Eurobasket Daily News Report: 6/12/2012 1:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/12/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Radnicki Kragujevac keeps HC Miroslav Nikolic - by Eurobasket News

Miroslav Nikolic will stay with Radnicki Kragujevac. The Serbian specialist is set to sign a contract extension with the club. They finished this season as No.8 in Adriatic league with 12-14 record. The team also reached Semifinals in Serbian Superleague and in Serbian Cup as well. Nikolic took over the club in 2010 and before that he worked with Swisslion Takovo Lions. In 2008/09, the Serbian specialist spent some time with Cypriot AEL Limassol. From 2006 to 2008, Nikolic coached Hemofarm and he also has experience from Crvena Zvezda, Apollon Patras, Buducnost Podgorica, Partizan and BFC Beocin. With Buducnost he won two Yugoslavian league titles. In the past, Nikolic very successfully worked with Serbian U20, U19 and U18 National Teams.
Radnicki Kragujevac will start with creating the roster for 2012/13 season soon. Adriatic league Player of the Year David Simon already left the club and signed a deal with BC Astana.

Cibona hires Veljko Mrsic as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Cibona announced that Veljko Mrsic (agency: World Sport Agency) is hired as a new Head Coach of the team. They signed a 3-year deal today. Mrsic started his coaching career at Split (HC). It was in 2006/07 season. A year after that he worked as Associate Head Coach of Cimberio Varese.
In the past, Veljko Mrsic spent couple of years with Cibona as a player. He was their member from 1989 to 1996 and later in 1997/98 season. They won five Croatian league titles together. Mrsic and Cibona also won the Croatian Cup in 2004. Except of Cibona, Mrsic also played for Zalgiris, Varese, Unicaja, Olympiakos, Girona, Milano, Granada, Ulker and Kyiv. He won the Radivoj Korac Cup in 2001 with Unicaja and Italian league title in 1999 with Varese. In 2005, Mrsic won the title in Ukraine with Kyiv. It is important to mention that Veljko Mrsic played for the Croatian National Team from 1992 to 2001.

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ARGENTINA

Emanuel Ginobili's 34 points make him top Argentinian player abroad of the week - by Eurobasket Center

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

Emanuel Ginobili

#1. This week's number one is an experienced international guard Emanuel Ginobili (198-77, agency: Interperformances), who plays in the NBA. He could not help the San Antonio Spurs (50-16) in their last game. Despite Ginobili's very good performance the San Antonio Spurs lost 103-108 on the road to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was the top scorer with 34 points. Ginobili also added 6 rebounds and dished 7 assists in 38 minutes on the court. It's Ginobili's tenth season with the team. He has individually a very good year with high stats. Ginobili averages: 13.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.3apg, 2FGP: 58.1%(140-241), 3FGP: 39.7% and FT: 86.6% in the 48 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Argentinian and Italian. Despite Ginobili played previously for the Italian national team, he is currently a member of the Argentinian senior national team.

Manuel Carrizo

#2. Second place goes to an international swingman Manuel Carrizo (198-80, agency: Players Group). Carrizo led Ferentino to a victory over the second-ranked Trento (23-11) 92-83 in the Italian Nazionale A (third division) last Saturday. He was MVP of the game. Carrizo scored 24 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Division South-West. FMC Ferentino (21-13) is placed second in South-West Division. Carrizo is ranked ninth on the list of the top scorers in the league. He has very reliable stats this season: 14.6ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 52.2%, 3FGP: 39.0% and FT: 86.7%. Carrizo is another player who holds two passports: Argentinian and Italian. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Carrizo is currently a member of the Argentinian senior national team.

Marcos Casini

#3. The Argentinian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international point guard Marcos Casini (188-80), who plays in the Italian Lega2 (second division). He was not able to help Givova Scafati (17-11) in their last game. Despite Casini's good performance Givova Scafati lost 74-83 in Pistoia to the second-ranked Tuscany. He scored 11 points in 25 minutes. This year Casini's overall stats are: 8.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 58.9%(33-56), 3FGP: 46.6%(75-161) and FT: 79.6% in the 37 games. Similarly like Carrizo and Ginobili above he has both Argentinian and Italian nationalities. Despite Casini played previously for the Italian national team, he is currently a member of the Argentinian senior national team.

Andres Forray

#4. Point guard Andres Forray (187-86) faced previously mentioned Manuel Carrizo in the Italian Nazionale A last game. Forray was not able to secure a victory for Trento (23-11) in their game against Ferentino (21-13). His contribution was not very remarkable in Saturday's game. Forray scored only 2 points and added 4 passes. The second-placed Trento was defeated 92-83 on the opponent's court by the second-ranked Ferentino in the North-East Division. They ended the series of three consecutive victories. It's Forray's first season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year: 10.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.8apg and 2.3spg. Similarly like three previous players above, Forray also holds two passports: Argentinian and Italian. He is also Argentinian national team player.

Other top Argentinian players, who play abroad:

Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) plays for Caja Laboral in Spanish ACB
Andres Nocioni (199-F-79) plays for Caja Laboral in Spanish ACB
Ariel Filloy (190-PG-87) plays for Armani Milano in Italian SerieA
Juan Fernandez (193-G-90) plays for Armani Milano in Italian SerieA
Nicolas Gianella (186-G-78) plays for Bennet Cantu in Italian SerieA
Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) plays for Houston Rockets in the NBA
Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) plays for Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA
Hernan Jasen (199-G-78) plays for Cajasol in Spanish ACB
Leonardo Mainoldi (203-F-85) plays for Baloncesto Fuenlabrada in Spanish ACB
Juan Pablo Figueroa (184-PG-86) plays for Pinheiros/Sky in Brazilian NBB
Guillermo Kammerichs (203-F/C-80) plays for Flamengo in Brazilian NBB
Federico Van Lacke (191-G-80) plays for FIATC Joventut in Spanish ACB
Javier Bulfoni (192-G-76) plays for Blusens Monbus in Spanish ACB
Juan Ignacio Jasen (196-F-85) plays for UCAM Murcia in Spanish ACB

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

Argentinian National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five

Fernandez

Delia

Giorgetti

Van Lacke

Espinoza

Leonardo Gutierrez

200-F-78

Penarol

Juan Emiliano Fernandez

196-G/F-91

Libertad S. Argentina

Marcos Mata

201-F-86

Penarol

Matias Sandes

201-F/G-84

Sionista

Luciano Gonzalez

196-F-90

Sionista

Facundo Campazzo

179-PG-91

Penarol

Juan Gutierrez

205-F/C-83

Obras

Nicolas Romano

197-F/C-87

Regatas C. Argentina

Marcos Delia

206-C-92

Boca Jrs

Franco Giorgetti

202-F-92

Penarol

Nicolas Laprovittola

188-PG-90

Lanus

Selem Safar

190-G-87

Penarol

Federico Van Lacke

191-G-80

FIATC Joventut Spain

Pablo Espinoza

200-F-87

Obras

Leonardo Mainoldi

203-F-85

Fuenlabrada Spain

Fabricio Oberto

207-C-75

Portland TB USA

Juan Pablo Figueroa

184-PG-86

Pinheiros/Sky Brazil

Gonzalo Garcia

Head Coach

La Union

Facundo Muller

Assistant

San Mart.C. Argentina

Olimpico LB bring in Deilvez Yearby and Peter Ezugwu - by Eurobasket News

Olimpico de La Banda continued to strengthen their roster. They announced the names of two first imports for the next season. They are Deilvez Yearby (198-F-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: IPFW) and Peter Ezugwu (203-C-76, college: E.Michigan).
Deilvez Yearby is currently playing in Australian SEABL. The forward is averaging 20.2 points and 12.5 boards per game for the Bendigo Braves. He started the season in Mexico. Deilvez Yearby played for Lechugueros de Leon. The forward posted 18.4 points, 10.1 boards, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 assists per game in LNBP. Deilvez Yearby started his pro career in 2010/11 season in Germany. He was named into Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga ProA 1st Team playing for Cuxhaven.
Peter Ezugwu started the last season in Argentina with Boca Juniors. The Nigerian centre posted 11.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game in LigaA. In Liga Sudamericana Peter Ezugwu notched 12.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per appearance. Later Peter Ezugwu moved to Assegico Banca Populari de Lodi in Italian LegaDue. The centre produced 9.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per appearance there.

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AUSTRALIA

Standings - ABA

ABA Standings

Big V
1. Eltham W.		9-3
2. Ringwood H.		9-3
3. Corio Bay		8-5
4. Waverley F.		7-5
5. Hume City		7-5
6. Diamond V.E.		6-6
7. Sherbrooke S.		4-9
8. Bulleen B.		3-9
9. Melbourne		2-10
Central ABL
1. W.Adelaide B.		7-2
2. Sturt S.		7-2
3. N.Adelaide R.		6-2
4. Woodville W.		5-3
5. Norwood F.		5-4
6. Forestville E.		5-4
7. S.Adelaide P.		4-5
8. C.District L.		3-6
9. South.Tigers		2-7
10. Eastern M.		0-9
QBL
1. Rockhampton		4-0
2. SW Metro P.		4-1
3. Northside W.		4-1
4. Townsville H.		4-2
5. Ipswich F.		4-2
6. Mackay M.		3-1
7. Bundaberg B.		3-4
8. Cairns M.		2-3
9. Gladstone P.		2-3
10. Gold Coast R.		1-3
11. Maroochydore		1-4
12. Brisbane C.		1-5
13. Toowoomba		1-5
SEABL-East
1. Dandenong		13-3
2. Geelong S.		13-3
3. Sandringham S.		11-6
4. Bendigo B.		10-5
5. Frankston B.		8-6
6. Brisbane S.		5-10
7. Canberra G.		1-15
SEABL-South
1. Knox R.		9-6
2. Albury W.B.		8-6
3. Nunawading S.		8-7
4. Hobart C.		7-8
5. Ballarat M.		7-8
6. Kilsyth C.		6-10
7. NW Tasmania		5-10
8. Mt Gambier		4-12
WARATAH
1. Newcastle H.		9-1
2. Norths Bears		9-2
3. Maitland M.		8-3
4. Cent.Coast C.		7-6
5. Sydney C.		6-4
6. Manly Warr.		5-6
7. Hills H.		5-6
8. Illawarra H.		5-7
9. Bankstown B.		3-7
10. Parramatta W.		3-7
11. Colonial Hotel		3-8
12. Sutherland S.		3-9

Regular Season: Round 11

BIG V

Jun. 2: Eltham W. - Waverley F. 94-91
Jun. 2: Sherbrooke S. - Diamond V.E. 87-85
Jun. 2: Hume City - Ringwood H. 72-80
Jun. 2: Bulleen B. - Corio Bay 69-76
Jun. 3: Melbourne - Corio Bay 68-80

Central ABL

Jun. 2: Forestville E. - Norwood F. 77-82
Jun. 2: C.District L. - South.Tigers 75-72
Jun. 2: Woodville W. - Sturt S. 70-93
Jun. 2: S.Adelaide P. - N.Adelaide R. 67-83
Jun. 2: W.Adelaide B. - Eastern M. 100-51

QBL

Jun. 10: SW Metro P. - Bundaberg B. 97-74
Jun. 2: Rockhampton - Gladstone P. 96-63
Jun. 2: SW Metro P. - Northside W. 90-71
Jun. 10: Gold Coast R. - Toowoomba 87-91
Jun. 9: Cairns M. - Townsville H. 84-78
Jun. 2: Cairns M. - Bundaberg B. 83-63
Jun. 2: Ipswich F. - Brisbane C. 80-71
Jun. 9: Mackay M. - Ipswich F. 77-70
Jun. 3: Gold Coast R. - Ipswich F. 73-93
Jun. 2: Toowoomba - Maroochydore 73-82
Jun. 8: Brisbane C. - Northside W. 72-80
Jun. 9: Maroochydore - Bundaberg B. 69-78
Jun. 1: Townsville H. - Bundaberg B. 53-67

SEABL

Jun. 2: NW Tasmania - Canberra G. 93-74
Jun. 2: Knox R. - Brisbane S. 90-81
Jun. 3: Nunawading S. - Brisbane S. 89-54
Jun. 2: Albury W.B. - Bendigo B. 87-91
Jun. 2: Sandringham S. - Nunawading S. 84-77
Jun. 9: Albury W.B. - Sandringham S. 84-75
Jun. 2: Frankston B. - Dandenong 81-102
Jun. 8: Hobart C. - Ballarat M. 80-72
Jun. 2: Ballarat M. - Kilsyth C. 80-51
Jun. 1: Bendigo B. - Geelong S. 76-94
Jun. 9: NW Tasmania - Ballarat M. 75-89
Jun. 1: Mt Gambier - Brisbane S. 75-67
Jun. 9: Brisbane S. - Geelong S. 62-70
Jun. 3: Kilsyth C. - Dandenong 62-101
Jun. 1: Hobart C. - Canberra G. 107-73

WARATAH

Jun. 2: Illawarra H. - Colonial Hotel 90-84
Jun. 2: Maitland M. - Hills H. 88-82
Jun. 2: Cent.Coast C. - Bankstown B. 85-81
Jun. 3: Newcastle H. - Manly Warr. 74-70
Jun. 3: Maitland M. - Sutherland S. 68-63
Jun. 2: Sutherland S. - Norths Bears 65-97

Regular Season: Round 12

BIG V

Jun. 16: Hume City - Eltham W.
Jun. 16: Bulleen B. - Diamond V.E.
Jun. 16: Ringwood H. - Melbourne
Jun. 17: Corio Bay - Bulleen B.
Jun. 17: Waverley F. - Sherbrooke S.

Central ABL

Jun. 16: W.Adelaide B. - Sturt S.
Jun. 16: N.Adelaide R. - South.Tigers
Jun. 16: S.Adelaide P. - Woodville W.
Jun. 16: C.District L. - Norwood F.
Jun. 16: Forestville E. - Eastern M.

QBL

Jun. 15: Ipswich F. - Cairns M.
Jun. 16: Gold Coast R. - SW Metro P.
Jun. 16: Toowoomba - Cairns M.
Jun. 16: Northside W. - Maroochydore
Jun. 16: Mackay M. - Townsville H.
Jun. 16: Bundaberg B. - Brisbane C.
Jun. 17: Gladstone P. - Brisbane C.

SEABL

Jun. 15: Mt Gambier - Hobart C.
Jun. 15: Albury W.B. - Nunawading S.
Jun. 16: Brisbane S. - Albury W.B.
Jun. 16: Canberra G. - Dandenong
Jun. 16: Sandringham S. - NW Tasmania
Jun. 16: Geelong S. - Frankston B.
Jun. 16: Bendigo B. - Ballarat M.
Jun. 16: Kilsyth C. - Hobart C.
Jun. 17: Frankston B. - NW Tasmania
Jun. 17: Knox R. - Hobart C.
Jun. 17: Nunawading S. - Sandringham S.

WARATAH

Jun. 16: Parramatta W. - Bankstown B.
Jun. 16: Hills H. - Sydney C.
Jun. 16: Manly Warr. - Colonial Hotel
Jun. 16: Maitland M. - Cent.Coast C.
Jun. 16: Newcastle H. - Norths Bears
Jun. 16: Sutherland S. - Illawarra H.

QBL Coach of the Month - by Eurobasket News

Mens Team Coach of the Month: Liam Flynn - Townsville Heat
After steering his team to five straight wins in the opening rounds of the QBL 2012 season, the first mens Coach of the Month award goes to Liam Flynn from the Townsville Heat. The Heat have dominated the field, with big wins against Cairns, Brisbane, Toowoomba and Bundaberg, and most notably a big upset win over Ipswich in Round 3. Its Flynns second year of coaching the Townsville QBL side, last year taking the team to the quarter-finals.

Flynn has 15 years experience in coaching state league, state team and NBL teams, and has been the assistant coach for the Townsville Crocodiles since 2010. Flynn helped take the Crocodiles to the semi-finals in both the 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 seasons, and is also at the helm of the Crocodiles Sharp Start Talent Identification and Development Program. After getting involved in coaching as a teenager at Southern District Spartans in Brisbane, Flynns coaching career took off in South Australia, where was head coach of the Sturt Sabres in the Central Australian Basketball League from 2008 to 2010, taking the Sabres to the finals each year and championship runners-up in 2009. Flynn has also coached junior state teams for SA Metro, returning from national competitions with a number of medals. In 2007 Flynn was selected as Assistant Coach for the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL, spending three seasons with the team until his move to Townsville.

Flynns experience and connection with the Townsville Crocodiles NBL team has influenced the Townsville Heat roster, which features Crocodiles Todd Blanchfield, Mitch Norton, Chris Cedar and Crocs development player Keegan Tudehope as Heat captain. Combined with a young but talented group of local players, the Heat have put their mark on the league early in the season. With five from five wins so far this season, the Heat pulled a 14-point win over local rivals Cairns Marlins in Round 1, during a close match at home which saw Matthew Rees shoot a game-high 16 points at 80 percent success from the field. In Round 2, again in Townsville, Chris Cedar shot 20 points in his teams 82 to 61 defeat of the Brisbane Capitals, capitalising on the southerners double-header road trip, having defeated Cairns the previous night. Round 3 saw the Heat hit the road, securing a convincing 16 point win over Toowoomba before taking on the undefeated Ipswich Force. With three minutes left in the game and the Heat 12 points down, Todd Blanchfield led the way to see Townsville steal the match to win by four points. The Heat returned home for Round 4 and hosted the Bundaberg Bulls, and dominated the match by securing the lead early and sustaining it throughout the 40 minutes. In the coming rounds, Townsville take on Cairns for the second time this season in Round 5, before going up against the powerhouse Mackay Meteors in Round 6.

Other contenders for the first mens Coach of the Month award were Neal Tweedy from the Rockhampton Rockets, who are also undefeated with a 4-0 record, while Shane Heal from Ipswich Force, Leonard King from Northside Wizards and Peter Pollock from South West Metro Pirates have also started the season well within new teams in 2012 and are all sitting on a 3-1 record.
Courtesy of: qbl.basketball.net.au

Australia hand China second defeat in YouYi Games - by Eurobasket News

Australia - China 69:65

Australia celebrated the second win in the YouYi Games series versus China. The Boomers claimed a 4-point win in Albany. Aron Baynes (208-C-86, college: Washington St.) finished with 15 points and 8 rebounds to lead the winners.
Australia led by a single point at the first break. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the second period. Neither team was able to gain full control. Australia arrived at halftime up by a single point 36:35. The Boomers pulled ahead in the third term. They stretched the advantage to as many as 5 points 53:48. Zhelin put China within one late in regulation 62:63 but the Boomers survived the challenge. Aron Baynes and Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) came up with important buckets as Australis sealed the victory at the end. Matthew Dellavedova (193-G-90) and Mark Worthington accounted for 11 points each for the winners. Sun Yue (206-G/F-85) answered with game-high 22 points for China. Wang ShiPeng (196-G/F-83) delivered 12 points in the loss.

Australia: Aron Baynes 15, Matthew Dellavedova 11, Mark Worthington 11
China: Sun Yue 22, Wang ShiPeng 12

Boomers-China series moves to Albany - by Eurobasket News

International basketball hits regional WA as the Australian Boomers mens basketball team and China arrive in Albany this evening ahead of their big Game Two clash of the YouYi Games, the three-game series between the two nations as they build towards their London campaigns.

Game One saw the Boomers overcome a strong fight from China to overrun them in the last quarter, thanks in part to the impressive shooting display of local NBL star Peter Crawford (193-G/F-79) (Townsville Crocs), who dropped four three-pointers in the final term on his way to a game-high 21 points.

The game, which is to be held at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre is already a sell-out, with local fans getting their tickets early for their chance to catch a glimpse of two of the highest ranked countries in the world.

Andrew Vlahov, CEO of event management company RV Sport who are holding the event, said that it is a great occasion for the town of Albany, who has really got behind the game.

Its an enormous accomplishment for the town and is great recognition for the basketball association people and the business community to make it possible, said Vlahov.

Everyone has got behind it. The grandstand construction and court lay-out started earlier today and the guys are still there. There are 42 scaffolders and workman on site, its like an ants net it is fantastic, he said.

China will be looking to even the ledger, through the efforts of big man Dejun Han and guard Ailun Guo and company, with the Boomers hoping to take an insurmountable series lead.

First blood went to the Boomers and Im sure China would like to make amends. They had their chances yesterday and probably missed a great opportunity to go one up, said Vlahov.

Hopefully itll be another close contest, he said.

The third and final game of the series will take place back at Perths Challenge Stadium on Wednesday, 13 June, tipping off at 8:00PM.

For further series information visit: www.youyigames.com.

Courtesy of NBL Australia

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AUSTRIA

Furstenfeld Panthers hire Ervin Dragsic as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Furstenfeld Panthers got a new Head Coach. The team hired its former player Ervin Dragsic. The 37-year-old Slovenian spent this season with Zlatorog Lasko. He started as Assistant Coach there and in April was promoted to HC position. From 2009 to 2011, Dragsic was a Head Coach of Slovenian D2 team Terme Olimpia. He also has experience from Branik Maribor. Ervin Dragsic played for the Panthers in 2007/08 season. Actually he joined them in April of 2008 and spent rest of the season there. They managed to win the A Bundesliga title together.
Furstenfeld Panthers reached Playoff Quarterfinals this season in Austria, but failed against Klosterneubur. The Panthers finished regular season as No.1 of Group B with 15-13 record.

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Antanas Sireika leaves Siualiai, Pauliukenas at helm - by Eurobasket News

Antanas Sireika 's era in Suauliai is ending. The specialist has decided to leave the team. Antanas Sireika guided Siauliai since 2008. However his contract ended this season and the experienced coach decided not to prolong it. Antanas Sireika led Siauliai to the Baltic League regular season crown this spring. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Baltic League Coach of the Year. He also steered the team to the LKL semifinals. Previously Antanas Sireika worked with Lietuvos Rytas, Unics Kazan, Zalgiris. He also guided Lithuanian National Team in 2002/06 seasons. Eurobasket.com named Sireika All-Lithuanian LKL Coach of the Year in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Siauliai will now be guided by Vaidas Pauliukenas . He worked as assistant coach with Sireikas since 2010.

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BELGIUM

Ethias League Transfer News - by Peter Buyse

Big news coming from Charleroi who signed Belgian Player of the Year Jorn Steinbach (181-PG-89) for the next 2 seasons. He joins Belgacom Spirou Charleroi after 3 seasons in Aalst in which his stats and playing time kept getting better, resulting in this year's selection as Eurobasket Belgian Player of the Year honors. His stats for the 2011-2012 season were 10.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 2.9 apg.
Charleroi has the following players still under contract for next season, Andre Riddick (208-C-73, college: Kentucky), Justin Hamilton (190-G-80, college: Florida), Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side), Demond Mallet (186-G-78, college: McNeese St.), Sacha Massot (205-F/C-83), Boris Penninck (202-C-88) Jiri Welsch (201-F-80), Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91) and Maxime De Zeeuw (205-PF-87).

Antwerp Giants player Bryan Hopkins (183-G-83, college: SMU) who missed most of the past season due to an injury has added another year to his contract making next season his 5th with the Port of Antwerp Giants.

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BOLIVIA

Bolivian National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Christian Camargo

F-92

Initep

Initep

Initep

Initep

Initep

196-C-82

Ingenieros Bolivia

Carlos Romero

Amistad

Julio Mendoza

Millonarios Bolivia

Fernando Cadario

184-G-89

Nonis

Marco Recamo

Nonis

Miguel Angel Justiniano

194-F/C-80

Nonis

Marco Corrales

180-G-75

Initep

Sandro Patino

Head Coach

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BOSNIA

Ernest Bremer selected the top Bosnian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Ernest Bremer

#1. This week's number one is an international guard Ernest Bremer (194-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: St.Bonaventure), who plays in the Italian SerieA. He could not help one of league's weakest teams Armani Milano (22-10) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Bremer's good performance Armani Milano was defeated 86-77 on the road by the leading Montepaschi Siena. He recorded 10 points. This season Bremer averages: 9.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg, 2FGP: 41.7%, 3FGP: 36.9% and FT: 81.3%. He is a naturalized American. Despite Bremer played previously for the USA national team, he is currently a member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina senior national team. Bremer used to play for Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina league.

Mirza Begic

#2. Second place goes to an international center Mirza Begic (217-85). He managed to help Real Madrid in a victory against the league leader Regal FC Barcelona (29-5) crushing them 85-59 in the Spanish ACB on Monday night. Begic scored 5 points in 12 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Real Madrid (26-8) is placed second in the ACB. Begic is currently fifth on the league's list of best blockers with 1.3bpg. This year his other stats are: 5.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 2FGP: 62.7%(96-153) and FT: 60.4% in the 42 games he played so far. Begic has a dual citizenship: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenian. He is in the roster of the Bosnia and Herzegovina senior national team.

Zack Wright

#3. The Bosnia and Herzegovina player who performed third best last week abroad was an international guard Zack Wright (188-85, college: Central Mo.). Wright contributed to Cibona's victory against the second-ranked Cedevita (11-3) 77-64 in a derby game in the Croatian A1 in Tuesday night's game. He recorded 6 points and added 3 passes. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Group Championship. KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (14-0) is placed first in Championship Group. So far his team won all fourteen games in the Finals. Wright is ranked seventh on the list of the best passers in the league and also on the list of most steals (third place). His overall stats this season are: 8.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.5apg, 2.1spg, 2FGP: 63.3%(76-120) and FT: 51.2%. Wright is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Wright played also for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team in 2012. Strangely he has never played in Bosnia.

Mile Ilic

#4. Center Mile Ilic (215-84, agency: Interperformances) contributed to Zvezda's victory against the leader Partizan (12-2) 68-56 in a derby game in the Serbian A League last Friday. Ilic scored 7 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and made 2 blocks in 21 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group SuperLiga. Crvena Zvezda Beograd (0-0) is placed first. It's Ilic's first season with the team. This year his overall stats are: 6.4ppg and 4.6rpg in the 17 games. Ilic is another player who holds two passports: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbian. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Ilic is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

Veselin Petrovic

#5. An experienced international swingman Veselin Petrovic (196-77, agency: Beo Basket) contributed to a 1-point Base Oostende's victory against the closely-ranked Spirou Charleroi (23-9) 75-74 in the Belgian Ethias League on Friday night. He scored 8 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Telenet Oostende (23-9) is placed first in the Ethias League. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. Petrovic has been at the team for seven years. Petrovic's total stats this season are: 6.4ppg and 3.1rpg. He has both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbian nationalities. Despite Petrovic played previously for the Serbian national team, he is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

Vedran Princ

#6. Point guard Vedran Princ (192-82) faced previously mentioned Zack Wright in the Croatian A1 last game. Princ was not able to help Cedevita (11-3) in their game against Cibona (14-0). He cannot count it as his best performance. Princ recorded only 3 points in 14 minutes. The second-placed Cedevita lost 64-77 in a derby game to the leading Cibona in the Championship Group. This year Princ's total stats are: 3.8ppg, 1.4rpg and 1.2apg in the 17 games. He is a former international player as he played for the Bosnia and Herzegovina senior team five years ago.

Ivan Opacak

#7. International shooting guard Ivan Opacak (201-80) is a teammate of previously mentioned Vedran Princ and both played together in the last Croatian A1 game. Opacak was not able to secure a victory for Cedevita (11-3) in their game against Cibona (14-0). He cannot count Tuesday's game as one of the best ones. Opacak recorded only 2 points. Cedevita (#2) was defeated 77-64 in a derby game by the leading Cibona in the Championship Group. Opacak has averaged so far 7.7ppg and 2.0rpg. He used to play for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team years ago.

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

#1. Goran Suton (209-C-85, college: Michigan St.) led Cibona to a victory against the second-ranked Cedevita (11-3) 77-64 in a derby game in the Croatian A1 in Tuesday night's game. He recorded 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in 24 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Group Championship. KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (14-0) is placed first in Championship Group. So far his team won all fourteen games in the Finals. It's Suton's first season with the team. Suton is currently seventh on the list of best rebounders with 6.6rpg. He also averaged so far 10.2ppg and 1.2spg in the 20 games he played so far. Suton has a dual citizenship: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatian. Despite his Bosnia and Herzegovina passport, Suton previously played for the Croatian national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Bosnia and Herzegovina team.

Other top Bosnia and Herzegovina players, who play abroad:

Marko Keselj (205-F-88) plays for Olympiacos in Greek A1
Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) plays for Khimky in Russian PBL
Stanko Barac (217-C-86) plays for Anadolu Efes in Turkish TBL
Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85) plays for Caja Laboral in Spanish ACB
Nihad Djedovic (196-F-90) plays for Galatasaray in Turkish TBL
Sadnro Gacic (195-G-96) plays for Caja Laboral in Spanish ACB
Henry Domercant (192-G-80) plays for Unics Kazan in Russian PBL
Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81) plays for Banvit BK in Turkish TBL
Edin Bavcic (210-F/C-84) plays for Bennet Cantu in Italian SerieA
Bojan Bogdanovic (203-G/F-89) plays for Fenerbahce Ulker in Turkish TBL
Ognjen Askrabic (207-C/F-79) plays for Gescrap BB in Spanish ACB

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

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BOTSWANA

Standings

D1 Standings

1. Spartans		11-1
2. Cadets		8-2
3. Police		8-4
4. Flames		7-2
5. Troopers		6-5
6. Dolphins		4-3
7. BDF V		3-7
8. Splinters		2-8
9. Bullets		2-10
10. Saints		1-9

Regular Season: Round 14

Jun. 13: Dolphins - Bullets
Jun. 13: Saints - Flames
Jun. 13: Troopers - Flames

Spartans stay on top after 13 rounds - by Eurobasket News

13 rounds of the Botswana D1 for men are already played. Spartans stay No.1 in the league with almost perfect 11-1 record. In their latest game Spartans destroyed Bullets 87-49. Before that, Spartans handed 59-52 loss to Troopers.
In the last round, third ranked Police was too strong for Bullets 87-60. Police improved to 8-4 record after this victory, while Bullets dropped to 2-10. The fourth ranked Flames were better than BDF 66-62 last week for 7-2 score in the league. The last ranked Saints finally registered their first win last week. They outplayed No.9 Bullets 42-39.
Few games were postponed and they will be played in the coming days.

D1 Standings
1. Spartans 11-1
2. Cadets 8-2
3. Police 8-4
4. Flames 7-2
5. Troopers 6-5
6. Dolphins 4-3
7. BDF V 3-7
8. Splinters 2-8
9. Bullets 2-10
10. Saints 1-9

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BRAZIL

Brazilian National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five

Ferreira

Benite

Dos Santos

Stefanelli

Silva

Elinho Corazza

193-G-89

Paulistano Brazil

Cristiano Felicio

206-C-92

Minas

Mineiro Ferreira

208-C/F-88

Pinheiros/Sky Brazil

Vitor Benite

190-F/G-90

Winner/Limeira Brazil

Welington Dos Santos

185-PG-81

Uniceub/BRB Brazil

Dede Stefanelli

196-F/G-84

S.Jose/Unimed Brazil

Leonardo Klassmann

209-C-89

Unitri/Universo Brazil

Arthur Silva

199-F/G-82

Uniceub/BRB Brazil

Marquinhos Vieira

207-F-84

Pinheiros/Sky Brazil

Augusto Cesar Lima

206-C-91

Unicaja

Lucas Cipolini

206-F/C-86

Unitri/Universo Brazil

Gustavo Conti

Head Coach

Paulistano Brazil

Regis Marrelli

Assistant

S.Jose/Unimed Brazil

Cesar Gidetti

Assistant

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CHILE

Chilean National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five

Arteaga

Carrasco

Suarez

Vera

Bravo

Evandro Arteaga

178-G-83

U.Concepcion Chile

Erik Carrasco

181-PG-83

Boston Coll. Chile

Sebastian Suarez

189-F-91

W.Nebraska CC USA

Renato Vera

199-C/F-87

Osorno Basq. Chile

Osven Ledesma

201-C-90

U.Concepcion Chile

Francisco Bravo

174-G-87

Dep.Espanol Chile

Eduardo Sepulveda

186-G-86

Los Leones Chile

Samuel Bravo

194-F-82

Dep.Espanol Chile

Jose Ignacio Collao

194-F/G-87

Los Leones Chile

Cristobal Infante

201-C-88

AB Ancud

Gerardo Isla

200-F/C-91

Dep.Valdivia Chile

Jose Del Solar

195-F/C-90

U.Concepcion Chile

Guillermo Vecchio

Head Coach

Panteras

Mauro Vecchio

Assistant

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CHINA

Australia hand China second defeat in YouYi Games - by Eurobasket News

Australia - China 69:65

Australia celebrated the second win in the YouYi Games series versus China. The Boomers claimed a 4-point win in Albany. Aron Baynes (208-C-86, college: Washington St.) finished with 15 points and 8 rebounds to lead the winners.
Australia led by a single point at the first break. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the second period. Neither team was able to gain full control. Australia arrived at halftime up by a single point 36:35. The Boomers pulled ahead in the third term. They stretched the advantage to as many as 5 points 53:48. Zhelin put China within one late in regulation 62:63 but the Boomers survived the challenge. Aron Baynes and Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) came up with important buckets as Australis sealed the victory at the end. Matthew Dellavedova (193-G-90) and Mark Worthington accounted for 11 points each for the winners. Sun Yue (206-G/F-85) answered with game-high 22 points for China. Wang ShiPeng (196-G/F-83) delivered 12 points in the loss.

Australia: Aron Baynes 15, Matthew Dellavedova 11, Mark Worthington 11
China: Sun Yue 22, Wang ShiPeng 12

China lost again - by Robert Wang

In the second game against Australian team, China lost at 65:69. This is the second time lost against foreign team during the Olympic warm up tournament. The third game would be in two days later. The first quarter is 17:18, the second quarter is 18:18, the third quarter is 13:17 and the fourth quarter is 17:16. From China side, Sun Yue received 22 points , 5 assists, 2 steals and 4 rebounds. Wang Shi Peng got 12 points and 3 rebounds. Zhu Fang Yue got 9 points and 4 rebounds. Yi Li got 6 points. Guo Ai Lun got 6 points and Wang Zheng Lin got 6 points. Chen Jiang Hua, Su Wei, Zhou Peng, Wang Shi Peng and Sun Yue started.

Quincy Douby Signed in China - by Robert Wang

Zhejiang ChouZhou Bank team officially announce that they signed former CBA star Mr. Quincy Douby. Zhejiang team hired new Chinese head coach mr. Yang Xue Zeng on May 16th . After the evaluation on all CBA former imports, team staff decided to sign Quincy Douby this season.
Quincy played for Spain last season on March 15th after his injury in China Xinjiang last year. Quincy received 13.4 points, 1.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.7 steals last season in Spain within 20 minutes. Quincy's game was admired by Zhejiang team and team' s goal is to reach to the 6th place This season.

Boomers-China series moves to Albany - by Eurobasket News

International basketball hits regional WA as the Australian Boomers mens basketball team and China arrive in Albany this evening ahead of their big Game Two clash of the YouYi Games, the three-game series between the two nations as they build towards their London campaigns.

Game One saw the Boomers overcome a strong fight from China to overrun them in the last quarter, thanks in part to the impressive shooting display of local NBL star Peter Crawford (193-G/F-79) (Townsville Crocs), who dropped four three-pointers in the final term on his way to a game-high 21 points.

The game, which is to be held at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre is already a sell-out, with local fans getting their tickets early for their chance to catch a glimpse of two of the highest ranked countries in the world.

Andrew Vlahov, CEO of event management company RV Sport who are holding the event, said that it is a great occasion for the town of Albany, who has really got behind the game.

Its an enormous accomplishment for the town and is great recognition for the basketball association people and the business community to make it possible, said Vlahov.

Everyone has got behind it. The grandstand construction and court lay-out started earlier today and the guys are still there. There are 42 scaffolders and workman on site, its like an ants net it is fantastic, he said.

China will be looking to even the ledger, through the efforts of big man Dejun Han and guard Ailun Guo and company, with the Boomers hoping to take an insurmountable series lead.

First blood went to the Boomers and Im sure China would like to make amends. They had their chances yesterday and probably missed a great opportunity to go one up, said Vlahov.

Hopefully itll be another close contest, he said.

The third and final game of the series will take place back at Perths Challenge Stadium on Wednesday, 13 June, tipping off at 8:00PM.

For further series information visit: www.youyigames.com.

Courtesy of NBL Australia

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CROATIA

Cibona hires Veljko Mrsic as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Cibona announced that Veljko Mrsic (agency: World Sport Agency) is hired as a new Head Coach of the team. They signed a 3-year deal today. Mrsic started his coaching career at Split (HC). It was in 2006/07 season. A year after that he worked as Associate Head Coach of Cimberio Varese.
In the past, Veljko Mrsic spent couple of years with Cibona as a player. He was their member from 1989 to 1996 and later in 1997/98 season. They won five Croatian league titles together. Mrsic and Cibona also won the Croatian Cup in 2004. Except of Cibona, Mrsic also played for Zalgiris, Varese, Unicaja, Olympiakos, Girona, Milano, Granada, Ulker and Kyiv. He won the Radivoj Korac Cup in 2001 with Unicaja and Italian league title in 1999 with Varese. In 2005, Mrsic won the title in Ukraine with Kyiv. It is important to mention that Veljko Mrsic played for the Croatian National Team from 1992 to 2001.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

France deliver second win against Czech Republic in Vernon - by Eurobasket News

France U17 - Czech Republic U17 66:43

French U17 National Team continued their preparation for the upcoming World Championship. They played the second friendly game against Czech Republic in Vernon. The hosts claimed the second straight win. Damien Inglis (197-F-95) delivered 12 points to lead the home side.
France eked out an 11:9 lead after ten minutes of action. The hosts stretched the margin in the second frame. They arrived at halftime up by ten points 30:20. France ensured an 18-point lead with one quarter remaining 50:32. France did not slow down in the final period and rallied to the win at the end. Olivier Yao-Delon (193-G-95) had 10 points, while Lionel Ebreuil (200-F/C-95) contributed 9 points for the winning team. Martin Peterka (200-F-95) responded with 19 points for Czech Republic. Prokop Slanina (204-C-95) had 11 points in the loss.

France U17: Damien Inglis 12, Olivier Yao-Delon 10, Lionel Ebreuil 9
Czech Republic U17: Martin Peterka 19, Prokop Slanina 11

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EL SALVADOR

Standings - Liga Superior

LEBES Standings

1. Leones		11-3
2. UTEC		11-3
3. Denver		10-4
4. San Marcos		10-4
5. ExSAL		7-7
6. Delgadense		3-10
7. Roll Royce		3-11
8. Chaleco		0-13

Playoffs at the start - by Jaime Arevalo

The last results of Apertura Regular Season were as follows:

SAN MARCOS 103 - DELGADENSE 88 (Jose Antonio Orellana (189-F-87) 28, Edwin Lopez (183-G/F-85) 25; Melvin Vasquez (G) 21, Kevin Hernandez 18)

DENVER 84 - ROLL ROYCE 70 (Mauricio Lahud (176-PG-84) 19, Jose Maria Rivas (G/F) 13; Jorge Solorzano 25)

The fist four placed teams are as follows
#1 UTEC (points difference 1,137 - 961)
#2 Leones (points difference 1,101 - 978)
#3 Denver (points difference 1,238 - 1,086)
#4 San Marcos (points difference 1,209 - 1,086)

and the Semifinal pairings are in consequence UTEC - San Marcos and Leones - Denver. Game 1 will be played on Thursday, Hune 14 and Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday, June 16. If necessary, Game 3 will be played on Tuesday 19.

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EUROCUP

ALBA Berlin lands point guard Vule Avdalovic - by Eurobasket News

Former Serbian National Team member Vule Avdalovic (189-PG-81, agency: Beo Basket) will continue his career in Germany. The point guard signed a 2-year deal with ALBA Berlin (1+1). Avdalovic led Donetsk to Ukrainian league title this season. He had 11.4 ppg, 4.2 apg and 3.4 rpg in 49 games. The point guard was named Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague 2nd Team -12. Avdalovic also shined in EuroCup averaging 11.4 points, 3.6 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 14 games. Donetsk reached Quarterfinals in this competition. Before Donetsk, Vule Avdalovic spent one season with Cholet. He helped them to reach the ProA Finals, but they failed in thriller against Nancy. Cholet was also very close to reach the Euroleague Top 16. In 2009/10, the point guard played for Spanish Alicante. From 2005 to 2009, he was a member of Pamesa Valencia. In their first season together he was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB Bosman Player of the Year. In the past, Avdalovic spent couple of years with Partizan Belgrade winning 3 championship titles with them. Vule Avdalovic played for the Serbian National Team from 2003 to 2005.
Last week, ALBA Berlin hired Sasa Obradovic as new Head Coach. Obradovic and Avdalovic very successfully cooperated in Donetsk this season.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20

Russia U20 lose to All-Star selection at Adidas EuroCamp - by Eurobasket News

Russia U20 - All-Stars 45:70

Russian U20 National Team played an exhibition encounter with the Adidas EuroCamp All-Star selection in Treviso. The All-Stars claimed a comfortable win at the end. Tomas Satoransky (200-G-91) accounted for 13 points to pace the winners.
All-Stars built a 13:10 lead ten minutes into the game. They stretched the margin in the second quarter. All-Stars held Russia to 8 points in the period to take a 13-point halftime advantage 31:18. Russia struggled to keep up the tempo after the big break. Adidas EuroCamp All-Stars opened a 20-point lead with ten minutes to go 51:31. They never looked back afterwards cruising to the victory at the end. Maximilian Kleber (207-F-92) had 12 points and 7 rebounds, while Josep Franch (194-PG-91) had 11 points in the victory. Vladislav Trushkin (201-F-93) and Alexander Varnakov (185-PG-92) answered with 9 points each for Russia. Dmitry Kulagin (195-G-92) had 6 points in defeat.

Russia U20: Vladislav Trushkin 9, Alexander Varnakov 9, Dmitry Kulagin 6
All-Stars: Tomas Satoransky 13, Maximilian Kleber 12, Josep Franch 11

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Fabian Wilson signed with Vilpas - by Rauno Hurmalainen

American PF/C Fabian Wilson (201-F/C-88) will start his professional basketball career in Finland. Wilson and Vilpas (Salo) have signed the contract for coming 2012-13 season. Wilson will arrive to Salo in the middle of August and join then Vilpas roster and practises. Wilson was a starter at Tarleton State University averaging 13,1 ppg - 7,5 rpg in 27 minutes as a Senior. Earlier Vilpas has signed with American G Marquis Hall (183-PG-87, college: Lehigh) and six Finnish players.
G Juho-Matti Lehtoranta (194-G/F-89) is leaving KTP (Kotka) and will join Kataja (Joensuu) roster. The contract is model 1+1 years. Lehtoranta averaged passed season 7,0 ppg - 3,3 rpg in 21:33 mpg and 45 games. G Aleksi Huuskonen (188-G-88) will leave Karhu (Kauhajoki) and Top League, as he has decided to play next season in Division 1. Korikobrat (Lapua) will get in Huuskonen a decent player, who averaged 7,3 ppg - 1,8 rpg in 20:08 mpg and 44 contests.

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FRANCE

Boulogne extends Jonathan Rousselle, brings in Valentin Bigote - by Eurobasket News

Boulogne (ProB) announced signing of a one-year contract extension with PG Jonathan Rousselle (190-PG-90). The team also brought in F Valentin Bigote (196-F-92) for the next season.
Jonathan Rousselle joined the club last summer. He played 36 games in ProB collecting 10.5 ppg, 4.1 apg and 1.8 rpg. Before Boulgone, Rousselle spent few years with Gravelines. They won the Semaine des As trophy a year ago and reached EuroChallenge Quarterfinals, but Rousselle had limited playing time. In the past, he was a member of the French U21, U20, U18 and U16 National Teams. With U20 France, Rousselle won the Gold at U20 EuroBasket in Croatia, 2010.
Valentin Bigote is also a product of Gravelines. He played 11 games in ProA this season averaging 2.1 points. He had almost the same number for 6 EuroCup games. Bigote played for U20 NT last summer and he also played for U18 France in 2010.

Fos-sur-Mer signs 2-year deal with scorer Chris Davis - by Eurobasket News

American swingman Chris Davis (195-F/G-80, agency: Court Side, college: N.Texas) has inked a 2-year agreement with ProB semifinalist Fos-sur-Mer. It means that Davis will play for the club until the end of 2013/14 season. The 31-year-old player spent last two seasons with Le Portel. In the latest one he had 17 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 1.6 apg for 31 games in ProB. Le Portel finished the season as No.15 with 12-22 record. In 2010/11, Davis also shined collecting 15.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 1.8 apg for 37 games. Before Le Portel, Chris Davis played three years for Charleville. He was the best scorer of ProB in 2010 with 18.2 ppg for 32 games. In the past, he was a member of Finish team Team Componenta Karkkila. There Davis also was the top-scorer of the league. The player graduated at North Texas University in 2003. He is expected to be in Fos-sur-Mer in the beginning of August.

France deliver second win against Czech Republic in Vernon - by Eurobasket News

France U17 - Czech Republic U17 66:43

French U17 National Team continued their preparation for the upcoming World Championship. They played the second friendly game against Czech Republic in Vernon. The hosts claimed the second straight win. Damien Inglis (197-F-95) delivered 12 points to lead the home side.
France eked out an 11:9 lead after ten minutes of action. The hosts stretched the margin in the second frame. They arrived at halftime up by ten points 30:20. France ensured an 18-point lead with one quarter remaining 50:32. France did not slow down in the final period and rallied to the win at the end. Olivier Yao-Delon (193-G-95) had 10 points, while Lionel Ebreuil (200-F/C-95) contributed 9 points for the winning team. Martin Peterka (200-F-95) responded with 19 points for Czech Republic. Prokop Slanina (204-C-95) had 11 points in the loss.

France U17: Damien Inglis 12, Olivier Yao-Delon 10, Lionel Ebreuil 9
Czech Republic U17: Martin Peterka 19, Prokop Slanina 11

Pau-Lacq-Orthez signs CJ Jackson - by Eurobasket News

According to French media (Catch-and-shoot), Charles Jackson (203-F-87, agency: Court Side, college: Hawaii-Pacific) will continue his career in France. The American big guy signed a deal with Pau-Lacq-Orthez for the next season. It means that the club gave up on Darryl Monroe (202-C/F-86, agency: Two Points, college: George Mason).
Charles Jackson spent 2011/12 season with Turkish TB2L team Best Balikesir Basketbol Kulubu. He shined with 19.4 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 1.5 spg and 1.4 apg for 36 games with the club. Jackson finished the season as top rebounder and second scorer of the league. Before Best Balikesir, Charles Jackson split 2009/10 season between Slovakia and Holland. He had 9.8 ppg and 7.8 rpg for the Eiffel Towers in Dutch Eredivisie. He helped them reach the Semifinals. In Slovakia, he had 19.2 ppg and 11.2 rpg for 17 games with Komarno. That was enough for Jackson to get Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League Forward of the Year -11 award and also Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League 1st Team -11. Charles Jackson finished collegiate career with Hawaii-Pacific (NCAA2) in 2009 and before that he spent four years with the University of Illinois.

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GERMANY

Johannes Lischka Stays In The Schwaben Land Going To The Walter Tigers Tuebingen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After two seasons with EnBW Ludwigsburg, Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87) stays in the neighborhood moving 60 kilometers south to the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. Lischka is a 25 year old 203cm power forward that was born in Giessen. In two seasons with Ludwigsburg, the German played a total of 68 Beko BBL games and last season played 34 games averaging 8,5ppg, 3,4rpg and 1,0apg. he shot 46% from the field and 32% from the parking lot. He scored in double figurs 14 times and registered three double doubles. "We are happy that we could get a player for the position three and four. He is a good scorer, aggressive rebounder and one of the best German players that is able without problems to stick against the international players. Important will be that he will get more consistent. We have to use his individual qualities for our team and at the same time combine it into the team play", stressed Tigers head coach Igor Perovic. Lischka started his basketball career in 2003 for VfB Giessen. He continued to stay in te Giessen system playing for Lich and LTi Giessen 46ers from 2003-2010. Awards/Achievements in is basketball career have been German U18 National Team -05, European Championships U18 in Belgrade -05: 8 games: 11.5ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.5%, FT: 73.7%, German Bundesliga Rookies All-Star Game -06, German U20 National Team -06, Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga All-Newcomers Team -06, European Championships U20 in Izmir (Turkey) -06: 8 games: 8.9ppg, 6.6rpg, 2FGP: 51.9%, 3FGP: 20%, FT: 75%, German Bundesliga U-20 All-Star Game -07Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga South Most Improved Player of the Year -07, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro A All-Domestic Players Team -08
Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Newcomers Team -08, German A2 National Team -09, German University National Team -09, 11, World University Games in Belgrade (Serbia) -09: 7 games: 10.6ppg, Reb-5 (10.4rpg), 2.0spg, FGP: 41.0%, FT: 77.4%, Eurobasket.com All-World University Games Honorable Mention -09, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Most Improved Player of the Year -09, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Domestic Players Team -09, German National Team -09, and German Bundesliga All-Star Game -12

Source: Walter tIgers Tuebingen

Joe Buck Remains With The Crailsheim Merlins - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After having played in almost every league in North America with the IBL, PBL, CBA and ABA, it seems like Joseph Buck (201-F-81, college: USC) has found his niche in Germany and will play his fourth season here and second with PRO A club Crailsheim Merlins. According to team manager Martin Romig, Buck will stay for a second season with the team. Buck is a 31 year old 201cm power ford that brings 111 kilos to te scale. Last season in te PRO A, Buck played 36 games: 11.4ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT-1 (66.7%), FT: 73.7%. He scored in double figures 24 times and added three double doubles. He came to Germany in 2009 playing for SC Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProB, starting five): 17 games: 17.6ppg, Reb-3 (8.6rpg), 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 69.7%. In 2010-2011, he played for the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf:

Source: Crialsheim Merlins.

Antonio Houston Signs With BSV Wulfen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO B team BSV Wulfen have signed their first import player of the new season with Antonio Houston (196-G/F-88, college: Catawba) who follows his head coach Heimo Forster from Regionaliga team New Energie Elephants Grevenbroich. Houston is a 21 year old 196cm swing man from Charlotte, North Carolina. Last season, he showed that he has the talent to make the next step as he played for New Energie Elephants Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga): 23 games: 22.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 3.3apg, 1.6spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 54.1%, 3Pts: 29.8%, FT: 71.7%. "I am looking forward to having Antonio Houston (196-G/F-88, college: Catawba) on te team. He is a team player that makes every player better with his play. He has a good shot, can penetrate and is a good rebounder for a small forward, but can play guard also", stressed Heimo Forster. Houston started his basketball career at Catawba (NCAA2) in 2006 where he played until 2010. As a rookie in 2010-2011, he gained first professional experience with UMFN Njardvik (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 3 games: 18.7ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg; left in Oct.'10, then moved to Armann/Prottur (Iceland-D1, starting five): 4 games: 29.3ppg, 8.3rpg, 2.0apg, 3.3spg. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been SAC All-Tournament Team -07, 08, 09, 10, All-SAC Freshman Team -07, All-SAC Freshman of the Year -07, SAC Regular Season Champion -07, 10, SAC Tournament Finalist -07, 10, All-SAC Tournament MVP -08All-SAC 1st Team -08, 09, 10, SAC Tournament Winner -08, 09, SAC Regular Season Runner-Up -09, SAC All-Tournament MVP -09, NABC NCAA D2 All-America Southeast District 2nd Team -09, Daktronics NCAA Division II All-Southeast Region 2nd Team -10, and Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga West 2nd Team -12

Source. BSV Wulfen

Konrad Wysocki Returns Back Over The Boarder To The EWE Baskets Oldenburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After playing in Poland for the last three seasons, it seems like Konrad Wysocki (201-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton) may be a bit home sick to Germany and today the EWE Baskets Oldenburg announced that the German/polish player will suit up for the team next season getting a two year deal. Wysocki will be reunited with ex Skyliner Dominik Bahiense De Mello in Oldenburg. Wysocki played for PGE Turow Zgorzelec (Poland) the last three seasons playing a total of 113 games in the Polish league. Last season he played Euroleague Qualifying Round: 1 game: 14pts, 6reb, 1ast, 1steal; EuroCup: 6 games: 9.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 64.3%; Polish League: 43 games: 9.0ppg, 3.7rpg, FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 74.3% . "Konrad can play both forward positions as he has shown in the Beko BBL and in Poland. Our focus now lays in the smaller positions. Now we can concentrate on the guard positions", stressed EWE Baskets Oldenburg head coach Sebastian Machowski.

Wysocki strated his basketball career at Princeton (NCAA) where he played from 2000-2004. In 2004-2005, he started his basketball career for Aveiro Basket (Portugal-TMN): left in Oct.'04 without playing any game, next month was tested by Duesseldorf Magics (Germany-2.Bundesliga), in Dec.'04 signed at BG 74 Goettingen (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 18 games: 11.5ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 60.2%, 3FGP: 25.0%, FT: 58.7%. In 2005-2006, he played for TSV Butzbach (Germany-Oberliga), in Nov.'05 moved to Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): German League: 7 games: 16.3ppg, 10.1rpg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 55.6%, 3FGP: 22.2%, FT: 78.8%; in Jan.'06 signed at ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 16 games: 10.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 49.3%, 3FGP: 33.3%. He continued to play for ratiopharm Ulm from 2006-2008, where he made a name for himself developing under coach Mike Taylor and being named to the German national team. In 2008-2009, he played for Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): EuroChallenge: 10 games: 7.3ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 58.8%; German League: 36 games: 6.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 43.8%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been MVP of German national team camp (18 and under) ... team won German championship in 1997German U18 National Team -97, Ivy League Regular Season and Tournament Winner -01, Ivy League Rookie of the Year -01, German University National Team -03, World University Games -03, Ivy League Champion -04, German Nike Battleground on-on-one world series finalist -04, German 2.Bundesliga (Group South) Champion -06, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Most Improved Player of the Year -07, 08, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Newcomers Team -07, German Bundesliga All-Star Game -08, 09, German National Team -08-11Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Domestic Player of the Year -08, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Honorable Mention -08, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Domestic Players Team -08, Olympic Games in Beijing (China) -08: 5 games: 2.8ppg, 3.2rpgGerman Bundesliga Cup Semifinals -09, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga Awards All-Domestic Players Team -09, European Championships in Poland -09: 6 games: 1.3ppg, 1.8rpgPolish Cup Finalist -10, Polish Cup Semifinals -11, 12, Eurobasket.com All-Polish League Forward of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-Polish League 1st Team -11, Eurobasket.com Polish League All-Defensive Team -11, Polish League Regular Season Runner-Up -11, Polish League Finalist -11, Polish League All-Star Game -12, and Polish League Semifinals -12

Source: EWE Baskets Oldenburg

The BSW Sixers Bring in Ralph Schirmer - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO B team BSW Sixers announced yesterday that Ralph Schirmer (203-F/C-86) will lace them up with the club this season getting a one year deal with an option. Ralph Schirmer (203-F/C-86) is a 25 year old 203cm power forward/center that last season played for Uni-Riesen Leipzig (ProB): 26 games: 11.3ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 57.1%, FT: 77.5%. "We thought about getting him in the past. It is fantastic that it finally worked. He has played at a high level in the last years and is one of the more experienced players in the league. He can play the position four and five and will help us a lot unde rthe basket", stressed Sixers head coach Stephen Arigbabu. Schirmer started his basketball career in 2006 with Mitteldeutscher BC (2.Bundesliga). He also played for BC Scholz Recycling Weissenhorn (ProB): 3 games: 8.7ppg, 3.0rpg, left in Nov.'09, in Dec.'09 moved to Licher Basket Baeren (ProB): 17 games: 8.5ppg, 5.1rpg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 74.0%.

Source: BSW Sixers

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

HOLLAND

Djoenie Steenvoorde Announces End Of His Basketball Career - by Fred Roggen

Djoenie Steenvoorde (195-G/F-81, agency: R.H.Consultancy) announced that he ends his basketball career after thirteen seasons in the Dutch Eredivisie. Steenvoorde made his debut in 1999 at the highest level in Almere, where he played seven seasons. After two seasons in Rotterdam, the guard moved to EiffelTowers Den Bosch.
He played four seasons for EiffelTowers, where he won the Dutch cup (2009) and the Championship (2012).

Career:
1998-1999: MSV Noordwijk (D2)
1999-2000: Omniworld Almere (1T): 31 games, 18.8 minpg, 7.45 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 4.1 apg, 55.6% fg, 69.2 ft :90rrg
2000-2001: Omniworld Almere: 25 games, 23.4 minpg, 6.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.1 apg, 50% fg, 69% ft
2001-2002: Omniworld Almere: 28 games: 24.67 minpg, 8.35 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 162-81 50.% fg, 34-10 29.41% 3pt, 84% ft
2002-2003: Omniworld Almere (Eredivisie, starting five): 23 games: 11.21 minpg, 2.95 ppg, 1.65 rpg, 43.58% fg, 42.85% 3pt , 84.21% ft
2003-2004: Omniworld Almere (Eredivisie, starting five): 36 games: 8,6ppg, 5,5rpg, 3,2apg, 1,8spg, 0,1bpg
2004-2005: Omniworld Almere (Eredivisie, starting five): 16 games: 10.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 2apg, 1.1spg
2005-2006: Omniworld Almere (Eredivisie, starting five), injured in Oct.'05 (broken bone in hand) and missed beginning of season: 17 games: 9.9ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.1apg, 2.1spg
2006-2007: Rotterdam Basketbal (Eredivisie, starting five): 37 games: 11.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.4%, FT: 76.6%, 3Pts: 34.0%
2007-2008: Rotterdam Challengers (Eredivisie): 38 games: 14.3ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.1apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 38.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.2%
2008-2009: Eiffel Towers Den Bosch (Eredivisie): EuroChallenge: 15 games: 2.3ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.1apg; Dutch League: 44 games: 3.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2spg
2009-2010: Eiffel Towers Den Bosch (Eredivisie, starting five): EuroChallenge: 10 games: 3.9ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.0apg; Dutch League: 38 games: 8.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 77.6%
2010-2011: Eiffel Towers Den Bosch (DBL): 42 games: 4.8ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.4apg
2011-2012: Eiffel Towers Den Bosch (Eredivisie): 30 games: 4.0ppg, 1.5rpg
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Awards/Achievements:
Dutch National Team -99-00, 05
Dutch U18 National Team -99-00
World Junior Tournament at Douai (France-ProA) -00
Eurobasket.com Dutch League All-Domestic Players 2nd Team -00
Dutch Eredivisie Quarterfinals -02
Dutch Eredivisie Finalist -03, 08, 09
Dutch Eredivisie All-Star Game (U23 team) -04
Eurobasket.com Dutch Eredivisie All-Domestic Players 1st Team -04
Dutch Eredivisie All-Star Game -06, 08
Eurobasket.com Dutch Eredivisie All-Domestic Players Team -06, 08
Dutch Eredivisie Regular Season Runner-Up -08, 09, 12
Dutch Cup Winner -09
Dutch Eredivisie Semifinals -11
Dutch Eredivisie Champion -12

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

IBL

Standings

IBL Standings

Branding
1. Jersey G-F		4-3
2. Orlando V.		2-9
3. Yamhill H.		0-2
Continental
1. Bellingham S.		10-2
2. Vancouver V.		8-3
3. Olympia R.		3-10
International
1. Edmonton E.		10-3
2. Portland C.		8-4
3. Nippon T.		1-4
Travel Team
1. S. Soldiers		3-9
2. Los Angeles		0-0
3. W.Coast H.		0-0

Regular Season: Round 14

Jun. 10: S. Soldiers - Bellingham S. 148-138
Jun. 9: Portland C. - S. Soldiers 137-126
Jun. 9: Edmonton E. - Yamhill H. 118-91

Regular Season: Round 15

Jun. 14: Olympia R. - Nippon T.
Jun. 15: S. Soldiers - Portland C.
Jun. 15: Los Angeles - Bellingham S.
Jun. 15: Yamhill H. - Nippon T.
Jun. 15: Orlando V. - Vancouver V.

Slam fights off Olympia for eleventh straight win, 130-126 - by Eurobasket News

The Bellingham Slam thwarted a furious fourth quarter comeback by the Olympia Reign as they won, 130-126, in an International Basketball League contest at Whatcom Pavilion on Friday.

The first and fourth quarters proved to be the most difficult for the Slam, as they started off sluggish before building up a 25-point lead in the third quarter, only to see the Reign fight back to get within one point in the closing moments of the game.

Olympia's fourth-quarter comeback was fueled by six three-pointers in the last four minutes, and if it was not for the Slam responding on the offensive end, the Reign would have likely been able to take the lead.

After guard Virgil Matthews (6'2''-G-83, college: Montana) hit consecutive treys for the Reign with under a minute to play to pull Olympia within two, at 125-123, Slam guard Morris Anderson responded with a driving lay-in to put Bellingham back up by four.

Guard Nate Menefee immediately replied with another three-pointer to make it a one-point game with ten seconds left, and then Anderson hit one of two free throws to put the Slam up 128-126.

With a chance looming for Olympia to tie the game or win it, Anderson stole the ball from the Reign's Mike Ward in the dying seconds and sprinted down for a lay-in to seal the Slam's eleventh consecutive victory.

The narrow victory gave Bellingham a four-game season sweep of Olympia, with the previous three games decided by an average of 36 points.

Guard Jacob Stevenson (6'4''-G-81, college: W.Washington) led three Bellingham (12-1) players who finished with double-doubles with 33 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Paul Hafford (6'4''-G-84, college: Portland St.) had 26 and 10 while center Blake Poole (6'5''-C-88, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: St.Martin's) put up 19 and 14. Anderson finished with 25 points.

Olympia (3-11) was led by the 28 points of guard Nate Menefee. Guards Virgil Matthews and Mike Ward also had strong games with 24 and 20 points, respectively.

The Slam get a day off before heading south to face the Salem Soldiers on Sunday in Salem, Ore. The Slam's next home game is Saturday, June 23 against the Yamhill Highflyers. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Whatcom Pavilion.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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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.	17.1
4. Diener, Banco d.	16.6
5. Green, Sidigas AV	16.1
6. Shakur, Novipiu CM	16.0
7. Pullen, Angelico BI	16.0
8. Dean, Sidigas AV	16.0
9. Hickman, Scavolin.	16.0
10. Tucker, Acea Roma	15.4

Rebounds Per Game

Viktor SANIKIDZE
  CS Bo.
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 11

1. Sanikidze, CS Bo.	11.0
2. Johnson, Sidigas	10.1
3. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes	8.2
4. Smith, Otto C.	7.7
5. Brunner, Fabi Shoes	7.6
6. Gigli, CS Bologna	7.4
7. Chiotti, Novip.	7.0
8. Jones, Scavolini PS	7.0
9. Miralles, Angelico.	6.9
10. Easley, Banco d.	6.8

Assists Per Game

Marques GREEN
  Sidigas AV
  (167-PG-82)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Green, Sidigas AV	6.5
2. Diener, Banco d.	5.7
3. Collins, Otto Case.	5.2
4. Cook, Armani Mit	4.9
5. Shakur, Novipiu CM	4.3
6. Mekel, Benetton TV	3.7
7. Poeta, CS Bologna	3.6
8. McCalebb, Montepa.	3.4
9. Perkins, Bennet C.	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 Shoes	2.6
3. Green, Sidigas AV	2.5
4. Hackett, Scavolin.	2.4
5. Perkins, Bennet C.	2.1
6. Hosley, Banco d.	2.1
7. Dean, Sidigas AV	2.0
8. Di Bella, Fabi S.	1.9
9. Pullen, Angelico BI	1.8
10. Collins, Otto Cas.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Jarvis VARNADO
  Acea Roma
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Varnado, Acea Roma	1.9
2. Cusin, Scavolini PS	1.3
3. Johnson, Sidigas	1.3
4. Easley, Banco d.	1.2
5. Szewczyk, Umana V.	1.1
6. Shermadini, Bennet	1.0
7. Sanikidze, CS Bo.	0.9
8. Slokar, Acea Roma	0.8
9. Viggiano, Benetton.	0.8
10. Brunner, Bennet C.	0.8

stats leader

Points Per Game

Bernardo MUSSO
  Napoli
  (192-G-86)
  Avg: 19.2

1. Musso, Napoli	19.2
2. Evangelisti, Recan.	16.7
3. Portannese, Torino	16.4
4. Poltroneri, Perugia	16.2
5. Prandin, Casalp.	15.2
6. Rugolo, San Severo	15.1
7. Benevelli, Orlandi.	14.8
8. Tagliabue, Ruvo	14.7
9. Carrizo, Ferentino	14.6
10. Ferrarese, Castel.	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Emanuele ROSSI
  Chieti
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 12.6

1. Rossi, Chieti	12.6
2. Iannilli, Napoli	9.7
3. Tagliabue, Ruvo	8.8
4. Borra, Treviglio	8.4
5. Baldi Rossi, Perug.	8.1
6. Benevelli, Orlandi.	8.0
7. Gandini, Trieste	7.9
8. Raminelli, Castell.	7.7
9. Simeoli, Comsum.i.	7.6
10. Tessitori, Comsum.	7.5

Assists Per Game

Tommaso MARINO
  Treviglio
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Marino, Treviglio	4.3
2. Musso, Napoli	4.3
3. Bertolazzi, Omegna	4.1
4. Traini, Recanati	3.8
5. Stanic, Fabriano	3.6
6. Circosta, Anagni	3.5
7. Guarino, Ferentino	3.3
8. Vico, Matera	3.2
9. Santolamazza, Ana.	3.2
10. Parente, Torino	2.9

Steals Per Game

Roberto MAGGIO
  Pavia
  (183-G-90)
  Avg: 3

1. Maggio, Pavia	3.0
2. Bertolazzi, Omegna	2.9
3. Iardella, Fabriano	2.9
4. Guarino, Ferentino	2.9
5. Rivali, Santarcang.	2.8
6. Rossi, Chieti	2.8
7. Mei, Comsum.it SI	2.8
8. Maiocco, Pavia	2.7
9. Portannese, Torino	2.7
10. Musso, Napoli	2.7

Blocks Per Game

Andrea CAPITANELLI
  Firenze
  (203-C-86)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Capitanelli, Firen.	2.1
2. Ancellotti, Santar.	1.7
3. Borra, Treviglio	1.5
4. Cazzaniga, Pavia	1.1
5. Candido, San Seve.	1.1
6. Gandini, Trieste	1.1
7. Raminelli, Castell.	1.0
8. Pascolo, Trento	1.0
9. Cotani, Castelletto	0.9
10. Tardito, Matera	0.9

Nazionale A: Chieti beat Trieste for 2-2 in Spareggio Promozione - by Eurobasket News

Chieti - Trieste 75-53 (2-2)

Nazionale A: Chieti beat Trieste for 2-2 in Spareggio Promozione. Chieti led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 23-of-27 free shots (85.2 percent) during the game, while Trieste only scored seven points from the stripe. Chieti had a 37-23 advantage in offensive rebounds. 25 personal fouls committed by Trieste helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The former international center Emanuele Rossi (208-82) fired a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Naturalized San Marino swingman Andrea Raschi (200-79) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Chieti players scored in double figures. The former international point guard Marco Carra (185-80) produced 16 points and forward Luca Gandini (205-85) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Chieti: E.Rossi 19+14reb+2ast, A.Iannone 14+3reb, M.Diomede 13+1reb+1ast, A.Raschi 10+11reb+4ast, S.Rajola 6+8reb+3ast, A.Porfido 5+2reb+1ast
Trieste: M.Carra 16+2reb, L.Gandini 12+5reb, M.Ruzzier 7+3reb+1ast, A.Moruzzi 4+2reb+1ast, L.Zaccariello 4+8reb+3ast, L.Bonetta 4+1reb

SerieA Round 2 of Finals. Montepaschi register second win in a row - by Eurobasket News

Montepaschi - Armani Mit 86-58

Montepaschi made the second step towards defending SeriaA crown. The reigning champions cruised past Emporio Armani at home court to take 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The game without a history. Montepaschi Siena led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Montepaschi Siena forced 22 Armani Milano turnovers. It was a great shooting night for Montepaschi Siena especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 56.3 percentage. 25 personal fouls committed by Armani Milano helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American-FYR Macedonian point guard Bo McCalebb (183-85, college: New Orleans) scored 21 points and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the former international center Tomas Ress (209-80, college: Texas A&M) chipped in 11 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Four Montepaschi Siena players scored in double figures. International forward Nicolo Melli (205-91) responded with 6 points and 8 rebounds and American guard Malik Hairston (198-87, college: Oregon) scored 7 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Montepaschi: B.McCalebb 21+2reb+5ast, T.Ress 11+7reb+1ast, R.Kaukenas 11+2reb, N.Zisis 10+3ast, M.Carraretto 8+1reb+1ast, K.Lavrinovic 8+8reb+1ast
Armani Mit: A.Gentile 9+3reb+1ast, O.Cook 7+1reb+1ast, M.Hairston 7+4reb+3ast, J.Giachetti 7+2reb, L.Radosevic 7+4reb+1ast, N.Melli 6+8reb+1ast

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

KAZAKHSTAN

Astana also signs 'Adriatic League Player of the Year' David Simon - by Eurobasket News

BC Astana got another crucial reinforcement for the next season. The team landed American center David Simon (207-C-82, college: IPFW). He spent this season with Radnicki Kragujevac and was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Player of the Year -12'. For 26 games Simon had 19.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.4 bpg and 1.2 apg. He was the top-scorer of the championship. Simon also played 17 games for Radnicki in Serbian league averaging 14.4 points and 5.2 rebounds. They reached Playoff Semifinals. Radnicki also reached Cup Semis in Serbia. David Simon spent 2010/11 season in Korea. There he also shined with 20.2 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 1.6 bpg and 1.5 apg in 42 games with Anyang KGC. He was named to Asia-Basket.com Korean KBL All-Imports Team -11. From 2008 to 2010, David Simon played for French Strasbourg IG. He also has experience from Dijon, Samara, Standart Samara reg. Toliatti and Lukoil Akademik. Simon won the Bulgarian league title with Lukoil in 2006. It was his first season as a pro. He graduated in 2005 at Indiana University-Purdue University-Fort Wayne.

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

LEBANON

Riyadi inks Loren Woods for 2 years. - by Rabih Khoury

After missing the big size under the basket in the past season, Riyadi management decided to get her previous center back... Its Loren Woods (218-C-78, college: Arizona). Woods signed a 2 years deal with Riyadi and the L-Train will be back to his beloved city Beirut after spending the last season in Esfahan Iran with Zob Ahan. Woods played in 2010-2011 with Riyadi and was a major factor to win both Lebanese League and most importantly the Asian Cup. Lo averaged in Asian Club Championships: 6 games: 9.3ppg, Reb-5 (10.7rpg), Blocks-1 (3.8bpg), FGP: 57.9%, FT: 63.2%;and in the Lebanese League in 26 games: 14.3ppg, Reb-1 (14.3rpg), 1.7apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-2 (2.3bpg), FGP: 56.7%, 3PT-1 (50.0%), FT: 62.9%

Lebanese National Team move to Jordan - by Ahmad Kerdi

Sunday June 10th 2012:
Lebanese Basketball National Team left the country heading to Jordan to participate in WABA Championship (qualifiers to the Asian Cup previously known as Stankovich).
Team included players: Rodrigue Akl, Charles Tabet, Nadim Souaid, Elie Stephan, William Pharis, Jad Bitar, Miguel Martinez, Hussein Khatib, new naturalized player Garnett Thomson replacing his teammate in Champville Sam Hoskin while Team Captain Fadi El Khatib will probably follow the team on Monday due to family issues.
Coach Ghassan Sarkis will head the team after solving his "issues" with the federation while Coach Elie Sfeir will be the assistant coach.

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

LITHUANIA

Lithuania U17 post two victories against Latvia in Klaipeda - by Eurobasket News

Lithuanian U17 National Team continued their preparations for the upcoming World Championship. They played two friendly games against Latvian counterparts in Klaipeda. Both gamed ended with the hosts claiming victories.
First game was rather a one-way traffic as Lithuania celebrated an 86:51 win. The hosts built a 49:26 halftime lead and never looked back en route to the win. Gediminas Zalalis (205-C-95) fired 23 points and grabbed 10 boards for the winners. Lukas Grabauskas (182-PG) added 17 points, while Edvinas Seskus (192-G/F-95) contributed 15 points and 8 assists for Lithuania.
Lithuania celebrated victory next day as well. This time it was much tougher test for the hosts. They trailed by as many as 10 points at the interval 25:35. Latvia secured a 14-point lead before the final quarter. But Lithuania went on a 30:8 run in the fourth period and snatched a 65:57 win at the end. Edvinas Seskus notched 14 points for Lithuania. Lukas Grabauskas chipped in 13 points in the win.

Antanas Sireika leaves Siualiai, Pauliukenas at helm - by Eurobasket News

Antanas Sireika 's era in Suauliai is ending. The specialist has decided to leave the team. Antanas Sireika guided Siauliai since 2008. However his contract ended this season and the experienced coach decided not to prolong it. Antanas Sireika led Siauliai to the Baltic League regular season crown this spring. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Baltic League Coach of the Year. He also steered the team to the LKL semifinals. Previously Antanas Sireika worked with Lietuvos Rytas, Unics Kazan, Zalgiris. He also guided Lithuanian National Team in 2002/06 seasons. Eurobasket.com named Sireika All-Lithuanian LKL Coach of the Year in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Siauliai will now be guided by Vaidas Pauliukenas . He worked as assistant coach with Sireikas since 2010.

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MEXICO

Guaymas join Hermosillo in CIBACOPA Finals - by Eurobasket News

The 2012 CIBACOPA Finals is set. Hermosillo and Guaymas will fight for the title in best-of-seven series. The first game is scheduled for tomorrow and Hermosillo will be the host. Hermosillo was the regular season champion in CIBACOPA with 34-4 record and will have a home court advantage in the Finals. Teams will meet against on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. If necessary, they will play more games after that. The format is 2-2-1-1-1, maximum 7 games.
Hermosillo advanced to the Finals thanks to 4-2 win against Los Mochis in the Semis. In the QFinals, Hermosillo eliminated Culiacan with almost perfect 4-1.
Guaymas eliminated Tijuana with 4-3 in the Semis. Game Seven was not played and Guaymas won it with official 20-0 score. In the Quarterfinals, the team blasted Nogales with 4-1. Guaymas was No.2 in the regular season with 27-11 score.

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NBA

Celtics coach Doc Rivers helping son Austin through NBA draft process - by Eurobasket News

Doc Rivers has guided the Boston Celtics to the brink of a third trip in five years to the NBA Finals. With the Celtics now facing a seventh and deciding game against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals, their coach has been busy with game preparation, practices, travel and media obligations. Rivers has, however, found some time in his schedule for one other important duty: advising his son Austin, who is preparing for the NBA draft.
ausin

'It's tough because his schedule right now is crazy and so is mine', Austin Rivers (6'4''-G-92) said. 'I'm just trying to take things step by step and so is he. He keeps up with everything I do. He talks about everything with me. Every workout I go to, he is calling me to make sure everything is all right. He always says, 'Make sure you do this,' or, 'Make sure you do that.'

"He's still a dad at the end of the day. Even though he's a coach and his job is crazy, he's still always there."

Austin Rivers' talent has given him his own hoop identity outside of his father. He became the third freshman to ever lead Duke in scoring this past season when he was named the ACC's Freshman of the Year. He also earned a spot in Duke-North Carolina rivalry lore by making a buzzer-beating 3-pointer in a victory at Chapel Hill, N.C.

"Hes a confident and aggressive scorer with no conscience when it comes to scoring," one long-time Eastern Conference scout said. "Hes more of a volume, streak scorer. At times he can play selfish in terms of making sure his teammates are involved."

This years draft is regarded as one of the deepest in recent years. Still, Rivers thought he was ready to turn pro after one college season. His dad agreed.

"This is what he was born for," Doc Rivers said. "He didn't grow up wanting to play for Duke, North Carolina or Kansas, even though theyre phenomenal programs. He grew up in an NBA lifestyle, and this is what he wanted to be and he thought he was ready."

One NBA assistant coach said he was surprised Austin Rivers didnt work out at the NBA's predraft combine here Thursday. The East scout expects Rivers to be selected in the Nos. 10-20 range, but an NBA source told Yahoo! Sports that Rivers has a promise late in the draft lottery. The Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards and New Orleans Hornets plan to work out Rivers.

Former NBA coach Flip Saunders recently worked out Rivers and said he was as talented as shooting guard he worked out over the last 15 years. Saunders loved Rivers' quickness, first step, shooting ability and work ethic, likening him to Golden State Warriors rookie guard Klay Thompson.

"If I was a team in the top 10, hes a kid I would be zeroing in on because he has the ability to score," Saunders said. "Maybe Im partial, but Ive always said coachs kids who have had dads who have been in the NBA, a lot of times know what it takes. Theyre not intimidated by situations. They know how hard you have to work and usually have more respect for the game."

No one doubts Rivers' scoring ability, but some NBA scouts question whether the 19-year-old is too cocky and selfish. Rivers also went from being considered arguably the best prep player in the 2011 class to being regarded behind Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Bradley Beal in draft projections.

"Every single great player is cocky," Austin Rivers said. "[Michael] Jordan's cocky and [great players] have an ego. I think it's about having a healthy ego and being cocky in the right way, and that's what I am. I do have an ago, but it's a healthy one. Its not one that brings teammates down or rubs them the wrong way or is arrogant.

"Its more like being confident in yourself and believing in your teammates. Its a good thing."

Doc Rivers is "fully confident" his son made the right decision to go pro.

"Its funny. As a parent sometimes you hear some of the scouting reports and you say, 'What are they thinking about?' especially as far as body language," Rivers said. "People get caught up in some of the silliest things sometimes. I say, 'Why dont you call his coach and find out what kind of kid he is?'

"Hes a terrific kid, competitive as hell. All that will shake out. I dont worry about it."

Austin Rivers should be gone by the time the Celtics pick at Nos. 21 and 22 in the first round. But if Celtics president Danny Ainge could move up to get Rivers, could his dad coach him?

"I dont know," Doc Rivers said. "Id be shocked if he was still there, but I think wed be very happy with that."

Doc and his wife, Kris, have a close-knit, celebrated sports family. Doc Rivers coached the Celtics to the 2008 NBA championship and is the Atlanta Hawks' all-time leader in assists. His son, Jeremiah, played basketball collegiately at Indiana and Georgetown and played professionally in Serbia last season. His daughter, Callie, is a former Florida volleyball player. His youngest son, Spencer, plays basketball at Winter Park High School in Florida.

But June 28 will belong to Austin. Family and friends will join him at the draft in Newark, N.J.

"Im going to try to build on my last name," Austin Rivers said.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com

Larry Bird plans to promote Kevin Pritchard to Pacers GM - by Eurobasket News

As Larry Bird finalizes his deal to continue as Indiana Pacers president, he plans to elevate Kevin Pritchard to become the franchises general manager, multiple league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Bird has increasingly grown to trust Pritchards counsel since Pritchard's hiring as the Pacers' director of player personnel a year ago. Pritchards promotion will spell the end of David Morways successful tenure as GM, sources said.

Bird told organizational sources that he hadnt broached the GM job with Pritchard until he believed Morway was destined to land the Portland Trail Blazers' GM position several weeks ago. Once Morway lost out on the Portland job to Clippers GM Neil Olshey, Bird feared he would lose Pritchard to a more prominent position with another organization and ultimately made the call to keep him over Morway.

Pritchard briefly had been a teammate of Birds with the Boston Celtics, and he comes from a more traditional basketball background. That always gave him an advantage over Morway, who came from an agent and legal background. As the Indianapolis Star reported, there had been cracks in the Bird-Morway relationship.

Nevertheless, Bird has been insistent that Pritchard never lobbied or undercut Morway to get his job. Larry likes who Larry likes, one Pacers source said. Politics dont work with Larry, anyway.

Bird still has to finalize a deal with Pacers owner Herb Simon for Pritchards promotion to be made official.

Pritchard had a modestly successfully, but tumultuous three-year run as the Portland Trail Blazers' GM from 2007-10. He drafted LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy and Nic Batum, but also had some first-round picks that cost the Blazers millions of dollars to acquire never pan out. Pritchards self-aggrandizing management style alienated those inside and outside the Blazers organization and ultimately led to owner Paul Allen firing him on draft night in 2010.

In some ways, Pritchard is best known for jumpstarting the Oklahoma City Thunders rise to prominence in the Western Conference after he chose Greg Oden over Kevin Durant with the first pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. Landing Durant turned out to be a seminal moment for the freshly crowned 2012 Western Conference champions.

The Pacers' move is largely baffling to league executives who believe Morway played a significant part in the franchise's rise to contention in the Eastern Conference this season. Morway helped replenish the Pacers through the draft and trades. Indiana lost in six games to the Miami Heat in the East semifinals.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com

Oklahoma City becoming basketball-crazed town - by Eurobasket News

Oklahoma is a football power and its rival Oklahoma State often dominates wrestling, but now the state has something every sports fan can cheer: an NBA finals debutante.

Blue-and-orange Oklahoma City Thunder flags flutter vehicles around the city and the state, a tribute to a team that four years ago was among the league's worst. An Oklahoma City skyscraper has a "Let's Go Thunder" banner strung across it, and a local shop has a giant fake beard at its entrance to mimic Thunder guard James Harden's hirsute style.

Before the Thunder arrived in 2008 - an Oklahoma City businessman moved the team after Seattle balked at building the SuperSonics a new arena - Oklahomans' sports loyalties were split between OU and OSU.

"This is the biggest thing we've had here. This is it," said Tony Wright, a Thunder fan pumping gasoline into an SUV adorned with "OKC" banners.

Oklahoma City has home-court advantage in the best-of-7 series against the love-to-hate-'em Miami Heat and superstars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. But life hasn't always been this sweet.

The first Thunder team won only three of its first 32 games and finished 23-59, the third-worst record in the league. Finding tickets was easy.

"They were giving them away," said Matthew Brown, a recent University of Oklahoma graduate who just moved to Little Rock, Ark.

Now, the games draw so many to Chesapeake Energy Arena that, for a time, they were projected on screens outside. During the Thunder's Western Conference semifinals with the Los Angeles Lakers, up to 7,000 unticketed fans showed up at the 17,000-seat arena, which is just west of Bricktown.

But two weeks ago, a late-night shooting that injured 8 near the arena after a Thunder win put a stop to the big screens. City officials said the shooting was not game-related.

"The crowd's been huge for the pregame, then they're going somewhere else to watch the game, either to a bar or to someone's home," Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said "This ever-escalating crowd, who knows how large it would get? And what would happen next?"

Thunder coach Scott Brooks said players and coaches are energized by the fans.

"They feel a part of this and they should. They've done a good job of making us feel that we're a part of this community," he said. "Our players, they love playing here. They know every night that we're going to have the best crowd in the game and they're going to come out and they're going to cheer you on."

Guard Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas), one of two players who moved from Seattle and who led the Thunder to the conference finals last year, said he's been trying to focus on the task at hand.

"You know there's family calling and friends calling, wanting to come down," Durant said. "But everybody's been doing a good job of giving me my space and just letting me focus on what we need to do."

But many Oklahoma City residents still embrace the team as family.

Helen Jones said she has a photo of herself, Durant and guard Russell Westbrook as a screensaver on her cellphone. And Harden occasionally drops in for Wednesday night bible study at the Fifth Street Missionary Baptist Church that she attends

"They are so down to earth, clean, well-spoken and when I look at them, I try to get a picture of what they're really, really like," said Jones, a season-ticket holder.

At a Thunder youth basketball camp Friday, Cindy Melton watched her 8-year-old daughter, Caity, and dozens of other children run drills.

"We tried to get her to bed early this week, with the camp going, so she could get some rest," said Melton, of Choctaw. "But with the games going on, we let her sleep on the couch, but she didn't go to sleep."

When point guard Eric Maynor showed up for a visit, camp coaches blew their whistles and the children yelled in unison "Go Thunder!"

Bud Carter, 93, has come to know the players well. He works for Huntleigh USA, which provides security screening for NBA players flying through Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport.

"Those guys are really my boys. I screen them all the time," Carter said. "They're a great bunch of young men."

Thunder pride is felt statewide, said Tulsa resident Sarah Neal, 34.

"There's really a great kind of community feel. Go to any sports bar showing the game. You're sitting with strangers and you're high-fiving each other, buying each other drinks. It's a great time for our state," she said.

At Bedlam Sports in Tulsa, co-owner Steve McCormick has had to make room for all the Thunder gear.

"People feel like they're on the team, and 'I've got to get in there and get the stuff,"' he said.

Oklahoma City resident Roberto Velez, 24, is one of those fans. Clad in a blue T-shirt that said "We're One," Velez waited for a flight at the Phoenix airport and explained why - even though he's originally from Miami - he easily changed allegiances.

"It's been these young players prove they could beat the legends from championship teams like the Lakers, the Spurs and the Mavericks," Velez said. "Such a brand-new team deserves at least one ring."

Cornett and other city officials began laying the foundation to attract a NBA franchise after Hurricane Katrina, playing host to the New Orleans Hornets for two years. It was enough for some Oklahoma sports fans to begin pushing the Sooners' seven national football championships and Oklahoma State's 34 national wrestling titles to the back of their minds.

"It just started out with the Hornets, and then getting a team of our own has been a dream come true," said Eric Loftis, a season-ticket holder who lives in Norman. "We just forgot about football and everything else. It's just our team, the only team we've ever had."

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Blake Griffin to sign massive off-season extension - by Eurobasket News

According to the LA Times, the Los Angeles Clippers will sign power forward Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) to a 5-year, $95-million extension on July 1st.

Griffin is not set to become a free agent until the 2014 season, but the Clippers will try and lock up a deal as soon as possible with Griffin becoming eligible for a contract extension.

Griffin will play in his third season since being selected by the Clippers 1st overall in the 2009 NBA draft. In 66 appearances this season, Griffin averaged 20.7 points per game and 10.9 rebounds per game.

The chances of this signing would improve immensely if current director of player personnel, Gary Sacks becomes the Clippers next general manager. Since the previous general manager, Neil Olshey signed a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, the Clippers have been looking to fill the void. Sacks may have the advantage having spent 18 years with the organization. Sacks is also a close friend with Griffin's agent, Sam Goldfeder, which could help keep the all-star forward in a Clippers uniform.

Courtesy of www.thescore.com

NBA Finals: LeBron James may be a villain elsewhere, but not so much in Oklahoma City - by Eurobasket News

Despite what might happen in other cities, there is a zero-percent chance LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) will ever be the most hated player in the eyes of Thunder fans.

The current titleholder likely will never relinquish the crown. Man by the name of Metta World Peace (6'7''-G/F-79, college: St.John's). Nobody elbows "The Beard" without suffering the consequences.

Folks around here have zero reason not to like Bron-Bron, other than he plays for the opposing team.

James invited Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) to his hometown last summer for a "Hell Week" of training sessions in Akron, Ohio. James' team beat Durant's team 70-63 in a flag-football game, but James immediately offered a rematch.

Around here, any friend of Kevin's ...

James also played in Durant's charity pick-up game last September during the lockout at the Cox Convention Center.

The biggest thumbs-up of all goes to James for what he did in late February when the Heat's team plane stopped to refuel at Will Rogers World Airport on a 2,700-mile trip from Miami to Portland.

Heat players went to the terminal to stretch while the plane refueled and James noticed uniformed military personnel. James waved them past security and instructed teammates to pose for pictures with the servicemen.

Asked about the incident three weeks later, James barely remembered it happened. Pretty cool.

Courtesy of http://newsok.com

Spurs front office executive mentions Kevin Garnett as a free agency option - by Eurobasket News

Sometimes you see an NBA rumor, and you just shake your head. Kevin Garnett (6'11''-F-76) signing with the Spurs? That sure sounds like one of those shake-your-headers. Dig deeper. Kevin Garnett is an emotional and reflective type of personality. If the Celtics are unable to come to terms with Garnett on a contract extension, you have to think he would only consider veteran teams with an established brand of serious basketball. The San Antonio Spurs definitely fit the bill. At the opposite side of the spectrum, the Brooklyn Nets have been linked to Kevin Garnett in free agency as well.

According to mysanantonio.com:

The Spurs will consider everything and everyone this summer when free agency begins. But one option tossed out this weekend by one in the Spurs organization is not just another name. Kevin Garnett.

Some will have more money to offer than the Spurs will. Some might have more young talent to put around him. All the Spurs could give Garnett is the closest thing to what he had in Boston, a veteran core with a chance to contend.

Courtesy of www.iamagm.com

Heat-Celtics Game 7 draws huge TV rating - by Eurobasket News

The Miami Heats win over the Boston Celtics to reach the NBA finals has drawn the highest preliminary television rating for an NBA playoff game on cable since records started being kept in 2003.

Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals Saturday night on ESPN produced a 9.1 overnight rating. The network said Sunday that the three highest overnight ratings for NBA games on cable have come during this series.

In Boston, the game had a 21.7 rating. It was the highest rating on cable for an NBA playoff game in the market since records started being kept in 2003.

Courtesy of The Associated Press

Miami Heat fans are celebrating Finals appearance - by Eurobasket News

Ecstatic Miami Heat fans dressed in white hot gear spilled out into the streets after Saturday nights victory to win the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics.

Throughout the night, a steady stream of cars honked as they passed outside the AmericanAirlines Arena in downtown Miami.

On Sunday, the celebrating continued. Fans came back to the arena to purchase Miami Heat winning gear. The Miami Hoops Gear store attracted both locals and tourists hoping to grab a souvenir.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday and at Dolphin Mall from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Courtesy of The Miami Herald (via www.insidehoops.com)

Robert Pera to buy the Grizzlies - by Bryan Floyd

Billionaire Robert Pera has reportedly agreed in principle to buy the Grizzlies for roughly $350 million. The sale will be officially announced later this week as long as everything goes smooth. It is a very exciting time for the fans of the organization as Pera is a 34 year old wealthy guy who is willing to keep the team in Memphis and is very motivated to win. The Grizzlies are a team on the rise with some very tough decisions to make this offseason.

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NCAA1

Tennessee's Maymon has knee surgery - by Eurobasket News

Tennessee forward Jeronne Maymon (6'7''-F-91) has had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

School officials said Maymon, a second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection as a junior, should be cleared to play in time for Tennessee's exhibition tour of Italy in August.

Maymon had recent swelling, prompting Friday's surgery.

Maymon averaged 12.7 points last season. He had a team-high 8.1 rpg.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Memphis' Charles Carmouche to transfer after graduating - by Eurobasket News

Memphis guard Charles Carmouche (6'3''-G-90), who just this week received a medical waiver for a fifth year of eligibility, announced Friday he will transfer instead of completing his career with the Tigers.

Carmouche, a 6-3 guard from New Orleans, graduated from Memphis last month with a bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. As a graduate transfer, he will be eligible to play immediately this fall at a new school.

Charles and I had a great discussion, but we decided Charles will finish his final year of eligibility at another institution, Memphis coach Josh Pastner said in a statement. I am so proud of Charles for earning his degree. He has done so many wonderful things on and off the court during his time in Memphis. We wish him all the best as he moves forward to the next stage in his life.

Carmouche was limited to seven games last season because of severe tendinitis in both knees. He averaged 6.3 points and 2.6 rebounds, shooting 46.2 percent from the 3-point line.

Im so grateful to coach Pastner, the Tiger fans and the City of Memphis for the two years I spent at University of Memphis, said Carmouche, who started his career at the University of New Orleans. They accepted me as a Tiger from the start. In return, I gave Memphis the best I had both on and off the court.

I'm proud to have my degree from Memphis, and I will never forget my time there. Coach gave me an opportunity to compete and was always fair, while pushing me to excel. Its not an easy decision to leave, but I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life personally and athletically. I have achieved a lot, but I am not satisfied. I want to reach my full potential for me and my family.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

Brennan, part of UNC '57 title team, dead at 75 - by Eurobasket News

Former North Carolina basketball star Pete Brennan, whose crucial shot in the semifinals helped the Tar Heels win the 1957 national championship, died Friday after a fight with cancer, his daughter said.

Brennan, 75, was at a Durham rehabilitation center after his discharge about a week ago from UNC Hospitals, where he was treated for diverticulitis, said Kelly Brennan of Birmingham, Ala. Brennan had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in April, his daughter said.

Brennan was a member of the 1957 team that went unbeaten and won the national championship with a triple-overtime victory over Wilt Chamberlain and Kansas. Brennan's jumper with 4 seconds left forced the second of three overtimes in the semifinal win over Michigan State.

Brennan was Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year in 1958 and his No. 35 jersey hangs in the Smith Center.

Brennan was a first-round draft pick of the New York Knicks in 1958.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

AAU to announce screening for coaches, volunteers - by Eurobasket News

The Amateur Athletic Union is expected to announce new mandatory background screening for all adult coaches, volunteers and staff, as well as stricter training protocols to govern interaction with youth athletes, a person familiar with the situation said.

The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the AAU has not publicly announced the findings of an internal review of its best practices. The person did not say how the screening would be conducted, but said the system-wide background checks and screenings would not pose an unfair or unreasonable financial hardship on anyone. A press conference is scheduled for Tuesday at the AAU's national headquarters.

A six-month review by two task forces focused on youth protection and adult volunteering screening. The panels produced a joint 30-page report with their recommendations for changes to AAU's polices, protocols and procedures. Those recommendations are expected to be revealed Tuesday.

AAU commissioned the review last December in the wake of decades-old sex abuse allegations against former president Bobby Dodd. The organization had never faced any abuse allegations prior to those against the 63-year-old, who had it severed all ties with, and he to date has never been charged with a crime.

The oldest organization dedicated to youth athletes in the country, the 124-year-old AAU oversees about 30 sports programs for all ages nationwide, including major sports like football, basketball and baseball to bocce ball, baton twirling and competitive jump rope. More than 500,000 athletes and 50,000 volunteers participate in its programs.

Existing procedures for dealing with adults who violate AAU's code of conduct are expected to be clarified and strengthened as well. And it will be made clear that all staff and volunteers have a responsibility to report any abuse or suspected abuse to law enforcement.

"The AAU is acting decisively because its first priority is not to protect the AAU brand, but to protect the thousands of youth athletes in our events," AAU president Louis Stout said of the upcoming announcements.

AAU had previously done some random screenings of officials, but they were not mandatory.

ESPN reported that two former basketball players had accused Dodd of molesting them as children in Memphis and other locations in the 1980s. But Memphis police suspended their investigation a month later because they could not find any victims, and no one has come forward to file a formal criminal complaint.

Dodd's attorney, Steve Farese, said in January that his client is innocent. Farese said he was not surprised that police did not go forward with a criminal investigation.

One of Dodd's accusers is 43-year-old Ralph West, who alleged that Dodd fondled him, tried to fondle him or masturbated in front of him at Dodd's home in Memphis, the AAU Junior Olympics in South Bend, Ind., and tournaments in Florida, Louisiana and Tennessee. The other accuser spoke to ESPN anonymously and accused Dodd of molesting him at Dodd's home.

Both men said news reports about the Penn State child sex abuse case prompted them to independently confront Dodd in November.

Dodd coached AAU basketball teams in Memphis before joining the organization's national staff more than 20 years ago. Dodd had been an executive with AAU since the 1990s.

Shortly after turning over the allegations to authorities, Stout promised full access in implementing the task force reviews and said he had confidence that AAU acted decisively in cooperating with police.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

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NEW ZEALAND

Sydney Kings sign Kevin Smith - by Mike Lacey

The Sydney Kings have added Harbour Heat swingman Kevin Smith (196-F-79, college: Lee) to their roster for the 2012-13 National Basketball League season.
American born, Smith now qualifies as a local player having acquired New Zealand residency during his time playing in the New Zealand league. In 2006 he signed for the Waikato Pistons and has since had spells with Hawks Bay, Auckland Pirates and most recently the Harbour Heat. A very efficient left handed mid range shooter, Smith shot 91 from 169 (54%) from the field and 14 from 38 (37%) from beyond the three point arc in the 2012 season for the Heat.
It is anticipated the 32 years old Smith will provide the Kings with some fire power off the bench and back up the prolific James Harvey. Kings coach Shane Heal (182-G-70) will be aware that Harvey may not be able to play as many minutes as he has in previous seasons due to a series if injuries sustained in recent times and will see the experienced Smith as ideal cover.

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NIGERIA

OQT: Nigeria record second tune-up games victories - by Olusegun Ikuesan

The Nigeria senior men national team DTigers at the weekend jump-start it build-up to the London 2012 Olympic Qualifying Tournament with two victories over China top club Foshan Long Lions basketball club on Saturday and Sunday.

The Coach Ayo Bakare tutored side defeated the Long Lions on Saturday by 84-54 points at the Jiangmes stadium and posted another fantastic win over same team on Sunday at the Zhong Shan City.

The 21-man Nigerian side will play four more friendly matches in china before jetting out to Houston, United States of America and later Brazil for a 4-Nation Invitational.

DTigers who are gunning for it first appearance at the Men Basketball Event of the Olympics will battle Foshan Long Lions on June 13 and on June 14 the team will take on Fujian Quanzhou Bank before taking a double game against Shanxi Zhongyu on June 16 and June 17. Oyedeji Olumide (208-C/F-81)

DStv PBL: Final-8 playoffs get July 21-28 date in Lagos - by Olusegun Ikuesan

..... Makurdi to host Division-One

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has announced July 21-28 2012 as date for the 2011/2012 final-8 playoffs of the DStv Premier Basketball League with Lagos as venue.

The final-8 playoffs will be used to determine Nigeria league champion and will involve eight teams from the Atlantic and Savannah conferences.

According to the NBBF president Tijjani Umar that this years final-8 playoffs will be better organised than the previous editions as Lagos will hosting the event for the third time since the coming on board of the Africa leading pay-tv DStv.

The final-8 will have Dodan Warriors, defending champion Royal Hoopers, Islanders and Police Baton basketball clubs from the Atlantic conference while Kano Pillars, Yelwa Hawks, Niger Potters and Kada Stars basketball clubs are from the Savannah conference.

The federation also announce Makurdi Benue State as host for the National Division-One championship in October this year.

The national division-one will feature teams from around the country as the NBBF searches for teams that will replace relegated Chariots basketball club of Lagos and Civil Defenders basketball club of Abuja in the Atlantic and Savannah conferences.

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PARAGUAY

Paraguayan National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five

Riveros

Perez

Martinez

Zanotti

Sanchez

Carlos Jorge Riveros

189-G-85

Libertad

Daniel Perez

190-G/F-84

Libertad

Javier Martinez

189-G-78

Regatas C. Argentina

Bruno Zanotti

199-F-82

Libertad

Ramon Sanchez

194-F-91

San Jose

Victor Ozuna

187-G-82

Sol de Amer. Paraguay

Federico Mellone

193-F/G-85

D.San Jose Paraguay

Guillermo Araujo

205-C-82

Paulistano Brazil

Jose Fabio

200-F-77

MH Basket

Carlos Cristaldo

207-C-88

Pedro Juan Paraguay

Alejandro Peralta

195-F-91

San Jose

Edison Ortiz

197-F/C-82

Libertad

Arturo Alvarez

Head Coach

Barreirense Portugal

Juan Pablo Feliu

Assistant

Sol de Amer. Paraguay

Cristian Viveros

Assistant

Libertad

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PHILIPPINES

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Standings

1. Rain or Shine		4-1
2. B-Meg Llam.		4-1
3. Ginebra Kings		3-2
4. Powerade T.		3-2
5. Petron Blaze		3-3
6. Barako Bull		2-2
7. Meralco Bolts		2-3
8. Air21 Express		1-3
9. Talk N Text		1-3
10. Alaska Aces		1-4

Regular Season: Round 11

Jun. 10: Alaska Aces - Meralco Bolts 95-100
Jun. 9: B-Meg Llam. - Air21 Express 91-78
Jun. 10: Petron Blaze - Ginebra Kings 80-83

Regular Season: Round 12

Jun. 13: Barako Bull - Air21 Express
Jun. 13: Alaska Aces - B-Meg Llam.

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Zach GRAHAM
  Air21 E.
  (198-G-89)
  Avg: 36.3

1. Graham, Air21 E.	36.3
2. David, Powerade T.	28.0
3. Harris, Talk N Text	27.8
4. Cornley, Rain o.	26.2
5. Bozeman, Ginebra	24.8
6. Blakely, B-Meg L.	24.4
7. Forte, Alaska Aces	23.5
8. Basden, Petron B.	23.0
9. Oguchi, Meralco Bo.	20.3
10. Miller, Barako Bu.	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Zach GRAHAM
  Air21 E.
  (198-G-89)
  Avg: 14.8

1. Graham, Air21 E.	14.8
2. Forte, Alaska Aces	14.3
3. Cornley, Rain o.	13.4
4. Blakely, B-Meg L.	12.6
5. Harris, Talk N Text	12.0
6. Bozeman, Ginebra	10.8
7. Taulava, Meralco	9.4
8. Basden, Petron B.	8.5
9. Santos, Petron B.	8.3
10. Hugnatan, Meralco	8.2

Assists Per Game

Joseph CASIO
  Powerade T.
  (177-PG-86)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Casio, Powerade T.	6.6
2. Ross, Meralco	5.6
3. Tenorio, Alaska A.	5.2
4. Miller, Barako Bull	4.8
5. Hubalde, Air21 E.	4.5
6. Bozeman, Ginebra	4.4
7. Basden, Petron B.	4.3
8. Blakely, B-Meg L.	4.2
9. Cabagnot, Petron	4.2
10. Lutz, Petron Bla.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Edward BASDEN
  Petron B.
  (196-G/F-83)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Basden, Petron B.	3.2
2. Blakely, B-Meg L.	3.2
3. Cortez, Ginebra	1.8
4. Ross, Meralco	1.6
5. Chan, Rain or Shine	1.6
6. Hatfield, Ginebra	1.6
7. Harris, Talk N Text	1.5
8. Dillinger, Talk N.	1.5
9. Mercado, Meralco	1.2
10. Urbiztondo, B-Meg	1.2

Blocks Per Game

Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Blakely, B-Meg L.	2.6
2. Forte, Alaska Aces	2.0
3. Maierhofer, Ginebr.	1.5
4. Santos, Petron B.	1.3
5. Thoss, Alaska Aces	1.2
6. Norwood, Rain o.	1.2
7. Baguio, Alaska Ac.	1.2
8. Faundo, Air21 E.	1.0
9. Miller, Barako Bull	1.0
10. Reavis, B-Meg L.	1.0

Asean Basketball League Playoffs Roundup: June 9, 2012 - by Enzo Flojo

SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN over WESTPORTS MALAYSIA DRAGONS, 90-56
The San Miguel Beermen did not let their impressive debut season in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League go to waste.

With Leo Avenido and Nick Fazekas delivering, the Beermen put on a dominating show in the second half to frustrate the Westports Malaysia Dragons, 90-56, and earn the last finals berth at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Their presence hardly felt in SMBs 100-77 loss last week in Kuala Lumpur, Avenido and Fazekas delivered in a key third quarter where they turned a slim 37-35 halftime lead into a one-sided beatdown.

Fazekas had 21 points and 19 rebounds while Avenido shrugged off inconsistency in the first two games by firing 18 points as San Miguel survived a grueling semifinal series with the Dragons to arrange a finals showdown with the Indonesia Warriors.

The finals will start next week with San Miguel having homecourt advantage against the Warriors in the best-of-three series.

SMBs dominance was an anti-climactic end to a whirlwind series.

The Beermen leaned on Filipino-American guard Chris Banchero to hack out a 111-104 overtime victory in Game One, but Tiras Wade erupted for 34 points in Game Two as the Dragons leveled the series.

In Game Three, Banchero scored eight points in the first five minutes before finishing with 10 points, three rebounds, nine assists, and four steals, while import Duke Crews also put on a solid performance with 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

Wade scored 25 points for Malaysia. He had 17 in the first half as the Dragons countered every SMB basket and even led by three points on a few occasions.

But a 21-3 spurt after intermission led by Avenido and Fazekas turned things in San Miguels favor. Malaysia never threatened from there.

Center Brian Williams and Patrick Cabahug, two other players that gave the Beermen trouble in the series, were non-existent.

Williams had 12 points and 11 boards but played just 23 minutes while Cabahug shot miserably from the field, missing all nine shots for a scoreless outing.

Malaysia was denied its first-ever finals appearance in three seasons after tying its worst playoff loss in franchise history.

SMB 90- Fazekas 21, Avenido 18, Crews 15, Fajardo 11, Banchero 10, Luanzon 7, Dimaunahan 6, Ferriols 2, Yap 0, Fernandez 0, Baguion 0, Gonzales 0.
WMD 56- Wade 25, Williams 12, Ng 8, Pacana 5, Loh 3, Belasco 2, Kuppusamy 1, Batumalai 0, Cabahug 0, Chee 0, Kwaan 0.
QS: 18-20; 37-35; 66-45; 90-56

Source: Unless otherwise specified, game recaps were compressed and compiled from InterAKTV. (Writing credit to Jay Malabanan)

2012 PBA Governors Cup Roundup: June 6-10, 2012 - by Enzo Flojo

B-MEG LLAMADOS over MERALCO BOLTS, 88-83
B-Meg coach Tim Cone was happy with the way his team salvaged a tough 88-83 win over the Meralco Bolts.

But he couldnt hide his disappointment over the way his team performed Wednesday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Marc Pingris completed a double-double performance, finishing with 10 points and 11 rebounds. He came through with big plays down the stretch, including making five of six free throws in the final 1:23 of the game.

Pingris scored his teams last seven points that helped B-MEG stave off a resilient Bolts squad that couldnt get anything going from import Champ Oguchi.

Oguchi finished with only 12 points and missed all his 10 attempts from beyond the arc in what was expected to be his last game for the Bolts. The Bolts were carried by Mac Cardonas 27 points.

Playing out-of-sync in the previous game and held to just two points, Cardona struck back against B-MEG, hitting 12-of-20 from the field. He scored his teams last seven points, including a game-tying three-pointer that tied the game at 81-all with 3:24 remaining.

With Cardona torching the Llamados, Cone decided to switch Marqus Blakely onto the Meralco hotshot, and the do-it-all import shut him down in the end.

Blakely finished with 31 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals in another brilliant all-around performance.

BML 88 Blakely 31, Yap 19, Pingris 10, De Ocampo 9, Villanueva 6, Urbiztondo 5, Intal 4, Reavis 4, Acuna 0, Barroca 0.
MER 83 Cardona 27, Ross 18, Oguchi 12, Taulava 11, Mercado 8, Hugnatan 4, Bulawan 2, Reyes 1, Daa 0, Macapagal 0, Artadi 0.
QS: 19-17, 40-39, 66-66, 88-83

RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS over BGY. GINEBRA KINGS, 93-90
Paul Lee drilled a cold-blooded three-pointer with 2.6 seconds to win the game for Rain or Shine, 93-90, over Barangay Ginebra Wednesday night in the PBA Governors Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Lees heroics lifted the Elasto Painters to their fourth straight win, allowing them to post their best start in franchise history.

Lee, the second overall rookie pick this season, presided over his teams final offensive thrust, a few moments after turning the ball over in one important play for the Elasto Painters.

The final play was intended for Rain or Shine import Jamelle Cornley, who wasnt able to get the ball because of tight defense by Ginebras Willie Wilson. That left Lee isolated against Rudy Hatfield.

The former UE guard made his move and let loose a jumper from right quartercourt over the outstretched arms of the veteran forward.

After Lees three-pointer, Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen sued for time. The play was intended for Mark Caguioa coming off a screen and receiving the ball at the corner. But Caguioa couldnt get open, and Ginebra instead went to import Cedric Bozeman, whose three-pointer barely hit the rim as Gabe Norwood secured the rebound and preserved the win for Rain or Shine.

Cornley finished with 27 points and 14 rebounds to lead the way for the Elasto Painters.

ROS 93 Cornley 27, Lee 18, Chan 18, Buenafe 9, Ibanes 7, Cruz 6, Norwood 4, Belga 2, Quinahan 2, Arana 0.
GIN 90 Bozeman 22, Caguioa 18, Raymundo 12, Cortez 10, Maliksi 9, Hatfield 8, Villanueva 5, Ababou 2, Maierhofer 2, Wilson W. 2, Mamaril 0, Helterbrand 0.
QS: 27-27, 45-49, 70-72, 93-90

BARAKO BULL ENERGY over PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS, 111-107
LeRoy Hickerson had a busy Friday itinerary.

After arriving straight from Los Angeles, he joined Barako Bull practice, proceeded to the Games and Amusements Board office for his pro license, before going to the PBA office for height measurements.

Hickerson had enough energy left in the afternoon to lead Barako Bull to a 111-107 comeback victory over Petron Blaze at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. He finished with 32 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists to carry the Energy to their second win in four matches.

Hickerson made several big plays down the stretch. He fed Ronald Tubid on a breakaway layup that put Barako Bull in the lead for the first time, 109-107, with 33.8 seconds to go.

In the next play, Hickerson showed his defensive prowess. He blocked Eddie Basdens strong drive, which set up Willie Miller for two charities.

Hickerson, who saw action for the franchise when it still carried the Air 21 brand in 2010, then ensured Barako Bulls win with his split charities with only four-tenths of a second left.

To think Barako Bull was preparing for the possibility of playing without Hickerson.

But there were stretches were Hickerson let the locals took center stage. The mindset of the locals about possibly going all-Filipino got them ready.

Doug Kramer had a double-double performance, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds in what was easily his most productive game in a Barako Bull uniform.

Ronald Tubid also had 17 points, including the go-ahead basket off a feed from Hickerson that gave the Energy their first taste of the lead, 109-107, 33.8 seconds left in regulation.

Miller contributed 16 points, including a game-tying lay up that made up for his early miscue, 58 seconds left in the game.

BAR 111 Hickerson 32, Tubid 17, Kramer 17, Miller 16, Najorda 10, Allado 9, Weinstein 3, Pennisi 3, Cervantes 2, Gatumbato 2, Sharma 0, Cruz 0.
PET 107 Basden 23, Washington 23, Lutz 16, Cabagnot 12, Yeo 8, Santos 8, Ildefonso 8, Pena 7, Miranda 2, Reyes 0.
QS: 30-34, 52-64, 84-91, 111-107

POWERADE TIGERS over RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS, 104-98
Gary David matched the longest streak of games with at least 20 points to help Powerade Tigers defeat the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, who were the only unbeaten team in the Governors Cup.

On Friday, David reaffirmed his role as the Tigers go-to-guy, finishing with 30 points and powering his team to a 104-98 triumph at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

With a personal record at stake and his team hoping to extend their winning streak, David presided on offense during the most crucial stretch of the match.

He had 11 fourth-quarter points, including the record-tying baskets at the 9:06 mark coming off two free throws to match Danny Seigles string of 19 straight games with at least 20 points.

But the most telling blows from David came in the final two minutes of the game. He had six straight points, including a tough jumper with 1:55 to go that put Powerade on top, 98-92.

The Tigers got crucial baskets as well from Lordy Tugade and import Omar Sneed in their last two offensive thrusts. Tugade had a tip-in off Sneeds missed three-pointer, which put the Tigers ahead by six, 102-96.

After Jamelle Cornley made a nifty spin move that shoved the Elasto Painters to within four, Sneed pierced Rain or Shines defense and scored on a drive to put the final nail on the coffin for their rivals, who lost for the first time in five matches.

Sneed, a former MVP in the Israeli league, had 24 points and 20 rebounds. Powerade has not lost in three games since he took the spot of NBA veteran Rashad McCants.

Overall, the Tigers their win-loss record improved to 3-2, putting them in solid position for a playoff berth.

During crunch time, Perasol admitted he had seconds thoughts about getting the ball to David.

POW 104 David 30, Sneed 24, Casio 12, Tugade 11, Al-Hussaini 9, Guevarra 6, Salvador 4, Martinez 3, Lingganay 3, Calimag 2, Vanlandingham 0, Anthony 0.
ROS 98 Cornely 31, Lee 15, Cruz 15, Chan 12, Arana 9, Norwood 6, Quinahan 5, Buenafe 4, Ibanes 1, Matias 0, Tang 0, Belga 0.
QS: 23-19, 48-37, 74-71, 104-98

B-MEG LLAMADOS over AIR21 EXPRESS, 91-78
Marqus Blakely and the B-MEG Llamados brought their energetic game to Digos City, Davao del Sur.

The do-it-all import had another solid all-round game, triggering the Llamados onslaught in the second half en route to a 91-78 win over the Air 21 Express in the PBA Governors Cup road game on Saturday.

Blakely finished with 21 points, eight rebounds and four blocks aside from displaying energy on both ends of the court for the Llamados, who won their fourth straight game to grab a share of the lead with idle Rain or Shine Elasto Painters with a 4-1 win-loss record.

Air21 suffered its third loss in four matches, dropping into a four-way tie for seventh to 10th places with the Meralco Bolts, Alaska Aces, and Talk N Text Tropang Texters.

Josh Urbiztondo and James Yap contributed 17 and 16 points, respectively while Rafi Reavis came off the bench to finish with 10 for B-MEG, which trailed 47-44 at the half before making a quick second half turnaround behind their lockdown defense.

The Llamados D worked double time as none of the Air 21 locals scored in double figures.

Import Zach Graham carried the fight for the Express with 39 points, but appeared to get tired during the crucial stretch of the game, allowing the Llamados to break the game wide open.

Blakelys tomahawk dunk off a feed by Mark Barroca gave the Llamados an 81-66 lead with still 6:01 left.

BML 91 Blakely 21, Urbiztondo17, Yap 16, Reavis 10, Pingris 7, De Ocampo 6, Villanueva 5, Intal 4, Barroca 3, Acuna 2, Gaco 0.
A21 78 Graham 39, Espiritu 7, Arboleda 6, Omolon 6, Ritualo 5, Menor 5, Isip 4, Hubalde 3, Salamat 2, Sena 1, Sison 0, Faundo 0.
QS: 25-19, 44-47, 71-60, 91-78

MERALCO BOLTS over ALASKA ACES, 100-95
Mario West was held scoreless in the final quarter, but locals stepped up big for Meralco to hold on for an important 100-95 victory over Alaska in the PBA Governors Cup Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

After exploding for 33 points in the first three quarters, the ex-NBA veteran was blanked by the Aces defense in the last period but Asi Taulava picked up the cudgels for the Bolts, which ended a two-game slide for a 2-3 win-loss mark.

Taulava finished with 23 points on 7-of-7 shooting from the field and grabbed 12 rebounds to preserve the heroics of the debuting West.

It was Wests sizzling start that gave Meralco control of the game. The ex-Atlanta Hawk had 22 points in the first half, when the Bolts carried a 55-50 halftime lead.

He poured in 11 more in the third quarter to extend their lead to 82-75 entering the fourth. Jay-R Reyess tip-in gave the Bolts an 87-77 spread with 10:19 remaining.

But the Aces kept coming back and Tenorios reverse lay-up pushed them within three points, 96-93, with 1:22 left in the game.

Taulava hit two free throws in the ensuing play, while Jason Forte countered with a jumper. Taulava disrupted an Alaska play when he almost stole a bounce pass of Tenorio for Sonny Thoss inside the paint.

The Aces managed to keep the possession but Tenorios game-tying three-point attempt missed the mark. Meralcos Reynel Hugnatan sealed the win with a pair of free throws.

Forte led Alaska with 24 points while Bonbon Custodio and Tenorio each had 11 for coach Luigi Trillo, who absorbed his third straight loss to go down deeper in the standings with a 1-4 slate.

MER 100 West 33, Taulava 23, Bulawan 9, Cardona 9, Hugnatan 8, Mercado 6, Ross 4, Reyes 4, Artadi 4.
ALA 95 Forte 24, Custodio 11, Tenorio 11, Jazul 10, Baguio 10, Thoss 9, Espinas 8, Eman 6, Dela Cruz 4, Baracael 2, Gonzales 0.
QS: 23-30, 55-50, 82-75, 100-95

BGY. GINEBRA KINGS over PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS, 83-80
Mark Caguioa provided the needed spark for Barangay Ginebra as he anchored a scorching rally and led his team to an 83-80 come-from-behind win over Petron Blaze Sunday in the PBA Governors Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Caguioa scattered 12 of his team-high 19 points in the final six minutes as he restored order to the Kings gloomy offense and helped his squad snap a two-game skid for a 3-2 mark.

Staring a 73-66 deficit, the Ginebra spitfire was inserted back in the game after shooting horribly in the first three quarters, and he did not let his team down.

Caguioa hit a jumper and a three-pointer to ignite a 13-0 blast that allowed Ginebra to reclaim the lead at 79-73 with 51.7 seconds remaining.

Petron import Eddie Basden ended the drought with a lay-up. After Caguioa split his free throws, Basden scored anew in the next play to make it 80-77 with 32.1 seconds left.

Caguioa was sent to the 15-foot line by Alex Cabagnot and calmly sank both charities. But Cabagnot made the game interesting with a three-pointer that cut the lead, 82-80, with 21.5 seconds left in the game.

Kerby Raymundo split his own charities off Arwind Santos foul, 83-80, giving Petron a shot to send the game into extra time.

But Cabagnots final three-point attempt fell short and the Boosters absorbed their second straight loss for a 3-3 win-loss mark.

Cedric Bozeman added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Kings while Raymundo contributed 15 and eight.

Basden and Lutz each had 15 points for the Boosters while Dennis Miranda netted 13 for coach Ato Agustin.

GIN 83 Caguioa 19, Bozeman 16, Raymundo 15, Ababou 6, Maierhofer 6, Hatfield 6, Maliksi 5, Villanueva 4, Canaleta 2, Cortez 2, Helterbrand 2.
PET 80 Basden 15, Lutz 15, Miranda 13, Ildefonso 11, Washington 10, Santos 9, Cabagnot 6, Yeo 1, Reyes 0, Pena 0.
QS: 19-21, 40-40, 58-65, 83-80

Source: Unless otherwise specified, game recaps were compressed and compiled from InterAKTV. (Writing credit to Reynaldo Belen and Kris Lagman)

Barako Bull Energy sign scorer Leroy Hickerson - by Eurobasket News

LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82, college: Cumberlands) is back to Philippines. The American guard penned a deal with Barako Bull Energy. He already played his first game with the club collecting 32 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. He led Barako Bull to 111-107 victory against Petron Blaze. LeRoy Hickerson arrived to Barako from the Venezuelan team Bucaneros de La Guaira. He played 25 games for them in LPB averaging 18.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists. The player also added 16.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 1.7 apg for 6 games in Liga Americas. He was named Latinbasket.com All-Liga Americas Guard of the Year -12. Before Bucaneros, Hickerson very successfully played in Mexico. In 2010, he played for Air21 Express. For 6 games in PBA he had 32.8 ppg, 14.2 rpg and 4.8 apg.

Wynne Arboleda moves from Barako Bull Energy to Air21 Express - by Eurobasket News

Air21 Express got new reinforcement for rest of the 2012 PBA Governor's Cup. The team signed Filipino point guard Wynne Arboleda (180-PG-76). The 35-year-old player arrives to Air21 from Barako Bull Energy, where he started this season. He averaged 4.5 points, 5.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds. Arboleda played for Barako Bull also in latest Commissioner's Cup and Philippine Cup. He had about 5.5 ppg, 2.5 apg and 3 rpg in both competitions. In the past, Wynne Arboleda already spent couple of years with Air21 Express. In 2010/11, he had 5.8 ppg, 4 rpg and 3.4 apg for 15 games in Philippine Cup. In 2009, he was named PBA League Best Defender. That same year Arboleda played for the Philippines National Team.

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ROMANIA

Jason Forte leaves Targu-Mures - by Eurobasket News

Jason Forte (196-F-84, college: S.Mississippi) is no longer a member of BC Mures Targu-Mures. The American forward left the club for Filipino team Alaska Aces. He will stay there for season 2012/13. Forte was one of the best Targu-Mures players this past season. He appeared 30 times for the club averaging 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He participated at Romanian League All-Star Game and was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Honorable Mention -12. Jason Forte played for Targu-Mures also in 2010/11. At that time he was even better registering 17 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 2.1 apg for 33 games. For his performance Forte was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Newcomer of the Year -11 and Eurobasket.com Romanian League All-Imports Team -11. The player had 12.3 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 2.7 apg for 7 games in Balkan league that season and was named to Second Team. In the past, Jason Forte played in Turkey, Germany, Philippines and CBA.

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RUSSIA

Krasnye Krylya keeps Yuri Vasiliev for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Krasnye Krylya Samara decided to keep Yuri Vasiliev (207-C-81) for the next season. Two sides already signed a contract extension. Vasiliev joined Krasnye Krylya in January this year. He played 15 games in PBL averaging 6.5 points and 3.1 rebounds. The center also added 5.6 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 8 games in VTB United League. Krasnye Krylya won the Russian Cup this year. Before Krasnye Krylya, Yuri Vasiliev played for Lokomotiv Kuban. He finished 2010/11 season there registering 3.5 ppg and 1.6 rpg for 21 games. From 2004 until March of 2011, the center played for Dynamo Moscow. In the past, he played for Dynamo Moscow II and Dinam-Avtodor Volgograd.
Krasnye Krylya Samara were No.8 in Russia this season. They registered 7-11 record.

Nikola Dragovic leaves Spartak SP - by Eurobasket News

Spartak Saint Petersburg and Nikola Dragovic (206-F-87, college: UCLA) split ways. The contract of the player had expired and the team decided not to prolong it. Nikola Dragovic joined Spartak back in 2010. Last season the Serbian forward notched 1.0 board and 1.0 steal per EuroCup game. In VTB League his stats read 2.1 points and 1.7 rebounds per appearance. Nikola Dragovic also posted 3.1 points and 1.5 boards in PBL. The forward struggled with injuries throughout the season missing bigger part of the games. Spartak Saint Petersburg was the first pro team for Nikola Dragovic. The Serb graduated from UCLA in 2010. He was the member of U16, U18 and U20 Serbian National Teams.

Russia U20 lose to All-Star selection at Adidas EuroCamp - by Eurobasket News

Russia U20 - All-Stars 45:70

Russian U20 National Team played an exhibition encounter with the Adidas EuroCamp All-Star selection in Treviso. The All-Stars claimed a comfortable win at the end. Tomas Satoransky (200-G-91) accounted for 13 points to pace the winners.
All-Stars built a 13:10 lead ten minutes into the game. They stretched the margin in the second quarter. All-Stars held Russia to 8 points in the period to take a 13-point halftime advantage 31:18. Russia struggled to keep up the tempo after the big break. Adidas EuroCamp All-Stars opened a 20-point lead with ten minutes to go 51:31. They never looked back afterwards cruising to the victory at the end. Maximilian Kleber (207-F-92) had 12 points and 7 rebounds, while Josep Franch (194-PG-91) had 11 points in the victory. Vladislav Trushkin (201-F-93) and Alexander Varnakov (185-PG-92) answered with 9 points each for Russia. Dmitry Kulagin (195-G-92) had 6 points in defeat.

Russia U20: Vladislav Trushkin 9, Alexander Varnakov 9, Dmitry Kulagin 6
All-Stars: Tomas Satoransky 13, Maximilian Kleber 12, Josep Franch 11

Lokomotiv Kuban deny Yogev Ohayon talk - by Anton Zirkov

Lokomotiv Kuban has denied the rumors that they had talked or offered a contract to Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Israeli guard - Lokomotiv Kuban has denied the rumors that they had talked or offered a contract to Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Israeli guard - Yogev Ohayon (189-G-87).

News that came from Israel and quickly made the way to Kuban Top brass were that they had offered a long term deal to to Ohayon,

A Lokomotiv Kuban Managment member has denied to Eurobasket.com any contact with Ohayon:"The news came to us with a surprise,first time that i hear about this guy,we didn't talk to him or made any contact with him or his agent.we want to clarify it because we respect Maccabi Tel-Aviv and won't do a thing like that."

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SERBIA

Poor season for Serbians in NBA - by Ivan Milenkovic

10 years ago, every Serbian basketball fan knew starting lineup of Sacramento Kings. 10 years ago, Serbian basketball fans didn't sleep because they wanted to see Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic in action as Kings were among the favorites to win the NBA Championship. 10 years ago, most of NBA international players were from Serbia and only USA - of course - had more NBA players. Now, if Serbian would like to see Serbian player in action in NBA, he/she would have to wait for garbage time of meaningless games.

Only three Serbians were part of the best league in the World in 2011/2012 season. Boston Celtics were one win away from NBA Finals, but Sasa Pavlovic (200-F/G-83) didn't have significant role in their run. Guard-forward played 45 games this season and averaged 2.7 points (FG 39.1 %, 3PT 29.3% and FT 37.5%), 1.6 rebounds and 0.4 assists in 11:41 minutes. Sasa played more when Celtics had injury problems, but obviously didn't convince Doc Rivers that he could do the job in important games - did not play in playoffs except in garbage time.
In first round of playoffs, Celtics eliminated Hawks. Vladimir Radmanovic (208-F-80) played two games in series between Atlanta and Boston and failed to score in 15 minutes on court. 'Radman' played 49 games in total - 4.5 points (FG 37.6%, 3PT 37.0% and FT 75.9%), 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 15:24 minutes. He started well, but his minutes and production on court were going down throughout the season as coach Larry Drew was losing faith in his abilities.
Finally, Darko Milicic (212-C-85). Eurobasket.com already wrote about him. His coach in Minnesota Timberwolves said everything about him in couple of words. Serbian center had another disappointing season and Rick Adelman didn't want to use him in final part of the season, not even in garbage time. Darko's numbers (4.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.6 assists in 16:18 minutes) are not even the biggest problem for him. As veteran coach said: 'He hasn't done anything to give you faith that he's going to go out and do the job. He's gotten himself out of shape and I don't think he's been as driven as you'd like.'

Conclusion is obvious: Celtics, Hawks and Timberwolves could live without their Serbian players in the future. All three Serbians are in the league for years - Vladimir Radmanovic was drafted in 2001, while Darko Milicic and Sasa Pavlovic were drafted in 2003. There are no new players from Serbia in NBA and it looks like that will not change in near future. Most serious candidate to join NBA is probably Nemanja Bjelica, but days when Serbia had many NBA players are definitely over.

Slovenia bounce back against Serbia in Ruma - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U20 - Slovenia U20 73:77

Slovenia recovered well after the starting loss to Serbian counterparts in Ruma. Slovenian U20 selection claimed a 4-point win in the second game of the test series. Alen Omic (213-C-92) stepped up with 17 points and 14 rebounds to lead the visitors.
Serbia seemed on the way to another success in the opening quarter. The hosts grabbed a 23:18 lead ten minutes into the game. Serbia stretched the margin in the second quarter. They established a 47:33 halftime advantage. But Slovenia turned things around after the big break. The visitors stayed aggressive in the final period and snatched a narrow win at the end. Marko Pajic (204-F-92) and Miha Lapornik (192-G-93) added 13 points each in the victory. Luka Mitrovic (204-F/C-93) answered with 13 points for Serbia. Stefan Popovski-Turanjanin (202-F-93, agency: Beo Basket) had 12 points in the loss.

Serbia U20: Luka Mitrovic 13, Stefan Popovski-Turanjanin 12
Slovenia U20: Alen Omic 17+14 boards, Marko Pajic 13, Miha Lapornik 13

Gathering of Serbia U16 National team - by Zoran Popovic

Head coach of Serbian u16 National team Marko Icelic gathered 21 potential candidates for European Championship in Lithuania which will be played from July 19 until July 29. On the list of potential candidates are:

Jovan Starincevic, Nikola Pavlovic (Hemofarm), Stefan Simic (OKK Sabac), Jovan Andjelkovic (Mladost Zajecar), Ilija Djokovic (Maraton Jagodina), Bojan Nesic (Kris kros Pancevo), Stefan Lazarevic, Vojislav Stojanovic, Ivan Daskalovic (Crvena zvezda Beograd), Vuk Karadic, Radovan Djokovic, Andrija Matic (Mega Vizura), Vukan Stojanovic (Nibak Nis), Slobodan Jovanovic (Zemun), Stefan Peno (Barselona), Borisa Simanic (Buducnost Bijeljina), Milo Glisic, Jovan Grujic (Partizan mts), Marko Radovanovic (Mladost, Cacak), Luka Radovic (Borac, Cacak), Aleksa Koracin (Flash, Beograd), Vasilije Vucetic (Olimpija, Ljubljana, Slovenija) i Dusan Kovacevic (Rabun Gap Boys Basketball).

Except head coach Icelic, on the bench of U16 Serbian National team will be Milos Obrenovic, Nikola Markovic and Vanja Gusa assistant coaches and Radivoje Mandic physiotherapeutic. On European Championship Serbian prospects will be in group B with National teams of Slovenia, Germany and Lithuania.

11th Belgrade basketball Clinic - by Zoran Popovic

Belgrade basketball Clinic will be organized 11th consecutive time this year in gym Sumice from June 30 until July 1. Serbian basketball coaches association agreed participation of following speakers and coacches: Tim Floyd , Oktay Mahmudi (agency: Beo Basket ), Francesco Cuzzolin, Aco Petrovic , Emilio Kovacic and Vladimir Stankovic. During two days there will be eight lectures, six of basketball, one on physical fitness, a general lecture and a special lecture dedicated application of technology scouting. Timing and schedule of speakers will be published on official web site of Serbian basketball coaches association www.ukts.rs

ALBA Berlin lands point guard Vule Avdalovic - by Eurobasket News

Former Serbian National Team member Vule Avdalovic (189-PG-81, agency: Beo Basket) will continue his career in Germany. The point guard signed a 2-year deal with ALBA Berlin (1+1). Avdalovic led Donetsk to Ukrainian league title this season. He had 11.4 ppg, 4.2 apg and 3.4 rpg in 49 games. The point guard was named Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague 2nd Team -12. Avdalovic also shined in EuroCup averaging 11.4 points, 3.6 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 14 games. Donetsk reached Quarterfinals in this competition. Before Donetsk, Vule Avdalovic spent one season with Cholet. He helped them to reach the ProA Finals, but they failed in thriller against Nancy. Cholet was also very close to reach the Euroleague Top 16. In 2009/10, the point guard played for Spanish Alicante. From 2005 to 2009, he was a member of Pamesa Valencia. In their first season together he was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB Bosman Player of the Year. In the past, Avdalovic spent couple of years with Partizan Belgrade winning 3 championship titles with them. Vule Avdalovic played for the Serbian National Team from 2003 to 2005.
Last week, ALBA Berlin hired Sasa Obradovic as new Head Coach. Obradovic and Avdalovic very successfully cooperated in Donetsk this season.

Radnicki Kragujevac keeps HC Miroslav Nikolic - by Eurobasket News

Miroslav Nikolic will stay with Radnicki Kragujevac. The Serbian specialist is set to sign a contract extension with the club. They finished this season as No.8 in Adriatic league with 12-14 record. The team also reached Semifinals in Serbian Superleague and in Serbian Cup as well. Nikolic took over the club in 2010 and before that he worked with Swisslion Takovo Lions. In 2008/09, the Serbian specialist spent some time with Cypriot AEL Limassol. From 2006 to 2008, Nikolic coached Hemofarm and he also has experience from Crvena Zvezda, Apollon Patras, Buducnost Podgorica, Partizan and BFC Beocin. With Buducnost he won two Yugoslavian league titles. In the past, Nikolic very successfully worked with Serbian U20, U19 and U18 National Teams.
Radnicki Kragujevac will start with creating the roster for 2012/13 season soon. Adriatic league Player of the Year David Simon already left the club and signed a deal with BC Astana.

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SLOVENIA

Slovenia bounce back against Serbia in Ruma - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U20 - Slovenia U20 73:77

Slovenia recovered well after the starting loss to Serbian counterparts in Ruma. Slovenian U20 selection claimed a 4-point win in the second game of the test series. Alen Omic (213-C-92) stepped up with 17 points and 14 rebounds to lead the visitors.
Serbia seemed on the way to another success in the opening quarter. The hosts grabbed a 23:18 lead ten minutes into the game. Serbia stretched the margin in the second quarter. They established a 47:33 halftime advantage. But Slovenia turned things around after the big break. The visitors stayed aggressive in the final period and snatched a narrow win at the end. Marko Pajic (204-F-92) and Miha Lapornik (192-G-93) added 13 points each in the victory. Luka Mitrovic (204-F/C-93) answered with 13 points for Serbia. Stefan Popovski-Turanjanin (202-F-93, agency: Beo Basket) had 12 points in the loss.

Serbia U20: Luka Mitrovic 13, Stefan Popovski-Turanjanin 12
Slovenia U20: Alen Omic 17+14 boards, Marko Pajic 13, Miha Lapornik 13

Furstenfeld Panthers hire Ervin Dragsic as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Furstenfeld Panthers got a new Head Coach. The team hired its former player Ervin Dragsic. The 37-year-old Slovenian spent this season with Zlatorog Lasko. He started as Assistant Coach there and in April was promoted to HC position. From 2009 to 2011, Dragsic was a Head Coach of Slovenian D2 team Terme Olimpia. He also has experience from Branik Maribor. Ervin Dragsic played for the Panthers in 2007/08 season. Actually he joined them in April of 2008 and spent rest of the season there. They managed to win the A Bundesliga title together.
Furstenfeld Panthers reached Playoff Quarterfinals this season in Austria, but failed against Klosterneubur. The Panthers finished regular season as No.1 of Group B with 15-13 record.

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

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, Assignia	16.8
3. Teletovic, Caja L.	15.8
4. Wright, CAI Z.	14.5
5. Penney, Fuenlabra.	14.4
6. Davis, Cajasol	14.1
7. De Colo, Valencia	13.5
8. Hettsheimer, CAI Z.	13.3
9. Navarro, FCB Regal	13.3
10. Freeland, Unicaja	12.9

Rebounds Per Game

James AUGUSTINE
  UCAM M.
  (208-F-84)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Augustine, UCAM M.	8.3
2. Ivanov, Lucentum	7.9
3. Borchardt, B.de R.	7.7
4. Freeland, Unicaja	7.5
5. Davis, Cajasol	7.3
6. Williams, FIATC J.	7.1
7. Caner-Medley, Vale.	6.7
8. Gabriel, Asefa E.	6.5
9. Hettsheimer, CAI Z.	6.4
10. Lasme, Blusens M.	6.3

Assists Per Game

Javier RODRIGUEZ
  Assignia.
  (189-G-79)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Rodriguez, Assigni.	6.5
2. Salgado, Lagun A.	4.3
3. Rodriguez, Real M.	4.0
4. Llull, Real Madrid	4.0
5. Prigioni, Caja L.	3.9
6. Granger, Asefa E.	3.8
7. Rodriguez, Bluse.	3.8
8. Dumas, B.de R.	3.7
9. Uriz, B.de Rueda V.	3.4
10. Llompart, Lucent.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Pablo PRIGIONI
  Caja L.
  (191-G-77)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Prigioni, Caja L.	1.8
2. Doellman, Assignia	1.5
3. Vidal, Lagun A.	1.5
4. De Colo, Valencia	1.5
5. Uriz, B.de Rueda V.	1.4
6. Hanga, Assignia M.	1.4
7. Udoka, UCAM M.	1.4
8. Calloway, Cajasol	1.4
9. Garbajosa, Unicaja	1.3
10. Granger, Asefa E.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Stephane LASME
  Blusens M.
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Lasme, Blusens M.	1.9
2. Fischer, Gescrap BB	1.9
3. Sene, Fuenlabrada	1.7
4. Toure, B.de R.	1.4
5. Begic, Real Madrid	1.3
6. Vazquez, FCB Regal	1.1
7. Ndong, FCB Regal	1.0
8. Barnes, Lucentum	1.0
9. Augustine, UCAM M.	0.9
10. Joseph, Fuenlabr.	0.9

Real Madrid destroys Regal Barcelona in Game Three, 85-59 (2-1) - by Eurobasket News

Liga Endesa Finals, Game 3: Real Madrid - FCB Regal 85-59 (2-1, best-of-five)

Real Madrid is one win away from the title. They blasted Barcelona tonight 85-59 for 2-1 lead in the series. The game was fully controlled by Real Madrid. Regal FC Barcelona managed to win fourth quarter 17-16. But of course it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Real Madrid dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Regal FC Barcelona's 24. They outrebounded Regal FC Barcelona 45-21 including a 34-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. 25 personal fouls committed by Regal FC Barcelona helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for Felipe Reyes (203-80) who led his team to a victory scoring 15 points and 8 rebounds (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!). Jaycee Carroll (188-83, agency: Priority Sports) helped adding 17 points. The best for the losing side was Judson Wallace (205-82, college: Princeton) with 13 points and Erazem Lorbek (209-84, college: Michigan St.) scored 9 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next game. Game Four is scheduled for Wednesday in Madrid.

Real Madrid: J.Carroll 17+4reb, F.Reyes 15+8reb, S.Llull 12+2ast, N.Mirotic 12+5reb, A.Tomic 8+5reb+2ast, S.Rodriguez 6+3reb+9ast
FCB Regal: J.Wallace 13+2reb, E.Lorbek 9+2reb+1ast, P.Mickeal 9+2reb, J.Carlos Navarro 8+1reb+1ast, M.Huertas 4+1reb+1ast, V.Sada 4+3reb+1ast

Sergio Rodriguez to stay with Real Madrid - by Eurobasket News

According to Spanish media (Marca), Sergio Rodriguez (191-G-86) has one more year left in his contract, so he will stay with Real Madrid for the next season. The point guard joined Real in 2010 from the New York Knicks and he has very important role in the team. Rodriguez averages 6.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.9 rebounds in 43 games. In Euroleague, the point guard had 7.4 ppg, 5.4 apg and 1.5 rpg for 16 games.
There are many reports that Real Madrid will sign PG Dontaye Draper (180-PG-84, college: Charleston) during the summer. It seems that deal is already agreed with Draper and Cedevita and it will not affect Rodriguez. Reportedly, coach Pablo Laso wants to have 3 point guards for the next season.
Real Madrid currently prepares for Game Three of the Liga Endesa Finals. The score is tied at 1-1. Real will host next two games.

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

TAIWAN

2012-13 SBL season to tip off on Nov. 17 - by Chris Wang

SBL team meeting convened by the CTBA today reach a consensus that the 2012-13 SBL regular season will tip off on Nov. 17 this year.

Among the important decisions made in the meeting include the acceptance of players of Taiwanese descent for the first time with each team is allowed to keep two such players who possess a ROC (Taiwan) passport.

The players with Taiwanese descent would not be counted as import players.

Other decisions:

-- Each team will meet other teams five times, which means it will be a 30-game regular season.

-- The semifinal round and the finals will adopt the best-of-seven format.

-- Regular season games will be played at Taipei Physical Education Gymnasium in Tienmu, Taipei; Taipei Municipal Gymnasium in downtown Taipei; Sinjhuang Stadium, New Taipei City; Kaohsiung Dome, Kaohsiung and arenas in Taichung and Taoyuan.

-- Each team will be able to hire an import player who is under 6-9 (205cm) with the maximum monthly salary of US$10,000.

-- Amendment of the draft regulation will be discussed in July.

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

TRBL

TRBL standings

TRBL Standings

1. PT Players		11-1
2. Cary Invasion		9-3
3. Wilmington SD		6-6
4. Fayetteville C.		5-7
5. Big Texas		2-3
6. Carolina G.		1-11
7. Queen City E.		1-11

Regular Season: Round 16

Jun. 2: Cary Invasion - PT Players 93-99
Jun. 9: PT Players - Fayetteville C. 174-130

Semi-Finals: Round 1

Jun. 14: Cary Invasion - Wilmington SD
Jun. 15: PT Players - Fayetteville C.

Regular season is over and Semifinals are set; Stats leaders announced - by Eurobasket News

Regular season in TRBL is over. Prime Time Players are No.1 with almost perfect 11-1 record. Cary Invasion, Wilmington SD and Fayetteville also advanced to the Semis, which start on Thursday. Pairs are PT Players - Fayetteville and Cary Invasion - Wilmington SD.

TRBL Standings
1. PT Players 11-1
2. Cary Invasion 9-3
3. Wilmington SD 6-6
4. Fayetteville C. 5-7
5. Big Texas 2-3
6. Carolina G. 1-11
7. Queen City E. 1-11

Below is the list with regular season stats leaders. Travis Taylor (6'0''-F/G) of Carolina is the top-scorer of the competition with 25.6 ppg. Nathan Priest (6'7''-F, college: UNC Pembroke) of Big Texas is the best rebounder with 13.2 rpg. Victor Street (5'11''-PG, college: Erskine) of PT Players in No.1 in assists with 8.1 apg, while Terrell Smith is the leading stealer with 4.3 spg.

2012 Top 10 Player Stats (5 game min)

Points per game PPG
Carolina Travis Taylor 25.6
Prime Antonio Houston 24.6
Fay Brandon Streeter 24.5
Fay Jamel Carpenter 21.0
BigTexas Dana Pickett Jr 19.6
Carolina Scott Draughn 19.6
Cary Jonathan Moore 18.9
BigTexas Nathan Priest 18.6
Prime Terrell Smith 18.5
Cary Freddie Little 18.0
*Marsh Neely, Wilmington 29.8 PPG in 4 games & Kason Cheeks, Carolina 26.0 PPG in 4 games

Rebounds per game RPG
BigTexas Nathan Priest 13.2
Carolina Travis Taylor 11.4
Q City Michael Bland 10.8
Wilm Mike Gibbs 9.8
Carolina Scott Draughn 9.8
Fay Brandon Streeter 9.5
Fay Deshawn McLean 9.3
Prime Thomas Pfaff 9.0
Prime CJ Pigford 8.6
Prime Malachi Jones 8.6

Assists per game APG
Prime Victor Street 8.1
Wilm Zach Herrmann 7.3
Carolina Quandrae Dixon 6.3
Cary Brock Young 6.1
BigTexas Dana Pickett Jr 5.2
Fay Jamel Carpenter 4.6
Prime Terrell Smith 4.1
Cary Mike Smith 3.9
Prime Antonio Houston 3.9
Carolina Scott Draughn 3.2

Steals per game SPG
Prime Terrell Smith 4.3
BigTexas Dana Pickett Jr 3.4
Carolina Scott Draughn 2.8
Prime Victor Street 2.2
Carolina Dejan Brown 2.2
Cary Daniel Jackson 1.7
Prime Donald Rutherford 1.6
BigTexas Ryan Johnson 1.6
Cary Paul Wright 1.6
Cary Jonathan Moore 1.6

Free Throw % (Min 18 attempts) FT %
Fay Deshawn McLean 90.0%
Fay Jarrick Jones 86.4%
Prime Brian Mobley 83.7%
Prime Donald Rutherford 83.3%
Carolina Travis Taylor 82.5%
Cary Mike Smith 81.3%
Prime Terrell Smith 80.4%
Wilm Zach Herrmann 80.4%
BigTexas Dana Pickett Jr 78.9%
Cary Jonathan Moore 77.8%

3 Point % (Min 18 attempts) 3 PT %
Prime Antonio Houston 51.9%
BigTexas Dana Pickett Jr 50.0%
Carolina Dejan Brown 50.0%
Q City Kenyatta Reed 44.4%
BigTexas Ryan Johnson 44.4%
Cary Freddie Little 43.3%
Cary Jonathan Moore 41.5%
Cary Matt Gwynne 41.4%
Fay Jarrick Jones 37.5%
Carolina Desi Crisp 36.8%

Total FG % (Min 50 attempts) FG %
Fay Deshawn McLean 59.4%
Prime Malachi Jones 56.8%
Q City Michael Bland 55.7%
Fay Brandon Streeter 53.5%
Cary Matt Gwynne 50.9%
Prime Antonio Houston 50.5%
Wilm Damien Brown 50.0%
Carolina Desi Crisp 50.0%
Cary Jonathan Moore 49.6%
Cary Daniel Jackson 48.8%

League Records:
Player points in a single game:Jaime Draughn, PrimeTime, 50 points
Player rebounds in a single game: Travis Taylor, Carolina Gladiators, 25 rebounds
Player assists in a single game: Zach Herrmann, Wilmington Sea Dawgs & Quandrae Dixon, Carolina Gladiators, 14 assists
Team points in a single game: Fayetteville, 177 points (5/25/12 vs Carolina)
Team defense in a single game (points): Cary Invasion (71 points vs Wilmington)

Stats - Courtesy of TRBL

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

TURKEY

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Jonathan GIBSON
  Trabzonspor
  (182-PG-87)
  Avg: 19.9

1. Gibson, Trabzonspor	19.9
2. Chatman, Karsiyaka	18.3
3. Reynolds, Antalya	18.3
4. Brown, Trabzonspor	18.1
5. Scales, Mersin	17.4
6. Toolson, Aliaga	17.3
7. Fisher, Antalya	17.2
8. Sneed, Mersin	16.9
9. Grundy, Mersin	16.9
10. Washington, Turk	16.6

Rebounds Per Game

Elton BROWN
  Trabzonspor
  (206-C-83)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Brown, Trabzonspor	12.2
2. Stimac, Olin Edirne	9.9
3. Sanders, Hacett.	8.9
4. Mensah-Bonsu, Bes.	7.8
5. McGhee, Bandirma.	7.8
6. Wesson, Erdemir	7.6
7. Buckman, Tofas	7.6
8. Sonkol, Aliaga	7.3
9. Yucel, Turk T.	7.0
10. Dagli, Besiktas	6.9

Assists Per Game

Mire CHATMAN
  Karsiyaka
  (187-PG-78)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Chatman, Karsiyaka	6.4
2. Ermis, Banvit BK	5.8
3. Ratkovica, Aliaga	5.3
4. Tunceri, Anadolu	5.1
5. Senturk, Erdemir	4.9
6. Gordon, Galatasaray	4.5
7. Arroyo, Besiktas	4.4
8. Washington, Turk T.	4.4
9. Fisher, Antalya	4.4
10. Reynolds, Antalya	4.4

Steals Per Game

Vincent GRIER
  Mersin
  (195-G/F-83)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Grier, Mersin	2.1
2. Robinson, Trabzons.	2.1
3. Bryan-A., Hacett.	2.0
4. Chatman, Karsiyaka	1.9
5. Grundy, Mersin	1.7
6. Gordon, Galatasaray	1.6
7. Scales, Mersin	1.4
8. Hawkins, Besiktas	1.4
9. Guler, Turk T.	1.4
10. Ermis, Banvit BK	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Charles DAVIS
  Banvit BK
  (202-F-84)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Davis, Banvit BK	1.3
2. Bryan-A., Hacett.	1.3
3. Robinson, Erdemir	1.1
4. McGhee, Bandirma.	1.0
5. Gist, Fener.Ulker	0.9
6. Bayav, Karsiyaka	0.9
7. Aldemir, Galatasar.	0.9
8. Qvale, Aliaga	0.8
9. Turkyilmaz, Banvit	0.8
10. Mensah-Bonsu, Be.	0.8

Aliaga targets Torin Francis - by Eurobasket News

According to Turkish media (Salsabasket), Aliaga wants to sign Torin Francis (210-F-83, college: Notre Dame) for the next season. Reportedly, the player might sign a deal soon. Francis spent this season with ALBA Berlin. He had 8.8 ppg and 6.3 rpg for 9 EuroCup games with the club. Francis also added 8.3 ppg and 5.1 rpg for 36 games in Germany. Before ALBA, Torin Francis spent some time with Venezuelan Trotamundos de Carabobo. He already played in Turkey and it was in 2010/11 season. Francis was a member of Bornova at that time. For 13 games in TBL he had 10.2 ppg and 7.2 rpg. Francis left the club at the middle of the season for Panellinios Athens. In the past, he also played for AEK Athens, AEL Larissa, Cantu and Capo d'Orlando. He graduated at the Notre Dame University in 2006.

Besiktas Milangaz is the new TBL champion! - by Eurobasket News

TBL Finals, Game 6: Besiktas - Anadolu Efes 80-76 (4-2)

Sixth game of TBL Finals between Besiktas and Anadolu Efes just ended. The hosts celebrated 80-76 victory and won the championship title for season 2011/12. This is third trophy for Besiktas this year as they already celebrated in Turkish Cup and EuroChallenge.
Anadolu Efes was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Anadolu Efes helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Puerto Rican guard Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: FIU) who scored 18 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Zoran Erceg (210-C/F-85) and Ersin Dagli (203-F/C-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) helped with 15 points each. Five Besiktas players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international guard Kerem Tunceri (190-79) who recorded 22 points and 4 assists and American guard Oliver Lafayette (188-84, college: Houston) added 13 points and 5 assists respectively. Anadolu Efes' coach Ilias Zouros rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Besiktas was the fourth ranked team of the regular season with 22-8 record. They eliminated defending champion Fenerbahce Ulker in the Playoff Quarterfinals with perfect 2-0. In the Semis, Besiktas edged regular season champ Galatasaray with 3-1. Last time Besiktas was champion of Turkey in 1975.
.
Besiktas: C.Arroyo 18+5reb+8ast, Z.Erceg 15+2reb, E.Dagli 15+4reb, D.Hawkins 10+5reb+8ast, P.Mensah-Bonsu 10+8reb, M.Yagmur 8+1reb
Anadolu Efes: K.Tunceri 22+1reb+4ast, O.Lafayette 13+3reb+5ast, K.Gonlum 10+6reb, E.Batista 7+7reb+1ast, E.Kurtoglu 7+1reb, D.Savanovic 6+4reb+2ast

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Duncan, Popovich coming to another major crossroads - by David Edole

By Jeff McDonald

Gregg Popovich's first order of business, in those heady days after the 1997 NBA draft, was to go to the beach.

He boarded a flight to St. Croix in the Virgin Islands to meet 21-year-old Tim Duncan (211-F/C-76, college: Wake Forest), the life-altering big man the Spurs had just made the No. 1 pick.

Duncan was already a luminary in his own right, a consensus national player of the year at Wake Forest. Popovich was an anonymous grunt, already under fire as he prepared to open his first full season as an NBA head coach.

Instinctively, Popovich knew the best sales gimmick, when it came to dealing with his new star player, was no gimmick at all.

Players have a b.s. antenna, Popovich said. They know real quick if you're for real or not.

Popovich's no-nonsense personality immediately endeared him to Duncan, setting the foundation for a 15-season, long-term relationship between coach and franchise player.

It is that relationship, in large part, that kept Duncan from fleeing to Orlando via free agency in 2000. It will come into play again in the coming days or weeks, when Popovich and Duncan reconvene, their connection at a crossroads once more.

The question, hanging in the air thick as island humidity: Does Duncan, now 36, want to keep playing or not?

Spur for life

Duncan's contract is set to expire July 1, making him an unrestricted free agent. He and the team both acknowledge his impending free agency to be but a technicality.

If Duncan, the centerpiece of four NBA championship teams, chooses to continue his Hall of Fame-bound career, it will be in San Antonio.

I don't see him not having a future with the franchise, Popovich said.

In the wake of the Spurs' Game 6 ouster by Oklahoma City in the Western Conference finals, Duncan said he had not yet begun the process that will lead to a decision about his future.

I haven't even thought about it, and I really don't care, Duncan said. I'll figure it out when it happens.

In considering his options, Duncan is sure to draw advice from across the league, some public and some private, some solicited and some not.

Hall of Famer Charles Barkley offered his two cents on national television, during TNT's coverage of Game 6 from Oklahoma City.

I hope Tim Duncan retires, Barkley said. He is the greatest power forward ever, but he is obviously slowing down. I want to remember him as a great player.

Fountain of youth

Those close to him say Duncan is unlikely to take Barkley's counsel seriously.

Duncan is coming off a season of rejuvenation, in which he averaged 15.4 points, nine rebounds and 1.5 blocks in a carefully monitored, career-low 28.2 minutes per game.

In terms of efficiency, Duncan's numbers were nearly identical to those from his 2005-06 campaign, when he was 29.

One longtime league executive who saw Duncan play in February said he thought the Spurs' big man had two or three more productive seasons left in him.

He's moving like he did seven years ago, said Spurs forward Stephen Jackson, who won a title with Duncan in 2003, perhaps with some hyperbole.

Not all aging big men are created equal.

Shaquille O'Neal (17.8 and 8.4) and Hakeem Olajuwon (18.9 and 9.6) made significant point and rebound contributions for Phoenix and Houston, respectively, at 36.

However, David Robinson (12.2 and 8.3) had clearly slowed down in 2001-02 because of back trouble and he retired the following year.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a player whose game like Duncan's was not predicated on dizzying athleticism, averaged 21.5 points as a 36-year-old in 1983-84, and would see his scoring increase for two seasons after that.

The good thing about Tim, his love for the game doesn't go anywhere, Jackson said. The older he gets, the more he dedicates himself to the game.

All things considered

In the weeks to come, Duncan who was on the salary books for $21.1 million last season must to decide whether an inevitable pay cut will make the wear-and-tear of another 82-game NBA campaign worth his while.

Robinson, for example, made $20 million total in his final two seasons in San Antonio, albeit in a different era.

After playing at least the past three seasons with chronic knee soreness, Duncan must also decide if the rigorous workout program and stringent dietary regimen necessary to keep his body in fighting shape is worth the effort.

As Duncan's 15th NBA season was winding down, Popovich was often asked to reminisce about their time together.

He often answered by flashing back to a day on the beach in St. Croix, 15 years earlier.

I wanted to know who he was, Popovich said. I wanted to know who I was going to be coaching, what the positive and negatives are going to be. I wanted him to know what I was thinking, and how I wanted to run things, and if we were going to have any discussions about it, let's start now.

I didn't want to waste any time.

As an unheralded coach of a 20-win team, Popovich knew the future of a franchise and perhaps his own career was riding on that meeting.

You just have to be yourself, Popovich said he told himself then. If he doesn't like you, screw it, he doesn't like you. But you can't fake it and do something to make somebody like you.

Even now, Popovich remains grateful for the outcome of that first introduction with Duncan, and the professional lifetime the two have shared because of it.

Every time I walk around the house, once a month, I tell my wife, Say thank you, Tim,' Popovich said.

In the weeks to come, after proper pause for reflection, the Spurs' coach and franchise player will meet for another no-nonsense conversation.

Once again, the future of a franchise will be riding on it.

No matter what Duncan decides, Popovich's reaction is likely to be the same:

Thank you, Tim.

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

UKRAINE

Mykolaiv land Pavel Revzin, split ways with Andrei Korochkin - by Eurobasket News

Mykolaiv are getting ready for the new Superleague season. They started to make first changes on the squad. Mykolaiv announced the deal with Pavel Revzin (194-F/G-83, agency: New Trend Agency). The forward spent the last two seasons with Politekhnika-Halychyna. Last season Pavel Revzin averaged 5.9 points, 2.6 boards and 1.1 assists per game in Superleague. Previously the forward had stints with Hoverla, Cherkasy and Ferro. He is not new to Mykolaiv. Pavel Revzin played for the team in 2003/2007 seasons.
In the meantime Mykolaiv decided to part ways with Andrei Korochkin (193-G-82). The guard spent the last two seasons with the team. Last season his stats read 4.6 points and 1.5 rebounds per game in Superleague. Previously Andrei Korochkin played in Halychyna, Cherkasy and Khimik Yuzny.

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VTB UNITED LEAGUE

Nikola Dragovic leaves Spartak SP - by Eurobasket News

Spartak Saint Petersburg and Nikola Dragovic (206-F-87, college: UCLA) split ways. The contract of the player had expired and the team decided not to prolong it. Nikola Dragovic joined Spartak back in 2010. Last season the Serbian forward notched 1.0 board and 1.0 steal per EuroCup game. In VTB League his stats read 2.1 points and 1.7 rebounds per appearance. Nikola Dragovic also posted 3.1 points and 1.5 boards in PBL. The forward struggled with injuries throughout the season missing bigger part of the games. Spartak Saint Petersburg was the first pro team for Nikola Dragovic. The Serb graduated from UCLA in 2010. He was the member of U16, U18 and U20 Serbian National Teams.

Astana also signs 'Adriatic League Player of the Year' David Simon - by Eurobasket News

BC Astana got another crucial reinforcement for the next season. The team landed American center David Simon (207-C-82, college: IPFW). He spent this season with Radnicki Kragujevac and was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Player of the Year -12'. For 26 games Simon had 19.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.4 bpg and 1.2 apg. He was the top-scorer of the championship. Simon also played 17 games for Radnicki in Serbian league averaging 14.4 points and 5.2 rebounds. They reached Playoff Semifinals. Radnicki also reached Cup Semis in Serbia. David Simon spent 2010/11 season in Korea. There he also shined with 20.2 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 1.6 bpg and 1.5 apg in 42 games with Anyang KGC. He was named to Asia-Basket.com Korean KBL All-Imports Team -11. From 2008 to 2010, David Simon played for French Strasbourg IG. He also has experience from Dijon, Samara, Standart Samara reg. Toliatti and Lukoil Akademik. Simon won the Bulgarian league title with Lukoil in 2006. It was his first season as a pro. He graduated in 2005 at Indiana University-Purdue University-Fort Wayne.

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

WBA

Standings

WBA Standings

1. Atlanta Blaze		0-0
2. Conyers CK		0-0
3. Gastonia G.		0-0
4. Gwinnett Majic		0-0
5. Mauldin S.		0-0
6. Rome G.		0-0
7. Upsate Heat		0-0

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

Women News

Croatia rally past Argentina in Dubrovnik - by Eurobasket News

Croatia - Argentina 72:54

Croatia recorded the second straight win at three-team international tournament in Dubrovnik. The hosts overcame Argentina to finish at 2-0 record. Iva Ciglar (170-G-85, agency: Data Plus Group) scored 11 points to lead well-balanced effort from Croatia. Argentina succumbed to the second loss in a row.
Croatia opened the game confidently. The hosts accumulated a 21:16 lead at the first break. They maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. Croatia arrived at halftime up by 7 points 34:27. Things stayed the same in the third term. Croatia dominated keeping the Latin American opponents at bay. The hosts entered the final period up by 8 points and cruised to the victory at the end. Antonija Misura (178-F-88) posted 10 points, while Andja Jelavic (172-G-80) contributed 9 points for the winners. Melani Soriani (180-F/C-87) answered with 13 points for Argentina. Agostina Burani (188-F/C-91, agency: Players Group) delivered 9 points in the loss.

Croatia: Iva Ciglar 11, Antonija Misura 10, Andja Jelavic 9
Argentina: Melani Soriani 13, Agostina Burani 9

Argentinian U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Julieta Armesto

179-F-94

Lanus

Leon Zulema Garcia

185-C-94

Velez S.

Macarena Jerez

161-PG-94

Velez S.

Agustina Jourthevil

175-F-94

Lanus

Yoana Macello

180-F/C-94

Santa Fe

Mara Marchizotti

189-C-94

Velez S.

Florencia Martinez

170-G-94

Union Florida Argentina

Naomi Larriestra

175-PF-94

Banda Norte Argentina

Ornela Pag

168-PG-94

Entre Rios Argentina

Micaela Sancisi

168-PG-94

Lanus

Sofia Aispurua

185-C-95

Velez S.

Magali Armesto

165-PG-95

Lanus

Sofia Chelini

168-PG-95

Talleres

Victoria Llorente

184-F/C-96

Lanus

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

AUSTRALIA

QBL Coach of the Month - by Eurobasket News

Womens Team Coach of the Month: Kristen Veal - Brisbane Capitals
The first womens Coach of the Month award of the 2012 season goes to Kristen Veal from the Brisbane Capitals, in recognition of her teams bounce-back from a loss at the start of the season, to be sitting on a four-game winning streak and third on the QBL ladder. Its the WNBL players first year as coach of the Capitals, stepping into the role during her off-season with the Logan Thunder. Veal has brought her extensive experience in the WNBL, Australian Opals team and WNBA to the new role, hoping to boost the Capitals chances of a championship this season.

The South Australian began her basketball career at the AIS in 1997 after being awarded a scholarship, and subsequently won the WNBL championship in the 1998/1999 season with the AIS team. In 1997 Veal was also a part of the Under 18 Australian national team, winning silver at the world championships. In 1999 Veal moved to the Canberra Capitals, spending the next two seasons with the club, again winning a championship in her first season with the Capitals. 2001 saw her move to the United States, playing with the Phoenix Mercury and becoming the youngest player in the WNBA. During her two seasons with the Mercury, she played a total of 52 games for the team, before moving to the Dallas Fury in the National Womens Basketball League in 2005, returning to the Canberra Capitals in the US off-seasons and winning two more championships with the club. Veal moved to the Sydney Uni Flames in the WNBL 2005/2006 season, spending three seasons with the Flames and becoming championship runners-up in the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 seasons. In her final season with the Flames, Veal averaged 10.5 points per game, with an 88.9 percent success rate at the foul line. Veal was recruited to the Logan Thunder in 2008, where last season she averaged 6.4 points per game. Veal led the WNBL in assists in 1998, 1998/1999, 1999/2000 and 2002/2003 seasons. In the 2003/2004 season, Veal was named as a WNBL ambassador and was also a member of the WNBL All-Star Five. The guard was selected for the Australian Opals in 2005, 2006 and 2011, and was also named in the initial squad for 2012.

Veals appointment to the Brisbane Capitals has been a boost to the team, bringing along with her Logan Thunder teammate and fellow Opals squad member Emma Randall to the side. The Capitals have only conceded one loss so far this season, going down to the Northside Wizards in the opening round by 18 points. In Round 2 the Caps took on a double-header round, going up against Cairns and Townsville, and taking out both northern sides 68 to 58 and 70 to 62 respectively. Their biggest win so far has been against South West Metro Pirates, managing to secure their first home-court win of the season by 24 points in Round 3. Their win in Round 4 against Ipswich put an end to the Forces undefeated record, and put the Capitals in third spot on the QBL ladder.

Other coaches from around the league considered for this months award include Trish Cockrem from the Gold Coast Rollers, with her team sitting undefeated with three wins against South West Metro, Bundaberg and Ipswich. Captain/Coach Jess Bibby was also considered for the award with Gladstone sitting on four wins and one loss, while Murry Aldred from Northside Wizards and Heath Millar from Rockhampton Cyclones were also contenders with their teams both holding three wins and one loss apiece.

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

CROATIA

Croatia rally past Argentina in Dubrovnik - by Eurobasket News

Croatia - Argentina 72:54

Croatia recorded the second straight win at three-team international tournament in Dubrovnik. The hosts overcame Argentina to finish at 2-0 record. Iva Ciglar (170-G-85, agency: Data Plus Group) scored 11 points to lead well-balanced effort from Croatia. Argentina succumbed to the second loss in a row.
Croatia opened the game confidently. The hosts accumulated a 21:16 lead at the first break. They maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. Croatia arrived at halftime up by 7 points 34:27. Things stayed the same in the third term. Croatia dominated keeping the Latin American opponents at bay. The hosts entered the final period up by 8 points and cruised to the victory at the end. Antonija Misura (178-F-88) posted 10 points, while Andja Jelavic (172-G-80) contributed 9 points for the winners. Melani Soriani (180-F/C-87) answered with 13 points for Argentina. Agostina Burani (188-F/C-91, agency: Players Group) delivered 9 points in the loss.

Croatia: Iva Ciglar 11, Antonija Misura 10, Andja Jelavic 9
Argentina: Melani Soriani 13, Agostina Burani 9

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

ESTONIA

Estonia win two against Latvia U20 - by Eurobasket News

Estonian National Team played two friendly encounters with Latvian U20 National Team. Estonia celebrated two victories.
The first game ended with Estonia claiming a comfortable 73:59 win. Estonia led by just 2 points at halftime but speeded things up in the second half and rallied to a comfortable win at the end. Kerttu Jallai (180-F-90, agency: Regeneracom Sports) scored 14 points to pace Estonia. Merike Anderson (180-F/G-81, agency: LBM Management) nailed 13 points in the victory. Ance Aizsila (175-G-94) answered with 20 points for Latvia U20. Agate Geka delivered 15 points in the loss.
Next game turned into a close battle. Latvia got to the better start. They built a 34:32 halftime lead. But Estonia adjusted their defence and struck back in the second half. They limited the hosts to 21 points in the half and snatched a 63:55 win at the end. Triin Teppo (186-F/C-90) dropped 16 points to lead Estonia. Maaja Bratka (190-F/C-92) finished with 10 points for the winners. Guna Lagzdina (187-C-93) answered with 11 points for Latvia. Baiba Eglite (177-G-89) and Ruta Veidere (188-C-94) had 8 points each in the defeat.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2013 EuroBasket Qualifications begin tomorrow - by Eurobasket News

Everything is set for the beginning of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. 25 teams will fight for 10 spots. There are five groups with five teams in each pool. Two best teams from each group will advance to EuroBasket Final Tournament in France. Croatia, Czech Republic, Great Britain, Russia, Turkey and France directly qualified for the final tournament.
Qualifications begin tomorrow. In the opening game Latvia will host Italy at 19:30h. Nine more games will be played on Wednesday. After that, teams will play again June 16 and June 20. Last round (10) of the Qualifications is scheduled for July 14.

Round One schedule

Group A
6/13/2012 Ukraine - Poland
6/13/2012 Belarus - Hungary

Group B
6/13/2012 Montenegro - Serbia
6/13/2012 Estonia - Switzerland

Group C
6/13/2012 Belgium - Slovenia
6/13/2012 Lithuania - Holland

Group D
6/13/2012 Romania - Sweden
6/13/2012 Spain - Bulgaria

Group E
6/13/2012 Finland - Luxembourg
6/12/2012 Latvia - Italy

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HOLLAND

Young forward Marlou de Kleijn joins Cadi la Seu - by Eurobasket News

Marlou De Kleijn (182-F-92, agency: Regeneracom Sports) stays in Spain. The 20-year-old forward signed a deal with Cadi la Seu. De Kleijn arrives to the club from Palacio de Congresos de Ibiza, where she had 9.9 ppg and 4.1 rpg for 15 games in LFB. She signed a deal with Ibiza in December.
Marlou De Kleijn started this past season with CTO Amsterdam. She appeared 9 times for them in Eredivisie averaging 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists. The forward played for CTO also in 2010/11. Over the past few years she played for Dutch U20 and U18 National Teams. Last summer at U20 EuroBasket in Serbia, De Klejin collected 6 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 2.1 apg for 8 games. In 2010, she helped U18 Holland to win the Silver at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Timisoara. The prospect had had 12.1 ppg and 6.7 rpg for 7 games at this event.

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

LATVIA

NCAA1

Pat Summitt notches hole-in-one on Tennessee course - by Eurobasket News

Though Pat Summitt may be retired, the NCAA's winningest basketball coach ever just keeps finding ways to score.

Tennessee's head coach emeritus notched her first hole-in-one Friday playing at the Sevierville Golf Club with Hall of Fame coach Billie Moore, former Lady Vols player Lisa McGill Reagan and TV analyst Debbie Antonelli.

Summitt used a 7-iron on the 112-yard par-3 No. 17 for the milestone. Antonelli tweeted that she saw the ball roll into the cup along with Reagan and Moore.

Antonelli wrote on Twitter that it was an amazing feat. "Course is buzzin (at)patsummitt BUYING!"

Summitt announced her retirement in April after 38 seasons. She disclosed she had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia, Alzheimer's type, last August.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Staley, McCray, Roberts head up '12 Hall of Fame - by Eurobasket News

Dawn Staley , the South Carolina women's basketball coach and three-time Olympic gold medalist, just keeps finding plenty to celebrate in Tennessee. Her latest is heading up the 2012 class of inductees into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.

Staley led the Gamecocks to their first-ever road win over Tennessee in Knoxville in February. She was back Friday ready to be inducted along with the rest of the 2012 class: broadcaster Robin Roberts, All Americans Nikki McCray, Pamela McGee and Inge Nissen and coach Nancy Fahey.

"I was very happy because I think it's a tremendous honor," Staley said. "But on the flip side of that, I'm thinking, 'I've got to put a cocktail dress on and give a speech.' I was kind of mixed with it. I enjoy the recognition but it's at the cost of getting up and giving a speech and saying something profound."

Staley played for the Cavaliers from 1989-92, guiding Virginia to three Final Four appearances. She remains the only player in Atlantic Coast Conference history to have more than 2,000 points, 700 rebounds, 700 assists and 400 steals.

She also played eight seasons in the WNBA with the Charlotte Sting and later the Houston Comets. She was a five-time WNBA All-Star and was named to the league's All-Decade team.

Staley finished her fourth season as coach of South Carolina in March after eight seasons at Temple.

'When you've been removed from the game now (as a player) for six years, you kind of reflect on what you've done," Staley said. "You always want to leave a legacy and I just felt like this is one of the highest honors you could ever receive for a lot of reasons. One, your body of work and what you've given to the game, your contributions to the game. Two, you look at the company you're going in with and you've got to come up with you did something right."

Roberts didn't even know she could be inducted despite playing college basketball at Southeastern Louisiana. She is going in as a contributor.

"When I was first told, I thought they wanted me to emcee the event. I did," Roberts said. "I emceed the first one so I thought they wanted me to do it again because I did a good job. They were like, 'No, no no.' You're actually being inducted.' I didn't know I was eligible. That tells you it wasn't on my radar screen.

"I wasn't thinking about it at all, but when they told me that, it took me a moment. I had to digest it. I can now sign HOF '12."

McCray was a two-time All American at Tennessee during her college career from and a three-time WNBA All-Star. She now is an assistant coach under Staley at South Carolina. She said being inducted didn't sink in until she arrived at the Hall of Fame on Friday, located close to where she played in college.

"It's very humbling and I'm very excited about my family and all the support I've had throughout my career. It's just an exciting time for me and for them," McCray said. "When you think of women's basketball, you think of Pat Summitt, you think of Tennessee so I think it's very fitting that it's here in Knoxville."

Nissen was an All-American at Old Dominion in 1980 and helped guide the Lady Monarchs to AIAW national championships in 1979 and 1980. Friday was her first time visiting the hall.

"It certainly makes you feel appreciated," Nissen said. "I've loved seeing the building and everything they've done for women's basketball. It was never one of my goals. I just tried to become the best player I could be. This is just a crowning moment. It's very nice to be included with all these accomplished people, coaches, players and referees that are in this hall. It's wonderful."

McGhee was ranks second all-time at Southern California in rebounds and fourth in points. She was an All-American in 1984 and was a on the Trojan's 1983 and '84 national championship teams.

Fahey is the coach of Washington University in Saint Louis. She's the only Division III coach to win five national championships, including four straight from 1998-2001. She's "shocked and humbled for the honor.

"It's a team sport so I really look at this as a team recognition," Fahey. "To be in this class, it's an amazing feeling. I have to admit, the closer you get to it, as we got done with our season, it started hitting me even bigger. I'm a little bit in awe."

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

Winthrop names Cook new women's basketball coach - by Eurobasket News

Winthrop athletics director Tom Hickman announced that Kevin Cook , a veteran collegiate and WNBA coach for more than two decades, has been named the new Winthrop womens basketball head coach. He replaces Marlene Stollings, who left after one year to accept the head coaching position at VCU.

'I am honored to have this opportunity to serve as the next womens basketball coach here at Winthrop', said Cook. I want to thank President (Anthony) DiGiorgio and athletics director Tom Hickman for their faith and belief in me. We have a good nucleus of players returning and I want to thank them for all of their efforts in making this possible. I also want to thank previous head coach Marlene Stollings for bringing me here to such a fine institution as Winthrop.'

Hickman said Winthrop is fortunate to have someone with the experience and integrity of Kevin Cook already on the coaching staff. Kevin has been a successful coach, both as an assistant and as a head coach, at many different levels.

From the junior college ranks to the WNBA, as well as international competition, he has been a part of successful programs. Possibly one of his most significant accomplishments was the transformation of the womens basketball program at Gallaudet University, taking them from obscurity to the NCAA D-III Tournament.

We know that the continued growth of the womens basketball program at Winthrop will be in good hands, Hickman said.Winthrop fans can expect more of the same playing style from the Eagles under Cooks leadership. Last year we liked to get it up and down the floor and well do the same thing. Ill use a term that our mens coach Pat Kelsey uses: Were going to try to run down hill, Cook said.Cooks experience goes beyond the collegiate level, as he was on the staff for 10 years of the Houston Comets dynasty of the WNBA.

The Comets captured the first four WNBA championships and made the playoffs nine out of the first 10 years. He also served as an assistant coach for the victorious West squad in the WNBAs first three All-Star games. In July, 2011 the WNBA released its Top 15 Players of All-Time list and four Comet players that Cook coached made the list (Sheryl Swoopes, Dawn Staley, Cynthia Cooper and Tina Thompson).

Prior to his arrival with the Houston Comets, Cook served as an associate head coach for the University of Houston from 1995-97. From 1983-1993, Cooke was an assistant coach at the University of Kansas under Womens Basketball Hall of Famer Marian E. Washington. During his time in Lawrence, Cook helped the Jayhawks to four conference championships, four NCAA Tournament appearances and two WNIT berths.

In the four seasons prior to his arrival at Winthrop, Cook served as the head coach of Gallaudet University, where he led his team to a 24-4 record during the 2010-11 season and was named the WBCA Region III Coach of the Year. Gallaudet is the worlds only all-deaf college.Cooks international coaching experience comes from having led the Nigeria womens basketball national team. He coached the Nigerian national team in the 2006 World Championships in Sao Paulo, Brazil and in 2007 he helped guide the team to a 7-1 record for a Silver Medal at the All-Africa Games in Algiers, Algeria.

Courtesy of www.heraldonline.com

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NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand topple Angola in Suzhou - by Eurobasket News

New Zealand - Angola 68:58

New Zealand finished the Four-Nations tournament in Suzhou, China with victory. They overcame Angola for 1-2 record. Natalie Taylor (182-F-84, college: SE Missouri St.) delivered 19 points to pace the Tall Ferns.
Angola led by three points after ten minutes 17:14. The African powerhouse stretched the margin in the second quarter. They posted a 38:26 halftime lead. But the Tall Ferns recovered after the big break. The Kiwis went on a decisive 22:7 run in the third frame to surge ahead. The Tall Ferns stayed in charge throughout the final quarter and sealed the victory at the end. Micaela Cocks (173-G-86, college: Oregon) accounted for 13 points, while Lisa Wallbutton (183-C/F-86) knocked down 12 points in the victory.

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

NIGERIA

First Deepwater golden girl Akashili dedicate awards to teammates - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Reigning Nigeria women league most valuable player (MVP) and highest scorer award winner First Deepwater basketball club golden girl Nkechi Akashili has dedicated the awards to her teammates and coaches.

The soft spoken combo guard told our correspondent that she is thrilled to have won both awards at the close of the 2011/2012 season of the Zenith Bank Women League where she helped her team to a third straight title at the weekend in Lagos.

The 10th All Africa Games Bronze Medallist was full of appreciation to her teammates and coaches for making her dream of a third MVP award come through.

Akashili scored a whopping 164 points at the final phase of the league to emerge the top scorer and went on to clinch the most deserved individual award the MVP.

She promised to continue from where the team left off in the Nigerian league as her team is set to take on other clubs from the FIBA Africa Zone-3 during the qualifiers in Monrovia, Liberia later in the year.

I am so happy that I won two awards again this season and I must thank my teammates and coaches who believe in my ability to lead our team quest for the women league title.

I am therefore dedicating the awards to all of them and promised to continue the good run during the FIBA Africa Zone-3 qualifiers coming up in Liberia, Akashili concluded.

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PARAGUAY

Standings - Women

Metropolitan League Standings

1. Felix Perez		0-0
2. Libertad		0-0
3. Sol de Amer.		0-0
4. UAA		0-0
5. UCA		0-0

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POLAND

Energa Torun signs NT center Martyna Koc - by Eurobasket News

Martyna Koc (186-C-83, agency: Promotex) is a new member of Energa Torun. The Polish National Team center signed a one-year deal with the club. Koc arrives to Energa Torun from Artego Bydgoszcz, where she spent this season. She appeared 33 times in PLKK collecting 9.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 1.1 apg. The center participated at the PLKK All-Star Game. Before Bydgoszcz, Martyna Koc spent one year from Blachy Pruszynski Lider Pruszkow. There she had 6.4 ppg and 4 rpg for 29 games in the league. Koc also has experience from Utex Row Rybnik, PKM Duda Super Pol Leszno, Odra Brzeg and Sure Shot Wolomin. In 2008, Koc reached PLKK Semifinals with Leszno. Martyna Koc is selected to the final roster of Polish NT for the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications.

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QATAR

Qatar Team triumph at Women's League - by Eurobasket News

Qatar Team became the first Women's League champions. They clinched the title in the inaugural season of the League. Qatar Team overcame Go Sport Fear in the championship game 38:35. Amal Mohamed (C-86) produced 13 points to lead the winners. Warda Mohammed (F-87) accounted for 10 points for Qatar Team. Ranin Peters answered with 15 points for Go Sports Fear.
McDonalds Eagles occupied the third overall position. They outscored CNAQ in a thriller. The teams needed overtime to decide on the winners. The Eagles eked out a 44:42 win at the end.

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

SPAIN

Amaya Valdemoro pens deal with Tarsus - by Eurobasket News

One of the most famous Spanish players, Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) will play in Turkey. According to http://lovewomensbasketball.com the player leaves Rivas and will have a new team in 2012/2013 season.
Not only the European glory, however WNBA experience has the player. In 1998 Houston Comets enjoyed three years in summer. Later in 2001 Ros Casares Valencia kept the player for 5 years as in the last season she averaged 18.3ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.0apg, 2.5spg, 2FGP: 41.7%, 3FGP: 36.2%; and in Euroleague had 17.4ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.7apg, 2.9spg, 0.5bpg, 2FGP: 49.6%, 3FGP: 35.1%, 3FGP: 75.5%. Another three seasons the player spent in CSKA and came back to Ros Casares Valencia in 2008. Last season she was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB Player of the Year, Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB Forward of the Year, Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB Domestic Player of the Year.
In 2011-2012 for Rivas Ecopolis (LFB),was injured in Oct.'11 and was off for 2 months. In Euroleague she averaged 4.5ppg, 1.3rpg and in Spanish League after 7 games had 4.3ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.6spg.

Young forward Marlou de Kleijn joins Cadi la Seu - by Eurobasket News

Marlou De Kleijn (182-F-92, agency: Regeneracom Sports) stays in Spain. The 20-year-old forward signed a deal with Cadi la Seu. De Kleijn arrives to the club from Palacio de Congresos de Ibiza, where she had 9.9 ppg and 4.1 rpg for 15 games in LFB. She signed a deal with Ibiza in December.
Marlou De Kleijn started this past season with CTO Amsterdam. She appeared 9 times for them in Eredivisie averaging 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists. The forward played for CTO also in 2010/11. Over the past few years she played for Dutch U20 and U18 National Teams. Last summer at U20 EuroBasket in Serbia, De Klejin collected 6 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 2.1 apg for 8 games. In 2010, she helped U18 Holland to win the Silver at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Timisoara. The prospect had had 12.1 ppg and 6.7 rpg for 7 games at this event.

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TURKEY

WNBA

Prince, Ogwumike earn WNBA weekly honors - by Eurobasket News

Chicago's Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) and Los Angeles' Nnemkadi Ogwumike (6'2''-F-90, college: Stanford) have been named the WNBA's Eastern and Western Conference players of the week, respectively, for games played June 4-10.

Prince, who earned her second such award, helped Chicago win both its games this week. She leads the league in scoring with 25.3 points per game, nearly doubling last year's total of 13.6 points per game.

The Sky are currently off to a franchise-best 6-1 start.

Ogwumike, who was the top overall pick of the most recent WNBA Draft, scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the Sparks' 90-74 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. It was her first career double-double.

Other candidates for the weekly award were Atlanta's Angel McCoughtry, Connecticut's Kara Lawson, Indiana's Tamika Catchings, New York's Cappie Pondexter, Washington's Crystal Langhorne, Minnesota's Maya Moore, Phoenix's DeWanna Bonner and Tulsa's Temeka Johnson.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com