Eurobasket Daily News Report: 5/2/2012 1:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/2/2012 1:04:01 AM

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ACPBL

Bombers Move to Final Four - by Justin Moore

Beltway Bombers CEO and Head Coach Chaz Dudley did not want his Beltway Bombers players looking ahead or discussing the upcoming ACPBL Final Four on May 5-6th. They had to first win a home quarter-final playoff game against the talented Toms River Shooters. 'The Shooters had all of our attention and focus, and our game-plan was exclusively for this team, on this day'. The #2 overall seed Bombers could have begun packing for their ACPBL final four trip to Hartford Connecticut (site of final four) in the 3rd quarter. Up by 12 points at the half, the explosive Bombers pushed their lead quickly to 32 points midway through the 3rd quarter. With their trademark relentless pressure defense, physicality, and their assortment of talented offensive weapons, the Bombers kept coming at the Shooters in waves.

With Coach having his entire roster available, which includes eight former and current ACPBL All-Stars, the Bombers had six players in double figures, led once again by Hugh Jones (6'5''-G/F-80) triple-double of 28 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, along with 6 steals. Evan Martin (6'0''-PG-83, college: Wesley) added 15 pts, 6 rebs & 3 assts; Cavell Johnson (6'8''-F-85, college: UMBC) had 16 pts, 5rebs; Steven Miles (6'3''-G-81, college: American) had 14 pts & 8 rebs; Jamaal Wise (6'6''-F-83, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Rhode Island) added 11 pts, Antonio Haymon (6'7''-F-88, college: Lee) added 10 pts; Lawrence Felder (6'9''-F/C-76, college: Salem Intern.), Myron Howe (6'1''-G-74), David Bailey (6'9''-F-83, college: Prince George CC), Joseph Flegler (6'0''-G-85, college: Savannah St.) and Rogers Barnes (6'4''-G/F-86, college: Morgan St.) all had a major impact with contributions on both ends, in the Bombers big win.

With the victory over the Shooters, Coach Chaz immediately turned his attention to the Hartford Lightning, who will be their Final Four opponent. The Bombers are the #2 seed and the Lightning are the #3 seed. 'We played the Lightning at our home gym a few weeks ago, and beat them by six points. It should be another very competitive game, matching up two talented teams. We will have our entire roster, and hopefully will not shoot as poorly from the free throw line again'. The Bombers beat the Lightning 114-108, with only 7 players, while missing 26 foul shots. 'I will spend time in the lab this week watching film, correcting our mistakes, and looking for additional ways that we can exploit match-ups. In a win or go home scenario as the Final Four is, you have to execute with more precision, and play with an even higher level of passion'.

For a Bombers team and organization that has won 44 championships and over 652 games over 18 years, they always play with a big chip on their shoulders, and with bad intentions. When asked if he had any concerns of playing the #3 seed Hartford Lightning in Hartford Connecticut, making it in essence a home game for them, Coach Chaz simply said... 'not at all, They were awarded the venue by the Commissioner to host the Final Four, they won their quarter-final game which earned them a Final Four berth, and the seeding has them matching up with us. It's a gym... it's wood, fiberglass, rim, a ball and fans. If we execute and do our jobs as pros, the venue is not a concern'.

The winner of the #2 seed Bombers and the #3 seed Lightning, will then play the winner of #1 seed Palmieri Jeans Destroyers and #4 seed Hudson Valley Kingz, in the ACPBL Championship on May 6th.

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Keith Langford MVP of the final tournament - by Rado Markovic Hribernik

Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) was proclaimed the MVP of the final tournament of the Adriatic League, which was held in Tel Aviv last weekend between april 28th and 30th. He led his Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv to 87:77 victory against KK Cedevita Zagreb by scoring 21 points, along with 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 assist in the final, while he performed as well in semi-final game against KK Buducnost Voli Podgorica too, scoring 17 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. He was one of the key players in the final game who helped the Israeli team to a big lead after only 10 minutes of the game, when the game winner was practically decided, scoring 9 of his points in the opening quarter of the game.

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ARGENTINA

Quimsa extend four players - by Eurobasket News

Quimsa renewed contracts with four players for the next season. They signed new deals with Diego Lo Grippo (198-F-78), Damian Tintorelli (204-C-81, agency: Players Group), Sebastian Vega (200-F-88) and Nicolas Aguirre (182-G-88).
Diego Lo Grippo joined Quimsa in 2010. Last season he tallied 26.0 points, 4.0 boards and 2.5 assists per game in Liga Americas. In LigaA the forward notched 15.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist per appearance.
Damian Tintorelli will enter the fourth straight season with the team. His stats read 16.0 points, 8.0 boards per Liga Americas game. In LigaA the centre tallied 9.0 points and 4.8 rebounds.
Sebastian Vega have already spent two seasons with Quimsa. Last season he produced 7.7 points, 3.3 boards and 1.0 assist in Liga Americas. Vega also posted 6.4 points and 3.6 boards per LigaA game.
Nicolas Aguirre joined Quimsa midway through the 2010/11 season. Last season his stats read 8.0 points, 4.7 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game in Liga Americas. In LigaA Nicolas Aguirre delivered 6.8 points, 3.6 boards and 2.5 assists.

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ASEAN LEAGUE

Brian Williams claims ASEAN League weekly honour - by Eurobasket News

American Brian Williams (208-C-87, agency: VVG Sports) had a great game in the last round for KL Dragons and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 19.
The 24-year old center had a double-double of 30 points and eighteen rebounds, while his team edged out Philip.Patriots (#2, 14-5) in overtime 97-93. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. KL Dragons maintains the 4th position in ASEAN League . KL Dragons is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 10-9 record. In the team's last game Williams had a remarkable 52.6% from 2-point range. He turned to be KL Dragons' top player in his first season with the team. University of Tennessee graduate has very impressive stats this year. Williams. Williams is in league's top in points (5th best: 19.8ppg) and averages solid 53.0% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 30-year old American power forward Gentry Lewis (206-F/C-81) of Bangkok C.. Lewis impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 20 points and 17 rebounds. Bad luck as Bangkok C. lost that game 77-91 to the higher-ranked Petron Blaze (#1, 16-4). Bangkok C. is still second from the bottom in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 6-12 record. Lewis is one of the most experienced players at Bangkok C. and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. Philander Smith College alumni Lewis played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas.

The third best performed player last round was another KL Dragons' star - American Tiras Wade (200-F-81, agency: Interperformances). Wade got into 30-points club by scoring 34 points in the last round. He went also for nine rebounds . He was another key player of KL Dragons, helping his team with a 97-93overtime win against #2 ranked Philip.Patriots in a game of the week. KL Dragons needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 10 victories and 9 lost games. Wade has a great season in ASEAN League. After 16 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 25.8ppg (best scorer) and assists with 4.4apg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Louis Graham (205-F/C-84) of Singapore S. - 29 points and 15 rebounds
5. Evan Brock (204-F-84) of Satria Muda - 24 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Jonathan Jones (211-C-79) of Saigon H. - 31 points and 12 rebounds
7. Chris Banchero (185-G) of Petron Blaze - 22 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Nick Fazekas (211-F-85) of Petron Blaze - 25 points and 15 rebounds
9. Anthony Johnson (197-G/F-79) of Philip.Patriots - 26 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Kyle Jeffers (207-C-85) of Singapore S. - 20 points and 14 rebounds

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

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AUSTRALIA

Luke Schenscher leaves Townsville Crocodiles - by Eurobasket News

Luke Schenscher (216-C-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) is no longer a member of the Townsville Crocodiles. The experienced big guy had an option to remain at the club for another year on an improved contract, but declined the option. Schenscher appeared 24 times for the club this season averaging 10.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He helped Townsville to reach the NBL Semifinals. Luke Schenscher joined the club in 2010. He had 13.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 1.4 apg for 31 games in their first season together. For his performance, Schenscher was awarded with Australiabasket.com All-Australian NBL Center of the Year -11 and Crocs reached NBL Semifinals. The player won the NBL title with Perth in 2010. In the past, he was a member of Adelaide and AIS. Schenscher also has experience from the NBA, Germany, NBA D-League and NCAA1.

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BULGARIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Aaron HARPER
  Levski S.
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 20.2

1. Harper, Levski S.	20.2
2. Durchev, Tundja Y.	17.8
3. Yanev, Cherno More	17.2
4. Stankov, Spartak	17.0
5. Pavlovski, Chernom.	16.1
6. Govedarov, Tundja	15.5
7. Ofoegbu, Tundja Y.	15.3
8. Mirkovic, Rilski S.	15.1
9. Vukosavljevi., Ril.	14.9
10. Hall, Levski Sofia	14.2

Rebounds Per Game

Vasil EVTIMOV
  Levski Sofia
  (207-C/F-77)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Evtimov, Levski So.	10.6
2. Pavlovski, Chernom.	9.7
3. Ofoegbu, Tundja Y.	8.8
4. Yanev, Cherno More	8.7
5. Gugino, Tundja Y.	7.4
6. Todorov, Spartak	6.7
7. Georgiev, Levski S.	6.6
8. Marojevic, Balkan	6.1
9. Marintchechk., Bal.	6.1
10. Petkov, Tundja Y.	6.1

Assists Per Game

Brandon HEATH
  Lukoil A.
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Heath, Lukoil A.	5.9
2. Dyakovski, Sparta.	5.6
3. Radionov, Tundja Y.	5.1
4. Mirkovic, Rilski S.	4.7
5. Aleksiev, Cherno M.	4.2
6. Howell, Levski Sof.	4.0
7. Avramov, Lukoil A.	3.6
8. Filipov, Balkan	3.3
9. Hall, Levski Sofia	3.3
10. Harper, Levski S.	3.2

Steals Per Game

Brandon HEATH
  Lukoil A.
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Heath, Lukoil A.	2.3
2. Howell, Levski Sof.	2.1
3. Radionov, Tundja Y.	2.1
4. Harper, Levski S.	1.9
5. Roshmanov, Cherno.	1.9
6. Dunovic, Chernomo.	1.9
7. Gugino, Tundja Y.	1.9
8. Zahariev, Rilski S.	1.8
9. Marinov, Balkan	1.7
10. Petkov, Tundja Y.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Tony GUGINO
  Tundja Y.
  (207-C-86)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Gugino, Tundja Y.	1.5
2. Pavlovski, Chernom.	1.1
3. Banev, Lukoil A.	1.0
4. Ofoegbu, Tundja Y.	1.0
5. Petkov, Tundja Y.	0.8
6. Martin, Balkan	0.7
7. Sundov, Lukoil A.	0.7
8. Aleksov, Chernomo.	0.6
9. Iliev, Cherno More	0.6
10. Gocevski, Tundja	0.6

Jared Homan selected the top Bulgarian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Jared Homan

#1. This week's number one is former international center Jared Homan (206-83, college: Iowa St.). Homan led Bayern Muenchen to a victory over the closely-ranked Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (13-7) 86-73 in the German BBL last Saturday. He was MVP of the game. Homan recorded 19 points and blocked 3 shots. FC Bayern Muenchen (22-12) is placed fifth in the BBL. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical. It's Homan's first season with the team. Homan is ranked fourth on the list of the best rebounders in the league and also on the list of best blockers (fifth place). He has very reliable stats this season: 14.1ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4bpg, 2FGP: 47.3% and FT: 51.1%. Homan is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Homan played also for the Bulgarian national team in 2010. Strangely he has never played in Bulgaria.

Pero Antic

#2. Second place goes to former international forward Pero Antic (210-82, agency: Beo Basket). Antic contributed to an easy victory against the fifth-ranked Panionios (14-10) 83-67 in a derby game in the Greek A1 on Tuesday night. He recorded 9 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 19 minutes. Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (23-1) is placed first in the A1. It was his team's 20th consecutive victory in a row. This year Antic averages: 7.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 2FGP: 55.1%(43-78), 3FGP: 30.8% and FT: 78.9% in the 26 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: FYR Macedonian and Bulgarian. Despite Antic played previously for the FYR Macedonian national team, he played also for the Bulgarian national team in 2010.

Dejan Ivanov

#3. The Bulgarian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international power forward Dejan Ivanov (205-86, also represented by Beo Basket). Ivanov was the main contributor in a Fabi Shoes Montegranaro's victory against the closely-ranked Otto Caserta (12-18) 96-85 in the Italian SerieA in Sunday night's game. He was the best player in that game. Ivanov recorded a double-double by scoring 24 points and getting 11 rebounds. Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (12-18) is placed 13th in the SerieA. They ended the series of four consecutive loses. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. Ivanov is ranked third on the list of the best rebounders in the league. This season he has very good stats: 13.1ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.3apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 53.0%, 3FGP: 27.7% and FT: 69.6%. Despite Ivanov played previously for the FYR Macedonian national team, he is currently a member of the Bulgarian senior national team.

Kee Kee Clark

#4. Point guard Kee Kee Clark (180-84, college: St.Peter's), who plays in the Italian SerieA could not help Umana Venezia (17-13) in their last game. Despite Clark's good performance Umana Venezia lost 61-72 at home to the lower-ranked (#10) Benetton Treviso. He was the top scorer with 13 points. Clark also added 4 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 31 minutes. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important. Clark has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 15.1ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.8apg and 1.3spg in the 29 games. Clark is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Clark is currently in the Bulgarian national team roster. Apparently he has never played in Bulgaria.

Filip Videnov

#5. International swingman Filip Videnov (196-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky), who plays in the Turkish TBL was not able to help Olin Edirne (8-22) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Videnov's very good performance Olin Edirne was badly defeated 72-56 on their home court in Edirne by the second-ranked Banvit BK. He was the top scorer with 16 points. Videnov also added 7 rebounds and dished 4 assists. The Regular Season already ended. Videnov has relatively good stats this season: 14.0ppg, 3.4rpg and 3.1apg. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Videnov is currently in the Bulgarian national team roster.

Hristo Nikolov

#6. Forward Hristo Nikolov (200-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza), who plays in Hungary was not able to secure a victory for Szolnok (3-3) in their last game. Despite his good performance the second-placed Szolnok lost 60-64 on their home court in Szolnok to the second-ranked Besiktas in the group J of EuroChallenge. Nikolov was the top scorer with 13 points in 26 minutes. This year Nikolov has relatively solid stats: 10.9ppg, 2.7rpg and 1.6apg in the 19 games. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Nikolov is also a former international player as he played for the Bulgarian senior team two years ago.

Kaloyan Ivanov

#7. International forward Kaloyan Ivanov (205-86) contributed to a Meridiano Alicante's victory against the 16th-ranked UCAM Murcia (11-21) 82-78 in the Spanish ACB last Thursday. He recorded 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Lucentum Alicante (17-14) is placed seventh in the ACB. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be extremely important. Ivanov belongs to league's best rebounders and is ranked #2. He has very solid stats this season: 12.3ppg, 7.5rpg and 1.4apg. Despite Ivanov played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Bulgarian national team roster.

Earl Calloway

#8. Guard Earl Calloway (191-83, college: Indiana) couldn't help Cajasol (18-14) in their game against CAI Zaragoza (16-16) in the Spanish ACB. Calloway scored 5 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 6 assists in 32 minutes. Cajasol lost 59-65 on the road to the lower-ranked (#9) CAI Zaragoza. It was Cajasol's first loss after five consecutive victories. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. This year Calloway's overall stats are: 7.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.1apg and 1.3spg in the 32 games. He is a naturalized American. Calloway used to play for the Bulgarian national team back in 2010. Interesting that he has never played in Bulgaria.

Roderick Blakney

#9. An experienced former international guard Roderick Blakney (184-76, college: S.Carolina St.) couldn't help Lokomotiv (9-9) in their game against CSKA Moscow (17-1) in the Russian PBL. Blakney cannot count Friday's game as one of the best ones. He recorded only 3 points and added 3 assists. Lokomotiv was defeated 94-87 in Moscow by the leading CSKA. It was Lokomotiv's third consecutive loss in a row. Blakney's total stats this season are: 5.9ppg, 1.1rpg and 1.6apg. He is a naturalized American. Blakney used to play for the Bulgarian national team five years ago. However he has never played in Bulgaria.

Willie Deane

   #10. Point guard Willie Deane (188-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Purdue) helped Asefa Estudiantes win their game against the closely-ranked Blusens Monbus (11-21) 79-62 in the Spanish ACB last Wednesday. Deane recorded 7 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 15 minutes. Asefa Estudiantes Madrid (9-22) is placed second from the bottom (#17) in the ACB. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. This year Deane's total stats are: 5.9ppg, 1.6rpg and 1.6apg in the 10 games. He is a naturalized American. Despite Deane played previously for the USA national team, he is also a former international player as five years ago he still played for the Bulgarian senior national team. Deane used to play for PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia in Bulgarian league.

   #11. International swingman Ivan Lilov (196-88) couldn't help one of league's weakest teams Feni Indistrija in their game against MZT Skopje in the FYR Macedonian Superleague. He scored 9 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. His team was crushed by 25 points 84-59. Lilov has averaged so far 9.2ppg, 2.9rpg and 1.7apg. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Lilov is currently in the Bulgarian national team roster.

   #12. International power forward Cedric Simmons (206-86, college: N.Carolina St.) is a teammate of previously mentioned Willie Deane and both played together in the last Spanish ACB game. Simmons managed to help Asefa Estudiantes Madrid in a victory against the closely-ranked Blusens Monbus 79-62. He recorded 5 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 10 minutes. Simmons has averaged so far 5.8ppg and 4.0rpg in the 28 games. He is a naturalized American. Simmons is also in the roster of the Bulgarian national team.

   #13. Former international swingman Simeon Naydenov (201-81, another player represented by Global Sports Plaza, college: Louisville) couldn't help Stade Clermont in their game against Etendard de Brest in the French NM1 (third division). Naydenov scored 6 points. His team was edged 84-81. Naydenov has reliable stats this season: 14.1ppg and 2.4rpg. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Naydenov is currently in the Bulgarian national team roster.

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

   #1. Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.), who plays in France could not help Chalon/Saor (3-3) in their last game. Despite his good performance the first-placed Chalon/Saor lost 86-91 on the road to the second-ranked Besiktas in the group J of EuroChallenge. Evtimov recorded 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 26 minutes. This year Evtimov averages: 10.0ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.3apg and 1.1spg in the 16 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Bulgarian and French. Despite Evtimov's Bulgarian passport, he currently plays for the French national team and is not eligible to play for the Bulgarian team.

NBL Quarterfinals: First games (best-of-three) - by Eurobasket News

Rilski Sportist - Cherno More 75-76
Rilski Sportist was trailing by 2 points at halftime but managed to get 3-point lead after three quarters before a 16-12 charge of Euroins Cherno More, which allowed them to win the game. The former international power forward Georgi Davidov (205-76) fired a double-double by scoring 19 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. American guard Jimmie Hunt (187-82, college: Franklin Pierce, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 16 points and 4 assists. Euroins Cherno More's coach used entire bench in such tough game. Serbian guard Branko Mirkovic (190-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) produced 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and international Stanislav Vaklinov (207-89, agency: Interperformances) added 19 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively for lost side. Four Rilski Sportist players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Cherno More: G.Davidov 19+15reb+1ast, J.Hunt 16+4reb+4ast, T.Zhelev 12+3reb, P.Aleksiev 9+2reb+3ast, A.Yanev 8+5reb, M.Borisov 7+5reb
Rilski Sportist: S.Vaklinov 19+4reb, B.Mirkovic 16+6reb+5ast, H.Zahariev 12+7reb+1ast, F.Vukosavljevic 11+5reb+2ast, A.Bilobrk 9+1reb+4ast, M.Marinov 5+2reb+1ast

Lukoil Academik - Chernomorets 94-69
The game was mostly controlled by Lukoil Academik. Chernomorets was better in second period 18-11. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Lukoil Academik players were unselfish on offense dishing 31 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Chernomorets' players. Worth to mention a great performance of Croatian center Bruno Sundov (221-80, agency: Alti Sport) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds. American forward Lamont Mack (201-87, college: Charlotte) contributed with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Four Lukoil Academik players scored in double figures. FYR Macedonian center Kiril Pavlovski (210-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) answered with 23 points and 9 rebounds and Slovenian guard Dejan Dunovic (193-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) added 10 points and 4 assists in the effort for Chernomorets. 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:
Lukoil Academik: B.Sundov 23+10reb+3ast, L.Mack 21+5reb+4ast, B.Avramov 13+1reb+7ast, A.Owens 11+7reb+5ast, T.Stoykov 8+5reb+3ast, B.Heath 7+2reb+8ast
Chernomorets: K.Pavlovski 23+9reb, K.Koev 11+2reb+2ast, D.Dunovic 10+2reb+4ast, A.Penev 8+5ast, R.Aleksov 6+4reb+2ast, T.Zahariev 5+4reb+3ast

Levski Sofia - Spartak Pleven 92-76
The game without a history. Levski Sofia led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Spartak Pleven's 26 and made 19-of-23 charity shots (82.6 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Spartak Pleven 37-26 including 26 on the defensive glass. Levski Sofia players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. It was a very good performance for the former international power forward Vasil Evtimov (207-77, college: N.Carolina, agency: Interperformances) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds. American swingman Aaron Harper (199-81, college: Mississippi, agency: Strategic Sports) contributed with 15 points for the winners. Levski Sofia's coach Konstantin Papazov allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Guard Aleksandar Dyakovski (185-82) answered with 24 points and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and forward Todor Todorov (198-82) added 15 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Spartak Pleven. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Levski Sofia: A.Harper 15+2reb+3ast, V.Evtimov 15+11reb+1ast, D.Anguelov 13+2ast, P.Ivanov 10+3reb+2ast, C.Kostov 9+4reb+2ast, J.Bozov 7+3reb+1ast
Spartak Pleven: A.Dyakovski 24+1reb+4ast, T.Todorov 15+9reb+3ast, V.Georgiev 14+2reb+3ast, S.Tsenov 13+4reb+2ast, I.Stankov 4+1reb+2ast, T.Ostrev 4+7reb+2ast

Tundja Yambol - Balkan 81-74
The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 24-12. But Balkan won second period 23-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Tundja Yambol won last quarter 25-19. They made 20-of-25 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Tundja Yambol forced 19 Balkan turnovers. Balkan was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a very good performance for American guard Mike Jefferson (178-84, college: High Point) who helped to win the game recording 20 points. Guard Stanislav Govedarov (185-80) contributed with 18 points for the winners. Four Tundja Yambol players scored in double figures. American power forward Isiah Martin (203-89, college: Indiana St.) answered with 21 points and 5 rebounds and guard Stanimir Marinov (191-91) added 10 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Balkan. Balkan's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Tundja Yambol: M.Jefferson 20+2reb+2ast, S.Govedarov 18+3reb+1ast, M.Durchev 14+2reb+4ast, J.Radionov 12+5reb+4ast, T.Gugino 8+7reb+1ast, J.Ofoegbu 7+10reb+1ast
Balkan: I.Martin 21+5reb+1ast, D.Filipov 11+3reb+3ast, S.Marinov 10+7reb+3ast, L.Lilov 8+5reb+2ast, E.Binev 8+1reb+1ast, D.Morton 7+4reb

Kostov made his debut, Levski grabbed the lead versus Spartak - by Valentin Anguelov

In the game without too much tension Levski started their participation in a Men playoffs for season 2011/12. They easily got 92-76 victory over Spartak in the first game from quarterfinals in the playoffs of National Basketball League. From the first up to the last minute of the game Levski had control of the match, and that fact led to easy success over their rivals. The second match of the series is on May 3 (Thursday) at 18.00 o'clock local time in Pleven. Eventual success for Levski will mean qualification for the next Round of the playoffs in Bulgarian League.

The game marked the return to the club of Chavdar Kostov (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances), who made official debut after signing last week until the end of the season. He spent on the court 23 minutes and finished with 9 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists and 2 steals leaving very good impression with your game in the first game with the club.

Coach Titi Papazov used every single player of his roster without slightly injured Marcus Hall. Aaron Harper and Vassil Evtimov were most effective with 15 points, while the center added 11 rebounds for another double-double. Very good Dimitar Angelov scored 13 points off the bench and Pavel Ivanov finished with 10 points.

Top scorer in the game was guard Alexander Diakovski from Spartak with 24 points.

In other series Yambol beat Balkan in very tough game at home by the score 81-74 and now leads 1-0. In the remaining two games we got one surprise. Rilski Sportist lost the home court advantage as they lost to Cherno More by a single point - 75-76. Now they have to win in Varna to save the season. In the last quarterfinal series Lukoil Academic beat Chernomorets without much problems - 94-69.

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CAMEROON

Gaston Moliva's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Cameroonians playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

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

Gaston Moliva

#1. This week's number one is an international forward Gaston Moliva (202-85, college: Richmond), who plays in the Japanese BJ League. He could not help Chiba Jets (18-34) in their last game. Despite Moliva's very good performance the ninth-placed Chiba Jets lost 82-97 on the road to the higher-ranked (#7) Iwate Big Bulls in the Eastern group. He had a double-double by scoring 22 points and getting 12 rebounds in 39 minutes on the court. It was Chiba Jets' fifth consecutive loss in a row. The Regular Season already ended. It's Moliva's first season with the team. This year Moliva averages: 5.3ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.3bpg, 2FGP: 42.8% and FT: 39.8% in the 52 games he played so far. He is currently a member of the Cameroonian senior national team.

Alfred Aboya

#2. Second place goes to an international power forward Alfred Aboya (206-85, college: UCLA). Aboya was not able to help Final Genclik (24-14) in their game against Optimum TED (30-8) in the Turkish TB2L (second division). He recorded 9 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. But Final Genclik was badly defeated 74-56 in Ankara by the second-ranked Optimum TED. It was Final Genclik's fourth consecutive loss in a row. Aboya has relatively good stats this season: 13.5ppg, 10.6rpg, 1.3bpg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 43.6% and FT: 73.0%. He is in the roster of the Cameroonian senior national team.

Joachim Ekanga-Ehawa

#3. The Cameroonian player who performed third best last week abroad was an experienced international shooting guard Joachim Ekanga-Ehawa (188-77). Ekanga-Ehawa was the major contributor in Aix-Maurienne's victory against the ninth-ranked Lille Metropole (16-16) 86-82 in the French ProB (second division) on Friday night. He scored 12 points in 36 minutes. Aix-Maurienne Savoie Basket (21-11) is placed fourth in the ProB. 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. This year Ekanga-Ehawa has relatively solid stats: 12.6ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 41.8%, 3FGP: 45.7%(80-175) and FT: 86.7% in the 32 games. He has a dual citizenship: Cameroonian and French. Despite Ekanga-Ehawa played previously for the French national team, he is currently a member of the Cameroonian senior national team.

Gedeon Pitard

#4. Guard Gedeon Pitard (188-89) managed to help STB Le Havre to win against the seventh-ranked Chorale de Roanne (15-13) crushing them 96-62 in the French ProA in Saturday night's game. Pitard recorded only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. STB Le Havre (7-19) is placed 14th in the ProA. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. Pitard has been at the team for five years. His overall stats this season are: 1.2ppg and 1.4rpg. Pitard is another player who holds two passports: Cameroonian and French. He is also Cameroonian national team player.

Junior MBida

#5. Former international center Junior MBida (206-90) faced previously mentioned Joachim Ekanga-Ehawa in the French ProB last game. MBida was not able to secure a victory for Lille Metropole (16-16) in their game against Aix-Maurienne (21-11). He scored 9 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in only 14 minutes. But Lille Metropole lost 82-86 in Aix-les-Bains to the higher-ranked (#4) Aix-Maurienne. It was Lille Metropole's third consecutive loss in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important. This year MBida's overall stats are: 3.6ppg and 2.0rpg in the 28 games. Despite he played previously for the French national team, MBida is currently in the Cameroonian national team roster.

Paul Biligha

#6. Center Paul Biligha (200-90, agency: Players Group) couldn't help Casalpusterlengo (19-15) in their game against Trento (23-11) in the Italian Nazionale A (third division). He scored 6 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Casalpusterlengo (#4) was defeated 79-73 at home by the second-ranked Trento in the North-West Division. Biligha's total stats this season are: 5.8ppg and 4.8rpg. Despite he played previously for the Italian U20 national team, Biligha is also a former international player as he played for the Cameroonian senior team five years ago.

Brice Vounang

#7. International power forward Brice Vounang (202-82, college: San Diego) contributed to a 3-point Etendard de Brest's victory against the 15th-ranked Stade Clermont (8-25) 84-81 in the French NM1 (third division) in Friday night's game. He scored 6 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 24 minutes. Etendard de Brest (18-15) is placed ninth in the NM1. Vounang's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is quite important. Vounang has reliable stats this year: 10.6ppg, 6.8rpg and 1.3apg in the 28 games. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Vounang is currently in the Cameroonian national team roster.

Michel Ipouck

#8. Forward Michel Ipouck (199-86) couldn't help Chartres (14-19) in their game against Saint-Quentin (26-7) in the French NM1 (third division). He scored 7 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Chartres was crushed 97-76 on the opponent's court by the leading Saint-Quentin. Ipouck's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. Ipouck's total stats this season are: 6.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.6apg and 1.2spg. Despite he played previously for the French U20 national team, Ipouck is currently in the Cameroonian national team roster.

Jacques Wampfler

#9. Former international forward Jacques Wampfler (194-83) contributed to a SPO Rouen's victory against the closely-ranked Olympique Antibes (14-18) 90-82 in the French ProB (second division) on Friday night. He scored only 2 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 17 minutes. SPO Rouen Basket (12-20) is placed 15th in the ProB. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. This year Wampfler's total stats are: 1.4ppg and 1.2rpg in the nine games. He used to play for the Cameroonian national team six years ago.

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CANADA

Kyle Landry selected the top Canadian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Kyle Landry

#1. This week's number one is former international power forward Kyle Landry (207-86, college: N.Arizona). He led his Russian team Triumph Lyubertsy to a victory against the closely-ranked Szolnok (3-3) 94-87 in the EuroChallenge in Sunday night's game. Landry recorded 20 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in 33 minutes on the court. It was the game of the round between two top 2 ranked teams in group L. Triumph Lyubertsy (3-3) is placed second. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Landry has relatively good stats this year: 12.5ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 55.5%(66-119), 3FGP: 36.0% and FT: 56.5% in the 17 games he played so far. He played for the Canadian senior national team three years ago.

Steve Nash

#2. Second place goes to an experienced former international point guard Steve Nash (190-74, college: Santa Clara), who plays in the NBA. Nash could not help the Phoenix Suns (33-33) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite his good performance the Phoenix Suns were defeated 100-88 on the road by the Utah Jazz. Nash recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points and making 11 passes. He also added 4 rebounds (made all of his six free throws). The Regular Season already ended in the NBA. It's Nash's eighth season with the team. Nash has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 12.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 10.7apg, 2FGP: 58.0%(240-414), 3FGP: 39.0% and FT: 89.4%. Nash played for the Canadian national team in 2003.

Tristan Thompson

#3. The Canadian player who performed third best last week abroad was former U19 international forward Tristan Thompson (203-91, college: Texas). He was not able to help the Cleveland Cavaliers (21-45) in their game against the Chicago Bulls (50-16) in the NBA, despite his very good performance on Thursday night. Thompson had a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 12 rebounds in 30 minutes. But the Cleveland Cavaliers were crushed 107-75 in Chicago by the Bulls. It was Cavaliers' fourth consecutive loss in a row. The Regular Season already ended in the NBA. It's Thompson's first season with the team. This year he has relatively solid stats: 8.2ppg, 6.5rpg, 2FGP: 44.1% and FT: 55.2% in the 60 games. Thompson played for the Canadian U19 national team three years ago.

Samuel Dalembert

#4. Center Samuel Dalembert (211-81, college: Seton Hall) was the major contributor in a Houston Rockets' victory against the New Orleans Hornets (21-45) 84-77 in the NBA in Thursday night's game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 11 points and getting the same number of rebounds. The Houston Rockets have 34-32 record this season. The Regular Season already ended in the NBA. Dalembert has reliable stats this year: 7.5ppg, 7.0rpg and 1.7bpg. He has a dual citizenship: Haitian and Canadian. Despite Dalembert played previously for the Haitian national team, he is currently in the Canadian national team roster.

Cory Joseph

#5. International point guard Cory Joseph (190-91, college: Texas) contributed to a San Antonio Spurs' victory against the Phoenix Suns (33-33) 110-106 in the NBA last Wednesday. Joseph scored 9 points in 24 minutes. The San Antonio Spurs have a very good 50-16 record this season. It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the NBA Regular Season. And that game will be critical. This year Joseph's overall stats are: 2.1ppg and 1.3apg in the 27 games. Despite he played previously for the Haitian national team, Joseph is currently in the Canadian national team roster.

Matt Bonner

#6. Forward Matt Bonner (206-80, college: Florida) is a teammate of previously mentioned Cory Joseph. But that was another game of his team in NBA which we would like to mention. Bonner helped San Antonio Spurs win their game against the Utah Jazz (36-30) 106-91. He recorded 9 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. The San Antonio Spurs have a very solid 50-16 record this season. It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. Bonner has been at the team for six years. Bonner's total stats this season are: 6.7ppg and 3.4rpg. He is a naturalized American. Despite Bonner played previously for the USA national team, he is also an international player who is currently on the senior Canadian National Team roster.

Scott Morrison

#7. Former international center Scott Morrison (212-86, college: Portland St.) helped Energa Czarni win their game against the third-ranked Zastal ZG (6-4) 79-70 in the Polish PLK in Friday night's game. Morrison scored 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 21 minutes. Energa Czarni Slupsk (3-7) is placed fifth in Group A. They ended the series of seven consecutive loses. Morrison's stats this year are: 10.6ppg, 5.7rpg and 1.2bpg in the 37 games. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Morrison is currently in the Canadian national team roster.

Jevohn Shepherd

#8. Forward Jevohn Shepherd (196-86, college: Michigan) was not able to secure a victory for Leiden (2-1) in their game against Den Bosch (2-2) in the Dutch Eredivisie. Despite his very good performance last Sunday He was the top scorer with 18 points. Shepherd also added 2 blocks. His team will play only one more game in the Second Stage. And now that game is very crucial. Shepherd averaged so far 13.3ppg, 5.0rpg and 1.2apg. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Shepherd is currently in the Canadian national team roster.

Levon Kendall

#9. International forward Levon Kendall (209-84, college: Pittsburgh) couldn't help Blusens Monbus (11-21) in their game against Blancos de Rueda (8-24) in the Spanish ACB, despite his very good performance on Sunday night. He was the second best scorer with 17 points. Kendall also added 7 rebounds in 28 minutes. But Blusens Monbus lost 75-81 in Valladolid to the league outsider (#18) Blancos de Rueda. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important. This year Kendall's total stats are: 9.4ppg and 6.0rpg in the 32 games. Despite he played previously for the Irish national team, Kendall is currently in the Canadian national team roster.

Joel Anthony

   #10. Center Joel Anthony (206-82, college: UNLV) couldn't help the Miami Heat (46-20) in their game against the Boston Celtics (39-27) in the NBA. He recorded only 4 points, 4 rebounds and 3 blocks. The Miami Heat was defeated 78-66 in Boston by the Celtics. The Regular Season already ended in the NBA. Anthony plays fourth season for the team. Anthony has averaged so far 3.3ppg, 3.8rpg and 1.3bpg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Canadian National Team roster.

   #11. Former U21 international forward Henry Bekkering (198-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: E.Washington) couldn't help Nijmegen in their game against Zwolle in the Dutch Eredivisie, despite his very good performance last Thursday. Bekkering recorded 13 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists in 34 minutes. But his team was edged in an overtime 95-94. He belongs to league's best rebounders (ranked #5) and also on the list of best blockers (fourth place). Bekkering has very reliable stats this year: 10.5ppg, 5.0rpg and 1.1apg in the 30 games. Despite he played previously for the Irish national team, Bekkering is currently in the Canadian U21 national team roster.

   #12. Former international center Jasonn Hannibal (208, college: Portland) couldn't help Polzela in their game against Maribor Messer in the Slovenian Telemach League. Despite his good performance on Wednesday night He recorded a double-double by scoring 11 points and getting 12 rebounds. Hannibal also added 2 blocks. He has averaged so far 8.2ppg and 5.6rpg. Despite Hannibal played previously for the Irish national team, he is currently in the Canadian national team roster.

   #13. Former international forward Mike Tuck (201-83, college: Loyola, MD) couldn't help Sheffield One Health Sharks in their game against Jelson Homes DMU Leicester City Riders in the British BBL, despite his very good performance in Friday night's game. Tuck had a double-double by scoring 17 points and getting the same number of rebounds. He also added 2 blocks in 35 minutes. But his team was badly defeated by 16 points 92-76. Tuck is currently third on the league's list of best rebounders with 11.1rpg. He also averaged so far 15.7ppg and 2.0apg in the 34 games. Despite Tuck played previously for the British national team, he is currently in the Canadian national team roster.

   #14. Former international forward Galen Young (198-75, college: Charlotte) helped Bay Hawks win their game against the fifth-ranked Wellington Exodus Saints 97-80 in the New Zealand NBL last Wednesday. Young scored 21 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. He averaged so far 11.1ppg, 6.8rpg and 3.5apg. Young is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Young is currently in the Canadian national team roster.

   #15. International guard Carl English (192-81, college: Hawaii) helped Cajasol win their game against the closely-ranked Valencia Basket 65-58 in the Spanish ACB on Wednesday night. He recorded 9 points in only 13 minutes. English has averaged so far 7.8ppg, 2.3rpg and 1.2apg in the 29 games. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, English is currently in the Canadian national team roster.

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CENTRAL AFRICA

Romain Sato selected the top Central African playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Romain Sato

#1. This week's number one is an international swingman Romain Sato (194-81, college: Xavier). He contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Kolossos (16-8) crushing them 102-71 in the Greek A1 in Thursday night's game. Sato scored 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in only 13 minutes on the court. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Panathinaikos Athens (22-2) is placed second in the A1. It was his team's eighth consecutive victory in a row. This year Sato averages: 6.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 2FGP: 57.1%(48-84), 3FGP: 30.5% and FT: 60.7% in the 29 games he played so far. He is currently a member of the Central African senior national team.

James Mays

#2. Second place goes to an international forward James Mays (206-86, college: Clemson), who plays in the Turkish TBL. Mays could not help one of league's weakest teams Mersin (12-10) in their last game on Sunday. Despite his good performance Mersin was crushed 106-78 at home by the higher-ranked Anadolu Efes (#3). Mays recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting 10 rebounds. The Regular Season already ended. It's Mays' first season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year: 10.8ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3FGP: 30.4% and FT: 60.8%. Mays is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Mays is currently a member of the Central African senior national team. Strangely he has never played in Central Africa.

Maxime Zianveni

#3. The Central African player who performed third best last week abroad was an experienced international forward Maxime Zianveni (198-79). Zianveni managed to help Strasbourg IG in a victory against the league outsider Hyeres-Toulon (2-26) 88-69 in the French ProA on Friday night. He recorded only 4 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in 23 minutes. Strasbourg IG (13-15) is placed 11th in the ProA. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. This year Zianveni's overall stats are: 5.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 47.9% and FT: 48.3% in the 28 games. He has a dual citizenship: Central African and French. Zianveni is also a member of the Central African senior national team.

Michael Mokongo

#4. Point guard Michael Mokongo (180-86) was not able to help Chorale de Roanne (15-13) in their game against STB Le Havre (7-19) in the French ProA. His contribution was not very remarkable in Saturday's game. Mokongo recorded only 3 points. Chorale de Roanne was crushed 96-62 on the road by the much lower-ranked STB Le Havre (#14). They ended the series of three consecutive victories. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. Mokongo's total stats this season are: 3.0ppg and 1.3apg. He is another player who holds two passports: Central African and French. Mokongo is also Central African national team player.

Martial Gotagni

#5. International forward Martial Gotagni (190-79) was not able to secure a victory for Le Puy ASMB (5-28) in their game against Roche (15-11) in the French NM1 (third division), despite his good performance last Friday. He was the second best scorer with 11 points. Gotagni also added 4 rebounds in 40 minutes. But Le Puy ASMB was crushed 86-62 on the opponent's court by the much higher-ranked (#5) Roche. It was Le Puy ASMB's third consecutive loss in a row. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is quite important. This year Gotagni has relatively solid stats: 11.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.3apg and 1.5spg in the 29 games. Despite he played previously for the French national team, Gotagni is currently in the Central African national team roster.

Stephane Dondon

#6. Forward Stephane Dondon (203-77, college: Virginia) couldn't help JA Vichy (7-25) in their game against Boulazac Basket (23-9) in the French ProB (second division). He did not beat the league record on Saturday evening. Dondon scored only 2 points. JA Vichy was edged 77-76 in Boulazac by the second-ranked Basket. It was JA Vichy's sixth consecutive loss in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important. Dondon's total stats this season are: 4.6ppg and 3.8rpg. He is a former international player as he played for the Central African senior team nine years ago.

Other top Central African players, who play abroad:

Max Kouguere (198-F-87) plays for Le Mans in French ProA
Anicet Lavodrama (203-F-63) plays for Blancos de Rueda in Spanish ACB
Jimmy Djimrabaye (203-F/C-92) plays for JA Vichy in French ProB
Lionel Bomayako (196-G-78) plays for Orchesien BC in French NM1
Regis Koundjia-Sindo (203-F-83) plays for Le Puy ASMB in French NM1
Yannick Zachee (194-F-86) plays for Get Vosges in French NM2
Kezza Kolombet Bangiba (190-F-85) plays for Nord Ardeche in French NM2
Benjamin M'Boli (199-F-88) plays for Ouest Lyonnais in French NM2
Francois Pehoua-Tara-Ngoyi (196-F-83) plays for Marmande in French NM2

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

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COSTA RICA

Standings - D1

LBS Standings

1. Barva		12-1
2. Sanatura D.		10-2
3. Coopenae-USJ		9-3
4. Cartago		7-6
5. Limon		3-8
6. Grupo Babel		3-9
7. Liceo		3-10
8. Escazu		2-10

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CROATIA

Bruno Sundov's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Croatians playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

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

Bruno Sundov

#1. This week's number one is former U21 international center Bruno Sundov (221-80, agency: Alti Sport). He led Lukoil Academik to a victory over the league outsider Chernomorets (3-25) crushing them 94-69 in the Bulgarian NBL in Tuesday night's game. Sundov was MVP of the game. He had a double-double by scoring 23 points and getting 10 rebounds. Sundov also added 3 assists in 31 minutes on the court. Lukoil Academik Sofia (25-3) is placed first in the NBL. Sundov has relatively good stats this year: 12.5ppg, 5.9rpg, 2FGP: 71.1%(108-152), 3FGP: 39.1% and FT: 83.3% in the 29 games he played so far. He played for the Croatian U21 national team twelve years ago.

Marko Popovic

#2. Second place goes to an international guard Marko Popovic (185-82, college: S.Idaho JC). Popovic was the major contributor in Zalgiris' victory against the closely-ranked Rudupis (16-6) 81-74 in the Lithuanian LKL last Tuesday. He recorded 16 points and added 4 assists (made all of his eight free throws). It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas (21-1) is placed first in the LKL. It was his team's 21st consecutive victory in a row. Popovic belongs to league's best passers and is ranked #7. This season he averages: 8.6ppg, 1.7rpg, 3.8apg, 2FGP: 60.5%(26-43), 3FGP: 29.3% and FT: 90.9%(30-33). Popovic is in the roster of the Croatian senior national team.

Roko-Leni Ukic

#3. The Croatian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international guard Roko-Leni Ukic (196-84). He contributed to a Fenerbahce Ulker's victory against the closely-ranked Tofas (14-16) 76-68 in the Turkish TBL on Sunday night. Ukic scored 13 points, had 7 rebounds and dished 5 assists in 26 minutes. Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul (21-9) is placed fifth in the TBL. The Regular Season already ended. This year Ukic has relatively solid stats: 11.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.1apg, 2FGP: 48.8%, 3FGP: 35.4% and FT: 69.1% in the 22 games. He played for the Croatian national team two years ago.

Marko Banic

#4. Forward Marko Banic (205-84) helped Gescrap BB edge the eighth-ranked Lagun Aro GBC (17-15) 77-76 in the Spanish ACB in Sunday night's game. Banic scored 14 points. Gescrap Bizkaia Bilbao Basket (19-13) is placed fourth in the ACB. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. It's Banic's sixth season with the team. He has reliable stats this year: 11.7ppg and 4.3rpg. Banic used to play for the Croatian national team back in 2010.

Igor Milicic

#5. An experienced former international guard Igor Milicic (194-76, also represented by Alti Sport) was the main contributor in an AZS Koszalin's victory against the leader Asseco Prokom (8-2) 86-81 in the Polish PLK last Friday. He was the best player in that game. Milicic scored 25 points, had 7 rebounds and dished 4 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) in 27 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Group B. AZS Koszalin (22-16) is placed second. It was his team's eighth consecutive victory in a row. Milicic is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fourth year in AZS Koszalin's roster. He is ranked sixth on the list of the best passers in the league with 5.0apg. This year Milicic also averages: 10.0ppg and 2.8rpg in the 41 games. He has a dual citizenship: Croatian and Polish. Despite Milicic played previously for the Polish national team, he is currently in the Croatian national team roster.

Luka Zoric

#6. Power forward Luka Zoric (211-84) helped Unicaja Malaga win their game against the closely-ranked Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (12-20) 79-65 in the Spanish ACB on Sunday night. Zoric scored 13 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished 3 assists. Unicaja Malaga (15-17) is placed 12th in the ACB. They ended the series of five consecutive loses. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. It's Zoric's first season with the team. His stats this year are: 10.5ppg and 4.5rpg. Despite Zoric played previously for the Polish national team, he is also an international player who is currently on the senior Croatian National Team roster.

Jure Lalic

#7. Former U20 international center Jure Lalic (212-86) helped Krka win their game against the second-ranked Union Olimpija (7-3) 73-67 in the Slovenian Telemach League in Saturday night's game. Lalic had a double-double by scoring 11 points and getting the same number of rebounds in a mere 19 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Group Championship. Krka Novo Mesto (8-2) is placed first in Championship Group. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game will be important. This year Lalic's overall stats are: 8.5ppg and 3.8rpg in the 10 games. Despite he played previously for the Polish national team, Lalic is currently in the Croatian U20 national team roster.

Ante Tomic

#8. Center Ante Tomic (217-87) managed to help Real Madrid to win against the tenth-ranked Assignia Manresa (15-17) 96-93 in the Spanish ACB last Thursday. He recorded 5 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Real Madrid (25-7) is placed second in the ACB. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be extremely important. Tomic's total stats this season are: 8.0ppg and 4.2rpg. He plays currently for the Croatian national team.

Andrija Stipanovic

#9. Former international center Andrija Stipanovic (209-86) helped Otto Caserta win their game against the seventh-ranked Umana Venezia (17-13) 83-80 in the Italian SerieA on Wednesday night. Stipanovic had a double-double by scoring 20 points and getting 11 rebounds in 33 minutes. Otto Caserta (12-18) is placed 14th in the SerieA. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. This year Stipanovic's total stats are: 7.3ppg and 6.0rpg in the 24 games. Despite he played previously for the Polish national team, Stipanovic is currently in the Croatian national team roster.

Kresimir Loncar

   #10. Forward Kresimir Loncar (210-83, another player represented by Alti Sport), who plays in the Russian PBL could not help one of league's weakest teams Khimky (15-3) to beat CSKA Moscow (17-1). He scored 6 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Khimky was badly defeated 91-72 on the road by the leading CSKA Moscow. It was Khimky's first loss after ten consecutive victories. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. Loncar averaged so far 10.8ppg and 3.2rpg. Despite he played previously for the Polish national team, Loncar is also a former international player as two years ago he still played for the Croatian senior national team.

   #11. Former international forward Igor Maric (196-85), who plays in the Slovenian Telemach League was not able to help the league outsider Sentjur (0-10) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the sixth-placed Sentjur lost 65-80 at home to the second-ranked Union Olimpija in the Championship Group. Maric was the top scorer with 22 points. He also added 9 rebounds in 32 minutes. Maric is ranked sixth on the list of the top scorers in the league with 13.9ppg. This year he also averages: 6.0rpg and 1.4spg in the 28 games. Despite Maric played previously for the Polish national team, he is currently in the Croatian national team roster.

   #12. International point guard Rok Stipcevic (185-86) helped Cimberio Varese win their game against the closely-ranked Vanoli-Braga 78-66 in the Italian SerieA on Sunday night. Stipcevic was the top player that evening. He scored 18 points. Stipcevic averaged so far 11.9ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.6apg and 1.3spg. Despite he played previously for the Polish national team, Stipcevic is currently in the Croatian national team roster.

   #13. International small forward Ante Bilobrk (203-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) helped Rilski Sportist win their game against the league outsider Chernomorets crushing them 102-70 in the Bulgarian NBL in Wednesday night's game. He recorded 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in 23 minutes. Bilobrk has averaged so far 8.0ppg, 3.7rpg and 1.3apg in the 27 games. Despite he played previously for the Polish national team, Bilobrk is currently in the Croatian national team roster.

   #14. Former U20 international forward Drazen Bubnic (205-86), who plays in the Slovenian Telemach League was not able to secure a victory for Helios (6-4) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite his good performance Helios (#3) was edged 77-76 in Novo Mesto by the leading Krka in the Championship Group. Bubnic was the top scorer with 13 points. He averaged so far 12.6ppg, 4.9rpg and 1.7apg. Despite Bubnic played previously for the Polish national team, he is currently in the Croatian U20 national team roster.

   #15. Former international power forward Drago Pasalic (208-84) is a teammate of previously mentioned Drazen Bubnic and both played together in the last Slovenian Telemach League game. Pasalic couldn't help Helios in their game against Krka, despite his good performance on Wednesday night. He scored 10 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 22 minutes. But his team was edged 77-76. Pasalic averaged so far 12.4ppg and 5.4rpg in the 28 games. Despite he played previously for the Polish national team, Pasalic is currently in the Croatian national team roster.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

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

1. Sedmak, USK Praha	19.7
2. Pope, Chomutov	19.6
3. McFadden, Usti n.	18.2
4. Grant, Levice	17.9
5. Lowery, Chomutov	17.6
6. Hruban, USK Praha	16.7
7. Houska, BK Decin	15.3
8. Arnold, BK Pardu.	14.9
9. Meno, Svitavy	14.8
10. Stanek, Chomutov	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Votroubek, USK P.	8.8
2. Pesic, Inter B.	8.6
3. Meno, Svitavy	8.4
4. Gottselig, Usti n.	8.0
5. Arnold, BK Pardu.	7.9
6. Naymick, CEZ N.	7.6
7. Gadri-N., BK Prost.	7.5
8. Peterson, BK Prost.	7.3
9. Modric, Levice	7.2
10. Gavran, Inter B.	6.8

Assists Per Game

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

1. Ubilla, Inter B.	5.3
2. Deloach, Svitavy	5.1
3. Sotnar, USK Praha	4.7
4. Wright, Chomutov	4.6
5. Wright, NH Ostrava	4.6
6. Vrubl, Plzen	4.4
7. Lawrence, CEZ N.	4.1
8. McFadden, Usti n.	4.1
9. Sirina, B&W Opava	4.1
10. Barnes, BC Kolin	4.0

Steals Per Game

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

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

Blocks Per Game

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

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

Jan Vesely selected the top Czech playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Jan Vesely

#1. This week's number one is former international forward Jan Vesely (211-90). He led Washington Wizards to an easy victory against the Charlotte Bobcats (7-59) crushing them 101-73 in the NBA in Monday night's game. Vesely scored 16 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 24 minutes on the court. The Washington Wizards have not so impressive 20-46 record this season. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. The Regular Season already ended in the NBA. This year Vesely averages: 4.7ppg, 4.4rpg, 2FGP: 53.9% and FT: 53.2% in the 57 games he played so far. He played for the Czech Republic senior national team two years ago.

Ondrej Starosta

#2. Second place goes to an experienced former international center Ondrej Starosta (215-79). Starosta was the major contributor in a Grupo Iruna Navarra's victory against the closely-ranked Menorca Basquet (21-13) 89-79 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) last Friday. He recorded a double-double by scoring 16 points and getting 17 rebounds. Starosta also added 4 blocks. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Grupo Iruna Navarra (5-21) is placed first in the LEB Gold. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. It's Starosta's first season with the team. Starosta is ranked fifth on the list of the best rebounders in the league. He has very reliable stats this season: 12.6ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 56.3%(192-341) and FT: 42.7%. Starosta played for the Czech Republic national team in 2008.

David Jelinek

#3. The Czech Republic player who performed third best last week abroad was former international guard David Jelinek (196-90). He led FIATC Joventut to a victory over the closely-ranked Unicaja Malaga (15-17) 80-64 in the Spanish ACB on Thursday night. Jelinek was MVP of the game. He recorded 15 points in a mere 19 minutes. FIATC Joventut Badalona (15-17) is placed 11th in the ACB. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. This year Jelinek's overall stats are: 7.8ppg, 1.2rpg, 2FGP: 40.8%, 3FGP: 32.5% and FT: 76.1% in the 32 games. He played for the Czech Republic national team two years ago.

Tomas Hampl

#4. Center Tomas Hampl (215-88) managed to help KK Cibona VIP Zagreb to win against the eighth-ranked Zabok (1-10) crushing them 112-52 in the Croatian A1 in Wednesday night's game. Hampl scored only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (12-0) is placed first in Championship Group. So far his team won all twelve games in the Second Stage. There are only two games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game will be important. Hampl's total stats this season are: 1.0ppg and 2.5rpg. He is also Czech Republic national team player.

Lubos Barton

#5. International swingman Lubos Barton (202-80, college: Valparaiso) is a teammate of previously mentioned David Jelinek and both played together in the last Spanish ACB game. Barton contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Unicaja Malaga (15-17) 80-64. He recorded 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 19 minutes. This year Barton's total stats are: 6.6ppg and 4.2rpg in the nine games. He plays currently for the Czech Republic national team.

Jiri Welsch

#6. Forward Jiri Welsch (201-80) contributed to an easy victory against the sixth-ranked Belfius Mons-Hainaut (13-15) crushing them 89-62 in the Belgian D1 on Wednesday night. Welsch recorded 5 points. Belgacom Spirou (21-8) is placed first in the D1. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be extremely important. Welsch has averaged so far 8.4ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.4apg and 1.1spg. He is a former international player as he played for the Czech Republic senior team two years ago.

Ondrej Kohout

#7. U20 international forward Ondrej Kohout (204-91), who plays in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division) could not help Fontedoso Carrefour (12-12) in their last game. Despite Kohout's good performance Fontedoso Carrefour lost 57-62 on the road to the higher-ranked (#3) Prat Juventud. He was the top scorer with 12 points. Kohout also added 5 rebounds in 27 minutes. Kohout has averaged so far 7.3ppg and 4.5rpg in the 26 games. He is also Czech Republic U20 national team player.

Jakub Kudlacek

#8. Guard Jakub Kudlacek (193-90) was not able to help one of league's weakest teams Otto Caserta (12-18) in their game against Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (12-18) in the Italian SerieA. Kudlacek scored only 4 points. Otto Caserta was defeated 96-85 in Montegranaro by the higher-ranked Fabi Shoes (#13). There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. Kudlacek has averaged so far 5.6ppg and 1.1rpg. He plays currently for the Czech Republic national team.

Jan Kratochvil

#9. International forward Jan Kratochvil (200-82) was not able to secure a victory for Komarno (22-10) in their game against Prievidza (22-10) in the Slovakian Extraliga. Kratochvil cannot count Wednesday's game as one of the best ones. He recorded only 2 points in 18 minutes. The league leader Komarno lost 61-69 on the opponent's court to the second-ranked Prievidza. Kratochvil has averaged so far 8.4ppg, 4.4rpg and 1.7apg in the 41 games. He is also in the roster of the Czech Republic national team.

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D-LEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

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

1. Ahearn, Reno B.	23.8
2. Almond, Maine RC	23.4
3. Emmett, Reno B.	23.1
4. Dentmon, Austin T.	22.2
5. Millsap, Los A.	20.0
6. Efevberha, Iowa E.	19.6
7. Mitchell, Sioux F.	19.6
8. Gilder, Sioux F.	19.2
9. Ubiles, Dakota W.	19.2
10. Smith, Springfiel.	18.8

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Lewis, Tulsa 66ers	12.7
2. Harangody, Canton	11.7
3. Butch, Bakersfi.	10.4
4. Dawson, Austin T.	10.2
5. Thomas, Los A.	10.1
6. Foote, Springfield	9.0
7. Williams, Texas L.	8.9
8. Criswell-L., Austi.	8.9
9. Reid, Tulsa 66ers	8.6
10. Horner, Springfi.	8.4

Assists Per Game

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

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

Steals Per Game

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

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

Blocks Per Game

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

1. N''Diaye, Maine R.	3.2
2. Foster, Idaho S.	2.9
3. Williams, Texas L.	2.5
4. Saunders, Rio G.	2.3
5. Daniels, Erie B.	2.1
6. Thomas, Los A.	1.8
7. Hill, Maine RC	1.8
8. Ojougboh, Tulsa	1.7
9. Strong, Iowa E.	1.6
10. Blakely, Iowa E.	1.5

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EGYPT

Superleague Standings

Superleague Standings

1. Al Ahly		6-0
2. Al Gezira		5-1
3. Sporting		4-2
4. Somouha		3-3
5. Al Ittihad		3-3
6. Zamalek		3-3
7. Al Olympi		0-6
8. Geish Army		0-6

Regular Season: Round 6

Apr. 30: Zamalek - Geish Army 75-73
Apr. 30: Al Ahly - Somouha 71-60
Apr. 30: Al Ittihad - Al Gezira 70-79
Apr. 30: Sporting - Al Olympi 20-0

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ESTONIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

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

1. Strupovics, Valga	20.9
2. Raadik, Parnu	18.1
3. Raley-Ross, Tln K.	17.3
4. Soo, Rapla	16.8
5. Cipruss, Tarvas	16.6
6. Raap, Parnu	16.2
7. Veideman, Tartu U.	15.6
8. Pilk, TTU	15.3
9. Akenparg, TTU	14.3
10. Hallik, Tarvas	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Cipruss, Tarvas	10.2
2. Cricelli, Valga	8.4
3. Fedortchuk, Tln K.	8.2
4. Raadik, Parnu	7.8
5. Arnold, TTU	7.6
6. Shaw, Tln Kalev	7.4
7. Ringmets, Rapla	6.7
8. Pilk, TTU	6.6
9. Fall, Kalev/Cramo	6.6
10. Allingu, Tartu U.	6.4

Assists Per Game

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

1. Cunda, Valga	4.5
2. Sokk, Tartu Ulikool	4.2
3. Laane, Rapla	4.2
4. Sirsnins, Tarvas	3.8
5. Kriisa, Tarvas	3.6
6. Pilk, TTU	3.6
7. Kriisa, Tartu Ulik.	3.3
8. Raap, Parnu	3.3
9. Dorbek, Tarvas	3.3
10. Keedus, TTU	3.0

Steals Per Game

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

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

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Fall, Kalev/Cramo	1.7
2. Raadik, Parnu	1.4
3. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	1.1
4. Fedortchuk, Tln K.	1.0
5. Ulyanko, Kalev/Cr.	0.8
6. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	0.6
7. Veski, Tarvas	0.5
8. Hallik, Tarvas	0.5
9. Makke, TTU	0.4
10. Keedus, TTU	0.4

KML Round 3 of Semi-Finals. Tartu Ulikool and Kalev/Cramo sweep semifinal series - by Eurobasket News

Tartu Ulikool - Rapla 95-56

Tartu Ulikool eased past Rapla and reached KML Finals. The game without a history. Tartu Ulikool led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Tartu Ulikool had a 28-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. 25 personal fouls committed by Rapla helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was international forward Tanel Kurbas (197-88) who scored 17 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). International power forward Rain Raadik (208-89) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. Five Tartu Ulikool players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was swingman Sven Kaldre (197-91) who recorded 12 points and the former international forward Andre Parn (200-77) added 11 points respectively. 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:
Tartu Ulikool: T.Kurbas 17+6reb+2ast, S.Leppik 14+3ast, R.Raadik 12+8reb, V.Kriisa 11+2reb+6ast, S.Sokk 11+2reb+6ast, V.Allingu 8+8reb
Rapla: S.Kaldre 12+2reb+2ast, A.Parn 11+3reb+1ast, H.Ruut 6+1reb+1ast, A.Antson 6+3reb, I.Kajupank 6+4reb, K.Poldoja 6+2reb

Kalev/Cramo - Tarvas 91-69

Kalev/Cramo swept the semifinal series versus Tarvas. It looked good early as BC Rakvere took an 4-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Kalev/Cramo had a 16-10 second period charge getting the lead and BC Rakvere was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 69-91. It was a good game for Belarusian power forward Pavel Ulyanko (204-79) who led his team to a victory with 20 points. The former international guard Tanel Sokk (184-85) contributed with 16 points for the winners. Latvian point guard Rinalds Sirsnins (186-85, agency: Promotex) answered with 15 points and 6 assists and Latvian center Kaspars Cipruss (210-82, agency: Interperformances) added 16 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for BC Rakvere. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Kalev/Cramo: P.Ulyanko 20+3reb+1ast, T.Sokk 16+2reb+3ast, A.Nelson 14+3ast, A.Skele 13+4reb+3ast, J.Toome 10+5reb+1ast, B.Fall 8+10reb
Tarvas: K.Cipruss 16+6reb, R.Sirsnins 15+3reb+6ast, R.Hallik 13+3reb+3ast, J.Vahter 12+4reb, J.Umbrasko 7+8reb, M.Dorbek 3+2reb+3ast

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EUROLEAGUE

Euroleague Basketball, VTB discussions advance - by Eurobasket News

Representatives of Euroleague Basketball and the VTB United League have been in conversations in the past couple of weeks with the aim of evolving the principles discussed in a joint meeting on April 15, 2012 to the necessities and goals that various clubs, National Leagues and Federations have expressed.

The involved parties have reiterated that the main goal of these conversations is to integrate the VTB United League into the structure of European Club Basketball Competitions at the same time as guaranteeing the development of National Championships that together with their clubs are the foundation of European Basketball.

As a result of these conversations, the proposed agreement that will be presented to the VTB United League Board and Euroleague Basketball General Assembly will incorporate an access path from the VTB United League into the Turkish Airlines Euroleague competition. The National Championship ranking will be respected as well, staying as the path to assign licences into the Turkish Airlines Euroleague competition.

Representatives from both organisations are continuing to work together in order to find a solution in the clubs competitions calendar so that each VTB United League participant can also participate in their National Championship without having an adverse effect on their participation in Euroleague Basketball competitions.

Courtesy of Euroleague

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: The very first Championship - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga (Top League) Finals will start on Wednesday (May 2). Three victories will be needed (the best out of five) to win it all. The season 2011-12 will be over by May 12, for sure. The Finalists Kataja (Joensuu) and Bisons (Korikonkarit) from Loimaa have never won the Finnish Championship. So, one of the two finalists will make history. Actually the Bisons (34-14) have already made certain kind of history. Team is playing the first season ever in Top League and reached at once the Finals. Kataja (37-10) is playing the 17th season on top level.
The Finals will be thus also so called 'David vs Goliath fight' between a team from Joensuu (pop. 77.000) and Loimaa (pop. 17.000). There is also a huge difference between the capacity of the places, where these teams are playing their home games: Joensuu (Mehtimaki IceHall): 4.800. Loimaa (Sporthall): 1.200. The distance between these two towns is 500 km. (Loimaa is located 150 km Northwest of Helsinki and Joensuu is 450 km Northeast of Helsinki, the capital of Finland).
Kataja-Basket (Joensuu): Founded 1949. 17 seasons in Top League. Five times in the Finals (2002-03, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2011-12. Three times Finnish Cup Champion: 2002-03, 2010-11, 2011-12. Head Coach: Jukka Toijala . American players: Jared Newson (195-G/F-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Tenn-Martin), Jeremy Price (203-F-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Georgia), B.A. (Bobby Anthony) Walker (188-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: VCU).
Bisons (Korikonkarit), Loimaa: Founded: 1963. First season in Top League. Head Coach: Greg Gibson . American players: Jeb Ivey (190-G-80, college: Portland St.), Ryan McDade (201-F-80, college: N.Arizona), Martin Zeno (196-G-85, college: Texas Tech).

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

FRANCE

Evreux to keep Drake Reed and Jeremiah Wood - by Eurobasket News

Evreux will keep Drake Reed (192-F-87, college: Austin Peay St.) and Jeremiah Wood (200-C/F-85, agency: Court Side) for the next season as catch-and-shoot.com reports.
Drake Reed joined the French team in January. He tallied 16.2 points, 6.4 boards, 1.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game in ProB. Drake Reed started the season in Austria. The forward averaged 19.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists per appearance with Oberwart Gunners.
Jeremiah Wood arrived in France at the start of the season. The forward notched 16.2 points, 11.0 boards, 2.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game in ProB. Last season Jeremiah Wood shone in Finland. He posted 20.6 points, 13.0 boards, 3.9 assists and 2.1 steals per game for Karhu Kauhajoki. Eurobasket.com named Jeremiah Wood All-Finnish Korisliiga Defensive Player of the Year.

Nancy eyes Tariq Kirksay to replace injured Bernard King - by Eurobasket News

According to local media, it seems that Nancy wants to sign Tariq Kirksay (199-F-79, college: Iona) for rest of the season. They team is out on the market searching for Bernard King's (196-G-81, college: Texas A&M) replacement (injury). Kirksay already played for Nancy and it was from 2004 to 2007. The former French National Team member currently plays for Spanish Estudiantes. He joined them in March from Montegranaro. For 10 games in Liga Endesa so far Kirksay averages 9.1 points and 4.2 rebounds. With Montegranaro Kirksay had 6.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 2.7 apg for 13 games in SerieA. Tariq Kirksay spent last two seasons with Cajasol Sevilla. Before that he played two years for Unics Kazan. In 2005, Kirksay was Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Forward of the Year -05. That same year, and also in 2006 and 2007, he was named to ProA First Team. Kirksay played for the French NT in 2007 and 2008.

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GERMANY

Christoph Hackenesch Remains With The Hertener Lions - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO B team Hertener Lions announced today that Christoph Hackenesch (204-F/C-86) will continue to play with the team next season. Christoph Hackenesch (204-F/C-86) is a 26 year old 204cm power forward/center that will be playing his third season in Herten. Last season he averaged 13,3ppg and 7,9rpg and had 10 double doubles. 'We are happy that Chris will stay with us. He has developed well and belongs to the best centers in the PRO B. He is an important building block in our team', stressed Herten manager Dirk Ewald. The German big man had numerous offers from other teams, but decided to stay with Herten. 'I feel comfortable in Herten. Everyone accepted me from the start so deciding to stay wasnt difficult. I am sure that we will have a strong team this season and offer great games for our fans', warned Christoph Hackenesch (204-F/C-86)

Source: RheinLand Versicherungen Hertener Lowen

Darryl Webb (Crailsheim Merlins) Our Fans Were Everywhere - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Darryl Webb (198-F-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Indiana, PA) is a 24 year old 198cm forward from Elkridge, Maryland. He is playing his first season in Germany in the PRO A for the Crailsheim Merlins. He played at Indiana, PA (NCAA2) from 2007-2011 playing a total of 126 NCAA 2 games. In his senior season, he played 32 games: 17.4ppg, 10.1rpg, 1.6apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 49.6%, 3Pts: 29.1%, 72.6%. He helped carry the Crailsheim Merlins past the Webmoebel Baskets in game 4 with 39 points. He spoke to eurobasket after the game 4 loss to MBC that ended their season

The season has come to an end for the Crailsheim Merlins with a 85-74 loss in game 3 at MBC. Did you expect in preseason that the team could come this far?

Coming in I didnt know what to expect, but playing against those teams in the top league in Finland thats when I saw that we could be really good.

What was key for MBC winning game three and advancing to the final?

They just knocked down shots and that was something we couldnt do we had the lead at one point but I think once we did we stepped back and thats when they took advantage of it and made their runs.

What overall brought MBC over the hump in this semi final series?

I think they made a lot of adjustments especially with how they handled our point guards they didnt let them touch the ball really and if they did they made them work by double teaming them and so forth.

MBC also seemed to have many different guys that stepped up through out the series with Louis Hinnant being one of them. Was there anything that Crailsheim could have done differently to get past MBC?

I mean we played our game which was getting up and down the floor and also rebounding, also our defense was pretty good as well I think that if we would have stolen game 3 then game 4 at home would have been ours, but said before though those guys are very beatable and we showed that each game within the series.

Which Crailsheim Merlin was the most improved player this season?

I would have to say Jeremy Dunbar especially after missing some games he came back in the second half of the season playing stronger and doing whatever he needed to do to help us win games.

You list the Merlin fans as one of a kind. What is your fondest memory of the fans this season?

All I know is that theyre everywhere no matter if the game is on the road or at home and even on the road they are louder than our opponents fans so them coming to away games and showing their support like they did I will have to say is one of my fondest memories but overall how can you not remember them!

What were you able to improve most on your game?

I improved a lot on my 3 point shooting but now that the summer is here I have to work on more things like pulling up off the dribble, getting to the basket quicker, and kicking it out quicker when the double team comes.

Which player in the PRO A was your most annoying opponent this season?

Since we played against Paderborn 6 times I will have to say both Stommes and Mason were haha. Stommes he can do it all so you never know what hes going to do especially with the type of range he has. Then you have Mason who can do it all as well doesnt have the type of range as Stommes but he can definitely knock down the 3 and can rebound as well.

What is your thoughts on the final Kirchheim-MBC? What will Kirchheim have to do to advance?

I think Kircheim may get both games if they knock down shots and handle the pressure MBC throws at them they will do just fine.

Do you see any early NBA upsets looming and who will reach the final and win?

I think Memphis will get the Clippers and the Hawks will surprise some teams but since Im a Lakers fan I must say theyre going to win it all, I just hope Andrew Bynum keeps playing like a monster.

What are your summer plans?

I plan to work out a lot, play in a lot of summer leagues, some traveling to different places, and working some summer camps back where I live.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Last movie I saw was Transformers 3

Thanks Darryl for the chat.

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GREECE

The draw of the 2012 Olympic men's basketball tournament - by Diamadis Farmakis

The draw of the 2012 Olympic men's basketball tournament, took place yesterday (30/4) in Rio, Brasil. There are two groups of six teams and the top four teams of each group, will qualify to the quarterfinals. There are three empty spots in this groups, that will fulfill after the pre-Olympic tournament in Venezuela.

Here are the two groups:

GROUP A

USA
TUNISIA
FRANCE
ARGENTINA
PRE-OLYMPIC TEAM
PRE-OLYMPIC TEAM

GROUP B

CHINA
GREAT BRITAIN
BRAZIL
AUSTRALIA
SPAIN
PRE-OLYMPIC TEAM

**The Greek men's National Team, will compete in the Pre-Olympic tournament in Venezuela, with the goal to be in London, for it's third consecutive Olympic participation.

**The Olympic basketball tournament, will take place from 28 July to 12 August, in London.

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HOLLAND

Standings - Eredivisie

Eredivisie Standings

Group A
1. Leiden		3-1
2. Den Bosch		2-2
3. Leeuwarden		1-3
Group B
1. Groningen		3-1
2. Zwolle		2-2
3. Nijmegen		1-3
Places 7-8
1. Weert		5-23
2. Rotterdam		4-24

Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 6

May. 1: Leiden - Leeuwarden 82-72

May. 1: Groningen - Zwolle 84-80

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IBA

Standings

IBA Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 17

Apr. 29: Albany L. - Kankakee S. 126-107
Apr. 29: Kenosha B. - Lake County S.

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IBL

Strong second half propels Slam to 112-100 win - by Eurobasket News

The Bellingham Slam used a strong second half and a solid game from center Blake Poole (6'5''-C-88, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: St.Martin's) as they defeated the Portland Chinooks, 112-100, in International Basketball League action at Whatcom Pavilion on Friday.

Like last weekend's home opener, the Slam started off sluggish and allowed Portland to take early control of the game. Bellingham found themselves down by five in the closing stages of the second quarter, but scored the final seven points in the half to take a 50-48 lead into halftime.

The third quarter was mostly a back-and-forth affair before the Slam manufactured a 13-3 run to go up 85-73 heading to the fourth quarter.

Portland was able to trim the deficit to three on multiple occasions in the fourth quarter, but they could get no closer as the Slam was always able to answer on the offensive end. A three-pointer by Poole with 3:05 left but the Slam up by 13 and essentially ended the Chinooks' hope of a comeback.

Poole finished the game with 20 points and a game-high 16 rebounds, but was narrowly bested on the scoresheet by guard Paul Hafford (6'4''-G-84, college: Portland St.), who finished with 21 points.

Forward Everett Spencer (6'6''-G/F-85, college: S.Carolina St.) finished as Portland's scoring leader with 20 points, while forward Jared Cunningham (6'9''-F-89, college: Cumberlands) also had a strong game with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

The Slam head on the road for a pair of games in Orlando next weekend, before returning home for a match-up with the 2012 IBL Champion Vancouver Volcanoes on Friday, May 11. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Whatcom Pavilion.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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ISRAEL

Loto League Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Adrian BANKS
  Elitzur .
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 21.5

1. Banks, Elitzur	21.5
2. Landesberg, Macca.	20.7
3. Carter, Bnei H.	20.7
4. Crawford, Maccab.	19.7
5. Lewis, Hapoel Holon	19.3
6. Dunn, Bnei Hashar.	18.2
7. Asbury, Elitzur	18.0
8. Travis, Galil Gilb.	17.6
9. Carter, Maccabi	17.4
10. Duncan, Maccabi	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Bryant DUNSTON
  Hapoel H.
  (202-F/C-86)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Dunston, Hapoel H.	9.3
2. Rosefelt, Bnei H.	9.3
3. Duncan, Maccabi	8.5
4. Tyus, Maccabi	8.4
5. Bowman, Maccabi	8.3
6. Asbury, Elitzur	7.6
7. Uter, Maccabi	7.4
8. Killingswort., Iro.	7.3
9. Dowell, B.C. H.	7.1
10. Kitchen, Maccabi	7.1

Assists Per Game

Moran ROTH
  Hapoel Holon
  (183-PG-82)
  Avg: 7.9

1. Roth, Hapoel Holon	7.9
2. Tapiro, Maccabi	7.5
3. Carter, Bnei H.	7.1
4. Thomas, Galil Gilb.	4.8
5. Mitchell, Ironi A.	4.8
6. Lifshitz, Elitzu.	4.7
7. Ohayon, Maccabi	4.7
8. Delaney, B.C. H.	4.3
9. Naimy, Hapoel J-M	4.3
10. Limonad, Ironi A.	4.2

Steals Per Game

Dagan YAVZURI
  Galil Gilboa
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Yavzuri, Galil Gil.	1.9
2. Campbell, Elitzu.	1.9
3. Limonad, Ironi A.	1.8
4. Ben-Chimol, Maccab.	1.8
5. Kitchen, Maccabi	1.8
6. Lifshitz, Elitzu.	1.8
7. Skinn, Ironi Ashke.	1.7
8. Berkowitz, Ironi A.	1.7
9. Robinson, B.C. H.	1.7
10. Uter, Maccabi	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Shawn JAMES
  Maccabi T-A
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 2

1. James, Maccabi T-A	2.0
2. Dunston, Hapoel H.	1.8
3. Uter, Maccabi	1.5
4. Tyus, Maccabi	1.4
5. Hendrix, Maccabi	1.3
6. Randle, Hapoel J-M	1.2
7. Campbell, Elitzu.	1.0
8. Rosefelt, Bnei H.	1.0
9. Sullivan, Hapoel H.	1.0
10. Wilkerson, Maccab.	0.9

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JAPAN

Summer, Summer, Summertime!! - by Ivan McFarlin

Hello Euro Basket!! Its the summer for me and now its time to prepare my body for rest and my family. I have been playing a tough season and you have to reward your body with rest. As much as you think you can play basketball for ever, you have to rest your body in order to continue playing basketball. You have to spend time with your family and kids and relax. I have been fortunate enough to play this game for and I'm going to prepare myself like I have each summer. First, rest and relaxation, letting your body rest and healing all the injuries that you may have. Second have a family vacation and spend time with family and kids. Third, exercise jogging and running and playing pick up. Last, lifting and getting your shooting routine by for your next job. Well its time to enjoy my summer!!

Ivan McFarlin (203-F-82, college: Oklahoma St.)

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JORDAN

Orthodox stay alive in title series - by Eurobasket News

Orthodox - ASU 93:75

Orthodox claimed the first win in the championship series. They knocked down ASU yesterday to cut the deficit at 1-2. The fourth and could be decisive game is scheduled for Friday.
The teams went neck and neck throughout the first half. The scoreboard read 42:42 at the big break. However Orthodox pulled ahead in the third term. Led by Zaid Abbas (203-F-83) Orthodox built a 67:62 lead with ten minutes remaining. ASU ran out of steam in the final minutes. Orthodox took over scoring 26 points in the fourth quarter and celebrating a comfortable victory at the end. Zaid Abbas finished with impressive 33 points to pace Orthodox. Osama Daghles (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) added 18 points for the winners. Islam Abbaas (203-C-80) replied with 21 points for ASU. Mousa Alawadi (180-G/F-85) and Mohammad Hadrab (203-F-84) provided 13 points each in the loss.

Orthodox: Zaid Abbas 33, Osama Daghles 18
ASU: Islam Abbaas 21, Mousa Alawadi 13, Mohammad Hadrab 13

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LATVIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ernests KALVE
  Valmiera
  (200-F-87)
  Avg: 18.8

1. Kalve, Valmiera	18.8
2. Peiners, LU	18.5
3. Mayo, Liepaja	18.1
4. Lucas, Valmiera	16.7
5. Ozols, Jurmala	16.4
6. Krumins, Jelgava	15.8
7. Mediss, Turiba	15.5
8. Young, Ventspils	14.5
9. Bankevics, Valmiera	14.3
10. Timma, Liepaja	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Jonats, Jurmala	9.3
2. Rozitis, Valmiera	8.0
3. Willard, Ventspils	7.8
4. Dargais, LU	7.8
5. Berzins, VEF Riga	7.2
6. Mednis, Turiba	6.7
7. Kalve, Valmiera	6.3
8. Timma, Liepaja	6.1
9. Nelson, Jelgava	5.8
10. Butjankovs, Valmi.	5.8

Assists Per Game

Josh MAYO
  Liepaja
  (182-G-87)
  Avg: 4.7

1. Mayo, Liepaja	4.7
2. Lucas, Valmiera	4.4
3. Abernethy, Vents.	4.2
4. Kravcenko, Liepaja	3.9
5. Coders, Jurmala	3.6
6. Millage, VEF Riga	3.4
7. Krumins, Jelgava	3.3
8. Lejasmeiers, Vents.	2.9
9. Silavs, Jelgava	2.9
10. Peiners, LU	2.8

Steals Per Game

Curtis MILLAGE
  VEF Riga
  (185-G-81)
  Avg: 3

1. Millage, VEF Riga	3.0
2. Kanbergs, Jelgava	1.9
3. Peiners, LU	1.8
4. Mayo, Liepaja	1.6
5. Osins, LU	1.6
6. Timma, Liepaja	1.6
7. Gray, Ventspils	1.4
8. Krumins, Jelgava	1.4
9. Kosuskins, Jurmala	1.4
10. Ozols, Jurmala	1.4

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Rozitis, Valmiera	1.5
2. Berzins, VEF Riga	1.5
3. Leiteris, Liepaja	1.0
4. Cain, VEF Riga	0.9
5. Ozols, Jurmala	0.9
6. Jonats, Jurmala	0.8
7. Plivda, LU	0.7
8. Duselis, Jelgava	0.6
9. Mednis, Turiba	0.5
10. Meiers, Ventspils	0.5

VEF Riga and BK Ventspils reach the Finals - by Eurobasket News

Ventspils - Liepaja 77-69 (3-1)

Liepaja was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 4-point lead after three quarters before a 26-14 charge of Ventspils, which allowed them to win the game. Ventspils outrebounded Liepaja 32-21 including 28 on the defensive glass. 24 personal fouls committed by Liepaja helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for international center Arturs Berzins (204-88, agency: FCM) who led his team to a victory with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Arturs Strelnieks (196-85) contributed with 17 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Five Ventspils players scored in double figures. Guard Martins Kravcenko (192-85) answered with 23 points and swingman Janis Timma (201-92, agency: FCM) added 17 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Liepaja. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Ventspils: A.Strelnieks 17+6reb+2ast, A.Berzins 17+9reb+2ast, S.Gray 13+5reb+2ast, R.Zakis 12+1reb, J.Young 11+2reb, T.Abernethy 5+2reb+3ast
Liepaja: M.Kravcenko 23+2reb+2ast, J.Timma 17+6reb+3ast, T.Leiteris 10, J.Mayo 8+4reb+4ast, P.Pastusena 4+4reb, K.Miglinieks 4+1reb+1ast

VEF Riga - LU 100-77 (3-0)

It looked good early as Latvijas Universitate took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then VEF Riga had a 32-21 second period charge getting the lead and Latvijas Universitate was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 77-100. VEF Riga made 17-of-21 charity shots (81.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 26 Latvijas Universitate turnovers. VEF Riga players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. It was a great evening for the former international power forward Kaspars Berzins (213-85) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). The former international forward Gatis Jahovics (200-84) helped adding 13 points. The best for the losing side was center Zintis Plivda (206-88, agency: Promotex) with 18 points and 6 rebounds and guard Kristaps Dargais (195-90) scored 12 points and 7 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
VEF Riga: K.Berzins 20+2reb+2ast, G.Jahovics 13+2reb+3ast, M.Bailey 10+7ast, S.Valters 10, T.Cain 9+2reb+2ast, I.Zvigurs 8+1reb
LU: Z.Plivda 18+6reb+1ast, K.Dargais 12+7reb+1ast, I.Aizpurs 11+3reb+1ast, R.Zebergs 9+1ast, H.Rubenis 7+1reb+4ast, M.Dargis 7+1reb

Barons kvartals clinch D2 title - by Eurobasket News

Barons kvartals - BK VEF 93:59

Barons kvartals celebrated D2 title. They swept the title series against BK VEF. Barons kvartals earned a 93:59 victory tonight to claim the Gold medals. Salvis Metra (195-G/F-84) scored 18 points, issued 6 assists and grabbed 5 boards to pace the winners.
Barons kvartals erupted for 30 points in the first term to clear off. They piled up 15-point lead at the first break. BK VEF slowed down the hosts in the second quarter. The visitors narrowed the deficit at 14-point mark at halftime 30:44. Barons kvartals however took over once again in the third term. The hosts stretched the margin to as many as 28 points with one quarter remaining. Barons kvartals stayed determined in the final frame and rallied to the victory at the end. Michal Hlebowicki (204-F-76) accounted for 16 points, while Ilmars Bergmanis (184-PG-81) added 14 points, 6 assists and 4 boards in the victory. Arvis Savcenko (200-C) answered with 15 points for BK VEF. Martins Rozenbergs (202-C/F-90) produced 8 points in the loss.

Barons kvartals: Salvis Metra 18, Michal Hlebowicki 16, Ilmars Bergmanis 14
BK VEF: Arvis Savcenko 15, Martins Rozenbergs 8

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MALTA

Athleta repeat as champions - by Eurobasket News

Athleta - Depiro 87:54

Athleta defended their League title. They shot down Depiro in the third game of the championship series to sweep it. Dirk Schembri (193-F-85) stepped up with 22 points to pace the winners.
Athleta gained a comfortable lead in the opening quarter. They posted a 26:10 lead after ten minutes. Depiro stopped the rot in the second frame though. They narrowed the deficit at 14-point mark at the interval 30:44. But Athleta regained the tempo in the third stanza. The hosts unleashed 25 points to pile up a 26-point lead. Athleta never looked back afterwards cruising to the victory at the end. Marko Todorovic (204-F/C-85) knocked down 16 points, while Omar Said (177-PG-80) and Steve Schembri (187-SF-79) finished with 11 points each for the winners. Abraham Portelli (79) and Greg Hamlin (201-F-86, college: E.Tenn.St.) answered with 16 points each for Depiro.

Athleta: Dirk Schembri 22, Marko Todorovic 16, Omar Said 11, Steve Schembri 11
Depiro: Abraham Portelli 16, Greg Hamlin 16

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MEXICO

Great start for Cheyenne Moore in Cananea - by Eurobasket News

Cananea announced signing of Cheyenne Moore (198-G-84, college: Georgetown, KY) last week and so far it seems that was a great move. The player signed a deal for rest of the season. He already appeared twice for the club scoring 34 points in his debut against Los Mochis. Moore made all of his four attempts from behind the arc and Cananea celebrated 124-111 victory. On Saturday, Moore had 15 points against the same rival and Cananea won 113-107. Cheyenne Moore arrived to Cananea from Malaysia. He started this season in Uruguay and later spent some time with Fuerza Regia in LNBP. In the past, Moore was a member of Toros de Aragua, Volcanes de Toulca and IBL team Yamhill Highflyers. The player spent two years with the George Washington University. He also played one year for Clemson and one for Georgetown, KY (NAIA).

Nogales signs Keith Davis - by Eurobasket News

Keith Davis (198-F-82) is a new member of Nogales. The American forward signed a deal for rest of the CIBACOPA season. He already appeared two times for the club collecting 16 points and 9 rebounds in total. Nogales played both games against Navolato registering one win and one defeat. Keith Davis most recently played for the WCBL team LA Loop. In 2010, he spent some time with the PBL team Vermont Frost Heaves. Davis also has experience from Australia and Novi Zealand. In 2008, he shined with 20.8 ppg, 9.7 rpg an 2.6 spg for 18 games with Manawatu Jets (NBL, New Zealand). In 2007/09, Davis played for Mexican Mayas de Yucatan Merida. He had 14.5 ppg and 5.8 rpg at that time.

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MONTENEGRO

The EBL play-offs start today. Is there anyone ready to beat the giant from Podgorica? - by Darko Pekic

The EBL play-offs start today with the clash of 2nd ranked Mornar and 3rd ranked Sutjeska, the only team so far this season able to beat the big favorite from Podgorica- KK Buducnost. Mornar, the 2nd force in domestic championship is a favorite against Sutjeska and their task will be even easier without Nemanja Vranjes (188-G-88), who got injured during the Superleague and will probably miss the Semifinal series. Without Vranjes Sutjeska looses 20 points per game so other players will have to take responsability and distribute his points. If Zarko Dragicevic (188-G-81) steps up like he did it against Buducnost Sutjeska has a chance to give some trouble to Mornar. Also Vladan Jocovic (211-C-82)'s contribution will be very important because the experienced big man is the only one who can dominate inside in Sutjeska. On the other side, Mornar will count on it's rotation and many players who can score. Akeem Scott (186-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point), who was not in a great shape recently, is probably the key player for Mornar's championship dreams. If he returns to his 'old level' Mornar's coach Mihailo Pavicevic will have sweet dreams in the next couple od days. One of the key contributers is also Filip Barovic (208-F/C-90) who will try to win the battle against his former team.

Buducnost will face Lovcen tomorow. Dragan Radovic 's young team has already made some surprises this year but it is hard to expect something similar in the semifinals. Jermaine Anderson (188-G-83, college: Fordham) and co will try to finish the series without a loss while Milos Lopicic (216-C-90), the talented big man and Masan Vrbica (187-G-94), who exploded lately, will try to make a surprise and hurt Buducnost' chances to win the title with 50% effort.

However, the biggest question is- is there anyone ready to challange Buducnost and at least try to win the title in Montenegro? The Semifinals and the Finals will give us the answer.

EBL Play-offs Game 1: Sutjeska surprised Mornar at Topolica hall! - by Darko Pekic

Sutjeska made another surprise this season. The newcomer from Niksic defeated Mornar in the first play-off game at Topolica Hall and got the 1-0 lead in the Semifinal series (65:64 for Sutjeska). The success becomes even greater when you find out that Dusan Dubljevic 's guys played tonight without the best scorer Nemanja Vranjes (188-G-88) who got injured and will not be able to help them in the Semifinals. Sutjeska was in better shape and they dominated during the most of the match, which surprised everybody in Bar, and now they will have a chance to go to the Finals (if they defeat Mornar at home).

Goran Gajovic (199-SF-88, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) was the top scorer in Sutjeska with 18 points. He was followed by Nemanja Grabovica (190-G-92) and Andrija Pejovic (205-C-83). Each of them scored 9 points. In Mornar, the Serbian forward Lazar Radosavljevic (204-F-91, agency: Beo Basket) had 21 points and Akeem Scott (186-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point) added 9.

In the other Semifinal, Buducnost will face Lovcen at home tomorow.

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NBA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

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

1. Bryant, LA Lakers	28.1
2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	28.0
3. James, Miami Heat	27.1
4. Love, Minnesota T.	26.0
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	23.8
6. Anthony, New Y.	22.6
7. Wade, Miami Heat	22.1
8. Ellis, Golde S.	21.9
9. Rose, Chicago B.	21.9
10. Nowitzki, Dallas	21.8

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Howard, Orlando M.	14.5
2. Love, Minnesota T.	13.4
3. Bynum, LA Lakers	11.8
4. Cousins, Sacramen.	11.0
5. Humphries, New J.	11.0
6. Griffin, LA Clipp.	10.8
7. Gasol, LA Lakers	10.4
8. Gortat, Phoenix	10.0
9. Noah, Chicago B.	9.8
10. Smith, Atlanta H.	9.7

Assists Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 11.7

1. Rondo, Boston C.	11.7
2. Nash, Phoenix Suns	10.7
3. Paul, LA Clippers	9.1
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.	7.7
10. Miller, Denver N.	6.7

Steals Per Game

Chris PAUL
  LA Clippers
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Paul, LA Clippers	2.5
2. Rubio, Minnesot.	2.2
3. Conley, Memphis G.	2.2
4. James, Miami Heat	1.9
5. Allen, Memphis G.	1.8
6. Rondo, Boston C.	1.8
7. Millsap, Utah Jazz	1.8
8. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.8
9. Wade, Miami Heat	1.7
10. Ariza, N.Orleans	1.7

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	3.6
2. McGee, Washingt.	2.5
3. Hibbert, Indiana P.	2.1
4. Bynum, LA Lakers	2.1
5. Howard, Orlando M.	2.1
6. Jordan, LA Clippers	2.0
7. Biyombo, Charlott.	1.8
8. Smith, Atlanta H.	1.8
9. Gasol, Memphis G.	1.8
10. Brand, Philadelph.	1.7

Popovich win coach of the year honors. - by Bryan Floyd

Gregg Popovich has been named the NBA's Coach of the Year for the 2011-12 season. Popovich led the Spurs to a 50-16 record and the West's No. 1 seed. Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau was second in the voting and Frank Vogel of the Pacers came in third. Popovich really did a great job coaching this season and was well deserving of the award. Despite having one of the oldest rosters in the league, he got the most out of his players as he usually does. Tony Parker had a breakout season and Tim Duncan was his usual steady self.

Sixers handle Rose-less Bulls 109-92, series tied at one - by Eurobasket News

The fans gave Derrick Rose (6'3''-G-88, college: Memphis) a standing ovation before the game. There wasn't much for them to cheer about in the end.

Jrue Holiday (6'3''-PG-90, college: UCLA) scored 26 points, Louis Williams (6'3''-PG-86) added 20 and the Philadelphia 76ers beat Chicago 109-92 on Tuesday night to even their first-round series in the Bulls' first game since Rose's season-ending knee injury.

The superstar point guard received a standing ovation and waved to the crowd as he limped onto the court to present the game ball, then watched from a suite as the 76ers simply blitzed the Bulls in the third quarter.

They outscored Chicago 36-14 in the period, turning an eight-point deficit into an 83-69 lead, and pulled even with the league's top-seeded team.

Game 3 is Friday in Philadelphia.

'This game we caught fire and it was pretty hard to put it out,' Holiday said.

All the Bulls could do was shake their heads and vow to do better.

'Disappointed,' Chicago's Joakim Noah (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Florida) said. 'Disappointing effort overall. We didn't play well defensively. We didn't play well offensively.'

Holiday was 11 of 15 from the field, and the Sixers shot 59 percent overall. Williams came up big, going 8 of 13 after hitting just 1 of 6 shots in the opener, and Chicago product Evan Turner (6'7''-G/F-88, college: Ohio St.) chipped in with 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Noah led the Bulls with 21 points and eight rebounds. John Lucas III scored 15 points, but Carlos Boozer (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Duke) scored just nine and Luol Deng finished with eight. More alarming, the Bulls simply couldn't stop the Sixers, particularly in the third quarter.

Turner scored 11 points in the period, and Philadelphia wiped out a 55-47 deficit.

'That third quarter we played tonight was as good a quarter as I ever seen our team play as long as I've been with them,' Philadelphia coach Doug Collins said. 'We were active.'

For the Bulls, that was about as bad as it gets.

They were unable to make any stops, and they couldn't find a rhythm on offense, either.

'We kind of let our offense affect our defense,' Richard Hamilton said.

The Sixers were leading 68-61 midway through the quarter after a 12-0 run that Elton Brand started with a foul-line jumper. Then, after a basket by C.J. Watson, Andre Iguodala threw down a thunderous one-handed dunk over Deng for a three-point play that drew plenty of oohs, aahs and groans from a crowd that felt this one slipping away.

Things didn't get much better for Chicago after that.

The 76ers continued to pour it on, with Iguodala delivering another vicious dunk late in the quarter and then hitting Williams with an alley-oop pass that made it 83-69 heading into the fourth.

'For the first time in a long time our defense dictated our offense,' Iguodala said. 'We rebounded the ball. Evan and myself pushed it out on the break and we finished pretty well. It started with that in the third quarter.'

It added up to a rough night for the Bulls, who were in a familiar spot with Rose sidelined again - this time after tearing the ACL in his left knee late in Game 1.

He missed 27 games during the regular season because of a variety of ailments, and the Bulls did just fine, going 18-9. Throw in injuries to Hamilton and Deng, and they were able to go with their projected starting five just 15 times, yet they still captured homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs for the second straight season.

That's why they insist they can still make a run, even with Rose out. They won without him before. They insist their championship hopes didn't die when he went down.

'It's different (without Rose),' Noah said. 'There's no excuses, though. We know we can play better. It's disappointing, but you know what? We live to fight another day. There's a lot of basketball to play.'

Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Kobe scores 38 as Lakers hold off improved Nuggets 104-100 in Game 2, take 2-0 series lead - by Eurobasket News

The Denver Nuggets ran the court and drove the lane with all the intensity they lacked in their playoff opener. They double-teamed Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87, agency: David Lee services), harassed Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) and scored relentlessly in the paint.

Nope, still not enough to beat Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) and the Los Angeles Lakers. Not even enough to get a lead.

Bryant scored 38 points, Bynum followed up his triple-double with a career playoff-high 27 points and nine rebounds, and the Lakers weathered Denvers late rally for a 104-100 victory Tuesday night, taking a 2-0 series lead.

Gasol had 13 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for the third-seeded Lakers, who still havent trailed in two games despite several dicey moments in Game 2. They survived a much-improved effort by the Nuggets and Ty Lawson (5'11''-PG-87, college: N.Carolina), who scored 25 points and led the fourth-quarter charge.

Bryant was too sharp in his 83rd career 30-point playoff game, more than anybody except Michael Jordan. After last seasons second-round ouster in their failed quest for a threepeat, Bryant and his teammates are healthier and happier and theyve been too much for Denver.

I think were just playing much better, Bryant said. Its tough to play against us, because theres legitimately three guys you have to double-team.

Game 3 is Friday in Denver.

The Lakers didnt get out of Staples Center without a little drama. Los Angeles 19-point lead in the third quarter dwindled to four with 3 minutes to play, but Ramon Sessions scored four key points in the final 1:14 before Bryants icing free throws with 9.4 seconds left.

I think losing last season, and the way we lost, were approaching this postseason much more focused, Gasol said. Were not overlooking any team, any game. Were doing whatever it takes to be successful. ... Overall, I think we played well again. We just allowed them to play their game a little more than in the first game.

Lawson shook his awful series opener with 17 second-half points, but the sixth-seeded Nuggets lost their ninth straight road playoff game despite playing much closer to their preferred speedy tempo after the Lakers muzzled them in Game 1.

Kenneth Faried (6'8''-F-89, college: Morehead St.) had 14 points and 10 rebounds while Danilo Gallinari and Corey Brewer added 13 points apiece, but Denver still couldnt consistently defend Bryant or negate Bynum, who played another outstanding low-post game on both ends until disappearing a bit in a three-point fourth quarter.

Its closer, (but) when you get down 19 points and try to battle back, it takes a lot of energy, Lawson said. I feel like we learned a couple of things from this game. At one point in the game, weve got to be up. Its tough to be battling back the whole game.

Sessions scored 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter for Los Angeles, which played just enough fast-break ball of its own to stay ahead of Denver and now the Lakers are halfway to the second round. They have only lost one playoff series in franchise history after winning the first two games, going 42-1.

A 14-5 run in the final minutes eventually trimmed Los Angeles lead to 98-84, but Sessions hit a teardrop layup with 1:14 to play, and Bryant made a slick steal on the other end. JaVale McGees tip-in with 30 seconds left trimmed the Lakers lead back to four, but Sessions and Bryant hit their free throws.

The only thing I wish is the fight of this game is what we had in Game 1, Denver coach George Karl said. But were young, and were learning. You saw us play a lot of Nuggets basketball today. I think itll get a little better in Game 3. I think the home court will be good for us. We havent played a good defensive game yet, so well learn from this.

Jordan Hill shook off brewing legal troubles to contribute six points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who used just three reserves. Denvers bench outscored the Lakers reserves 35-8.

Bynum blocked just two shots after swatting 10 in the Lakers series-opening victory, but Denver minimized his dominance with home run passes, speedy outlets and 30 fast-break points.

Karl attempted to help through the media after Game 1, saying Bynum and the Lakers played illegal defense constantly during the opener. Karl tried another gambit before Game 2, saying Staples Center is not a noisy, intimidating road building, but more like a Broadway stage.

The Lakers were called for no illegal defenses in Game 2, and their fans were screaming for encores.

Denver cut Los Angeles lead to four points late on consecutive hustle plays by Faried, but Bryant scrapped for a loose ball on one end and led the break to the other, feeding Bynum for a dunk his first points of the fourth quarter and a foul with 2:15 to play.

Hill produced another strong performance off the Lakers bench a day after news broke of a felony assault charge against him in Houston, where he played for the Rockets before a late-season trade. Hill said Tuesday night he was shocked by the charges, but thinks he wont miss any time in the Lakers championship quest.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Pierce leads Rondo-less Celtics past Hawks, 87-80 - by Eurobasket News

Paul Pierce (6'7''-F/G-77, college: Kansas) knocked down the free throws to clinch it, then dropped to a knee near midcourt.

He wasn't planning on Tebowing, but it just felt right.

With a stunning performance, Pierce single-handedly led the Boston Celtics to a playoff win - even without their floor leader.

Pierce battled through another tough shooting night to score 36 points and the Celtics wiped out Atlanta's 11-point lead in the second half, stunning the Hawks 87-80 on Tuesday in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference series.

Boston heads home for Game 3 on Friday night tied 1-1. Rajon Rondo (6'1''-PG-86, college: Kentucky) will be back for the Celtics in that one, his shorthanded team having claimed the home-court edge even while he served a one-game suspension for bumping a ref in the postseason opener.

Pierce made sure the point guard wasn't missed, outscoring the Hawks all by himself over the last 15:08.

''I have a lot of experience, a lot of confidence from being in those moments,'' Pierce said. ''You believe in yourself, your coach believes in you, your team believes in you, it's a combination of all those things.''

Pierce scored Boston's first nine points but struggled mightily through the second and third quarters. He came through when the Celtics really needed him, especially with the Rondo-less offense a bit out of sync and Ray Allen sitting out again with an injured right ankle.

Down the stretch, the Celtics simplified things: Give the ball to Pierce and get out of the way.

''Paul was great,'' Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. ''The only way we were going to win a game like this without Ray and Rondo was if Paul had a game like this.''

After making a couple of foul shots with just over a minute remaining to clinch it, Pierce paused on his way back to the bench to copy the move named after NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, sinking to a knee and bowing his head for a brief prayer in the middle of the court.

''You just want to thank God for putting you in those positions,'' Pierce said. ''It wasn't pre-scrpted. It just came to me.''

The Hawks appeared to be in control when they pushed out to a 65-54 lead late in the third quarter. But Boston sliced it to 66-61 by the end of the period, and Pierce led a dominating fourth.

In wiping out the double-figure deficit, Pierce outscored the Hawks all by himself, 18-15, including 13 points in the final quarter. That was more than he had in all of Game 1, when Atlanta held Pierce to 12 points on 5-of-19 shooting.

''We expected him to come out and be aggressive offensively,'' Hawks coach Larry Drew said. ''He got going early.''

The Celtics were up 74-72 when a quick spurt essentially finished the Hawks, especially when Josh Smith went out late in the game with a sprained left knee.

Joe Johnson (6'7''-G-81, college: Arkansas) turned it over, part of another tough game for the Hawks star, sparking a fast break that ended with a give-and-go from Avery Bradley to Pierce for a dunk. After Jeff Teague missed badly on a jumper, Pierce came down and hit his first 3-pointer of the series after missing his 10, stretching the lead to 79-72 with 3 1/2 minutes left.

The Hawks called a timeout, but no need.

This one was over.

Atlanta's last hurrah ended when Johnson missed a free throw with a chance to close the gap to two points with 1:35 remaining. Kevin Garnett (6'11''-F-76) was hacked at the other end and made both his foul shots, Johnson missed a wild 3 from the top of the key and chants of ''Let's go Celtics!'' erupted at Philips Arena while the red-clad fans headed for the exits.

For good measure, Pierce also led his team in rebounding with 14. Garnett had 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Bradley, who shifted over to take Rondo's spot at the point, chipped in with 14 points but only three assists - a far cry from what the Celtics usually get out of that position.

Johnson had 22 points but never got many open looks, hitting just 7 of 17 from the field. Smith had 16 points and 12 rebounds, the state of his knee now becoming a major concern for the Hawks, who already have played most of the season without Al Horford.

Smith, who went out for good with 4:20 remaining, will be re-evaluated Wednesday. The Hawks surely can't afford to lose him, too.

''He is one of our go-to guys down the stretch,'' Drew said. ''We were missing all of the things he brings to the table for us, especially down low.''

Early on, Teague was a force at both ends for the Hawks. He made a great crossover move out beyond the 3-point stripe, split the Celtics defense and went right down the lane for a massive slam. Defensively, he showed off his speed when he got caught on the wrong side trying to double-team the ball, sprinting all the way to the other corner to swat a 3-point attempt by Keyon Dooling into the crowd.

Teague thumped his chest defiantly and was patted on the back by a fan wearing a vintage Hawks jersey. He finished with 18 points but missed all four of his shots in the fourth.

The game definitely appeared to be going the Hawks' way by the third quarter. When Smith tried to pass the ball inside, Boston's Greg Stiemsma got a hand on it, but the ball deflected into the corner - right to a wide-open Johnson, standing behind the 3-point arc. With no one around, he swished the 3 to push the Hawks to their 65-54 advantage.

For the longest time, the Celtics struggled to do anything right. They botched a 3-on-1 when Mickael Pietrus tried an ill-advised bounce pass, which was about the only way Atlanta's Kirk Hinrich had any chance of breaking it up. The Hawks took off the other way, and Smith laid in an easy one.

Rivers stormed out of his seat, livid at his team's sloppiness, and signaled for a timeout. He was so mad he didn't even want to stand near his players as they trudged to the bench, remaining out near the foul line until he regained his composure.

He was feeling a lot better by the end. The Hawks made just 4 of 19 shots in the final quarter, missing all four of their 3-point attempts. They also turned it over five times.

''We wanted that one at home,'' Teague said. ''We'll have to go on the road and try to get the next one.''

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com

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

NCAA1

Report: Butler weighing whether or not to join Atlantic 10 - by Eurobasket News

Small-school Butler could soon be making a big move.

The NCAA tournament darling is reportedly debating whether to leave the Horizon League for the stronger, higher-profile and potentially more profitable Atlantic 10.

Bulldogs athletic director Barry Collier met Monday with his coaches, part of a regular meeting process he has with athletic department employees. Spokesman Jim McGrath said Collier declined to comment on what was discussed at the meeting or where the decision-making process stands.

'We've been longtime members in good standing of the Horizon League and we continue to examine the ever-changing landscape of conference affiliation,' McGrath said.

The Indianapolis Star first reported that university President James Danko notified trustees in a letter that the school had been conducting a cost-benefit analysis of changing conference affiliations. Coaches have been fielding questions, too, and trustees have been told not to discuss the possibility of a move that has caught the ear of Horizon League officials.

'Our commissioner, Mr. (Jon) LeCrone, has been in contact with the president and athletics director and they've not said anything to him,' Horizon League senior associate commissioner Bill Benner said Monday. 'As far as we know, the status is quo.'

Butler's board of trustees is scheduled to meet May 9-10 and this month's staff assembly general meeting is slated for May 16.

Danko did not immediately respond to an interview request from the Associated Press. Neither did Butler board of trustees Chairman Craig Fenneman or A-10 Commissioner Bernadette McGlade.

The Atlantic 10 is looking to replace Temple, which will join the Big East in all sports other than football in 2013-14. The football team will begin playing football in the Big East this fall.

A-10 officials are reportedly interested in adding three schools -- Butler, George Mason and Virginia Commonwealth -- following Temple's departure.

All three have played in the men's Final Four since 2006, but the Bulldogs are the only one of those three to reach the championship game. Butler lost to Duke in the 2010 title game when Gordon Hayward's half-court heave bounced off the rim in Indy. The Bulldogs then lost to Connecticut in the 2011 championship game when they shot just 18.8 percent from the field.

If all three make the move, the 14-team Atlantic 10 would grow to 16. It would also reunite Butler with four rivals from the old Midwestern Collegiate Conference -- Dayton, Duquesne, St. Louis and Xavier.

The Horizon League currently has 10 members with Green Bay (approximately 400 miles) being Butler's longest trip in conference play. If the Bulldogs join the A-10, they would travel regularly to Charlotte, N.C., Massachusetts, Fordham in New York City, Rhode Island, St. Joseph's in Philadelphia and Virginia.

All of those trips would exceed the distance to Green Bay, making Butler's potential move more costly.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Duke's Chris Collins pulls out of Illinois State coaching search - by Eurobasket News

Duke assistant Chris Collins says hes not pursuing the vacant coaching position at Illinois State.

Collins issued a statement through Duke on Monday saying hell remain the Blue Devils associate head coach.

Collins says he has a great love and strong emotional ties to Illinois State. His father Doug played for the Redbirds before beginning his NBA head coaching career.

Collins says he discussed the job with Illinois State athletic director Gary Friedman on Sunday. Collins says he wants to be a head coach, but it was not the right fit for me and the university at this time.

Collins has spent 12 seasons on Mike Krzyzewskis staff at Duke. Illinois State is looking to replace Tim Jankovich, who left last week to join Larry Browns staff at SMU.

Courtesy of www.suntimes.com

Binghamton fires men's basketball coach Mark Macon - by Eurobasket News

Binghamton University fired men's basketball coach Mark Macon on Monday and began a national search for a replacement.

Director of athletics Patrick Elliott made the announcement, saying the decision 'comes after a thorough assessment of our current program and my expectations for the future.'

'Mark Macon led the program during an extremely difficult period,' Elliott, who took over as athletic director in November, said in a statement. 'I appreciate and thank him for his efforts.'

Macon, a star in college at Temple, said he was 'surprised' at the move. His contract went through February 2014.

'In this job, you're hired to be fired,' Macon said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. 'I don't hold any ill will toward Binghamton University. They gave me a great opportunity and I'm just grateful to have had that chance. It was just amazing to get an opportunity to be a head coach.'

Assistant coaches Ron Brown and Julius Smith also are not being retained.

Macon spent four years at Binghamton and compiled a 24-68 record in three seasons as head coach. He took over after Kevin Broadus was suspended for recruiting violations in October 2009 and eventually let go. Six players were dismissed from that team, some for committing criminal acts, as the small state university in upstate New York paid the price for compromising academics for athletic success.

The Bearcats took the America East Conference title and won the conference tournament to earn their first berth in the NCAA tournament in March 2009.

The fall from that championship season was swift and deep as the school hit rock bottom.

The Bearcats lost their first 26 games this past season before shedding the dubious distinction of being the only winless team in Division I. They upset Vermont 57-53 at home in late February to snap a 27-game skid and finished 2-29, the worst record in program history.

Binghamton had not won a game since March 3, 2011, a 91-65 triumph over Maryland-Baltimore County in the first round of the AEC tournament. Binghamton lost to Vermont 57-46 in the next round - the Bearcats' final game of 2010-11 - and the skid began.

Macon was staring at an uphill climb. He lost both captains and three starters from that team, which won only eight games, and had six freshmen, four sophomores and no seniors in 2011-12.

Freshman forward Ben Dickinson, the team's second-leading scorer (13.5) and leading rebounder (6.1) last season, and freshman guard Chris Longoria already have said they intend to transfer, according to the Press & Sun-Bulletin of Binghamton.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Maryland guard Stoglin declares for NBA draft - by Eurobasket News

Maryland guard Terrell Stoglin (6'1''-PG-91) declared for the NBA Draft after the school suspended him for one year for violating the universitys student-athlete code of conduct.

A source familiar with the situation said Stoglins suspension stemmed from failed drug tests. Marylands student-athlete code of conduct prescribes a one-year suspension for a third failed drug test.

Sophomore guard Mychal Parker, who announced April 9 he intended to transfer, also was suspended for one year.

Being a University of Maryland student-athlete carries a tremendous honor and responsibility, athletic director Kevin Anderson said in a statement released by the school. As much as we appreciate the effort these two young men gave to the program this season, they were unable to live up to that responsibility. Were disappointed but hope they use this as a learning experience.

It wont happen in College Park, a particularly stinging development for Stoglin and Maryland in the short term.

Stoglin averaged 21.6 points and often singlehandedly kept the Terrapins competitive during a 17-15 season. He accounted for 31.4 percent of Marylands points and 30.5 percent of its shots but was not a first team all-conference selection.

He was the first player to lead the ACC in scoring and not earn first team all-conference honors since 1999 and just the fifth in the leagues 59-year history.

Along the way, the relationship between Stoglin and coach Mark Turgeon was the most curious aspect of Turgeons first season. Stoglin twice came off the bench for what were described as minor issues, and he also lashed out on his Twitter page after remaining on the bench for about four minutes late in the second half of a Feb. 11 loss at Duke. Stoglin later apologized.

Nonetheless, Stoglin was a ferocious competitor, and produced 11 games of at least 25 points. The grind of shouldering much of the scoring load eventually wore down Stoglin to some extent, though he scored a combined 55 points in two ACC tournament games.

The Tucson, Ariz., native said after Maryland lost to North Carolina in the ACC tournament he would consider turning pro. However, he said less than two weeks later he would remain at Maryland for his junior season.

The suspension clearly changed that. The deadline to enter the NBA Draft was Sunday night, and Stoglin declared rather than remain in school and not play next season. However, it is uncertain what the prospects are for a 6-foot-1 guard who left school under atypical circumstances.

With Stoglin gone, Turgeons second backcourt at Maryland will look substantially different than his first.

The Terps return Nick Faust and PeShon Howard, the latter of whom is coming off February surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Maryland also signed guards Seth Allen and Sam Cassell Jr.

Stoglins presence would have provided a proven scorer as well as provided point guard depth if Howards rehabilitation process was prolonged. Without him, Marylands hopes of returning to the NCAA tournament after a two-year hiatus take an obvious hit.

Overall, only five of the nine recruited scholarship players from the just-completed season remain in the program, and just three Howard and forwards James Padgett and Ashton Pankey played at all for former coach Gary Williams.

Courtesy of www.washingtontimes.com

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

PBL

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Keith RADCLIFF
  Indiana D.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 23.8

1. Radcliff, Indiana	23.8
2. Favors, Sauk V.	20.5
3. Simpson, Scranton.	19.6
4. Inabnit, Indiana D.	19.3
5. Commons, Scranton.	19.3
6. Love, Chicago M.	19.2
7. Hill, St. Louis P.	18.3
8. Harris, Dayton A.S.	17.5
9. Petty, Cent.Ill.	17.0
10. Hill, Chicago M.	16.8

Rebounds Per Game

Billy PETTIFORD
  India.
  (201-F-)
  Avg: 12.5

1. Pettiford, India.	12.5
2. Hill, Chicago M.	10.8
3. Fay, Sauk Valley P.	8.4
4. Slack, Cent.Ill.	7.5
5. Davis, Rochester R.	7.5
6. Harris, Sauk V.	7.1
7. Hill, St. Louis P.	6.9
8. Harris, Dayton A.S.	6.8
9. Russ, Dayton A.S.	6.6
10. Love, Chicago M.	6.6

Assists Per Game

Herman FAVORS
  Sauk V.
  (174-G-84)
  Avg: 8.2

1. Favors, Sauk V.	8.2
2. Simpson, Scranton.	6.6
3. Snow, Lake M.	5.4
4. Ruffin, Cent.I.	4.9
5. Petty, Cent.Ill.	4.7
6. Crouch, Rocheste.	4.7
7. Smith, Dayton A.S.	4.1
8. Anderson, Chica.	4.0
9. Polk, St. Louis P.	3.9
10. Council, Rocheste.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Marcel ANDERSON
  Chica.
  (175-PG-86)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Anderson, Chica.	1.9
2. Rose, Sauk V.	1.6
3. Pettiford, India.	1.5
4. Polk, St. Louis P.	1.5
5. Ruffin, Cent.I.	1.4
6. Snow, Lake M.	1.3
7. Favors, Sauk V.	1.3
8. Crouch, Rocheste.	1.3
9. Bobo, Lake M.	1.2
10. Smith, Dayton A.S.	1.2

Blocks Per Game

Shagari ALLEYNE
  Lake M.
  (221-C-84)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Alleyne, Lake M.	2.5
2. Commons, Scranton.	1.9
3. Slack, Cent.Ill.	1.8
4. Webster, Rocheste.	1.2
5. Pettiford, India.	1.1
6. Davis, Rochester R.	1.0
7. Hill, Chicago M.	0.9
8. Hipp, Sauk V.	0.8
9. Gorman, Scranton.	0.7
10. Giddings, Rochest.	0.7

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

PORTUGAL

Proliga Round 5 of Quarter-Finals. Oliveirense complete semifinal picture - by Eurobasket News

Oliveirense - Electrico FC 69-57

Oliveirense toppled Electrico FC to enter the semifinal series. The game was mostly controlled by Oliveirense. Electrico FC managed to win fourth quarter 15-11. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Oliveirense forced 25 Electrico FC turnovers. The best player for the winners was American forward Deantre Jefferson (203-88, college: Chattanooga) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 16 rebounds. Guard Joao Abreu (179-83) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points, 10 assists and 5 steals. Naturalized Cape Verdean swingman Mario Neves (190-77) produced 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) and guard Tiago Pinto (183-88) added 7 points and 6 assists respectively for the guests.
Top scorers:
Oliveirense: J.Abreu 17+1reb+10ast, D.Jefferson 16+16reb, R.Azevedo 13+1reb+1ast, N.Freitas 8+2reb+3ast, A.Pereira 8+2reb+1ast, S.Johnson 4+3reb
Electrico FC: M.Neves 12+6reb+4ast, A.Medeiros 10+4reb+1ast, P.Raminhos 8+3reb+1ast, T.Brito 8+3reb, J.Lanzinha 7+1reb+1ast, T.Pinto 7+4reb+6ast

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

PUERTO RICO

Mets tab McDonald: - by Marcos Carlo

Looking for a strong presence inside, Mets de Guaynabo signed forward/center Will McDonald (211-C-79, college: S.Florida). To make room for him Mets released Derrick Caracter.

Caracter only averaged 12.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in five games.

Now they will have McDonald who has many years of experience in ACB and this season he played in China and the Philippines. In China he averaged 27.6 points and 9.9 rebounds with Fujian. In Philippines he played for Petron Blazed and had 13.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in two games.

McDonald already arrived to Puerto Rico and will make his debut tomorrow against Vaqueros de Bayamon.

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

SLOVENIA

Slovenia lose to China in Fuxi - by Eurobasket News

Slovenian U18 National Team continued their tour of China. They faced Chinese opponents for the third time during the tour. The hosts proved the strength claiming an 88:77 victory.
China dominated right from the start. Supported by almost 5000 fans Chinese youngsters grabbed 27:19 lead after ten minutes. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the second quarter. China secured a 49:41 halftime lead. Slovenia were limited to just 11 points in the third term to see China clear off. The Asian team piled up a 15-point lead at the final break. Slovenia unloaded 25 points in the fourth quarter but just sweetened the pill at the end. Gregor Hrovat (94) and Matic Rebec (179-PG-95) produced 13 points each for Slovenia. Ziga Zatezic (196-F-95) added 12 points in defeat. Slovenia will next take on New Zealand.

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SPAIN

Boniface Ndong is Player of the Month (April) - by Eurobasket News

Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) is named Liga Endesa Player of the Month (April). The Senegalese center appeared five times for his team Regal Barca registering 18.2 valuation per game. Barca had perfect 6-0 record in April and Ndong missed one of the games. Boniface Ndong started the month April with 17 points and 9 rebounds against CAI Zaragoza. After that he had 4 points and 6 boards against Lagun Aro GBC. In April 22, Boniface Ndong exploded with 21 points and 12 rebounds against Unicaja. He added 14 points and 5 boards against Caja Laboral, and finally 10 pts and 3 rebs against Alicante. Ndong is a member of Barca since 2009. They already won Euroleague and Spanish league titles together. Ndong also has two Spanish Cup trophies with Barca. In the past, he played for Unicaja, Spartak St.Petersburg, LA Clippers, Dijon and Bamberg.

Leb Silver matches - by Ricardo Mingo

The first game of the Adecco Plata playoffs left the surprising victories of Lan Mobel, who won on the complicated court of Aguas de Sousas Ourense, and Bara Regal, who defeated Omnia Las Rozas on their court. Aurteneche Maquinaria won on the court of Leyma Natura Corua. CB Prat was the only team that seized on its home-court advantage beating the Fontedoso Carrefour el Bulevar. The best players of the first game were:

- AGUAS DE SOUSAS OURENSE 86 ( Francis Koffi 19p and Jorge Fernandez 16p )-LAN MOBEL ISB 87 ( Alfredo Ott 19p and Martin Oteyebi 24p )

.-CB PRAT JOVENTUT 78 ( Gerbert Marti 21 p) - FONTEDOSO CARREFOUR EL BULEVAR DE AVILA 62 ( Cheick Sekou Conde 12p 11reb )

OMNIA CB LAS ROZAS 75 ( Jose Maria Blamon 18 p 9reb ) - BARA REGAL 79 (Marcus Eriksson 23 p )

LEYMA NATURA BASQUET CORUA 89 (Deforrest Smith 21 p ) - AURTENECHE MAQUINARIA ARABA/ALAVA 92 ( Alberto Ausina 11p 11reb )

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TAIWAN

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ryan WRIGHT
  Taiwan Mobile
  (206-C/F-87)
  Avg: 19.3

1. Wright, Taiwan Mob.	19.3
2. Davis, Pure Youth	17.9
3. Trim, Taiwan Beer	17.5
4. Hsu, Bank o.	17.0
5. Yang, Taiwan Beer	16.6
6. Johnson, Yulon L.	15.9
7. Fuqua, KKL	15.4
8. Felix, Dacin Tigers	15.0
9. Lu, Yulon Luxgen	14.3
10. Tien, Dacin Tigers	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin JOHNSON
  Yulon L.
  (201-F-84)
  Avg: 15

1. Johnson, Yulon L.	15.0
2. Wright, Taiwan Mob.	12.9
3. Fuqua, KKL	12.7
4. Davis, Pure Youth	12.4
5. Trim, Taiwan Beer	11.4
6. Vaudreuil, Bank o.	11.3
7. Felix, Dacin Tigers	8.2
8. Hsu, Bank o.	7.6
9. Tien, Dacin Tigers	7.0
10. Chou, Yulon Luxg.	6.7

Assists Per Game

Yi-Chieh SU
  Taiwan Mobile
  (181-PG-87)
  Avg: 5.7

1. Su, Taiwan Mobile	5.7
2. Chen, Yulon Luxgen	4.2
3. Ke, Pure Youth	3.4
4. Chou, KKL	3.3
5. Lin, Yulon Luxgen	3.0
6. Chen, Taiwan Beer	3.0
7. Chen, Pure Youth	2.9
8. Chen, Bank o.	2.9
9. Lin, Bank o.	2.8
10. Hsu, Dacin Tigers	2.8

Steals Per Game

Cheng LIU
  KKL
  (192-F-90)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Liu, KKL	2.2
2. Lin, Bank o.	1.9
3. Johnson, Yulon L.	1.6
4. Su, Taiwan Mobile	1.6
5. Yang, Taiwan Beer	1.6
6. Vaudreuil, Bank o.	1.5
7. Ke, Pure Youth	1.5
8. Wright, Taiwan Mob.	1.5
9. Hsu, Dacin Tigers	1.4
10. Felix, Dacin Tige.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Quincy DAVIS
  Pure Youth
  (206-F/C-83)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Davis, Pure Youth	2.8
2. Felix, Dacin Tigers	2.3
3. Fuqua, KKL	2.1
4. Johnson, Yulon L.	1.6
5. Cheng, Taiwan Beer	1.1
6. Vaudreuil, Bank o.	1.1
7. Chou, Yulon Luxgen	1.0
8. Wright, Taiwan Mob.	1.0
9. Tien, Dacin Tigers	0.8
10. Chen, Taiwan Mobi.	0.6

SBL Round 7 of Semi-Finals. Dacin Tigers join Pure Youth in Final - by Eurobasket News

Taiwan Beer - Dacin Tigers 69-71

Dacin Tigers scraped past Taiwan Beer into the SBL Finals. Dacin Tigers trailed by 9 points at the halftime before their 42-31 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Dacin Tigers forced 19 Taiwan Beer turnovers. The former international forward Lei Tien (203-83) fired 36 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds for the winners. Belizean-American power forward Noel Felix (205-81, college: Fresno St.) chipped in 15 points and 9 rebounds. Trinidad and Tobago power forward Kibwe Trim (208-84, college: Sacred Heart, agency: Top Notch Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 25 points and 17 rebounds and international forward Jen-Wei Cheng (194-87) added 12 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Taiwan Beer: K.Trim 25+17reb, C.Yang 15+5reb+1ast, J.Cheng 12+7reb+2ast, S.Ho 7+1reb+1ast, S.Chen 4+2reb, Y.Wu 4+3reb+4ast
Dacin Tigers: L.Tien 36+7reb, N.Felix 15+9reb+1ast, Y.Lin 9+1reb, Y.Lo 8+3reb+3ast, T.Chen 2, H.Hsu 1+2reb+4ast

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TRBL

TRBL standings

TRBL Standings

1. Cary Invasion		4-2
2. Wilmington SD		4-3
3. PT Players		3-1
4. Fayetteville C.		2-2
5. Big Texas		2-2
6. Carolina G.		1-5
7. Queen City E.		0-1

Regular Season: Round 8

Apr. 28: Fayetteville C. - Carolina G. 99-96
Apr. 29: Wilmington SD - Carolina G. 109-106

Regular Season: Round 9

May. 5: Carolina G. - PT Players
May. 6: Carolina G. - Fayetteville C.

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TURKEY

Turkish Basketball League Play Off Preview - by Ugur Turker

TBL regular season ended except Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul - Antalya Buyukehir Belediye match which will have no effect for TBL Standings . Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul finished TBL at the top after 43 years when Trabzonspor and Bandrma Krmz relagated TBL 2 for next season.
In first round of Play Off Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul - Tofas Bursa , Banvit Basketbol Kulubu - Aliaga Petkim, Anadolu Efes Istanbul - Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir and Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul - Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul matches will be played, date of first round will be announced by TBF later.
Along with change in rules at the beginning of 2011 - 2012 season, all series will start 0 - 0 and teams which is upper positions in standings will have home - court advantage against opponents. Series will start in home game, continue with road game and if needed, will finish in home game again for advantageous teams.

When we analyse TBL Play Off's, defending champion Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul will play this year without being biggest favourite team since Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul is rising star of Turkish Basketball with its succesful period in both Euroleague and TBL Regular season. Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul had reached TOP 16 in its debut season in THY Euroleague. On the other hand, Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul which has incredible season since it won Turkish Cup first time in its history and crowned with Eurochallange Cup Championship which is second Turkish Basketball Cup in history is one of the biggest canditate for Play Offs. Besides, Banvit Basketbol Kulubu who is the most stable team in Turkey has an home court advantage against Anadolu Efes Istanbul, most probable opponent of it in Semi Finals.

In Semi Finals, ( Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul - Tofas Bursa winner ) - ( Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul - Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul )
( Banvit Basketbol Kulubu - Aliaga Petkim winner ) - ( Anadolu Efes Istanbul - Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir ) matches will be played.

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

San Antonios Tim Duncan is still winning after all these years. - by David Edole

By Brian T. Smith| The Salt Lake Tribune

San Antonio The 36-year-old man quietly went to work. He pounded away in the post. Twisting and turning, taking small but powerful steps. Long-range shots followed, barely arcing before softly sinking through the net.

Every movement was smooth and precise.

Everything about Tim Duncan (211-F/C-76, college: Wake Forest) was anonymous.

Black shoes, black shorts, black shirt. Never talking. Never boasting. Just working.

Doing it all beneath four tall NBA championship banners he helped lift up. Putting in another day inside the Spurs factory-like practice facility its unpretentious cinder-block walls and black padding-covered corners saying as much about Duncan, coach Gregg Popovich and the annual success that is San Antonio basketball as the division and conference-title flags that serve as window dressing.

Duncan has spent 15 years on the job. Fifteen seasons doing almost everything right, rarely disappointing, normally winning and often being taken for granted. His nickname, The Big Fundamental, is half praise, half a reminder about all those boring Spurs teams that did little more than regularly rack up 50-plus win seasons and Larry OBrien trophys by gradually wearing down opponents and fans.

Duncan has outlasted the criticism. And hes outlasted analysts who predicted his imminent demise.

Duncan expertly poured in 17 points, collected 11 rebounds and dished out five assists Sunday during San Antonios Game 1 victory against the Jazz, doing it all in a highly efficient 31 minutes and 6 seconds. With Popovich out-thinking a 2011-12 lockout-compressed season and a rested San Antonio team deeper than ever, The Big Winner has his best shot in four years to add a fifth ring.

'Coming into this year, Ive stayed injury-free and hopefully I can continue to stay that way. Starting the playoffs with the rest that I have, I feel great,' said Duncan, whose 28.2 average minutes this season are the lowest mark of his career.

The three-time NBA Finals MVP looked and sounded re-energized Monday. During a one-on-one session, he kicked a ball across the practice facility out of temporary frustration, quickly turned his face into a scowl, then backed down a defender and fine-tuned his attack. Minutes later, a calm and professional Duncan smiled, laughed and briefly opened up, respectfully answering questions that ranged from analytical Wasnt Popovich supposed to tighten his rotation during the playoffs? to silly: Howd Duncan discover the fountain of youth?

'I just feel good. I dont know,' Duncan said. 'I had a great summer of workouts and got in real good shape. My minutes are down, and I think its a combination of a lot of different things I dont think its just one thing.'

There are multiple sides to Duncans personality. His smooth statistics and smoother game have become numbing over time despite his being a near-certainty as a first-ballot Hall of Famer, the Spurs centers last MVP award came in 2003 and he hasnt won Western Conference player of the month since April 2002. But Duncans monotone voice and thoughtful replies are punctuated by occasional revelations.

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili blew an uncontested fast-break dunk during Game 1. Duncan led Mondays teasing.

Unpredictable and sometimes volatile San Antonio forward Stephen Jackson became reflective as soon as Duncans name was mentioned. First, Jackson joked that Duncans still crazy after all these years a weird, winning-obsessed, action-junkie. Then Jackson revealed the ultimate teammate is also one of his deepest confidants a character-witness whos long stood by and stood up for the mercurial journeyman.

'Tims a real guy. Hes a real dude. What you see is what you get, and thats how I am. Thats one person that know me better than anybody,' Jackson said.

He added: 'Even though Ive made some mistakes in my career, he knows my heart. And thats one guy I consider a close friend of mine.'

To Utah center Al Jefferson, manning up against Duncan in the post during the playoffs is a true honor. To Jazz General Manager Kevin OConnor, Duncan was MVP of the world from 2000-10. To Popovich, the unassuming giant an often-irritable coach affectionately calls Timmy has been a God-send.

'Hes definitely the cornerstone of our defense. We dont play it as well as we used to, but in spurts and at certain periods of the game, we do it pretty well,' Popovich said. 'Timmys just solid. Hes going to get beaten once in a while. But, overall, hes going to do what we need to have done down in the post. We read off of him for most things that we do.'

As Duncan goes, so go the Spurs. Together, theyre savoring one of their best years during a long, glorious run.
At a glance

Tim Duncan file

Position Center/power forward

Year 15

Age 36

Vitals 6-foot-11, 255 pounds

Stats 15.4 points, 9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.5 blocks

Career 20.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.2 blocks

Draft No. 1 overall by San Antonio in 1997

College Wake Forest

Born Christiansted, Virgin Islands

Best of the best

13-time All-Star

3 NBA Finals MVPs

2 NBA MVPs

Rookie of the year

All-Star Game MVP

Wooden Award winner

Playoff glory

4 NBA titles

128 double-doubles (fifth in NBA history)

One of four players with 4,000 points and 2,000 rebounds (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille ONeal, Karl Malone)

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UBA

URBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jermaine BARNES
  USA
  (194-G/F-82)
  Avg: 30

1. Barnes, GIE M.	30.0
2. Williams, GIE M.	24.0
3. Franklin, Austin K.	23.0
4. Bryant, Austin K.	21.8
5. Curry, S.Generals	21.4
6. Cantrell, GIE M.	21.3
7. Jennings, Atlan.	21.2
8. Williams, Georgia	21.2
9. Brown, Clevelan.	21.0
10. Webb, Tennessee	20.8

Rebounds Per Game

Jermaine DAILEY
  USA
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 16

1. Dailey, Georgia L.	16.0
2. Moore, GIE M.	13.3
3. Terrell, Dallas St.	12.7
4. Morning, C.Tex.	11.4
5. Antoine, Atlanta A.	10.2
6. Akpele, GIE M.	9.0
7. Holt, C.Texas C.	8.9
8. Bedford, GIE M.	8.5
9. Brown, Houston E.	8.3
10. Stroud, Dallas S.	8.3

Assists Per Game

DeAndre BRAY
(168-G-85)
Avg: 12

1. Bray, S.Generals	12.0
2. Ragsdale, GIE M.	6.7
3. Barnes, GIE M.	6.6
4. Webb, Tennessee D.	6.5
5. Johnson, S.Generals	5.0
6. Walker, Tennesse.	4.3
7. Bowdy, Dallas S.	4.3
8. Winston, Georg.	4.3
9. Cantrell, GIE M.	4.3
10. Williams, Georgia	4.1

Steals Per Game

Freddie WILLIAMS
  USA
  (188-G-87)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Williams, GIE M.	4.5
2. Bray, S.Generals	4.4
3. Barnes, GIE M.	3.1
4. Antoine, Atlanta A.	2.8
5. Ragsdale, GIE M.	2.3
6. Johnson, S.Generals	2.2
7. Bowdy, Dallas S.	2.1
8. Williams, Georgia	2.1
9. Walker, Tennesse.	2.0
10. Jennings, Atlan.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Solomon HUMPHREY
(186-G-88)
Avg: 0

1. Humphrey, Nashvill.	0.0
2. Adkins, Austin K.	0.0
3. Holt, C.Texas C.	0.0
4. Williams, GIE M.	0.0
5. Hill, Dallas Stars	0.0
6. Webb, Tennessee D.	0.0
7. Hayes, Nashville M.	0.0
8. Walker, DFW W.	0.0
9. Hawkins, C.Tex.	0.0
10. Walker, Nashville	0.0

Lions' Williams wins UBA Most Improved Player Award - by David Walls

David Walls Reports
May 1, 2012

ATLANTA James Williams (6'3''-G/F-85, college: Victory) has the UBA's Most Improved Player award. Now the challenge is to help his Georgia Lions become a UBA champion for the first time.
In 2010-2011 Williams played for the GIE Morrow Disciples where he played a 6-man role while averaging 8.7ppg and 4.3rpg. This season Williams has become a UBA all-star with a career season.

Williams averaged 21.9 points and led the league shooting 43.2% from the strip this season, posting ten straight 20 points games for the longest such streak since Chris Miller-Williams in 2010-2011 (Georgia Lions history). Mostly a sixth man the season before, Williams established career highs in almost every statistical category.

He was a runaway winner, getting 16 of a possible 16 first-place votes and 400 points from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the UBA.

The 24-year-old Williams has already signed a contract with Circulo Sportivo in Salto, Uruguay.

Williams now has just one more game before he lives the dream season. Please see below

2010-2011: Williams averaged 8.7ppg and played 29.8mpg.

2011-2012: Williams signed with the Georgia Lions.
*Averaged a career best 21.9ppg
*Named a UBA All-Star
*Georgia Lions franchise first playoff berth
*Lions advance to the 2012 UBA Finals

Colemans scores 28, Lions beat Dragons on their way to the UBA championship - by David Walls

David Walls Reports:
April 30, 2012

Presbyterian star Al'Lonzo Coleman (6'7''-C-89) scored 28 points and added 12 rebounds to lead the Lions to a 101-93 victory over Tennessee Sunday afternoon in the semifinals of the UBA playoffs in Atlanta, GA.

This will be the first UBA finals appearance for the Georgia Lions. And coming into Sundays game, the Lions had not appeared in a UBA recent playoff game.

But a big effort by the Lions help lead them to the victory. DeAndre Bray (5'6''-G-85, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Jacksonville St.) added 15 points and 14 assists and Mike Corpening (6'8''-F-87, college: S.Wesleyan) added 20 points and 10 rebounds in the victory.

The Lions were the 8th seed in the 2012 UBA playoffs but are now on fire with the addition of new talent.

New acquisitions Al'Lonzo Coleman and DeAndre Bray were the difference makers in this game. Coleman was this years standout at Presbyterian College were he was named Big Sky Conference 1st Team and Player of the Year. Coleman averaged an impressive 17.0ppg and 9.0rpg for the Blue Hose and look to guide the Lions to a championship.

David Palmer (6'9''-F/C-86, college: N.Kentucky) led Tennessee with 20 points and nine rebounds in a losing effort.

Dragons head coach Steve Dolan had a great season upsetting the Atlanta Assault in the 1st Round and just falling short in todays matchup. Dolan has made the Dragons a power in the UBA with not only just wins but being a brand team of helping players move on to the next level. In just 2 seasons Dolan has lost 8 players to Europe and looks to continue not only his winning ways but helping

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URUGUAY

Latinbasket.com All-Uruguay LUB Awards 2011-12 - by Hector Lopez

Latinbasket.com All-Uruguay LUB 1st Team 2012

Barrera

Taboada

Aguiar

Boston

Passos

Player of the Year: Gustavo Barrera (194-G-85) of Hebraica
Guard of the Year: Gustavo Barrera (194-G-85) of Hebraica
Forward of the Year: Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83) of Hebraica
Center of the Year : Hatila Passos (211-C-86) of Hebraica
Import player of the Year: Hatila Passos (211-C-86) of Hebraica
Domestic player of the Year: Gustavo Barrera (194-G-85) of Hebraica
Coach of the Year: Marcelo Signorelli of Hebraica

1st team
G: Gustavo Barrera (194-85) of Hebraica
F: Emilio Taboada (191-82) of Bigua
F: Mauricio Aguiar (197-83) of Hebraica
F: Jimmy Boston (201-77) of Welcome
C: Hatila Passos (211-86) of Hebraica

2nd team
PG: Bruno Fitipaldo (183-91) of Malvin
G: Alejandro Muro (187-74) of Aguada
F: Steffphon Pettigrew (195) of Aguada
C/F: Ryan Humphrey (203-79) of Atenas Argentina

C: Rammel Allen (210-79) of Bohemios

Honorable Mention
Nicolas Borsellino (202-F-86) of Malvin
Anthony Myles (208-F/C-82) of Malvin
Pablo Morales (200-F-79) of Aguada
Santiago Vidal (180-G-89) of Bigua
Federico Haller (198-F-88) of Lagomar
Christopher Jackson (208-C-81) of Defensor

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Gustavo Barrera (194-85) of Hebraica
F: Emilio Taboada (191-82) of Bigua
F: Mauricio Aguiar (197-83) of Hebraica
F: Federico Haller (198-88) of Lagomar
C: Claudio Charquero (207-77) of Welcome

All-Imports Team
G: Kevin Nelson (192-84) of Welcome
G: Timothy Jennings (193-83) of Plaza
F: Steffphon Pettigrew (195) of Aguada
F: Jimmy Boston (201-77) of Welcome
C: Hatila Passos (211-86) of Hebraica

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VTB UNITED LEAGUE

Women News

Olympic draw for Jayco Opals announced - by Eurobasket News

The Jayco Australian Opals will face stiff competition on their journey toward a fifth consecutive Olympic Medal, following the draw for the Women's and Men's tournaments in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The Opals will face Brazil, host nation Great Britain, joint world number two Russia and two qualifiers in the first round of the tournament. In a boost the draw saw the Opals avoid a match-up with reigning Gold Medallists the USA.

In what is sure to be a memorable tournament the Opals will get their first taste of Brazil ahead of the Olympics as part of the Farewell Series: Basketballs Road to London in June.
Tickets for opening Double Header with the Australian Boomers at Hisense Arena are now on sale through Ticketek.

Former Opals and current Bulleen Boomers Head Coach Tom Maher takes the reigns of Great Britain, hoping to use his detailed inside knowledge of the national team and domestic scene to the advantage of his hosting squad.

European powerhouse Russia is sure to provide the sternest of tests in the pool matches, while the remaining two spots in the pool will be decided in Turkey at the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Courtesy of WNBL (www.wnbl.com.au)

Cayla Francis and Marianna Tolo sign in France - by Eurobasket News

Cayla Francis (192-C-89) and Marianna Tolo (196-C-89) will continue their careers in France. Both players penned a deal with Aix-en-Provence.
Cayla Francis spent last season with the Logan Thunder. She appeared 21 times in the league averaging 14.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.6 blocks. She was awarded with Australiabasket.com All-Australian WNBL Honorable Mention -12. Francis played for the same club also in 2010/11. Before that, she was a member of Adelaide and AIS. Francis is active member of the Australian National Team.
Marianna Tolo spent last for season with Canberra Capitals. In the latest one she had 13.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.5 apg and 3.2 bpg for 20 games. She was named Australiabasket.com All-Australian WNBL 2nd Team -11. Tolo won the WNBL title with Canberra in 2009 and 2010. She is active member of the Australian NT since 2009.

Emma Randall returns to Bulleen after four years - by Eurobasket News

Emma Randall (188-C-85) is back to Bulleen Boomers. The experienced center signed a deal for the 2012/13 WNBL season. She spent the last one with the Logan Thunder. Randall appeared 16 times in the league averaging 4.1 points and 2.3 rebounds. She played for Logan also in 2010/11 and helped them reach the WNBL Semifinals. That season she had 11 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 1.7 apg for 22 games. Before Logan, Randall split one year between Romanian Targoviste and French Tarbes. With Tarbes she won the French LFB title and reached Cup Finals. In 2009, Emma Randall played for Clermont and was named Eurobasket.com All-French LFB 2nd Team -09, and also Eurobasket.com French LFB All-Imports Team -09. In the past, Randall very successfully played in Italy and Russia. She played for Bulleen in 2007/08 season and was their central figure with 18.1 ppg and 9.7 rpg. The 2006 World Championship Gold Medalist and 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist Emma Randall joins Tess Madgen and Rachel Jarry as the foundation blocks for the upcoming campaign.

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BULGARIA

Polina Hadjiyankova's 34 points make her top Bulgarian player abroad of the week - by Eurobasket Center

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

Polina Hadjiyankova

#1. This week's number one is an international swingman Polina Hadjiyankova (179-86, college: Iona). She led Cravic Reus to a victory over the 15th-ranked Palma (0-28) 89-72 in the Spanish LF2 (12th division) in Saturday night's game. Hadjiyankova was MVP of the game. She scored 34 points (!!!), had 4 boards, dished 4 assists and stole 3 balls in 36 minutes on the court. Cravic Reus Deportiu (10-18) is placed 12th in Group B. It was her team's third consecutive victory in a row. The Regular Season already ended. It's Hadjiyankova's first season with the team. This year Hadjiyankova averages: 8.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 41.5%, 3FGP: 40.5% and FT: 76.7% in the 26 games she played so far. She is currently a member of the Bulgarian senior national team.

Milena Tomova

#2. Second place goes to former international power forward Milena Tomova (189-82, college: FIU), who plays in the Italian A2 (12th division). Tomova could not help Napoli BK Women (12-14) in their last game on Sunday. Despite her good performance the ninth-placed Napoli BK Women was defeated 63-51 on the road by the leading Ragusa in the South group. Tomova was the top scorer with 13 points. She also added 9 rebounds. Tomova belongs to league's top scorers (ranked #6) and also on the list of best rebounders (first place). She has individually a very good season with high stats. Tomova averages: 16.4ppg, 10.8rpg, 2.5spg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3FGP: 30.7% and FT: 68.0%. She played for the Bulgarian national team in 2009.

Anna Rimpova

#3. The Bulgarian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Anna Rimpova (183-82). Rimpova was not able to help Marghera (14-12) in their game against San Martino (20-6) in the Italian A2 (12th division), despite her very good performance on Sunday night. She was the second best scorer with 15 points in 30 minutes. But Marghera (#7) lost 55-67 in San Martino di L to the higher-ranked (#3) San Martino in the North group. Rimpova has very impressive stats this year: 15.3ppg, 8.3rpg, 2.1spg, 2FGP: 57.1%(100-175), 3FGP: 34.4% and FT: 75.4% in the 26 games. She played for the Bulgarian national team five years ago.

Radostina Dimitrova

#4. Forward Radostina Dimitrova (185-85) contributed to Conquero's victory against the fourth-ranked Las Rozas (15-9) 82-70 in the Spanish LF2 (12th division) in Saturday night's game. Dimitrova scored 8 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 4 assists. Grupo Marsol Conquero Huelva (21-7) is placed second in Group B. The Regular Season already ended. Dimitrova has relatively good stats this season: 14.0ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.8apg. She used to play for the Bulgarian national team back in 2007.

Vera Perostiyska

#5. Former international center Vera Perostiyska (196-82, college: FIU) contributed to an overtime Athinaikos' victory against the closely-ranked Panathinaikos (22-2) 76-69 in a derby game in the Greek A1 last Saturday. Perostiyska recorded 6 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 20 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Sony Athinaikos (22-0) is placed first in the A1. So far her team won all twenty two games in the Finals. Perostiyska is currently fourth on the league's list of best blockers with 1.1bpg. This year she also averages: 9.6ppg, 5.8rpg and 1.1apg in the 16 games. Perostiyska used to play for the Bulgarian national team three years ago.

Daniela Peteva

#6. Forward Daniela Peteva (179-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) was not able to secure a victory for Arxil Pontevedra (9-17) in their game against Cortegada (21-5) in the Spanish LF2 (12th division). She scored 7 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Arxil Pontevedra (#10) was badly defeated 70-52 in Vilagarcia Arousa by the much higher-ranked Cortegada (#3) in the Group A. It was Arxil Pontevedra's third consecutive loss in a row. The Regular Season already ended. This season Peteva has relatively solid stats: 10.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.3apg and 1.5spg. She is an international player who is currently on the senior Bulgarian National Team roster.

Ana Petrova

#7. International forward Ana Petrova (170-82) managed to help Etzella Ettelbruck in a victory against the fifth-ranked Residence (12-15) crushing them 83-62 in the Luxembourg Diekirch League in Sunday night's game. Petrova scored 5 points and had 4 steals in 31 minutes. Etzella Ettelbruck (21-6) is placed third in 1-6 places group. Her team will play only one more game in the Second Stage. And that game will be critical. Petrova belongs to league's most steals and is ranked #5 with 2.9spg. She also averaged so far 9.1ppg, 4.1rpg and 2.7apg in the 24 games. Petrova is also Bulgarian national team player.

Other top Bulgarian players, who play abroad:

Radoslava Bachvarova (183-F-87) plays for Union Hainaut in French LFB
Hristina Tyutyundzhieva (189-C-93) plays for Tarbes in French LFB
Doneeka Hodges-Lewis (175-PG-82) plays for Kayseri in Turkish TKBL
Evelina Guneva (183-F-80) plays for Arranz-Jopisa Burgos in Spanish LFB
Ekaterina Dimitrova (182-G-87) plays for Charleville-Mezieres in French LFB
Gergana Slavcheva (186-F-79) plays for Basket Parma in Italian A1
Noelle Quinn (183-G-85) plays for Botas in Turkish TKBL
Lydia Milkova (192-C-70) plays for Panionios in Greek A1
Elena Yankova (180-F-86) plays for Femenino Caceres in Spanish LF2
Veselka Todorova (192-C-88) plays for Universitario de Ferrol in Spanish LF2

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

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CANADA

Tamara Tatham's double-double lands her Player of the Week award among Canadians playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

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

Tamara Tatham

#1. This week's number one is an international forward Tamara Tatham (187-85, college: Massachusetts), who plays in the German DBBL. She could not help SV Halle Lions (11-11) in their last game. Despite Tatham's very good performance SV Halle Lions lost 54-61 on the road to the lower-ranked (#8) Wildcats Wolfenbuettel. She had a double-double by scoring 19 points and getting 10 rebounds. Tatham also added 2 blocks and 4 steals in 30 minutes on the court. Tatham is currently second on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best rebounders (third place). She has individually a very good year with high stats. Tatham averages: 20.8ppg, 10.2rpg, 2.5apg, 3.1spg, 2FGP: 60.4%(168-278) and FT: 75.5% in the 24 games she played so far. She is currently a member of the Canadian senior national team.

Courtnay Pilypaitis

#2. Second place goes to an international guard Courtnay Pilypaitis (185-88, college: Vermont). Pilypaitis led VICI Aistes to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Kibirkstis-Tiche (18-10) crushing them 94-65 in the Lithuanian LMKL last Friday. She scored 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. VICI Aistes Kaunas (28-0) is placed first in the LMKL. So far her team won all games in the Finals. Pilypaitis belongs to league's best passers (ranked #4) and also on the list of most steals (fifth place). She has very reliable stats this season: 13.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.8apg, 2.8spg, 2FGP: 47.1%, 3FGP: 33.3% and FT: 82.2%. Pilypaitis is in the roster of the Canadian senior national team.

Jenifer Nadalin

#3. The Canadian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international power forward Jenifer Nadalin (187-83, college: Furman). She contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Comense (16-6) 71-52 in the Italian A1 on Sunday night. Nadalin scored 7 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in 26 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Famila Wuber Schio (18-4) is placed second in the A1. It was her team's third consecutive victory in a row. This year Nadalin's overall stats are: 6.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 2FGP: 47.8% and FT: 67.7% in the 28 games. She has a dual citizenship: Canadian and Italian. Despite Nadalin played previously for the Italian national team, she is currently a member of the Canadian senior national team.

Stephany Skrba

#4. Forward Stephany Skrba (188-87, college: Michigan) contributed to a Lattes Montpellier's victory against the closely-ranked Challes-les-Eaux (19-7) 52-47 in the French LFB in Wednesday night's game. Skrba scored 6 points. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration Basket (21-5) is placed second in the LFB. Skrba's total stats this season are: 9.6ppg, 6.8rpg and 1.1spg. Despite she played previously for the Italian national team, Skrba is currently in the Canadian national team roster.

Melissa Colborne

#5. Former international swingman Melissa Colborne (183-88, college: Yale), who plays in the German 2.Bundesliga (12th division) was not able to help TSV Amicitia (14-6) in their last game. Despite her good performance the second-placed TSV Amicitia lost in an overtime 78-83 in Bamberg to the lower-ranked (#8) Don Bosco in the South group. Colborne recorded 12 points (made all of her six free throws) in 23 minutes. It was TSV Amicitia's third consecutive loss in a row. Colborne has relatively good stats this year: 11.7ppg, 4.0rpg and 1.5apg in the 23 games. Despite she played previously for the Italian national team, Colborne is currently in the Canadian national team roster.

May Kay Kotsopoulos

#6. Guard May Kay Kotsopoulos (178-88, college: Vermont) managed to help Sony Athinaikos to win in overtime against the closely-ranked Panathinaikos (22-2) 76-69 in a derby game in the Greek A1 on Saturday night. She recorded 5 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Sony Athinaikos (22-0) is placed first in the A1. So far her team won all twenty two games in the Finals. This season Kotsopoulos has relatively solid stats: 11.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg and 1.2spg. She is a former international player as she played for the Canadian senior team six years ago.

Renata Adamczyk

#7. Former international guard Renata Adamczyk (175) was not able to secure a victory for T71 Dudelange (13-14) in their game against Musel Pikes (23-4) in the Luxembourg Diekirch League, despite her very good performance in Sunday night's game. Adamczyk had a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 14 rebounds. She also added and 3 steals in 34 minutes. But T71 Dudelange (#4) was badly defeated 82-64 in Stadrbredimus by the leading Musel Pikes in the 1-6 places group. Adamczyk's team will play only one more game in the Second Stage. And that game will be critical. Adamczyk has reliable stats this year: 13.2ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.1apg and 2.6spg in the 11 games. Despite she played previously for the Polish national team, Adamczyk is currently in the Canadian national team roster.

Katie Donovan

#8. Swingman Katie Donovan (182-82) helped Basket Esch win their n overtime game against the sixth-ranked AB Contern (12-15) 68-65 in the Luxembourg Diekirch League last Sunday. She recorded a double-double by scoring 10 points and getting 11 rebounds. Donovan also added 3 assists. Basket Esch (15-9) is placed first in 1-6 places group. It was her team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the Second Stage. And now that game is very crucial. It's Donovan's first season with the team. Donovan is ranked ninth on the list of the top scorers in the league and also on the list of best passers (fourth place). This season she has very high stats. Donovan averages: 16.3ppg, 8.4rpg, 4.1apg and 1.6spg. Despite she played previously for the Polish national team, Donovan is currently in the Canadian U20 national team roster.

Rhona McKenzie

#9. An experienced former international forward Rhona McKenzie (183-76, agency: LBM Management) couldn't help Riva Basket (3-2) in their game against Fribourg (4-1) in the Swiss LNA. She scored 6 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 40 minutes. Riva Basket (#3) was crushed 63-40 on the opponent's court by the second-ranked Fribourg in the Places 1-6 group. McKenzie belongs to league's best rebounders (ranked #2) and also on the list of most steals (fourth place). This year she has very good stats: 10.7ppg, 10.8rpg, 1.3apg and 3.8spg in the 25 games. Despite McKenzie played previously for the Jamaican national team, she is currently in the Canadian national team roster.

CROATIA

Emilija Podrug's double-double lands her Player of the Week award among Croatians playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

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

Emilija Podrug

#1. This week's number one is an experienced former international center Emilija Podrug (190-79), who plays in the French LFB. She could not help one of league's weakest teams Challes-les-Eaux (19-7) in their last game. Despite Podrug's good performance Challes-les-Eaux lost 47-52 on the road to the second-ranked Lattes Montpellier. She had a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting 13 rebounds in 31 minutes on the court. Podrug has relatively good stats this year: 11.4ppg, 6.9rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 55.3%(115-208) and FT: 85.9% in the 26 games she played so far. She played for the Croatian senior national team two years ago.

Iva Ciglar

#2. Second place goes to an international guard Iva Ciglar (170-85, agency: Data Plus Group). Ciglar led UNI SEAT to a victory against the league leader MKB Euroleasing (22-0) 61-55 in the Hungarian A last Sunday. She scored 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. UNI SEAT Gyor (20-2) is placed second in the A. Ciglar is the league's best passer. She has very reliable stats this season: 11.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 5.0apg, 2.1spg, 2FGP: 57.2%(99-173), 3FGP: 31.1% and FT: 72.3%. Ciglar is in the roster of the Croatian senior national team.

Ana Lelas

#3. The Croatian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international swingman Ana Lelas (183-83) faced previously mentioned Emilija Podrug in the French LFB last game. Lelas was the major contributor in a Lattes Montpellier's victory against the closely-ranked Challes-les-Eaux (19-7) 52-47. She scored 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 32 minutes. This year Lelas has relatively solid stats: 10.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 46.2%, 3FGP: 46.1%(35-76) and FT: 73.5% in the 29 games. She is also a member of the Croatian senior national team.

Matea Vrdoljak

#4. Forward Matea Vrdoljak (186-85) led Sp.Studentesc to a victory over the closely-ranked Cluj Napoca (8-22) 67-62 in the Romanian D1 in Saturday night's game. Vrdoljak was MVP of the game. She scored 18 points, had 4 boards, passed 3 assists and added 4 steals. CSM Sportul Studentesc Bucuresti (15-15) is placed ninth in the D1. Vrdoljak has individually a very good season with high stats. She averages: 15.9ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.8apg and 2.1spg. Vrdoljak used to play for the Croatian national team back in 2008.

Iva Grbas

#5. Former international power forward Iva Grbas (188-87) was not able to help Reims (9-17) in their game against COB Calais (20-6) in the French LF2 (12th division). She scored 7 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 32 minutes. Reims was crushed 76-51 at home by the second-ranked COB Calais. The Regular Season already ended. It's Grbas' first season with the team. Grbas has reliable stats this year: 12.6ppg and 5.2rpg in the 22 games. She used to play for the Croatian national team four years ago.

Other top Croatian players, who play abroad:

Dubravka Dacic (201-C-85) plays for Taranto in Italian A1
Iva Sliskovic (194-F-84) plays for Rivas Ecopolis in Spanish LFB
Suzy Batkovic-Brown (193-C-80) plays for Adelaide Lightning in Australian WNBL
Petra Stampalija (189-C-80) plays for Union Hainaut in French LFB
Andja Jelavic (172-G-80) plays for Kayseri in Turkish TKBL
Sonja Kireta (198-C-76) plays for Basket Parma in Italian A1
Lisa Karcic (182-F-86) plays for Cajarural in Spanish LFB
Natalia Terglav-Tratsiak (195-C-80) plays for Botas in Turkish TKBL
Amra Dapo (184-G/F-76) plays for Navarra Pamplona in Spanish LFB
Marta Cakic (175-G-82) plays for Navarra Pamplona in Spanish LFB
Neda Djuric (172-PG-80) plays for Partizan in Serbian A League

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

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EUROLEAGUE

Fenerbahce keep Angel McCoughtry and Cappie Pondexter and Ivana Matovic - by Eurobasket News

Fenerbahce keep Angel McCoughtry (185-F-86, college: Louisville) and Cappie Pondexter (175-G-83, college: Rutgers) and Ivana Matovic (197-C-83) for the 2012/2013 season. The team announced the big names for another season.
Recently Fenerbahce won its eighth straight title in Turkey. They outplayed Galatasaray as a guest 86-96 closing the series with almost perfect 1-3. Fenerbahce was the regular season champion with 19-3 record. Galatasaray however won the Turkish Cup earlier this season.
Angel McCoughtry is a top-scorer of the team with 17.8 points per game. She was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL Player of the Year -12. Cappie Pondexter was second with 16.5 points per game. She was named as a Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL Honorable Mention -12. Ivana Matovic was third with 13.9 points per game and 4.3 rebounds.

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FRANCE

Aix-en-Provence lands Canadian National Team players Shona Thorburn and Lizanne Murphy - by Eurobasket News

Aix-en-Provence announced signing of two more players. The French squad landed British/Canadian guard Shona Thorburn (178-G-82, college: Utah) and Canadian forward Lizanne Murphy (185-F-84, college: Hofstra).
Shona Thorburn arrives to Aix-en-Provence from Spain, where she spent this season. She had 8.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2.9 apg for 29 games with Girona (LFB). In 2010/11, Thorburn was a member of Ibiza and before that she played for Olesa and Leon. She also has experience from Israel and WNBA. Thorburn played for the Canadian NT last year at the FIBA Americas in Neiva Huila.
Lizanne Murphy also played for Team Canada last year. Actually, she is their active member since 2007. Murphy played for Tarbes this season averaging 9.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 1.9 apg in 14 LFB games. She also added 9.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 1.8 apg in 4 Euroleague appearances. Murphy joined Tarbes in December. In the past, she played for Energa Torun, Ruzomberok and Arvi Marijampol.

Bourges will wave to Ieva Kublina and Kiesha Brown - by Eurobasket News

Bourges will wave to Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) and Kiesha Brown (179-G-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Georgia) at the end of the season. The French team will not agreed terms with the players for 2012/2013 season.
Kiesha Brown joined Cercle Jean Mace Bourges (France-LFB) this season and in Euroleague averaged 9.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 88.5%. She scored 8 points in the Final game 1 over Lattes.
Ieva Kublina played last season for SEAT Lami Ved Gyor (Hungary-A) and in EuroCup averaged 12.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 92.9%. In Hungarian League after 25 games her stats read 13.4ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 80.7%.
This season for Cercle Jean Mace Bourges (France-LFB) she showed 5.6ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 86.4% in EuroLeague. In the first Final game she scored 2 points.
Bourges meanwhile extended the contracts of Styliani Kaltsidou and Catherine Joens . The team recently announced Zoi Dimitrakou .

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GABON

Basket Womens/Cup of Gabon - by Rodrigue Olivier Kassa

Girls in gold! Cup winners in 2012, April, 28th, in Gabon. Now it is the African Cup ...

Here are the girls who have accomplished the feat to retain their title in 2011 ...

Congratulations to coach Didier, a man in the shadows!

Players
4-Obone N'nang Audrey
5-Fouty Obasi M.
6-Mouinda Jessica
7-Massounga cyrielle
8-Folak F
9-Leyama Nelly (cap)
10-Anguiba C.
11-Ognane L.
12-Nyama Ango M.
13-Aboghe Pauba M.
14-Babika Foumboula P.
15-Toungui C.

coach : Gondjout Didier

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GERMANY

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Emma CANNON
  OKE P.
  (188-F-)
  Avg: 22.6

1. Cannon, OKE P.	22.6
2. Tatham, Halle	20.7
3. Jeltema, Chemnitz	19.8
4. Vaughn, Wasserburg	18.6
5. Turner, Freiburg	16.7
6. Sitzmann, BG 89 A.	16.6
7. Clark, BG 89 Avides	16.3
8. Mankertz, BG 89 A.	15.9
9. Sprague, Heli Girls	15.8
10. Paunovic, Freiburg	15.7

Rebounds Per Game

Emma CANNON
  OKE P.
  (188-F-)
  Avg: 13.8

1. Cannon, OKE P.	13.8
2. Tatham, Halle	10.4
3. Lomax, Freiburg	10.2
4. Landry, Marburg	8.6
5. Vaughn, Wasserburg	8.5
6. Koop, Marburg	8.1
7. Fikiel, Wolfenbuet.	8.0
8. Greunke, Rhein MB	7.3
9. Williams, Saarlouis	7.2
10. Bos, BG 89 Avides	7.0

Assists Per Game

Amanda DAVIDSON
  Marburg
  (170-G-83)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Davidson, Marburg	5.2
2. Rego, Heli Girls	5.2
3. Skuballa, Marburg	3.4
4. Harris, Wolfenbuet.	3.4
5. Richter, Heli Girls	3.2
6. Austmann, Oberh.	3.2
7. Nainima, Oberh.	3.1
8. Whitcomb, Chemnitz	3.1
9. Pop, Wasserburg	3.1
10. Pace, OKE Panthe.	2.9

Steals Per Game

Tamara TATHAM
  Halle
  (187-F-85)
  Avg: 3

1. Tatham, Halle	3.0
2. Kennedy, Halle	2.8
3. Turner, Freiburg	2.8
4. Austmann, Oberh.	2.7
5. Tracey, Freiburg	2.4
6. Richter, Heli Girls	2.2
7. Rego, Heli Girls	2.2
8. Thoman, Rhein MB	2.2
9. Nikagbatse, Wolfen.	2.2
10. Harris, Wolfenbue.	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Amber SPRAGUE
  Heli Girls
  (196-C-86)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Sprague, Heli Girls	1.2
2. Koop, Marburg	1.1
3. Greunke, Rhein MB	0.9
4. Fikiel, Wolfenbuet.	0.9
5. Tatham, Halle	0.8
6. Heinrich, Chemnitz	0.8
7. Manakova, Saarl.	0.7
8. Gohrke, Marburg	0.5
9. Pieczynski, Rhein	0.5
10. Pace, OKE Panthe.	0.5

DBBL Round 2 of Finals. Halle Lions post first victory - by Eurobasket News

FINAL

Halle - Wolfenbuettel 93-84

Halle Lions shot down visiting Wildcats to level things up at 1-1 in the series. Wildcats Wolfenbuettel trailed by 14 points after 3 quarters before a 23-18 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 84-93 at the end of the game. SV Halle Lions shot 62.3 percent from the field. SV Halle Lions had a 25-14 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for SV Halle Lions especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 57.1 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Canadian forward Tamara Tatham (187-F-85, college: Massachusetts) had a triple-double by scoring 19 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American point guard Daphanie Kennedy (175-86, college: Pepperdine) chipped in 19 points and 5 steals during the contest. Four SV Halle Lions players scored in double figures. American guard Natasha Harris (177-86, college: Boise St.) responded with 24 points and 5 assists and her fellow American import guard Tenaya Watson (175-89, college: Arizona St.) scored 19 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Wildcats Wolfenbuettel's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Wolfenbuettel: N.Harris 24+4reb+5ast, T.Watson 19+3reb+1ast, I.Kulite 14+5reb, K.Fikiel 9+3reb+4ast, C.Callahan 6+3reb+1ast, L.Haughian 6+3reb
Halle: D.Kennedy 19+1reb+3ast, T.Tatham 19+15reb+11ast, J.Kohlmann 14+2reb, M.Abelova 11+3reb+1ast, L.Hebecker 11+3reb+2ast, A.Ellis-Milan 10+3reb+1ast

3rd Place

Marburg - Wasserburg 77-80

Marburg clinched the Bronze medals despite losing narrowly against Wasserburg. The guests were tied after three quarters but managed to speed up in last quarter eventually winning the game. TSV 1880 Wasserburg forced 19 BC Pharmaserv Marburg turnovers. Strangely BC Pharmaserv Marburg outrebounded TSV 1880 Wasserburg 50-19 including a 32-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. American guard Brittainey Raven (183-88, college: Texas) notched 26 points and 5 assists to lead the effort and center Jessica Hootmann (190-85) supported her with 16 points. Even a double-double of 23 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists by the former international center Lisa Koop (197-85, college: Winthrop) did not help to save the game for BC Pharmaserv Marburg. American forward Shenita Landry (188, college: Temple) added 20 points and 12 rebounds for the hosts.
Top scorers:
Marburg: L.Koop 23+13reb+4ast, S.Landry 20+12reb+1ast, S.Weber 15+3reb+1ast, A.Davidson 8+10reb+13ast, T.Menz 5+5reb+5ast, N.Gohrke 4+5reb
Wasserburg: B.Raven 26+2reb+5ast, J.Hootmann 16+3reb+2ast, H.Ozen 9+3reb+4ast, S.Moore 9+2reb+1ast, K.Vaughn 9+6reb+2ast, K.Zberch 4+1ast

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KAZAKHSTAN

Irtysh claim D1 title - by Eurobasket News

Astana Tigers - Irtysh 74:75

Irtysh Pavlodar celebrated the victory in Kazakh D1 Final series. They overcame Astana Tigers in a dramatic series. Irtysh earned back-to-back wins by one point and triumphed in the championship. Irtysh stole a 75:74 victory in the decisive fifth game tonight. Anna Vinokurova (191-C-92) nailed 20 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead the winners.
Irtysh got to a strong start. They piled up a 23:18 lead after ten minutes. But the Tigers took over in the second frame. They held Irtysh to just 12 points in the period to gain a 36:35 halftime lead. Astana extended the margin in the third quarter. They accumulated a 55:52 cushion before the fourth frame. But Irtysh proved the character. The Pavlodar team silenced the Astana crowd late in regulation stealing a decisive dramatic win. Oksana Osipenko (186-F-85) produced 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Angelina Yuskova (170-G-90) contributed 13 points for the winners. Elena Hustnitdinova (172-G-85) and Anastassiya Alishauskaite (172-G-88) recorded 16 points apiece for the Tigers. Elena Dots (177-F-89) netted 13 points in the loss.

Astana Tigers: Elena Hustnitdinova 16, Anastassiya Alishauskaite 16, Elena Dots 13
Irtysh: Anna Vinokurova 20, Oksana Osipenko 16, Angelina Yuskova 13

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LATVIA

Former NT center Anita Teilane stays in Hungary - by Eurobasket News

Anita Teilane (196-C-85) will stay in Hungary for at least one more year. The former Latvian National Team center penned a deal with UNIQA Euroleasing Sopron. Teilane spent last season with Vasas Budapest. She appeared 24 times in the league averaging 15.9 points, 9 rebounds and 1.7 assists. In 2011, Anita Teilane was Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Center of the Year. She was a member of CSM Satu Mare, where she had 11.3 ppg, 9.4 rpg and 3.7 bpg for 20 games. She helped them reach Romanian league and Cup Finals. Before CSM Satu Mare, Teilane spent some time with RTU-Marteks Riga. In 2010, she led Sdent Nuon to Swiss league Finals and Cup title. In the past, Tailane also played for Burgos, Wolfenbuettel and BK RTU / Klondaika. From 2004 to 2007, she played for the Latvian National Team.

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MALTA

League Final. All tied after two games - by Eurobasket News

Loyola - Luxol 48:46

Loyola snatched a tough narrow win over Luxol to draw things level in the title series 1-1. Desarae Johnson (185-F-88, college: Jacksonville) connected for a time-expiring bucket late in regulation to bring Loyola to the victory. The third game of best-of-five series is scheduled for Tuesday.
Luxol gained an 11:8 lead after ten minutes of action. But Loyola turned things around in the second quarter. They gained control and posted a 24:20 halftime lead. The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the third period. Loyola however managed to stay ahead by four points before the final term. Robin Murphy (183-F, college: S.Mississippi) knocked down two free throws late in the game to level things at 46. But Desarae Johnson came up with late heroics to seal the victory for Loyola. She finished with team-high 18 points. Christina Grima (168-PG-89) accounted for 13 points for Loyola. Robin Murphy answered with game-high 21 points for Luxol. Beverly Zammit (178-G/F-87) netted 9 points in the loss.

Loyola: Desarae Johnson 18, Christina Grima 13, Denise Hollier 5
Luxol: Robin Murphy 21, Beverly Zammit 9

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

NCAA1

Misti Cussen promoted to Oral Roberts head coach - by Eurobasket News

Longtime assistant Misti Cussen has been named the new women's basketball coach at Oral Roberts, getting a promotion after Jerry Finkbeiner left to take over the program at Utah State.

Cussen, who spent the past 16 seasons as Finkbeiner's top assistant, was introduced Friday.

Cussen started college at Kansas before transferring to play her final two seasons at Southern Nazarene in suburban Oklahoma City. She was part of Finkbeiner's staff as the Golden Eagles made the first five NCAA tournament appearances in the program's history.

She'll return the program's career scoring record-holder, Kevi Luper. Luper led the nation in scoring two seasons ago and was second last season, behind Delaware's Elena Delle Donne.

Courtesy of www.newschannel10.com

AP source: Brown new Georgetown women's coach - by Eurobasket News

A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that Georgetown assistant Keith Brown has been promoted to head coach of the women's basketball team.

The person spoke Sunday night on condition of anonymity because the school hasn't announced the hiring.

Brown, an assistant at the school for the past five seasons, will be introduced at a news conference early this week. He succeeds Terri Williams-Flournoy, who left Georgetown in early April to take the head coaching position at Auburn. The Hoyas went 23-9 this season before losing to Georgia Tech in the second round of the NCAA tournament. They were 143-104 in Williams-Flournoy's eight seasons as head coach.

Brown spent 11 years as an AAU coach before coming to Georgetown in 2007.

Courtesy of http://sports.sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Bloomington native to follow new coach to Indiana - by Eurobasket News

Indiana's men's and women's basketball teams will each have a Hulls on the floor season.

The school says former Bowling Green player Kaila Hulls (5'11''-G/F) has decided to transfer to Indiana and return to her hometown.

Hulls averaged 20 points and 11.7 points as a senior for Bloomington South and won Bowling Green's 3-point shooting contest during Midnight Madness last fall. But she tore her ACL and missed her entire freshman season. She was an Indiana All-Star and a candidate for the McDonald's All-America team.

The move comes just a little more than one month after former Bowling Green coach Curt Miller took the same job at Indiana.

Hulls is also the sister of Jordan Hulls, a former Indiana Mr. Basketball and a starter on the Hoosiers' men's basketball team.

Courtesy of www.nj.com

Tartamella new St. John's women's basketball coach - by Eurobasket News

Joe Tartamella has helped build the St. John's women's basketball program over the past nine seasons. Now he'll get a chance to lead it.

'I'm excited and humbled, it's one of the best moments of my coaching career,' said Tartamella, who was hired as the school's new head coach on Friday. 'This has been my home. This is why I want to continue to stay here.'

Tartamella offered a familiarity to a team that has been on the rise the past few years.

'That was the biggest piece I was able to talk about throughout the process,' Tartamella said. 'My comfort was I knew the terrain, knew the landscape, knew what we had done. I didn't want to see any steps taken backwards from where we had been. I can bring that continuity, trust that we need to stay where we are and maintain the level of our program right now.'

St. John's is coming off a 24-10 season that saw the Red Storm finish second in the Big East and advance to the NCAA tournament regional semifinals for the first time in school history.

The 32-year-old's promotion was a huge relief for the players, who were still reeling from the departure of former coach Kim Barnes Arico. She was the architect of the team's success, building St. John's from an also-ran to a perennial NCAA tournament contender. Barnes Arico took the head coach job at Michigan last week. She left St. John's as the school's winningest coach.

'I have watched Joe grow over the past 10 years and I know he is ready for this new chapter in his life,' Barnes Arico said. 'He will be an outstanding head coach and I am looking forward to seeing him on the sidelines.'

While athletic director Chris Monasch said the school looked at a few other candidates, Tartamella was the No. 1 choice.

'Joe was our top recruiter and the person on Kim's right arm during games. He really had already done from A-to-Z running the program,' Monasch said. 'Our program wouldn't be where it was today without Joe. Joe pulled away from the rest of the field. He is the man we wanted to run our program.'

St. John's returns four starters and has high expectations for the upcoming season. The Red Storm will host the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history. The players couldn't have been more thrilled when they heard that Tartamella was going to take over.

'It definitely was who we wanted,' Shenneika Smith said. 'Joey T recruited us when we were in high school and has been a huge part of our success. He knows all about us and we can keep this going.'

About the only change that Smith may have to get used to is calling Tartamella 'Coach' instead of 'Joey T'. She admitted it might take a little time getting used to that.

'He's always been Joey T to us and I really think that won't change,' she said smiling. 'But I can't think of anyone else who we would rather have coaching our senior year.'

Tartamella is following a similar track to St. John's men's coach Steve Lavin. Lavin got his start at UCLA as a volunteer assistant before getting his first head coaching job for the Bruins.

Courtesy of http://online.wsj.com

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

NEW ZEALAND

Junior Tall Ferns lose to Australia - by Eurobasket News

Junior Tall Ferns continued their Tour of China. They played the third game and suffered another defeat. This time the Kiwis surrendered 44:53 against Australian U17 team.
New Zealand and Australia stayed on level terms throughout the opening quarter. The teams were tied at 12 after ten minutes. Australia stepped on the gas in the second frame. They held the Kiwis to just 5 points in the quarter to pile up a 28:17 halftime lead. The margin grew at 12-point mark by the end of the third term 45:33. New Zealand outscored their opponents in the final frame but still came up short of victory at the end. Penina Davidson provided 10 points for the Junior Tall Ferns. Jamie-Lee Tito and Deena Franklin scored 7 points each in the loss.
New Zealand and Australia will now head to Zhong County for the second tournament. New Zealand will face the USA next.

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NIGERIA

First Deepwater set pace beat First Bank 69-63 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

With one phase left to be decided in the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Zenith Bank Women Basketball League title holder First Deepwater basketball club has already set the pace to annex the league title a third straight season with a 69-63 points victory over former champion First Bank basketball club in the second phase Thursday in Ilorin.

The Oil & Gas Ladies who has kept a clean slate from the first phase having defeated the Elephant Girls during the first phase by 88-81 points in Kaduna.

First Deepwater basketball club stormed the Nigeria domestic scene four seasons ago after taking the place of defunct Dodan Amazon basketball club before the commencement of the 2008/2009 season has succeeded in effecting significant changes in the Nigeria women league where it finished second behind the bankers in their first season thus pushing the likes of Dolphins, Sunshine Angels and Delta Force basketball clubs to struggle for the third spot.

The Coaches Lateef Erinfolami and Shola Ogunade tutored First Deepwater side recorded a feat in their first outing in the league when it stopped First Bank unbeaten run in ten years at the final phase of the 2008/2009 season in Lagos.

Inspired by Babatunde Babalola led management team, First Deepwater went on to become the first club to stop First Bank dominance in the local league when it wrestle the league title from the Coach Adewumi Aderemi coached First Bank in the 2009/2010 season and has not looked back ever since thus relegating First Bank to the second position of the league.

The club made appreciable impact in 2011 when it hosted and finished third in the FIBA Africa Champions Cup in Lagos.

Club chairman, Babalola told our correspondent that the players and their handlers has done the organisation proud and justify it essence of giving back to the society through basketball.

The soft-spoken Oil & Gas mogul implored the players to remain focus and finish what they started during the first phase in Kaduna when the last phase dunks-off in Lagos.

First Deepwater basketball humbled Delta Force basketball club of Asaba by 82-40 points to maintain her top form in the Nigerian women league last Sunday.

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

POLAND

Poland won PLKK All Star Game - by Greg

Poland national team have won the PLKK All Star Game against PLKK Star Team 74:70. PLKK Stars Team was collected from foreigner basketball players from all league teams.
Fans chose starting five of this team. Tittle MVP of the game granted for Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Abil.Christian) (184-F/G-82, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Abil.Christian), who noticed 16 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. This game was a debut for Jacek Winnicki as a coach of polish national women team.

Most of the time Poland had an advantage, but Stars were able to get back in this game few times. After first period PLKK Stars were up by 1 20:21. In the second quarter
polish players elaborated 9 points advantage. Coach of the league stars team Jose Ignacio Hernandez called a timeout, but his team was still down. Thanks to great performance by Weronika Idczak (177-G-89) Poland won the first half 41:34.

In the middle of the show league organized three points shoot contest. After semi-finals and grand final tittle stayed with Laurie Koehn (173-G-82, college: Kansas St.) (She won this contest one year ago) for another year. In final she beat Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) 12:10.

Third quarter was very aligned both team were playing basket for basket. Before the last quarter the score was 57:49 for Polish National Team. The fourth period was the most
interesting in the game. Both teams were playing more carefully, especially in the defense. With 7 minutes to play Aneika Henry (193-C-86, college: Florida) made another shot for PLKK Stars and her team was up by to 57:59. Stars made great, 10:0 run. Thanks to better execution Poland was able to get back on the lead. Polish players made better teamwork. Finally, Poland national team won this game 74:70.

But PLKK All Star Weekend is not only the game. Players met children in hospital. League organized an event in shopping center close to the arena - players were fighting with
people in free throws.

Poland- PLKK Stars 74:70 (20:21 , 21:13, 16:15, 17:21)

Poland: Agnieszka Bibrzycka 16, Agnieszka Skobel (179-F-89) 8, Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) 8, Magdalena Leciejewska (191-C-86) 8
PLKK Stars: Geraldine Robert (184-F-80) 19, Aneika Henry 10, Valeriya Musina (183-G-87, college: Lee) 8, Erin Phillips (173-G-85) 7

PLKK All Star Games History:
2003: PLKK Stars - Lotos Gdynia 81:80
2004: PLKK Stars - Lotos Gdynia 90:100
2005: PLKK Stars - Lotos Gdynia 61:62
2006: PLKK Stars - TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow 85:85
2008: PLKK Stars - TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow 79:83
2010: Poland - PLKK Stars 75:95
2011: Poland - PLKK Stars 87:90

PLKK All Star Game 2012 rosters:

Polish NT:
Magdalena Zietara (170-G/F-92) (Lotos Gdynia)
Weronika Idczak (Energa Torun)
Agnieszka Skobel (KSSSE AZS PWSZ Gorzow Wlkp.)
Alicja Bednarek (170-G-83) (Matizol Lider Pruszkow)
Agnieszka Bibrzycka (CCC Polkowice)
Agnieszka Majewska (195-C-82) (CCC Polkowice)
Aleksandra Chomac (191-C-85, agency: Data Plus Group) (Matizol Lider Pruszkow)
Elzbieta Mowlik (180-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group) (Artego Bydgoszcz)
Martyna Koc (186-C-83) (Artego Bydgoszcz)
Agnieszka Szott (185-F-82, agency: Data Plus Group) (Artego Bydgoszcz)
Paulina Pawlak (170-PG-84, agency: Data Plus Group) (TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow)
Katarzyna Krezel (184-F/G-85, college: UTEP) (TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow)
Magdalena Leciejewska (TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow)
Ewelina Kobryn (TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow)

Coach: Jacek Winnicki
Coachs assistants: Dariusz Raczynski , Krzysztof Szewczyk

All Star Team:

Starting five:
Sharnee Zoll (170-PG-86, college: Virginia) (CCC Polkowice)
Valeriya Musina (CCC Polkowice)
Nicole Powell (188-G/F-82, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford) (TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow)
Milka Bjelica (193-F-81) (TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow)
Erin Phillips (TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow)

Other players (selected by coaches and PLKK management)
Jelena Maksimovic (192-C-82) (Energa Torun)
Rebecca Harris (176-G-86, college: Illinois) (KK ROW Rybnik)
Geraldine Robert (Lotos Gdynia)
Aneika Henry (Lotos Gdynia)
Laurie Koehn (Matizol Lider Pruszkow)
Inna Kochubei (174-G-82) (Odra Brzeg)
Jolene Anderson (175-SG-86, college: Wisconsin) (Lotos Gdynia)

Coach: Jose Ignacio Hernandez
Coachs assistant: Javier Fort (agency: FCM )

Wisla Can-Pack agrees with Cristina Ouvina - by Eurobasket News

It seems that Cristina Ouvina (174-G-90) will play next season in Poland. According to her twitter posts, Ouvina agreed terms with Wisla Can-Pack. It is important to mention that nothing is officially confirmed by the club yet. Cristina Ouvina is a product of Mann Filter, where she spent last couple of years. The Spanish guard had 8.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3 apg and 2 spg for 24 games in Spain last season. In 2010/11, she averaged 4.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3 apg and 1.7 spg for 27 games. In EuroCup, the player added 4.9 ppg, 3.2 apg and 2.7 rpg, while Mann Filter reached Quarterfinals. Ouvina reached LFB Semis with them twice. Cristina Ouvina was a member of the Spanish National Team last summer, but did not play at the EuroBasket in Poland. She played very successfully for Spanish U20, U18 and 16 National Teams in the past.

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PORTUGAL

D2 Standing - by Eurobasket News

D1 Standings

1. Lousada		14-4
2. S.C. Coimbroes		13-5
3. Ovarense		12-6
4. Juvemaia		12-6
5. Calvao		11-7
6. C.S.M. / C.S.CAB		9-8
7. E.S.A.		9-9
8. Gafanha		5-13
9. Sanjoanense		3-15
10. Uniao Micaelense		2-16
11. E.B.C.		0-0
12. Santarem		0-0

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RUSSIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Crystal LANGHORNE
  Dynamo M.
  (188-F/C-86)
  Avg: 20.8

1. Langhorne, Dynamo	20.8
2. Gruda, UMMC	18.3
3. Toliver, Dynamo M.	18.2
4. Brunson, Nadezhda.	16.3
5. Dupree, Spartak	15.0
6. Parker, UMMC	14.9
7. Augustus, Spartak	14.1
8. Myasoedova, Dynam.	13.9
9. Petrakova, Dynamo	13.8
10. Davenport, Cheva.	13.8

Rebounds Per Game

Crystal LANGHORNE
  Dynamo M.
  (188-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Langhorne, Dynamo	10.5
2. Brunson, Nadezhda.	8.5
3. Parker, UMMC	8.4
4. Psareva, Spartak N.	8.3
5. Myasoedova, Dynam.	8.1
6. Stepanova, UMMC	7.5
7. Veremeenko, Nadez.	7.4
8. Vodopiyanova, Dyn.	6.6
9. Petrakova, Dynamo	6.5
10. Gruda, UMMC	6.5

Assists Per Game

Sue BIRD
  UMMC
  (175-G-80)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Bird, UMMC	4.8
2. Hammon, Spartak	4.7
3. Toliver, Dynamo M.	4.5
4. Johnson, Dynamo K.	3.8
5. Skerovic, Spartak	3.6
6. Moore, Chevakata	3.4
7. Nolan, UMMC	3.2
8. Khrustaleva, Dynam.	3.2
9. Bimbaite, Dynamo K.	2.9
10. Psareva, Spartak	2.8

Steals Per Game

Natalia VODOPIYANOVA
  Dynamo K.
  (188-F-81)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Vodopiyanova, Dyn.	2.9
2. Kolosovskaia, Dyna.	2.7
3. Sumets, Energy I.	2.3
4. Moore, Chevakata	2.2
5. Douglas, Nadezhda.	2.1
6. Bimbaite, Dynamo K.	2.1
7. Toliver, Dynamo M.	2.0
8. Nolan, UMMC	2.0
9. Linkeviciene, UMMC	1.9
10. Mishkareva, Dynam.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Anastasiya VEREMEENKO
  Nadezhda.
  (194-C-87)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Veremeenko, Nadez.	1.6
2. Myasoedova, Dynam.	1.5
3. Lisina, Dynamo K.	1.4
4. Stepanova, UMMC	1.3
5. Osipova, Spartak	1.3
6. Parker, UMMC	1.0
7. Kuzina, Spartak	0.9
8. Vodopiyanova, Dyn.	0.8
9. Shamanina, Spart.	0.8
10. Petrakova, Dynam.	0.8

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

SPAIN

Wisla Can-Pack agrees with Cristina Ouvina - by Eurobasket News

It seems that Cristina Ouvina (174-G-90) will play next season in Poland. According to her twitter posts, Ouvina agreed terms with Wisla Can-Pack. It is important to mention that nothing is officially confirmed by the club yet. Cristina Ouvina is a product of Mann Filter, where she spent last couple of years. The Spanish guard had 8.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3 apg and 2 spg for 24 games in Spain last season. In 2010/11, she averaged 4.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3 apg and 1.7 spg for 27 games. In EuroCup, the player added 4.9 ppg, 3.2 apg and 2.7 rpg, while Mann Filter reached Quarterfinals. Ouvina reached LFB Semis with them twice. Cristina Ouvina was a member of the Spanish National Team last summer, but did not play at the EuroBasket in Poland. She played very successfully for Spanish U20, U18 and 16 National Teams in the past.

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TURKEY

Galatasaray waive to Ceyhun Yildizoglu - by Eurobasket News

Galatasaray waive to Ceyhun Yildizoglu as the Turkish specialist will not be coming back to the team next season.
In 2004-2005 he started with Botas (D1) and remained with the team until 2008. In 2008-2009 moved to Mersin BSH Bld (TBBL) women team and stayed there for two years. He took over Galatasaray Istanbul (TKBL) women team in 2010 and coached for two seasons. This year he became Turkish TBBL Regular Season Runner-Up and reached Euroleague Final Eight -12. He also became the Head Coach for Turkish TKBL All-Star Game -12.
Having a great roster the team administration however expected at least one more title (Galatasaray won the Turkish Cup earlier this season.). Few days ago Fenerbahce won its eighth straight title in Turkey. They outplayed Galatasaray as a guest 86-96 closing the series with almost perfect 1-3. Fenerbahce was also the regular season champion with 19-3 record. Galatasaray won the Turkish Cup earlier this season.

Fenerbahce keep Angel McCoughtry and Cappie Pondexter and Ivana Matovic - by Eurobasket News

Fenerbahce keep Angel McCoughtry (185-F-86, college: Louisville) and Cappie Pondexter (175-G-83, college: Rutgers) and Ivana Matovic (197-C-83) for the 2012/2013 season. The team announced the big names for another season.
Recently Fenerbahce won its eighth straight title in Turkey. They outplayed Galatasaray as a guest 86-96 closing the series with almost perfect 1-3. Fenerbahce was the regular season champion with 19-3 record. Galatasaray however won the Turkish Cup earlier this season.
Angel McCoughtry is a top-scorer of the team with 17.8 points per game. She was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL Player of the Year -12. Cappie Pondexter was second with 16.5 points per game. She was named as a Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL Honorable Mention -12. Ivana Matovic was third with 13.9 points per game and 4.3 rebounds.

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UBA

WUBA Standings

WUBA Standings

Northern Conference
1. Cinncinatti S.		8-2
2. Queen City G.		6-5
3. Sharonville F.		5-5
4. Seven Hills F.		3-8
Southern Conference
1. Southern G.		16-1
2. GIE Disciples		11-4
3. Tennessee D.		5-8
4. Atlanta A.		2-10
5. Metro A. Sparks		2-12

Regular Season: Round 5

Apr. 22: GIE Disciples - Metro A. Sparks 91-60
Apr. 15: Southern G. - Atlanta A. 90-78
Apr. 8: Southern G. - Tennessee D. 89-73
Apr. 29: Southern G. - Metro A. Sparks 88-66
Apr. 29: GIE Disciples - Tennessee D. 80-49
Apr. 8: Metro A. Sparks - Atlanta A. 78-65
Apr. 15: Metro A. Sparks - Tennessee D. 75-77
Apr. 22: Atlanta A. - Southern G. 72-101
Apr. 1: GIE Disciples - Tennessee D. 66-68
Apr. 1: Metro A. Sparks - Southern G. 60-78