EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/1/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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



Ciclista Olimpico keep Jonatan Machuca - by Eurobasket News

Ciclista Olimpico confirmed Jonatan Machuca (184-PG-89) for another season. The guard will enter his second straight and third overall season with the team. Last season Jonatan Machuca notched 5.4 points, 2.0 assists and 1.1 rebounds per game in LigaA. Previously the point guard had stints with CB Illescas in Spain and Ben Hur in Argentina. He used to play for Argentina U16, U17, U18 and U19 selections. Latinbasket.com named Jonatan Machuca into Argentinean LigaA All-U20 Team in 2008.


Sionista tab Eduardo Spalla - by Eurobasket News

Sionista strengthened their roster for the next season. They agreed on terms of contract with Eduardo Spalla (197-F-89, agency: Dream Team Management). The forward spent the last season with Argentino Junin. He averaged 13.6 points per game in TNA. Latinbasket.com named the forward into All-Argentinean TNA 1st Team. Previously Eduardo Spalla had stints with Cuidad de Bragado, Club 9, Atenas Cordoba. He used to play for Argentinean U16 and U17 National Teams. Eduardo Spalla was the winner of South American U16 Championship in Uruguay in 2005. Sionista have already confirmed seven players for the next season. They are Luis Cequeira (180-PG-85), Daniel Hure (200-F-85), Luciano Gonzalez (196-F-90), Matias Sandes (201-F/G-84), Alejandro Zilli (200-PF-82), Jerome Meyinsse (206-F/C-88, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Virginia) and Joshua Pittman (197-F-76, agency: Dream Team Management, college: NC-Asheville).


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  AUSTRIA   


Retirements in the ABL - by Stefan Heinrich

Three players announced their retirements with the end of the 2011-2012 season. All 3 players did participate in the ABL Finals this season, two guys are going to leave Gmunden and the captain of Klosterneuburg is leaving the new champion as well.

Florian Schoeninger (186-G-83) is going to leave Gmunden after playing for the Swans since 1998. This season the experienced Austrian finished the season with 5.0ppg, 1.8rpg and 1.7apg in 40 games for Coach Fischer's team.
The second player who is leaving the Swans is Thomas Stelzer (185-G-81). The 31 year old Guard appeared in 35 games this season and he was responsible for 1.5ppg.

The third player is the Damir Hamidovic (205-C/F-71) of the Dukes. After playing 20 seasons for the Dukes the 40 year old Hamidovic finished his career with his first Championship. In 41 games he had 3.4ppg, 1.9rpg but the most important fact is that he could win the Championship!


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  BAHRAIN   

Standings

Premier Standings
Places 1-6
 1. Al Manama 1-0 
 2. Muharraq 1-0 
 3. Al Hala 1-0 
 4. Al Ahli 0-1 
 5. Sitra 0-1 
 6. Issa Town 0-1 
Places 7-11
 1. Al Ittihad 0-0 
 2. Al Najma 0-0 
 3. Bahrain Club 0-0 
 4. Nuwaidrat 0-0 
 5. Samaheej 0-0 
Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 1

May. 30: Al Manama - Sitra 96-93
May. 30: Al Ahli - Al Hala 79-85
May. 30: Muharraq - Issa Town 75-65



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  BELGIUM   

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game
 Christopher COPELAND
  Aalstar
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 21.8
 1. Copeland, Aalstar21.8 
 2. Bostic, Liege16.7 
 3. Mallet, Spirou15.1 
 4. Lojeski, Oostende14.4 
 5. Haynes, Gent14.1 
 6. Taylor, M.Hainaut13.9 
 7. Black, Antwerp13.7 
 8. Love, Verviers-Pep.13.3 
 9. Jenkins, Gent13.0 
 10. Freeman, Leuven12.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jason LOVE
  Verviers-Pep.
  (206-F/C-87)
  Avg: 8.7
 1. Love, Verviers-Pep.8.7 
 2. Brown, Gent7.9 
 3. Mejri, Antwerp7.8 
 4. Merriex, Verviers.7.1 
 5. Young, Aalstar7.1 
 6. McLean, Leuven6.8 
 7. Mukubu, Verviers.6.8 
 8. Jackson, Aalstar6.3 
 9. Maras, M.Hainaut6.0 
 10. Booker, Oostende6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Dominic WATERS
  Liege
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 4.1
 1. Waters, Liege4.1 
 2. Bosco, Gent3.4 
 3. Marnegrave, Leuven3.4 
 4. Djordjevic, Ooste.3.4 
 5. Black, Antwerp3.0 
 6. Slaughter, M.Hai.2.9 
 7. Steinbach, Aalstar2.9 
 8. Mallet, Spirou2.7 
 9. Thompson, Verviers.2.6 
 10. Taylor, M.Hainaut2.6 
Steals Per Game
 Adeola DAGUNDURO
  Leuven
  (196-G-86)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Dagunduro, Leuven2.5 
 2. Mukubu, Verviers.2.2 
 3. Hopkins, Antwerp2.0 
 4. Black, Antwerp2.0 
 5. Bosco, Gent2.0 
 6. Mallet, Spirou1.9 
 7. Wilson, Antwerp1.8 
 8. Muya, Liege1.7 
 9. Maras, M.Hainaut1.6 
 10. Haynes, Gent1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Salah MEJRI
  Antwerp
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Mejri, Antwerp2.5 
 2. Riddick, Spirou1.8 
 3. Jennings, Liege1.5 
 4. Love, Verviers-Pep.0.9 
 5. Young, Aalstar0.8 
 6. Booker, Oostende0.8 
 7. Nivins, M.Hainaut0.6 
 8. Holiday, Aalstar0.5 
 9. De Zeeuw, Verviers.0.5 
 10. Vaughn, Antwerp0.5 


A look back at the 2011-12 Division II season and transfer news - by Bert Larsimont


The 2011-12 Division II season turned out to be a very interesting one. With Gembo BBC as final play-off winner, great basketball action on all courts during the regular season, always more Belgian talents showing their skills and well-deserved eurobasket.com awards granted last month (see http://www.eurobasket.com/Belgium/basketball.asp?NewsID=270239), the Division II season ended in a brilliant way. A few transfers have already been set and many transfer rumors are also filtering.

First of all, let us have a look back at the playoff series which proved again that the level in Belgian Division II is at its best. Against surprising play-off invitee Point Chaud Sprimont of Coach Pascal Horrion, regular season's number one team Bent Schoenen Waregem had a hard time in the quarter-final series (best-of-three). The men of Coach Horrion pushed Sven Declercq 's guys to a third decisive game which Bent Schoenen Waregem won only by a 6-point margin on April 15th (75-69). CEP Fleurus of President Giovanni Mureddu also made it to the semi-finals but had to go through a third game against Sint-Niklase Condors. Royal Excelsior Brussels got rid of BBC Kangoeroes Boom and Gembo BBC qualified against last season's finalist Essor Charleroi, in two straight games in both series. The semi-final series were intense: Bent Schoenen Waregem defeated Excelsior 78-85 away in the first game of their series and left no chance to the Brussels' team of Coach Serge Crevecoeur a few days later (82-68). In the other semi-final series, Gembo BBC had to spend much energy to get rid of Coach Tom Poppe's CEP Fleurus in game three (86-75). Coach Stefan Sappenberghs' Gembo squad looked strong and well balanced through the whole season and won the title against BS Waregem after a great performance away in the third and decisive game of the final series. Gembo had won the first game at home 98-70 on April 24th, BS Waregem made it last longer by defeating Gembo 86-78 on April 27th and Gembo of top scorer Domien Loubry (186-G-85) eventually defeated host team BS Waregem 72-88 on April 29th.

The Ethias League will go on with only 8 pro teams next season and looks more and more like a closed league. Next Division II season shall look like the true Belgian Championship again as most clubs will focus on the will to give chances to young (or less young) Belgian talents, helped in some cases by few experienced Bosman or foreign players. Optima Gent, despite a nice 12-20 record in Ethias League this season, will not compete in the top domestic professional competition anymore and should be involved in Division II action in 2012-13. They will nevertheless lose some of their players: Lionel Bosco (176-PG-81, agency: Court Side) will still play in Ethias League and has signed a contract with Belgacom Liege Basket, the US players Michael Jenkins (191-G-86, college: Winthrop), Michael Haynes (203-F/C-81, college: Fordham), La'Shard Anderson (185-G-89, college: Boise St.) or Graham Brown (205-C-84, college: Michigan) will probably find a job elsewhere, etc. Otherwise, some transfers have already been fixed. Tom Poppe leaves CEP Fleurus to join BBC Kangoeroes Boom where experienced Belgian players Witse Van Schil and Mitch Gorremans (ex-CEP Fleurus too) as well as Dieter Souveryns (ex-Essor Charleroi) have also been hired. CEP Fleurus' policy to encourage young players will go on. Paul Vervaeck will be back at the Salle Andre Robert after a stay in Luxemburg and a four-year experience with BBC Kangoeroes Boom. He will have a mission to train and educate young talents, including newcomer Terry Deroover (180-G-91). Amaury Marion (196-F-91), who left CEP Fleurus in the middle of last season to study abroad in the Saint Louis, MO area, shall be back in the CEP roster in 2012-13. Sint-Niklase Condors could welcome Sebastien Vermeulen (207-F/C-81), Dave d'Haens (210-C-81) and Elias Lasisi (192-G/F-92, his transfer to Stella Artois Leuven Bears in Ethias League has been announced in Belgian Sport/Foot Magazine and he should be able to play for the Condors thanks to a double license) and will be built around young players Benjamin Bogaert (196-F-86), Dennis Bovoy, Bjorn De Beukeleer (185-G/F-90), Joao-Pedro De Decker, Jeroen Gerlo (193-C-85), Ibrahim Johnson (189-G/F-89) and Niels Maris (196-F-89). In Sint-Jan Basket Antwerpen, ex-Optima Gent player Senne Geukens (190-G-83) has been announced and four young talents have decided to join the team under new coach Steve Cornelis: Vincent Kesteloot (193-F-95), Leroy Anthonis, Brett Hartshorne (201-C/F-92) and Naim El Khounchar (188-F-94). Lars Tielens (193-F/G-88), Dave d'Haens, Filip De Wachter and Herve Djoumbi (207-F/C-77) have decided to leave Sint-Jan. On May 31st, SudPresse announced that Excelsior Brussels hired former Belgian Lion Xavier Collette (185-PG-85, agency: LBM Management) whose contract with Ethias League's club Belgacom Liege Basket was not reconducted. He will most probably replace guard Nathan Hervelle (Gescrap Bizkaia Bilbao Basket forward Axel's brother) who decided to leave the Belgian capital's squad. Royal Excelsior Brussels would like to build a very competitive team able to join the Ethias League at some stage in the future.

Here are the Division II teams for the 2012-13 season: Bent Schoenen Waregem, Gembo BBC, CEP Fleurus, BBC Kangoeroes Boom, Royal Aera Excelsior Brussels, Sint-Niklase Condors, Point Chaud Sprimont, Sint-Jan Basket Antwerpen, Belfius Mons-Hainaut II, BC Cuva Houthalen 2000, Basket Tongeren, Haantjes Oudenaarde, Antwerp Giants II, Essor Charleroi and Optima Gent. To be noted: BC Cuva Houthalen and Basket Tongeren are historic clubs which were involved in Belgian Division I in the 1970s and 1980s. Two cities with a long basketball tradition!

Round one of the regular 2012-13 Division II season has been fixed on September 7th, 8th and 9th. The regular season will end on April 14th. The last game of the 2013 Division II playoffs is scheduled on May 5th.

As far as the 2011-12 eurobasket.com awards are concerned, we had five coaches on our list for 'Coach of the Year': Pascal Horrion, Sven Declercq, Stefan Sappenberghs and Tom Poppe. We could only choose one coach. I had picked Pascal Horrion because Point Chaud Sprimont was the real surprise last season and unexpectedly played the playoffs. The only choice my eurobasket.com's colleague Peter Buyse had doubts about was the one for 'Coach of the Year'. Despite the fact that Bent Schoenen Waregem lost the finals to Gembo BBC, the work done by Sven Declercq over the past couple of years and their number one finish of the regular season warranted Declercq coach of the year honors indeed. We eventually decided to grant a 'Co-Coach of the Year' award. 'Sappe', Tom Poppe and Serge Crevecoeur also deserve a special mention for their excellent 2011-12 season.

We could have added special mentions for players like Lorenzo Giancaterino (190-F/G-90, Belfius Mons-Hainaut II), Mitchel Gorremans (190-G-85, CEP Fleurus), Stan Naudts (195-F-86, Bent Schoenen Waregem), Stijn Dhondt (197-F-79, college: Boston U., Bent Schoenen Waregem), Joris De Schepper (187-G/F-83, Excelsior) and Dieter Souveryns (Essor Charleroi).

For more info on the 2011-12 Division II season, go to http://www.eurobasket.com/Belgium/basketball-Division-II_2011-2012.asp.


Oostende wins in Charleroi in Game Two, 72-68 - by Eurobasket News

Finals, Game 2: Spirou - Oostende 68-72 (1-1)

Second game of the Belgian league Finals was played last night in Charleroi. Oostende managed to grab 68-72 victory tying the score to 1-1 in the series. The format is best-of-five and third game is scheduled for Friday. Oostende will be the host.
Spirou Charleroi was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 5-point lead after three quarters before a 23-14 charge of Base Oostende, which allowed them to win the game. American power forward Brent Wright (203-F/C-78, college: Florida) orchestrated the victory by scoring 14 points and 5 rebounds. Veselin Petrovic (196-77, agency: Beo Basket) contributed with 12 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Base Oostende's coach Dario Gjergja used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) replied 14 pts, Georgian forward Tornike Shengelia (207-91) had 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, while Christopher Hill (191-83, college: Michigan St.) and Dwayne Broyles (196-F/G-82, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: JMU) added 11 points each in the effort for Spirou Charleroi.
Teams will meet again on June 5 in Charleroi. If necessary, there will be another game on June 8. Charleroi is the defending champion in Belgium, while Oostende was the regular season champ with 23-9 record. Oostende will host Game Five, if necessary.

Spirou: D.Mallet 14+2ast, C.Hill 11+4reb+3ast, D.Broyles 11+4reb, T.Shengelia 10+7reb+4ast, J.Hamilton 9+1reb+1ast, C.Beghin 6+6reb
Oostende: B.Wright 14+5reb+1ast, V.Petrovic 12+5reb, D.Djordjevic 10+6reb+1ast, K.Winston 9+1ast, D.Lauwers 8+1reb, D.Buycks 8+2reb+1ast


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  BRAZIL   


Larry Taylor gets Brazilian passport - by Eurobasket News

Larry Taylor (185-G-80, college: Missouri Western) has become Brazilian citizen. He received the passport on May 25th . The guard is now able to participate at any international tournaments with Brazil. He may join the team in their preparations for the upcoming South American Championship. Larry Taylor moved to Brazil back in 2008. He has been playing for Itabom/Bauru since. Last season Larry Taylor notched 12.8 points, 4.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game in Liga Americas. In NBB his stats read 16.9 points, 5.5 boards and 6.5 assists per appearance. He made it into All-Liga Americas 1st Team. Larry Taylor was named into Brazilian League All-Imports Team in 2009 and 2010.


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  BULGARIA   


Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Awards 2011-12 - by Maria Mitzova

Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League 1st Team 2012
#s#
Brandon Heath
Heath
Julian Radionov
Radionov
Aaron Harper
Harper
Aleksandar Yanev
Yanev
John Ofoegbu
Ofoegbu
#e#5

Player of the Year: Brandon Heath (193-G-84) of Lukoil Academik
Guard of the Year: Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81) of Levski Sofia
Forward of the Year: Aleksandar Yanev (203-F-90) of Cherno More
Center of the Year: John Ofoegbu (206-C-84) of Tundja Yambol
Most Improved Player of the Year: Bozhidar Avramov (196-G-90) of Lukoil Academik
Newcomer of the Year: Stanimir Marinov (191-G-91) of Balkan
Bosman Player of the Year: Kiril Pavlovski (210-C-85) of Chernomorets
Import Player of the Year: Brandon Heath (193-G-84) of Lukoil Academik
Domestic Player of the Year: Aleksandar Yanev (203-F-90) of Cherno More
Defensive Player of the Year: John Ofoegbu (206-C-84) of Tundja Yambol
Coach of the Year: Ivan Cholakov of Tundja Yambol

1st Team
G: Brandon Heath (193-84) of Lukoil Academik
G: Julian Radionov (188-79) of Tundja Yambol
G/F: Aaron Harper (199-81) of Levski Sofia
F: Aleksandar Yanev (203-90) of Cherno More
C: John Ofoegbu (206-84) of Tundja Yambol

2nd Team
G: Bozhidar Avramov (196-90) of Lukoil Academik
G: Stanislav Govedarov (185-80) of Tundja Yambol
G: Martin Durchev (200-87) of Tundja Yambol
F: Lamont Mack (201-87) of Lukoil Academik
C/F: Vasil Evtimov (207-77) of Levski Sofia

Honorable Mention
Stanimir Marinov (191-G-91) of Balkan
Dimitar Anguelov (203-SF-79) of Levski Sofia
Damjan Stojanovski (197-F-87) of Lukoil Academik
Kiril Pavlovski (210-C-85) of Chernomorets
Ilia Stankov (198-F-76) of Spartak Pleven
Nikolay Kolev (204-F/C-88) of Cherno More
Simeon Iliev (202-F-89) of Cherno More
Tihomir Zhelev (192-G-90) of Cherno More
Marcus Hall (185-G-85) of Levski Sofia
Branko Mirkovic (190-G-82) of Rilski Sportist
Filip Vukosavljevic (205-F/C-83) of Rilski Sportist

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Bozhidar Avramov (196-90) of Lukoil Academik
G: Julian Radionov (188-79) of Tundja Yambol
G: Stanislav Govedarov (185-80) of Tundja Yambol
F: Aleksandar Yanev (203-90) of Cherno More
SF: Dimitar Anguelov (203-79) of Levski Sofia

All-Imports Team
G: Brandon Heath (193-84) of Lukoil Academik
G/F: Aaron Harper (199-81) of Levski Sofia
F: Lamont Mack (201-87) of Lukoil Academik
C: Kiril Pavlovski (210-85) of Chernomorets
C: John Ofoegbu (206-84) of Tundja Yambol


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  CANADA   


Edmonton's Sihota named Player of the Week - by Eurobasket News

After putting up a combined 40 points and 28 rebounds in two huge wins for the Edmonton Energy (6-3), forward Robbie Sihota has been named International Basketball Player of the Week.

Sihota helped the Energy in their 70-point win over Salem going 6-of-9 from the field for 18 points and 8 rebounds. He followed that up the next night with 22 points and 20 rebounds - including 10 on the offensive glass - while shooting 8-of-11 from the field - as Edmonton beat Salem again 131-103. All this while coming off the bench, a role Sihota is quite comfortable with after starting just two games this season.

'I like to play a very aggressive style and feel like on any night I can be called on to different things for our team whether that's scoring, rebounding or providing a defensive presence,' said the 6'7' forward who is averaging 13.9 points and 9.9 rebounds per game on the season. 'I feel like my role on the team is to come in and provide a physical presence for our team.'

Sihota hails from the University of Calgary where he was a member of three division champion teams and was voted second team All-Canada West League his senior year. From there, he played overseas with the Rotterdam Challengers of the Dutch Basketball League in 2010 and in Luxembourg in 2011. 'My time overseas has been great and I feel like it really has helped me realize how hard players have to work to get to a top level and the commitment it takes on a daily basis to achieve my personal goals,' explained Sihota, whose goal is to be able compete at a higher level each year.

Energy Coach Dave Youngs praised Sihota when saying, ''Robbie gives us great presence off the bench consistently, which is not an easy role for some players to fill.'

Sihota's grit and versatility has made him an effective player in a variety of roles. 'Whether I start or come off the bench I approach the game the same way and come in with the same attitude to help our team,' he said.

Sihota will look to keep things going as the Olympia Reign visit Edmonton for a pair of games Friday and Saturday. Both games tip off at the Saville Centre at 7 p.m.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


Energy set to battle the Reign - by Eurobasket News

The Edmonton Energy are back at home this weekend after two very convincing victories over the Salem Soldiers last weekend. The Energy outscored their opponents 273-175 over the two games to improve to 6-3 on the season, good for second in the International Conference behind 9-1 Bellingham Slam.

On Friday the Energy beat the Soldiers 142-72 in front of a very energetic crowd at the Saville. Seven players finished in double figures for the Energy. Four players put up season high numbers in the game including J.R. Patrick (6'4''-G-81, college: Santa Clara) (18), Jesse Reimink (6'4''-F, college: Hope) (17), Andrew Parker (12), and Rashaun Broadus (21). Rashaun was playing in his first game with the Energy this season after returning last week from Lithuania.

Saturday's game saw University of Calgary alumnus Robbie Sihota (6'6''-F-87) step up for his Energy squad, finishing with 22 points on the night as the Energy would roll to a 131-103 win. He shot 8 of 11 from the field and added an impressive 20 rebounds to the scoresheet. Rashaun Broadus kept his consistent play going into the Saturday game finishing with 21 points again while adding 11 assists.

This weekend will see the Energy playing host to the Olympia Reign. The Reign are 2-8 on the season with their last victory coming against the Salem Soldiers on May 11th. Friday night's game gets under way at 7:30pm at the Saville Community Sports Centre. The Energy and the Reign will go head-to-head again on Saturday night at 7:30pm.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


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  CYPRUS   


New Head Coaches for Etha and Achilleas - by Chris Mammides

The champion team of InterCollege Etha Engomis after split ways with the sucesfull Head Coach Antonis Kontantinidis agreed financial terms with another Cyprus Head Coach Adamou Kyriakos . The new Head Coach of Etha is well known in the Engomis team as he was the assistant Coach of Kuriakos Yiangoulis four years ago and consider being quite positive for the team.
On some other news, the team of Achilleas Kaimakliou which remain gamesless last season due to financial issues agreed financial terms with the Cyprus Head Coach Kuriakos Yiangoulis for the next two years. The team of Kaimakli will participate this season in the second division league


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  D-LEAGUE   


Jazz no longer have D-League affiliate - by Eurobasket News

The Idaho Stampede have entered an exclusive partnership with Portland after teaming with the Jazz, Blazers and Nuggets last season.

The Jazz were previously affiliated with the Utah Flash before the franchise folded prior to the 2011-12 season.

Neither the Jazz nor Denver have announced their new affiliates.

In a press release, Portland president Larry Miller said the 'hybrid partnership' will allow the Blazers and Stampede to operate in a Major League Baseball type of relationship.

Four NBA teams (the Blazers, Nets, Rockets and Knicks) have hybrid partnerships with D-League teams, allowing them to control basketball operations with the developmental squads.

The Cavaliers, Lakers, Mavericks, Spurs, Thunder and Warriors each own D-League teams.

Courtesy of www.deseretnews.com


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


2012-13 Turkish Airlines Euroleague license allocation criteria - by Eurobasket News

The following criteria for the allocation of licences to participating teams for the 2012-13 Turkish Airlines Euroleague season were approved at the Euroleague Commercial Assets shareholders' meeting held on October 14, 2011.


A LICENCE TEAMS

TEAM - COUNTRY
Anadolu Efes Istanbul Turkey
Asseco Prokom Gdynia Poland
Caja Laboral Spain
CSKA Moscow Russia
FC Barcelona Regal Spain
Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul Turkey
Lottomatica Roma* Italy*
Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv Israel
Montepaschi Siena Italy
Olympiacos Piraeus Greece
Panathinaikos Athens Greece
Real Madrid Spain
Unicaja Spain
Zalgiris Kaunas Lithuania

The A Licence club with the lower ranking, calculated by the performance of teams in European competitions during a three-year period, may lose its licence.
*The A Licence team with the lowest ranking at the end of the 2011-12 season is Lottomatica Roma.
The ECA Shareholders Executive Board may propose the following to the General Assembly for the substitution of the A Licence team:

1.Substitution by highest-ranked club without an A Licence. In all cases, the new club must fulfil all other requirements for obtaining an A Licence as established in the licensing rules;
or

2.Substitution of the place by a B Licence, whether temporarily or definitively;
or

3.Substitution of the place by a wild card, which will be granted to the club that the General Assembly considers appropriate at its own discretion and for the period that it deems necessary.


B LICENCE TEAMS

2012-13 EUROLEAGUE COUNTRY RANKING

# COUNTRY / LEAGUE POSITION
1 Spain Champion
2 Russia Champion (CSKA Moscow)
3 Greece Champion (Olympiacos Piraeus or Panathinaikos Athens)
4 Italy Champion
5 Turkey Champion (Anadolu Efes Istanbul or Besiktas JK Milangaz)
6 France Champion
7 Germany Champion (Brose Baskets or Ratiopharm Ulm)
8 Lithuania Champion (Zalgiris Kaunas)
9 Adriatic League* 1st Serbia (Partizan m:ts Belgrade)
10 Adriatic League* 1st Croatia (Cedevita Zagreb)
11 Adriatic League* 1st Slovenia (Union Olimpija Ljubljana)
12 Spain Runner-up
13 Russia Runner-up (BC Khimki Moscow Region)
14 Greece Runner-up (Olympiacos Piraeus or Panathinaikos Athens)
15 Italy Runner-up
16 Lithuania Runner-up (Lietuvos Rytas)
17 Turkey Runner-up (Anadolu Efes Istanbul or Besiktas JK Milangaz)
18 France Runner-up
19 Germany Runner-up (Brose Baskets or Ratiopharm Ulm)
20 Adriatic League Next best team without B licence (Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv)
21 Belgium Champion (Telenet BC Oostende or Belgacom Spirou Charleroi)
22 Czech Republic Champion (CEZ Basketball Nymburk)
23 Ukraine Champion (BC Donetsk)
24 Israel Champion (Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv)
25 Poland Champion (Asseco Prokom Gdynia or Trefl Sopot)
26 Bulgaria Champion (PBC Lukoil Academic)
27 Netherlands Champion (Eiffeltowers Den Bosch)
28 Latvia Champion (VEF Riga)

* The Adriatic League teams (1 from Serbia, 1 from Slovenia and 1 from Croatia) are the ones with the best Adriatic League + National League + European competitions ranking.
All B Licences will be allocated according to the Euroleague Country Ranking.
When a country ranking spot has already been assigned to an A Licence team, the assignation will jump to the next country appearing in the ranking, until all spots are covered.
One B License is reserved for the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Round champion.
Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Round spots will also follow the country ranking.
As stated in the Euroleague Basketball Bylaws, Euroleague Basketball reserves the right to allocate wildcards in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Round.


C LICENCE TEAM

TEAM - POSITION
BC Khimki Moscow Region Eurocup Champion

The C Licence corresponds to the Eurocup champion, BC Khimki Moscow Region.
In the case that the Eurocup champion also earns the right to participate in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague through the country ranking regarding its national league final standing (B Licence), the C Licence will automatically become a wildcard.
*All wildcards will be proposed by the Board and confirmed by the General Assembly.

Courtesy of Euroleague


*****************************************************
  FIBA AMERICAS U18   

Standings (Men)

Standings
Group A
1. Brazil0-0
2. US Virg.Isl0-0
3. Mexico0-0
4. USA0-0
Group B
1. Argentina0-0
2. Canada0-0
3. Colombia0-0
4. P.Rico0-0

Preliminary Round: Round 1

A

Jun. 16: USA - ISV
Jun. 16: BRA - MEX

B

Jun. 16: CAN - PUR
Jun. 16: ARG - COL



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


KORISLIIGA: Petri Virtanen stays in Joensuu - by Rauno Hurmalainen

At the same time as Finnish NT G Petteri Koponen (194-G-88) continues his basketball career abroad, only changing the scenery and country, another NT G Petri Virtanen (183-G-80) stays loyal to Kataja (Joensuu). Virtanen has re-signed with Kataja a 1-year-contract and will start his seventh season on Kataja roster 2012-13. Virtanen averaged passed season 9,7 ppg - 2,2 rpg - 4,1 apg during the regular season. Virtanen wants to be winning the first Finnish Championship ever for Kataja, which has been so close during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons, when Kataja has made the way into the finals, but winning 'only' silver.


BC Khimky Moscow Region officially signs Petteri Koponen - by Eurobasket Center

The deal is done. Petteri Koponen (194-G-88kg-88) signed a three-year contract with BC Khimky Moscow Region. Finnish comboguard comes from Canadian Solar Bologna. This season he avereged 14.3ppg, 3rpg, 2.6apg in 35 SerieA games and has finished a 4 years contract with the Italian Giants. Koponen can leave Khimky at the end of any season if he gets an NBA contract. His rights are owned by the Dallas Mavericks.


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


Eurobasket.com All-French NM1 Awards 2011-12 - by Eurobasket

Eurobasket.com All-French NM1 1st Team 2012
#s#
Ville Kaunisto
Kaunisto
Fabien Calvez
Calvez
Jimmal Ball
Ball
Julien Lesieu
Lesieu
Ian Caskill
Caskill
#e#5

Player of the Year: Ville Kaunisto (204-F-82) of Blois
Guard of the Year: Fabien Calvez (187-G-84) of Charleville
Forward of the Year: Ville Kaunisto (204-F-82) of Blois
Center of the Year: Ian Caskill (207-C-81) of Cognac
Bosman Player of the Year: Ville Kaunisto (204-F-82) of Blois
Import Player of the Year: Ian Caskill (207-C-81) of Cognac
Domestic Player of the Year: Fabien Calvez (187-G-84) of Charleville
Defensive Player of the Year: Fabien Calvez (187-G-84) of Charleville
Coach of the Year: Francis Charneux of Charleville

1st Team
G: Fabien Calvez (187-84) of Charleville
G: Jimmal Ball (178-78) of St Quentin
F: Ville Kaunisto (204-82) of Blois
F: Julien Lesieu (199-83) of St Quentin
C: Ian Caskill (207-81) of Cognac

2nd Team
G: Mathieu Bigote (187-84) of Le Portel
G: Jahsha Bluntt (198-84) of Orchy
F: Djordje Petrovic (202-84) of Orchy
F: Corey Belser (200-82) of Charleville
C/F: Tafari Toney (203-86) of Charleville

Honorable Mention
Darnell Williams (200-F-78) of St Quentin
Jacques Alingue (201-F-88) of Souffel
Daviin Davis (193-F-85) of Blois
Fabien Herard (198-F-79) of Challans
Vaidotas Pridotkas (200-F-84) of Brest
Josh Almanson (205-F-82) of Challans
Tyray Pearson (201-F-80) of Angers BC 49

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Fabien Calvez (187-84) of Charleville
G: Jimmal Ball (178-78) of St Quentin
F: Julien Lesieu (199-83) of St Quentin
F: Fabien Herard (198-79) of Challans
F/C: Mouhammadou Jaiteh (201-94) of CFBB

All-Imports Team
G: Jahsha Bluntt (198-84) of Orchy
F: Corey Belser (200-82) of Charleville
F: Josh Almanson (205-82) of Challans
F: Darnell Williams (200-78) of St Quentin
C: Ian Caskill (207-81) of Cognac

All-Bosmans Team
F: Ville Kaunisto (204-82) of Blois
F: Vaidotas Pridotkas (200-84) of Brest
F: Djordje Petrovic (202-84) of Orchy
C: Ljubomir Avramovic (201-79) of Chartres
C/F: Tafari Toney (203-86) of Charleville


Strasbourg officially returns Jeff Greer - by Eurobasket News

Jeff Greer (196-G/F-79, college: Rutgers) is officially back to Strasbourg. He signed a one-year deal with the club. Greer spent this season with EnBW Ludwigsburg. He appeared 27 times in German league averaging 8.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists. They finished as No.16 with 10-24 record. Jeff Greer already played for Strasbourg in the past and it was from 2004 to 2006. After that, he spent one season with Hapoel Ironi Jahariya, three with Nancy and one with Gravelines. He won Semaine des As trophy with Gravelines last year. They also reached EuroChallenge Quarterfinals. In 2008, Greer won the ProA title with Nancy.


JA Vichy signs Rida El Amrani and Guillaume Pons - by Eurobasket News

JA Vichy signed two new players for the next season. The French outfit brought in point guard Rida El Amrani (180-G-86) and experienced swingman Guillaume Pons (198-G/F-79).
Rida El Amrani most recently played for Saint-Etienne and it was in 2010/11. He appeared 35 times in NM1 averaging 8.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.1 steals. In the past, El Amrani played for Reims, also in NM1. With Reims he won the NM1 title in 2010 and last year he won NM1 Playoffs with Saint-Etienne.
Guillaume Pons split last season between Nanterre and Evreux. With Evreux he had 6.8 ppg and 2.2 rpg for 15 games in ProB. His numbers with Nanterre were lower (ProA). Pons joined Nanterre in 2009 and before that played for Saint Etienne. Last year he won the ProB title with Nanterre.


Aix-Maurienne keeps Darnauzan, Yvrande and Ekanga, Osby leaves - by Eurobasket News

Aix-Maurienne announced that Simon Darnauzan (178-PG-80), Thomas Yvrande (195-SF-84) and Joachim Ekanga-Ehawa (188-SG-77) will return to the club for the next season. At the same time, Maurienne parted ways with Bambale Osby (203-C/F-86, college: Maryland).
Simon Darnauzan joined Maurienne in 2009 from Besancon. This season he had 9.5 ppg and 5.1 rpg for 36 games in ProB.
Thomas Yvrande is a product of Maurienne, where he started as a teenager. He averaged 3.7 ppg and 2.2 rpg for 31 games this season.
Joachim Ekanga-Ehawa arrived to the club in 2010 from Paris-Levallois. His stats read 11.8 ppg, 3 rpg and 2 apg for 37 games this season.
Bambale Osby signed with Maurienne last summer. He appeared 37 times in ProB averaging 14.8 points and 9.4 rebounds.


Jawad Williams stays with Paris-Levallois - by Eurobasket News

According to French media (Catch-and-shoot), Jawad Williams (204-F-83, college: N.Carolina) will play for Paris-Levallois next season as well. Reportedly, two sides already agreed on extension and the deal will be signed until the end of the week. Williams arrived to the club last summer. He appeared 32 times in ProA averaging 16.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists, while Paris-Levallois reached Playoff Quarterfinals. Williams participated at the ProA All-Star Game.
Jawad Williams started last season in the NBA and later joined Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem. With the Cleveland Cavaliers he had 4 ppg and 1.8 rpg in 26 games, and later added 7.7 ppg for 11 games with Hapoel. In 2009/10, the player averaged 4.3 points and 1.6 rebounds for 52 games with the Cavs. He also has experience from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (NBDL), Hapoel Galil Elyon, Rera Kamuy Hokkaido (Japan), Anaheim Arsenal (NBDL) and Fuenlabrada. Williams graduated at the North Carolina University in 2005.


Anthony Hilliard joins Antibes - by Eurobasket News

Anthony Hilliard (193-G/F-86, college: Elizabeth City) is the newcomer in Antibes. The forward spent the last season in Germany. Anthony Hilliard played for Artland Dragons. He tallied 13.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per EuroCup game. In EuroChallenge the forward delivered 11.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals per appearance. In 1.Bundesliga Anthony Hilliard notched 7.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Previously the forward spent two seasons in Belgium. He played for Okapi Aalstar and Verviers-Pepinster. Eurobasket.com named Anthony Hilliard All-Belgian League Forward of the Year in 2011. In 2010 he earned Belgian League Honourable Mention.


Saint-Vallier signs Ivorian NT member Errick Craven - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Errick Craven (188-G-83, college: USC) became a new member of Saint-Vallier. The Ivorian/American guard penned a deal for the next season. He arrives to Saint-Vallier from Vichy, where he spent 2011/12. For 15 games in ProB the player had 10.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 2.7 apg. Before Vichy, Craven spent one year with Dijon. There he had 12.9 ppg, 4.5 ap, 3.7 rpg and 2.3 spg in 40 ProB games. In the past, he also was a member of Boulazac, Clermont, Cocodrilos (Venezuela), LA D-Fenders and Beykoz. Craven graduated at the University of Southern California in 2005. Errick Craven is active member of the Ivorian National Team. At the 2011 AfroBasket in Madagascar he had 7.9 ppg, 3 rpg and 2.1 spg for 7 games. Ivory Coast reached Semifinals.


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


BiG Gotha Rockets: Stacey Nolan named assistant coach - by Moritz Korff

Stacey Nolan will join will Marko Simic's coaching staff at Pro A newcomer BiG Gotha Rockets as an assistant.
Nolan is 39 years of age and played college basketball at Cerritos College and Hawaii Pacific. He then spent several years playing in Asia and Europe. From 2005 to 2008 he was a member of Austria Bundesliga team UBSC Graz. As a coach he has been working in Austria, Romania and Switzerland. He coached Division A side CS Nova Vita Targu Mures, but left during the 2011-12 season. In 2011 he won the Romanian championship with BC ICIM Arad and was named Eurobasket.com All-Romanian D1 Coach of the Year. He also coached the Romanian Women's National Team the same year.


Dane Watts (ratiopharm Ulm) Key In The Wurzburg Series Was Who Could Impose Their Style More - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports) is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Warrensburg, Missouri. He is playing his first season for ratiopharm Ulm. He played at Creighton (NCAA) from 2004-2008 with NBA player Anthony Tolliver. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 11.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3Pts: 42.5%, FT: 71.8%. In 2008, he came to Germany and started his professional basketball career with EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 32 games: 8.9ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP-1 (68.4%), 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 68.7%. In 2009-2010, he came to The Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 34 games: 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 71.0%. Last season for Tuebingen, he played 33 games: 13.7ppg, Reb-4 (7.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 54.5%; in May'11 moved to Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA): 3 games: 7.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg. At Creighton, he won awards such as MVC Tournament Winner -05, 07, MVC All-Freshman Team -05, MVC Regular Season Runner-Up -07, and MVC Tournament Semifinals -08. He spoke to eurobasket after sweeping the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg.

Congrats on the 88-80 win in game 3 against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg. How thrilling is combining the feeling of being a dad last week and sweeping Wurzburg in such a short time?

I cannot put into words how I feel about being a dad. I have loved that guy since we found out we were going to have a baby, now there is a face to look at and a little guy to hold. It is a great time in my life with big things happening professionally and family-wise at the same time, I am very blessed!

Wurzburg had the lead in the first quarter and Per Guenther had to go to the lockerroom. Despite a deep team and more than adequate PG in Tommy Mason Griffin, how concerned were you about the German not being able to conduct the Ulm offense?

You never want to see anyone get hurt and with Swann already sitting out we were short-handed to start with. He was able to come back and be a big factor in that victory.

What adjustments did ratiopharm Ulm do in the second quarter to lead 40-30 at halftime?

I think this series came down to who could impose their style more. Wurzburg would go on runs where they were getting energy from their defense, getting steals and transition baskets. We were effective when we rebounded the ball and looked to attack against their press, whenever we got a lead it was because we were doing that well.

In the third quarter the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg made their run retaking the lead. What was key for them coming back and what was key for Ulm getting lead back and winning the game?

They got hot from 3, it seemed like every time there was a kick out they were hitting that shot. They got some momentum going and it was a tough finish. I think that keeping our composure during that stretch was key, they were going to have to stay hot for the rest of the game to beat us and we believed our defense would hold. We had big plays by Esterkamp and Gunther to get us back in the lead.

What was key for sweeping the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg?

When you have home-court advantage it is important to protect that and we did a good job so far in the playoffs. Game 2 was a battle with Swann out and me joining the team late but our confidence grew out of that adversity and lifted us to the victory. After we stole a win at their place we knew we had a good chance to close it out at home. I give a lot of credit to Wurzburg for the success this year and great playoff run, it was a tough physical series for both teams, they fought hard and did not give up.

ratiopharm Ulm had so many different guys step up, but how special is it for Steven Esterkamp reaching the Beko BBL final? A guy who has been around for years, but never was able to taste the success that he has had with Ulm this season?

It is a great story. I am happy for Steve because I know there were a lot of doubters after his injury. He has played great for us all season and shown that he is not slowed down by his setback. He has shown his professionalism by getting back to a high level and by helping change a culture around a new club. He has had some big moments in these playoffs and I expect him to have a few more before its over. That is why he is our captain, Grandpa Steve!

What is your prediction for the Miami Heat-Boston Celtics series?

I think Miami is playing well right now and will keep that going through this series. They are too explosive for the C's, I think they could beat them in 5.

What is your prediction for the Oklahoma Tunder-San Antonio Spurs?

The Spurs look tough, OKC is very talented and hungry but San Antonio has been putting on a clinic of team work and fundamentals. I think the 'Old Spurs' are looking a little too energetic right now and will beat them in 6.

Thanks Dane for the chat.


Black Thursday In Wurzburg As The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg Split With John Patrick - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber



Success doesnt always mean happiness as ex s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg head coach John Patrick had to experience today. This day isn't as devastating as a certain Black Tuesday in 1929, but for some fans that really enjoyed the success in Wurzburg may have some nights needed to digest this news. Despite winning the 2010 Eurochallenge with BG Goettingen, bringing the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg to the 2012 beko BBL semi finals as a new team back in the first division and continuing to show that he is one of the best basketball coaches in Germany, American John Patrick s short one year tenure in the Bavarian city of Wurzburg ended today. According to http://sport.t-online.de and Main Post, the club split from John Patrick today. There seemed to be big differences between the coach and the players and American Chester Frazier left recently without giving a real reason why and after being swept by ratiopharm Ulm the team refused to shake the hand of their coach. 'We stuck it out at the end, because that is what professionals do. But we as players didnt see a future with him as coach in Wurzburg. We told management about our thoughts the last few days', stressed an unidentifyed Wurzburg player.


Jorge Schmidt Remains With BV Chemnitz - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber



BV Chemnitz fans got great news today that Jorge Schmidt (193-G/F-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) will stay with the team. Schmidt is the third player to remain after Takumi Ishizaki and Alex Rosenthal. The 27 year old 193 cm forward improved his scoring form the season before from 6,0ppg to 8,5ppg. Last season he played 32 games: 8.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 73.5%. 'Jorge fits with his charachter and style of play perfect to Chemnitz. He also has become a real identitiy figure for the fans. It is nice that he will stay at least one more year with us', stressed BV Chemnitz head coach Felix Schreier. The club also announced that 206cm big man Joleik Schaffrath will not be returning next season.

Source: BV Chemnitz


Joscha Domdey Stays With TV Langen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


TV Langen announced yesterday that Joscha Domdey (194-G/F-89) will remain another season with the PRO B team. Joscha Domdey (194-G/F-89) is a 22 year old 194cm swingman that started his basketball career in 2008 with SG Weiterstadt (Oberliga) and will play his third season with TV Langen. Last season he played 19 games: 10.5ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 26.5%, FT: 81.7%. By keeping Joscha Domdey (194-G/F-89) we have set the first stone for the upcoming season. He is an importnat player for us. We are happy that he decided to stay with us despite other offers', stated TV Langen manager Jogi Barth.

Source: TV Langen



*****************************************************
  IBL   


Slam adds center Evan Matteson - by Kip Leonetti

The Bellingham Slam has added height and depth at the center position with the announcement that they have added Evan Matteson (6'10''-C) to the team's roster today.

The 6-foot-10, 230 lb. center is a native of Lynnwood, Wash., and recently completed his senior season at Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Texas. Prior to playing at TAMIU, he suited up for one season at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks.

For the TAMIU Dustdevils, Matteson enjoyed an outstanding senior campaign that saw him lead his team in scoring with 12.6 points per game en route to a 21-7 record and first place in the NCAA Division-II Heartland Conference. He also led in three other categories, including rebounds (6.8 per game), blocks (44) and field goal percentage (58.3). His collegiate career concluded with him earning the Heartland Conferences Player of the Year award, the first time a TAMIU player has received the award.

Matteson's presence will help bolster the Slam's roster as they head into the second half of the 2012 International Basketball League season. The team, winners of eight in a row, currently sits in first place in the league and is off to their best start in team history with a 9-1 record.

After practicing with Bellingham for the last two weeks, Matteson will see his first game action this weekend as the Slam head to Vancouver, Wash., on Friday for a road contest against the 2011 IBL Champion Volcanoes at Clark College.

On Saturday, the Slam head north to Blaine, Wash., for a home game against the Salem Soldiers, the only team to defeat the Slam this season. Tip-off for Saturdays game is set for 7 p.m. at Blaine High School.


Edmonton's Sihota named Player of the Week - by Eurobasket News

After putting up a combined 40 points and 28 rebounds in two huge wins for the Edmonton Energy (6-3), forward Robbie Sihota has been named International Basketball Player of the Week.

Sihota helped the Energy in their 70-point win over Salem going 6-of-9 from the field for 18 points and 8 rebounds. He followed that up the next night with 22 points and 20 rebounds - including 10 on the offensive glass - while shooting 8-of-11 from the field - as Edmonton beat Salem again 131-103. All this while coming off the bench, a role Sihota is quite comfortable with after starting just two games this season.

'I like to play a very aggressive style and feel like on any night I can be called on to different things for our team whether that's scoring, rebounding or providing a defensive presence,' said the 6'7' forward who is averaging 13.9 points and 9.9 rebounds per game on the season. 'I feel like my role on the team is to come in and provide a physical presence for our team.'

Sihota hails from the University of Calgary where he was a member of three division champion teams and was voted second team All-Canada West League his senior year. From there, he played overseas with the Rotterdam Challengers of the Dutch Basketball League in 2010 and in Luxembourg in 2011. 'My time overseas has been great and I feel like it really has helped me realize how hard players have to work to get to a top level and the commitment it takes on a daily basis to achieve my personal goals,' explained Sihota, whose goal is to be able compete at a higher level each year.

Energy Coach Dave Youngs praised Sihota when saying, ''Robbie gives us great presence off the bench consistently, which is not an easy role for some players to fill.'

Sihota's grit and versatility has made him an effective player in a variety of roles. 'Whether I start or come off the bench I approach the game the same way and come in with the same attitude to help our team,' he said.

Sihota will look to keep things going as the Olympia Reign visit Edmonton for a pair of games Friday and Saturday. Both games tip off at the Saville Centre at 7 p.m.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


Energy set to battle the Reign - by Eurobasket News

The Edmonton Energy are back at home this weekend after two very convincing victories over the Salem Soldiers last weekend. The Energy outscored their opponents 273-175 over the two games to improve to 6-3 on the season, good for second in the International Conference behind 9-1 Bellingham Slam.

On Friday the Energy beat the Soldiers 142-72 in front of a very energetic crowd at the Saville. Seven players finished in double figures for the Energy. Four players put up season high numbers in the game including J.R. Patrick (6'4''-G-81, college: Santa Clara) (18), Jesse Reimink (6'4''-F, college: Hope) (17), Andrew Parker (12), and Rashaun Broadus (21). Rashaun was playing in his first game with the Energy this season after returning last week from Lithuania.

Saturday's game saw University of Calgary alumnus Robbie Sihota (6'6''-F-87) step up for his Energy squad, finishing with 22 points on the night as the Energy would roll to a 131-103 win. He shot 8 of 11 from the field and added an impressive 20 rebounds to the scoresheet. Rashaun Broadus kept his consistent play going into the Saturday game finishing with 21 points again while adding 11 assists.

This weekend will see the Energy playing host to the Olympia Reign. The Reign are 2-8 on the season with their last victory coming against the Salem Soldiers on May 11th. Friday night's game gets under way at 7:30pm at the Saville Community Sports Centre. The Energy and the Reign will go head-to-head again on Saturday night at 7:30pm.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


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


Norrkoping Dolphins want to sign Pavel Ermolinskij - by Eurobasket News

According to local media, Norrkoping Dolphins want to sign Pavel Ermolinskij (202-G/F-87, agency: I.D.S. Law) for the next season. Reportedly, they are already in talks. Ermolinskij spent last season with Sundsvall Dragons. He appeared 26 times in Basketligan averaging 12.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5 assists. He missed more than two months due to injury, but still was named to Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan 2nd Team -12. Before Sundsvall, Pavel Ermolinskij spent one year with KR Reykjavik winning the championship title and Icelandic Cup with them. The swingman was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Icelandic League Domestic Player of the Year -11. Before Reykjavik, Ermolinskij played for Ceceres, La Palma, Huelva, Clinicas Rincon, Unicaja Malaga and Vichy. He also was a member of the Icelandic National Team in 2005, 2006 and 2009. He also played for U20 and U18 NT in the past.


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


Maccabi Haifa to play against two NBA teams in the pre-season - by Netanel Dahan

By David Pick& Netanel Dahan:

Maccabi Haifa will play in October against two NBA teams the Minesota T-Wolves and the Golden State Warrioirs.

Haifa already played last season against Ney Jersey Nets last summer.

The team is looking for an HC for the upcoming season and one of the candidates for the position is Brad Greenberg .

Greenberg was an associate head coach in Virginia Tech (2005-2007), he coached last season Bucaneros de La Guaira from Venezuela as he was holding the position of an assistant coach for Venezuela NT. Recently he also was the head coach of the NCAA Div 1 team Radford after he left V-Tech from 2007 untill 2011.


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

Stats Leaders - SerieA

Points Per Game
 Andre SMITH
  Otto C.
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 18.4
 1. Smith, Otto C.18.4 
 2. Coleman, Angelico.18.2 
 3. White, Scavolin.17.2 
 4. Diener, Banco d.16.8 
 5. Green, Sidigas AV16.1 
 6. Shakur, Novipiu CM16.0 
 7. Pullen, Angelico BI16.0 
 8. Hickman, Scavolin.16.0 
 9. Dean, Sidigas AV16.0 
 10. Tucker, Acea Roma15.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Viktor SANIKIDZE
  CS Bo.
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 11
 1. Sanikidze, CS Bo.11.0 
 2. Johnson, Sidigas10.1 
 3. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes8.2 
 4. Smith, Otto C.7.7 
 5. Brunner, Fabi Shoes7.6 
 6. Gigli, CS Bologna7.4 
 7. Jones, Scavolini PS7.2 
 8. Chiotti, Novip.7.0 
 9. Miralles, Angelico.6.9 
 10. Easley, Banco d.6.7 
Assists Per Game
 Marques GREEN
  Sidigas AV
  (167-PG-82)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Green, Sidigas AV6.5 
 2. Diener, Banco d.5.6 
 3. Collins, Otto Case.5.2 
 4. Cook, Armani Mit5.1 
 5. Shakur, Novipiu CM4.3 
 6. Mekel, Benetton TV3.7 
 7. Poeta, CS Bologna3.6 
 8. McCalebb, Montepa.3.4 
 9. Fultz, Banca Terc.3.3 
 10. Brown, Banca T.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Aubrey COLEMAN
  Angelico.
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Coleman, Angelico.3.3 
 2. Kirksay, Fabi Shoes2.6 
 3. Green, Sidigas AV2.5 
 4. Hackett, Scavolin.2.3 
 5. Perkins, Bennet C.2.1 
 6. Hosley, Banco d.2.1 
 7. Dean, Sidigas AV2.0 
 8. Di Bella, Fabi S.1.9 
 9. Pullen, Angelico BI1.8 
 10. Collins, Otto Cas.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Jarvis VARNADO
  Acea Roma
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Varnado, Acea Roma1.9 
 2. Cusin, Scavolini PS1.3 
 3. Johnson, Sidigas1.3 
 4. Easley, Banco d.1.1 
 5. Szewczyk, Umana V.1.1 
 6. Shermadini, Bennet1.0 
 7. Sanikidze, CS Bo.0.9 
 8. Crosariol, Acea R.0.8 
 9. Viggiano, Benetton.0.8 
 10. Slokar, Acea Roma0.8 


Coach Recalcati to leave Varese - by Giovanni Bargna

As reported by the team official website the head coach Carlo Recalcati (agency: Players Group ) will leave the team soon. His contract expires on June 30 and won't be extended.
Recalcati spent last two seasons with Cimberio Varese reaching the playoffs both of the times. 7th place last year and 8th this season.
In every of the two situations the team was eliminated in the quarterfinal series.
Recalcati, wh formerly coached national team and Siena in his long career, was also at Varese from 1997 to 1999 and won a league title with the team.
As the coach said in a recent interview he is looking for other chances and new opportunities as a coach.
According some rumors the team is in talks with Francesco Vitucci (currently at Avellino) and proposed him a contract for next season.


SerieA Round 2 of Semi-Finals. Second wins for Montepaschi and Armani Jeans - by Eurobasket News

Armani Mit - Scavolini PS 84-68

Emporio Armani recorded the second straight win over Scavolini Pesaro. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 49-31 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Armani Milano forced 21 Scavolini Pesaro turnovers. Greek center Ioannis Bourousis (212-83, agency: FCM) scored 18 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and American-Montenegrin point guard Omar-Sharif Cook (186-82, college: St.John's, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 17 points and 5 assists during the contest. Four Armani Milano players scored in double figures. Armani Milano's coach Sergio Scariolo used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international guard Daniel Hackett (198-87, college: USC, agency: Two Points) responded with 20 points and American forward Jumaine Jones (203-79, college: Georgia) scored 14 points and 7 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Armani Mit: I.Bourousis 18+7reb+1ast, O.Cook 17+1reb+5ast, S.Mancinelli 11+6reb+4ast, M.Hairston 11+3reb+1ast, E.Bremer 8+2reb+1ast, N.Melli 8+5reb
Scavolini PS: D.Hackett 20+2reb+2ast, J.Jones 14+7reb, J.White 11+3reb+1ast, M.Cusin 9+5reb, T.Lydeka 8+4reb, R.Hickman 6+1reb+3ast
gschID: 177118


Montepaschi - Banco di Sard. 92-66

Montepaschi eased to the second consecutive win over Sassari in Siena. The game without a history. Montepaschi Siena led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Montepaschi Siena outrebounded Banco di Sard. 39-27 including a 29-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Lithuanian center Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-79) scored 10 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and American-FYR Macedonian point guard Bo McCalebb (183-85, college: New Orleans) chipped in 13 points during the contest. Four Montepaschi Siena players scored in double figures. Bosnian-Serbian power forward Vanja Plisnic (205-80, agency: Beo Basket) responded with 18 points and 9 rebounds and American-Georgian swingman Quinton Hosley (201-84, college: Fresno St.) scored 11 points and 4 assists. 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:
Montepaschi: B.McCalebb 13+4reb+3ast, P.Aradori 12+2reb+3ast, M.Thornton 11+3reb+4ast, K.Lavrinovic 10+8reb+3ast, N.Zisis 8+5reb+5ast, S.Stonerook 8+3reb+2ast
Banco di Sard.: V.Plisnic 18+9reb+3ast, D.Diener 11+3reb+1ast, Q.Hosley 11+4reb+4ast, T.Diener 9+6ast, T.Easley 8, N.Metreveli 4+3reb
gschID: 177117



*****************************************************
  IVORY COAST   


Saint-Vallier signs Ivorian NT member Errick Craven - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Errick Craven (188-G-83, college: USC) became a new member of Saint-Vallier. The Ivorian/American guard penned a deal for the next season. He arrives to Saint-Vallier from Vichy, where he spent 2011/12. For 15 games in ProB the player had 10.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 2.7 apg. Before Vichy, Craven spent one year with Dijon. There he had 12.9 ppg, 4.5 ap, 3.7 rpg and 2.3 spg in 40 ProB games. In the past, he also was a member of Boulazac, Clermont, Cocodrilos (Venezuela), LA D-Fenders and Beykoz. Craven graduated at the University of Southern California in 2005. Errick Craven is active member of the Ivorian National Team. At the 2011 AfroBasket in Madagascar he had 7.9 ppg, 3 rpg and 2.1 spg for 7 games. Ivory Coast reached Semifinals.


Pape-Philippe Amagou selected the top Ivorian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Pape-Philippe Amagou
Pape-Philippe Amagou
   #1. This week's number one is former international guard Pape-Philippe Amagou (185-85, agency: Beo Basket), who plays in the French ProA. He could not help one of league's weakest teams Sluc Nancy (18-12) in their last game. Despite Amagou's very good performance Sluc Nancy lost in an overtime 84-92 on the road to the higher-ranked (#4) Le Mans. He was the second best scorer with 15 points. Amagou also added 5 assists in 36 minutes on the court. Amagou has relatively good stats this year: 11.1ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.7apg, 2FGP: 47.2%, 3FGP: 39.4% and FT: 77.4% in the 33 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Ivorian and French. Despite Amagou played previously for the French U20 national team, he played also for the Ivorian national team in 2010.

Mouloukou Diabate
Mouloukou Diabate
   #2. Second place goes to an international point guard Mouloukou Diabate (183-87). Diabate was not able to help Chorale de Roanne (16-14) in their game against Chalon/Saor (23-7) in the French ProA. He scored 8 points and added 4 passes. Chorale de Roanne was defeated 85-74 on the opponent's court by the second-ranked Chalon/Saor. This season Diabate averages: 6.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 57.7%(60-104), 3FGP: 18.6% and FT: 91.2%(31-34). He is another player who holds two passports: Ivorian and French. Despite Diabate played previously for the French national team, he is currently a member of the Ivorian senior national team.

Francis Koffi
Francis Koffi
   #3. The Ivorian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Francis Koffi (202-81, college: Fresno St.). Koffi led Ourense to a victory over the closely-ranked Prat Juventud (15-9) 88-69 in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division) on Friday night. He was MVP of the game. Koffi recorded 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 25 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Aquas De Sousas Club Ourense Baloncesto (15-13) is placed in the LEB Silver. It's Koffi's first season with the team. This year he has relatively solid stats: 11.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 2FGP: 58.9%(176-299) and FT: 69.0% in the 36 games. Similarly like Diabate and Amagou above Koffi has both French and Ivorian nationalities. Despite he played previously for the French national team, Koffi played also for the Ivorian national team in 2010.

Alain Koffi
Alain Koffi
   #4. Center Alain Koffi (207-83, also represented by Beo Basket) faced previously mentioned Pape-Philippe Amagou in the French ProA last game. Koffi managed to help Le Mans Sarthe Basket to win in overtime against the closely-ranked Sluc Nancy (18-12) 92-84. He scored only 2 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Koffi's overall stats this season are: 6.4ppg and 3.5rpg. Similarly like three previous players above, he also holds two passports: Ivorian and French. Koffi used to play for the Ivorian national team back in 2010.

Walter Hodge
Walter Hodge
   #5. Former international point guard Walter Hodge (183-86, college: Florida) contributed to Capitanes' victory against the leader Atleticos (7-3) 91-79 in the Puerto Rican BSN last Tuesday. He scored only 1 points in 2 minutes on the court. It was his first game for Capitanes this season. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group Top 6. His team is placed third. Hodge holds both Ivorian and Puerto Rican passports. He used to play for the Ivorian national team two years ago.

Frejus Zerbo
Frejus Zerbo
   #6. Center Frejus Zerbo (205-89) was not able to secure a victory for Limoges CSP Elite (27-7) in their game against ALM Evreux (17-17) in the French ProB (second division). Zerbo did not beat the league record on Wednesday evening. He recorded only 2 points. The league leader Limoges CSP Elite was defeated 72-67 in Evreux by the much lower-ranked ALM Evreux (#8). Zerbo's overall stats this season are: 2.2ppg and 2.9rpg. He is a former international player as he played for the Ivorian senior team two years ago.

Issife Soumahoro
Issife Soumahoro
   #7. Former international forward Issife Soumahoro (197-88) couldn't help Boulazac Basket (25-9) in their game against SO Maritime Boulogne (18-16) in the French ProB (second division). Soumahoro cannot count it as his best performance. He scored only 3 points in 3 minutes on the court. Boulazac Basket was edged 82-80 in Boulogne by the lower-ranked (#7) SO Maritime. This year Soumahoro's overall stats are: 3.8ppg and 1.2rpg in the 34 games. He used to play for the Ivorian national team two years ago.

Other top Ivorian players, who play abroad:

Mamadi Diane (196-G/F-86) plays for Ventspils in Latvian LBL
Mohamed Kone (211-C-81) plays for Meridiano Alicante in Spanish ACB
Bryan Pamba-Juille (185-G/F-92) plays for Entente Orleans 45 in French ProA
Herve Toure (202-F-82) plays for Pau-Lacq-Orthez in French ProA
Mamadou Lamizana (207-F/C-81) plays for Vaqueros in Puerto Rican BSN
Jonathan Kale (203-F-85) plays for Lleida Basquet in Spanish LEB Gold
Kafil Eyitayo (201-F) plays for Concordia University in Canadian university league CIS
Mohamed Toure (189-G-92) plays for Omegna in Italian Nazionale A
Andre Oupoh (196-F-84) plays for Caballeros de Culiacan in Mexican CIBACOPA

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


*****************************************************
  JAMAICA   


Roy Hibbert selected the top Jamaican playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Roy Hibbert
Roy Hibbert
   #1. This week's number one is former international center Roy Hibbert (218-86, college: Georgetown), who plays in the NBA. He could not help the Indiana Pacers (42-24) in their last game. Despite Hibbert's good performance the Indiana Pacers lost 93-105 on the road to the Miami Heat. He scored 12 points, had 8 rebounds and made 2 blocks in 40 minutes on the court. It's Hibbert's fourth season with the team. Hibbert belongs to league's best blockers and is ranked #5 with 2.1bpg. He also averaged so far 12.7ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.6apg, 2FGP: 49.7% and FT: 70.5% in the 76 games he played so far. Hibbert is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Hibbert played also for the Jamaican national team in 2010.

Adrian Uter
Adrian Uter
   #2. Second place goes to former international power forward Adrian Uter (201-84, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Hofstra), who plays in the Israeli Premier League. He was not able to help Maccabi Rishon (15-10) in their last game on Thursday. Despite Uter's good performance Maccabi Rishon was defeated 72-67 in Holon by the lower-ranked Hapoel (#5). He was the second best scorer with 13 points. Uter also added 4 rebounds. Uter belongs to league's best blockers (ranked #4) and also on the list of most steals (third place). He has very reliable stats this season: 13.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4bpg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 51.7% and FT: 61.2%. Uter is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Uter played also for the Jamaican national team in 2007.

Oritseweyinmi Efejuku
Oritseweyinmi Efejuku
   #3. The Jamaican player who performed third best last week abroad was former international guard Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-86, college: Providence). He led Indios to a victory over the fourth-ranked Vaqueros (6-4) 85-66 in the Puerto Rican BSN on Saturday night. Efejuku was MVP of the game. He scored 18 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 23 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Efejuku's third season in pro basketball. Indios de Mayaguez (6-4) is placed second in Top 6 group. Efejuku has relatively good stats this year: 11.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 51.1%, 3FGP: 30.5% and FT: 76.3% in the 39 games. He has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and Jamaican. Despite Efejuku played previously for the Nigerian national team, he played also for the Jamaican national team in 2009.

Sherman Gay
Sherman Gay
   #4. Power forward Sherman Gay (201-82, college: Loyola Mary) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Aix-Maurienne (22-12) 86-67 in the French ProB (second division) in Tuesday night's game. Gay scored 13 points and blocked 2 blocks. Fos Ouest Provence Basket (22-12) is placed fifth in the ProB. Gay is the league's best blocker. This season he has very good stats: 14.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.2apg and 1.8bpg. Gay is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Gay is currently in the Jamaican national team roster.

Other top Jamaican players, who play abroad:

Jerome Jordan (213-C-86) plays for New York Knicks in the NBA
Maurice Bailey (183-G-81) plays for VEF Riga in Latvian LBL
Samardo Samuels (206-F/C-89) plays for Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA
Bryan Bailey (185-PG-80) plays for Artland Dragons in German BBL
Kimany Ffriend (211-C-77) plays for Baloncesto Fuenlabrada in Spanish ACB
Jermaine Bucknor (199-F-83) plays for s Oliver Baskets in German BBL
Corey Muirhead (198-F-83) plays for BK Pardubice in Czech Republic NBL
Akeem Scott (186-PG-83) plays for Mornar Bar in Montenegrin 1A
Omar Barlett (203-F-80) plays for AEK in Cypriot Division A
Garry Gallimore (192-G-84) plays for CSM Bucuresti in Romanian Division A
Corey Williams (191-G-77) plays for Quebradillas in Puerto Rican BSN
Ricky Johns (193-G-85) plays for San Martin Corrientes in Argentinian LigaA

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


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


Ksistof Lavrinovic selected the top Lithuanian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Ksistof Lavrinovic
Ksistof Lavrinovic
   #1. This week's number one is an experienced international center Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-79). He led Montepaschi Siena to a victory over the closely-ranked Banco di Sardegna Sassari (20-12) crushing them 91-68 in the Italian SerieA in Monday night's game. Lavrinovic was MVP of the game. He recorded 19 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 25 minutes on the court. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Montepaschi Siena (24-8) is placed first in the SerieA. It's Lavrinovic's fifth season with the team. Lavrinovic has relatively good stats this year: 12.1ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 62.9%(90-143), 3FGP: 37.2% and FT: 79.7% in the 23 games he played so far. He is currently a member of the Lithuanian senior national team.

Sarunas Jasikevicius
Sarunas Jasikevicius
   #2. Second place goes to an international guard Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-76, college: Maryland). Jasikevicius contributed to Panathinaikos' victory against the league leader Olympiacos (23-1) 84-74 in a derby game in the Greek A1 last Wednesday. He recorded 12 points and added 7 passes. 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. It's Jasikevicius' first season with the team. This year Jasikevicius averages: 8.4ppg, 3.2apg, 2FGP: 54.7%, 3FGP: 47.6%(30-63) and FT: 80.8%. He is in the roster of the Lithuanian senior national team.

Martynas Gecevicius
Martynas Gecevicius
   #3. The Lithuanian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international guard Martynas Gecevicius (193-88), who plays in the Greek A1. Gecevicius could not help Olympiacos (23-1) to beat Panathinaikos (22-2). He scored 8 points in 22 minutes. The league leader Olympiacos was edged 81-79 in a derby game by the second-ranked Panathinaikos. This year Gecevicius' overall stats are: 7.9ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 44.0%, 3FGP: 45.4%(49-108) and FT: 77.1% in the 29 games. He is also a member of the Lithuanian senior national team.

Donatas Motiejunas
Donatas Motiejunas
   #4. Power forward Donatas Motiejunas (213-90, agency: Interperformances), who plays in the Polish PLK was not able to help Asseco Prokom (8-2) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite Motiejunas' good performance the first-placed Asseco Prokom was crushed 83-57 on the road by the second-ranked Trefl Sopot in the Group A. He was the top scorer with 11 points. Motiejunas also added 5 rebounds. Motiejunas belongs to league's top scorers and is ranked #6. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Motiejunas averages: 15.6ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.5apg and 1.4spg. He is also Lithuanian national team player.

Rimantas Kaukenas
Rimantas Kaukenas
   #5. International guard Rimantas Kaukenas (192-77, college: Seton Hall) is a teammate of previously mentioned Ksistof Lavrinovic. But that was another game of his team in Italian SerieA which we would like to mention. Kaukenas managed to help Montepaschi Siena in a victory against the closely-ranked Banco di Sardegna Sassari (20-12) crushing them 92-66. He scored 5 points in 16 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Montepaschi Siena (24-8) is placed first in the SerieA. This year Kaukenas' total stats are: 9.8ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.8apg in the 18 games. He plays currently for the Lithuanian national team.

Tautvydas Lydeka
Tautvydas Lydeka
   #6. Power forward Tautvydas Lydeka (208-83) contributed to a Scavolini Pesaro's victory against the closely-ranked Bennet Cantu (21-11) 78-69 in the Italian SerieA on Saturday night. Lydeka scored 10 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Scavolini Siviglia Pesaro (19-13) is placed sixth in the SerieA. Lydeka has averaged so far 7.6ppg and 4.7rpg. He is a former international player as he played for the Lithuanian senior team six years ago.

Arvydas Cepulis
Arvydas Cepulis
   #7. Former University international guard Arvydas Cepulis (196-79) helped Ploiesti edge in an overtime the eighth-ranked Timisoara (17-13) 80-78 in the Romanian Division A in Thursday night's game. Cepulis recorded 15 points in 43 minutes. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti (20-8) is placed fourth in the Division A. This year Cepulis has relatively solid stats: 12.8ppg, 3.1rpg and 1.4apg in the 24 games. He used to play for the Lithuanian university national team seven years ago.

Martynas Pocius
Martynas Pocius
   #8. Guard Martynas Pocius (196-86, also represented by Interperformances, college: Duke) was not able to secure a victory for Real Madrid (26-8) in their game against Caja Laboral (23-11) in the Spanish ACB. Pocius cannot count Tuesday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points. Real Madrid was edged in an overtime 82-79 in Vitoria by the lower-ranked Caja Laboral (#3). Pocius has averaged so far 5.2ppg and 1.8rpg. He plays currently for the Lithuanian national team.

Mindaugas Lukauskis
Mindaugas Lukauskis
   #9. International guard Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-79), who plays in the Italian Lega2 (second division) couldn't help Sigma Barcellona (16-12) in their last game. Despite Lukauskis' very good performance Sigma Barcellona lost 80-86 in Brindisi to the higher-ranked (#3) Enel. He was the second best scorer with 16 points. Lukauskis also added 5 rebounds in 33 minutes. Lukauskis has reliable stats this year: 11.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.7apg and 1.9spg in the 32 games. He is also in the roster of the Lithuanian national team.

Michailis Anisimovas
Michailis Anisimovas
   #10. Center Michailis Anisimovas (214-84) couldn't help Budivelnyk (30-9) in their game against Ferro-ZNTU (23-16) in the Ukrainian Superleague. Anisimovas recorded 6 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Budivelnyk was defeated 99-88 in Zaporozhye by the lower-ranked Ferro-ZNTU (#5). Anisimovas has averaged so far 9.6ppg and 3.5rpg. Despite he played previously for the Ukrainian national team, Anisimovas is also a former university international player as five years ago he still played for the Lithuanian national team.

   #11. Former U21 international guard Linas Lekavicius (186-84, college: American), who plays in the Russian Superleague (second division) couldn't help Universitet-Yugra (19-13) in their last game. Despite his good performance Universitet-Yugra was edged 55-54 in Ekaterinburg by the second-ranked Ural. Lekavicius was the top scorer with 11 points. He also added 9 rebounds in 25 minutes. Lekavicius is currently sixth on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best passers (second place). He has very reliable stats this year: 13.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 5.0apg and 2.4spg in the 32 games. Despite Lekavicius played previously for the Ukrainian national team, he is currently in the Lithuanian U21 national team roster.


*****************************************************
  MOLDOVA   

Standings

D1 Standings
 1. Donbasket 22-1 
 2. PGU-SDUSHOR 13-10 
 3. UASM 13-10 
 4. Gamma 12-11 
 5. Fireball 7-7 
 6. Politech 3-11 
 7. Soroka 2-12 
 8. ASEM 2-12 


Donbasket wins the Play-off Top4 Stage - by Eurobasket News

Donbasket wins the Play-off Top4 Stage. In the last game the favorites overcame UASM 81:65 and PGU-SDUSHOR 78:70. In the game versus Gamma, Donbasket received a 20-0 win due to forfeit. PGU-SDUSHOR finished second and UASM clinched the third place.


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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-G-78)
  Avg: 28.2
 1. Bryant, LA Lakers28.2 
 2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.27.8 
 3. James, Miami Heat27.6 
 4. Love, Minnesota T.26.0 
 5. Westbrook, Oklah..23.4 
 6. Anthony, New Y.23.1 
 7. Wade, Miami Heat22.4 
 8. Nowitzki, Dallas M.22.0 
 9. Rose, Chicago B.21.9 
 10. Aldridge, Portlan.21.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 14.5
 1. Howard, Orlando M.14.5 
 2. Love, Minnesota T.13.4 
 3. Bynum, LA Lakers11.7 
 4. Cousins, Sacramen.11.0 
 5. Humphries, New J.11.0 
 6. Griffin, LA Clipp.10.3 
 7. Gasol, LA Lakers10.3 
 8. Gortat, Phoenix10.0 
 9. Smith, Atlanta H.9.9 
 10. Chandler, New Y.9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 11.7
 1. Rondo, Boston C.11.7 
 2. Nash, Phoenix Suns10.7 
 3. Paul, LA Clippers8.9 
 4. Calderon, Toron.8.8 
 5. Williams, New J.8.7 
 6. Rubio, Minnesot.8.2 
 7. Wall, Washington W.8.0 
 8. Rose, Chicago B.7.9 
 9. Parker, San A.7.6 
 10. Conley, Memphis G.6.7 
Steals Per Game
 Chris PAUL
  LA Clippers
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Paul, LA Clippers2.5 
 2. Rubio, Minnesot.2.2 
 3. Conley, Memphis G.2.1 
 4. Rondo, Boston C.2.0 
 5. James, Miami Heat1.9 
 6. Kidd, Dallas M.1.8 
 7. Millsap, Utah Jazz1.8 
 8. Allen, Memphis G.1.7 
 9. Iguodala, Philadel.1.7 
 10. Shumpert, New Y.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Serge IBAKA
  Oklah.Ci.
  (208-C/F-89)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.3.6 
 2. McGee, Washingt.2.5 
 3. Howard, Orlando M.2.1 
 4. Bynum, LA Lakers2.1 
 5. Hibbert, Indiana P.2.1 
 6. Jordan, LA Clippers2.0 
 7. McGee, Denver N.2.0 
 8. Gasol, Memphis G.1.9 
 9. Biyombo, Charlott.1.8 
 10. Udoh, Golde S.1.7 


Performance by Boston Celtics Rajon Rondo a marvel to behold - by Milord Nikolic

Maestro, magician, enigma, visionary, ringmaster. Rajon Rondo is hard to describe. Con artist, contortionist, inventor, aviator. But delectable to watch. Rondo plays basketball the way jazzmen make music. He improvises. He links unpredictable moves together like Thelonious Monk linked unorthodox notes together, creating a string of pearls. He ventures off on solos but always comes back to harmonize with his bandmates. The Miami Heat could not silence Rondos virtuoso performance in the first half of Wednesdays Game2 of the Eastern Conference finals. They used canny defensive methods to prevent him from soaring for most of the second. But Rondo led Boston into overtime and his remarkable riffs kept things suspenseful to the very end of Miamis 115-111 victory. Rondo, Bostons sublime point guard, finished with a career high of 44 points, and added 10 assists and eight rebounds. He tallied 22, seven and four in the first half, which Boston dominated. He played every second of a game full of dizzying reversals. When the Heat was sighing with relief and AmericanAirlines Arena spectators were heading for the aisles, Rondo swished two three-pointers to keep alive Bostons hopes of stealing one game in Miami. With Rondo at the wheel Bostons Big Three did not look like the aging Celtics. He found his creases, his tunnels and fifth-dimension planes. He found his teammates sweet spots that had been shut off in Game 1. He defended LeBron James on the last-second jump shot in regulation that bonked off the glass, sending the game into overtime. He juked past James and sped by Dwyane Wade for a two-point lead early in overtime, then sank a long jumper and two free throws and should have been allotted two more free throws after getting swiped in the head by Wade. He tried to compensate for the absence of Paul Pierce, who fouled out. In the end, Rondos marathon effort was not quite enough. The Heat will take a 2-0 series lead to Boston for Fridays Game 3. The Heat knew Mondo Rondo would be their primary matchup problem against Boston. Love him or hate him, Miami fans got a treat Wednesday Rondo at his best. For much of the game, the Heat had no solution for him. Guard him too close and he slithers right by you. Guard him too far and he has room to pass or shoot. He mixed his usual acrobatic drives with a surprising array of jump shots and those uncharacteristic three-pointers. He has to keep doing that, Celtics coach Doc Rivers said of Rondo. We need to get Kevin more involved. We had a lot of empty possessions. There are things we can fix, and we will. Rondo took a kick-out pass from Paul Pierce and hit a pivotal jumper to extend Bostons lead to five and stall Miamis comeback with less than five minutes to play. After Udonis Haslems baseline jumper capped a 9-0 run that put Miami ahead 98-94, Rondo countered with an assist to Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen nailed a three-pointer to tie with 34.3 seconds left. The Celtics had squandered a 15-point lead. As has been the case throughout the playoffs, the Heat found its groove in the third quarter, scoring 35 points on a multitude of blazing sprints triggered by equally spectacular defense. You let them make a run now answer with a run, Rivers told his team in a timeout huddle. Rondo, 26, has nine postseason triple-doubles in his career. Hes a good bet to surpass the superstar of versatility, Magic Johnson, who had 30. I wish we had the book on how to do it, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of the strategy for stopping Rondo. It was obviously an abomination in the first half. In the second half, the Heat used Mario Chalmers less on Rondo and tried to confound Rondo with different defenders and swarming double teams. James got the initial assignment and that resulted in Pierce beating Shane Battier for a dunk. James had defended every position during the playoffs and he might have to guard Tony Parker down the road. But the Heats adjustments took their toll on Rondo, who couldnt attack the way he had earlier. He was forced into two sloppy turnovers and failed to calm the reeling Celtics as Miamis lead grew to eight. What it speaks to is his competitiveness, Spoelstra said. Whatever that team needs, hes able to do. Somehow we were able to withstand his incredible game. Does Rondo have another one in him? If Bostons Pierce, Garnett and Allen are to win another title, Rondo will have to keep playing beautiful music.


Thunder 102, Spurs 82: Oklahoma City cuts San Antonio's series lead to 2-1 - by Eurobasket News

Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) scored 22 points, Thabo Sefolosha (6'7''-G-84, agency: ACMT) set playoff career-bests with 19 points and six steals, and the Oklahoma City Thunder snapped San Antonio's 20-game winning streak by beating the Spurs, 102-82, in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals on Thursday night.

Oklahoma City closed its series deficit to 2-1 and will host Game 4 on Saturday night.

Sefolosha threw a wrench in the Spurs' well-oiled offense at the start, getting four steals in the first 3 minutes. The Spurs ended up committing a postseason-worst 21 turnovers and scoring their least points all season.

Tony Parker (6'0''-PG-82) and Stephen Jackson (6'8''-F/G-78, college: Butler Co.CC) led the Spurs with 16 points apiece. Tim Duncan (6'11''-F/C-76, college: Wake Forest) had 11 points on 5-for-15 shooting, taking 11 of San Antonio's first 25 shots as the offense went through the All-Star center instead of Parker.

San Antonio had been averaging 109.4 points during its month-and-a-half winning streak and had been held to double digits only twice.

The Spurs, who already set an NBA record for the longest winning streak carried over from the regular season into the playoffs, were trying to match the league mark for most wins to start the postseason. The Lakers won 11 straight to start the 1989 and 2001 playoffs, getting swept in the NBA finals the first time and winning it all the second.

The Spurs' last loss was to the Lakers at home on April 11.

Parker and Duncan didn't play in the final 15 minutes, and coach Gregg Popovich pulled the plug after another series of three straight turnovers allowed the deficit to reach 23 points early in the fourth quarter.

Sefolosha had a right-handed dunk off a lob pass from Russell Westbrook, who followed with his own two-handed jam on an alley-oop pass and Sefolosha followed with a reverse layup on another turnover-fueled fast-break chance to push the lead to 86-63 with 9:48 left.

The Thunder put together another 9-0 run coinciding with Manu Ginobili coming out of the game, and featuring Serge Ibaka sticking his tongue out after nailing a jumper from the top of the key. Coach Scott Brooks soon followed suit and pulled his own front-line players with the game well in hand. Continued...

The Spurs wiped out a 24-point deficit in Game 3 against the Clippers in Los Angeles in the last round, but they weren't recovering in this one.

San Antonio managed only 24 points in the paint after averaging 46 through the first two games of the series and 47.8 through the playoffs.

Oklahoma City already held a 28-8 scoring edge in the paint while taking a 54-41 halftime lead and it never got better for San Antonio, which couldn't get any closer than 11 points in the second half.

The Thunder scored the game's first eight points, feeding off Sefolosha's steals, but San Antonio recovered in time to take the lead with more than 5 minutes left in the opening period.

Oklahoma City took the lead early in the second quarter and there was no looking back.

Sefolosha set up Ibaka's two-handed dunk and hit a 3-pointer during a 13-1 run, with San Antonio's only point coming on a free throw by Ginobili after Durant was called for a technical foul while arguing a call from the bench.

Oklahoma City's lead ballooned to 15 when Kendrick Perkins grabbed Westbrook's airball and dunked it with two hands.

Courtesy of http://news-herald.com


Anthony Davis reacts to NBA lottery - by Eurobasket News

Kentucky bought a billboard promoting Anthony Davis (6'10''-F-93) outside of New Orleans Arena prior to the SEC tournament in March.

The purpose was to sell Davis, and the Wildcats, to New Orleans in preparation for the Final Four at the Superdome next door to the New Orleans Hornets' home.

Little did the University of Kentucky know that its marketing department had done advance work for the hometown NBA franchise.

'If that billboard isn't still up, they should put it back up,' Anthony Davis Sr. said about his son.

The Hornets moved up three spots in the NBA draft lottery on Wednesday night to land the No. 1 pick, snatching the honor away from Charlotte, Washington and Cleveland.

The coincidence for Davis couldn't have been predicted. On the day he received his national championship ring from the NCAA for earning a title in New Orleans for Kentucky in March, he found out the Hornets had won the right to select him on June 28.

'I won a national championship in New Orleans, so why not win another one in New Orleans?' said Davis, who was the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four and the consensus National Player of the Year award winner in his only season at Kentucky.

'I just have to buy into what they're doing and work my hardest,' said Davis, as his friends and family gathered at a Dudley's Restaurant in downtown Lexington to watch the lottery on ESPN.

New Orleans won't publicly commit to selecting Davis -- at least not yet -- but there is no other expected selection at the top of the draft. The Hornets, who finished with the worst record in the Western Conference at 21-45, do have experience up front in Emeka Okafor and Chris Kaman, if both return next season.

'That helps, because there are guys there that can show me how things work,' Davis said. 'They can take me under their wing. It makes it a lot easier.'

Davis was savvy to the present mood in New Orleans professional sports, with the spring dominated by the news of bounty-related suspensions to the NFL's New Orleans Saints. The Saints dominated local coverage during the Final Four.

'This can kind of bring joy back to New Orleans,' Davis said. 'I guess I get lucky when I go there.'

His family had been on edge throughout Wednesday. His father, Anthony; mother, Erainer, as well as twin sister, Antoinette, and older sister, Lesha, came in from Chicago on Wednesday. So, too, did his four grandparents and cousins.

His father had predicted Davis would go to New Orleans. His mother wanted Charlotte because she liked the city. Moving to New Orleans seems like the next step for the family, even with both sets of grandparents still living in Chicago.

'As everyone knows, Anthony is a momma's boy, so his mother will be there with him,' Erainer Davis said.

Davis was relieved by the end of the night. The close-knit crew that was with him Wednesday extended to graduating Kentucky manager and future roommate/workout partner Will Martin.

The Davis' had put off signing with an agent, and it has led to some organizational challenges. The Davis' sought the advice of friend Joe Craft, a Kentucky donor whose name is on the practice facility. Wellford Tabor and Kelly Knight stepped in to help the Davis' put together a plan for this week and into next before the NBA takes over for the pre-draft camp in Chicago.

But the Davis' are moving ahead with an agent and Davis Sr. said the family interviewed with Jeff Schwartz and Henry Thomas separately Wednesday, and will meet with Bill Duffy on Thursday.

The 6-foot-10 Davis, who blocks shots and fancies himself more of a face-up forward such as Kevin Garnett offensively, has had quite a year -- from dominating in college, to leading the Wildcats to a title, to winning national awards and receiving the awards in New Orleans.

His spring hasn't been too shabby, either. Davis has visited the White House with the Wildcats and found out he's part of a pool of 21 players with a chance to be one of the final dozen on this summer's USA Olympic team in London. If Chris Bosh is out because of an abdominal strain, and with Dwight Howard ailing because of a back injury, Davis' chances increase.

He still has to find a spot among bigs Tyson Chandler, Blake Griffin, Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge and Lamar Odom. But a few bigs are going to get cut.

Instead of playing for the Hornets in the NBA's summer league, he could be playing for the United States in London, going for gold in what has been an award-winning year.

'It's all been overwhelming,' Davis said. 'But it's been a great experience. Now I have a chance to play for the Olympic team and make it to London and then be ready for the NBA. We won a national championship, and now I might be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. I've just got to give all thanks to God.'

Davis flashed his championship ring again -- which he won in New Orleans.

Davis said he loved Michael Jordan and when asked Tuesday what he thought of when hearing Charlotte, he replied, 'Jordan.' When he was asked about New Orleans, his response was, 'A national championship.'

The memories are still fresh for Davis and the good vibes continue to flow between him and the Crescent City.

Courtesy of ESPN


Sources: Sund intends to stay with Hawks - by Eurobasket News

When the Hawks picked up the option on Larry Drew's contract for next season, the Atlanta coach still wasn't sure who his general manager would be. But in the past week, GM Rick Sund has told friends he intends to stay on for at least one more year, league sources told CBSSports.com.

Sund, 60, had been weighing a variety of options, which included taking a year off. But after committing to Drew as the team's coach for another season May 18, Sund began telling colleagues around the middle of last week that he'd stay with the Hawks for another season and then 'take it from there,' one of the people familiar with the decision said Wednesday.

Sund, whose contract expires June 30, spoke with reporters in Atlanta Wednesday for the first time since the season ended and declined to address his status. Hawks ownersship recently rejected Portland's request for permission to interview Sund for their GM position.

I'm not going to talk about it until the process plays itself out, Sund said, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It will probably happen relatively soon.

Several other GM positions are in flux in addition to Portland and Orlando, which are actively involved in searches. In Philadelphia, team president Rod Thorn is said to be 'leaning' toward retirement, a source said, but has not made an official decision. Pacers president Larry Bird, who has been expected for weeks to step down, will soon meet with owner Herb Simon to discuss his future plans -- which could be affected by whether GM David Morway gets the Portland job. If the Pacers' front office executives scatter, sources continue to say that former team president Donnie Walsh is considered a strong candidate to fill the vacuum.

Clippers GM Neil Olshey, who does not have a contract for next season, has spoken with the Trail Blazers about their GM position. On a conference call Tuesday discussing the decision to pick up coach Vinny Del Negro's option for next season, Olshey declined to address his future with the team.

The other L.A. GM, Mitch Kupchak of the Lakers, has been contacted through backchannels about his intentions. But Kupchak has given no indication that he's interested in leaving the Lakers, sources said.

In other front office moves, former Pistons and Timberwolves assistant general manager Tony Ronzone has joined the Dallas Mavericks in a front-office role. Ronzone was previously with the Mavs as a scout from 1998-2000.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com


Lamar Odom wants to return to Lakers - by Eurobasket News

After trading Lamar Odom (6'10''-F-79, college: Rhode Island) to the Dallas Mavericks before the season for nothing more than a draft pick and a trade exception, the Lakers found themselves without their Sixth Man of the Year and the guy who anchored their second unit.

Now, with Odom expected to be bought out by the Mavericks next month, the possibility of Odom returning to the Lakers is seeming more and more likely.

Recently on ESPN Radio, NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith mentioned the mutual interest in both sides of the situation.

(Odom) desperately wants to come back and wants to play for the Los Angeles Lakers. Mike Brown desperately wants him back. Hes going to talk to Buss and Lakers hierarchy to see what they can do about getting Lamar Odom back.

Smith has been close to Odom for much of his career. When Odom was initially traded to the New Orleans Hornets as a part of the nixed Chris Paul deal in December, he went on Smiths radio program to discuss his feelings, so its safe to say Smith is a credible source in this scenario.

Kobe Bryant expressed his desire to have Odom back earlier this season, and there have even been rumors that L.A. is looking to bring back Odom and another former Laker, Trevor Ariza.

The free agency period will begin next month.

Courtesy of www.lakersnation.com


Deron Williams denies Yahoo! Sports report that it's Dwight Howard 'or bust' if Nets want to keep point guard - by Eurobasket News

The Brooklyn Nets were preparing for their most important moment since their rebranding, when Deron Williams (6'3''-PG-84, college: Illinois) took to Twitter Wednesday to squelch the speculation about his future.

Williams, condescending as always, denied and mocked a Yahoo! report that said hed re-sign with the Nets only if the team acquires Dwight Howard. Three hours later, the league conducted its draft lottery, where the Nets lost their first-round pick because it did not fall in the top three.

I would love to know who (the Yahoo! reporters) source is bc he knows more about what Im thinking then I do maybe they can help me decide?

A team source also denied the report, saying the Nets were not aware that Williams has made Howard a prerequisite for re-signing.

Williams retweeted his followers, poking fun at the report, which quoted a league source who spoke with Williams as saying that winning the lottery and drafting Kentuckys Anthony Davis wouldnt be enough to entice the point guard to
re-sign. Its Dwight or bust, the report said.

His source is chuck norris! Chuck norris can create a fire rubbing 2 ice cubes together! Williams retweeted.

Better check your bank account too because if he knows your thoughts then he knows those bank codes, read another tweet from Williams.

The Nets, who finished tied for the fifth-worst record in the league last season at 22-44, had a 7.5% chance of winning the lottery, which was moved from its longtime home in Secaucus, N.J., to the ABC studio in Times Square. The Nets also had about a 75% chance of losing their draft pick, and ended up doing so when they were awarded the No. 6 selection. Because it didnt land in the top three, it went to Portland as part of the March trade for Gerald Wallace.

The Nets view Davis as the only franchise player in the draft and would have been willing to deal either the second or third pick to Orlando for Howard, who is again requesting a trade after his ill-fated decision to opt in to another season with the Magic.

The Nets were represented at the draft lottery by Irina Pavlova, the president of owner Mikhail Prokhorovs sports and entertainment company.

The Knicks dont have a lottery pick, but, relating to the Nets, they were still a topic for NBA commissioner David Stern.

I am hoping, for more sparks, a few verbal, some build-up (in a Nets-Knicks rivalry), Stern said. We are going to have two spectacular new buildings in New York City and we are going to have two very aggressively managed teams.

We are awaiting the summer to see how the Nets fulfill their assurances and their aspirations, but we have seen the Knicks moving up quite a bit, and I think that we are going to have, you know two, sold-out arenas, not just for games against each other, but for all games.

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com


Patrick Ewing out of running for Charlotte Bobcats' head coaching job - by Eurobasket News

Patrick Ewing may be part of Michael Jordan's inner circle but he won't be coaching Jordan's team. And that might not be such a bad thing.

Jordan informed his long-time friend and rival that he is out of the running to coach the Charlotte Bobcats, a franchise that last month set the all-time NBA record for worst winning percentage. Yahoo! Sports first reported the story.

'I just want to thank the Bobcats for giving me the chance to be interviewed', Ewing said via text message Wednesday night.

Ewing, 49, has served as an assistant coach with the Wizards, Rockets and most recently the Orlando Magic. Last year, he interviewed for the Detroit Pistons head coaching position before the club hired Lawrence Frank.

Ewing, whose dream is to become a head coach, was willing to take on that challenge with the Bobcats, who finished 7-59 this season under former Knicks assistant Paul Silas. Charlottes roster is substandard at best, and the Bobcats finished second to the New Orleans Hornets in Wednesdays NBA draft lottery Kentucky center Anthony Davis is expected to be selected first.

Hall of Fame coach Jerry Sloan, who resigned last season in Utah, has expressed interest in the job. The Bobcats will reportedly interview Pacers assistant coach Brian Shaw and Lakers assistant Quin Snyder.

Golden States Michael Malone, who broke in as a scout on Jeff Van Gundys staff in New York 11 years ago, is also considered a candidate.

The Knicks have had six different coaches since Ewing retired, including Mike Woodson, who was re-signed last week.

Patrick is ready to be a head coach, Van Gundy said. He cannot be discouraged just because one person, even though hes close to him, didnt pick him. Hes just got to keep working and grinding it out. Ive always admired how hes gone about his job. Theres no doubt in my mind that he will be a successful head coach in the future.

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com


NBA chiefs propose change for future at Olympics - by Eurobasket News

This year's London Games could be the last time the biggest names in world basketball get to compete at an Olympics, with NBA officials unsure if they want their seasoned veterans playing beyond 2012.

While names like LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) and Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) will headline a US team for the London Games this year, NBA commissioner David Stern says basketball's governing body should look at following the soccer model, where the Olympic tournament is reserved for players 23 and under.

That would mean many of the NBA's biggest and best-known stars wouldn't take part in the greatest spectacle on earth.

Stern believes stars should ideally be saved for basketball's world championships - leaving that event as the sport's showcase - while allowing younger players an opportunity at the Olympics.

NBA players first competed at an Olympics in 1992 in Barcelona, with the much-publicised 'Dream Team' featuring the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.

'It's the 20th anniversary of Barcelona, where the only Dream Team that I ever celebrated played,' Stern told newsday.com.

Stern and NBA officials are likely to discuss their ideas with FIBA - world basketball's governing body - following the Games, but they have voiced their feelings.

'We think international soccer has an excellent model and in the case of soccer, of course, there's the World Cup of football, which is the biggest sporting event in the world every four years, and then in the off years, for the World Cup, they play, in essence, with some exceptions, a 23-and-under competition at the Olympics,' Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver said.

'And there's a recognition certainly (Dallas Mavericks owner) Mark Cuban, other owners have raised repeatedly is the issue of our players playing in essence year round when you add the Olympics to our newly renamed world championship of basketball to our World Cup of Basketball.

'So when you have the Olympics, the World Cup of Basketball, we are taking a very close look at whether it makes sense from an NBA standpoint and a global basketball standpoint for the top players to be playing at that level on a year round basis, and somewhere (every) summer.

'So what we have told FIBA and what David has announced several times is that we are all in through the London Olympics, and then post-London Olympics, we want to step back ... we need to take a long-term view of what makes sense both for the NBA and for the game.'

Courtesy of www.news.com.au


Larry Bird wants to come back with Pacers - by Eurobasket News

Larry Bird loves his job and loves his team.

In a perfect world, he'd stay put as the Pacers team president for a few more years -- if that's what team owner Herb Simon wants.

After two months of speculation that Bird would cede control of Indiana's day-to-day operations, Bird told reporters Wednesday he wishes he already had a deal in place.

'I'd do it today if Herbie was here,' Bird said, drawing laughter. 'We've got kids working out, we've got six free agents, we've got a lot going on right now. Obviously, I want to sit down with Herb as quickly as possible. I don't like this (questions) at all. I'd like a three-year deal, but we have a handshake agreement. It's hard coming in here and not having the answers.'

Simon did not immediately respond to an interview request from The Associated Press.

Though Bird is clearly frustrated with the ongoing questions about his future, it hasn't deterred him from doing his job.

He spoke at length about the need to keep his core group together, including restricted free agents Roy Hibbert and George Hill, and has already begun the prep work for the June 28 draft. He said he'd even consider bringing in a free agent if the Pacers could work it under the cap and not risk this team's promising future.

The question, of course, is whether Bird will be around to make those decisions.

'I love my job. There's only 30 of them and we've gone through some tough times. If you remember, we had to change the culture around here,' Bird said. 'We've got good kids in here that want to be here, that are dedicated to this city. I wouldn't want to sign a four- or five-year deal because I'm getting older. But I have to find out where we want to go.'

What would it take to keep him around?

A face-to-face meeting with Simon, for starters.

Bird said he has spoken with the owner a 'few times' on the phone but has not yet met with him since the season ended last week with a playoff series loss to Miami. When they do get together, Bird said he needs answers about what direction Simon wants to take the team, whether he approves of the front office's performance, or whether Simon believes the rebuilding process should be further along.

Another key factor may be getting a commitment from Simon to keep the small-market Pacers competitive in a league where some teams are willing to fork out tens of millions of dollars for the top stars.

Bird is willing to work within the financial constraints, though it would force him to build an even stronger bench.

'I'd go after anybody, but I understand his (Simon's) point of view,' Bird said. 'If you go after someone, you're going to pay for them.'

Bird has built this team the old-fashioned way -- by drafting players (Paul George and Tyler Hansbrough) and developing them through the team structure, making shrewd decisions to trade for others (Hill and Darren Collison) and finding affordable free agents (David West).

Two weeks ago, Bird was rewarded by adding the final piece to an unprecedented trifecta, being voted the NBA's Executive of the Year. He's the first to win that award, an MVP award and an NBA championship. Bird won three MVPs and three NBA titles during his Hall of Fame career with Boston and also was Indiana's head coach for its only NBA Finals appearance in 2000.

He's been just as successful calling the Pacers' shots since taking over from Donnie Walsh in 2008.

What Bird inherited was a reeling franchise with a tarnished image thanks to a series of off-court problems. In just four years, Bird turned the Pacers from a troubled franchise that couldn't make the playoffs into one of the league's deepest, toughest teams.

Indiana led the series against the Heat 2-1 before dropping three straight and ending its deepest postseason run in seven years.

Coach Frank Vogel credits Bird for the decisions that made it all possible.

'I think as the contracts come up, you've got to take it case by case and what Larry has done here is built with a good salary cap,' Vogel said Tuesday. 'We don't have any bad contracts and as long as you have that, you have a good chance to sustain it.'

Some think Bird may stick around in a different capacity, but Bird flatly ruled out being a consultant. Instead, Bird's preference seems to be sticking around to finish the job.
'I love this team. There is no question that this is one of the best locker rooms we've had and it's been a breath of fresh air,' Bird said. 'We've got to continue to get better. We can't stay pat, we need to make that next step.'

Courtesy of www.thestarpress.com


Hornets win lottery, land No. 1 overall pick - by Eurobasket News

New owner, and now a new star player. The future suddenly looks bright for the New Orleans Hornets.

Meanwhile, it was yet another loss -- in a historic season full of them -- for Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Bobcats.

The Hornets, recently sold by the NBA to New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson, won the NBA's draft lottery Wednesday and the No. 1 pick overall -- which they almost certainly will use to pick Kentucky star Anthony Davis.

At least that's what the consensus college player of the year is expecting. Moments after the Hornets won the lottery, Davis said he was looking forward to playing professionally in the place where he led the Wildcats to a national championship in April.

The good news for the Hornets comes after a difficult season in which they traded All-Star Chris Paul and a couple of years in limbo where they couldn't do much to upgrade the roster while the league was looking for a buyer.

'Just a first step for us to winning it all,' Benson said in a TV interview after the lottery.

The Hornets moved up from the fourth spot, where they had a 13.7 percent chance, to earn the pick.

'Everything was surreal once they announced the fourth pick,' said Hornets coach Monty Williams, who represented the team on stage. 'I said, 'This is pretty cool.' I knew my wife and kids were home praying that things would go well and they did.'

The Bobcats, after going 7-59 for the worst winning percentage in NBA history, fell to the No. 2 pick. Washington will pick third and Cleveland fell one spot to fourth.

Charlotte had a 25 percent chance of grabbing the No. 1 pick, but instead will have to take the best player after Davis, possibly his teammate, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

The team with the worst record hasn't won since Orlando drafted Dwight Howard in 2004.

'We will still take the best player available and when you win seven games you have a lot of holes,' Bobcats general manager Rich Cho said. 'From a competitive standpoint and for anyone who has played sports or been competitive, you want to win and be No. 1. We know we're still going to get a good player.'

Cho and team vice chairman Curtis Polk said they hadn't heard from Jordan, the Bobcats owner.

'Being No. 2 isn't terrible. We'll be fine,' Polk said.

The league bought the Hornets from owner George Shinn in December 2010 and the sale to Benson was completed in April. The NBA was criticized for the conflict of interest of a league owning a franchise, particularly when commissioner David Stern blocked a trade that would have sent Paul to the Lakers in December, then approved another that landed Paul with the Clippers.

The ownership uncertainty hindered the Hornets, but they were in a celebrating mood Wednesday after earning the No. 1 pick for the first time since 1991, when they were still in Charlotte and took Larry Johnson.

General manager Dell Demps said he pumped his fist in the room where the drawing took place after seeing that the balls had been drawn in the Hornets' favor.

'When our combination came up, it was an exciting feeling,' he said. 'I got an incredible rush. ... We knew what the odds were. We hoped for the best. It was nothing we could control. We're just happy.'

The Hornets, who went 21-45, also have the No. 10 pick. They played hard at the end of the season even as it reduced their lottery odds, winning eight of their final 13 games with a young roster.

'Obviously, we're very excited,' Demps said. 'This is a great day for the city of New Orleans, our fans. ... This is the start of a new beginning.'

Though they didn't officially say it, it's expected to start with Davis, one of the most dominant defensive college players in years who was Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four even as he went 1 for 10 from the field in the championship game. He blocked a record-tying six shots and had 16 rebounds and three steals in the Wildcats' 67-59 victory over Kansas.

'Davis is not LeBron. He's not Tim (Duncan). But they were young once and Tim had four years of college,' Williams said.

The Nets were the other big loser when they stayed in the No. 6 spot. They owed their pick to Portland for this season's Gerald Wallace trade unless they moved into the top three.

The Cavs beat the odds last year and moved up to take Kyrie Irving, the eventual Rookie of the Year, and tried to follow the same formula. Nick Gilbert, the 15-year-old son of owner Dan Gilbert, was back on the podium in his bow tie, and the Cavs' traveling party that included Dan Gilbert, and former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar and current Browns players Josh Cribbs and Joe Haden sported the same dress.

But there was no repeat, as the Cavs went backward this time.

'Still feel very good about (number)4 pick,' Dan Gilbert wrote on his Twitter page. 'We are getting a great player there and good additions w/our other 3 picks. I believe.'

Sacramento rounds out the top five of the draft, to be held June 28 in Newark, N.J.

The Golden State Warriors stayed at No. 7, meaning they get to keep their pick instead of having to trade it to Utah. The Trail Blazers will also have two lottery selections, the Nets' and their own at No. 11.

Courtesy of ESPN


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Akron University Head Coach Keith Dambrot to Speak at Nike Championship Basketball Clinic - by Vance Marbury

University of Akron men's basketball head coach Keith Dambrot will be one of 10 speakers at the Nike Championship Basketball Clinic this weekend in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Dambrot will join some of the top names in college basketball at the clinic, including Basketball Hall of Fame member Bob Knight, Gonzaga head coach Mark Few, Richmond head coach Chris Mooney, Oakland head coach Greg Kampe, St. John's assistant coach Mike Dunlap and other members of the basketball community.

Dambrot will speak on Saturday and will discuss some of his favorite practice drills he utilizes with the Zips' basketball team.

For more information on the Nike Championship Basketball Clinic, please visit the official clinic page.

Akron closed out the season with a 22-12 record (13-3 Mid-American Conference) and captured the first MAC regular season title in program history. The Zips advanced to their sixth-straight MAC title game a conference record and second-longest active streak in the nation before falling 64-63 to Ohio. Akron appeared in its fifth NIT, third under head coach Keith Dambrot, falling 76-74 to Northwestern in the first round.


Billy Kennedy focused on first SEC season - by Milord Nikolic

Billy Kennedy sounded great on the phone Wednesday from the SEC meetings in Florida. His voice had energy and was clear. Kennedy attended his first SEC meeting as Texas A&M joined Missouri for their inaugural meeting in advance of officially joining the conference next season. He said he's feeling much better. And it's obvious. Six months ago, he was slammed with a double diagnosis: the early stages of Parkinson's and exhaustion. Kennedy took a leave from coaching in October/early November before returning to the sideline on Nov. 13. The Aggies were riddled with injuries in his first season and finished a disappointing 4-14 in their final Big 12 season and 14-18 overall. Khris Middleton declared for the NBA draft, and the Aggies will be rebuilding in Year 2. Kennedy's job in the offseason is to prep rebuilding Texas A&M so it can create an identity in the new 14-team SEC. And his plan is for the Aggies to be more physical. 'We can be a physically imposing team defensively, like my teams at Murray State,'' said Kennedy. 'I think we can do that. I want us to be physical like a football team.'' Missouri is ready to be a top-half SEC team with the addition of elite transfers and a solid returning core. Frank Haith's squad is loaded, regardless of league affiliation. The Aggies can't be irrelevant early. Kennedy isn't making promises. He said most of the perimeter players are new. So if the newcomers come through, the Aggies can be a pest in the SEC. They have five newcomers and four of the five play on the perimeter. The onus will be on rising senior Elston Turner, who is the top returning scorer. 'We'll have new players and we'll have a transition, and we're in a new league,'' Kennedy said. 'But we've got to get better right now. Hopefully, it equates to more wins.'' The Aggies are being paired with LSU as a traditional rival. And Kennedy said he anticipates a growing rivalry as the two schools are locked in to play each other twice every season. 'There is a rivalry in football, and I think there can be one in basketball,'' Kennedy said. Kennedy said he loved the atmosphere at the SEC meetings in Destin and called the league first class. 'All the coaches get along well and they want to improve what is going on in basketball,'' said Kennedy. But most importantly for Kennedy is that he is hitting the offseason feeling a 100 times better than he did when the season started. He has a life-altering condition, but he at least can understand how to manage it going forward. 'I'm the only one [who] would know if something is wrong, and I haven't had any issues,'' Kennedy said. 'I'm working out every day. I know what to do. I'm doing exercises that are helping, and I'm doing well now.''


Cal State Fullerton's Bob Burton stepping down - by Eurobasket News

Cal State Fullerton's Bob Burton is expected to step down, sources told CBSSports.com.

Burton will likely be replaced on an interim basis by Andy Newman.

Burton was a long-time junior college coach who was hired back in 2003 to replace Donny Daniels. Burton had been 488-158 in 21 years at West Valley College.

He leaves Cal State Fullerton after a decade and a 153-122 record. The Titans were 21-10 last season.

Newman came with Burton from West Valley -- and has been the associate head coach for the past five seasons.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com


Talks between IU, UK stall again - by Eurobasket News

Negotiations to keep the popular Indiana-Kentucky basketball series alive have stalled for the second time in a month and there seems to be little chance of reviving it.

Indiana athletic director Fred Glass announced May 3 that the series, an annual tradition since 1969, would end because the two schools could not agree on whether to play the games at neutral sites or on the two campuses.

According to a letter obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, the two athletic directors reopened negotiations May 10. Two weeks later, the letter said, Kentucky rejected Indianas offer for a four-year extension that would have put the first two games at Lucas Oil Stadium, which Wildcats coach John Calipari wanted. The third game would have been played at Kentucky and the fourth at Indiana.

Im disappointed Kentucky rejected what I thought was a compromise that would address everyones concerns, Glass told The Associated Press. (Coach) Tom (Crean) and I felt like we tried to be accommodating to Kentucky.

The letter indicates Kentucky had a variety of concerns.

I informed Fred that we were disappointed that our previous verbal agreement for a two-year neutral site contract was off the table, but we would consider the new proposal, Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart said in a statement.

I also noted there were some challenges in our current schedule that were not present prior to Indianas announcement on May 3 that they were moving on with their schedule for 2012-13.

Indiana doesnt want to add another non-home game to the schedule.

Mitch and I had pretty specific conversations about a neutral site at Indianapolis and a neutral site at Louisville, most likely Lucas Oil Stadium and Freedom Hall, Glass said.

Tom and I didnt feel comfortable about freezing out our students or our season-ticket holders.

Since John Calipari said he would be willing to do the Lucas-Lucas deal, thats where our compromise started, and we felt it was only fair to let Kentucky to have the third game with the fourth game coming back to Indiana because that would give next years (incoming) students an opportunity to see the game on campus.

Courtesy of www.journalgazette.net


Nigel Williams-Goss picks Washington - by Eurobasket News

Nigel Williams-Goss, a top-40 point guard in the Class of 2013, announced Wednesday afternoon that he will attend Washington next year.

Williams-Goss, a native of Happy Valley, Ore., who is attending Findlay Prep in Las Vegas, previously committed to UNLV in '10 but then re-opened his recruitment after coach Lon Kruger moved to Oklahoma.

He picked Washington on Wednesday over offers from UNLV, Oklahoma, Harvard and UCLA.

'At the end of the day, I had to follow my heart and it was the University of Washington that I felt most comfortable with,' Williams-Goss wrote on his blog for National Recruiting Spotlight. 'I felt that Washington met all the criteria that I was looking for in a school and basketball program.

'There is no substitute for a coach that has watched you mature over a time span of four years and stuck with you through thick and thin. The only two groups of coaches that I can honestly say have helped in my development as a person and player are coach (Michael) Peck and the staff at Findlay and coach (Lorenzo) Romar and his staff at Washington. And because of that I will always feel most connected to these two programs.

'I am excited and very thankful to God that he has blessed me with this opportunity to extend my basketball career at the University of Washington.'

Williams-Goss (6-4, 180) is big and makes good decisions with the ball. He lacks great speed and quickness, according to scouts, but slides his feet well on defense and shows a good mid-range game.

He is rated as the No. 39-overall prospect by Rivals.com. One of his teammates at Findlay Prep, Chris Wood, is No. 55 on the Rivals list and is committed to UNLV. Another Findlay Prep rising senior, 6-4 shooting guard Allerik Freeman, is rated No. 25 by Rivals and is considering Duke, Kansas, Ohio State, UCLA and Villanova.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com


NetScouts Basketball 2012 NBA Mock Draft Version 1.1 - by Carl Berman

The following NBA Mock Draft considers the ability of the players and does not incorporate team needs. This has been updated to reflect the results of the 2012 NBA Draft Lottery.

1st Round

1. New Orleans Hornets, Anthony Davis, Kentucky

2. Charlotte Bobcats, Thomas Robinson, Kansas

3. Washington Wizards, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky

4. Cleveland Cavaliers, Andre Drummond, UConn

5. Sacramento Kings, Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

6. Portland Trail Blazers, Harrison Barnes, UNC

7. Golden State Warriors, Tyler Zeller, UNC

8. Toronto Raptors, Jeremy Lamb, UConn

9. Detroit Pistons, Damian Lillard, Weber State

10. New Orleans Hornets, Terrence Jones, Kentucky

11. Portland Trail Blazers, Kendall Marshall, UNC

12. Milwaukee Bucks, Royce White, Iowa State

13. Phoenix Suns, Bradley Beal, Florida

14. Houston Rockets, Perry Jones, Baylor

15. Philadelphia 76ers, Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State

16. Houston Rockets, Austin Rivers, Duke

17. Dallas Mavericks, Meyers Leonard, Illinois

18. Minnesota Timberwolves, Evan Fournier, France

19. Orlando Magic, Terrence Ross, Washington

20. Denver Nuggets, John Henson, UNC

21. Boston Celtics, Mo Harkless, St. Johns

22. Boston Celtics, Dion Waiters, Syracuse

23. Atlanta Hawks, Draymond Green, Michigan State

24. Cleveland Cavaliers, Jae Crowder, Marquette

25. Memphis Grizzlies, Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure

26. Indiana Pacers, Tony Wroten, Washington

27. Miami Heat, Quincy Miller, Baylor

28. Oklahoma City Thunder, Marcus Teague, Kentucky

29 Chicago Bulls, Kevin Jones, West Virginia

30. Golden State Warriors, Fab Melo, Syracuse

2nd Round

31. Charlotte Bobcats, Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt

32. Washington Wizards, Jeff Taylor, Vanderbilt

33. Cleveland Cavaliers, Doron Lamb, Kentucky

34. Cleveland Cavaliers, JaMychal Green, Alabama

35. Golden State Warriors, Mike Scott, Virginia

36. Sacramento Kings, Tomas Satoransky, Czech Republic

37. Toronto Raptors, Scott Machado, Iona

38. Denver Nuggets, Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas

39. Detroit Pistons, Henry Sims, Georgetown

40. Portland Trail Blazers, Kyle O Quinn, Norfolk State

41. Portland Trail Blazers, Tornike Shengelia, Rep. of Georgia

42. Milwaukee Bucks, Kevin Murphy, Tennessee Tech

43. Atlanta Hawks, Will Barton, Memphis

44. Detroit Pistons, William Buford, Ohio State

45. Philadelphia 76ers, Furkan Aldemir, Turkey

46. Washington Wizards, Drew Gordon, New Mexico

47. Utah Jazz, Leon Radosevic, Croatia

48. New York Knicks, Tu Holloway, Xavier

49. Orlando Magic, Nemanja Nedovic, Serbia

50. Denver Nuggets, Terrence Henry, Mississippi

51. Boston Celtics, Darius Johnson-Odom, Marquette

52. Golden State Warriors, Darius Miller, Kentucky

53. Los Angeles Clippers, Kostas Papanikolaou, Greece

54. Philadelphia 76ers, Marcus Denmon, Missouri

55. Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Johnson, UCSB

56. Toronto Raptors, Kris Joseph, Syracuse

57. Brooklyn Nets, Dusan Cantekin, Serbia

58. Minnesota Timberwolves, Jared Cunningham, Oregon State

59. San Antonio Spurs, Garrett Stutz, Wichita State

60. Los Angeles Lakers, Ognjen Kuzmic, Bosnia

Carl Berman is a Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball. Information on NetScouts Basketball can be found at www.netscoutsbasketball.com


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  NEW ZEALAND   


Abercrombie Out - by Eurobasket News

NZ Breakers basketball star Thomas Abercrombie (198-F/G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Washington St.) has withdrawn from this years Tall Blacks campaign to qualify for the London Olympics. The high-flying forward had his wings clipped by an ankle injury during the final seconds of this years Australian NBL semifinals against Townsville and hobbled through the Breakers finals triumph at less than full capacity. A scan has revealed a bone chip floating around ankle that needs surgery to repair and a 6-8 week recovery time.
I started back training over the past couple of weeks, but it wasnt improving like I thought it should, he explains. I still wasnt able to do some things, so I had the scan done to check things out. This is something that needs to be taken care of at some stage, so I decided to get it done as soon as possible. If I tried to play on it, I wouldnt be at 100 per cent and could aggravate it further. If I ran around on a broken wheel, trying to do my job, I just wouldnt be performing up to the standard I demand of myself. I want to be at my very best and contribute in the ways I enjoy out on the court. I couldnt do that during the finals series, so I want to make sure I get back to my best as soon as possible.

The New Zealand national mens team face a tough last-ditch FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament at Caracas, Venezuela, in July and coach Nenad Vucinic is faced with a mounting injury toll that also includes star scorer Kirk Penney (196-G-80, agency: Duran International, college: Wisconsin). This is an important year for the Tall Blacks and its a devastating blow for me not to be part of that Olympic qualifying push, says Abercrombie (24). Theres nothing I can do about it this needs to be done. Vucinic's squad will assemble in Auckland on June 13 to begin their preparation for the 12-team qualifying tournament, which will determine who fills the final three spots in the London draw.

Courtesy of: basketball.org.nz


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  PBL   


Rochester is a little title town - by Allen White

Rochester, N.Y.

Championships are meant to be celebrated and while you can never really win too many, Rochester has certainly claimed its share.

The Rochester Knighthawks rode an inspired defensive effort and a big second half to win the National Lacrosse League championship Saturday from the Edmonton Rush 9-6. It was the teams third title in an 18 year existence (they won in 1997 and 2007). It was also the sixth championship won by Flower City teams in the last six years, a pretty formidable display.

The Premier Basketball League Rochester RazorSharks won four championships in six years beginning in 2006. In 2008 Rochester won two titles when the Sharks and Major League Lacrosse Rattlers each claimed a crown. The Rattlers are a largely forgotten team since they disbanded after that season, with the bulk of the players regrouping in Toronto where as the Nationals, they won the 2009 MLL title.

The Knighthawks, RazorSharks and Rattlers went six in six with only 2010 passing without a title. This run of success followed a stretch of four years, 2002-2005, when none of our professional teams won.

Before that, the Rochester Rhinos soccer team carried the citys banner most proudly. The original inhabitants of Frontier Field, the Rhinos were A-League champions in 1998, 2000 and 2001. Their most proud accomplishment was the US Open Cup tournament championship, an event honored with a brick on the Walk of Fame as a team for the ages. No team playing outside of Major League Soccer has won the Cup since.

The Rhinos participated in what can only be referred to as a golden age of Rochester sports. In a three year span, 1996-1998, the soccer team along with the the Knighthawks, the Rochester Red Wings and the Rochester Americans won championships.

The Wings and Hawks helped make 1997 a year to remember by winning titles the year the baseball team moved to Frontier Field. That Red Wings team managed by Marv Foley not only finished the regular International League season with a 83-58 record, but played before its two biggest crowds ever. The team drew nearly 541 thousand to the new ballpark that year, still a Frontier Field record and tops in the International League.

It is the Amerks who have waited the longest. Rochesters last Calder Cup championship occurred 16 years ago. That 1996 team, coached by John Tortorella, who is currently trying to win his second Stanley Cup in the NHL with the New York Rangers, shares a little something with our most recent champs. They both had losing regular season records.

It has indeed been a long wait for our flagship baseball and hockey teams, but Rochesters other sports franchises have picked up the slack quite nicely. 13 championships in the last 17 years. Has anyone done better?



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  PHILIPPINES   


2012 PBA Governors Cup Roundup: May 30, 2012 - by Enzo Flojo

TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS over PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS, 102-87
Putting behind their downfall in the last conference, the Talk n Text Tropang Texters found a way to keep their streak versus the Petron Blaze Boosters in their head-to-head battles. The Texters broke into the win-column in the PBA Governors Cup with an astonishing 102-87 triumph over the previously unbeaten Boosters at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

Coach Chot Reyes and his troops made it 5-0 over the Boosters since their amazing rally from 1-3 down in their best-of-seven semifinal showdown in the Philippine Cup.

The Texters played with renewed vigor and energy following a serious pow-wow after having lost their first two games in the season-ending tourney. With a positive mindset, the Texters regained their competitive form and overwhelmed a badly stunned Petron squad.

Paul Harris more than held his own against Eddie Basden, and Ranidel de Ocampo checked his personal slump to lead the Texters to the key win. Harris led all scorers with 27 points and added 10 rebounds while De Ocampo came through with 23 points and five rebounds.

Jarred Dillinger and Japeth Aguilar contributed double-digit outputs while Ryan Reyes chipped in five points, four rebounds and two assists before hobbling to the bench late in the second period. Reyes might be hurt again.

The Texters dominated the Boosters with an impressive 52.1-percent shooting, leading by as many as 25 points at 91-66 on six straight points by Aguilar.

TNT 102 - Harris 27, De Ocampo 23, Dillinger 15, Aguilar 10, Williams 9, Peek 7, Reyes 5, Fonacier 3, Alapag 3, Raymundo 0, Aban 0.
PET 87 - Basden 19, Lutz 19, Cabagnot 15, Santos 12, Ildefonso 6, Lanete 4, Washington 4, Pena 4, Yeo 3, Miranda 1, Reyes 0.
QS: 30-21, 46-41, 76-64, 102-87

RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS over AIR21 EXPRESS, 106-92
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao maintains Air21 is one team not to be trifled with.

'Air21 is a deceivingly strong team,' pointed out Guiao. 'One would think they're an easy team to play, but when you play them papahirapan ka.'

The grizzled tactician could afford to be magnanimous, especially after his Elasto Painters gave the Express a 102-96 manhandling Wednesday in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The victory was the third in as many games for Rain or Shine and all, according to Guiao, because the team is clicking on both ends of the court.

Indeed, so sharp were the Elasto Painters that they bucked 10 missed charities to post as much as an 84-64 spread in the third quarter and went into the last 5:07 of the game with a very comfortable 98-80 cushion.

Jamelle Cornley scattered 21 points and 14 rebounds. The markers were five below his average, but he had plenty of help this time. Jeff Chan wound up with 16 anchored on a 5-for-9 three-point shooting, Gabe Norwood added 13, all in the second half, and Ronjay Buenafe 11 despite going 0-for-7 from beyond the arc.

Zachary Graham led everybody with 37 points and 20 rebounds, but Paolo Hubalde was the lone other double-digit scorer for Air21 with 10 and all were made in the first half as the Express dropped to a 1-2 win-loss slate.

Norwood was at the forefront of a crucial third quarter assault, when he scored nine of his
points, including a picture-perfect alley-oop and a triple. Ryan Arana, Jervy Cruz and Chan also lent big hands, with the latter completing a four-point play and nailing a shotclock-beating triple for that 20-point spread, 1:21 left in the period.

The outcome was a far cry from the way the game started, with the Express racing to a 10-4 lead which they stretched to 16-8 on treys by Graham and Hubalde.

ROS 106 - Cornely 21, Chan 16, Norwood 13, Buenafe 11, Lee 9, Cruz 9, Arana 8, Ibanes 8, Matias 4, Tang 3, Belga 2, Quinahan 2.
A21 92 - Graham 37, Hubalde 10, Ritualo 9, Espiritu 8, Menor 8, Omolon 8, Sena 6, Bagatsing 2, Faundo 2, Isip 2, Salamat 0, Sison 0, Escobal 0.
QS: 23-22, 53-46, 84-68, 106-92

Source: Unless otherwise specified, game recaps were compressed and compiled from PBA.ph.


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  POLAND   


Marius Linartas takes over Energa Czarni - by Eurobasket News

Marius Linartas will be the new head coach of Energa Czarni. The Lithuanian worked as coach assistant with the Slupsk team last season. Previously he worked as coach assistant with Lietuvos Rytas. He also guided Perlas Vilnius and Lietuvos Rytas junior team. Marius Linartas worked as head coach of Lithuanian U16, U18 and U20 National Teams.


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  PORTUGAL   


Portuguese national team 21 called for the preparation European 2013 - by Bruno Baltazar

The portuguese national team will start their work on June 25th and the 21 players were just called today.
They will compete to make the roster for the qualifications round of the European to be disputed in 2013,they will start on June 25th in Coimbra ,working for 2 weeks,after that on July 9th they will be in the portuguese town of Costa da Caparica before they start the hard games.

They will face in England ,the british team of England on June 14 and 15 of July ,then traveling to Sofia in Bulgary on July 18 and 19th they will face the home team ,after that short return to Portugal because from July 27th to the 29th they will be in a short tournament in Austria for their International tournament ,in August they will face Switzerland twice in Portugal and then Bosnia on another international tornament in the begining of August (8th and 10th),plenty of games before the real games on August 15th in Italy against Italy ,to remember Portugal has Italy,Belarus,Turkey,Czech Republic in their group ,a very hard group ,if Portugal wants to go thru to the European they have to finish top 2 in the group or have one of the best four 3rd places...The Euro 2013 will be disputed in Slovenia.

Heres the list
SL Benfica
Tomas Barroso
Elvis Evora
Miguel Minhava
Joao Gomes (199-F-85)

FC Porto
Joao Santos
Carlos Andrade

CAB Madeira
Mario Fernandes
Jaime Silva
Jorge Coelho
Fabio Lima
Joao Ferreirinho

FC Barreirense
Jos Silva
Miguel Queiroz
Pedro Pinto

AD Ovarense
Cristvo Cordeiro
Fernando Neves

Plasencia
Cludio Fonseca

Vitoria SC
Paulo Cunha

AA Coimbra
Marco Goncalves

Galitos FC
Rui Quintino

BC Barcelos
Nuno Oliveira


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  PUERTO RICO   


Indios get to finals by beating Bayamon: - by Luis Modestti

Indios de Mayaguez defeated Vaqueros de Bayamon 71-69 at Coliseo de Puerto Rico to get to their first finals in franchise history.

Mayaguez will face defending champions Capitanes de Arecibo in a best of seven series. Game one is at the Sports Palace on Saturday.

Donta Smith (201-G-83, college: SE Illinois JC) led the way with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Smith also scored the winning basket with 1.5 seconds left in regulation.

Alexander Franklin (196-PF-88, college: Siena) added 12 from the bench and like all their games, every player who was on the court contributed one way or another for the win.

Indios dominated the first half 42-32 led by Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86, college: Providence) who had 12 points.

In the second half Bayamon came back led by Miguel Ali Berdiel (198-G-83, college: Valparaiso) and even had a 69-67 lead with 1:07 left after two three-pointers made by him. At the end Bayamon lost due to lack of execution on offense and Mayaguez stayed aggressive and eventually got the victory.

Berdiel led Bayamon with 23 points and Gary Wilkinson (204-F/C-82, college: Utah St.) added 18. This was the first home loss for Bayamon in the 2012 playoffs.


Ortiz wins Most Improved Player award: - by Luis Modestti

Andres Ortiz (188-G-86) of Indios de Mayaguez won the Most Improved Player award for the 2012 BSN season.

Ortiz averaged 9.93 points, up from his 7 points per game posted in 2011. He also showed a lot of improvement on defense.

Mayaguez, who fi nished the season 22-8, has already the defensive player of the year and most improved player.

They are also expected to have the coach of the year (Eddie Casiano), owner of the year (Luis Vargas) and MVP (Donta Smith). The league will announce the rest of the awards during the weekend and next week.


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  ROMANIA   


Slovenia edge Romania in test game - by Eurobasket News

Slovenia U16 - Romania U16 91:67

Slovenian and Romanian cadets are preparing for the upcoming European Championship. They played a friendly encounter in Domzale yesterday. The hosts celebrated a comfortable win. Nejc Baric scored 14 points to lead the effort.
Romania jumped to an early lead. The visitors built a 22:17 advantage after ten minutes. Slovenia however struck right back in the second quarter. They unleashed 28 points to establish a 45:35 halftime advantage. The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter. Slovenia secured an 11-point advantage heading into the fourth frame. The home team knocked down 28 points in the final term and sealed the victory at the end. Urban Durnik (200-PF-97) and Tjaz Hadalin netted 12 points each for the winning team. Romania answered with game-high 17 points from Stefan Neagu (184-G-96). Madalin Potcoava had 9 points in the loss.

Slovenia U16: Nejc Baric 14, Urban Durnik 12, Tjaz Hadalin 12
Romania U16: Stefan Neagu 17, Madalin Potcoava 9


Timisoara set to keep Bogdan Popescu - by Eurobasket News

According to Romanian media, Timisoara is set to keep Bogdan Popescu (200-F-78, college: Alaska-Fairb.). Reportedly, they agreed a one-year contract extension. Popescu joined the club last summer from Steaua Turabo Bucuresti. He played 40 games in domestic championship collecting 16.3 ppg and 6 rpg. Timisoara reached Playoff Finals and Popescu was named Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Honorable Mention. Timisoara also played in the Cup Finals this season. In Balkan league, the veteran forward had 10.4 ppg and 4.7 rpg for 7 games. Before Timisoara, Bogdan Popescu spent two seasons with Steaua Turabo. He also has experience from Rovinari, Pitesti, Rapid Bucuresti, Quimper (France), Oldenburg (Germany), Bree (Belgium) and Ludwigsburg (Germany). Popescu played for the Romanian National Team in 2001 and 2002, and later from 2005 to 2008.


Timosoara and Branko Cuic part ways - by Eurobasket News

Branko Cuic (197-G-78) is no longer a member of Timisoara. His contract expired and will not be extended. The 34-year-old Serbian arrived to Timisoara last summer. He played 39 games in Romanian league registering 9.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 4.5 apg. Cuic also registered 6.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 3.8 apg for 9 games in Balkan league. He helped Timisoara to reach the Romanian league and Cup Finals, but they failed to win the trophy. Before Timisoara, Brano Cuic spent four years with Univ Mobitelco Cluj Napoca. He had 9.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 5 apg and 1.8 spg in their last season together, when they won the Romanian league title. Cuic was named to Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 2nd Team -11 and also to Eurobasket.com Romanian League All-Bosmans Team -11. In 2010, Branko Cuic was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 1st Team -10. In the past, he played in Iran, Bosnia, Syria and Serbia.


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  RUSSIA   


Halperin set to leave St.Petersburg - by Anton Zirkov

Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) is set to leave Spartak St.Petersburg and won't implement his option for next season.
Halperin was one of the key players at Spartak and one of the favorites of head coach Juri Zdovc,but after 4 years out of Israel made it hard for the Israeli international.
Halperin is set to move back to Israeli champions - Maccabi Tel-Aviv where he played six seasons.He left the European powerhouse at the end of 2007-2008 season and singed a 3 years deal at Olympiacos,where he played till last season.in the summer of 2011 he already agreed with Maccabi,but a tax issues blocked the deal and he then singed at Spartak.
Halperin avereged 8.9ppg,2rpg,4.0apg in the VTB League,9.6ppg,2.6rpg,5.2apg in the Eurocup and 10.3ppg,2.5rpg,4.6apg in the Russian PBL.


BC Khimky Moscow Region officially signs Petteri Koponen - by Eurobasket Center

The deal is done. Petteri Koponen (194-G-88kg-88) signed a three-year contract with BC Khimky Moscow Region. Finnish comboguard comes from Canadian Solar Bologna. This season he avereged 14.3ppg, 3rpg, 2.6apg in 35 SerieA games and has finished a 4 years contract with the Italian Giants. Koponen can leave Khimky at the end of any season if he gets an NBA contract. His rights are owned by the Dallas Mavericks.


Nizhny Novgorod signs 'EuroChallenge Guard of the Year' Obie Trotter - by Eurobasket News

Obie Trotter (186-PG-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) will continue his career in Russia. The American PG penned a one-year deal with Nizhny Novgorod. He arrives to the club from Szolnoki Olajbanyasz, where he spent last two seasons. They won two championship titles together and two Hungarian Cups as well. Trotter averaged 16.2 ppg, 5.8 apg, 4.2 rpg and 2.4 spg in Hungary this season. He also added 17.3 ppg, 4.5 apg and 4.3 rpg for 19 games in EuroChallenge. For his performance Trotter was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge Guard of the Year -12, while Szolnoki reached Semifinals. He was also named Eurobasket.com EuroChallenge All-Europeans Team -12. In 2011, Obbie Trotter was Player of the Year in Hungary. A year before that, he was Guard of the Year in Finland. Trotter also has experience from France and Germany. He graduated at the Alabama A&M University in 2006.


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  SERBIA   


Timosoara and Branko Cuic part ways - by Eurobasket News

Branko Cuic (197-G-78) is no longer a member of Timisoara. His contract expired and will not be extended. The 34-year-old Serbian arrived to Timisoara last summer. He played 39 games in Romanian league registering 9.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 4.5 apg. Cuic also registered 6.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 3.8 apg for 9 games in Balkan league. He helped Timisoara to reach the Romanian league and Cup Finals, but they failed to win the trophy. Before Timisoara, Brano Cuic spent four years with Univ Mobitelco Cluj Napoca. He had 9.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 5 apg and 1.8 spg in their last season together, when they won the Romanian league title. Cuic was named to Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 2nd Team -11 and also to Eurobasket.com Romanian League All-Bosmans Team -11. In 2010, Branko Cuic was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 1st Team -10. In the past, he played in Iran, Bosnia, Syria and Serbia.


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  SLOVENIA   


Slovenia edge Romania in test game - by Eurobasket News

Slovenia U16 - Romania U16 91:67

Slovenian and Romanian cadets are preparing for the upcoming European Championship. They played a friendly encounter in Domzale yesterday. The hosts celebrated a comfortable win. Nejc Baric scored 14 points to lead the effort.
Romania jumped to an early lead. The visitors built a 22:17 advantage after ten minutes. Slovenia however struck right back in the second quarter. They unleashed 28 points to establish a 45:35 halftime advantage. The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter. Slovenia secured an 11-point advantage heading into the fourth frame. The home team knocked down 28 points in the final term and sealed the victory at the end. Urban Durnik (200-PF-97) and Tjaz Hadalin netted 12 points each for the winning team. Romania answered with game-high 17 points from Stefan Neagu (184-G-96). Madalin Potcoava had 9 points in the loss.

Slovenia U16: Nejc Baric 14, Urban Durnik 12, Tjaz Hadalin 12
Romania U16: Stefan Neagu 17, Madalin Potcoava 9


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  SPAIN   

Stats Leaders - ACB

Points Per Game
 Andy PANKO
  Lagun A.
  (204-F-77)
  Avg: 18.6
 1. Panko, Lagun A.18.6 
 2. Doellman, Assignia16.8 
 3. Teletovic, Caja L.15.8 
 4. Wright, CAI Z.14.5 
 5. Penney, Fuenlabra.14.4 
 6. Davis, Cajasol14.1 
 7. Hettsheimer, CAI Z.13.3 
 8. De Colo, Valencia13.3 
 9. Navarro, FCB Regal13.1 
 10. Freeland, Unicaja12.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 James AUGUSTINE
  UCAM M.
  (208-F-84)
  Avg: 8.3
 1. Augustine, UCAM M.8.3 
 2. Ivanov, Lucentum7.9 
 3. Borchardt, B.de R.7.7 
 4. Freeland, Unicaja7.5 
 5. Davis, Cajasol7.3 
 6. Williams, FIATC J.7.1 
 7. Caner-Medley, Vale.6.8 
 8. Gabriel, Asefa E.6.5 
 9. Hettsheimer, CAI Z.6.4 
 10. Teletovic, Caja L.6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Javier RODRIGUEZ
  Assignia.
  (189-G-79)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Rodriguez, Assigni.6.5 
 2. Salgado, Lagun A.4.3 
 3. Llull, Real Madrid4.1 
 4. Prigioni, Caja L.3.8 
 5. Rodriguez, Bluse.3.8 
 6. Granger, Asefa E.3.8 
 7. Dumas, B.de R.3.7 
 8. Rodriguez, Real M.3.7 
 9. Huertas, FCB Regal3.5 
 10. Uriz, B.de Rueda3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Pablo PRIGIONI
  Caja L.
  (191-G-77)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Prigioni, Caja L.1.8 
 2. Doellman, Assignia1.5 
 3. Vidal, Lagun A.1.5 
 4. De Colo, Valencia1.5 
 5. Uriz, B.de Rueda V.1.4 
 6. Udoka, UCAM M.1.4 
 7. Hanga, Assignia M.1.4 
 8. Calloway, Cajasol1.4 
 9. Eidson, FCB Regal1.3 
 10. Garbajosa, Unicaja1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Stephane LASME
  Blusens M.
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Lasme, Blusens M.1.9 
 2. Fischer, Gescrap BB1.9 
 3. Sene, Fuenlabrada1.7 
 4. Begic, Real Madrid1.4 
 5. Toure, B.de R.1.4 
 6. Ndong, FCB Regal1.1 
 7. Vazquez, FCB Regal1.0 
 8. Barnes, Lucentum1.0 
 9. Augustine, UCAM M.0.9 
 10. Asselin, Assignia0.9 


Real Madrid forces Game Five against Caja Laboral - by Eurobasket News

Liga Endesa Semifinals, Game 4: Caja Laboral - Real Madrid 66-76 (2-2, best-of-five)

The guests trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 41-28 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Real Madrid outrebounded Caja Laboral 35-24 including 25 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of Serbian forward Novica Velickovic (205-86) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 5 rebounds and the former international guard Sergio Rodriguez (191-86) who added 15 points and 5 assists during the contest. Real Madrid's coach Pablo Laso used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next game. At the losing side Polish-Swedish center Maciej Lampe (210-85) responded with 20 points and 8 rebounds and Bosnian forward Mirza Teletovic (206-85, agency: Beo Basket) scored 10 points. Game Five will be played on Saturday in Madrid.
Top scorers:
Caja Laboral: M.Lampe 20+8reb, M.Bjelica 14+1reb, M.Teletovic 10+4reb+2ast, P.Prigioni 6+2reb+4ast, P.Ribas 6, B.Oleson 5+1ast
Real Madrid: N.Velickovic 22+5reb+2ast, S.Rodriguez 15+1reb+5ast, K.Singler 8+1reb+1ast, J.Carroll 8+1reb, A.Tomic 7+11reb, N.Mirotic 7+6reb


Segura is a step closer to being the assistant coach of Jasmin Repesa at Unicaja Malaga - by Antonio Carlo

Spanish coach Curro Segura has been linked to a move to Malaga to become Unicaja's assistant coach.
Unicaja Malaga has already decided that Croatian coach Jasmin Repesa (agency: World Sport Agency ) is their man. Repesa is still working in his country as he is one game away to lead KK Cibona VIP Zagreb as Croatian champions in the Play-Off against Cedevita.
Segura was the head coach of Granada last season where he was one of the victims of the terrible financial crisis of the club. Previously he worked for CAI Zaragoza, Menorca Basquet and Blusens Monbus Obradoiro CAB.
The 40 years old coach has already confirmed that Unicaja Malaga has approached him for talks. The recent agreement of the termination of the contract between Jesus Mateo and the Andalucian club could open the door for Curro Segura immediately.
There were rumours in Malaga that Croatian coach Repesa could have brought countryman and former Unicaja player Veljko Mrsic as an assistant coach.
However, the club prefers that the Croatian coach should have a Spaniard as a right man to take over the summer preparation and the first games while Jasmin Repesa (agency: World Sport Agency ) is involved with the national team of his country until September.


Ramoneda is no longer Gipuzkoa Basket Lagun Aros president. - by Antonio Carlo

Gorka Ramoneda has decided to put an end to his adventure of three years as president of Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC.
Ramonedas departure is believed to be a consequence of tiredness during his tenure as president of the Basque club where he was combining his hectic schedule with his personal business. He has decided to dedicate more time to his family.
He took over as president of Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC in 2009 from former predecessor Miguel Santos. The critical financial situation in Spain has forced drastic reductions every year in the annual budget of the club and Gorka Ramoneda has performed miracles to put a competitive team in the ACB Endesa League.


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  SWEDEN   


Kelly Grant to coach Uppsala - by Eurobasket News

Kelly Grant will continue his coaching career at Uppsala. The American specialist is officially hired by the club today. Grant worked last three years with the Norrkoping Dolphins. They won the Basketligan title together in 2010 and this season as well. Two years ago, Norrkoping also was the Baltic League Challenge Cup champion. Last season, the team reached Basketligan Finals, but failed against the Sundsvall Dragons. In 2007/08, Grant worked as Sport Director of the club and he was their Head Coach also from 1997 to 2007. In 2003, he was named Swedish Basketligan Coach of the Year. With Norrkoping, Kelly Grant reached Basketligan Finals also in 2001 and 2004. They were regular season champs four times. In 1998, Grant won his first title with Norrkoping.


Norrkoping Dolphins want to sign Pavel Ermolinskij - by Eurobasket News

According to local media, Norrkoping Dolphins want to sign Pavel Ermolinskij (202-G/F-87, agency: I.D.S. Law) for the next season. Reportedly, they are already in talks. Ermolinskij spent last season with Sundsvall Dragons. He appeared 26 times in Basketligan averaging 12.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5 assists. He missed more than two months due to injury, but still was named to Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan 2nd Team -12. Before Sundsvall, Pavel Ermolinskij spent one year with KR Reykjavik winning the championship title and Icelandic Cup with them. The swingman was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Icelandic League Domestic Player of the Year -11. Before Reykjavik, Ermolinskij played for Ceceres, La Palma, Huelva, Clinicas Rincon, Unicaja Malaga and Vichy. He also was a member of the Icelandic National Team in 2005, 2006 and 2009. He also played for U20 and U18 NT in the past.


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  TURKEY   

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game
 Jonathan GIBSON
  Trabzonspor
  (182-PG-87)
  Avg: 19.9
 1. Gibson, Trabzonspor19.9 
 2. Reynolds, Antalya18.3 
 3. Chatman, Karsiyaka18.3 
 4. Brown, Trabzonspor18.1 
 5. Scales, Mersin17.4 
 6. Toolson, Aliaga17.3 
 7. Fisher, Antalya17.2 
 8. Grundy, Mersin16.9 
 9. Sneed, Mersin16.9 
 10. Washington, Turk16.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Elton BROWN
  Trabzonspor
  (206-C-83)
  Avg: 12.2
 1. Brown, Trabzonspor12.2 
 2. Stimac, Olin Edirne9.9 
 3. Sanders, Hacett.8.9 
 4. McGhee, Bandirma.7.8 
 5. Mensah-Bonsu, Bes.7.8 
 6. Buckman, Tofas7.6 
 7. Wesson, Erdemir7.6 
 8. Sonkol, Aliaga7.3 
 9. Yucel, Turk T.7.0 
 10. Dagli, Besiktas6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Mire CHATMAN
  Karsiyaka
  (187-PG-78)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Chatman, Karsiyaka6.4 
 2. Ermis, Banvit BK5.8 
 3. Ratkovica, Aliaga5.3 
 4. Tunceri, Anadolu5.2 
 5. Senturk, Erdemir4.9 
 6. Gordon, Galatasaray4.5 
 7. Fisher, Antalya4.4 
 8. Washington, Turk T.4.4 
 9. Reynolds, Antalya4.4 
 10. Arroyo, Besiktas4.3 
Steals Per Game
 Vincent GRIER
  Mersin
  (195-G/F-83)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Grier, Mersin2.1 
 2. Robinson, Trabzons.2.1 
 3. Bryan-A., Hacett.2.0 
 4. Chatman, Karsiyaka1.9 
 5. Grundy, Mersin1.7 
 6. Gordon, Galatasaray1.6 
 7. Guler, Turk T.1.4 
 8. Scales, Mersin1.4 
 9. Hawkins, Besiktas1.4 
 10. Simmons, Banvit1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Charles DAVIS
  Banvit BK
  (202-F-84)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Davis, Banvit BK1.3 
 2. Bryan-A., Hacett.1.3 
 3. Robinson, Erdemir1.1 
 4. McGhee, Bandirma.1.0 
 5. Gist, Fener.Ulker0.9 
 6. Bayav, Karsiyaka0.9 
 7. Aldemir, Galatasar.0.9 
 8. Karaman, Karsiyaka0.8 
 9. Turkyilmaz, Banvit0.8 
 10. Qvale, Aliaga0.8 


Besiktas jumps to 2-0 in TBL Finals (best-of-seven) - by Eurobasket News

TBL Finals, Game 2: Anadolu Efes - Besiktas 71-76 (0-2, best-of-seven)

The guests trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 44-38 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Besiktas made 23-of-29 free shots (79.3 percent) during the game, while Anadolu Efes only scored three points from the stripe. 26 personal fouls committed by Anadolu Efes helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was naturalized American power forward Ersin Dagli (203-81, college: Alabama, agency: Interperformances) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. Puerto Rican guard Carlos Arroyo (188-79, college: FIU) chipped in 19 points. Five Besiktas players scored in double figures. The former international guard Kerem Tunceri (190-79) produced 18 points and Serbian power forward Dusko Savanovic (204-83, agency: Beo Basket) added 14 points and 4 assists respectively for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Game 3 is scheduled for Sunday and Besiktas will be the host.
Top scorers:
Anadolu Efes: K.Tunceri 18+3reb+2ast, D.Savanovic 14+3reb+4ast, T.Kinsey 11+5reb+3ast, S.Guler 8+3reb, K.Gonlum 6+7reb+1ast, E.Batista 5+4reb+1ast
Besiktas: C.Arroyo 19+2reb+2ast, D.Hawkins 17+3reb+3ast, E.Dagli 14+10reb+1ast, P.Mensah-Bonsu 12+6reb, Z.Erceg 11+5reb, S.Cetin 3+2reb+8ast


Aliaga Petkim lands big guy Marcus Arnold - by Eurobasket News

Marcus Arnold (207-C/F-84, agency: Stanley International, college: Illinois) will continue his career in Turkey. The American power forward/center penned a deal with Aliaga Petkim for the next season. He spent the last one with BK JIP Pardubice averaging 14.8 points and 8.4 rebounds for 12 games in EuroChallenge. He was named Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge Honorable Mention -12. In Czech Republic, Arnold had 14.9 ppg and 7.9 rpg for 38 games. There he was named Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. League Center of the Year -11 and participated at the NBL All-Star Game. He played at the All-Star Game also in 2011. Marcus Arnold graduated at the University of Illinois in 2007. He got the first pro deal a year later, when he joined BK Nova Hut Ostrava. In 2010, the player moved to Pardubice.


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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Aaron Brown transfers to Southern Mississippi - by David Edole

Press Release from SouthernMiss.com

HATTIESBURG, Miss. Southern Miss head men's basketball coach Donnie Tyndall has announced that four players have earned scholarships for the 2012-13 season.

Davon Hayes (Portsmouth, Va.), Jerrold Brooks (Rochester, N.Y.), Aaron Brown (195-G-92) (Hackensack, N.J.) and Chip Armelin (Sulphur, La.) will join the Golden Eagle program.

Armelin and Brown, who are transferring from Minnesota and Temple, respectively, will have to sit out the 2012-13 season due to the NCAA's transfer rules.

'All four guys are certainly very talented young men,' said head coach Donnie Tyndall. 'We've added two transfers who will each have two years remaining. They are both coming from very good programs in Minnesota and Temple. When they become eligible, they should certainly have an impact on our league and on our team. All these guys will be talented enough and tough enough to come in and I hope contribute immediately.'

Hayes, a 6-7 guard, spent last year at Mont Clare Academy in Phoenixville, Pa. He was named third team All-Philadelphia/Eastern Pennsylvania South Jersey by HoopScoopOnline, who also named him the 38th-ranked fifth-year player in the nation.

In 2010-11, he averaged 13.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.0 steals while leading Saint Stanislaus (Bay St. Louis, Miss.) to a 34-2 record. He scored 16 points in the championship to lead the Rock-a-chaws to the 4A state title, their first in school history. MsBoysHoops.com ranked him the 12th-ranked player in Mississippi.

'Hayes is a guy who is going to be a nice, young player,' said Tyndall. 'He's long and athletic. He won a state championship here in Mississippi and played for a great high school coach in Jay Ladner and a very good prep school coach in Darrell Schofield.

Brooks, a 6-0 guard, played spent last year at Casper (Wy.) Community College. In 20 games, Brooks averaged 15.8 points, 2.5 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals in helping to lead the Thunderbirds to a 25-9 record. He connected on 73-percent of his free throws, 46-percent of his shots and 43-percent from three-point range, earning him First Team All-Region IX and Second team NJCAA All-American honors.

The previous year, Brooks helped lead the College of Southern Idaho to a 33-4 record and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Championship. Brooks was second on the team with 15.4 points, while also averaging 2.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals. His performance helped him to be named NJCAA Second Team All-Region 18 as well as Region 18 All-Tournament Team.

Brooks played his high school ball at East High School in Rochester, N.Y., where in 2009 he helped his team to a 20-3 record and the state championship, averaging 27.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.3 steals. That year, he was named Fourth Team All-State by the New York State Sportswriters Association and a Rochester City Athletic Conference All-Star, as well as All-Greater Rochester by the Rochester Democrat-Chronicle. In 2008, he helped the Western Squad win the Gold Medal at the Empire State Games. That year, the Rochester Democrat-Chronicle named him All-Greater Rochester Honorable Mention. In 2007, he was also named Second Team All-Greater Rochester in football.

Added Tyndall, 'Brooks can do a lot of different things. He's a playmaker who can shoot it. He is going to give us some nice depth in the backcourt. He won a junior college national championship as a freshman, so he knows how to win.'

Brown is transferring to Southern Miss from Temple. The 6-5 forward averaged 6.4 points in 14.6 minutes. He was sixth in the Atlantic 10 in three-point percentage, connecting on 41.5-percent. He had eight double figure scoring games, including a career-high 21 against Central Michigan. Against Maryland, he grabbed a career-high eight rebounds.

'Brown is an experienced wing player who brings an intensity to his game that not a lot of players have,' said Tyndall. 'He can play both inside and outside, making him tough to defend.'

In 2010-11, he averaged 3.3 points and 1.0 rebound. He appeared in 29 games, making nine straight starts to end the year. Brown averaged 11.5 points in the Atlantic 10 tournament, scoring a season-high 14 points against LaSalle. He played with the U.S. Virgin Islands team in the Centrobasket Championships held in the Dominican Republic, placing second on the team with 12.5 points while ranking third in the tournament in three-point percentage (47%). He also competed at the 2010 FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship.

Armelin, a 6-3 guard, comes to Southern Miss after playing the last two years at Minnesota, where this past year he helped the Golden Gophers to a berth in the NIT Championship. He averaged 5.2 points and 2.1 rebounds. Armelin set career-highs against Nebraska this year in points (20), rebounds (7), steals (2) and minutes played (30).

'Armelin has played in big games for two years in the Big Ten,' added Tyndall. He's an excellent slasher who knows how to take the ball to the basket and open things up for his teammates.'

The four players will join a squad that returns nine players from last year's team that finished 25-9 and went to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 21 years.


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


FUBA league results and airtel, the new sponsor of the league - by Joel Nature

Ndejje Angels 46 : 47Miracle Eagles
Rez Life 56 : 80Dmark Power
Heaters 39 : 71KIU Titans
Giant Stormers45 : 47Vegeterians
Kyambogo Warriors74 : 62Nkumba Marines
UCU Canons 71 : 75Falcons
Giant Stormers 55 : 83 Kyambogo Warriors

Airtel National Basketball League was unveiled as FUBA signed a one year deal with the telecommunication company to sponsor the league for one year. The deal also has Rwenzori Bottling Company, Castle Lite and Daily Monitor as partners. The new deal will only accommodate the Mens division one and the Womens league, each consisting of 12 teams.
Each of the12 teams will get two sets of jerseys, five balls and goodies from sponsors as FUBA tries to also look for partners to come on board for the Mens second and third divisions whose total is 41 teams.
The league under its new title will be launched this Friday with fans getting Airtel airtime worth Shs 2,000 for every ticket that will be bought. Defending Champions, D-mark Power and Warriors will be the sides to in action.
Kawowo Sports couldnt get to know how much Airtel was willing to sink into this season after the companys managing Director VG Somasekhar refused to reveal. We are making a large enough contribution to take this game to the next level, he said. The year-long partnership heralds a new era after eight years with MTN, another telecommunications company, as the main sponsors.
FUBA president Ambrose Tashobya pledged that his federation will be using this platform to push the league to a professional level. Through such partnerships we will be able to open avenues for players. As a federation we believe to have a fully professionals league in the next five years, Tashobya said.


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


Sam stays with Al Ahli - by Ali Ahmed

Cheikh Samb (215-C-84) decided to sign one more year with Al Ahli Dubai .

Outlook:
Very athletic. Great defender. He has great moves in the paint and can score with more than one ways .

Awards/Achievements:
Spanish LEB2 Semifinals -06
NBA Central Division Champion -08
WABA Club Championships -11 (Semifinals)
Asian Club Championships -11 (Silver)
Iranian Superleague Regular Season Champion -11
Iranian Superleague Champion -11


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

Stats Leaders - LPB

Points Per Game
 Donald SIMS
  Gaiteros
  (185-PG-87)
  Avg: 24.1
 1. Sims, Gaiteros24.1 
 2. Holland, Toros23.1 
 3. Pena, Toros21.4 
 4. Rodgers, Marinos19.5 
 5. Adams, Guaiqueries18.9 
 6. Hickerson, Bucan.18.6 
 7. Stoll, Gigantes17.6 
 8. Edwin, Gaiteros17.5 
 9. Millsap, Guaros16.8 
 10. Romero, Trotamun.16.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jack Michael MARTINEZ
  Cocodrilos
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Martinez, Cocodril.10.5 
 2. Pruitt, Trotamun.9.4 
 3. Braggs, Gaiteros9.3 
 4. Fuller, Panteras9.2 
 5. Urbina, Toros8.5 
 6. Jackson, Guaiquer.7.8 
 7. Allen, Marinos7.7 
 8. Gransberry, Cocod.7.7 
 9. Sucre, Marinos7.4 
 10. Warner, Bucaneros7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Paul STOLL
  Gigantes
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Stoll, Gigantes6.8 
 2. Vargas, Marinos5.6 
 3. Cubillan, Trotamun.5.2 
 4. Guillent, Bucaneros4.6 
 5. Guillent, Guaros4.3 
 6. Elliott, Cocodrilos4.2 
 7. Braggs, Gaiteros4.1 
 8. Pena, Toros4.1 
 9. Sims, Gaiteros3.5 
 10. Centeno, Cocodril.3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Paul STOLL
  Gigantes
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 4.3
 1. Stoll, Gigantes4.3 
 2. Guillent, Bucaneros2.8 
 3. Vargas, Marinos2.8 
 4. Pena, Toros2.8 
 5. Elliott, Cocodrilos2.5 
 6. Adams, Guaiqueries2.5 
 7. Sims, Gaiteros2.5 
 8. Horton, Panteras2.3 
 9. Gilder, Trotamun.2.2 
 10. Edwin, Gaiteros1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Rammel ALLEN
  Marinos
  (210-C-79)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Allen, Marinos2.3 
 2. Moss, Marinos2.0 
 3. Lugo, Guaiqueries1.8 
 4. Osorio, Panteras1.5 
 5. Hardin, Marinos1.4 
 6. Graterol, Cocodril.1.3 
 7. Warner, Bucaneros1.1 
 8. Gilder, Trotamun.1.0 
 9. Romero, Trotamun.1.0 
 10. Pruitt, Trotamun.1.0 


Trotamundos grab 84-83 win in Game Four, series tied at 2-2 - by Eurobasket News

LNB Finals, Game 4: Trotamundos - Marinos 84-83 (2-2, best-of-seven)

The hosts trailed by 10 points after three quarters before their 24-13 charge, which allowed them to win the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Marinos helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Shaun Pruitt (208-85, college: Illinois, agency: Edge Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import forward Trey Gilder (206-85, college: Northwestern St.) who added 25 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American forward Leon Rodgers (199-80, college: N.Illinois) responded with 23 points and the former international point guard Gregory Vargas (182-86) scored 15 points and 4 assists. Four Marinos players scored in double figures. Game Five is scheduled for today.
Top scorers:
Trotamundos: T.Gilder 25+6reb, S.Pruitt 19+10reb+3ast, R.Perez 14+5reb+1ast, D.Cubillan 9+3ast, M.Lewis 6+2reb+1ast, D.Lewis 5
Marinos: L.Rodgers 23+3reb+1ast, G.Vargas 15+4reb+4ast, O.Torres 15+1reb+2ast, A.Sucre 11+4reb, J.Watkins 8+6reb+1ast, J.Vargas 7+3reb+2ast
gschID: 177164



*****************************************************
  ZIMBABWE   


Cameo win National Championship - by Eurobasket News

Cameo-Sigauke celebrated National Championship title. They overcame Mercenaries in the title game at the Richmond Park venue. The game was a tough battle. Cameo-Sigauke managed to pull away with a 48:47 win at the end.
Cameo-Sigauke first battle in Group A in the preliminary round. They made their way into the semifinal taking on JBC. Cameo-Sigauke overcame their opponents 46:26 to enter the championship game. Mercenaries toppled Group B to reach the semis. They faced the defending champions Mbare Heat for the Final ticket. Mercenaries held off their opponents 59:49 to set up clash versus Cameo-Sigauke.
Both Cameo-Sigauke and Mercenaries are now entitled to represent Zimbabwe at the Zone Six Club Championship.



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Women News


Belarus edge Montenegro for second straight win in Turkey - by Eurobasket News

Belarus - Montenegro 69:43

Belarus shocked Montenegro to post the second straight win at the Kepez international tournament. Katerina Snytsina (188-F-85) knocked down 15 points to keep Belarus undefeated. They will face Turkey in the final round tomorrow.
Belarus did not waste too much time taking off to a 20:11 start. They stayed in front throughout the second quarter. Belarus posted a 35:23 halftime lead. They held Montenegro to only 7 points in the third term to boost the margin at 21-point mark. Belarus did not slow down in the fourth quarter leaving their opponents far behind. Rytsikava finished with 11 points, while Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) added 9 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 14 points for Montenegro. Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) produced 12 points in the loss.

Belarus: Katerina Snytsina 15, Rytsikava 11, Tatyana Troina 9+10 boards
Montenegro: Jelena Skerovic 14, Iva Perovanovic 12


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  BELGIUM   


Kim Mestdagh signs with Caja Rural - by Eurobasket News

Kim Mestdagh (177-G/F-90) signs with Caja Rural for the next season. According to lovewomensbasketball.com the Belgian guard comes from Colorado.
In 2008-2009 she started for Colorado St. (NCAA) and in 31 games averaged 7.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 39.8%, 3Pts: 32.1%, FT: 48.0%. In her last for Colorado St. (NCAA, starting five) she had 14.8ppg, 4.9rpg, 4.0apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 39.7%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 83.5%.
As a junior, she earned second-team all-Mountain West recognition for the second consecutive year. Kim scored her 1,000th point, against UNLV at Moby Arena and was the only active junior with over 1,000 points in the MW. She was fourth in the MW in scoring with 513 points (17.1 ppg) first in free-throw percentage with .876, third in steals with 57 (1.9 per game).
As a member of the Belgian National Team -10-11, she participated at the Qualifications to European Championships 2011. In 7 games her stats read 4.3ppg, 2.1rpg.


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Jelena Dubljevic heads to USK Praha - by Eurobasket News

Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) heads to USK Praha for the next season. According to lovewomensbasketball.com Montenegro NT member will go to Czech Republic.
Jelena Dubljevic spent the last season with Rivas Ecopolis. The Montenegrin National Team center penned a short term deal with her former team.
The season 2010 Jelena Dubljevic spent with Tarbes. She helped them reach French league Finals and was named Eurobasket.com All-French LFB Bosman Player of the Year -11. Dubljevic appeared 24 times averaging 15.3 points, 5 rebounds and 3.3 assists. She also added 16 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 2.8 apg for 10 Euroleague games. From 2006 to 2010, Jelena Dubljevic played for Rivas. She also has experience from Ros Casares. Dubljevic shined at the EuroBasket in Poland this summer averaging 13.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists for 8 games.
In 2011-2012for Rivas Ecopolis (Spain-LFB) her stats read 10.8ppg, 3.7rpg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 63.6% in EuroLeague. In Spanish League after 8 games her stats read 10.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 92.3%.


Czech Republic destroy Puerto Rico in Game 2 - by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic - Puerto Rico 81:48

Czech Republic destroy Puerto Rico in Game 2 of the friendly campaign. After the narrow loss in the opener, the European team erupted with a 81:48 victory.
Czech Republic started the game better and reached 14:10 after the first five minutes. They increased to 29-16 at the end of the period and had 33:23 midway through the second frame. Puerto Rico remained tough at 50:40, but then failed in the rest of the game. The European side reached 64:43 at the end of thirty minutes and the led 73:43 with 5 minutes remaining. Moreover the board showed 81:48 for the Czechs at the end of the game.
Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) paced all the winners with 22 points and Hana Horakova (182-F/G-79) notched 9. Ilona Burgrova (196-C-84, college: S.Carolina) and Katerina Elhotova (180-SG-89) delivred 8 points apiece. Marie Placido (182-F-87) ended up with 8 points in the losing effort. Jailine Cortijo had 7, while Vasquez added 6.

Czech Republic: Eva Viteckova 22, Hana Horakova 9, Ilona Burgrova 8, Katerina Elhotova 8
Puerto Rico: Marie Placido 8, Jailine Cortijo 7, Vasquez 6


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Jelena Dubljevic heads to USK Praha - by Eurobasket News

Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) heads to USK Praha for the next season. According to lovewomensbasketball.com Montenegro NT member will go to Czech Republic.
Jelena Dubljevic spent the last season with Rivas Ecopolis. The Montenegrin National Team center penned a short term deal with her former team.
The season 2010 Jelena Dubljevic spent with Tarbes. She helped them reach French league Finals and was named Eurobasket.com All-French LFB Bosman Player of the Year -11. Dubljevic appeared 24 times averaging 15.3 points, 5 rebounds and 3.3 assists. She also added 16 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 2.8 apg for 10 Euroleague games. From 2006 to 2010, Jelena Dubljevic played for Rivas. She also has experience from Ros Casares. Dubljevic shined at the EuroBasket in Poland this summer averaging 13.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists for 8 games.
In 2011-2012for Rivas Ecopolis (Spain-LFB) her stats read 10.8ppg, 3.7rpg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 63.6% in EuroLeague. In Spanish League after 8 games her stats read 10.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 92.3%.


Nadezhda Orenburg lands five new players - by Eurobasket News

Head Coach of Nadezhda Orenburg Alexander Kovalev announced that the team signed Renee Montgomery (170-PG-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut), DeWanna Bonner (193-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Auburn), Kelly Miller (178-G-78, college: Georgia), Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) and Zane Zane Teilane-Tamane (200-C-83, agency: LBM Management, college: W.Illinois) for the next season.
Renee Montgomery is currently a member of the Connecticut Sun. So far she appeared in 3 WNBA games this season averaging 16.3 points and 4 assists. Montgomery split last season between UNI SEAT Gyor and Tarsus.
DeWanna Bonner played for Perfumerias last season. She exploded with 19.3 ppg and 9.6 rpg in Euroleague, plus 15.7 ppg and 6.4 rpg in Spain.
Kelly Miller played for Samsun averaging 9.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. He has Russian passport.
Iva Perovanovic played for CCC Polkowice in Poland, where they reached Finals. She had 9.1 ppg and 4.2 rpg, plus 12.4 ppg and 5.7 rpg in Euroleague.
Zane Teilane-Tamane won the title with Fenerbahce. She had 10.7 ppg and 6.3 rpg in Eirpleague, plus 8.5 ppg and 5.1 rpg in Turkey.

Elena Danilochkina (186-G-86), Natalia Zhedik (184-G-88) and Liudmila Sapova (185-F/C-84) will stay with the team, while the newcomers are Alexandra Tarasova (194-C-91), Anastasia Maximova and Yuliya Puluyanova.


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   

Standings Div.A (Women)

Standings
Group A
1. Belarus0-0
2. Hungary0-0
3. Israel0-0
4. Portugal0-0
5. Ukraine0-0
Group B
1. Estonia0-0
2. Montenegro0-0
3. Poland0-0
4. Serbia0-0
5. Switzerland0-0
Group C
1. Belgium0-0
2. Lithuania0-0
3. Holland0-0
4. Slovenia0-0
5. Slovakia0-0
Group D
1. Bulgaria0-0
2. Spain0-0
3. Germany0-0
4. Romania0-0
5. Sweden0-0
Group E
1. Finland0-0
2. Greece0-0
3. Italy0-0
4. Latvia0-0
5. Luxembourg0-0

Qualifying Round: Round 1

A

Jun. 13: UKR - POL
Jun. 13: BLR - HUN

B

Jun. 13: MNT - SRB
Jun. 13: EST - SUI

C

Jun. 13: LTU - NED
Jun. 13: BEL - SLO

D

Jun. 13: ROM - SWE
Jun. 13: ESP - BUL

E

Jun. 12: LAT - ITA
Jun. 13: FIN - LUX



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  GERMANY   


Germany U16 edge French counterparts in test game - by Eurobasket News

Germany U16 - France U16 47:44

German U16 National Team continued their preparation for the upcoming European Championship. They faced France in the exhibition encounter yesterday. Germany eked out a narrow three-point win at the end. France led by as many as 11 points after ten minutes. But the hosts recovered in the next two periods. Germany cut the deficit to a single point with ten minutes to go. They went on a 12:8 run in the fourth quarter to pull away with the victory. Emma lina Stach (175-PG-96) scored 13 points to lead Germany. Alexandra Wilke added 8 points in the winning case.
The teams are scheduled to meet again today and tomorrow.


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  GREECE   

Standings -A2 Women - by Chris Mammides

A2 Standings
Group North
 1. Olympiakos 20-2 
 2. Panathlitikos 20-2 
 3. Anagenisi 17-5 
 4. Titanes Dramas 16-6 
 5. Pylaia 14-8 
 6. Komotini 12-10 
 7. AO Serron 10-12 
 8. MENT 9-13 
 9. M.Aleksandros 8-14 
 10. Prasini Gonia 4-18 
 11. Olympiada L. 1-21 
 12. PAOK D.Mak. 1-21 
Group South
 1. AO Ellinikou 18-2 
 2. Proteas 18-2 
 3. Terpsithea 18-2 
 4. Ippokratis 12-8 
 5. Sporting 10-10 
 6. Agia Paraskevis 9-11 
 7. Nea Kifisia 9-11 
 8. Niki Lefkadas 8-12 
 9. PAS Giannina 6-14 
 10. Halkida 2-18 
 11. Apollon Patras 0-20 


Georgios Dikeoulakos farewell to Fenerbahce - by Eurobasket News

Georgios Dikeoulakos (agency: FCM ) farewell to Fenerbahce. According to lovewomensbasketball.com via pota6, the Greek specialist will leave the Turkish team. Unofficially, the reason for such decision was because Fenerbahce refused to re-sign point guard Elina Babkina.
Eurobasket wrote earlier that Georgios Dikeoulakos (agency: FCM ) will remain with Fenerbahce for the next season. The Greek head Coach as well as Nevin Nevlin, Esmeral Tuncluer and Kubra Siyahdemir were supposed to stay with the team.
In 2006 he went to the States at the training camps of Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks from the N.B.A., and De Paul, Marquette, Northwestern, S. Francis from N.C.A.A. Dikaioulakos is the most successful coach in the history of Greek women basketball. After winning the double in 2009 with Athinaikos, he led the club to the treble in 2010 by winning the FIBA Eurochallenge and doing the double in Greece again. He was then appointed as Head coach of Latvias National Team and in the summer of 2010 he lead them to qualification for the Eurobasket 2011. In January 2011 he took over Lotos Gdynia and in March he won the Polish Cup. Dikaioulakos has also won the gold medal in the Mens U18 European Championship with Greece as assistant coach to Kostas Missas.


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  HUNGARY   


UNI SEAT Gyor returns Ieva Kublina - by Eurobasket News

According to her agency and her profile at their web site, Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) is back to Hungary. The Latvian power forward signed a one-year contract with her former team UNI SEAT Gyor. They won the championship title in the country this season. Kublina played for UNI SEAT in 2010/11 averaging 13.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2 assists for 25 games in Hungary. She also added 12.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 2.1 apg for 10 EuroCup games. Ieva Kublina spent last season with Bourges and managed to win the French title with them. She had 4.1 ppg and 4.7 rpg for 29 games in the league. In Euroleague, the player registered 5.6 ppg and 4 rpg for 16 games. In the past, Ieva Kublina played for USK Praha and TTT Riga. She also has experience from Dynamo Moscow, Mondeville, Montpellier and Miskolc. Kublina is active member of the Latvian NT since 2003.


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  ITALY   


Raffaella Masciadri has joined Roberto Richinis squad - by Eurobasket News

According to lovewomensbasketball.com via Italian Basketball Federation, Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) has joined Roberto Richini's squad. Masciadri was cut from New York Liberty training camp earlier this month.
The season 2011-2012 she spent with Famila Wuber Schio (A1) and in Euroleague averaged 7.7ppg, 1.6rpg, FGP: 32.1%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 76.9%. In Italian League after 32 games her stats read 10.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 84.1%.
Although Raffaella Masciadri scored 17 points in the last Final game, Cras Taranto ended impressive season in Italy. They outplayed Familia Schio 72:58 winning the Finals with 3-0. Familia Schio won the A1 title last season, while Taranto did it in 2009 and 2010. Taranto also outplayed Familia Schio in the Cup Finals earlier this season, 78:57. She started the summer campaign with New York Liberty (WNBA), but left the team.


Tijana Ajdukovic signs with Lavezzini - by Eurobasket News

Tijana Ajdukovic (197-C-91, agency: Regeneracom Sports) signs with Lavezzini for the next season. The Serbian player who is the 197 cm tall center is set to turn 21 in 3 days according to lovewomensbasketball.com.
Tijana Ajdukovic played for the whole career in Serbia. In 2006-2007 she started for Spartak Subotica (1A) and in 2010-2011 moved to Hemofarm Stada Vrsac (A League, starting five). In 2011-2012 for Hemofarm Stada Vrsac (A League, starting five) she averaged 13.1ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 52.1%, FT: 69.6% in Serbian League and in Adriatic League showed 13.7ppg, 7.4rpg, Blocks-4 (1.1bpg), FGP: 52.6%, FT: 75.8%.
She was named Eurobasket.com All-MZRKL Honorable Mention -12. Together with Hemofarm she became 2012 Cup winner in Serbia. The team from Vrsac managed to beat Radivoj Korac in the Big Final 67:53. Tijana Ajdukovic was a key player in victory with 20 points and 11 rebounds. She was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 30.


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  JAPAN   


Japan rolled over Turkey in Kepez - by Eurobasket News

Turkey-Japan 53:63

Japan rolled over Turkey in Kepez in Day 2 of the International Tournament. The Asian team grabbed a 63:53 victory.
Japan started with 17-15 in the opening period and added 17-14 in the second period. The third period was decisive in the game as Japan limited the hosts to just 4 points. Turkey lost the period 4-11 and could not bounce back in the game. They managed however to win the last stanza 20-17, but it was not enough to celebrate the victory.
Maki Takada (183-C-89) and Arisa Fujiwara (87) top-scored for the winners with 13 points each as Japan celebrated the initial victory. Maya Kawahara (167-G-87) nailed 10 and Rika Tanaka (173-G/F-82) had 9. Nevin Nevlin (195-C-85, college: Stanford) replied with 13 points in the losing effort as Turkey lost their second consecutive game. Quanitra Hollingsworth (196-C-88, college: VCU) posted 11 and Seda Erdogan (170-F-87, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Dodge City CC) added 7.

Turkey: Nevin Nevlin 13, Quanitra Hollingsworth 11, Seda Erdogan 7
Japan: Maki Takada 13, Arisa Fujiwara 13, Maya Kawahara 10, Rika Tanaka 9


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  LATVIA   


Zane Teilane-Tamane signs in Russia - by Eurobasket News

Zane Teilane-Tamane (200-C-83, agency: LBM Management, college: W.Illinois) will continue her career in Russia. The Latvian center penned a one-year deal with Nadezhda Orenburg. She was released by the Phoenix Mercury few days ago. The center appeared in two WNBA games getting 13 minutes in total. Zane Teilane-Tamane spent last season with Fenerbahce. She had 8.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 1.1. bpg in 26 games, while Fener managed to defend the championship title in Turkey. The player also added 10.7 ppg and 6.3 rpg for 18 Euroleague games. Before Fener, she spent one year with MKB Euroleasing Sopron. In the past, Teilane-Tamane also played for USK Praha, Nadezhda Orenburg, Hondarribia Irun, Barcelona and Washington Mystics. She graduated at the Western Illinois University six years ago. Nadezhda Orenburg also signed Renee Montgomery, DeWanna Bonner, Kelly Miller and Iva Perovanovic. It is already clear that the team has big appetites for the next season.


UNI SEAT Gyor returns Ieva Kublina - by Eurobasket News

According to her agency and her profile at their web site, Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) is back to Hungary. The Latvian power forward signed a one-year contract with her former team UNI SEAT Gyor. They won the championship title in the country this season. Kublina played for UNI SEAT in 2010/11 averaging 13.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2 assists for 25 games in Hungary. She also added 12.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 2.1 apg for 10 EuroCup games. Ieva Kublina spent last season with Bourges and managed to win the French title with them. She had 4.1 ppg and 4.7 rpg for 29 games in the league. In Euroleague, the player registered 5.6 ppg and 4 rpg for 16 games. In the past, Ieva Kublina played for USK Praha and TTT Riga. She also has experience from Dynamo Moscow, Mondeville, Montpellier and Miskolc. Kublina is active member of the Latvian NT since 2003.


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  MALTA   


Nova Ves bring in Josephine Grima - by Eurobasket News

Nova Ves bring in Josephine Grima (193-C-84) for the next season. According to lovewomensbasketball.com, the Slovakian team announced signing Maltese center. According to Simkulak, one of the goals of Spisska Nova Ves, the newcomer in Slovak Extraliga, is to participate in EuroCup in three years. The club is also considering entering CEWL this season.
In 2004-2005 Josephine Grima started for Virtus Basket Siracusa (Italy-C) and in 2005-2006 moved to Acer Priolo (Italy-A1). In 2006-2007 she played for Trogylos Basket Priolo (Italy-A1) and in 2008-2009 headed to Acer ERG Priolo (Italy-A1). The season 2009-2010 Grima played for RomaSistemi So.Se.Pharm Pomezia (Italy-A2, starting five).
Earlier American point guard Jade Smith-Williams (170-G, college: Cal-Irvine) has signed a year contract with Spisska Nova Ves. Smith-Williams previously played in Chico State and UC Irvine. In season 2010-2011 she averaged 14,7 points per game. As a player she is admired for great leadership, toughness and dedication.


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  MONTENEGRO   


Belarus edge Montenegro for second straight win in Turkey - by Eurobasket News

Belarus - Montenegro 69:43

Belarus shocked Montenegro to post the second straight win at the Kepez international tournament. Katerina Snytsina (188-F-85) knocked down 15 points to keep Belarus undefeated. They will face Turkey in the final round tomorrow.
Belarus did not waste too much time taking off to a 20:11 start. They stayed in front throughout the second quarter. Belarus posted a 35:23 halftime lead. They held Montenegro to only 7 points in the third term to boost the margin at 21-point mark. Belarus did not slow down in the fourth quarter leaving their opponents far behind. Rytsikava finished with 11 points, while Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) added 9 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 14 points for Montenegro. Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) produced 12 points in the loss.

Belarus: Katerina Snytsina 15, Rytsikava 11, Tatyana Troina 9+10 boards
Montenegro: Jelena Skerovic 14, Iva Perovanovic 12


Iva Perovanovic moves to Russia, Nadezhda Orenburg - by Eurobasket News

Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) signed a one-year deal with the Russian team Nadezhda Orenburg. They will have big ambitions next season in Euroleague and Russian league as well. Except of Perovanovic, Nadezhda also landed Renee Montgomery, DeWanna Bonner, Kelly Miller and Zane Tamane.
Iva Perovanovic spent last season with CCC Polkowice and was named Eurobasket.com Polish PLKK All-Bosman Players Team. She had 9.1 ppg and 4.2 rpg helping Polkowice to reach the Playoff Finals. Perovanovic also was good in Euroleague averaging 12.4 points and 5.7 rebounds. Before CCC Polkowice, Iva Pervanovic spent one season with French Montpellier. She also has experience from Olesa, Umbertide, Gran Canaria and Buducnost. In 2011, Perovanovic was named Eurobasket.com All-Europeans Power Forward of the Year. She had 16.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 2.3 apg for 8 games at the EuroBasket in Poland.


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  NCAA1   


McWilliams-Franklin will be coach at Rice - by Eurobasket News

Lynx starting center Taj McWilliams-Franklin (6'3''-C-70, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: St.Edward's) has been named an assistant women's basketball coach at Rice University. McWilliams-Franklin, who is in her 14th WNBA season, will join the Owls staff when the Lynx season ends. That could be late October if the defending league champions make another deep playoff run.

For the past 10 WNBA offseasons, she has played overseas, but she has a home in San Antonio.

McWilliams-Franklin said she was thrilled and excited about coaching in Houston, according to a Rice news release, and added, 'I am looking forward to becoming a contributing member of [Greg Williams'] staff as well as part of the Rice community.'

A Lynx spokesperson said the team was unsure if McWilliams-Franklin's new career path meant she already has decided not to return for the 2013 season. At 41, she is the WNBA's oldest player this season and has a one-year contract.

McWilliams-Franklin is averaging 7.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 27.8 minutes through four games.

Courtesy of www.startribune.com


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  NIGERIA   


Zenith Bank WBL: First Deepwater pound Plateau Rocks 97-32 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Defending champion of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) organised Zenith Bank Women Basketball League First Deepwater basketball club opened her final phase campaign with a 97-32 points pounding of Plateau Rocks basketball club of Jos Thursday at the sports hall of the national stadium.

The huge win by the Oil and Gas ladies was a perfect birthday present to club chairman Engr. Babatunde Babalola whose birthday is today (Friday).

Former champion First Bank basketball club was also spectacular on the opening day of the final phase with an emphatic 92-52 points victory over Delta Force basketball club of Asaba, Sunshine Angels basketball club of Akure defeated Nigeria Customs basketball club by 45-32 points while Dolphins basketball club walked-over FCT Angels basketball club of Abuja.

Four games are on the bill in Day-2 (Friday) of the league with First Deepwater basketball club squaring up against AHIP Queens basketball club of Kano at 09H00; Delta Force of Asaba will try out Nigeria Customs of Lagos at 11H00; Sunshine Angels of Akure vs FCT Angels while the last game of the second day will see First Bank basketball club will file out against Dolphins basketball club.


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  PUERTO RICO   


Czech Republic dominates Puerto Rico on second game: - by Luis Modestti

Czech Republic crushed Puerto Rico 81-48 in the second warm-up game as both teams prepare for the FIBA Olympic Qualifier.

Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) scored 22 points for the hosts who dominated the second half 39-12.

Mari Placido netted 8 and Carla Cortijo 7 for Puerto Rico who won on the first day 66-54.

Now Puerto Rico moves to the Netherlands and will have warm-up games on June 1, 2 and 3. Then they return on June 4 and continue preparations for Centrobasket and Olympic Qualifier.


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  RUSSIA   


Nadezhda Orenburg lands five new players - by Eurobasket News

Head Coach of Nadezhda Orenburg Alexander Kovalev announced that the team signed Renee Montgomery (170-PG-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut), DeWanna Bonner (193-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Auburn), Kelly Miller (178-G-78, college: Georgia), Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) and Zane Zane Teilane-Tamane (200-C-83, agency: LBM Management, college: W.Illinois) for the next season.
Renee Montgomery is currently a member of the Connecticut Sun. So far she appeared in 3 WNBA games this season averaging 16.3 points and 4 assists. Montgomery split last season between UNI SEAT Gyor and Tarsus.
DeWanna Bonner played for Perfumerias last season. She exploded with 19.3 ppg and 9.6 rpg in Euroleague, plus 15.7 ppg and 6.4 rpg in Spain.
Kelly Miller played for Samsun averaging 9.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. He has Russian passport.
Iva Perovanovic played for CCC Polkowice in Poland, where they reached Finals. She had 9.1 ppg and 4.2 rpg, plus 12.4 ppg and 5.7 rpg in Euroleague.
Zane Teilane-Tamane won the title with Fenerbahce. She had 10.7 ppg and 6.3 rpg in Eirpleague, plus 8.5 ppg and 5.1 rpg in Turkey.

Elena Danilochkina (186-G-86), Natalia Zhedik (184-G-88) and Liudmila Sapova (185-F/C-84) will stay with the team, while the newcomers are Alexandra Tarasova (194-C-91), Anastasia Maximova and Yuliya Puluyanova.


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  SERBIA   


International Tournament "Belgrade's Trophy 2012" June 3-6th - by Tamara Ruzic

On June 3-6th, Belgrade will be hosting an international tournament 'Belgrade's Trophy 2012' . Four senior national teams (Germany, Italy, Romania, Serbia) will have last check to see their sports form and correct their tactical plans before the start of qualifying games, where they need to qualify for the European Championship in France 2013.The games will be played at Basketball Gym 'Sumice' in Belgarde.
Free entrance for all 3 days.

Schedule:

Sunday, June 3rd
6 pm Israel - Italy
8:30pm Serbia - Romania

Monday, June 4th
6 pm Romania - Italy
8:30pm Serbia - Israel

Tuesday, June 5th
6 pm Israel - Romania
8:30pm Serbia - Italy
10pm Tournament closing ceremony


Tijana Ajdukovic signs with Lavezzini - by Eurobasket News

Tijana Ajdukovic (197-C-91, agency: Regeneracom Sports) signs with Lavezzini for the next season. The Serbian player who is the 197 cm tall center is set to turn 21 in 3 days according to lovewomensbasketball.com.
Tijana Ajdukovic played for the whole career in Serbia. In 2006-2007 she started for Spartak Subotica (1A) and in 2010-2011 moved to Hemofarm Stada Vrsac (A League, starting five). In 2011-2012 for Hemofarm Stada Vrsac (A League, starting five) she averaged 13.1ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 52.1%, FT: 69.6% in Serbian League and in Adriatic League showed 13.7ppg, 7.4rpg, Blocks-4 (1.1bpg), FGP: 52.6%, FT: 75.8%.
She was named Eurobasket.com All-MZRKL Honorable Mention -12. Together with Hemofarm she became 2012 Cup winner in Serbia. The team from Vrsac managed to beat Radivoj Korac in the Big Final 67:53. Tijana Ajdukovic was a key player in victory with 20 points and 11 rebounds. She was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 30.


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  SLOVAKIA   


Nova Ves bring in Josephine Grima - by Eurobasket News

Nova Ves bring in Josephine Grima (193-C-84) for the next season. According to lovewomensbasketball.com, the Slovakian team announced signing Maltese center. According to Simkulak, one of the goals of Spisska Nova Ves, the newcomer in Slovak Extraliga, is to participate in EuroCup in three years. The club is also considering entering CEWL this season.
In 2004-2005 Josephine Grima started for Virtus Basket Siracusa (Italy-C) and in 2005-2006 moved to Acer Priolo (Italy-A1). In 2006-2007 she played for Trogylos Basket Priolo (Italy-A1) and in 2008-2009 headed to Acer ERG Priolo (Italy-A1). The season 2009-2010 Grima played for RomaSistemi So.Se.Pharm Pomezia (Italy-A2, starting five).
Earlier American point guard Jade Smith-Williams (170-G, college: Cal-Irvine) has signed a year contract with Spisska Nova Ves. Smith-Williams previously played in Chico State and UC Irvine. In season 2010-2011 she averaged 14,7 points per game. As a player she is admired for great leadership, toughness and dedication.


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  SPAIN   


Kim Mestdagh signs with Caja Rural - by Eurobasket News

Kim Mestdagh (177-G/F-90) signs with Caja Rural for the next season. According to lovewomensbasketball.com the Belgian guard comes from Colorado.
In 2008-2009 she started for Colorado St. (NCAA) and in 31 games averaged 7.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 39.8%, 3Pts: 32.1%, FT: 48.0%. In her last for Colorado St. (NCAA, starting five) she had 14.8ppg, 4.9rpg, 4.0apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 39.7%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 83.5%.
As a junior, she earned second-team all-Mountain West recognition for the second consecutive year. Kim scored her 1,000th point, against UNLV at Moby Arena and was the only active junior with over 1,000 points in the MW. She was fourth in the MW in scoring with 513 points (17.1 ppg) first in free-throw percentage with .876, third in steals with 57 (1.9 per game).
As a member of the Belgian National Team -10-11, she participated at the Qualifications to European Championships 2011. In 7 games her stats read 4.3ppg, 2.1rpg.


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  SWEDEN   


Northland Basket keeps captain Frida Aili for the next season - by Eurobasket News

Northland Basket announced signing of a one-year contract extension with its captain Frida Aili (179-G-88). She played 24 games with the club last season averaging 14 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2 steals. Northland reached Damligan Finals and Aili was named to Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Damligan 2nd Team -12. She was also awarded with Eurobasket.com Swedish Damligan All-Domestic Players Team -12. Frida Aili played for Lulea Basket in 2010/11 registering 9.4 ppg, 2.2 apg and 2.1 rpg. Before that, she spent one season with Bulgarian Lukoil Neftochimik Burgas. Aili also has experience with Italian Pozzuoli. Frida Aili won the Bulgarian league title with Lukoil in 2010 and was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Honorable Mention. She is active member of the Swedish National Team since 2008. Aili also played for U20, U19 and U18 Sweden in the past.


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  TURKEY   


Japan rolled over Turkey in Kepez - by Eurobasket News

Turkey-Japan 53:63

Japan rolled over Turkey in Kepez in Day 2 of the International Tournament. The Asian team grabbed a 63:53 victory.
Japan started with 17-15 in the opening period and added 17-14 in the second period. The third period was decisive in the game as Japan limited the hosts to just 4 points. Turkey lost the period 4-11 and could not bounce back in the game. They managed however to win the last stanza 20-17, but it was not enough to celebrate the victory.
Maki Takada (183-C-89) and Arisa Fujiwara (87) top-scored for the winners with 13 points each as Japan celebrated the initial victory. Maya Kawahara (167-G-87) nailed 10 and Rika Tanaka (173-G/F-82) had 9. Nevin Nevlin (195-C-85, college: Stanford) replied with 13 points in the losing effort as Turkey lost their second consecutive game. Quanitra Hollingsworth (196-C-88, college: VCU) posted 11 and Seda Erdogan (170-F-87, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Dodge City CC) added 7.

Turkey: Nevin Nevlin 13, Quanitra Hollingsworth 11, Seda Erdogan 7
Japan: Maki Takada 13, Arisa Fujiwara 13, Maya Kawahara 10, Rika Tanaka 9


Georgios Dikeoulakos farewell to Fenerbahce - by Eurobasket News

Georgios Dikeoulakos (agency: FCM ) farewell to Fenerbahce. According to lovewomensbasketball.com via pota6, the Greek specialist will leave the Turkish team. Unofficially, the reason for such decision was because Fenerbahce refused to re-sign point guard Elina Babkina.
Eurobasket wrote earlier that Georgios Dikeoulakos (agency: FCM ) will remain with Fenerbahce for the next season. The Greek head Coach as well as Nevin Nevlin, Esmeral Tuncluer and Kubra Siyahdemir were supposed to stay with the team.
In 2006 he went to the States at the training camps of Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks from the N.B.A., and De Paul, Marquette, Northwestern, S. Francis from N.C.A.A. Dikaioulakos is the most successful coach in the history of Greek women basketball. After winning the double in 2009 with Athinaikos, he led the club to the treble in 2010 by winning the FIBA Eurochallenge and doing the double in Greece again. He was then appointed as Head coach of Latvias National Team and in the summer of 2010 he lead them to qualification for the Eurobasket 2011. In January 2011 he took over Lotos Gdynia and in March he won the Polish Cup. Dikaioulakos has also won the gold medal in the Mens U18 European Championship with Greece as assistant coach to Kostas Missas.


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  WNBA   

Standings

WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Connecticut S. 3-0 
 2. Indiana F. 3-0 
 3. Chicago S. 2-1 
 4. Atlanta D. 1-2 
 5. Washington M. 1-2 
 6. New York L. 0-4 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 5-0 
 2. L.Angeles S. 3-2 
 3. Phoenix M. 1-2 
 4. S.Antonio SS 1-2 
 5. Seattle S. 1-2 
 6. Tulsa S. 0-4 

Regular Season: Round 7

May. 30: Washington M. - Minnesota L. 77-79
May. 29: L.Angeles S. - Tulsa S. 76-75
May. 30: S.Antonio SS - Chicago S. 63-77
May. 31: Atlanta D. - Phoenix M.


Whalen's layup gives Lynx 79-77 win over Mystics - by Eurobasket News

The WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx have shown they can win big while jumping out to an undefeated start. The Lynx's victory proved they can also survive.

Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-PG-82, college: Minnesota) put back her own miss with a second remaining to give Minnesota a 79-77 win over the Washington Mystics on Wednesday night after the Lynx blew a 24-point lead.

Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut) and Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) led the Lynx (5-0) with 16 points and Seimone Augustus added 15. Minnesota shot 65.6 percent (21 of 32) in the first half and led 59-35 with 6:36 remaining in the third quarter before turnovers and inspired play by the Mystics changed the flow.

The Mystics used a 21-4 run to pull closer at 63-54 late in the third quarter, tied the game at 68 on Matee Ajavon's jumper with 6:27 remaining and took their first lead at 73-72 on Michelle Snow's layup with 3:25 left.

After an exchange of baskets, Whalen, who scored all 11 of her points in the second half and the Lynx' final seven, tied the game at 75 with a free throw. She hit two more with 42.9 seconds left after Minnesota extended a possession with three offensive rebounds.

Mystics forward Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86, college: Maryland) 's layup with 25 seconds left tied it at 77. Whalen, the Lynx's point guard, found room on the right corner and attempted a driving runner that missed. After an ensuing rebounding scrum, the ball wound up back in the 5-foot-9 Whalen's hands near the basket. She did not miss her second chance at the win.

'I figured if I could just get in the lane, something good would happen,' said Whalen, who finished with seven assists but six of the Lynx's 18 turnovers. 'I ended up missing the first one. Somehow the ball came back to me and I was able to get it up high enough to go in.'

Devereaux Peters (6'2''-F-89, college: Notre Dame) blocked Mystics center Ashley Robinson (6'4''-C-82, college: Tennessee) 's long jumper at the buzzer as the Lynx extended their franchise-record road-winning streak to seven games.

Ajavon led the Mystics (1-2) with 20 points, 14 coming in the second half.

'We're going to win the game, that's what we're thinking,' said Langhorne, who finished with 12 points. 'It was that possession; we couldn't get a defensive rebound. Then Lindsay has the ball, shoots, gets her own offensive rebound and scores with 1 second left. It's tough.'

Minnesota matched a franchise record and became the 10th team in WNBA history to open a season with five straight victories. Dating back to last season, the Lynx have won 11 straight and their first four victories this season were by an average of 15.3 points.

The latest win nearly slipped away as the Mystics to shot 56.7 percent (17 of 30) from the field after halftime.

'They were aggressive, they were hitting their shots','' Moore said. We didn't do the things we normally do on either end. It was a bad combination, but I'm glad I have great teammates that will step up in the clutch.'

Both teams suffered scoring droughts. Washington held Minnesota without a point for the opening 4:33 of the fourth quarter. That came after the Lynx kept Mystics without a field goal for over seven minutes and 11 seconds during a 24-2 first half run. Minnesota led by 14 points after the first quarter and 51-31 at halftime.

'We were able to get stops and run,' Whalen said. 'When the stops stop going, it's harder to run and get easy baskets.Hopefully we do a better a job playing the whole 40 minutes because today it felt like we played 20 and thought it was over.'

Washington, coming off a win over Tulsa on Saturday, has not won consecutive games since winning their final six regular season games in 2010. Dating back to last season, the Mystics have lost 15 of 17 games.

'We never quit,' Mystics Coach Trudi Lacey said. 'In a lot of ways, we simply ran out of time. We didn't lose the game.

Courtesy of www.greenwichtime.com


Fowles leads Sky past Silver Stars - by Eurobasket News

Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) had 23 points and 12 rebounds, helping the Chicago Sky dominate the smaller San Antonio Silver Stars for a 77-63 victory Wednesday night.

The Sky used their height advantage to rally and take control of the game. San Antonio started 6-foot-1 forwards Sophia Young and Danielle Adams against 6-6 Fowles and 6-5 Ruth Riley.

'Fowles is about as good as it gets at that position,' San Antonio coach Dan Hughes said. 'We had to do things by team concept . . . we weren't strong enough. We just weren't strong enough to do that.'

The Sky outscored the Silver Stars 40-26 in the paint and 13-6 in second-chance points.

Becky Hammon finished with 21 points for San Antonio. Young had nine points and Danielle Robinson added 13.

Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) scored 22 points for the Sky, Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) had 12 and Riley added 10.

Fowles had five straight points off post feeds from Courtney Vandersloot to give Chicago an 11-8 lead they would never relinquish.

'Every time,' Sky coach Pokey Chatman yelled at Vandersloot. 'Every time. There is no answer for it. They're either going to double team or have play her straight.'

The Silver Stars subbed in 6-4 center Jayne Appel (6'4''-F/C-88, college: Stanford) after Fowles was fouled to set up her fifth point. Appel put a temporary end to the Sky's inside dominance, grabbing an offensive rebound immediately after checking in.

'Jayne did an excellent job on that (offensive rebounding),' Adams said. 'Just doing the little things, (like) hustling for the ball; we've just got to be better on that. It was a lot of little positives we can take

The Silver Stars were held scoreless for nearly five minutes in the second quarter while shooting 27.8 from the field during the period. Appel's layup with 56.5 seconds remaining was San Antonio's first points since Jia Perkins hit a 3-pointer at the 5:53 mark.

Fowles and Riley combined for seven rebounds and two blocked shots in the second quarter.

'Several times I thought offensively we had a chance to gain momentum,' Hughes said. ' (But Fowles) would get on the glass in a way that would just overpower us. Defensively she's a factor. We didn't get finishes in that area like we would like to.'

Courtesy of www.kitsapsun.com


McWilliams-Franklin will be coach at Rice - by Eurobasket News

Lynx starting center Taj McWilliams-Franklin (6'3''-C-70, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: St.Edward's) has been named an assistant women's basketball coach at Rice University. McWilliams-Franklin, who is in her 14th WNBA season, will join the Owls staff when the Lynx season ends. That could be late October if the defending league champions make another deep playoff run.

For the past 10 WNBA offseasons, she has played overseas, but she has a home in San Antonio.

McWilliams-Franklin said she was thrilled and excited about coaching in Houston, according to a Rice news release, and added, 'I am looking forward to becoming a contributing member of [Greg Williams'] staff as well as part of the Rice community.'

A Lynx spokesperson said the team was unsure if McWilliams-Franklin's new career path meant she already has decided not to return for the 2013 season. At 41, she is the WNBA's oldest player this season and has a one-year contract.

McWilliams-Franklin is averaging 7.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 27.8 minutes through four games.

Courtesy of www.startribune.com


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  ZIMBABWE   


Varsity Leopards defend their title - by Eurobasket News

Varsity Leopards claimed the National Championship crown. They defended their title beating JBC 75:61 in the Final. Both teams have won their respective preliminary stage groups to advance into the title game. Varsity Leopards overcame Lakers, Raiders, Greenstars and Kushinga Phikelela to advance. JBC played in Group B. They faced Giants, Real Returners, Pistons and Cameo before clinching the top spot in their Group.
Both Varsity Leopards and JBC will represent Zimbabwe at the upcoming Zone Six Club Championship.