. He has very reliable stats this season: 13.3ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 54.3%, 3FGP: 32.5% and FT: 77.9%. Massey is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Massey played also for the FYR Macedonian national team in 2009. Apparently he has never played in FYR Macedonia.

Marques Green
Marques Green
   #3. The FYR Macedonian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international point guard Marques Green (167-82, college: St.Bonaventure). Green led Air Avellino to a victory over the closely-ranked Umana Venezia (17-15) 95-90 in the Italian SerieA on Sunday night. He was MVP of the game. Green had a double-double by scoring 32 points and making 10 passes. He also added 6 rebounds and 4 steals in 40 minutes. Sidigas Avellino (15-17) is placed ninth in the SerieA. The Regular Season already ended. Green is currently fifth on the list of top scorers and also on the list of best passers (first place). He has individually a very good year with high stats. Green averages: 16.1ppg, 4.5rpg, 6.5apg, 2.5spg, 2FGP: 41.5%, 3FGP: 39.7% and FT: 87.0% in the 32 games. He is a naturalized American. Despite Green played previously for the USA national team, he played also for the FYR Macedonian national team in 2010. Interesting that Green has never played in FYR Macedonia.

Predrag Samardziski
Predrag Samardziski
   #4. Center Predrag Samardziski (214-86, agency: Beo Basket) faced previously mentioned Jeremiah Massey in the VTB United League last game. Samardziski contributed to a Lietuvos rytas' victory against the closely-ranked Lokomotiv (9-7) 91-83. He recorded 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Samardziski's overall stats this season are: 6.2ppg and 4.0rpg. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Samardziski is currently in the FYR Macedonian national team roster.

Vojdan Stojanovski
Vojdan Stojanovski
   #5. International guard Vojdan Stojanovski (193-87) was not able to help BC Donetsk (31-8) in their game against Ferro-ZNTU (23-16) in the Ukrainian Superleague. He scored 5 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished 6 assists in 27 minutes. The league leader BC Donetsk was badly defeated 86-67 at home by the lower-ranked (#4) Ferro-ZNTU. This year Stojanovski has relatively solid stats: 10.7ppg, 3.3rpg and 2.4apg in the 23 games. He plays currently for the FYR Macedonian national team.

Darius Washington
Darius Washington
   #6. Point guard Darius Washington (188-85, college: Memphis), who plays in the Puerto Rican BSN was not able to secure a victory for Quebradillas (2-2) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Washington's very good performance Quebradillas (#3) was defeated 86-79 in Arecibo by the lower-ranked Capitanes (#5) in the Top 6 group. He was the top scorer with 22 points. Washington also added 6 rebounds and dished 4 assists. This season Washington has very high stats. He averages: 15.8ppg, 4.5rpg and 3.8apg. Washington is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Washington is also an international player who is currently on the senior FYR Macedonian National Team roster. However he has never played in FYR Macedonia.

Damjan Stojanovski
Damjan Stojanovski
   #7. International forward Damjan Stojanovski (197-87) managed to help Lukoil Academik Sofia in a victory against the fifth-ranked Euroins Cherno More (10-18) crushing them 89-57 in the Bulgarian NBL in Wednesday night's game. Stojanovski recorded 5 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 24 minutes. Lukoil Academik Sofia (25-3) is placed first in the NBL. This year Stojanovski's overall stats are: 6.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.2apg and 1.3spg in the 29 games. He is also FYR Macedonian national team player.

Other top FYR Macedonian players, who play abroad:

Pero Antic (210-F-82) plays for Olympiacos in Greek A1
Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81) plays for Unics Kazan in Russian PBL
Vlado Ilievski (189-PG-80) plays for Lokomotiv in Russian PBL
Kevin Fletcher (207-C-80) plays for Otto Caserta in Italian SerieA
Riste Stefanov (198-G-81) plays for Ilysiakos in Greek A1
Nenad Zivcevic (204-F-87) plays for Sundsvall Dragons in Swedish Basketligan
Blagoj Janev (203-F-84) plays for Thor Thorl in Icelandic Express L.
Nenad Vujadinovic (202-F-64) plays for Soproni in Hungarian A Division

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


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  GERMANY   


The Hertener Lions Bring In Johannes Grote. - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO B team RheinLand Versicherungen Hertener Lions continue to look forward to next season by hauling in Johannes Grote (C-91) who will be making his debut in the German PRO B. Grote is a 21 year old 207cm center who played for SVD 49 Dortmund (Regionalliga) the last two seasons. 'Joe is capable of making some wind in practice. With his 115 kilos, he brings a lot of physicalness. He has the desire to learn. That was another reason to make the contract with him. I am sure we will have a lot of happiness with him', stressed Herten head coach Dirk Altenbeck. 'I am very happy about moving to the PRO B and Herten. I am sure that I can learn a lot under the new coach. I also will also learn from Christoph Hackenesch. I am looking forward to the team, and fans in Herten', explained Johannes Grote.

Source: RheinLand Versicherungen Hertener Lions


Steffen Hummelt Stays With BSV Wulfen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


PRO B club BSV Wulfen will keep Steffen Hummelt (196-F-84) for a ffith season. Hummelt is a 28 year old 201cm forward that has played 44 games in the PRO B for BSV Wulfen. Last season the captain of BSV Wulfen played 22 games averaging 2,4ppg. Before coming to BSV Wulfen, the German played for UBC Munster, Paderborn 91 (2.Bundesliga), and Benslips Baskets Salzkotten (Regionalliga). Hummelt is now the fourth player that has been resigned for the new season with Hendrik Bellscheidt (SG), Steffen Hummelt (196-F-84) (SG), Thorben Vadder (PF) und Philipp Mazur (C).

Source: BSV Wulfen


Daniel Lieneke Leaves The Webmoebel Baskets Paderborn - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

A cult figure in the Paderborn basketball community with Daniel Lieneke (200-G-81) has left and will go back to the team that he started his career with to cooperation partner ACCENT Baskets Salzkotten. Last season, the 30 year old 201cm player played 30 games: 4.5ppg, 1.4rpg for Paderborn in the PRO A. 'It was a tough decision to go against the Baskets, but take for my job future. I have exams coming up and I just cant combine everything. I am thankful for the 9 years in paderborn with the highs and lows', stated Daniel Lieneke. 'It is a pity that he won't play for us in the next season. Of course we would have liked to have had him next season, but his job future just didn't allow it. He was always an identification figure and did much for this team. We are happy that he will stay in the region and will be happy to see him as much as possible in our gym', stated Webmoebel baskets sport director Dirk Happe. He played a total of 237 games for Paderborn.

Source: Webmoebel Baskets Paderborn




Sebastian Koehnert Gets Contract Extension With The White Wings Hanau - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


Contract extentions keep popping up daily in the PRO B like black clouds do in the sky with the current humid weather in Germany as Sebastian Koehnert got a two year extenstion. Koehnert is a 28 year old 187cm guard that strated his basketball career in 2003 with MTV Kronberg. Last season for Hanau heplayed 23 games: 8.6ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 85.3%. 'Sebastian playes consistent at a high level, so it was only logical to keep him. We were able to keep a consistent player and aguy who is able to identify with team and city', stressed White Wings manager Thorsten Wunschmann. 'I feel very comfortable here, the club is developing well and also the sport perspective is here. It was easy for me to stay here. The second season in a new league is often more difficult than the first. But I am sure that we will have another competitive team and play a similar role as last season', warned Sebastian Koehnert (187-G-83)

Source: White Wings Hanau


Achmadschah Zazai (LTi Giessen 46ers) I Think Alba Berlin Will Win The Championship! They have Enough Winning Guys On The Team - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Achmadschah Zazai (177-PG-86) is a 25 year old German/Afghani 177 cm guard that is playing for the Lti Giessen 46ers. He started his basketball career for TUS Lichterfelde Berlin (2.Bundesliga) in 2003 and played there until 2005. In the 2005-2006 season, he played for SG FT/MTV Braunschweig (2.Bundesliga) playing 28 games and averaging 6.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 48.3%, 3FGP: 26.9%, FT: 75.0%. In 2006-2007, he played for BSG Ludwigsburg (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 15 games averaging 19.3ppg, and also had a license for EnBW Ludwigsburg (1. Bundesliga) playing 12 games and averaging 1.1ppg. In 2007-2008, he played for the Bremen Roosters (Germany-ProA) playing 14 games averaging 3.4ppg, 1.1apg, and then went to Denmark to play for Horsens IC playing 8 games and averaging 9.8ppg, 3.0rpg, Assists-3 (4.5apg), 2.4spg, 2FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 92.0%. In 2008-2009, he played for Telemotive Muenchen (Germany-ProB) playing 25 games averaging 13.6ppg, 2.4rpg, Assists-4 (5.5apg), Steals-5 (2.2spg), FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 82.4%. In 2009-2010 he played for Freiburg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 14 games: 10.4ppg, 2.5rpg, Assists-5 (4.9apg), Steals-1 (2.4spg), FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 21.8%, FT: 76.0%. Last season, he played for : BV Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA, starting five): 30 games: 11.6ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-2 (5.9apg), Steals-4 (2.1spg), FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 64.7% He spoke to eurobasket about the 2012 Beko BBL playoffs.

A tough loss in Hagen. Was this your toughest loss in your career?


Its was tough for me! I Never move Down in my career but this is where you get experience!

How confident are you that the Lti Giessen 46ers will get a wildcard and play Beko BBL next season?


I Hope they get the wildcard because this Team has to be in the Beko BBL! I like to go back there!

What are your goals this summer and basketball career for next season?

I will practice so hart this summer then never before! I want and I will get the Chance to lead a Team!

What will be key for Bonn/Bamberg to win their series?


Bamberg will make it because they have the deeper Rotation!

What is your prediction of this series? Will Bonn get swept?


I think Bonn will get swept! They have a Chance at home only!

What will be key for Ulm/Braunschweig in getting to the next round?

Ulm will Take them Down! They have really good chemistry and they are simply a better team than Braunschweig


What is your prediction of this series. Can the Phantoms make the upset?


I dont think so because they were struggling the whole season!

What will be key for Alba Berlin/Wurzburg in getting to the next round?

I think Alba Berlin is going win the Championship! They have enough winning guys on the Team !

What is your prediction can Wurzburg grind down Alba Berlin in a five game series?


I think in 4 Games for Alba Berlin.

The most interesting series could be Artland/Munich. What does each team have to do to advance?


This can go either way I think Munich is doing it!

Will this series go five games and who will advance?


It will go to Five Games and somebody will win with a buzzer beater!

Thanks Achmadschah for the chat.


Kyle Hines ( Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus) It Was A Great Experience Being Able To Play In Bamberg And Win 2 Titles - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


Kyle Hines (198-F-86) is a 25 year old 198cm power forward from Sicklerville, New Jersey that is playing his first season with Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece). He is a powerful player who loves to attack the basket. Has a good 1-vs-1 game and likes to go inside. He is undersized to play the power forward, but his great wingspan (7-1) allows him to guard taller players and to intimidate. He's also a great leaper and reads the opponent's game well He played at NC-Greensboro (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 19.2ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.8spg, 3.1bpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3Pts: 12.5%, FT: 62.8%. He was invited to play at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 17.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.3apg, 2.3spg, 3.3bpg, FGP: 78.6%, FT: 72.7%. He then had predraft workouts with Sacramento Kings and the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA). He then went to Europe to Italy and played with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 34 games: 16.9ppg, Reb-4 (8.6rpg), 3.0spg, Blocks-2 (1.8bpg), FGP-2 (66.0%), FT: 58.5%. In 2009, he took part in the Orlando Pro Summer League (Oklahoma City Thunder). In 2009-2010, he stayed in Italy with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 40 games: 18.5ppg, 8.1rpg, Steals-2 (3.5spg), Blocks-4 (1.6bpg), FGP-3 (64.0%), 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 57.8%. He played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (New Orleans Hornets) in the summer of 2010. Last season he played for the Brose Baskets Bamberg (Germany-1.Bundesliga): Euroleague: 10 games: 12.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 64.3%, FT: 46.7%; German League: 46 games: 10.4ppg, 4.6rpg, Blocks-3 (1.2bpg), FGP-3 (61.1%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 52.4%. He won the double with Bamberg last season. He spoke to eurobasket before the Euroleague Final 4 in Turkey.

You are playing your first season for top European team Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus. Has this season been everything thing that you have dreamed of?


Yes it has. We have achieved many goals and have reached the Euroleague Final 4. If we continue to improve then I think that we can still achieve many things this season.

Is ist like a dream playing with top players like Joey Dorsey, Acie Law, Vassilis Spannoulis, Pero Antic and Lazarzs Papadopoulos?


For me its like a dream being able to play with them each day. For me it is a learning experience each day. They also have been a big reason why the team has improved so much this season. Have of the team is 23 or younger and they have benefited a lot from them?

Panathinaikos Athens and Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus are fighting to win the league title. What will be key at the end to win it all?


I think the most important thing will be having the home court advantage. The fans are so crazy here and the atmosphere is always great, but for us it is better to play at home because we feel most comfortable there. We have lost only once at home. Panathinaikos have many experienced guys and are always tough to play, but we have to put them in uncomfortable situations.

What is your nicest memory of the big 78-77 win at home against Panathinaikos Athens?


We lost the first game away and there we already felt like we were as good or better but that loss gave us experience and in the second game we knew that we could beat them. It is always important to play consistent against them for 40 minutes. If you dont do it then they find a way to take advantage of your mistakes. We feel we are a better team after the second game.

How difficult is it playing against Mike Batiste?

He is a good player with a lot of experience and it is never easy playing against him. It is always a good matchup against him. We played against each other three times and I think all three games were pretty even.

What has been the most crazy experience that you have seen in Greece this season on the court?


The fans are very passionate here especially with the rivarly that Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus and Panathinaikos Athens have. I have had quite some crazy experiences, but it is too difficult to explain how the atmosphere is in the arenas. One really needs to see it live. There are so many emotions in this rivarly.

How are Chris Fleming and Dusan Iukovic different in their coaching style?


Both are great coaches. Iukovic has so much experience and has won so much. Chris Fleming is more of a teacher and is more patient and less of a screamer while Iukovic is more emotional and more of a screamer.

Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus is in the 2012 Euroleague Final 4 with Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus, ZSKA Moscow and FC Barcelona. Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus playes FC Barcelona. What can we await from the Final 4?


I am really looking forward to this Euroleague Final 4. FC Barcelona is a very strong and experienced team. They have been together for a while. We have to play with a lot of energy and play fast paced which is our strength. Teams usually cant match up with our speed. ZSKA Moscow is the favourite. They have one of their strongest teams in the last 4-5 years. But it is one game and anything can happen.

How much are you looking forward to playing against Pete Micheal?


He is one of the best players at his position. It is always a challenge playing against a player of his talent. I will need to be physical against him and not let him get easy baskets.

Have you ever played in a louder arena than the Peace & Friendship arena where Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus plays?


No I dont I have. The fans are so passionate and it is amazing playing in an atmopshere like that.

What is your favourite place in Athens?


I like to be at TGI Fridays, but at Grafada where I live it is nice to walk around as there are many restaurants and cafes and it is by the water.

How much do you miss the Brose Baskets Bamberg? You were one of the first to congratulate the team after their 2012 cup win.


I miss Bamberg a lot. I still keep in touch with the players, coaches and fans. It was a great experience being able to play in Bamberg and win 2 titles. I hope they continue to do great.

How would you do against Marcus Slaughter on the court?


We played together 2008 in the NBA summer league for the Charlotte Bobcats. I talked to him when Bamberg was in Athens playing Euroleague against Panathinaikos. I would win a one on one.

Marcus Slaughter is tough to stop when he is dunking.


Yes he is, but I have had some nice dunks in my career also.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?


The Rocky series.

What was your favorite part?


Part one.

Thanks Kyle for the chat.


A third German commits to the University of Connecticut - by Moritz Korff

German seems to become the everyday language at the University of Connecticut. The Huskies have received the commitment of Leon Tolksdorf (201-F-93), who will be the third German on campus. Niels Giffey (200-G/F-91) and Enosch Wolf (215-C-90), who won the 2011 NCAA Championship with the Huskies, will start into their junior seasons at UConn, while Tolksdorf is going to make his debut in college basketball in fall. The Berlin native recently visited the school and apparently made his decision to enroll at UConn before heading back to Germany.
Tolksdorf, a former German U16 international and 2012 NBBL Allstar, appeared in 21 Pro B games for the ALBA Berlin farmteam in the 2011-12 season, averaging 5.2 points and 2.9 boards per contest. He also led the ALBA NBBL squad in scoring (17.0ppg) and pulled down 12.4 rebounds a game in the U19-Bundesliga.


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


2012 Euroleague Final four: Our thoughts.. - by Dimitris Katsionis

Cska Moscow vs Panathinaikos and Regal Barcelona vs Olympiakos today in Istanbul. The four coaches worked a lot for this and prepare their strategy. Lets see some things..

Pasqual will probably start Victor Sada (his toughest perimeter player) on Spanoulis with Chuck Eidson as a secondary option. We have seen in the pat Juan Carlos Navarro defending (most times successfully) the opponents best perimeter weapon but today this will be very risky. First of all Pasqual has to protect him from his injury and keep him fresh and secondary Spanoulis's aggressive style (plays with a lot of contacts and uses his body to attack straight to the rim) may put La Bomba in early foul troubles. Do you remember Prague's semifinal against CSKA (2006) when Trajan Langdon posted him from the start..?

Dusan Ivkovic prepared youngster Mantzaris to guard Juan Carlos Navarro. Olympiakos targets to send La Bomba deep in the paint for a lay up in front of Reds's towers. Finishing at the rim is Navarro's weakest point..If the Greek team manage to do this, its defense will be successful, no matter if the 32 year-old Spanish score or not.. Kostas Papanikolaou is ready for Pete Michael with the advantage that he has the ability to follow Barcelona's ''clutch'' weapon both inside and outside of the paint.

Olympiakos plays transition offense very effectively, like a Spanish team.. I dare to say better than any Spanish team (except Real Madrid..). Ivkovic wants to settle a fast tempo to the game to see his players run. He knows that the opponents half court defense (the best in the competition) does not give you much room for dreaming. The Greek team targets a 70-75 possessions game in addition with Pasqual's team which plays in a lower tempo and run a very effective half court offense based on cooperation and speed in small distance. Olympiakos must score at least 70 to be really competitive for the win..

KEY PLAYER: Acie Law. The Reds need his boost and personality to set their tempo.

CSKA-PANATHINAIKOS

Zeliko Obradovic faces the leagues favorite and this is a big challenge. CSKA has the most balanced offense in the competition sharing its shots perfectly to the frontcourt and the guards. The Serbian coach targets on CSKA's offensive creators. Milos Teodosic (mainly), Alexey Shved and Victor Khryapa. Teodosic runs a very cooperative offense with continuously motion from many athletic players who combine the speed of a guard and the above the rim game of a big man. Especially the forwards's line with Kirilenko-Khryapa-Vorontsevich is something incredible on both offensive and defensive end. Don't forget that the Russians have the best inside offense in the league, based on Nenad Krstic, their No1 offensive weapon.

However, Panathinaikos had some very good minutes against CSKA in the two regular season's games. He showed that he can be really competitive against the leagues best team so far. The Greek team is very experienced and Obradovic knows what to do to win, focusing on:

1.) Defensive rebound: Panathinaikos must win this with every cost.. CSKA has players with great second and third jumps in the same claiming, so the Greens have to be very careful.
2.) Three point shots: Its simple. Panathinaikos cant win tonight without having a good night from the arc. CSKA's forwards unconsciously) close inside (it's their blocking ability that have in mind) when the opponent drives to the rim. That means good looks from the perimeter (especially from the corners) for Obradovic's players.

KEY PLAYER: I just can't imagine how Panathinaikos can win without a great performance from Romain Sato. He is a little bit logy lately and Obradovic considers to start Kaimakoglou at ''3'' but Sato's physical strength maybe is the answer to Kazlauskas's forwards..


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


University of San Diego sign Jito Kok - by Fred Roggen

Jito Kok (205-C-94) is an athletic 6-9 forward-center from Wageningen, Netherlands. He is currently playing with the Canarias Basketball Academy (CBA) in Las Palmas, Spain. Kok is ranked 36th in Europe by Eurohopes Basketball Prospects for players born in 1994. In 7 games with the U18 European Championship team he is averaging 6.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per contest. During the 2010 U16 European Championships he averaged 9.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.5 blocks.




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
Henk Norel
   #1. This week's number one is former international power forward Henk Norel (212-87), who plays in the Spanish ACB. Norel could not help FIATC Joventut (16-18) to beat Real Madrid (26-8). He recorded 8 points and blocked 2 shots. FIATC Joventut was defeated 95-82 on the road by the second-ranked Real Madrid. It was FIATC Joventut's first loss after three consecutive victories. The Regular Season already ended. It's Norel's fourth season with the team. This year Norel averages: 6.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 2FGP: 50.9% and FT: 75.0%. Despite he played previously for the Australian national team, Norel played also for the Dutch national team in 2010.

Kim Tillie
Kim Tillie
   #2. Second place goes to former international forward Kim Tillie (210-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Utah). He was not able to help ASVEL (12-17) in their game against Chalon/Saor (23-5) in the French ProA. Tillie scored only 4 points and added 3 assists in 28 minutes. ASVEL lost 61-76 on the opponent's court to the second-ranked Chalon/Saor. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical. Tillie has relatively good stats this year: 11.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 51.0%, 3FGP: 12.5% and FT: 74.6% in the 29 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Dutch and French. Tillie played for the Dutch national team in 2010.

Aaron Doornekamp
Aaron Doornekamp
   #3. The Dutch player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Aaron Doornekamp (198-85, agency: Interperformances). He was not able to secure a victory for Otto Caserta (12-20) in their game against Banco di Sardegna Sassari (20-12) in the Italian SerieA. Doornekamp recorded 5 points and had 3 steals. Otto Caserta was crushed 95-69 at home by the much higher-ranked Banco di Sardegna Sassari (#4). It was Otto Caserta's third consecutive loss in a row. The Regular Season already ended. Doornekamp's overall stats this season are: 7.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 43.6%, 3FGP: 44.6% and FT: 85.4%. He is another player who holds two passports: Canadian and Dutch. Doornekamp played for the Dutch national team two years ago.

Roeland Schaftenaar
Roeland Schaftenaar
   #4. Power forward Roeland Schaftenaar (211-88, college: Oregon St.) contributed to an UB La Palma's victory against the third-ranked Grupo Iruna Navarra (21-13) 85-73 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) last Friday. He recorded 6 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 18 minutes. U.B. La Palma (19-15) is placed eighth in the LEB Gold. This year Schaftenaar has relatively solid stats: 11.6ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.1apg and 1.1spg in the 35 games. Despite he played previously for the Canadian national team, Schaftenaar is currently in the Dutch national team roster.

Ewoud Kloos
Ewoud Kloos
   #5. Former U20 international swingman Ewoud Kloos (185-89) is a teammate of previously mentioned Roeland Schaftenaar and both played together in the last Spanish LEB Gold game. Kloos managed to help U.B. La Palma to win against the third-ranked Grupo Iruna Navarra (21-13) 85-73. He recorded only 2 points. This season Kloos averages just 2.4ppg. He used to play for the Dutch U20 national team three years ago.

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

   #1. Daniel Kickert (208-C-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) was the major contributor in a PGE Turow's victory against the second-ranked Trefl Sopot (6-4) 98-94 in the Polish PLK in Monday night's game. He recorded 19 points in 33 minutes. PGE Turow Zgorzelec (2-8) is placed sixth in Group A. Kickert has relatively good stats this year: 14.9ppg and 4.2rpg in the 39 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Australian and Dutch. Despite Kickert's Dutch passport, he currently plays for the Australian national team and is not eligible to play for the Dutch team.

Other top Dutch players, who play abroad:

Dan Gadzuric (211-C-78) plays for New York Knicks in the NBA
Francisco Elson (212-C-76) plays for Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA
Travis Stel (202-F-71) plays for Antwerp Giants in Belgian D1
Robin Smeulders (208-F-87) plays for EWE Baskets in German BBL
Kasper Averink (183-PG-93) plays for Prievidza in Slovakian Extraliga
Dewayne Johns (191-G-64) plays for BBC Bayreuth in German BBL
Daniel Gemke (199-F-67) plays for Xion Dukes in Austrian A Bundesliga
Gijs Geerders (208-C-69) plays for Kapfenberg Bulls in Austrian A Bundesliga
Guys Geerdens (208-C-69) plays for Raiffeisen Wels in Austrian A Bundesliga

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


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  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, Kaposvari21.1 
 5. Austin, Jaszberenyi20.8 
 6. Ivosev, Szedeak20.4 
 7. Schachtner, FS Deb.20.1 
 8. Doyne, PVSK P.20.1 
 9. Levy, Szedeak19.1 
 10. Dramicanin, Jaszb.18.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Miklos SZABO
  FS Debrecen
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Szabo, FS Debrecen10.4 
 2. Miskovic, Marso N.9.6 
 3. Pantelic, Falco-Sz.9.2 
 4. Fey, Kaposvari9.1 
 5. Raivio, Kaposvari8.7 
 6. Ivosev, Szedeak8.6 
 7. Townes, Kormend8.6 
 8. Austin, Jaszberenyi8.1 
 9. Bader, Szolnok8.1 
 10. Egemonye, Soproni8.1 
Assists Per Game
 Laszlo KALMAN
  Falco-Sz.
  (186-G-72)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Kalman, Falco-Sz.6.3 
 2. Wilson, Kaposvari5.9 
 3. Simon, Albacomp5.8 
 4. Ingram, FS Debre.5.7 
 5. Trotter, Szolnok5.6 
 6. Williams, Atomeromu5.5 
 7. Fekete, Marso N.4.6 
 8. Thomas, Soproni4.5 
 9. Drahos, Szedeak4.3 
 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, Szedeak2.6 
 3. Trotter, Szolnok2.5 
 4. Austin, Jaszberenyi2.5 
 5. Ingram, FS Debre.2.4 
 6. Raivio, Kaposvari2.3 
 7. Perine, ZTE K.2.2 
 8. Ivosev, Szedeak2.2 
 9. Wittmann, Kecsk.2.2 
 10. Toth, PVSK P.2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Darian TOWNES
  Kormend
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Townes, Kormend1.9 
 2. Pantelic, Falco-Sz.1.6 
 3. Keller, Albacomp1.4 
 4. Egemonye, Soproni1.0 
 5. Levy, Szedeak1.0 
 6. Ivosev, Szedeak0.9 
 7. Morgen, Atomeromu0.9 
 8. Chism, Albacomp0.9 
 9. Miskovic, Marso N.0.8 
 10. Juhos, Albacomp0.8 


Hanga's first ACB season is over - by Tamas Deri

The best abroad playing hungarian player, Adam Hanga (201-G-89, agency: TSS Management) just got home yesterday after finishing his first ACB season with Assignia Manresa. The 201 cm tall guard run a great season averaging 7.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 0.7 blocks in 20.9 minutes on the court. Adam scored a season high of 21 points on the 8th of April 2012 against Unicaja Malaga, finished 8 games with double figures. In the last round of the regular season he helped his team with 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 assist against Barcelona.


Szolnok is the first finalist - by Eurobasket News

Albacomp - Szolnok 71-80 (0-3)
Szolnok will have a chance for title defense in Hungary. They outplayed Albacomp last night on the road 71-80 winning the series with perfect 3-0. Brandon Gay (203-F-82, agency: Edge Sports, college: San Diego) led the winners with 18 points and Marton Bader (212-C-80, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) helped with 15. Julien Mills (193-G/F-85, college: Ball St.) and Hristo Nikolov (200-F-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) followed them 11 points each. In the loosing squad, Muhammad El Amin (196-G/F-87, agency: Two Points, college: Stony Brook) delivered 24 pts. Quarters: 32-15, 8-15, 21-27, 10-23. As mentioned above, Szolnok is the defending champion and now waits for the winner of Kormend - Falco series. Falco currently has 2-1 lead.

Falco-Szova - Kormend 82-75 (2-1)
Kormend trailed by 19 points after 3 quarters before a 24-12 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 75-82 at the end of the game. The best player for the winners was American guard Chad Timberlake (194-84, college: Fair Dickinson) who scored 29 points and 7 rebounds. International forward Zsolt Szabo (202-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) chipped in 16 points. Four Falco-Szova players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American power forward Darian Townes (208-84) who recorded a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks and the former international guard Istvan Nemeth (190-79, agency: Interperformances) added 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists respectively. Kormend's coach Zoran Martic rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Game 4 - Sunday at Kormend's home court.
Top scorers:
Kormend: D.Townes 16+10reb+1ast, I.Nemeth 12+5reb+4ast, C.Ferencz 12+3reb+1ast, R.Bell 8+5reb+1ast, G.Fodor 7, J.Eilingsfeld 7+1reb
Falco-Szova: C.Timberlake 29+7reb+2ast, Z.Szabo 16+4reb, L.Kalman 12+1reb+6ast, D.Pantelic 10+8reb+2ast, L.Simon 6, T.Harazin 4+2reb


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

Stats Leaders - National League

Points Per Game
 Errick MCCOLLUM
  Hapoel K.
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 24.3
 1. McCollum, Hapoel K.24.3 
 2. Miller, Macc.B.Y.23.1 
 3. Sanders, Hapoel Y.23.1 
 4. Clinch, Lev H.22.7 
 5. Daniel, Ironi K-A22.7 
 6. Ginyard, Ironi N.21.2 
 7. Hall, Macc.B.Y.21.2 
 8. Laing, Elitzur Yav.21.1 
 9. Clemente, Kiryat T.21.0 
 10. Bet-Yosef, Macc..20.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ramon CLEMENTE
  Kiryat T.
  (200-PF-85)
  Avg: 14.6
 1. Clemente, Kiryat T.14.6 
 2. Thondique, Hapoel13.2 
 3. Reynolds, Lev H.12.1 
 4. Turner, Hapoel Y/M11.1 
 5. Moses, Hapoel K/S10.3 
 6. Webb, Ironi R.9.3 
 7. Blair, Ironi N.9.3 
 8. Bacon, Elitzur Ram.9.2 
 9. Daniel, Ironi K-A8.9 
 10. Traimel, Ironi N.8.9 
Assists Per Game
 Ilan NANIKASHVILI
  Ironi K.
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 7.9
 1. Nanikashvili, Iron.7.9 
 2. Berkowitz, Elitzu.7.1 
 3. Bannister, Ironi R.6.7 
 4. Sukar, Hod Hashar.6.6 
 5. Eliyahu, Ironi N.6.3 
 6. Assaf, Ironi N.5.2 
 7. Bet-Yosef, Macc.B.5.1 
 8. Rub, Lev Hasharon5.1 
 9. Gonzalez, Hod H.4.9 
 10. Golan, Elitzur Ya.3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Nate MILLER
  Macc.B.Y.
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 3
 1. Miller, Macc.B.Y.3.0 
 2. Bet-Yosef, Macc.B.2.9 
 3. Hofman, Elitzur2.8 
 4. Benn, Ironi N.2.6 
 5. Sanders, Hapoel Y.2.4 
 6. Eliyahu, Ironi N.2.3 
 7. Gonzalez, Hod H.2.3 
 8. McCollum, Hapoel K.2.2 
 9. Berkowitz, Elitzu.2.0 
 10. Davidi, Ironi R.2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Lenny DANIEL
  Ironi K-A
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Daniel, Ironi K-A2.3 
 2. Kelly, Hapoel T-A2.2 
 3. Johnson, Hod H.2.0 
 4. Blair, Ironi N.1.8 
 5. Reynolds, Lev H.1.5 
 6. Webb, Ironi R.1.4 
 7. Thondique, Hapoel1.4 
 8. Clemente, Kiryat T.1.4 
 9. Bacon, Elitzur Ram.1.3 
 10. Naor, Hapoel T-A1.1 


National League Round 2 of Finals - by Eurobasket News

Macc.B.Yaakov - Hapoel T-A 78-74 2OT

The hosts trailed by 8 points after three quarters before their 19-11 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 0-point victory in double-overtime. American players dominated the game. Forward Jermaine Hall (196-80, college: Wagner) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 14 rebounds. Guard Nate Miller (193-87, college: Bowling Green) contributed with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Curtis Kelly (205-88, college: Kansas St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 11 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists and point guard Demontez Stitt (186-89, college: Clemson) added 17 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Hapoel Tel-Aviv. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Macc.B.Yaakov: J.Hall 18+14reb+1ast, Y.Bet-Yosef 17+4reb+3ast, N.Miller 15+13reb+3ast, I.Buchman 11+4reb+1ast, I.Simin 9+11reb+1ast, D.Housman 8+3reb+2ast
Hapoel T-A: D.Stitt 17+10reb+3ast, C.Carr 17+3reb+2ast, J.Skjoldebrand 11+5reb+1ast, C.Kelly 11+16reb+4ast, M.Naor 7+7reb+2ast, B.Timor 4+1reb+1ast
gschID: 176366



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

Stats Leaders - Lega2

Points Per Game
 Troy BELL
  S.Antimo
  (186-PG-80)
  Avg: 23.2
 1. Bell, S.Antimo23.2 
 2. Hardy, Giorgio22.8 
 3. Marigney, Givova S.21.1 
 4. Freeman, MarcoPol.20.9 
 5. Maggioli, Fileni B.18.5 
 6. Voskuil, Morpho B.18.2 
 7. Robinson, Trenkwal.18.0 
 8. McConnell, Fileni17.6 
 9. Taylor, Trenkwal.17.1 
 10. Brooks, Fileni BPA17.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 James THOMAS
  Givova S.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 11.8
 1. Thomas, Givova S.11.8 
 2. Anderson, Morpho B.8.2 
 3. Jones, Giorgio7.9 
 4. Maggioli, Fileni B.7.7 
 5. Borovnjak, Enel B.7.6 
 6. Baldassarre, Bianc.7.5 
 7. Waleskowski, Tezen.7.4 
 8. Diliegro, Assi Ost.7.1 
 9. Kotti, Aget Imola6.9 
 10. Brkic, Prima Vero.6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Mike GREEN
  Sigma B.
  (185-PG-85)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Green, Sigma B.5.1 
 2. Johnson, Assi O.4.5 
 3. Porta, Tezenis4.4 
 4. Kelley, Biancobl.3.5 
 5. McConnell, Fileni3.4 
 6. Whiting, Aget Imola3.4 
 7. Renfroe, Enel B.3.3 
 8. Marigney, Givova S.3.2 
 9. Goldwire, Centra.3.0 
 10. Blizzard, Biancob.3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Mario WEST
  Tezenis .
  (195-G-84)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. West, Tezenis3.1 
 2. Thompson, Centra.2.7 
 3. Radulovic, Givova2.7 
 4. Baldassarre, Bianc.2.4 
 5. Robinson, Trenkwal.2.4 
 6. Green, Sigma B.2.4 
 7. Marigney, Givova S.2.3 
 8. Porta, Tezenis2.3 
 9. Goldwire, Centra.2.2 
 10. Anderson, Morpho2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Riccardo CERVI
  Trenkwalder
  (215-C-91)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Cervi, Trenkwalder2.2 
 2. Maggioli, Fileni B.1.7 
 3. Thomas, Givova S.0.9 
 4. Brkic, Prima Veroli0.8 
 5. Radulovic, Givova0.8 
 6. Chiacig, Trenkwald.0.7 
 7. Zerini, Enel Brind.0.7 
 8. Da Ros, Sigma B.0.6 
 9. Kotti, Aget Imola0.6 
 10. Cittadini, S.Anti.0.5 


stats leader

Points Per Game
 Bernardo MUSSO
  Napoli
  (192-G-86)
  Avg: 19.2
 1. Musso, Napoli19.2 
 2. Evangelisti, Recan.16.7 
 3. Portannese, Torino16.4 
 4. Poltroneri, Perugia16.2 
 5. Prandin, Casalp.15.2 
 6. Rugolo, San Severo15.1 
 7. Benevelli, Orlandi.14.8 
 8. Tagliabue, Ruvo14.7 
 9. Mei, Comsum.it SI14.4 
 10. Ferrarese, Castel.14.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Emanuele ROSSI
  Chieti
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 12.8
 1. Rossi, Chieti12.8 
 2. Iannilli, Napoli9.7 
 3. Tagliabue, Ruvo8.8 
 4. Borra, Treviglio8.3 
 5. Baldi Rossi, Perug.8.1 
 6. Benevelli, Orlandi.8.0 
 7. Gandini, Trieste7.9 
 8. Tessitori, Comsum..7.6 
 9. Simeoli, Comsum.i.7.6 
 10. Raminelli, Castel.7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Bernardo MUSSO
  Napoli
  (192-G-86)
  Avg: 4.3
 1. Musso, Napoli4.3 
 2. Marino, Treviglio4.3 
 3. Bertolazzi, Omegna4.1 
 4. Traini, Recanati3.8 
 5. Stanic, Fabriano3.6 
 6. Circosta, Anagni3.5 
 7. Guarino, Ferentino3.4 
 8. Santolamazza, Ana.3.2 
 9. Vico, Matera3.2 
 10. Parente, Torino2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Roberto MAGGIO
  Pavia
  (183-G-90)
  Avg: 3
 1. Maggio, Pavia3.0 
 2. Iardella, Fabriano2.9 
 3. Bertolazzi, Omegna2.9 
 4. Mei, Comsum.it SI2.8 
 5. Rivali, Santarcang.2.8 
 6. Rossi, Chieti2.8 
 7. Portannese, Torino2.7 
 8. Musso, Napoli2.7 
 9. Maiocco, Pavia2.7 
 10. Stanic, Fabriano2.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrea CAPITANELLI
  Firenze
  (203-C-86)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Capitanelli, Firen.2.1 
 2. Ancellotti, Santar.1.7 
 3. Borra, Treviglio1.5 
 4. Candido, San Seve.1.1 
 5. Pascolo, Trento1.1 
 6. Cazzaniga, Pavia1.1 
 7. Raminelli, Castell.1.0 
 8. Cotani, Castelletto1.0 
 9. Gandini, Trieste1.0 
 10. Tessitori, Comsum.0.9 


Promozione Campania - Standings & Leaders - by Crazy



PROMOZIONE CAMPANIA - GROUP B -

FINAL STANDINGS:
40 Vesuviane
36 Capri
34 Portici
34 Afragola
30 Basketlandia
24 Torregreco
18 Baloncesto
16 Solfatara
12 Play Out
8 Virtus Vico
6 Sacro Cuore
6 Dalmazia

SCORING LEADERS: Costanzo Ruocco (184-SF-83) (Capri) 35.7 points per game; Mancanello (Capri) 23.6 ppg; Cusitore (Vesuviane) 18.4 ppg

Costanzo Ruocco wins the 4th straight scoring title: he scores 31.4 points per game in 2009, 34.8 ppg in 2010, 34.5 ppg in 2011 and 35.7 in 2012. He also sets league-record for points in single-game with 63 points.

GROUP C

FINAL STANDINGS:
44 - Capo Miseno
36 - Felix Napoli
34 - NB Arzano
26 - Fortitudo Pozzuoli
22 - Cestistica Monte di Procida
20 - Boscoreale
18 - Pick & Roll Pozzuoli
16 - Vesuvio
16 - CBTA
14 - Tresana Volla
10 - Virtus Neapolis
8 - Nuova X5 Basket

SCORING LEADERS: Clif Colbert (193-G-86, college: Navy) (Capo Miseno) 28.0 points per game; Prisco (M.Procida) 20.2 ppg; Fedele (Arzano) 19.8 ppg

The USA player and former Navy Clif Clif Colbert win the scoring title in his 1st european year. He scores 30+ points 7 times, season high 35.


Nazionale A Round 2 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News

Recanati - Trieste 59-101

The game without a history. Trieste led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. Guard Daniele Mastrangelo (187-91) scored 18 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international Leonardo Zaccariello (190-82, agency: Players Group) chipped in 17 points during the contest. Four Trieste players scored in double figures. Trieste's coach Eugenio Dalmasson felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Guard Marco Ceron (195-92) responded with 16 points and 7 rebounds and forward Attilio Pierini (201-81) scored 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Trieste: D.Mastrangelo 18+5reb+2ast, M.Carra 18+1reb+2ast, L.Zaccariello 17+4reb+3ast, I.Ferraro 12+1reb+1ast, A.Moruzzi 10+1reb, M.Ruzzier 6+1reb+1ast
Recanati: M.Ceron 16+7reb, A.Pierini 10+6reb, M.Evangelisti 8+2reb, M.Pierangeli 5+1reb, A.Cecchetti 5+2reb, S.Centanni 5+3reb+2ast
gschID: 176258


Ferentino - Omegna 78-71

The hosts trailed by 9 points at the halftime before their 48-32 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. 28 personal fouls committed by Omegna helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was guard Francesco Guarino (182-79) who scored 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Naturalized Argentinian swingman Manuel Carrizo (198-80, agency: Players Group) chipped in 16 points. Guard Pierpaolo Picazio (193-79, agency: Players Group) produced 17 points and swingman Daniele Casadei (199-81) added 18 points respectively for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Ferentino: F.Guarino 22+6reb+4ast, M.Carrizo 16+3reb+3ast, F.Gagliardo 10+3reb, A.Iannuzzi 7+6reb+1ast, L.Panzini 6+5reb, S.Parrillo 6+4reb+2ast
Omegna: D.Casadei 18+3reb, P.Picazio 17+2reb+2ast, A.Saccaggi 14+3reb+1ast, S.Masciadri 8+5reb, M.Toure 4+1reb+1ast, F.Prelazzi 4+6reb
gschID: 176256


Treviglio - Chieti 78-75

The hosts were tied after three quarters but managed to speed up in last quarter eventually winning the game. Treviglio outrebounded Chieti 51-27 including a 20-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Guard Tommaso Marino (190-86, agency: Interperformances) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points and 7 assists. Center Jacopo Borra (212-90) contributed with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 19 rebounds for the winners. Swingman Antonio Porfido (190-90) replied with 17 points and 6 rebounds and point guard Fabrizio Gialloreto (185-86) added 16 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Chieti. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Treviglio: T.Marino 22+1reb+7ast, A.Vitale 16+8reb+2ast, J.Borra 11+19reb, N.Cazzolato 11+4reb+2ast, T.Carnovali 9+5reb+2ast, R.Marulli 5+2reb+1ast
Chieti: A.Porfido 17+6reb+1ast, F.Gialloreto 16+7reb+1ast, A.Raschi 15+6reb, A.Iannone 11+2reb, M.Diomede 8+3reb+1ast, S.Rajola 6+1reb+1ast
gschID: 176257


Trento - Napoli 87-61

The game without a history. Trento 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. Trento forced 19 Napoli turnovers. They shot the lights out from three nailing 15 long-distance shots on high 53.6 percentage. 26 personal fouls committed by Napoli helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Center Marco Pazzi (203-79) notched 15 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and forward Davide Pascolo (200-90) supported him with 11 points and 8 rebounds. Five Trento players scored in double figures. Coach Maurizio Buscaglia's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 10 players saving starting five for next games. Even 12 points and 6 rebounds by forward Simone Gatti (202-82) did not help to save the game for Napoli. Center Andrea Iannilli (207-84) added 8 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the guests.
Top scorers:
Trento: M.Spanghero 15+2reb+1ast, M.Pazzi 15+6reb+2ast, S.Fiorito 14+1reb+2ast, D.Pascolo 11+8reb+3ast, L.Conte 11+3ast, M.Negri 11+3reb+3ast
Napoli: S.Gatti 12+6reb+2ast, N.Rizzitiello 11+1reb, A.Iannilli 8+5reb+5ast, N.Bastone 7+2reb, S.Lenardon 7+1reb+3ast, B.Musso 6+3reb+3ast
gschID: 176255


Play-out
Ruvo - Matera 69-90

The game without a history. Matera led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Ruvo's 36. It was a great shooting night for Matera especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 60.0 percentage. The best player for the winners was naturalized Argentinian guard Sebastian Vico (190-86, agency: Players Group) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points, 11 assists and 4 steals. Swingman Andrea LaGioia (194-86, agency: Players Group) chipped in 18 points. Matera had such big advantage that coach Francesco Ponticiello felt comfortable to give the chance to play for 10 players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Guard Tommaso Laquintana (183-95) produced a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds and point guard Daniele Merletto (175-93) added 10 points and 5 assists respectively for the hosts.
Top scorers:
Matera: S.Vico 19+4reb+11ast, A.LaGioia 18+1reb+1ast, G.Cantagalli 12+2reb+1ast, C.Grappasonni 9+6reb, P.Aprea 9+4reb+2ast, A.Pilotti 7+3reb+1ast
Ruvo: T.Laquintana 23+11reb+1ast, D.Merletto 10+5ast, P.de Martino 10+3reb+1ast, M.Tagliabue 8+4reb+1ast, G.Valesin 8+2reb+3ast, S.Zanotti 5+2reb
gschID: 176259


Comsum.it SI - Castelletto 88-74

The game was mostly controlled by Comsum.it SI. Castelletto was better in fourth quarter 24-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Comsum.it SI had a 27-14 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was center Amedeo Tessitori (205-94) who had a double-double by scoring 26 points and 14 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Guard Nicola Mei (186-85) chipped in 23 points. Center Matteo Raminelli (203-83) produced 12 points and 8 rebounds and swingman Christian Villani (200-82) added 12 points respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Castelletto's coach Alessandro De Pol rotated ten players and allowed the starting five to get some rest.
Top scorers:
Comsum.it SI: A.Tessitori 26+14reb+2ast, N.Mei 23+3reb+2ast, A.Colli 19+6reb+2ast, S.Bonfiglio 11+2reb+1ast, M.Pascolo 6+3reb, S.Simeoli 2+4reb+2ast
Castelletto: J.Zacchetti 12+4reb+1ast, C.Villani 12+4reb+1ast, M.Raminelli 12+8reb, A.Marusic 12+2reb, S.Ferrarese 8+4reb, F.Dri 8
gschID: 176260



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

BJ League Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Michael PARKER
  Shimane SM
  (202-F-81)
  Avg: 22.9
 1. Parker, Shimane SM22.9 
 2. Palmer, Fukuoka21.9 
 3. Hargrow, Chiba J.21.6 
 4. Staten, Chiba Jets21.2 
 5. Cummings, Oita H.21.1 
 6. Woods, Akita NH20.5 
 7. Flowers, Saitama19.4 
 8. White, Oita H.18.6 
 9. Burrell, Yokohama.18.6 
 10. Raivio, Shinshu BW18.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Chris HOLM
  Niigata Albirex
  (212-C/F-84)
  Avg: 14.4
 1. Holm, Niigata Albi.14.4 
 2. Hamilton, Fukuok.11.4 
 3. Rickert, Kyoto H.11.0 
 4. Staten, Chiba Jets11.0 
 5. Searcy, Toyama G.10.8 
 6. Malloy, Iwate B.10.5 
 7. Mims, Sendai 89ers10.4 
 8. Roberts, Shins.10.2 
 9. Burrell, Yokohama.10.1 
 10. Blackledge, Osaka10.0 
Assists Per Game
 Kenny SATTERFIELD
  Saitam.
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 6.7
 1. Satterfield, Saita.6.7 
 2. Takushi, Oita H.5.9 
 3. Gardener, Akita NH5.6 
 4. Dixon, Hamamats.5.2 
 5. Shimura, Sendai5.2 
 6. Yamamoto, Shima.4.8 
 7. Dukes, Sendai 89e.4.6 
 8. Yamamoto, Iwate B.4.5 
 9. Staten, Chiba Jets4.4 
 10. Namizato, Okina.4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Jamel STATEN
  Chiba Jets
  (198-G-83)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Staten, Chiba Jets2.8 
 2. Palmer, Fukuoka2.7 
 3. Parker, Shimane SM2.3 
 4. Smith, Takamats.2.1 
 5. Humphrey, Saitama2.0 
 6. Lyons, Miyazaki SS2.0 
 7. Klaiber, Iwate B.1.8 
 8. Dixon, Hamamats.1.8 
 9. Arnold, Hamamats.1.8 
 10. Joho, Toyama G.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Jeral DAVIS
  Shimane SM
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Davis, Shimane SM3.8 
 2. Blackledge, Osaka3.0 
 3. Singleton, Sendai2.9 
 4. Broxsie, Chiba Jets2.5 
 5. Blackledge, Hamama.2.1 
 6. Marshall, Osaka E.1.6 
 7. Mims, Sendai 89ers1.6 
 8. Hughes, Shinshu BW1.6 
 9. Moliva, Chiba Jets1.3 
 10. Dukes, Sendai 89.1.3 



*****************************************************
  JORDAN   


Asia-Basket.com All-Jordanian JPL Awards 2012 - by Omar Shafaamri

Player of the Year: Enver Soobzokov (201-G/F-78, college: CS San Bernar.)
Guard of the Year: Wesam Al-Sous (181-G-83)
Forward of the Year: Ahmed AlHamarsheh (202-F-86)
Center of the Year: Jamal Ali Ahmed
Rookie of the Year: Yousef Abu Wazaneh
Veteran of the Year: Zaid Al-Khas (206-C/F-76, college: Gannon)
Coach of the Year: Imad Al Saeed
Young Coach of the Year: Haitham Daher

1st Team
G: Wesam Al-Sous
SG: Enver Soobzokov
SF: Fares Saqf-AlHait (195-F-87, college: Calumet)
F: Ahmed AlHamarsheh
C: Jamal Ali Ahmed

2nd Team:
G: Ahmed Shaker (188-G-86)
SG: Nedal Al Sharif (190-G-82)
SG/SF: Issa Kamel (195-F-83)
F: Mohammad Hadrab (203-F-84)
C: Zaid Al-Khas

3rd Team:
G: Fadel AlNajjar (192-G-85)
SG: Hani Alfaraj (193-G-90)
SG/SF: Mousa Alawadi (180-G/F-85)
F: Khaldon Abu Ruqayah (201-F-83)
C: Mohammad Hussein (213-C-90)

Youngsters Team:
G: Tamer Katami (170-G-90)
SG: Ali El-Zubi (184-G-89)<
SF: Mohammad Jamal (195-F-89)
F: Yousef Abu Wazaneh
C: Ahmad Al Dwairi (210-C-93)

* The Selection was based on the Players overall Performance this Season, Players who joined in the finals are not included as well



*****************************************************
  KENYA   


Strathmore joins NBA League - by Eurobasket News

The Strathmore University Ladies basketball team B has joined the NBA League together with Footprints. The inclusion of the two teams means that the total number of ladies teams increases from 10 teams to 12 in the League that is played at the Railways Sports Club every weekend.
Fixture Secretary Caleb Osewe said that the league was still at its earlier stages and that there was no problem with the teams joining at this stage since they will be able to catch up soon
There are teams in the league that have not even played a single match so I dont think that it is a challenge for them joining now.
Strathmore coach Sylvia Kamau said the main aim of joining the league was to give the players, who cannot make it to the main team more exposure and playing time. She further added that the team mostly consists of players that joined the university this year.
I usually have two teams, the main team that plays in the Kenya Basketball Federation League and the team that participates in the Universities League. The universities league so far is on a break and its best if they keep themselves on toes by engaging in the NBA league.Sylvia said.

According to the NBA fixtures, Strathmore will play Multimedia University on Sunday at 10.30am in their first experience.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.com/


Dolphins tactician banks on experience - by Eurobasket News

Dolphins tactician Walter Ayallo will be banking on his teams experience when they face high school side Upper Hill this weekend when the Nairobi Basketball Association League resumes.
Dolphins who so far have played 5 matches in the League winning 2 and losing 3, went down to Neo Sasa Morans on Sunday in a tightly contested match that ended 34 33 and Ayallo rues the missed chances especially on the free throws.
We missed 22 free throws and we were beaten by only one point so you can imagine if we had gotten those points. We would be talking differently thing right now, he says.
He also adds that it was in the 1st quarter where the match was decided.
They gave us a 5 point margin even though we beat them in the other quarters we didnt catch up in the end.
On the technical approach that he intends to use when they face the rather young Upper Hill side, the coach says he wants to capitalize on shooting.
My team has roughly 70% of shooters and I expect them to shoot and get the points that we need. Another big asset I expect to come to my aid is the experience that is within my ranks. If we get to use our experience well, I believe we are going to win, he adds.

Though Ayallo says Upper Hill are an inexperienced lot, he believes they posses speed and he intends to play them down.
Those kids can run, so we intend to play them down and not give them the opportunity to play the fast paced game they are used to. If we cool the game down I know they will get frustrated and that will be the point we knock them off, he concludes.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.com/


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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Ernests KALVE
  Valmiera
  (200-F-87)
  Avg: 18.8
 1. Kalve, Valmiera18.8 
 2. Peiners, LU18.2 
 3. Mayo, Liepaja18.1 
 4. Lucas, Valmiera16.7 
 5. Ozols, Jurmala16.4 
 6. Krumins, Jelgava15.8 
 7. Mediss, Turiba15.5 
 8. Young, Ventspils14.8 
 9. Bankevics, Valmiera14.3 
 10. Kravcenko, Liepaja13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ervins JONATS
  Jurmala
  (199-F-91)
  Avg: 9.3
 1. Jonats, Jurmala9.3 
 2. Rozitis, Valmiera8.0 
 3. Dargais, LU7.9 
 4. Willard, Ventspils7.4 
 5. Berzins, VEF Riga7.3 
 6. Mednis, Turiba6.7 
 7. Kalve, Valmiera6.3 
 8. Timma, Liepaja5.9 
 9. Nelson, Jelgava5.8 
 10. Butjankovs, Valmi.5.8 
Assists Per Game
 Josh MAYO
  Liepaja
  (182-G-87)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Mayo, Liepaja5.1 
 2. Lucas, Valmiera4.4 
 3. Abernethy, Vents.4.0 
 4. Kravcenko, Liepaja3.8 
 5. Coders, Jurmala3.6 
 6. Millage, VEF Riga3.3 
 7. Krumins, Jelgava3.3 
 8. Silavs, Jelgava2.9 
 9. Peiners, LU2.9 
 10. Lejasmeiers, Vent.2.8 
Steals Per Game
 Curtis MILLAGE
  VEF Riga
  (185-G-81)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Millage, VEF Riga2.7 
 2. Kanbergs, Jelgava1.9 
 3. Mayo, Liepaja1.8 
 4. Peiners, LU1.7 
 5. Osins, LU1.6 
 6. Timma, Liepaja1.6 
 7. Kosuskins, Jurmala1.4 
 8. Krumins, Jelgava1.4 
 9. Ozols, Jurmala1.4 
 10. Piternieks, Turiba1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Jekabs ROZITIS
  Valmiera
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Rozitis, Valmiera1.5 
 2. Berzins, VEF Riga1.4 
 3. Pastusena, Liepaja1.0 
 4. Leiteris, Liepaja1.0 
 5. Cain, VEF Riga0.9 
 6. Ozols, Jurmala0.9 
 7. Jonats, Jurmala0.8 
 8. Plivda, LU0.7 
 9. Kavaliauskas, VEF0.6 
 10. Duselis, Jelgava0.6 


VEF Riga takes 2-0 Final lead - by Eurobasket News

3rd place

LU - Liepaja 63-94 (0-2)

The game without a history. Liepaja led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Liepaja outrebounded Latvijas Universitate 42-28 including a 32-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Latvijas Universitate was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. Center Toms Leiteris (210-90) scored 18 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and swingman Janis Timma (201-92, agency: FCM) chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Guard Kristaps Dargais (195-90) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists and guard Ingars Aizpurs (196-92) scored 14 points and 5 rebounds. Five Liepaja and four Latvijas Universitate players scored in double figures. 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:
LU: K.Dargais 15+11reb+5ast, Z.Peiners 14+1reb+3ast, I.Aizpurs 14+5reb, Z.Plivda 11+3reb+1ast, R.Zebergs 4+1reb+1ast, M.Dargis 3+4reb
Liepaja: T.Leiteris 18+5reb+1ast, J.Timma 17+5reb+2ast, A.Bricis 12+8reb+3ast, A.Helmanis 12+7reb+1ast, J.Mayo 10+3reb+9ast, M.Kravcenko 8+3reb+2ast

gschID: 176503


FINAL

Ventspils - VEF Riga 67-85 (0-2)

VEF Riga dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Ventspils' 26 and made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Ventspils 40-21 including a 18-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. 25 personal fouls committed by Ventspils helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The former international forward Kristaps Janicenoks (196-83) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points. The former international power forward Kaspars Berzins (213-85) contributed with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Five VEF Riga players scored in double figures. American guard Jahmar Young (196-86, college: N.Mexico St., agency: Two Points) replied with 17 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) and international center Arturs Berzins (204-88, agency: FCM) added 11 points in the effort for Ventspils. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Ventspils: J.Young 17+2ast, A.Berzins 11+4reb+1ast, M.Meiers 10+5reb, M.Diane 8, T.Abernethy 7+1reb+2ast, S.Gray 6+2reb+3ast
VEF Riga: K.Janicenoks 19+2reb+2ast, A.Kavaliauskas 15+6reb, C.Millage 12+1reb+4ast, G.Jahovics 10+8reb+2ast, K.Berzins 10+11reb+1ast, D.Zavackas 10+4reb

gschID: 176504



*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


Lietuvos Rytas too strong for Anadolu Efes at 2012 NIJT - by Eurobasket News

Anadolu Efes - Lietuvos Rytas 69-88

Lietuvos Rytas started 2012 Nike International Junior Tournament in style. The Lithuanians handed 88-69 loss to Anadolu Efes at Abdi Ipekci Arena on Thursday afternoon. Both teams are placed to Group A, together with Crvena Zvezda and Barcelona. Lietuvos Rytas and Crvena Zvezda have 1-0 record now. Tautvydas Jodelis (194-G-94) stepped up for Rytas with 22 points, including five triples. Edvinas Seskus (191-F-95) had 19 points and Alvydas Zarskus (205-C-94) helped with 14 points, plus 9 rebs. In the loosing squad, Burak Yildizli (200-F-94) shined with 23 pts and Cedi Osman (195-PG-95) added 20 points, plus 7 rebs. Efes opened the game with 10-2 lead and later finished first period with 22-17. The Turkish squad jumped to plus 10 at the beginning of Q2, but than Tautvydas Jodelis and his teammates took control on Efes cutting the margin to 37-41. They exploded in the second half to celebrate comfortable victory at the end. Anadolu Efes will take on Crvena Zvezda today, while Rytas will meet Barcelona.

Anadolu Efes: Burak Yildizli 23, Cedi Osman 20+7 boards
Lietuvos Rytas: Tautvydas Jodelis 22, Edvinas Seskus 19, Alvydas Zarskus 14+9 boards


Zalgiris has no mercy for Team China at NIJT - by Eurobasket News

Team China - Zalgiris 76-107

2012 Nike International Junior Tournament started yesterday at the Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul. Zalgiris demonstrated its power against Team China celebrating 107-76 victory. Both teams are placed to Group B. Rokas Gustys (197-F-94) was the leading player in victory with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Justas Tamulis (194-G-94) also was great scoring 18 points and Mantvydas Staselis (190-G-94) added two less. In Team China, Gao Shang (197-G/F-94) led the way with 32 points and 6 boards. Huaibo Dai stopped to 13 points. Zalgiris dominated from the beginning and created 33-15 lead already in the first quarter. They made 28-17 in Q2 and 23-18 after the breather for 84-50 lead with ten minutes to go. Rest of the game was just the formality. Today, Zalgiris will take on Fenerbache Ulker. Team China will play against the reigning champions KK Zagreb.

Team China: Gao Shang 32+6 boards, Huaibo Dai 13
Zalgiris: Rokas Gustys 20+9 boards, Justas Tamulis 18, Mantvydas Staselis 16


*****************************************************
  MALI   


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

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

Amara Sy
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 11th-ranked Strasbourg IG (13-16) 88-71 in the French ProA in Saturday night's game. Sy was MVP of the game. He scored 19 points, grabbed 9 boards, passed 4 assists and added 3 steals in 36 minutes on the court. Entente Orleans 45 (20-9) is placed third in the ProA. Sy's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical. Sy has relatively good stats this year: 12.7ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 52.5%, 3FGP: 29.5% and FT: 82.3% in the 29 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
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 contributed to an easy victory against the 11th-ranked Strasbourg IG (13-16) 88-71. He scored 6 points. This season Sangare averages: 5.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.4apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 48.3%, 3FGP: 16.3% and FT: 82.8%. He is another player who holds two passports: Mali and French. Despite Sangare played previously for the French national team, he is currently a member of the Mali senior national team.

Mamoutou Diarra
Mamoutou Diarra
   #3. The Mali player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Mamoutou Diarra (200-80, agency: Two Points), who plays in the French ProA. Diarra could not help JSF Nanterre (14-15) to beat Chorale de Roanne (16-13). He scored 8 points in 16 minutes. JSF Nanterre lost 76-83 on the road to the higher-ranked (#7) Chorale de Roanne. They ended the series of six consecutive victories. Diarra's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. This year Diarra's overall stats are: 8.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 58.0%(29-50), 3FGP: 39.1% and FT: 78.9% in the 15 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.

Mahmoud Diakite
Mahmoud Diakite
   #4. Swingman Mahmoud Diakite (197-86, college: Wyoming), who plays in the French NM1 (third division) was not able to help Stade Clermont (8-26) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Diakite's very good performance Stade Clermont was crushed 86-64 in Souffel. by the second-ranked Souffelweyersheim. He was the top scorer with 16 points. Diakite also added 8 rebounds. The Regular Season already ended. It's Diakite's first season with the team. His total stats this year are: 8.5ppg and 3.7rpg. Similarly like three previous players above, Diakite also holds two passports: Mali and French. Despite he played previously for the French national team, Diakite is currently in the Mali national team roster.

Tahirou Sani
Tahirou Sani
   #5. International forward Tahirou Sani (204-85), who plays in the French NM1 (third division) was not able to secure a victory for Blois (23-11) in their last game. Despite his good performance Blois lost 66-71 on the opponent's court to the much lower-ranked (#14) Chartres. Sani was the second best scorer with 13 points. He also added 4 rebounds in 26 minutes. It was Blois' first loss after five consecutive victories. Sani's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is quite important. This year Sani's total stats are: 8.8ppg and 3.5rpg in the 34 games. He holds both Mali and French passports. Despite Sani played previously for the French national team, he is currently in the Mali national team roster.

Sambou Traore
Sambou Traore
   #6. An experienced power forward Sambou Traore (199-79) couldn't help Limoges CSP Elite (26-7) in their game against Aix-Maurienne (22-11) in the French ProB (second division). Traore scored 8 points. The league leader Limoges CSP Elite was defeated 71-65 in Aix-les-Bains by the lower-ranked Aix-Maurienne (#4). It was Limoges CSP Elite's first loss after four consecutive victories. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is extremely important. Traore has averaged so far 8.3ppg, 4.2rpg 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.

Souarata Cisse
Souarata Cisse
   #7. International swingman Souarata Cisse (197-86) managed to help Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket in a victory against the closely-ranked STB Le Havre (7-19) 97-84 in the French ProA in Tuesday night's game. He scored only 4 points in 14 minutes. Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (3-26) is located at the very bottom in the ProA. But the situation may improve as they ended a series of twenty consecutive loses. Cisse's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. Cisse has averaged so far 7.9ppg, 1.4rpg and 1.5apg in the 27 games. He is also Mali national team player.

Mahamadou Drame
Mahamadou Drame
   #8. Shooting guard Mahamadou Drame (188-86) contributed to an easy victory against the 17th-ranked Quimper UJAP (9-24) 82-66 in the French ProB (second division) last Saturday. Drame scored 7 points. Hermine Nantes Atlantique (13-13) is placed eighth in the ProB. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. Drame has averaged so far 6.8ppg, 1.9rpg and 1.4apg. Despite he played previously for the French national team, Drame is currently in the Mali national team roster.

Ludovic Chelle
Ludovic Chelle
   #9. International guard Ludovic Chelle (183-83) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Denain Voltaire (11-22) crushing them 95-75 in the French ProB (second division) on Saturday night. He scored 5 points in 18 minutes. SPO Rouen Basket (13-20) is placed 14th in the ProB. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. Chelle has averaged so far 6.3ppg and 1.9rpg in the 33 games. He is also in the roster of the Mali national team.

Nouha Diakite
Nouha Diakite
   #10. Center Nouha Diakite (207-80, college: Louisville) couldn't help JA Vichy (7-26) in their game against Fos Ouest (21-12) in the French ProB (second division). Diakite cannot count Friday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points. JA Vichy was crushed 76-53 on the opponent's court by the much higher-ranked Fos_Ouest (#5). It was JA Vichy's seventh consecutive loss in a row. Diakite's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. Diakite has averaged so far 2.6ppg and 2.6rpg. He is a former international player as three years ago he still played for the Mali senior national team.

   #11. International power forward Dramane Diarra (203-80, college: Kansas St.) couldn't help Saint Vallier in their game against SO Maritime Boulogne in the French ProB (second division). Diarra cannot count Saturday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 3 points in 12 minutes. His team was badly defeated by 17 points 98-81. Diarra has averaged so far 5.8ppg and 2.7rpg in the 23 games. He plays currently for the Mali national team.

   #12. International center Negueba Samake (211-90) contributed to an easy victory against the eighth-ranked ALM Evreux crushing them 87-62 in the French ProB (second division) on Saturday night. Samake scored only 1 points. Samake has averaged so far 1.5ppg and 1.5rpg. He is also in the roster of the Mali national team.

   #13. International guard Modibo Niakate (185-81, college: Cleveland St.) contributed to Rueil's surprising victory against the fourth-ranked Roche 75-73 in the French NM1 (third division) in Friday night's game. Niakate recorded only 4 points in 13 minutes. This year Niakate has relatively solid stats: 10.7ppg, 2.3rpg and 2.1apg in the 24 games. He is also Mali national team player.


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


Vladimir Dasic's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Montenegrins playing currently abroad - 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.

Vladimir Dasic
Vladimir Dasic
   #1. This week's number one is an international forward Vladimir Dasic (206-88, agency: Beo Basket). He led Union Olimpija to a 3-point victory over the third-ranked Helios (6-4) 74-71 in the Slovenian Telemach League in Tuesday night's game. Dasic was MVP of the game. He had a double-double by scoring 34 points and getting 10 rebounds. Dasic also added and 4 steals in 31 minutes on the court. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Group Championship. Union Olimpija Ljubljana (7-3) is placed second in Championship Group. Dasic has relatively good stats this year: 13.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 54.7%, 3FGP: 36.4% and FT: 43.6% in the 10 games he played so far. He is currently a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Miljan Pavkovic
Miljan Pavkovic
   #2. Second place goes to an international guard Miljan Pavkovic (178-81, also represented by Beo Basket). Pavkovic led Radnicki Kragujevac to an overtime victory over the seventh-ranked Mega Vizura (3-8) 99-92 in the Serbian A League last Tuesday. He was the best player in that game. Pavkovic recorded a double-double by scoring 26 points and making 11 passes. Radnicki Kragujevac (8-2) is placed first in SuperLiga group. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game will be critical. It's Pavkovic's first season with the team. This year he has relatively solid stats: 11.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 7.8apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 38.2%, 3FGP: 35.6% and FT: 88.9%. Pavkovic is in the roster of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Nikola Mirotic
Nikola Mirotic
   #3. The Montenegrin player who performed third best last week abroad was former international power forward Nikola Mirotic (207-91). He led Real Madrid to a victory against the 11th-ranked FIATC Joventut (16-18) 95-82 in the Spanish ACB on Sunday night. Mirotic recorded 11 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in a mere 18 minutes. Real Madrid (26-8) is placed second in the ACB. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. This year Mirotic's overall stats are: 8.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 2FGP: 52.4%, 3FGP: 37.5% and FT: 70.3% in the 34 games. He has a dual citizenship: Montenegrin and Spanish. Despite Mirotic played previously for the Spanish U20 national team, he played also for the Montenegrin national team in 1997.

Omar-Sharif Cook
Omar-Sharif Cook
   #4. Point guard Omar-Sharif Cook (186-82, another player represented by Beo Basket, college: St.John's) contributed to an easy victory against the 12th-ranked Angelico Biella (13-19) crushing them 97-77 in the Italian SerieA in Sunday night's game. Cook recorded 11 points, 7 assists and 3 steals. EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (22-10) is placed second in the SerieA. It was his team's eighth consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is quite important. Cook is currently fourth on the league's list of best passers. This season he averages: 8.7ppg, 2.8rpg, 5.1apg and 1.4spg. Cook is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Cook is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster. Strangely he has never played in Montenegro.

Milko Bjelica
Milko Bjelica
   #5. International center Milko Bjelica (207-84, another player represented by Beo Basket) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Gescrap BB (19-15) crushing them 100-70 in the Spanish ACB last Sunday. Bjelica recorded 10 points in 23 minutes. Caja Laboral Vitoria (23-11) is placed third in the ACB. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is extremely important. This year Bjelica's total stats are: 7.8ppg and 3.3rpg in the 31 games. He is another player who holds two passports: Serbian and Montenegrin. Despite Bjelica played previously for the Serbian national team, he is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

Bojan Subotic
Bojan Subotic
   #6. Power forward Bojan Subotic (206-90) contributed to Zvezda's victory against the sixth-ranked BKK Radnicki (3-7) 85-71 in a derby game in the Serbian A League on Wednesday night. Subotic recorded a double-double by scoring 12 points and getting the same number of rebounds. Crvena Zvezda Beograd (0-0) is placed first in SuperLiga group. There are only three games left until the end of the Second Stage. Subotic has averaged so far 7.3ppg and 3.3rpg. Despite he played previously for the Serbian U20 national team, Subotic is also an international player who is currently on the senior Montenegrin National Team roster.

Suad Sehovic
Suad Sehovic
   #7. International swingman Suad Sehovic (197-87), who plays in the Ukrainian Superleague could not help Budivelnyk (30-9) in their last game. Despite his good performance Budivelnyk lost 86-98 on the road to the lower-ranked (#3) Azovmash. Sehovic recorded 13 points and had 3 steals in 23 minutes. Sehovic has reliable stats this year: 10.7ppg, 5.6rpg and 1.3spg in the 48 games. Despite he played previously for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, Sehovic is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

Ivan Todorovic
Ivan Todorovic
   #8. Power forward Ivan Todorovic (214-84, agency: Interperformances) led Olimpi to a victory over the closely-ranked Kutaisi (16-4) 67-59 in the Georgian Superleague last Wednesday. He was the top player that evening. Todorovic recorded a double-double by scoring 15 points and getting 12 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Olimpi Tbilisi (16-4) is placed third in the Superleague. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. Todorovic's stats this season are: 14.0ppg, 7.6rpg and 1.2spg. Despite he played previously for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, Todorovic is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

Ivan Maras
Ivan Maras
   #9. Former international power forward Ivan Maras (208-86, another player represented by Beo Basket) was the major contributor in a Belfius Mons-Hainaut's victory against the closely-ranked Leuven Bears (14-18) 83-69 in the Belgian D1 on Wednesday night. He scored 16 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 29 minutes. Belfius Mons-Hainaut (15-16) is placed fifth in the D1. Maras' team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. Maras has averaged so far 8.2ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.4apg and 1.8spg in the 12 games. Despite he played previously for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, Maras is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

Dusan Djordjevic
Dusan Djordjevic
   #10. Guard Dusan Djordjevic (195-83, another player represented by Beo Basket) contributed to an overtime Base Oostende's victory against the closely-ranked Leuven Bears (14-18) 87-81 in the Belgian D1 in Monday night's game. He scored 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Telenet Oostende (22-10) is placed third in the D1. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. Djordjevic is currently second on the list of best passers. He has averaged so far 8.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.6apg and 1.1spg. Despite Djordjevic played previously for the Serbian national team, he is also a former international player as two years ago he still played for the Montenegrin senior national team.

   #11. Former international forward Zarko Rakocevic (204-84) contributed to a Lugano Tigers' victory against the closely-ranked Geneve Lions 78-70 in the Swiss LNA last Saturday. Rakocevic had a double-double by scoring 18 points and getting 11 rebounds in 37 minutes. Rakocevic is ranked sixth on the list of the best rebounders in the league with 7.7rpg. This year he also averages: 12.2ppg and 1.4apg in the 17 games. Despite Rakocevic played previously for the Serbian national team, he is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

   #12. Former international center Stevan Milosevic (211-85, another player represented by Interperformances) was not able to help Sokhumi in their game against Armia in the Georgian Superleague. Despite his very good performance on Wednesday night Milosevic was the top scorer with 15 points. He also added 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Milosevic averaged so far 13.5ppg, 7.5rpg and 2.0apg. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Milosevic is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

   #13. International guard Boris Bakic (194-86, another player represented by Beo Basket) is a teammate of previously mentioned Miljan Pavkovic and both played together in the last Serbian A League game. Bakic managed to help Radnicki Kragujevac in a victory in overtime against the seventh-ranked Mega Vizura 99-92. He recorded only 4 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists in 28 minutes. Bakic has averaged so far 9.1ppg, 3.9rpg and 1.9apg in the 10 games. He is also Montenegrin national team player.

   #14. International forward Milos Borisov (201-85) was not able to secure a victory for Banca Tercas in their game against Cimberio Varese in the Italian SerieA. Despite his very good performance last Sunday Borisov recorded 14 points. He has averaged so far 9.7ppg and 4.9rpg. Despite Borisov played previously for the Serbian national team, he is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

   #15. An experienced international guard Goran Jeretin (192-79, another player represented by Beo Basket) is a teammate of previously mentioned Vladimir Dasic. But that was another game of his team in Slovenian Telemach League which we would like to mention. Jeretin helped Union Olimpija win their n overtime game against the third-ranked Helios 81-78. He scored only 2 points and added 6 passes in 21 minutes. Jeretin has averaged so far 1.7ppg and 2.6apg in the 12 games. He is also in the roster of the Montenegrin national team.


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


FBI Sava Faces 4-man suspension - by Eurobasket News

Four players of FBI of Sava have been denied entry in the Ambaton-drazaka field where the ongoing NIB national basketball championship takes place. Arthur Arivelo, Feno Stephane, Lida Mananjara Emilio and Jonah Solofonirina violated a referee and some players in their recent encounter against ASB.


Four players of FBI of Sava have been denied entry in the Ambaton-drazaka field where the ongoing NIB national basketball championship takes place. Arthur Arivelo, Feno Stephane, Lida Mananjara Emilio and Jonah Solofonirina violated a referee and some players in their recent encounter against ASB. The match ended with FBI Sava falling 79-85. Despite the defeat, they qualified for the 8th finals of the NIB championship.


8th finals fixtures
VBCA Vs FBI; ASUM Vs Vaitrini; SBC Vs JCM; BBC Vs Lazani Bestileo; Cospn Vs UASF; JCB Vs 3FB; ASBCM Vs All Star and GNBC Vs ASB.
Courtesy of: StarAfrica.com



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  NBA   

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-G-78)
  Avg: 28.2
 1. Bryant, LA Lakers28.2 
 2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.27.9 
 3. James, Miami Heat27.2 
 4. Love, Minnesota T.26.0 
 5. Westbrook, Oklah..23.5 
 6. Anthony, New Y.23.1 
 7. Wade, Miami Heat22.0 
 8. Nowitzki, Dallas M.22.0 
 9. Ellis, Golde S.21.9 
 10. Rose, Chicago B.21.9 
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 Lakers11.8 
 4. Cousins, Sacramen.11.0 
 5. Humphries, New J.11.0 
 6. Griffin, LA Clipp.10.5 
 7. Gasol, LA Lakers10.2 
 8. Gortat, Phoenix10.0 
 9. Smith, Atlanta H.9.9 
 10. Noah, Chicago B.9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 11.7
 1. Rondo, Boston C.11.7 
 2. Nash, Phoenix Suns10.7 
 3. Paul, LA Clippers8.9 
 4. Calderon, Toron.8.8 
 5. Williams, New J.8.7 
 6. Rubio, Minnesot.8.2 
 7. Wall, Washington W.8.0 
 8. Rose, Chicago B.7.9 
 9. Parker, San A.7.6 
 10. Conley, Memphis G.6.7 
Steals Per Game
 Chris PAUL
  LA Clippers
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Paul, LA Clippers2.5 
 2. Rubio, Minnesot.2.2 
 3. Conley, Memphis G.2.1 
 4. Rondo, Boston C.1.9 
 5. James, Miami Heat1.9 
 6. Kidd, Dallas M.1.8 
 7. Wade, Miami Heat1.8 
 8. Millsap, Utah Jazz1.8 
 9. Shumpert, New Y.1.7 
 10. Allen, Memphis G.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 Clippers2.1 
 5. Bynum, LA Lakers2.1 
 6. Hibbert, Indiana P.2.1 
 7. McGee, Denver N.1.9 
 8. Gasol, Memphis G.1.8 
 9. Biyombo, Charlott.1.8 
 10. Udoh, Golde S.1.7 


NY Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire is fired up to bring Steve Nash to Madison Square Garden - by Eurobasket News

Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) issued a public plea to Steve Nash (6'3''-PG-74, college: Santa Clara), his former Phoenix Suns teammate who will be a free agent on July 1, to join him in New York.

Everyone knows that Steve loves New York and that New York loves Steve, Stoudemire told The Daily News. I love Steve. It would be great to have him here next year.

Ideally, the Knicks would have Nash as their starting point guard next season with Jeremy Lin serving as the understudy. The addition of the two-time MVP would go a long way toward making the partnership of Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony a successful one.

It is believed that the Knicks would have a better chance at signing Nash if his former coach, Mike DAntoni, was still coaching the Knicks. However, a source close to Nash asked the veteran that same question and Nash responded by saying he isnt ruling out anybody at this point.

Nash, who spends part of his summer in Manhattan, has always been enamored with the idea of playing at Madison Square Garden. However, close friends say that if Nash were to sign for the veteran minimum, he will go only to a contending team, which is why Miami is suddenly emerging as a strong candidate.

Why would he want to do that, Stoudemire said, laughing. This is a terrible, terrible situation here, right?

In other words, Stoudemire understands that LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Pat Riley and South Beach are very attractive to Nash.

One dark horse team could be the Portland Trail Blazers, the nearest NBA city to Nashs hometown of Vancouver. Nash has several business interests in Vancouver, including ownership in the Major League Soccer team there, and playing for the Trail Blazers would make sense personally and professionally for him.

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com


Sky's the limit for Denver Nuggets' JaVale McGee - by Eurobasket News

Each dunk - so vicious and delicious made the Staples Center shush, except for one blare of bellowing bravado coming from Section 210: 'We're going back to Denver, bay-bee!'

Pamela McGee, the loquacious mother of Denver Nuggets center Javale McGee (7'0''-C-88, college: Nevada), stood and cheered often Tuesday night. After all, her son scored 21 points and had 14 rebounds as Denver won to force tonight's Game 6 at the Pepsi Center against the Lakers, who lead the first-round playoff series 3-2.

'Anytime he had a dunk,' Pamela said Wednesday, 'they were all like, 'Who are you?' '

After the final buzzer, JaVale corralled the game ball and heaved it toward Section 210.

'It was like Peyton Manning. It was right on target,' McGee said of the ball his mom caught. 'I had to really put a spiral on it.'

Meet the McGees, the Mile High City's favorite new Denverites. There's proud Pamela, a former basketball star and coach who was seated (occasionally) under a Pepsi Center basket at Games 3 and 4, getting major TV time high-fiving every hand she could. And there's JaVale, the raw, 7-foot, ber-athletic 24-year-old skywalker, acquired in a trade for fan favorite Nene back in March.

Going into the playoffs, not many folks saw McGee being a key factor coming off the bench. But he's become a major factor.

In the Nuggets' Game 3 victory, he had 16 points and 15 boards. And, with Denver facing elimination Tuesday, holy moly, McGee was a game-changer, outplaying all-star big men Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol with his unorthodox game of hook shots, finger rolls, up-and-under moves and dunks off alley-oop passes from Andre Miller.

'He's really blossoming in this series,' the Lakers' Kobe Bryant said. 'He seems to be coming into his own. He's showing a lot of versatility and skill around the basket. Defensively as well, he's changing shots.'

McGee's sudden ascension has caught the eye of fans nationwide, who have made Twitter atwitter. After two mundane games in L.A. to start the series, McGee has played like an all-star in two of the past three games, reminding Nuggets assistant coach Melvin Hunt of a former player. Back in 2007, Hunt was on the Cleveland Cavaliers staff when an unknown guard named Daniel 'Boobie' Gibson erupted in the conference finals against Detroit with 21 points in Game 4 and 31 points in Game 6, including 19 fourth-quarter points in the series-clinching game.

'People were saying he was coming out of nowhere,' Hunt said. 'That's the comparison that comes to mind right away. His shooting, rebounding the basketball ... it was special.'

McGee plays basketball like the court is a trampoline. On seemingly every possession, he's leaping for either a block, rebound or dunk. He has a 7-foot-6 wingspan and, as Hunt explained, his fingers are so long that they remind him of the character Inspector Gadget saying, 'Go, go Gadget fingers!'

'I don't think I've ever coached a guy like this,' said Nuggets coach George Karl, who got his first NBA head coaching job in 1984. 'He has the kind of moves of a 6-6 player. The guy he kind of reminds me of a little bit is (1970s star) Connie Hawkins. There's this long, unfolding one-handed stuff. He's got a long way to go to become Connie Hawkins.'

McGee is unpolished. Sometimes, he'll swat a shot into the stands. Other times, he'll swing and miss. And then other times, he'll be called for goaltending a shot that had no shot. But, he's a presence in the paint. Even Bryant missed a couple of layups Tuesday because he was focused on those Gadget fingers.

In this series, McGee has averaged 3.2 blocks per game. To put that in perspective, only one NBA player had a higher average in the regular season.

'There are not a lot of people like him in the world,' Hunt said. 'I mean, seriously. You can throw it up there, and he's so long, he can get to it. He's had six-block games, and also, just the number of shots that he alters, he's just a different kind of player. And when you have a guy who's unique, you got to give him opportunities.'

Opportunities. That was the plan when Denver acquired McGee from Washington. The Nuggets' front office knew McGee had an abundance of athleticism, but he developed bad habits playing for a poor team.

'Our intent was to get JaVale for the future, not just for three months,' Nuggets executive Masai Ujiri said.

Asked Wednesday whether McGee, a restricted free agent this summer, is a player he wants to lock down for the future, Ujiri said, 'One hundred percent.'

So, will Pamela McGee be at the Pepsi Center tonight?

'Is water wet?' she said.

Courtesy of www.denverpost.com


James Harden named 'NBA Sixth Man of the Year' - by Eurobasket News

James Harden (6'5''-G-89, college: Arizona St.) is the 'NBA's 2011-12 Sixth Man of the Year'. The official announcement from the NBA came Thursday afternoon at a press conference in Oklahoma City. In addition to the entire coaching staff, teammates attending the announcement included Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Nick Collison, Lazar Hayward, Derek Fisher, Eric Maynor, Royal Ivey, Cole Aldrich and Reggie Jackson.

Harden acknowledged the award Thursday afternoon on Twitter in advance of any official announcement from the NBA: 'Thanks to everyone!! I appreciate all the Love! 6th Man of the Year.'

Harden has been widely projected for months to be the runaway winner of this years award. His selection by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada now validates his standing as the leagues best player in a reserve role.

Harden led all bench players with a career-high 16.8-point average, along with 4.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals in 31.4 minutes per game. He helped lead the Thunder to a 47-19 record, good for second place in the Western Conference standings, and the teams second consecutive Northwest Division title. In a win at Phoenix on April 18, Harden registered a career-high 40 points in 36 minutes.

Harden succeeds former Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom as the winner of the Sixth Man of the Year award. Harden finished a distant seventh in voting last year, garnering just three second-place votes and 10 third-place votes.

Harden is the 26th player to receive the Sixth Man Award since its inception in 1982-83. He is the first player in Thunder/Sonics history to win the award.

Courtesy of http://newsok.com


Blake Griffin has sprained left knee, Chris Paul has strained right hip flexor - by Eurobasket News

Los Angeles Clippers All-Star forward Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) sustained a sprained left knee in last nights 80-92 game five Clippers loss in Memphis last night. The injury occurred with 1:31 remaining in the third quarter. After being medically cleared to return to the game, Griffin finished the contest with 15 points, 11 rebounds and three steals in 39 minutes played. Griffin underwent an MRI today in Los Angeles which confirmed that there was no structural damage to the knee.

Clippers All-Star point guard Chris Paul suffered a strained right hip flexor with 5:16 remaining in the fourth quarter last night. Paul also returned to the game, finishing the night with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals in 39 minutes of action.

Both players will be listed as game time decisions for game six tomorrow night at 6:00 PDT vs. Memphis at STAPLES Center.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com


Grizzlies beat Clippers 90-88 to force 7th game - by Eurobasket News

This time, the fourth quarter belonged to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Long the domain of the Clippers' Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest), it was the Grizzlies who rallied in the closing minutes to beat Los Angeles 90-88 and force a decisive seventh game in their playoff series.

Marc Gasol (7'0''-C-85, agency: Interperformances) and Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) worked their inside-out game to perfection on a night when Paul and Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) were limited by injuries and the Clippers' bench couldn't quite put them over the top.

'This one has to hurt,' Paul said. 'If it doesn't hurt, it means you don't care.'

Gasol scored 23 points, Randolph had 18 points and 16 rebounds, and Rudy Gay (6'9''-F/G-86, college: Connecticut) and Mike Conley added 13 points each to help the Grizzlies win for the first time in the Western Conference series at Staples Center and stave off elimination.

'We were very focused on our task defensively and that's a big reason we won,' said Gasol, whose brother Pau will play a Game 7 with the Los Angeles Lakers against Denver at Staples on Saturday night. 'We were way more disciplined. The whole team is doing a better job of finding me in the post.'

Griffin scored 17 points despite a sprained left knee that limited his jumping ability, and Eric Bledoe added 14 off the bench to lead the Clippers, who blew an eight-point lead in the fourth along with a second consecutive chance to close out what would have been a landmark playoff victory for the beleaguered franchise.

'Right now is not the time to start pointing the finger,' Griffin said.

Paul scored 11 points playing with a strained right hip flexor and a jammed right middle finger.

'I didn't know he was hurt,' Randolph said. 'Everybody's hurting. My knee is hurting. I ain't looking for no excuse. You got to put that in the back and keep playing.'

The Clippers are seeking just the third playoff series win in franchise history. Game 7 will be Sunday in Memphis.

'It's uncharted territory for us as a team,' Clippers second-year coach Vinny Del Negro said. 'We got to stay together, battle through it and give our best effort of the season.'

Only eight teams in NBA history have come back from a 3-1 deficit to win a seven-game series. Top-seeded San Antonio awaits the winner in the conference semifinals.

'All of this means nothing because it's a one-game series,' Memphis coach Lionel Hollins said. 'Everyone has a chance to win.'

Tied 66-all starting the fourth, the Clippers scored 10 straight to take their first lead since the game's opening minutes, led by Bledsoe's six points.

'It was looking bleak at that time,' Hollins said.

But the Grizzlies weren't done.

They went on a 17-4 run, including 10 straight points, to take an 85-80 lead. Gay scored five in a row as the Clippers missed and Randolph came up with a big block. Conley hit a 3-pointer and Randolph tipped in the ball to close out the spurt.

'We stuck together and finished the game,' Randolph said. 'That's what coach has been preaching.'

Griffin made two free throws before Randolph scored for an 87-82 lead. Conley fouled Paul, and he missed the first and made the second to leave Los Angeles trailing 87-83 with 56 seconds left.

The Clippers were forced to keep fouling, and the Grizzlies made 3 of 8 to stay alive. The Clippers' Caron Butler missed a 3-pointer with 14 seconds to go as red-clad fans headed for the exits before Randy Foye hit a 3 with 3 seconds left.

Paul blamed himself for two fourth-quarter turnovers that led to Grizzlies baskets.

'I got to do better,' he said. 'We didn't want to go back to Memphis, not 'til sometime next season.'

Memphis opened the second half on a 12-8 run to extend its lead to 54-46, with Randolph having six points and Gasol four. Los Angeles answered with Paul bookending a 14-6 spurt that tied the game at 60. Griffin and DeAndre Jordan got in two huge dunks before Paul's jumper from the right corner brought the Clippers all the way back from an eight-point deficit earlier in the quarter.

Paul said he began the game favoring his injured hip, while Griffin was trying to feel out his bum knee.

'I tried not to pick and choose (movements),' Griffin said. 'Sometimes there was a move I could normally make but not in these circumstances.'

Butler's 3-pointer gave the Clippers their first lead, 63-62, since the game's opening minutes. Griffin took the ball away from Gasol and fed Bledsoe for a layup that tied the game at 66 going into the fourth quarter.

'We just kept battling,' Hollins said. 'Our defense started collapsing and not giving them anything. That was the key.'

The Grizzlies led by nine points in the first half, when they outrebounded the Clippers. Paul twice drew the Clippers within one in the second quarter before Gasol's three-point play extended Memphis' lead to 42-38 at the break. Paul and Griffin combined for 12 points and six rebounds in the half, with Paul playing 18 minutes and Griffin 15. The Grizzlies had 13 turnovers in the half, when neither team shot well.

Courtesy of http://abcnews.go.com


NBA legend Don Nelson earns college degree at 71 - by Eurobasket News

After a combined 45 years as a player and coach in the NBA, Don Nelson will finally accept his degree from the University of Iowa at the age of 71 on Saturday, The Des Moines Register reported.

Nelson completed 10 hours of correspondence work in Spanish to earn his degree in physical education. The school reportedly waived his student-teaching requirement in lieu of Nelson's three decades worth of NBA coaching experience.

Nelson was a two-time All-American at Iowa before he left in 1962 to embark on what became a successful career as a player and coach in the NBA. He won five titles with the Boston Celtics during his 14 years as a player, before going on to coach another 31 seasons.

'It means a lot to me personally,' Nelson, who turns 72 next week, told the paper. 'When I went to college, I was the first male in my family with a chance to go. One thing that was important to me was to get a degree. I was in the pros for so long that I had to postpone it until now.'

The three-time NBA Coach of the Year, who retired in April 2010 as the game's winningest coach with 1,335 victories, was voted into the Basketball Hall of Fame last month.

Courtesy of www.foxnews.com


Chris 'Birdman' Andersen under investigation by Internet child pornography unit - by Eurobasket News

On Thursday night, the Denver Nuggets are set to face the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 of their first-round series, their second consecutive elimination game. Yet one of their players now must deal with a much greater issue.

Thursday afternoon, Douglas County sheriff's deputies entered and searched Chris Andersen's (6'10''-C/F-78, college: Blinn JC) home in an investigation related to their Internet Crimes Against Children unit. The Nuggets, in turn, have excused Andersen indefinitely from all team functions. P. Solomon Banda of the Associated Press has more details:

Sheriff's spokesman Ron Hanavan confirmed that the search took place Thursday. Andersen has not been arrested and Hanavan said no arrest warrant has been issued.

The department began investigating Andersen in February after receiving information from a law enforcement agency in California. Hanavan declined to release details, including the nature of any pending charges, citing an ongoing investigation. He said they're asking that the case be sealed.

Andersen answered the door at his Larkspur, Colo., home, about 40 miles south of Denver, and let deputies in, said Deborah Sherman, another sheriff's spokesperson. ''He did cooperate. He spoke with deputies,'' Sherman said.

The unit investigating Andersen investigates child porn, Internet luring, child predators and child pornography.

The sheriff's department stated that they have taken computer hardware from Andersen's home, but they neglected to specify exactly what was taken. Obviously, not much is yet known about the investigation or exactly what Andersen may have done wrong. Without an arrest or specific charges, it's best not to speculate too much.

The Nuggets will not necessarily miss Andersen on the court he had yet to play a minute in the Lakers series and has seen his role diminished as JaVale McGee, Kenneth Faried, Timofey Mozgov and Kosta Koufos have earned more minutes in Denver's big-man rotation. Nevertheless, this incident could be a distraction for the entire franchise.

Andersen has been a controversial figure before and was suspended from the NBA for two seasons due to several failed drug tests for unspecified 'drugs of abuse,' but this investigation is an entirely different kind of serious. We'll continue to update you as more details emerge, but for now we're going to deal look at what's known and not draw too many conclusions in either direction.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com


CHICAGO BULLS 2012 SEASON RECAP - by Chris Mathieu

CHICAGO BULLS 2012 SEASON RECAP
A roller coaster of the season from the lockout to the playoffs, the season ended on a downward spiral for the team, eventually sputtering out in the playoffs against the 76ers in six games. The injuries that piled up on the team from the beginning proved to be too much in the playoffs for the team to overcome. Injuries to Rose, Watson, Deng, Hamilton, didnt deter the Bulls in the regular season but the serious knee injury sustained by Rose in the first game of the playoffs proved to be too much and exposed the soft underbelly of the team. The teams depth, rebounding and defense kept the Bulls competitive in the regular season even without their star and through the injuries. The playoffs proved to be a different animal and the Bulls just wore down from how hard they had to work to gets shots and to compete defensively on every possession. It will be interesting to see what the Bulls do with next season which also has the look of a lost season.
The Bulls offense this season was only average, Bulls were 18th in the league in scoring this season at 96.35 ppg. There free throw shooting continued to be a problem as well as they shot only .722%. The Bulls team defense continued to be excellent giving up only 88.17ppg by far the best in the league. The Bulls usually out rebounded other teams and even though they dont have a great individual shot blocker, they block a lot of shots as a team. One of the Bulls strengths is there discipline and the defense benefits them more when going up against undisciplined, poorly coached teams in the regular season. The lack of continuity hurt the team on offense through the regular season as they struggled without Rose and trying to integrate Hamilton into the offensive system.
Surprising was how well the Bulls played despite all the injuries to key players. Derrick missed 27 regular season games, Deng missed 12, Hamilton 38, Watson missed 17 and Noah missed a game as well due to injury. The only starter not to miss a start surprisingly was Carlos Boozer. The playoffs are a different beast than the regular season however; there are no Charlotte Bobcats, New Orleans Hornets and Detroit Pistons to beat up on.
The Bulls ran into difficulties when Rose went out of the playoffs, the bloom was off the Rose and the 76ers no longer feared the Bulls. They attacked off of turnovers, were able to trap at will and scored often in transition in the series. The Bulls without Rose and his ability to draw two defenders away from the basket struggle as expected to score. The Bulls offense bogged down as they have very few one on one offensive players that can create off the dribble and attack the rim at will. One of the few players like this on the team is also one of the least heralded players, John Lucas III. The problem is he doesnt run offense very well and it exacerbated the Bulls inability to get easy baskets.
Looking forward the Bulls will have to decide what to do with the 2012/13 season, it appears the title is out of reach for them this season and they would benefit from getting their core ready for another title run in the 2013/14 season and beyond. Two important pieces they will be waiting on is the Charlotte Bobcats pick from the Tyrus Thomas trade a few years ago, which becomes lottery unprotected in 2016 and the signing of European phenom Nikola Mirotic

Derrick Rose Theres no doubt because of injuries Derricks season was a disappointment. This affected his overall numbers and his ability to fit in with Richard Hamilton. This season had all the hallmarks of a star crossed season and it proved to be such when he torn his ACL in the first playoff game. The sad part about the injury is, due to the timing he is unlikely to get back on the court before March or April of next year. I think the years of seeing Derrick sky and block 72 Roy Hibberts dunk at the rim are over. He can recover from this injury but will have to be much wiser about how he pushes his body in the future. If you saw his all-out play and toughness you knew this would happen eventually, where he would have to mature his game, it just happened a lot sooner than expected. The worst part about the injury is those two things, his aggressiveness and toughness, may aid him in his recovery, will also likely work against him when his returns to the court as he will have to be careful if he plays at all next season not to push himself too hard on the court to be the old Derrick.
GRADE: C
Luol Deng Deng was off to a great start for the Bulls posting back to back games of 10+ assists, the first time in Bulls history a forward has done so, not even the great Scottie Pippen had done it. Once he injured his wrist, he became at standstill shooter unable to dribble (not strength of his to begin with). He retained his tough defense however and earned his first All-Star game birth. His aggressiveness deserted him due to the injury and didnt return until game 5 of the playoffs which proved to be too little, too late for the Bulls.
GRADE: C+
Jochim Noah Jochim had arguably his best season as a pro for the Bulls. He averaged close to a double double and shot better from the field as the tornado began to fall with more regularity. Also the inside passing combo of him and Boozer proved to be one of the Bulls strengths during a trying season. Teams still sag off of him and dare him to shoot his jumper, however. His severe ankle injury and attempt to return to the court was one of the most painful images I can remember in basketball history. His toughness and leadership are a key part of the current Bulls team. My biggest question about Jochim is he continues to be an energy guy who has a limited amount of energy and has a hard time having both a good offensive and defensive game at the same time. It appears that he usually struggles on one end or the other, usually on offense for him.
GRADE:B
Richard Hamilton Rips injuries just piled up and appeared to be unrelenting. Just when he was rounding into form in the playoffs and proving to be a lethal combo with Derrick, Rose went down with the torn ACL. It appears Rip will never get the chance to compete for a title with Derrick and the Bulls as he is only signed through next season, he still could prove to be valuable. When he was healthy and in shape he was everything as advertised for the Bulls, unfortunately they only got about 10 games like this out of Rip this season.
GRADE: C-
Carlos Boozer Carlos had a much better season for the Bulls than the last. Boozer and Noah were the glue in the regular season with the backcourts injuries and the benches uneven play due to being in a constant state of flux. Carlos got himself into great shape, finished better at the rim and provided a nice inside punch with him and Noah at times. He struggled again in the playoffs however and has a hard time finishing around athletic players, a must for a serious run to the title for the Bulls. The problem is him and Rip and Derrick all have great midrange game and often operate in the same general areas causing an overabundance on midrange jump shooting, a rarity in todays game but an abundance on the Bulls.
GRADE: C+
CJ Watson CJ started out playing at a high level for the Bulls but when his injuries piled up he appeared to lose confidence in his shot and it just got worse as the season wore down. More of a combo scoring guard than a true point guard. CJ disappeared in the playoffs and made the game deciding play in game 6 by passing to Asik in a situation where you know the76ers will foul. Giving the free throws to a big man who shoots below 50% from the FT line instead of you who shoots above 80% is inexcusable. I would be shocked to see him return next season.
GRADE: D+
Ronnie Brewer Ronnie is another Bull who struggled with his shot this season and had a hard time fitting in once Rip came back fulltime down the stretch. He appeared to lack the same energy and effectiveness when they needed him the most. He was a key member of the Bulls bench because of his hustle and toughness but it wasnt always there this season.
GRADE: C-
Kyle Korver Kyle had another good shooting season and played better defense overall but once again when you needed him in the playoffs he was missing in action. He did little to help the Bulls against the 76ers when they needed him the most. He is still one of the best three point shooters in the NBA and his ability to stretch the court effect the game even when he isnt shooting which shouldnt be overlooked.
GRADE: C
Omer Asik Asik struggled early in the season and it took him awhile to round into shape but he played very well down the stretch and in the playoffs. His offensive game is still limited; he still needs to learn to keep the ball high when he catches it in traffic. His passing and the screens and picks he set however are excellent and an unseen aspect of his game by the average fan. Defensively he can guard his man on the perimeter and inside and is one of the few big men who can get caught in a switch with a little guy and still hold his own out there. He is a better athlete than most would recognize and is not intimidated by rough play. He played very well for the Bulls when Noah went out in the playoffs and kept the Bulls competitive. Few teams in the NBA have the luxury of a center like him on the bench.
GRADE:B-
Taj Gibson Taj is an underrated player similar to PJ Brown when he was in his prime. His hustle, rebounding, shot blocking and athleticism contribute greatly to the toughness the team projects. He doesnt have a post-game except put backs and dunks but he offers some things that other teams have to worry about when he is on the court. He can shoot a 12-18 foot jumper but is inconsistent making them. He will be a free agent at the end of next season and in demand so the Bulls will have to make a decision on him in the next season.
GRADE: B-
Brian Scalabrine A hustle player who knows were to be on the court. In a season of injuries it is a question how much having him on the team really helped. He has been like a personal coach for Asik and the team appreciates what he does in practice but a season with almost no practices it can be questioned if the team would have benefited from having a player like Leon Powe on the team to add some scoring punch off the bench.
GRADE: D
Mike James For a guy signed to series of 10 day contracts he helped the team to a few wins. You could even question whether the Bulls would have been better off starting him in the playoffs over Watson considering his struggles. James knows how to run an offense, get open from the outside and adds toughness and defense to the team, things that the team needed in the playoffs. For a guy signed off the streets multiple times he was a tremendous asset.
GRADE: B
Jimmy Butler Jimmy went through the typical rookie struggles compounded by the lack of summer leagues and practice time because of the lockout. He worked hard and did the little things to endear himself to his coach and will most likely assume Brewers role next season. He needs to work on his outside shooting and explosiveness and ball handling if he is to work himself into an NBA starter one day, easier said than done.
GRADE: C
John Lucas Lucas worked himself into the rotation and helped the team win a few games with his streaky outside shooting. He was one of the few fearless players on the team wanting the ball in tough situations with the clock winding down. The problem is he pounded his dribble relentlessly and ran down the shot clock too often, forcing the need to put up a desperation last second shot. He struggled defensively and cant finish at the rim. He is a limited player that provided a lift at times for the team but is an excellent example of a player who is just likely to shoot you out of a game than into it. If his shot isnt falling he is a major liability on the basketball court due to size limitations and overall lack of skill.
GRADE: C+
Coach Tom Thibadeau Coach Thibs was the runner up for coach of the year, an amazing feat for someone who won it in his rookie season to come back and almost win it a second time. He gets the team to usually play above their talent and has been an excellent regular season coach. His defensive philosophy is the best in the league and is an underrated offensive coach and a tireless worker. On the downside he runs players into the ground with their minute load and has handled injuries questionably. The playoff game with Noahs ankle injury when Thibs left him out there, pulled him and then put him back in the game when it was clear he was seriously hurt was inexcusable. It will be an interesting challenge next season as it is likely Deng will miss a portion of the season due to wrist surgery and Rose will miss most of the season, how he will handle these injuries and especially when they return. Coach Thibs is also stubborn to a fault relying on the same starters regardless of how they struggle, it has been an issue two years in a row as the team could have used a more veteran presence in both playoff runs and he chose to ignore Kurt Thomas last season and Mike James this season. That however, is limited criticism as it is highly unlikely playing either would have resulted in a championship season.
GRADE:B+

Team Outlook The team will have some serious decisions to make as they are over the salary cap and own team options on Brewer, Watson and a limited buyout on Korver. It is highly unlikely the team will be able to compete for a title next season so it is more important to make some decisions for the future, to create some financial flexibility and add an infusion of talent onto the current roster. Regardless it appears the 2012-13 appears to be a one were competing for a title seems very unlikely.


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


AP source: Former Illini Crandall Head signs at SMU - by Eurobasket News

Former Illinois reserve Crandall Head (6'4''-G) has signed to play with SMU.

An SMU official familiar with Head's decision said he signed his paperwork Thursday. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because Head's decision hasn't been announced by the school.

The 6-4, 190-pound Head will have to sit out a year under NCAA rules. He has two more years of eligibility.

Head follows former Illinois assistant coach Jerrance Howard to SMU. New head coach Larry Brown hired Howard last month.

Head left the Illinois team in December after getting only limited playing time. He averaged 1 point over nine games last season before leaving.

The Matteson, Ill., native is the younger brother of former Illinois standout Luther Head.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com


Atlanta to host all three division title games same weekend in 2013 - by Eurobasket News

All three divisions of NCAA men's basketball will see their 2013 national champions crowned during Final Four weekend in Atlanta.

The NCAA has announced that for the first time, the Division II and Division III titles will be awarded in the same city and over the same weekend as the culmination to the Division I tournament.

Both the Division II and Division III champions will be crowned on Sunday, April 7, with the tentative site being Philips Arena. Next season's men's Division I national semifinals are April 6 at the Georgia Dome, as is the national championship game on April 8.

The NCAA says the moves are being made in part to add to the 75th anniversary celebration of college basketball's annual championship tournament.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com


Wisconsin-Milwaukee hires former OSU AD Geiger - by Eurobasket News

Andy Geiger is the new athletic director at Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

The former Ohio State AD last week received a call from a consultant friend asking if hed be interested.

'I wasn't necessarily looking to get back in', Geiger told The Columbus Dispatch. 'I was asked if I was interested and I felt my pulse quicken and my inner self said, yes, I'm interested.'

Geiger, 73, started his new job Thursday.

Courtesy of www.springfieldnewssun.com


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


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

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

Akinlolu Akingbala
Akinlolu Akingbala
   #1. This week's number one is former international center Akinlolu Akingbala (208-83, college: Clemson). He was the major contributor in a Sluc Nancy's victory against the 13th-ranked Poitiers (9-20) 68-60 in the French ProA in Saturday night's game. Akingbala scored 15 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (17-12) is placed fifth in the ProA. It was his team's first victory after four consecutive loses. They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical. It's Akingbala's fourth season with the team. He is currently third on the list of best rebounders and also on the list of best blockers (fourth place). Akingbala has very reliable stats this season: 12.3ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.2bpg, 2FGP: 62.9%(141-224) and FT: 53.9%. He played for the Nigerian senior national team three years ago.

Ike Diogu
Ike Diogu
   #2. Second place goes to former international power forward Ike Diogu (204-83, college: Arizona St.). Diogu led Capitanes to a victory against the third-ranked Quebradillas (2-2) 86-79 in the Puerto Rican BSN last Wednesday. He had a double-double by scoring 21 points and getting 13 rebounds in 35 minutes. Capitanes de Arecibo (1-2) is placed fifth in Top 6 group. They ended the series of five consecutive loses. Diogu is ranked sixth on the list of the top scorers in the league and also on the list of best rebounders (third place). He has individually a very good year with high stats. Diogu averages: 18.3ppg, 9.8rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 55.0% and FT: 73.5% in the 13 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and American. Despite Diogu played previously for the USA national team, he played also for the Nigerian national team in 2009.

Michael Umeh
Michael Umeh
   #3. The Nigerian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international point guard Michael Umeh (188-84, agency: Two Points, college: UNLV), who plays in the German BBL. Umeh could not help New Yorker Phantoms (17-16) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his very good performance New Yorker Phantoms was crushed 101-79 on the road by the second-ranked ratiopharm Ulm. Umeh was the top scorer with 23 points. He also added 4 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws). Umeh has relatively good stats this season: 11.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 51.3%, 3FGP: 34.3% and FT: 89.1%. He is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and American. Despite Umeh played previously for the USA national team, he is currently a member of the Nigerian senior national team.

Ndudi Ebi
Ndudi Ebi
   #4. Forward Ndudi Ebi (206-84, agency: Higher Vision Sports) led Jiangsu to a victory over one of league's weakest teams Heilongjiang (1-2) 100-92 in the Chinese NBL (second division) in Tuesday night's game. Ebi was MVP of the game. He scored 32 points (!!!), had 9 rebounds and made 4 blocks in 48 minutes. Jiangsu Tongxi (2-1) is placed fourth in the NBL. But the season is still in it's first stage and everything can happen. Ebi is currently fifth on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best blockers (third place). He has very impressive stats this year: 25.7ppg, 10.7rpg, 2.0apg, 4.0bpg and 3.7spg in the three games. Despite Ebi played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

Tony Skinn
Tony Skinn
   #5. Former international guard Tony Skinn (185-83, college: George Mason), who plays in the Israeli Premier League was not able to help Ironi Ashkelon (10-15) in their last game on Thursday. Despite Skinn's very good performance Ironi Ashkelon was defeated 88-73 in Rishon Le-Zion by the higher-ranked Maccabi Rishon (#3). He was the second best scorer with 17 points. Skinn also added 5 rebounds. This season Skinn has relatively solid stats: 10.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.9apg and 1.7spg. He has both American and Nigerian nationalities. Despite Skinn played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

Abdullahi Kuso
Abdullahi Kuso
   #6. Forward Abdullahi Kuso (206-84, college: Tallahassee CC) contributed to an overtime Zadar's victory against the fifth-ranked KK Zagreb CO (6-8) 90-89 in the Croatian A1 on Tuesday night. Kuso recorded 9 points and grabbed 18 rebounds in 34 minutes. KK Zadar (7-6) is placed fourth in Championship Group. It was his team's first victory after three consecutive loses. They will play only one more game in the Second Stage. And now that game is very crucial. This year Kuso's overall stats are: 4.2ppg and 5.6rpg in the 11 games. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Kuso is also a former international player as he played for the Nigerian senior team five years ago.

Ebi Ere
Ebi Ere
   #7. Former international swingman Ebi Ere (195-81, college: Oklahoma) contributed to an overtime Blusens Monbus' victory against the closely-ranked CAI Zaragoza (16-18) 89-84 in the Spanish ACB in Sunday night's game. He recorded 13 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Blusens Monbus Obradoiro CAB (13-21) is placed 13th in the ACB. The Regular Season already ended. It's Ere's first season with the team. Ere's total stats this year are: 8.1ppg, 2.5rpg and 1.1apg. He also holds two passports: Nigerian and American. Despite Ere played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

Ime Udoka
Ime Udoka
   #8. An experienced forward Ime Udoka (198-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Portland St.) contributed to an UCAM Murcia's victory against one of league's weakest teams Asefa Estudiantes (11-23) 86-80 in the Spanish ACB last Sunday. Udoka recorded 10 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 34 minutes. UCAM Murcia (24-6) is placed in the ACB. The Regular Season already ended. Udoka has reliable stats this year: 12.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.8apg and 1.4spg in the 19 games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Despite Udoka played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

Sean Ogirri
Sean Ogirri
   #9. International guard Sean Ogirri (188-86, college: Wyoming), who plays in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) was not able to secure a victory for Leche Rio Breogan (19-15) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Ogirri's very good performance Leche Rio Breogan was defeated 80-69 in Mahon by the higher-ranked Menorca Basquet (#4). He was the top scorer with 19 points. Ogirri's stats this season are: 12.0ppg, 2.2rpg and 2.4apg. Despite he played previously for the Dominican Rep. national team, Ogirri is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

Chinemelu Elonu
Chinemelu Elonu
   #10. Power forward Chinemelu Elonu (206-87, college: Texas A&M), who plays in the French ProA couldn't help Pau-Lacq-Orthez (6-23) in their last game. Despite his good performance Pau-Lacq-Orthez lost 77-89 in Le Mans to the much higher-ranked (#4) Le Mans. Elonu had a double-double by scoring 10 points and getting 11 rebounds in 19 minutes. It was Pau-Lacq-Orthez's ninth consecutive loss in a row. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. Elonu is currently first on the league's list of best rebounders with 8.2rpg. He also averaged so far 10.3ppg and 1.1bpg in the 29 games. Despite Elonu played previously for the Dominican Rep. national team, he is also an international player who is currently on the senior Nigerian National Team roster.

   #11. International guard Adeola Dagunduro (196-86, college: Nebraska) couldn't help Leuven Bears in their game against Base Oostende in the Belgian D1. Despite his very good performance last Monday Dagunduro was the second best scorer with 15 points. Dagunduro is currently first on the list of most steals. This season he has very good stats: 11.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.2apg and 2.5spg. Despite Dagunduro played previously for the Dominican Rep. national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

   #12. International guard Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-86, college: Providence) contributed to Indios' victory against the sixth-ranked Mets 78-70 in the Puerto Rican BSN on Sunday night. Efejuku recorded 9 points in 15 minutes. He averaged so far 12.7ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.4apg and 1.2spg in the 27 games. Despite Efejuku played previously for the Jamaican national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

   #13. Former international power forward Oluoma Nnamaka (201-78, college: Marquette) managed to help Novipiu Casale Monferrato to win against the sixth-ranked Scavolini Pesaro 82-77 in the Italian SerieA in Sunday night's game. Nnamaka recorded 5 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. His total stats this season are: 4.3ppg, 4.6rpg and 1.1spg. Nnamaka used to play for the Nigerian national team three years ago.

   #14. International forward Derrick Obasohan (199-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Texas Arlington) couldn't help FIATC Joventut in their game against Real Madrid in the Spanish ACB. He recorded 6 points in 21 minutes. His team lost 82-95. This year Obasohan's total stats are: 9.2ppg, 2.1rpg and 1.3apg in the 34 games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Despite Obasohan played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

   #15. International power forward Kieron Achara (208-83, also represented by Two Points, college: Duquesne) couldn't help Assignia Manresa in their game against Regal FC Barcelona in the Spanish ACB. Achara recorded 5 points. His team was defeated 77-71. He has averaged so far 6.0ppg and 3.5rpg. Achara is also in the roster of the Nigerian national team.

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

   #1. Alade Aminu (207-C/F-87, college: Georgia Tech) led Chalon/Saor to a victory over the 12th-ranked ASVEL (12-17) 76-61 in the French ProA in Saturday night's game. He was MVP of the game. Aminu scored 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 26 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his third season in pro basketball. ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (23-5) is placed second in the ProA. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Aminu has relatively good stats this year: 12.1ppg and 6.8rpg in the 28 games he played so far.

   #2. Experienced Uche Nsonwu-Amadi (208-F/C-78, agency: Beo Basket, college: Wyoming) was the main contributor in a Chorale de Roanne's victory against the closely-ranked JSF Nanterre (14-15) 83-76 in the French ProA last Saturday. He was MVP of the game. Nsonwu-Amadi scored 26 points (!!!) and grabbed 6 rebounds. Chorale de Roanne Basket (16-13) is placed seventh in the ProA. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. Nsonwu-Amadi belongs to league's best rebounders and is ranked #5. He has very reliable stats this season: 11.6ppg and 7.0rpg.

   #3. Kenny Adeleke (205-C-83, college: Hartford) contributed to an overtime Henan Jiyuan's victory against the closely-ranked Guangzhou FM (1-2) 108-106 in the Chinese NBL (second division) on Saturday night. Adeleke was MVP of the game. He had a double-double by scoring 46 points and getting 26 rebounds. Adeleke also added and 3 steals in 49 minutes. Henan Jiyuan Iron and Steel (1-2) is placed sixth in the NBL. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Adeleke is currently second on the list of top scorers and also on the list of best rebounders (first place). He has individually a very good year with high stats. Adeleke averages: 37.0ppg, 22.7rpg, 1.7apg and 2.3spg in the three games.


Coaches Ayinla, Turi, Abdulrahman for National U18 Men - by Olusegun Ikuesan

The Executive Board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Thursday approve the trio of Coaches Ayinla Johnson (Union Bank), Sani Turi (Kada Stars) and Abdulrahman Mohammed (Bauchi Nets) as head coach and assistants of the nation U18 national team.

The trio are saddle with the responsibility of coming up moulding a team that will compete for a place in the FIBA Africa Zone-III elimination billed for Abidjan Cote dIvoire from June 30 through July 7, 2012.

The coaches have been mandated by the Nigeria Basketball ruling body not to include any player in the DStv Premier Basketball League in the squad.

According to federation president Tijjani Umar, the aim of the U18 championship is to help in building a virile national team from the grassroot and so our newly appointed U18 coaches must have it at the back of their mind that any player currently playing for clubs in the DStv premier league are not welcome in the U18 team.

The coaches have been directed to scout for players from the Nestle Milo secondary school championship and other academies around the country.

The team will open it camp at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria soon ahead the Zone-III qualifiers as Nigeria hope to re-launch herself as a dominant force in Africa basketball.


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


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

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

Danilo Pinnock
Danilo Pinnock
   #1. This week's number one is an international guard Danilo Pinnock (196-83, college: G.Washington), who plays in the Puerto Rican BSN. He could not help Capitanes (1-2) in their last game. Despite Pinnock's very good performance the fifth-placed Capitanes was badly defeated 91-74 on the road by the second-ranked Vaqueros in the Top 6 group. He was the top scorer with 19 points. Pinnock also added 4 rebounds and 5 assists in 31 minutes on the court. It was Capitanes' fifth consecutive loss in a row. Pinnock is currently fifth on the league's list of best passers and also on the list of most steals (second place). He has very reliable stats this year: 14.2ppg, 5.9rpg, 5.1apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 51.5%, 3FGP: 30.9% and FT: 77.9% in the 33 games he played so far. Pinnock is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Pinnock is currently a member of the Panamanian senior national team. He used to play for Toros de Chorrillo in Panamanian league.

Jose Lloreda
Jose Lloreda
   #2. Second place goes to an international power forward Jose Lloreda (201-80, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: LSU). Lloreda led Atleticos to a 1-point victory over the second-ranked Vaqueros (2-1) 89-88 in the Puerto Rican BSN last Monday. He was MVP of the game. Lloreda recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points and getting 10 rebounds. He also added 3 assists. Atleticos de San German (2-2) is placed fourth in Top 6 group. Lloreda is ranked fourth on the list of the best rebounders in the league. This season he has very good stats: 11.3ppg, 9.5rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 43.8% and FT: 57.9%. Despite Lloreda played previously for the USA national team, he is currently a member of the Panamanian senior national team.

Levour Warren
Levour Warren
   #3. The Panamanian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Levour Warren (196-81, agency: SportsTalent, college: S.Carolina). Warren led Cedevita to a victory against the fifth-ranked KK Zagreb CO (6-8) 77-67 in a derby game in the Croatian A1 on Saturday night. He scored 11 points in 23 minutes. KK Cedevita Zagreb (11-3) is placed second in Championship Group. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. The Second Stage already ended. It's Warren's first season with the team. Warren has relatively good stats this year: 11.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 60.6%(40-66) and FT: 91.4%(32-35) in the 12 games. 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.

Gabriel Giron
Gabriel Giron
   #4. Forward Gabriel Giron (192-88) was the major contributor in a Frayles de Guasave's victory against the third-ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (20-11) 84-78 in the Mexican CIBACOPA in Friday night's game. He scored 22 points and had 3 steals. Frayles de Guasave (15-16) is placed seventh in the CIBACOPA. Giron is currently fifth on the list of most steals. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Giron averages: 16.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.4apg and 1.4spg. He has a dual citizenship: Panamanian and Mexican. Despite Giron played previously for the Mexican university national team, he is currently in the Panamanian national team roster.

Michael Hicks
Michael Hicks
   #5. An experienced international swingman Michael Hicks (194-76, college: Texas A&M-CC) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Morpho Basket (14-14) crushing them 95-61 in the Italian Lega2 (second division) last Wednesday. Hicks recorded 15 points in 21 minutes. Sigma Barcellona (16-12) is placed fifth in the Lega2. This year Hicks has relatively solid stats: 12.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.2apg and 1.4spg in the 28 games. Despite he played previously for the Mexican national team, Hicks is currently in the Panamanian national team roster.

Dionisio Gomez Camargo
Dionisio Gomez Camargo
   #6. Forward Dionisio Gomez Camargo (203-80, college: Arkansas) contributed to a Shiga L-Stars' victory against the fifth-ranked Fukuoka Rizing (33-19) 96-86 in the Japanese BJ League on Saturday night. He recorded 15 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Shiga Lakestars (33-19) are placed fourth in Western group. Gomez Camargo has reliable stats this season: 12.5ppg, 8.3rpg and 1.8apg. Despite he played previously for the Mexican national team, Gomez Camargo is also an international player who is currently on the senior Panamanian National Team roster.

Other top Panamanian players, who play abroad:

Gary Forbes (201-G/F-85) plays for Toronto Raptors in the NBA
Ruben Garces (206-C/F-73) plays for Capitanes in Puerto Rican BSN
Jamaal Levy (206-C-83) plays for Lanus in Argentinian LigaA
Josimar Ayarza (205-F-87) plays for Vaqueros in Puerto Rican BSN
Leonardo Pomare (203-F-86) plays for Hamamatsu Phoenix in Japanese BJ League
Antonio Garcia (203-F/C-76) plays for Bigua in Uruguayan LUB
Jamahr Warren (194-G/F-79) plays for Bigua in Uruguayan LUB
Ruben Douglas (193-G-79) plays for Usak in Turkish TB2L
Amir Alvarado (198-F-84) plays for Barva in Costa Rican LBS

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


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  POLAND   

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Walter HODGE
  Zastal ZG
  (183-PG-86)
  Avg: 19.3
 1. Hodge, Zastal ZG19.3 
 2. Motiejunas, Asseco16.2 
 3. Corbett, Siarka J.16.1 
 4. Miller, Siarka J.15.9 
 5. Dylewicz, Trefl So.15.9 
 6. Kulig, PBG Basket15.7 
 7. Micic, PBG Basket15.7 
 8. Burrell, Energa C.15.6 
 9. Koszarek, Trefl S.15.5 
 10. Weeden, Polpharma15.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Darrell HARRIS
  Kotwica
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 11.6
 1. Harris, Kotwica11.6 
 2. Lawal, Zastal ZG10.2 
 3. Hrycaniuk, Asseco9.0 
 4. Archibeque, Zastal8.1 
 5. Dluski, LKS Lodz8.1 
 6. Burgess, Trefl S.8.0 
 7. Doaks, Siarka J.7.3 
 8. Turek, Trefl Sopot7.2 
 9. Simmons, Polpharma7.2 
 10. Bartosz, PBG Bas.7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Robert SKIBNIEWSKI
  Slask W.
  (182-G-83)
  Avg: 7.2
 1. Skibniewski, Slask7.2 
 2. Blassingame, Assec.6.9 
 3. Hodge, Zastal ZG5.8 
 4. Wilczek, AZS P.5.2 
 5. Koszarek, Trefl S.5.2 
 6. Milicic, AZS K.5.0 
 7. Burrell, Energa C.4.8 
 8. Miller, Siarka J.4.7 
 9. Micic, PBG Basket4.5 
 10. Moore, PGE Turow4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Krzysztof SZUBARGA
  Anwil
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Szubarga, Anwil1.7 
 2. Koszarek, Trefl S.1.5 
 3. Tiller, Siarka J.1.5 
 4. Skibniewski, Slask1.5 
 5. Sapp, Kotwica1.5 
 6. Motiejunas, Asseco1.4 
 7. Miller, Siarka J.1.4 
 8. Ponitka, AZS P.1.4 
 9. Dabrowski, Polph.1.4 
 10. Hodge, Zastal ZG1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Darrell HARRIS
  Kotwica
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Harris, Kotwica1.6 
 2. Eziukwu, AZS K.1.6 
 3. Burgess, Trefl S.1.6 
 4. Kesicki, Kotwica1.4 
 5. Morrison, Energa C.1.3 
 6. Karnowski, Siarka1.2 
 7. Lauderdale, PGE T.1.1 
 8. Mladenovic, Slask1.1 
 9. Lawal, Zastal ZG1.1 
 10. Doaks, Siarka J.1.0 



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  PUERTO RICO   

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings
Top 6
 1. Mayaguez 3-0 
 2. Bayamon 2-1 
 3. Quebradillas 2-2 
 4. San German 2-2 
 5. Arecibo 1-2 
 6. Guaynabo 0-3 
Places 7-8
 1. Humacao 9-21 
 2. Guayama 8-22 
Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 3

May. 9: Arecibo - Quebradillas 86-79
May. 10: Guaynabo - San German 81-95
May. 10: Quebradillas - Bayamon 79-86
May. 9: San German - Mayaguez 73-81

Second Stage: Round 4

May. 11: Mayaguez - Bayamon
May. 11: Guaynabo - Arecibo
May. 12: Quebradillas - Mayaguez
May. 12: Arecibo - San German


Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game
 Al THORNTON
  Guayama
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 25.3
 1. Thornton, Guayama25.3 
 2. Harris, San German20.7 
 3. Sensley, Humacao19.7 
 4. Randolph, Quebradi.19.3 
 5. Dalmau, Bayamon18.8 
 6. Diogu, Arecibo18.3 
 7. Brown, Humacao18.0 
 8. Ramos, Quebradillas17.8 
 9. Ayuso, Arecibo17.6 
 10. Vassallo, Guayna.16.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Shavlik RANDOLPH
  Quebradi.
  (208-F-83)
  Avg: 11.9
 1. Randolph, Quebradi.11.9 
 2. Harris, San German10.3 
 3. Diogu, Arecibo9.8 
 4. Lloreda, San G.9.5 
 5. Powell, Guayama9.2 
 6. Thornton, Guayama9.2 
 7. Ramos, Quebradillas9.1 
 8. Sensley, Humacao9.0 
 9. Burgess, Guaynabo8.4 
 10. Sweetney, Bayamon8.2 
Assists Per Game
 Filiberto RIVERA
  San German
  (190-PG-82)
  Avg: 6
 1. Rivera, San German6.0 
 2. Guzman, Guaynabo5.6 
 3. Smith, Mayaguez5.5 
 4. Garcia, Humacao5.2 
 5. Pinnock, Arecibo5.1 
 6. Pagan, Guayama5.0 
 7. Butler, Quebradill.4.8 
 8. Dalmau, Bayamon4.1 
 9. Brown, Humacao3.4 
 10. Alvarado, Humacao3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Donta SMITH
  Mayaguez
  (201-G-83)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Smith, Mayaguez2.2 
 2. Pinnock, Arecibo1.7 
 3. Mojica, Bayamon1.6 
 4. Dalmau, Bayamon1.5 
 5. Thornton, Guayama1.3 
 6. Sensley, Humacao1.3 
 7. Figueroa, Guaynabo1.3 
 8. Ramirez, Mayaguez1.3 
 9. Rivera, San German1.3 
 10. Strong, San Germ.1.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Mamadou LAMIZANA
  Bayamon
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Lamizana, Bayamon2.4 
 2. Penn, Humacao1.8 
 3. O''Bryant, Mayaguez1.7 
 4. Thornton, Guayama1.6 
 5. Shannon, Quebradil.1.6 
 6. Burgess, Guaynabo1.4 
 7. Powell, Guayama1.3 
 8. Ramos, Quebradillas1.3 
 9. Aubry, Arecibo1.3 
 10. Harris, San German1.1 


Atleticos release Scales, test Gadson: - by Luis Modestti

Atleticos de San German released guard Alex Scales (192-G-78, college: Oregon) and are now testing Cheyne Gadson.

Scales averaged 4 points in three games for San German.

Gadson played for Guaros de Lara in Venezuela and in his second game he suffered a serious left elbow injury. He averaged 21 points in two games.

San German has a 2-2 record in the playoff and plays at Arecibo tomorrow. Then on Sunday they host Piratas de Quebradillas.


Indios separate from the pack by beating Bayamon: - by Luis Modestti

Indios de Mayaguez dominated Vaqueros de Bayamon 90-77 to stay undefeated in the Round Robin stage with a 4-0 record.

Donta Smith scored 20 and Kevin Hamilton 15 for Indios who dominated in the second half.

Indios made an 8-0 run at the start of the final quarter and never looked back.

Gary Wilkinson had 19 for Vaqueros who are now 2-2.

In the other game played, Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) scored 30 points to lead Capitanes over Mets 79-72. Ayuso made five three-pointers for the winners who are now 2-2. Mets are last with a 0-4 mark.

The games for Saturday are San German at Arecibo and Mayaguez plays at Quebradillas.


Wins for Atleticos and Vaqueros on Thursday: - by Luis Modestti

Atleticos de San German and Vaqueros de Bayamon won on Thursday as part of the Round Robin stage.

Atleticos dominated Mets de Guaynabo 95-81 as Mike Harris (198-F-83, college: Rice) netted 30 points and grabbed 16 rebounds.

San German won the first half 47-36 and never looked back. Guaynabo had Joey Graham (200-G/F-82, college: Oklahoma St.) with 23 and Will McDonald (211-C-79, college: S.Florida) added 18.

Vaqueros showed their great defense and stopped Piratas de Quebradillas 86-79. Gary Wilkinson (204-F/C-82, college: Utah St.) led Vaqueros with 19 and Christian Dalmau (194-G-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Daytona Beach CC) netted 18.

Bayamon has a 2-1 record and play against Mayaguez who is 3-0 tonight. The other game is Arecibo at Guaynabo.


Harris' double-double lands him (Second Stage) Player of the Round award - by Eurobasket News

28-year old forward Mike Harris (198-F-83) put on an extraordinary performance in the last week for San German and receives a Latinbasket.com Player of the Round 3 award (Second Stage).
He had a double-double of 30 points and 16 rebounds, while his team beat Guaynabo (#6, 0-3), Second Stage botton-ranked team 95-81. San German maintains the 4th position in Puerto Rican league. San German is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. But it was their 2nd lost game this season out of 4 games. In the team's last game Harris had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at San German, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Rice University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Harris is in league's top in points (2nd best: 20.3ppg), rebounds (2nd best: 10.0rpg) and averages solid 1.1bpg and 55.0% FGP.

Second best performed player last week was Ike Diogu (204-F/C-83) of Arecibo. He is American-Nigerian forward in his first season at Arecibo. In the last game Diogu recorded impressive double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds. Of course Arecibo cruised to a 86-79 relatively comfortable win over Quebradillas (2-2). The Second Stage is still at the very beginning and this victory may help a lot. Let's wait for the next week. Diogu is one of the most experienced players at Arecibo and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.3ppg (#6). He also registered 9.8 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to swingman Joey Graham (200-G/F-82) of Guaynabo (#6). Graham scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Despite Graham's great performance Guaynabo lost 81-95 to San German (#4, 2-2). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Guaynabo can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have awful Second Stage losing so far all 3 games. Too bad for Graham he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Graham has a very solid season. In 2 games in Puerto Rico he scored 17.5ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Gary Wilkinson (204-F/C-82) of Bayamon - 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Shavlik Randolph (208-F-83) of Quebradillas - 15 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Filiberto Rivera (190-PG-82) of San German - 11 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists
7. Darius Washington (188-PG-85) of Quebradillas - 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Shavlik Randolph (208-F-83) of Quebradillas - 15 points and 10 rebounds
9. Christian Dalmau (194-G-77) of Bayamon - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 7 assists
10. Donta Smith (201-G-83) of Mayaguez - 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists

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


*****************************************************
  QATAR   


Al Rayyan won 32nd GCC Clubs Basketball Championship - by Eurobasket News

Al Rayyan won 32nd GCC Clubs Basketball Championship leaving no chances for Al-Hala. The team from Qatar beat the home side of the tournament 89:61.
Zain Bahrain Basketball Arena in Umm al Hassam desired to see Al Halas first title in the history of GCC Club Basketball Champions. Al Rayyan however started with 28-17 and never looked behind in the game. The team from Qatar added 24-12 in the second period and went for the 52:29 half-time scoreline. Al Rayyan kept the pressure on to take their lead out to 72:40 with ten minutes remaining. Nothing had changed in the last stanza as Al Rayyan won the game. The team remained undefeated in the tournament and deserved to be called the winners of the GCC title for a fifth time.
Rayyan thus share the top place in the roll of honor with Saudi Arabian clubs Uhud and Al Ittihad all having won the title five times each.


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


Spartak-Primorye advanced to the Cup Final - by Eurobasket News

Spartak Sp-Spartak-Primorye 73:76 OT

Spartak-Primorye advanced to the Cup Final as they beat Spartak St Petersburg in the Semifinals game. The winners needed overtime to seal Final birth with 76:73 win.
Spartak Sp dominated the first period and took 20:13 lead after the first 10 minutes. They allowed the opponents to reduce the game later in the half and Spartak-Primorye managed to cut to 39:37 at the halftime. Again the team from St Petersburg increased the lead in the third period as they won it 17-13. Primorye side needed however 18-12 in the fourth period to tie the game. In overtime the latter produced an 8-5 surge and won the game.
Torey Thomas (180-PG-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Cuthbert Victor (197-F-83, college: Murray St.) netted 21.Ivan Pavlov (200-C-89) notched 15, while Evgeni Baburin (191-G-87) delivered 7. Valery Likhodey (205-F-86) ended up with 16 points in the losing effort, whilst Miha Zupan (205-F/C-82) added 15. Patrick Beverley (185-PG-88, college: Arkansas) delivered 14 and Janis Strelnieks (191-G-89) posted 6.

Spartak Sp: Valery Likhodey 16, Miha Zupan 15, Patrick Beverley 14, Janis Strelnieks 6
Spartak-Primorye: Torey Thomas 23, Cuthbert Victor 21, Ivan Pavlov 15, Evgeni Baburin 7


Krasnie Krilya reached the Cup title game in Samara - by Eurobasket News

Krasnie Krilya- Ural Ekaterinburg 75:54

Krasnie Krilya reached the title game in Samara as the hosts of Final Four of the Cup. The team overcame Ural Ekaterinburg 75:54. In the Final game the hosts will take on Spartak Primorye that beat Spartak St Petersburg earlier tonight.
Krasnie Krilya started the game better and dominated the half. They produced a 27:14 start and never looked behind in the game. Moreover the hosts added 22-14 in the second frame for 49:28 halftime advantage. In the third and in the last quarters the teams exchanged the same scores in the quarters. At first Krasnie Krilya won the third period 15-11 and then the guests replied with the same score in the last stanza.
Brion Rush (186-G-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: Grambling St.) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Nikita Balashov (206-F-91) nailed 13. Vasilyev Yuri ended up with 12 points and Fedor Likholitov (210-C-80, agency: Alti Sport, college: VCU) scored 8. Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City) delivered 16, while Anton Glazunov (182-G-86) posted 11.

Krasnie Krilya: Brion Rush 21, Nikita Balashov 13, Vasilyev Yuri 12, Fedor Likholitov 8
Ural Ekaterinburg: Lorenzo Gordon 16, Anton Glazunov 11


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


Crvena Zvezda beats FC Barcelona Regal 86-77 in NIJT opener - by Eurobasket News

Crvena Zvezda - FC Barcelona Regal 86-77

2012 Nike International Junior Tournament started yesterday at Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul. The tenth edition of this tournament started with the game Crvena Zvezda - FC Barcelona Regal. The Serbian team celebrated 86-77 victory in this meeting for 1-0 record in Group A. Dusan Ristic (210-C/F-95) led the winners with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Point guard Nikola Rebic (186-PG-95) chipped in 17 points and five assists, while Brano Djukanovic (193-G-95) scored 15 points. Ludvig Hakanson (190-PG-96) answered with 14 points for Barcelona and another Swedish player Nicholas Spires (210-C/F-94) added 13. Alexandre Zhigulin (202-F-94) followed them with 10 points. Barcelona had better start as they made 6-point lead late in the first period. Dusan Ristic and his teammates replied with 14-5 run and later finished the first half with minimum lead, 36-35. The Serbian team jumped to 56-46 at the middle of Q3 and later increased their lead to plus 14. It was too much for Barcelona for rest of the way. Today, Crvena Zvezda will meet Anadolu Efes. Barcelona will play against Lietuvos Rytas.

Crvena Zvezda: Dusan Ristic 23+12 boards, Nikola Rebic 17+5 as, Brano Djukanovic 15
FC Barcelona Regal: Ludvig Hakanson 14, Nicholas Spires 13, Alexandre Zhigulin 10


*****************************************************
  SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


COLOMBIA MEN U-15 NATIONAL TEAM 2012 - by Victor Garcia

The Colombian National team that will travel to the Southamerican Championship in Maldonado - Uruguay is already working the city of Bucaramanga, coached by Carlos Parra, the team will travel soon, the following is the roster:

Santiago Perez (Liga de Bolivar)
Daniel Garcia (Liga de Santander)
Cristian Londoo (Liga del Valle)
Luis Acevedo (Liga del Vallle)
Juan Salcedo (Liga de Bolivar)
Joaquin Gomez (Liga de Santander)
Jainer Atencia (Liga de Santander)
Andres Deluque (Liga de Magdalena)
Jilber Gutierrez (Liga de Santander)
Federico Machado (Liga del Meta)
Julian Gomez (Liga deSantander).

Head Coach: Carlos Parra.
Assistant: Jorge Garca.


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

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game
 Troy DEVRIES
  Melilla
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 19.1
 1. DeVries, Melilla19.1 
 2. Witt, Knet Clavijo18.2 
 3. Feldeine, Breogan17.6 
 4. Quezada, Leon16.5 
 5. Franklin, Huesca16.2 
 6. Bivia, Mallorca16.0 
 7. Fernandez, Granada15.7 
 8. Moss, Palencia15.4 
 9. Narros, Navarra14.8 
 10. Leonavicius, Hue.14.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Olaseni LAWAL
  Knet Clavijo
  (208-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.6
 1. Lawal, Knet Clavijo10.6 
 2. Diouf, Palencia8.8 
 3. Donaldson, Canarias8.8 
 4. Kuzmin, Clinicas.8.6 
 5. Starosta, Navarra8.2 
 6. Antelo, Caceres7.7 
 7. Mortellaro, Leon7.7 
 8. Sikma, La Palma7.7 
 9. Fernandez, Granada7.6 
 10. Williams, Caceres7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Oscar ALVARADO
  La Palma
  (184-PG-91)
  Avg: 6.1
 1. Alvarado, La Palma6.1 
 2. Bivia, Mallorca5.1 
 3. Witt, Knet Clavijo4.5 
 4. Norris, Lleida4.3 
 5. Lopez, Burgos4.0 
 6. Perez, Menorca3.8 
 7. Bernabe, Leon3.7 
 8. Sabat, Canarias3.6 
 9. DeVries, Melilla3.4 
 10. Quezada, Leon3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Alexander FRANKLIN
  Huesca
  (196-PF-88)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Franklin, Huesca2.5 
 2. Toledo, Burgos2.1 
 3. Bernabe, Leon2.0 
 4. Xavier, Palencia2.0 
 5. Norris, Lleida1.9 
 6. Abrines, Clinic.1.8 
 7. Alonso, Mallorca1.8 
 8. Green, Mallorca1.8 
 9. Rost, Canarias1.7 
 10. Guerra, Granada1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Ognen KUZMIN
  Clinicas.
  (215-C-90)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Kuzmin, Clinicas.2.1 
 2. Lawal, Knet Clavijo1.7 
 3. Diouf, Palencia1.6 
 4. Olmos, Caceres1.3 
 5. Green, Mallorca1.3 
 6. Odiakosa, Melilla1.1 
 7. Coleman, Girona1.1 
 8. Samb, Granada1.1 
 9. Antelo, Caceres1.0 
 10. Donaldson, Canari.0.9 


Stats Leaders-LEB Silver

Points Per Game
 Alfredo OTT
  Lan M.
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 17.9
 1. Ott, Lan M.17.9 
 2. Monroe, Tenerife16.5 
 3. Atoyebi, Lan M.16.4 
 4. Salson, Las Rozas16.3 
 5. Todorovic, Prat J.16.1 
 6. Eriksson, Barca R.15.8 
 7. Ortiz, Aurtenec.14.3 
 8. Balmon, Las Rozas14.0 
 9. Oha, Gandia Basqu.13.1 
 10. Guigou, Tenerife13.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marko TODOROVIC
  Prat J.
  (203-F-92)
  Avg: 8.7
 1. Todorovic, Prat J.8.7 
 2. Elias, Tenerife8.3 
 3. Balmon, Las Rozas8.3 
 4. Atoyebi, Lan M.8.1 
 5. Thompson, Aurtene.8.0 
 6. Monroe, Tenerife7.7 
 7. Ausina, Aurtenec.7.5 
 8. Ortega, Oviedo CB7.2 
 9. Adams, Coruna6.9 
 10. Miller, Gandia B.6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Federico BAVOSI
  Andorra
  (184-PG-81)
  Avg: 5.8
 1. Bavosi, Andorra5.8 
 2. Ibargutxi, Lan M.4.4 
 3. Guigou, Tenerife4.1 
 4. Alvarado, Gandia B.3.5 
 5. Llorente, Avila3.2 
 6. Vilanova, Prat J.3.2 
 7. Bassas, Prat J.3.2 
 8. Ugrinoski, Las R.3.2 
 9. Faner, Plasencia3.1 
 10. Ortiz, Aurtenec.2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Alfredo OTT
  Lan M.
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Ott, Lan M.2.9 
 2. Faner, Plasencia2.9 
 3. Hill, Ourense1.7 
 4. Guigou, Tenerife1.7 
 5. Bavosi, Andorra1.7 
 6. Arcelus, Aurtenec.1.6 
 7. Barcelo, Aurtenec.1.6 
 8. Ros, Plasencia1.5 
 9. Balmon, Las Rozas1.5 
 10. Creus, Barca R.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Papa MBAYE
  Barca R.
  (209-C-90)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Mbaye, Barca R.1.6 
 2. Todorovic, Prat J.1.5 
 3. Marti, Prat J.1.5 
 4. Thompson, Aurtene.1.2 
 5. Flis, Andorra1.0 
 6. Serrano, Lan M.1.0 
 7. Iglesias, Plasencia0.9 
 8. Miller, Gandia B.0.9 
 9. Elias, Tenerife0.8 
 10. Adams, Coruna0.8 


Lucentum Alicante tabs Ordin - by Natxo Mendaza

According to local media, Lucentum Alicante is about to announce the signing of playmaker Ignacio Ordin (183-PG-78) for the remainder of the season. Ordin played for Girona in LEB Gold this season, where he became one of the top players of the competition. Ordin comes to Alicante to reinforce the backcourt and replace injured Tyrone Ellis, as Ben Dewar and Andy Rautins went through physical problems too over the last weeks. According to Diario Informacion, Lucentum Alicante would keep an option to extend Ordin for one more season in case his performance meets the expectations.


Crvena Zvezda beats FC Barcelona Regal 86-77 in NIJT opener - by Eurobasket News

Crvena Zvezda - FC Barcelona Regal 86-77

2012 Nike International Junior Tournament started yesterday at Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul. The tenth edition of this tournament started with the game Crvena Zvezda - FC Barcelona Regal. The Serbian team celebrated 86-77 victory in this meeting for 1-0 record in Group A. Dusan Ristic (210-C/F-95) led the winners with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Point guard Nikola Rebic (186-PG-95) chipped in 17 points and five assists, while Brano Djukanovic (193-G-95) scored 15 points. Ludvig Hakanson (190-PG-96) answered with 14 points for Barcelona and another Swedish player Nicholas Spires (210-C/F-94) added 13. Alexandre Zhigulin (202-F-94) followed them with 10 points. Barcelona had better start as they made 6-point lead late in the first period. Dusan Ristic and his teammates replied with 14-5 run and later finished the first half with minimum lead, 36-35. The Serbian team jumped to 56-46 at the middle of Q3 and later increased their lead to plus 14. It was too much for Barcelona for rest of the way. Today, Crvena Zvezda will meet Anadolu Efes. Barcelona will play against Lietuvos Rytas.

Crvena Zvezda: Dusan Ristic 23+12 boards, Nikola Rebic 17+5 as, Brano Djukanovic 15
FC Barcelona Regal: Ludvig Hakanson 14, Nicholas Spires 13, Alexandre Zhigulin 10


*****************************************************
  TRBL   

TRBL stats leaders

TRBL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Cheeks, Carolina 26.0
2 Taylor, Carolina 24.7
3 Fay, Streeter 24.2
4 Houston, Prime 24.0
5 Pickett Jr, BT 20.5
6 Draughn, Carolina 19.9
7 McKeithan, Fay 19.2
8 Priest, BT 19.0
9 Moore, Cary 18.6
10 Little, Cary 18.2
Rebounds Per Game
1 Priest, BT 13.5
2 Cheeks, Carolina 12.8
3 Boyce, BT 12.5
4 Taylor, Carolina 11.3
5 Gibbs, Wilm 9.6
6 Draughn, Carolina 9.4
7 McLean, Fay 9.2
8 Ward, Cary 9.2
9 Jackson, Cary 8.7
10 Rutherford 8.5
Assists Per Game
1 Boyce, BT 11.0
2 Herrmann, Wilm 7.8
3 Dixon, Carolina 6.3
4 Young, Cary 6.3
5 Street, Prime 5.8
6 Pickett Jr, BT 5.3
7 Carpenter, Fay 4.2
8 Smith, Cary 4.2
9 Smith, Prime 4.2
10 Houston, Prime 3.7
Steals Per Game
1 Smith, Prime 4.2
2 Pickett Jr, BT 4.0
3 Draughn, Carolina 2.3
5 Jackson, Cary 2.3
6 Street, Prime 2.0
7 Pringle, Fay 2.0
8 Little, Cary 1.8
9 Wright, Cary 1.8
9 Jones, Fay 1.8
10 Johnson, BT 1.8



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


Lietuvos Rytas too strong for Anadolu Efes at 2012 NIJT - by Eurobasket News

Anadolu Efes - Lietuvos Rytas 69-88

Lietuvos Rytas started 2012 Nike International Junior Tournament in style. The Lithuanians handed 88-69 loss to Anadolu Efes at Abdi Ipekci Arena on Thursday afternoon. Both teams are placed to Group A, together with Crvena Zvezda and Barcelona. Lietuvos Rytas and Crvena Zvezda have 1-0 record now. Tautvydas Jodelis (194-G-94) stepped up for Rytas with 22 points, including five triples. Edvinas Seskus (191-F-95) had 19 points and Alvydas Zarskus (205-C-94) helped with 14 points, plus 9 rebs. In the loosing squad, Burak Yildizli (200-F-94) shined with 23 pts and Cedi Osman (195-PG-95) added 20 points, plus 7 rebs. Efes opened the game with 10-2 lead and later finished first period with 22-17. The Turkish squad jumped to plus 10 at the beginning of Q2, but than Tautvydas Jodelis and his teammates took control on Efes cutting the margin to 37-41. They exploded in the second half to celebrate comfortable victory at the end. Anadolu Efes will take on Crvena Zvezda today, while Rytas will meet Barcelona.

Anadolu Efes: Burak Yildizli 23, Cedi Osman 20+7 boards
Lietuvos Rytas: Tautvydas Jodelis 22, Edvinas Seskus 19, Alvydas Zarskus 14+9 boards


2012 NIJT: Saric leads KK Zagreb to 79-76 win against Fenerbahce Ulker - by Eurobasket News

KK Zagreb - Fenerbahce Ulker 79-76

KK Zagreb started NIJT title defense with victory. They grabbed 79-76 win against Fenerbahce Ulker yesterday for 1-0 record in Group B. The game was played at Abdi Ipecki Arena in Istanbul. 2011 NIJT MVP Dario Saric (208-F/C-94) demonstrated wonderful performance in this meeting. He had 26 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals, reaching valuation 48. Dominik Mavra (195-G-94) led Zagreb in scoring with 32 points and he also had 6 rebounds, plus 4 assists. In defeat, Metecan Birsen (205-F/G-95) was better that the others with 22 points and Umar Atin (199-F-94) scored 15. Fenerbahce Ulker had 19-23 lead after 10 minutes, but Zagreb quickly responded with 16-1 run and later went to the halftime break with 41-36. Third quarter belonged to Fener (11-18), who later was 71-74 up with 1:29 remaining in the game. Dario Saric and Dominik Mavra led Zagreb to 8-2 run in the finish, what was enough for the victory. Zagreb will play against Team China today. Fener will meet Zalgiris.

KK Zagreb: Dominik Mavra 32+6 boards+4 as, Dario Saric 26+17 boards+6 as+5 st
Fenerbahce Ulker: Metecan Birsen 22, Umar Atin 15


Historical season continues - by Huzeyfe Yilmaz

Coach Ergin Ataman described the season for his team briefly with the words historical season continues during the postgame press conference after his teams victory in the second game of the first playoff round against rivals Fenerbahce Ulker, who have won 4 of the last 5 campaigns in Turkey and has become a persevere Euroleague team recently.
Early in the season, Ataman was criticized because of his transfer policies when the lockout in NBA ended surprisingly and the team lost its dominant force Derron Williams. Even though Williams meant a lot to the team, Besiktas recovered from his loss and ended up winning two trophies this year already. Obviously, Williams didnt leave his talents behind but apparently left the team with a character, a winning character. Without the skills of the NBA star, Besiktas made it thus far and the winning character was most conspicuous when the 16 year old Kartal Ozmizrak hit a 3 pointer in the overtime against Fenerbahce Ulker with no hesitation.
Ataman had only 3 regular season players on the bench because of the injuries of the guard Can Akin and center Ersin Dagli yet he managed to use his players very effectively to sweep Fenerbahce Ulker in 2 games.
Having only one trophy in its museum until 2011, definitely this season has been a historical one for Besiktas. They will be fighting against another rival, Galatasaray Medical Park on Tuesday, on the road in Istanbul.


*****************************************************
  UGANDA   


The Miracle Eagles hope to fly - by Eurobasket News

By Charles Mutebi
FUBA League
Mens div 1: Eagles v Power
Women: A1 v Stormers
The Miracle Eagles will have a full line-up for a FUBA mens division one match for the first time this season.
They also believe they can win it even if it is against reigning champions DMark Power, unbeaten in four games.
Put differently, life is getting better for the Eagles after a torrid start to the season that saw the club lose its array of stars and first three games. It remains to be seen if Miracle can shock a Power team that, in addition to possessing a wealth of talent, have been buoyed by a sh30m deal with 7UP on Wednesday.
But there is no doubt the Eagles have come a long way since the beginning of the season, where they looked like a team auditioning for relegation. They even won for the first time last week, defeating Rez Life 70-58.
Our focus is on the last 19 (regular-season) games and we believe we can beat Power, said veteran Eagle Chris Kyebambe.
Miracle are putting together a team of potential future stars and they could have Julius Lutwama and Isaac Bwire available for the first time in this campaign.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.com/


*****************************************************
  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES   


ALMuharraq celebrated the third place Zain Bahrain Basketball Arena - by Eurobasket News

ALMuharraq celebrated the third place Zain Bahrain Basketball Arena at the 32nd GCC Clubs Basketball Championship. The team from Bahrain overcame UAE's Al Wasl 83:66. The latter finished fourth at the tournament. CJ Giles and Ira Clark top-scored for the winners with 17 points each.


*****************************************************
  VENEZUELA   

Standings - LPB

LPB Stage Two Standings
Group A
 1. Marinos 6-2 
 2. Trotamundos 4-4 
 3. Gigantes 2-6 
Group B
 1. Guaiqueries 5-3 
 2. Cocodrilos 4-4 
 3. Bucaneros 3-5 
Places 7-10
 1. Guaros 17-19 
 2. Gaiteros 14-22 
 3. Panteras 9-27 
 4. Toros 6-30 
Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 6

May. 9: Marinos - Trotamundos 110-99
May. 8: Marinos - Trotamundos 103-86
May. 10: Cocodrilos - Bucaneros 102-99 OT
May. 9: Cocodrilos - Bucaneros 100-87


Stats Leaders - LPB

Points Per Game
 Donald SIMS
  Gaiteros
  (185-PG-87)
  Avg: 24.1
 1. Sims, Gaiteros24.1 
 2. Holland, Toros23.1 
 3. Pena, Toros21.4 
 4. Rodgers, Marinos19.9 
 5. Adams, Guaiqueries18.9 
 6. Hickerson, Bucan.18.6 
 7. Romero, Trotamun.18.1 
 8. Stoll, Gigantes17.6 
 9. Edwin, Gaiteros17.5 
 10. Millsap, Guaros16.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Torraye BRAGGS
  Gaiteros
  (203-F/C-76)
  Avg: 9.3
 1. Braggs, Gaiteros9.3 
 2. Pruitt, Trotamun.9.3 
 3. Fuller, Panteras9.2 
 4. Urbina, Toros8.5 
 5. Allen, Marinos7.7 
 6. Gransberry, Cocod.7.7 
 7. Sucre, Marinos7.6 
 8. Lugo, Guaiqueries7.4 
 9. Jackson, Guaiquer.7.2 
 10. Warner, Bucaneros7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Paul STOLL
  Gigantes
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Stoll, Gigantes6.8 
 2. Vargas, Marinos5.7 
 3. Cubillan, Trotamun.5.1 
 4. Guillent, Bucaneros4.6 
 5. Guillent, Guaros4.3 
 6. Elliott, Cocodrilos4.3 
 7. Pena, Toros4.1 
 8. Braggs, Gaiteros4.1 
 9. Sims, Gaiteros3.5 
 10. Centeno, Cocodril.3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Paul STOLL
  Gigantes
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 4.3
 1. Stoll, Gigantes4.3 
 2. Guillent, Bucaneros2.8 
 3. Pena, Toros2.8 
 4. Vargas, Marinos2.6 
 5. Adams, Guaiqueries2.5 
 6. Sims, Gaiteros2.5 
 7. Elliott, Cocodrilos2.5 
 8. Horton, Panteras2.3 
 9. Cubillan, Trotamun.2.0 
 10. Edwin, Gaiteros1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Rammel ALLEN
  Marinos
  (210-C-79)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Allen, Marinos2.3 
 2. Moss, Marinos2.0 
 3. Lugo, Guaiqueries1.6 
 4. Osorio, Panteras1.5 
 5. Graterol, Cocodril.1.5 
 6. Hardin, Marinos1.4 
 7. Warner, Bucaneros1.1 
 8. Romero, Trotamun.1.1 
 9. Pruitt, Trotamun.1.0 
 10. Gransberry, Cocod.0.8 


LPB: Playoff Semifinals are set - by Eurobasket News

Second stage in LPB is over and Playoff Semifinals are set. Marinos won the Group A with 4-2 record and second ranked Trotamundos (4-4) also advanced to the next stage. In Group B, Guaiqueries are the winners with 5-3 and No.2 Cocodrilos advanced with 4-4 score. The Semifinals format is best-of-seven and schedule will be announced soon. Pairs are Marinos - Cocodrilos and Guaiqueries - Trotamundos.

Group A
1. Marinos 6-2
2. Trotamundos 4-4
3. Gigantes 2-6

Group B
1. Guaiqueries 5-3
2. Cocodrilos 4-4
3. Bucaneros 3-5


Cocodrilos - Bucaneros 100-87
It was a good game for the former international guard Jesus Centeno (190-85) who led his team to a victory with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. American guard Carl Elliott (193-83, college: G.Washington, agency: SportsTalent) contributed with 14 points and 7 assists for the winners. American guard Sek Henry (193-87, college: Nebraska) replied with 20 points and Uruguayan forward Emilio Taboada (191-82) added 21 points in the effort for Bucaneros. Five Cocodrilos and four Bucaneros players scored in double figures. Bucaneros' coach Guillermo Narvarte rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Cocodrilos: J.Centeno 21+5reb+5ast, J.Herrera 16+1reb+3ast, C.Elliott 14+4reb+7ast, N.Colmenares 13+8reb+2ast, L.Garcia Morales 13+1reb+4ast, W.Graterol 10+4reb+2ast
Bucaneros: E.Taboada 21+1reb+2ast, S.Henry 20+4reb+3ast, R.Humphrey 11+7reb+2ast, R.Guevara 11+3ast, H.Bayona 8+2reb+2ast, L.Julio 8+8reb

gschID: 175508


Cocodrilos - Bucaneros 102-99 OT
Dominican power forward Jack Michael Martinez (203-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) led his team to a victory with 21 points and 8 rebounds. American guard Carl Elliott (193-83, college: G.Washington, agency: SportsTalent) contributed with 19 points and 4 assists for the winners. American guard LeRoy Hickerson (196-82, college: Cumberlands) replied with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Sek Henry (193-87, college: Nebraska) added 24 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Bucaneros. Five Cocodrilos and four Bucaneros players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Cocodrilos: J.Michael Martinez 21+8reb+3ast, C.Elliott 19+1reb+4ast, L.Garcia Morales 16+3reb+2ast, J.Herrera 14+2reb, L.Bethelmy 11+7reb+2ast, J.Centeno 11+2reb+4ast
Bucaneros: L.Hickerson 28+10reb, S.Henry 24+6reb+1ast, H.Bayona 11+5reb, R.Guevara 10+5reb+3ast, C.Cedeno 9+3reb+2ast, L.Julio 7+5reb+1ast
gschID: 175509


Marinos - Trotamundos 103-86
The game was mostly controlled by Marinos. Trotamundos was better in fourth quarter 34-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Marinos held Trotamundos to an opponent 0.0 percent shooting from the field compared to 0.0 percent accuracy of the winners. It was a good game for American guard Curtis Stinson (191-G-83, college: Iowa St.) who led his team to a victory with 9 points and 8 assists. The former international swingman Jose Vargas (196-82) contributed with 15 points and 4 steals for the winners. Marinos' coach Jorge Arrieta used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American center Shaun Pruitt (208-85, college: Illinois, agency: Edge Sports) replied with 16 points and 9 rebounds and his fellow American import power forward Robert Glenn (201-89, college: IUPUI) added 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Trotamundos.
Top scorers:
Marinos: J.Vargas 15+2reb+2ast, O.Torres 14+3reb, G.Vargas 11+2reb+4ast, A.Sucre 10+6reb+2ast, R.Allen 10+9reb, J.Watkins 10+2reb
Trotamundos: D.Dadezzio 18+1reb+2ast, S.Pruitt 16+9reb+2ast, R.Glenn 15+6reb+5ast, T.Aguilera 14+8reb+1ast, J.Wise 9+1reb+2ast, M.Ruiz 8+5reb
gschID: 175506


Marinos - Trotamundos 110-99
Oscar Torres (195-76, agency: Interperformances) led his team to a victory with 24 points. The former international point guard Gregory Vargas (182-86) contributed with 18 points for the winners. Marinos' coach Jorge Arrieta used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American power forward Robert Glenn (201-89, college: IUPUI) replied with 24 points and 8 rebounds and the former international forward Tomas Aguilera (198-77) added 11 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Trotamundos.
Top scorers:
Marinos: O.Torres 24+4reb+1ast, G.Vargas 18+3reb+3ast, M.Marriaga 16+2reb+1ast, J.Watkins 14+6reb+1ast, J.Vargas 12+1reb+4ast, L.Cappare 10+3reb+2ast
Trotamundos: R.Glenn 24+8reb+3ast, D.Dadezzio 14+4ast, B.Woodfox 12+2reb+3ast, T.Aguilera 11+6reb+5ast, O.Gonzalez 10+4reb+2ast, R.Perez 9+1reb+1ast



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

Women News


SBL: Top four showdown in WSBL (Round 9 women's preview) - by Eurobasket News

The top four teams in the womens State Basketball League will face off against in other in week nine action starting Friday night.

The third placed Lakeside Lightning will host the fourth placed Perth Redbacks on Friday night and the first placed Wanneroo Wolves will host the second placed South West Slammers on Saturday.

All four teams will be looking to gain an early edge in potential head-to-head tie breakers with very almost nothing separating them as the halfway mark approaches.

The Lightning bounced back from their first loss of the season to defeat Mandurah Magic last weekend however the Redbacks pose a much bigger threat.

The Slammers welcomed new import Kim Sitzman into the line-up last weekend and they will be hoping her solid debut will be repeated against the strong Wolves team in one of their biggest challenges yet.

The Willetton Tigers will also be hoping for a big weekend after dropping their third game of the season last weekend.

The Tigers play the struggling Mandurah Magic on Friday night and then visit Perth in their second game of the weekend in a game that could see them potentially jump back into the top four.

The East Perth Eagles have dropped four of their past five games and will be hoping to get things back on track when they host the Cockburn Cougars on Saturday night.

The Cougars have had a tough start to the season but last weekend enjoyed their first win of the season against the more fancied Stirling Senators and will be hoping to take that form to Morley.

In another big game the sixth placed Kalamunda Eastern Suns will host the seventh placed Rockingham Flames.

Kalamunda are on a four game winning streak and are arguably the form team in the competition, however Rockingham will be a tough test

The Flames have won three of their past five games and import Emma Cannon (188-F, college: Cent.Florida), who is averaging 25.8 points and 14.7 rebounds, will pose a headache for the Suns defensively.
Courtesy of: SBL


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


Another transfer for Namur - by Peter Buyse

Basketfeminin announces another addition to the Belfius Namur roster. This time it's a french player Audrey Salvi (173-G-89) who previously already played in Belgium. Namur will actually be her 3rd Belgian team. She played for Point Chaud Sprimont between 2008 and 2011. This past season she moved to Houthalen. In 2009 she was a member of the French U20 National team which won the European Championship.


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


USK Praha lands point guard Jelena Skerovic - by Eurobasket News

Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) is back to Czech Republic. The Montenegrin point guard signed a deal with USK Praha for the next season. She spent the last one with Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region. Skerovic had 3.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 3.6 apg for 23 games in Russian league. She had almost the same numbers for 20 Euroleague games. Jelena Skerovic played for Frisco Sika Brno from 2009 to 2010. In their second season together she had 8.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 5.2 apg and 2.8 spg for 30 ZBL games and Brno won the championship title. From 2004 to 2009, Jelena Skerovic played for Polish team Wisla Can-Pack Krakow. They won three championship titles and Skerovic was named Guard of the Year in 2006. The player is currently with the Montenegrin National Team.


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


Basket Landes brings in 'EuroCup Guard of the Year' Carmen Guzman - by Eurobasket News

Carmen Guzman (172-SG-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) is a new member of Basket Landes. The American/Dominican guard signed a deal for the next season. Landes also brought in Olivia Epoupa and Valeriane Ayayi. The team announced that Camille Aubert, Bineta Diouf, Katarina Manic, Amelie Pochet, Allison Hightower and Julie Barennes will not return next season.
Carmen Guzman spent last season with MBK Ruzomberok. She exploded with 20.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 5.7 apg for 10 EuroCup games. Guzman was the top scorer and second assistant of the competition. She was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup Guard of the Year -12. In Slovakian league, Guzman had lower numbers, but still helped Ruzomberok to reach Extraliga Finals. In 2011, Guzman was Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian Extraliga Guard of the Year -11. She played for Nitra at that time. In the past, Carmen Guzman played in Puerto Rico, Germany and Turkey. She was German DBBL Guard of the Year in 2010. Last year, Guzman was named Latinbasket.com All-CBC Championships Best Guard.


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


Lattes Montpellier signs scorer Emilie Gomis - by Eurobasket News

According to French newspaper LEquipe, Lattes Montpellier got a very valuable reinforcement for the next season. Reportedly, the team penned a deal with Emilie Gomis (180-G/F-83). The French National Team forward spent last three seasons with Villeneuve. She had 16.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 3.1 apg for 23 games in the latest one. Gomis finished as fourth best scorer of the LFB. She was named Eurobasket.com All-French LFB Honorable Mention. That same award Gomis also got in 2010. Three years before that Emilia Gomis won the LFB title and Cup with Valenciennes. In the past, she also played for Fenerbahce, Napoli, Tarbes and CFBB. Emilie Gomis is active member of the French National Team since 2003. She had 10.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 1.7 apg for 9 games at the EuroBasket 2011 in Poland.


Basket Landes brings in 'EuroCup Guard of the Year' Carmen Guzman - by Eurobasket News

Carmen Guzman (172-SG-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) is a new member of Basket Landes. The American/Dominican guard signed a deal for the next season. Landes also brought in Olivia Epoupa and Valeriane Ayayi. The team announced that Camille Aubert, Bineta Diouf, Katarina Manic, Amelie Pochet, Allison Hightower and Julie Barennes will not return next season.
Carmen Guzman spent last season with MBK Ruzomberok. She exploded with 20.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 5.7 apg for 10 EuroCup games. Guzman was the top scorer and second assistant of the competition. She was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup Guard of the Year -12. In Slovakian league, Guzman had lower numbers, but still helped Ruzomberok to reach Extraliga Finals. In 2011, Guzman was Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian Extraliga Guard of the Year -11. She played for Nitra at that time. In the past, Carmen Guzman played in Puerto Rico, Germany and Turkey. She was German DBBL Guard of the Year in 2010. Last year, Guzman was named Latinbasket.com All-CBC Championships Best Guard.


Gabriela Ocete moves to Tarbes GB - by Eurobasket News

Gabriela Ocete (170-G-88) moves to Tarbes GB for the next season. According to lovewomensbasketball.com the Spanish player left Spain for France.
Gabriela Ocete is a Spanish Guard who started her career in career in 2006-2007 for Rivas Futura (LFB). In her first season she averaged 17pts.
In 2007-2008 she moved to Cop Crespi - Joventud Mariana (LF2, starting five) and after 31 games had 4.5ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.8apg, 1.6spg. In 2008-2009 continued with Soller Joventud Mariana (LFB, starting five) and showed 4.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg.
In her last season for Soller Joventud Mariana (LFB, starting five) Gabriela Ocete averaged 9.7ppg, 2.5rpg, Assists-2 (5.1apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 21.1%, FT: 67.0%. In her top game she recorded 18 points, It happened at the end of the season versus the defending champions, Ros Casares.
She was Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB Honorable Mention -12.


Stephanie Dubois and Emilie Duvivier agreed terms with Villeneuve - by Eurobasket News

Stephanie Dubois (183-F-83) and Emilie Duvivier (168-G-84) agreed terms with Villeneuve for the next season. According to lovewomensbasketball.com both French players will change their teams.
Emilie Duvivier is a French Guard who in 1999-2000 started for Calais. Later she played for CFBB and Challes les Eaux (N1). In 2008-2009 for Challes-les-Eaux Basket (LFB) her stats read 4.6ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.8apg, 1.8spg in EuroCup. In French League after 25 games she showed 5.8ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 95.8%.
In 2009-2010 she moved to Union Saint-Amand Porte du Hainaut (LFB, starting five) and in 2010-2011 averaged 7.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 81.8%. The season 2011-2012 she appeared for Cote d'Opale Basket Calais (LFB).
Stephanie Dubois will come from Cavigal Nice Basket 06. She joined the team two years ago and averaged 8.7ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 33.5%, 3PT: 24.6%, FT: 75.7% in her first season. In 2011-2012 for Cavigal Nice Basket 06 (LFB, starting five) her stats read 6.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 32.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 61.9%.


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

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game
 Emma CANNON
  OKE P.
  (188-F-)
  Avg: 22.6
 1. Cannon, OKE P.22.6 
 2. Tatham, Halle21.0 
 3. Jeltema, Chemnitz19.8 
 4. Vaughn, Wasserburg18.6 
 5. Turner, Freiburg16.7 
 6. Sitzmann, BG 89 A.16.6 
 7. Clark, BG 89 Avides16.3 
 8. Mankertz, BG 89 A.15.9 
 9. Sprague, Heli Girls15.8 
 10. Paunovic, Freiburg15.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Emma CANNON
  OKE P.
  (188-F-)
  Avg: 13.8
 1. Cannon, OKE P.13.8 
 2. Tatham, Halle10.6 
 3. Lomax, Freiburg10.2 
 4. Landry, Marburg8.6 
 5. Vaughn, Wasserburg8.5 
 6. Koop, Marburg8.1 
 7. Fikiel, Wolfenbuet.7.8 
 8. Greunke, Rhein MB7.3 
 9. Williams, Saarlouis7.2 
 10. Bos, BG 89 Avides7.0 
Assists Per Game
 Amanda DAVIDSON
  Marburg
  (170-G-83)
  Avg: 5.2
 1. Davidson, Marburg5.2 
 2. Rego, Heli Girls5.2 
 3. Harris, Wolfenbuet.3.5 
 4. Skuballa, Marburg3.4 
 5. Austmann, Oberh.3.2 
 6. Richter, Heli Girls3.2 
 7. Nainima, Oberh.3.1 
 8. Pop, Wasserburg3.1 
 9. Whitcomb, Chemnitz3.1 
 10. Pace, OKE Panthe.2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Tamara TATHAM
  Halle
  (187-F-85)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Tatham, Halle3.1 
 2. Kennedy, Halle2.8 
 3. Turner, Freiburg2.8 
 4. Austmann, Oberh.2.7 
 5. Tracey, Freiburg2.4 
 6. Thoman, Rhein MB2.2 
 7. Rego, Heli Girls2.2 
 8. Richter, Heli Girls2.2 
 9. Nikagbatse, Wolfen.2.1 
 10. Harris, Wolfenbue.2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Amber SPRAGUE
  Heli Girls
  (196-C-86)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Sprague, Heli Girls1.2 
 2. Koop, Marburg1.1 
 3. Fikiel, Wolfenbuet.1.0 
 4. Greunke, Rhein MB0.9 
 5. Tatham, Halle0.8 
 6. Heinrich, Chemnitz0.8 
 7. Manakova, Saarl.0.7 
 8. Gohrke, Marburg0.5 
 9. Pieczynski, Rhein0.5 
 10. Pace, OKE Panthe.0.5 


Wolfenbuettel Wildcats fight back - by Marsha Owusu Gyamfi

The Wolfenbuettel wildcats fight back and tie the final. In spite of 22 turnover they still manage to win the game in the completly full gym in Halle. The Halle Lions were just 26/67 of shooting and had 9 rebounds less.

Wolfenbuettel had four players in double figures and a better spread of attempts with nine players playing. That was enough for the 76:71 win.

The final game will be played in Wolfenbuettel on sunday.

main stats SV Halle Lions:
Tamara Tatham (187-F-85, college: Massachusetts) with 22 points (8/21 shooting), 11 boards, 5 turnover, 3 assists and 6 steals
Daphanie Kennedy (175-PG-86, college: Pepperdine) with 21 points (6/15 shooting), 5 boards, 3 turnover, 3 assists and 5 steals
Michaela Abelova (183-G-85) with 9 points (4/11 shooting)

main stats Wolfenbuettel Wildcats:
Katharina Fikiel (193-F/C-87) with 14 Points (6/11 shooting), 8 boards, 3 turnover, 3 blocked shots
Roli-Ann Haldin with 13 points (5/9 shooting)
Natasha Harris (177-G-86, college: Boise St.) with 16 points (6/11 shooting), 7 boards, 7 turnover, 6 assists


BV Wolfenbuttel Wildcats tie the Finals, force decider - by Eurobasket News

Halle - Wolfenbuettel 71-76

BV Wolfenbuttel Wildcats tie the Finals at 2-2. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 25-18. But SV Halle Lions won second period 15-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Wildcats Wolfenbuettel made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Wildcats Wolfenbuettel outrebounded SV Halle Lions 39-25 including a 27-16 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a quality performance of American guard Natasha Harris (177-86, college: Boise St.) who helped to win the game recording 16 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international power forward Katharina Fikiel (193-87) who added 14 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Four Wildcats Wolfenbuettel players scored in double figures. At the losing side Canadian forward Tamara Tatham (187-85, college: Massachusetts) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds and American point guard Daphanie Kennedy (175-86, college: Pepperdine) scored 21 points and 5 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Halle: T.Tatham 22+11reb+3ast, D.Kennedy 21+5reb+3ast, J.Kohlmann 9+1reb, M.Abelova 9+1reb+1ast, L.Hebecker 8+4reb+2ast, A.Ellis-Milan 2+2reb
Wolfenbuettel: N.Harris 16+7reb+6ast, K.Fikiel 14+8reb, R.Nikagbatse 13+3reb+1ast, T.Watson 13+5reb+3ast, C.Callahan 8+6reb, L.Haughian 6+5reb
gschID: 176182



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


Lekdetec signs new acquisitions - by Bas Hendriks

Lots of playermovement in Holland where Lekdetec.nl Batouwe from Bemmel had a big big fish in signing international guard Karin Kuijt (175-G-90) for their 2012-2013 campaign. The pointguard, who's trying to make the roster for the Dutch national team left STOL Grasshoppers and had several offers including one from National Champs Probuild Lions.

She signed for Lekdetec.nl to team up with fellow national teammates such as Anouk Biesters and youth internationals such as Lisanne de Jonge and Gabrielle van den Bosch. Backup pointguard for the cupwinner will be Jacobine Klerx who transferred from Almonte Eindhoven where she played promotiedivisie (second level) seniors and eredivisie U20 (highest level).

After the Bettonville sisters the two guards are again big acquisitions for the team from Bemmel. They waive Fieke Ligthart who's aiming for an international transfer or a transfer to Probuild Lions whereas Kris Biesters and Sophie Burgers step down to the second team. From that second team Hollander recruited center Irma Schouten, who had a stellar season, earning her MVP Honours in winning a championship for the highest regional level in the country.


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  JAPAN   


Los Angeles Sparks beat Japanese National Team, 95-77 - by Eurobasket News

Los Angeles Sparks - Japanese National Team 95-77

WNBA team Los Angeles Sparks and Japanese National Team met yesterday in a friendly game. The Sparks celebrated 95-77 victory at the Southwest College, Los Angeles, CA. Rookie Nnemkadi Ogwumike (6'2''-F-90) was the leading player for the LA franchise with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Kristi Toliver (5'7''-G-87, college: Maryland) followed her with 15 points and April Sykes (6'0''-G/F-90) netted 13. In Japan, Yuka Mamiya (6'1''-C/F-90) was better than the others with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Kumiko Oba (5'7''-G-88) had 16 pts and 5 rebs, while Maki Takada (6'0''-C-89) added 10 points. Japan opened the game better making 14-19 lead in the first ten minutes. However, it was all from them yesterday. Nnemkadi Ogwumike and her teammates took control on Japan in the second period and never looked back. Quarters: 14-19, 25-17, 32-20, 24-21.

Los Angeles Sparks: Nnemkadi Ogwumike 17+6 boards, Kristi Toliver 15, April Sykes 13
Japanese National Team: Yuka Mamiya 21+6 boards, Kumiko Oba 16+5 boards, Maki Takada 10


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  MONTENEGRO   


USK Praha lands point guard Jelena Skerovic - by Eurobasket News

Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) is back to Czech Republic. The Montenegrin point guard signed a deal with USK Praha for the next season. She spent the last one with Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region. Skerovic had 3.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 3.6 apg for 23 games in Russian league. She had almost the same numbers for 20 Euroleague games. Jelena Skerovic played for Frisco Sika Brno from 2009 to 2010. In their second season together she had 8.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 5.2 apg and 2.8 spg for 30 ZBL games and Brno won the championship title. From 2004 to 2009, Jelena Skerovic played for Polish team Wisla Can-Pack Krakow. They won three championship titles and Skerovic was named Guard of the Year in 2006. The player is currently with the Montenegrin National Team.


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  POLAND   


Lotos Gdynia hires Miroslaw Noculak as Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Lotos Gdynia got a new Head Coach. The team hired Miroslaw Noculak for the 2012/13 season and he will replace Javier Fort (agency: FCM ). Noculak most recently worked as TV commentator for Canal +, Polsat Sport, Wizja Sport and TVP. He didnt coach for the last eight years. In 2003/04 season Noculak worked as a Head Caoch of Detal Met Notec Inowroclaw and before that he coached Unia Tarnow and Wloclawek. Noculak is expected to build a team from young local and foreign players. It is already clear that Lotos ambitions for the next season will not be that high. The team is expected to miss their first European international competitions since 1995. Lotos Gdynia failed in the Playoff Semifinals last season. They reached Cup Finals, but failed to defend the trophy.


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  ROMANIA   


Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Awards 2011-12 - by Eurobasket

Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 1st Team 2012
#s#
Chrissy Givens
Givens
Florina Diaconu
Diaconu
Brandie Hoskins
Hoskins
Shanika Freeman
Freeman
Olena Zherzherunova
Zherzherunova
#e#5

Player of the Year: Chrissy Givens (180-F-85) of Targoviste
Guard of the Year: Brandie Hoskins (175-G-85) of Craiova
Forward of the Year: Chrissy Givens (180-F-85) of Targoviste
Center of the Year: Nadia Parker (191-C-87) of Alba Iulia
Import Player of the Year: Chrissy Givens (180-F-85) of Targoviste
Bosman Player of the Year: Olena Zherzherunova (191-C/F-78) of Targoviste
Domestic Player of the Year: Claudia Pop (185-F-89) of Satu Mare
Defensive Player of the Year: El Sara Greer (188-C/F) of Craiova
Coach of the Year: Florin Nini of Targoviste

1st Team
G: Florina Diaconu (176-82) of Targoviste
G: Brandie Hoskins (175-85) of Craiova
F: Chrissy Givens (180-85) of Targoviste
F/C: Shanika Freeman (183-83) of Satu Mare
C/F: Olena Zherzherunova (191-78) of Targoviste

2nd Team
G: Biljana Pesovic (180-83) of Timisoara
G: Gaati Werema (183-88) of Sp.Studentesc
F: Carla Bartee (182-85) of Craiova
F: Claudia Pop (185-89) of Satu Mare
F/C: Monique Coker (188-82) of Targoviste

Honorable Mention
Porchia Green (176-G-87) of ICIM Arad
Chevon Keith (178-G-86) of Sp.Studentesc
Veronica Hicks (175-G-89) of Targu Mures
Rebecca Tobin (195-F-88) of Alba Iulia
Ekaterina Abramzon (185-F-87) of Alba Iulia
Nadia Parker (191-C-87) of Alba Iulia
Kari Laplante (195-C-89) of Alexandria
Judit Kajdacsi (192-C-79) of Brasov

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Florina Diaconu (176-82) of Targoviste
G/F: Monika Boriga (176-74) of ICIM Arad
F/G: Paula Cristina Ciocan (183-82) of Targoviste
F: Claudia Pop (185-89) of Satu Mare
C: Gabriela Toma (192-74) of ICIM Arad

All-Imports Team
G: Gaati Werema (183-88) of Sp.Studentesc
G: Brandie Hoskins (175-85) of Craiova
F: Chrissy Givens (180-85) of Targoviste
F/C: Shanika Freeman (183-83) of Satu Mare
C: Nadia Parker (191-87) of Alba Iulia

All-Bosmans Team
G: Biljana Pesovic (180-83) of Timisoara
G: Amra Mehmedic (177-81) of Satu Mare
F: Ekaterina Abramzon (185-87) of Alba Iulia
C/F: Olena Zherzherunova (191-78) of Targoviste
C: Judit Kajdacsi (192-79) of Brasov

All-Defensive Team
Florina Diaconu (176-G-82) of Targoviste
Veronica Hicks (175-G-89) of Targu Mures
Nadia Parker (191-C-87) of Alba Iulia
El Sara Greer (188-C/F) of Craiova
Khadijah Whittington (186-F-86) of Satu Mare


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  SENEGAL   


Lattes Montpellier signs scorer Emilie Gomis - by Eurobasket News

According to French newspaper LEquipe, Lattes Montpellier got a very valuable reinforcement for the next season. Reportedly, the team penned a deal with Emilie Gomis (180-G/F-83). The French National Team forward spent last three seasons with Villeneuve. She had 16.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 3.1 apg for 23 games in the latest one. Gomis finished as fourth best scorer of the LFB. She was named Eurobasket.com All-French LFB Honorable Mention. That same award Gomis also got in 2010. Three years before that Emilia Gomis won the LFB title and Cup with Valenciennes. In the past, she also played for Fenerbahce, Napoli, Tarbes and CFBB. Emilie Gomis is active member of the French National Team since 2003. She had 10.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 1.7 apg for 9 games at the EuroBasket 2011 in Poland.


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  SLOVENIA   


Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian League Awards 2011-12 - by Zeljko Zule

Player of the Year: Tina Trebec (189-F-90, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) of Celje
Guard of the Year: Teja Oblak (171-G-90) of Celje
Forward of the Year: Natasa Radulovic (180-G-82, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) of Triglav
Center of the Year: Tina Trebec of Celje
Newcomer of the Year: Eva Lisec (191-C-95) of Grosuplje
Most Improved Player of the Year: Sara Meden (170-PG-94) of Ilirija
Import Player of the Year: Marica Gajic (192-C-95) of Celje
Domestic Player of the Year: Tina Trebec of Celje
Defensive Player of the Year: Ziva Zdolsek (178-G-89) of Triglav
Coach of the Year: Damir Grgic of Celje

1st Team
G: Teja Oblak of Celje
G: Ziva Zdolsek of Triglav
F/C: Natasa Radulovic of Triglav
F/C: Marica Gajic od Celje
C: Tina Trebec of Celje

2nd Team
G: Bojana Duric (174-G-91) of Triglav
G: Sandra Bajrektarevic (168-G-90) of Ilirija
F: Sanja Orozovic (184-G-90) of Celje
F/C: Kristina Baltic (187-F/C-90, agency: Regeneracom Sports) of AJM
C: Masa Pirsic (184-F-86) of Triglav

Honorable Mention
Barbara Skof (181-F-80) of Ilirija
Eva Rupnik (177-F-92) of Jezica
Sandra Jevtovic (187-C-93) of Grosuplje


All-Domestic Players Team

G: Teja Oblak of Celje
G: Ziva Zdolsek of Triglav
F/C: Natasa Radulovic of Triglav
F/C: Tina Trebec of Celje
F: Maja Drozg (179-F/C-81) of AJM

All-Defensive Team
Teja Oblak of Celje
Bojana Duric of Triglav
Ziva Zdolsek of Triglav
Marica Gajic of Celje
Tina Trebec of Celje

All-Newcomers Team
Manca Jelenc (172-PG-96) of Triglav
Sabina Ajkic of Domzale
Martina Peric of Jezica
Tina Stihec of Pomurje
Eva Lisec of Grosuplje


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  WNBA   


Sun fall 87-85 to Lynx in preseason game - by Eurobasket News

At some point before next week's midpoint, the Connecticut Sun will decide on the 11 players they will begin the 2012 season with. It doesn't appear to be a tough decision, unless another team's cut is perceived to be a cut above what the Sun already have.

Guard Dawn Evans and rookie Chay Shegog are competing for the final spot, unless something unexpected happens such as an injury, illness or major revelation about a veteran player. So while the fans at the Mohegan Sun Arena may have focused on UConn All-American Maya Moore, and former Sun all-stars Lindsay Whalen and Taj McWilliams-Franklin of the Lynx, it what was going on around them that was truly worth watching.

Still, the Sun lost 87-85 when rookie Queralt Casas (5'11''-G-92) of Spain scored on a driving layup with 31.6 seconds to play. Multiple Sun efforts to tie the game clanged. Connecticut received 19 points from Kara Lawson (5'8''-G-81, college: Tennessee) and 12 from Mistie Mims (6'3''-C-83, college: Duke). Seimone Augustus (6'2''-G-84, college: LSU) (12) and Rebecca Brunson added 11 for the Lynx, playing their first preseason game.

'That was a pretty interesting preseason game,' Thibault said. 'The minutes were balanced and we got a chance to look at a lot of stuff.'

The Sun conclude their preseason May 14 at Washington. But on Friday, both Tina Charles and Asjha Jones, along with Moore, Whalen and Seimone Seimone Augustus of the Lynx, will leave for Seattle where they will practice Friday night with the USA Olympic Team, coached by UConn's Geno Auriemma.

'It's going to be a busy weekend, but it will be fun, too,' said Whalen, the Sun's former all-star guard. 'It's going to be quick and I am sure it's going to be intense. We'll have a couple of shoot-arounds, a couple of scrimmages. We'll go hard on the floor and try to come together as a team.'

The U.S. team will play China Saturday night at Key Arena, home of the WNBA's Seattle Storm. The U.S. will practice Sunday with Japan and Sunday night Jones and Charles will fly to Washingtonfor the Sun-Mystics preseason game on Monday.

Before the season, the WNBA coaches agreed to allow their national players to leave their training camps to train with the U.S. team, which only gets small windows during the year to convene. Five of the 12 players on the team were in Connecticut Thursday, faced with the long cross-country trip Friday morning. Auriemma's practice will begin 6 p.m., West Coast time.

Still, Whalen believes it will be enough to time to grow because of the way Auriemma works.

'We have to value all the time we have together,' Whalen said. 'From being around Coach Auriemma during the World Championship [in 2010] he gets us so well-prepared. It's a fun atmosphere to be around. It's just great to play with the best in the world.'

Shegog picked up three fouls in the first 8:49 of the first period. As unpopular as they were with the Sun bench, they limited her audition time. She played only four minutes in the first half, taking just one shot. In 16 minutes, she scored five points with four assists,

Mims, who has a guaranteed contract, had a great first half, shooting 4 of 6 with four rebounds and two assists as the Lynx took a 50-44 lead. She ended shooting 6 of 9.

Moore scored six points with four assists in 19 minutes. Whalen had four points in 15 minutes.

Courtesy of www.courant.com


Sky win exhibition opener - by Eurobasket News

Pokey Chatman was focused more on the individual development of her younger players on the court than the result on the scoreboard Thursday night.

But a 73-68 victory over the Washington Mystics certainly didn't dampen her spirits.

Sky players continued their competition for roster spots in their exhibition opener. Meanwhile, veterans Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU), Cash Swin (6'2''-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut), Riley Ruth (6'5''-C-79, college: Notre Dame) and Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) worked on achieving better team chemistry within a structured game environment.

'It helped to win without putting all of your starters back in,' Chatman said. 'It helped to win by leaving Courtney Vandersloot (5'8''-G-89, college: Gonzaga) out there kind of running things so she can understand it is her team. We all have a lot of work to do.'

Chatman predicted an ugly contest and aesthetically she was right on the mark in the first half as two of the WNBA's struggling teams in 2011 battled before a crowd of about 250 at New Trier in Winnetka.

The Mystics, who finished last season 6-28, shot 30 percent from the field in the first half. The Sky converted just 9 of 37 for 24 percent. But both teams heated up in the second half as they exchanged leads 17 times.

Felicia Chester (6'3''-F-88, college: De Paul), wife of Bears defensive lineman Corey Wootton, made key free throws and pulled down important rebounds in the final minutes.

Sky point guard Vandersloot, who was named to the 2011 WNBA All-Rookie team, was in the starting lineup and made three clutch free throws in the final 24 seconds. Vandersloot had six points and seven assists while Prince led all scorers with 13 points.

'I think we have high expectations for ourselves and I am looking forward to it,' said Vandersloot, who added that she is focusing on being a more vocal leader on the court. 'I still feel like I'm just the new guy.'

Courtesy of www.chicagotribune.com


Los Angeles Sparks beat Japanese National Team, 95-77 - by Eurobasket News

Los Angeles Sparks - Japanese National Team 95-77

WNBA team Los Angeles Sparks and Japanese National Team met yesterday in a friendly game. The Sparks celebrated 95-77 victory at the Southwest College, Los Angeles, CA. Rookie Nnemkadi Ogwumike (6'2''-F-90) was the leading player for the LA franchise with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Kristi Toliver (5'7''-G-87, college: Maryland) followed her with 15 points and April Sykes (6'0''-G/F-90) netted 13. In Japan, Yuka Mamiya (6'1''-C/F-90) was better than the others with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Kumiko Oba (5'7''-G-88) had 16 pts and 5 rebs, while Maki Takada (6'0''-C-89) added 10 points. Japan opened the game better making 14-19 lead in the first ten minutes. However, it was all from them yesterday. Nnemkadi Ogwumike and her teammates took control on Japan in the second period and never looked back. Quarters: 14-19, 25-17, 32-20, 24-21.

Los Angeles Sparks: Nnemkadi Ogwumike 17+6 boards, Kristi Toliver 15, April Sykes 13
Japanese National Team: Yuka Mamiya 21+6 boards, Kumiko Oba 16+5 boards, Maki Takada 10