Eurobasket Daily News Report: 6/14/2012 1:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/14/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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ARGENTINA

La Union add Juan Brussino, extend Anibal Marin - by Eurobasket News

La Union bolstered their roster. They signed a deal with Juan Brussino (185-G-91). The guard spent the last season with Boca Juniors. He tallied 6.0 points and 1.3 rebounds per game in LigaA. Previously Juan Brussino had stints with Union de Sunchales and San Martin Marcos Juarez.
In the meantime La Union renewed the contract with Anibal Marin (199-G/F-82). The forward joined the team at the start of the previous season. He tallied 9.2 points and 2.3 boards per game in Liga Americas. In LigaA Anibal Marin delivered 9.0 points, 3.1 boards and 1.1 assists per appearance. Previously the forward had spells for Quimsa, Atletico Independiente, Argentino Junin, Belgrano San Nicolas, Estudiantes Olivarria, Varese and Novarra. He was the member of Argentinean U18 National Team back in 2000.

Lanus tab William McFarlan - by Eurobasket News

Lanus confirmed the signing of the first import player. William McFarlan (201-F-76, agency: Dream Team Management, college: St.Thomas Aquinas) inked a deal with the team. The forward has a long experience playing in Argentina. Last season William McFarlan spent in San Martin Corrientes. He tallied 14.7 points, 6.4 boards, 1.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game in LigaA. Previously the forward had spells for Obras, Union de Sunchales, Quimsa, Ben Hur, Atenas. He also played in USBL, Finland, France, Poland and Mexico. Eurobasket.com named William McFarlan All-French ProB Player of the Year in 2005. He also earned All-Mexican LNBP Honourable Mention in 2009 and made it into All-Finnish League 2nd Team back in 2004. William McFarlan participated at LigaA All-Star Game last season.

Union Progresista land Agustin Carabajal - by Eurobasket News

Union Progresista are preparing for the LigaA season. The team secured the services of Agustin Carabajal (180-PG-78) for the next season. The point guard spent the last season with San Martin Corrientes. He averaged 6.3 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game in LigaA. Previously the guard played for Gimnasia Esgrima, Regatas Corrientes, Atletico Independiente, Quilmes and Ciclista Juninense. Latinbasket.com named Agustin Carabajal All-Argentinean LigaA Newcomer of the Year in 2006.
Union Progresista also extended the contracts of Christian Schoppler (180-G-86) and Cesar Avalle (189-G-85). Christian Schoppler will enter his second season with Union Progresista.
Cesar Avalle will enter his third season with the team. He notched 13.5 points and 1.7 rebounds per game in the season. Latinbasket.com named the guard into All-Argentinean TNA 1st Team in 2012.

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AUSTRALIA

Australia fire past China in Perth - by Eurobasket News

Australia - China 78:55

Australia swept the test series versus China. The Boomers earned the third straight win at the YouYi Games in Perth tonight. Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) came up with 20 points to lead the winners.
China confidently opened the game. The Asian powerhouse rallied to a 22:17 lead after ten minutes. The Boomers stopped the rot in the second term. They limited China to 11 points in the period to take a 40:33 halftime lead. Australia stretched the advantage in the third quarter. They held China to another 11-point quarter to ensure a 20-point lead with ten minutes remaining. Australia kept China at bay throughout the final quarter rolling to a well-deserved win at the end. Julian Khazzouh (209-C-86) provided 16 points, while Aron Baynes (208-C-86, college: Washington St.) added 10 in the victory. Sun Yue (206-G/F-85) answered with 12 points for China. Wang ZhiZhi (214-C-77) had 9 points in the losing case.

Australia: Daniel Kickert 20, Julian Khazzouh 16, Aron Baynes 10
China: Sun Yue 12, Wang ZhiZhi 9

Russia edge AIS in Treviso - by Eurobasket News

Russia U20 - AIS 66:63

Russian U20 National Team took on Australian Institute of Sport selection on the final day of the Adidas EuroCamp in Treviso. Russia claimed a narrow victory. Vladislav Trushkin (201-F-93) scored 14 points to lead the charge.
AIS jumped to an early lead. They built a 14:11 advantage ten minutes into the game. AIS stretched the margin in the second quarter. The Aussies established a 34:30 halftime advantage. The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter. AIS stayed in front 47:43 entering the final period. But Russia managed to prevail at the end. They unloaded 23 points in the fourth frame and sneaked past their opponents. Artem Artem Komolov (191-G-93) dropped 12 points, while Alexander Varnakov (185-PG-92) added 9 points for the winners. Owen Odigie (196-F/G-93) scored 17 points to lead AIS. Matthew Andronicos (208-C/F-91) and Mitchell Norton (183-G-93) had 9 points apiece in defeat.

Russia U20: Vladislav Trushkin 14, Artem Komolov 12, Alexander Varnakov 9
AIS: Owen Odigie 17, Matthew Andronicos 9, Mitchell Norton 9

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BELIZE

BBF partners with Sprite & Belikin Beer to launch National 3x3 Basketball Tour!!! - by David Magana

The Belize Basketball Federation is pleased and excited to announce the launch of the first national 3x3 basketball tour for the senior men and male U 18 categories. 3x3 basketball is a new category of basketball that has been aggressively promoted by our affiliate body, FIBA and will become an official sport in the 2016 or 2020 Olympics. The 3x3 game is a variation of basketball where two teams each consisting of three players play on a half court.

The BBF is partnering with Sprite in the launch of the U 18 category and with Belikin Beer for the launch of the Mens category. The Sprite /Belikin National 3x3 basketball tour will be held in each town across the country on streets, parking lots or basketball courts during the months of July and August 2012. The District Basketball Associations will coordinate tournaments in each district. Teams consisting of four players and a coach can participate.

FIBA basic 3x3 rules will apply. Winners from each district will play in a finals in Belize City. A slam-dunk contest will also be held in each district as part of the tour.

As a part of the sponsorship, Sprite and Belikin Beer is providing support for the purchase of mobile basketball systems that will transported to each district for the games.

The winning team in the Mens category will automatically qualify to participate in the FIBA 3x3 world tour that will be held in New York on August 18-19, 2012.The top two teams from this tour will advance to the World tour finals in Miami in September 2012.

In the U 18 category, Belize was selected by FIBA to participate in the FIBA 3x3 World Championships to be held in Seville, Spain from September 27-30, 2012. For this category a national 3x3 team will be selected.

For Belize to participate in both of these international events hosted by FIBA, the BBF has to organize 3x3 basketball tournaments in each category in Belize. The BBF is grateful to Sprite and Belikin Beer for sponsorship of this national tournament. This is a demonstration of the partnership that can be forged between the private sector and non-profit organizations. The BBF is thankful to Sprite and Belikin beer for their confidence and support.

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BOSNIA

Last week Samir attended the Supersophcamp rallying the best 100 best Sophomores of the USA. Samir made it to the best 40 players where he simply dominated the All-Star match.

The following recap by Brian McLawhorn pictures him as a player who has definitely the potential to be one of the leaders of the best generation BIH ever had.

Final day of camp ends with excellent basketball; Day three recap
by Brian McLawhorn - 6/03/2012
COLLEGE PARK, GA -- The third and final day of the Super Soph Camp is now in the books, and as anticipated, it produced some excellent basketba...ll to put the type of exclamation point down that the event deserved.
Sunday got kicked off with a final session of camp games, providing players one last opportunity to impress coaches for a chance to be selected to the Top 20 and Top 40 All-Star teams.
Though many guys were playing with heavy legs early Sunday morning, the intensity level was still very high. And that trend carried through to the all-star games that brought the camp to a close.
TOP 40 ALL-STAR GAME
The final outcome of the Top 40 All-Star game was not quite as close as the Top 20, as the Red team walked away with a commanding 63-42 victory.
Red, which was made up of Tyler Jackson, Justin Wertner, Samir Sehic, Danjel Purifoy, Reggie Reid, Matt Milon, Taron Oliver, Kevin Murph and Edward Porter, set the tone from the very start and never let up.
The big guy was scoring on put-backs and sweet jumpers from just inside the 3-point stripe. The Blue team simply had no answer early on for the camp's tallest prospect.
Reid also used his quickness to create opportunities for himself and teammates, while Sehic put together and MVP type performance.
Sehic was like a vacuum on the defensive glass. If the ball was anywhere in his area, it was his. No one was outworking him for boards. He also did a tremendous job finishing around the basket and getting others involved. His understanding of the game was clearly on display in the final contest and for that reason his team was afforded many easy scoring opportunities.

Courtesy of Brian McLawhorn

http://www.supersophcamp.com/home.html

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BRAZIL

Sao Jose dos Campos add Icaro and Deivisson - by Paulo Freire

The vice-champion of the last NBB the Sao Jose dos Campos has announce their new faces, big man Deivisson Costa (211-C-80) and point guard Icaro Parisotto (181-G-92, college: San Diego Chr.) are the new players of the team.

Experienced center with 32 years old and 2,10m tall, Deivisson will return to team after a long time, he spend the last seasons in Araraquara, while averaging 12.1ppg and 6.9 rebounds in all three editions of the NBB, with 77 games played.

Icaro Parisotto is one of the top brazilian prospect as a point guard, he left Brazil to play high school in the EUA and came back last season after recovering from an injury. Icaro played in the Brazil NT for young kids, and did a good job playing for the Santa Cruz las Brazil Cup.

Sao Jose dos Campos also renew the contracts of Murilo Becker (210-C/F-83) who will go under surgery, Andre Laws (186-G-80, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: San Diego), Dede Stefanelli (196-F/G-84), Fulvio de Assis (187-G-81) and Chico Delben (202-F/C-83)

Flamengo add Benite and brings back Gege - by Paulo Freire

The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo basketball team, is rebuilding their team.
Their first change was in the command, the team waived the argentinean coach Gonzalo and sign Jose Neto who coach the Joinville on the last NBB.
The team first signs is on the point guard position, the managers of the team are trying to solve a problem in the position that was the low point of the team in the last seasons. Therefore the team went young now with the signs of Vitor Benite (190-F/G-90) and George Yeye Torres (183-PG), more knowing as Gege, who also is coming back to the team after been land to Tijuca for the last NBB.
Clube de Regatas do Flamengo resign their capitan Marcelo Magalhaes (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) and his brother Eduardo Machado (195-G-82). The rumors are that the team is trying to make a deal with Olivinha Rodriguez (202-F-83) and Marquinhos Vieira (207-F-84).

Franca sign 5 new players - by Paulo Freire

The Vivo/Franca Basquete Sao Paulo Basketball team announced today the signing of five new players to complete their roster.
The most experiences are Guilherme Teichmann (204-F/C-83, college: Tulsa) and Jhonatan Luz dos Santos (196-F/G-87) and the young players Jeferson Froehlich (193-PG-91), Ricardo Zanini (198-G-88) and Jose Victor Jeronimo (208-C-91)
Teichmann comes in from Flamengo after a couple of seasons there. Jhonatan comes from Limeira team, he will bring his european experience. Jeferson is a young prospect that was playing in the Real Madrid team from Spain. Ricardo Zanini comes in after having a college career in the EUA. The young Big man Jeronimo comes in from Joinville.

The american Cliff Dixon (208-F/C, college: W.Kentucky) is doing a try-out with the team, he is a brother of NBA star Kevin Durant, he will have 15 days to show his talent that he can still in the team.

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Seward Basketball Class Includes SMU Transfer - by David Edole

After a 3rd place finish at the NJCAA Tournament last March, Seward head coach Bryan Zollinger and assistant Jason Sautter have done anything but rest on their laurels. Seward is in the process of signing a very talented crop to Seward. One of the headliners is SMU transfer 6'8" Leslee Smith (200-F) from the Virgin Islands. He is joined by 5'10" Malcolm Hill-Bay of Evergreen Park, Illinois, 6' Rockell Lee-Vaughn of Washington D.C. 5'11" Josh Sweet of Washburn Rural, 6'5" DeVondre Livingston of Liberal, 6'4" Jabari Peters of Brooklyn, N.Y. and 6'11" Ed Bridgeforth of Washington D.C.

They join the returning sophomore group of 6'10" Edson Avila, 6' Kaheem Ransom, 5'11" Briston White, and redshirt 6'8" Thaddeus Smith.

The Saints are not finished recruiting yet, but the names mentioned above have signed for next year.

http://www.kscbnews.net/news/?nk=13179

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BULGARIA

Bulgaria hand FYR Macedonia second straight loss - by Eurobasket News

Bulgaria U20 - FYR Macedonia U20 73:38

Bulgaria celebrated the second win in a row against their FYR Macedonian counterparts. Dimitar Dimitrov (202-F-93) scored 15 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead the winners.
Bulgaria thrashed FYR Macedonia in the opening quarter. The hosts grabbed a 23:7 lead. Bulgaria kept their opponents at bay throughout the second quarter. The home team piled up a 44:15 halftime lead. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the third term. Bulgaria clinched a 31-point advantage at the final intermission. Bulgaria did not look back in the final frame cruising to the victory. Georgi Boyanov (195-F-93) had 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Pavlin Ivanov (195-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) and Aleks Simeonov (200-F-93) had 13 points each in the win. Goran Markovski (195-G-92) and Nikola Gajdadjiev (193-G-92) netted 9 points apiece in the loss.

Bulgaria U20: Dimitar Dimitrov 15, Georgi Boyanov 14+11 boards, Pavlin Ivanov 13, Aleks Simeonov 13
FYR Macedonia U20: Goran Markovski 9, Nikola Gajdadjiev 9

Lietuvos Ritas signed Dejan Ivanov - by Vladi Lazarova

Bulgarian National team power forward Dejan Ivanov (205-F/C-86, agency: Beo Basket) is making a huge step in his career. 205 cm tall player signed with Lithuanian vice-champion for 2011/2012 Lietuvos Rytas. The contract is for one season, with an option for extension for one more. The club officialy announced the transfer today. 26-years old Dejan Ivanov spent the last 3 years in Italian Serie A team Montegranaro, after moving there in March 2009. He made a good last season in Montegranaro finishing with 13,1 points, 8,2 rebounds, 1,3 assists and 1,3 steals per game.

"Lietuvos Rytas is one of the greatest basketball clubs in Europe, so for me will be an honour and a huge motivation to join the team. I had an excellent time in Italy, but it is time for me to make the next step in my career. My long time dream is to play in Euroleague", said Dejan Ivanov, who decided not to participate in the National team this summer due to some old injuries and long, exhausting season in Italy. The same decision took his twin brother Kaloyan.

Dejan Ivanov (205-F/C-86, agency: Beo Basket) is playing abroad since 2006. First in Caja San Fernando Seville-2, after that in KK Zadar (Croatia) in 2007, KK Split (Croatia) in 2008 and 2009 till March and his final stop before Lithuanian journey was Italian Montegranaro (2009-2012).

Dejan Ivanov looking for his Euroleague debut with Lietuvos Rytas - by Maria Mitzova

Bulgarian PF Dejan Ivanov (205-F/C-86, agency: Beo Basket) is officially a new signing for Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius. Looking for a new challenge, Dejan chose the offer of the Lithuanian powerhouse, hoping to debut in the Euroleague this upcoming season. Ivanov has grown up to a leader of Italian Montegranaro, and now wants to make a difference in Vilnius as well.
His contract is for 1+1 seasons.
Dejan Ivanov is expected to fill the spot of Jonas Valanciunas, though he is a completely different player, pure power foward, with great rebounding skills, but also an eye for the good shot.

Here are Dejan's words for Bulgarian media after the news broke down:

This is one of the biggest clubs in Europe, and is performing on very high level in the last years.
I want to thank my agent Misko Raznatovic who made it happen. I know it's a bit early in the summer to sign, but this once again shows he has done a great job. I hope the fact Lietuvos chose me so fast, also mean that the coach will count on me.
Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius has won Eurocup, played twice in the Final 4, also played Euroleague. That's a real big club. I hope we get the chance to play in the Euroleague, but if not - we will play in Eurocup.
I think it was the time I move to a bigger team. Montegranaro is nice, it's not a small club, has traditions in Italy, but I want to play in the Euroleague, and also VTB League. This is one of the main reasons to choose the offer from Lithuania.
I will not play for the national team this summer, to recover fully from the tough season and all the injuries. Once I get everything straight, I will practice individually until the preseason.
I know some of my new teammates. One of them played with my brother, and I also know a Macedonian, from the Adriatic League.

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CAYMAN ISLANDS

Standings

National League Finals Matches Standings

1. ESSO Blazers		5-0
2. Shining Stars		3-2
3. Wolves		3-2
4. Warriors		1-3
5. Philippines		0-5

D1: Esso Blazers win 2012 championship title - by Eurobasket News

Esso waited 14 years for a national basketball champion. Their patience has finally been rewarded.

The Esso Blazers are Caymans new powerhouse after beating the Dominos Warriors 95-71 on June 3 at Camana Bays Arts and Recreation Centre. The match served as game two in the best-of-three division one finals for the Cayman Islands Basketball Association 2012 men's league.

Esso won their first title via a sweep as they defeated Dominos 66-64 in game one. For Esso Cayman Limited Country Manager J. Alan Neesome, the victory validates the years of support.

It was a great team-effort, all of the guys worked hard, Neesome said. Game two was a very close game in the third quarter. Dominos put the Blazers under pressure but the Esso defence and offence played hard together in the fourth quarter.

For 14 years weve been sponsoring the team. This is the season, we deserved this win. Were very blessed for this. Its great, the Blazers deserved to win against a good opponent. This year, we did it as clearly the best team.

Esso dictated the action early in game two, taking a 21-12 lead at the end of the first quarter. Their lead would swell to as much as 18 points in the second quarter before going into half-time up 43-30.

Dominos, under head coach Shomari Scott, turned up the defensive pressure in the third, cutting the lead to 45-42 with six minutes and eight seconds remaining in the period. Veteran guard Perry Levy (G) would respond with a three-pointer to put head coach Shawn Pitterson and his Esso troops up 48-42.

The Blazers would roll to a 67-55 edge by the end of the third, punctuated by a Kevin Maxwell hail-mary three-pointer at the buzzer. Esso never looked back in the fourth, going up 89-66 with 3.20 left.

As in game one, game two saw a full house at Camana Bay with mostly Esso fans. All would be part of a massive celebration on the court at the end of the contest, complete with champagne, cigars and public displays of affection with the trophy.

Courtesy of www.compasscayman.com

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CBL

Flight score impressive road win, topple Titans 110-90 - by Eurobasket News

The visiting Florida Flight broke open a close game in the third quarter, en route to a second straight convincing 110-90 win over the Palm Beach Titans at Inlet Grove Community High School in Riviera Beach.

Up by just six at halftime, the Flight (2-3) outscored the Titans 24-12 in the third quarter and were never threatened thereafter.

The Flight's attack featured exceptional balance, as eight players posted double-digit scoring. Jonathan Adamson (6'4''-G/F-87, college: Elmira) and Shannon Diamond (6'8''-F/C, college: Flagler) led the way with 15, Greg St. Remy netted 14, Adam Waldo 12, Ernest Jones (5'11''-G-81, college: Florida St.) and Peter Joyner scored 11, and Garvin Gordon (6'7''-F-78) and Kamar Russell (6'5''-G/F) had 10 apiece.

Adamson and Diamond led the Flight with 10 rebounds each, while Jones paced the team with seven assists.

Defensively, the Flight put forth a superior effort, holding the Titans to just 30% from the field overall.

The Titans (1-4) were led by Andy Stoute, who scored a game-high 22 points, while Loren Samuels pulled down 16 rebounds.

"This was a true team victory in every sense of the word," said Flight Owner and Coach Mark King. "Hopefully this performance carries over next weekend against the Rebels."

The Flight are on the road again next weekend, traveling to Tampa Bay for their second matchup against the Tampa Bay Rebels.

The game is Saturday, June 16th at Freedom High School. Tip-off is 8:00pm.

The mission of the Florida Flight is to utilize the platform of professional basketball to invest in the lives of others. The 2012 season is dedicated to the "Bithlo Needs a Bus" Campaign.

For more information on the Florida Flight, please visit www.flighthoops.com. For more information about the Florida Basketball Association, please visit www.thefba.com.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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CHINA

China Loses Three Games to Australia - by Arthur Volbert

China just lost three games to the Australian National Team in the Youyi series played in Australia. I don't exactly know how to cover these type of competitions since the Chinese team seems to almost completely regard them as practice. For China, especially when played away from home, such games seem to be meant to try out new techniques and to decide who will be the players sitting on the end of the bench for the National Team. n 2010 the team at the World Championships significantly outperformed the team that played in these type of preliminary games and I am expecting the same thing to happen this year.

China was without Yi Jianlian. but Australia was without Andrew Bogut. Nevertheless I feel Australia was much more interested in winning these contests than China. China often made substitutions that would be inexplicable if the aim were to win the game rather than to make decisions on which players should be playing what roles in the Olympics.

In the first game, China led 45-44 going into the fourth quarter. but eventually lost 66-55. Guo Ailun was the top scorer with 15 points, but coach Bob Donewald said later he was not happy with Guo's court leadership or defense. Sun Yue (206-G/F-85) had 10 points and 4 rebounds. Yi Li had 7 points and 4 rebounds in 17 minutes. Wang Zhelin played 17 minutes with 4 points and 4 rebounds and Donewald later said he was disappointed with Wang's defense and efficiency. Donewald ordered his two promising young stars to study videos of the game in order to improve, which appears to be the worthy object of his criticism.

China lost the second game 69-65. Sun Yue had 22 points and 5 assists. Wang Shipeng had 12 points and 3 rebounds. Zhu Fangyu had 9 points and 4 rebounds. Wang Zhelin had 6 points and 2 rebounds in 9 minutes. Guo Ailun had 6 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists in 15 minutes. Yi Li had 6 points and 6 rebounds. Zhang Zhaoxu had 1 point and 2 rebounds and Su Wei had 1 point and 1 rebound. Han Dejun played less than a minute. Chen Jianghua had 2 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.

China lost the third game 78-55. China led 27-22 after the first quarter. But Coach Donewald got tossed from the game in the second quarter after getting two technical fouls complaining about a flagrant foul called on Zhu Fangyu. Australia went on a 16-1 run and led 40-33 at the half. China did not seem to put much effort into competing in the second half, being outscored 24-11 in the third quarter and 14-11 in the fourtn. Sun Yue had 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Wang Zhizhi had 9 points and 4 rebounds. Zhou Peng scored 8 and Liu Wei scored 6. Wang Zhelin had 5 points and 5 rebounds in 18 minutes but hit only 1 of 7 free throws. Some games he has free throw troubles but in other games he does not. Guo Ailu had 5 points, 1 rebound and 1 assists in 17 minutes.

There will probably be a couple of cuts made shortly. My guess is that, barring injury, Guo Ailun and Wang Zhelin will make the Olympic team. Zhai Xiaochuan will not. Su Wei, Zhang Zhaoxu and Han Dejun have not distinguished themselve at all but one of them is likely to make the team as China would not want Wang Zhelin to be the sole backup to Wang Zhizhi. Chen Jianghua will likely make the team as a backup point guard to Liu Wei, sharing these duties with Guo Ailun but with some time at point guard for Sun Yue.

Australia fire past China in Perth - by Eurobasket News

Australia - China 78:55

Australia swept the test series versus China. The Boomers earned the third straight win at the YouYi Games in Perth tonight. Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) came up with 20 points to lead the winners.
China confidently opened the game. The Asian powerhouse rallied to a 22:17 lead after ten minutes. The Boomers stopped the rot in the second term. They limited China to 11 points in the period to take a 40:33 halftime lead. Australia stretched the advantage in the third quarter. They held China to another 11-point quarter to ensure a 20-point lead with ten minutes remaining. Australia kept China at bay throughout the final quarter rolling to a well-deserved win at the end. Julian Khazzouh (209-C-86) provided 16 points, while Aron Baynes (208-C-86, college: Washington St.) added 10 in the victory. Sun Yue (206-G/F-85) answered with 12 points for China. Wang ZhiZhi (214-C-77) had 9 points in the losing case.

Australia: Daniel Kickert 20, Julian Khazzouh 16, Aron Baynes 10
China: Sun Yue 12, Wang ZhiZhi 9

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COLOMBIA

COLOMBIA DEFEATED PARAGUAY IN SAN BERNARDINO - by Victor Garcia

Colombia National Team defeated Paraguay in the first of two warmaup games agreed for the upcoming Southamerican Championship, the games are been played in the city of San Bernardino - Paraguay and belongs to the San Bernardino Cup, the second game will be played tonight June 13.
The winner of both games or the team with better goal average will get the San Bernardino Cup.
After the games Colombia will play one game more agains the Felix Cardozo Club and travel to Argentina to play in the Southamerican Championship.

Colombia will be in the group A with Argentina, Venezuela and Chile, Colombia will play the opener of Monday 18 against Argentina.

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DOMINICA

DABA 2012 LIME National Basketball League update - by Eurobasket News

On Saturday 9th June 2012, it was yet another interested night of basketball in the DABA 2012 LIME National Basketball League.

The evening matchups brought together Police Sports Club and EH Charles Crossovers in the Kubuli Vita Malt Division 2. The law men were playing their first game of the season and were up against a young and determined Crossover team, who were out to prove their basketball abilities. The crossover team seized the moment and started the game on a 9-0 run, however the law men were able to regroup and took their first lead of the game 11-9. At the end of the first quarter it was 20-11 in favour of Crossovers. Things turned from bad to hopeless for the law men as they found themselves in further difficulties. By the end of the first half the scores were 52-28. The second half of the game was much more competetive, but in no way was the game, it was a one sided matchup with Crossover dominating. The only thing that could come in the path of the beat down inflicted on the law men by the Crossover team was the end of regulation whistle by the referee. At the end of regulation, it was a 39 point margin of victory for the Crossover team, the final scores EH Charles Crossover 108- Police Sports Club 69.

The second game of the evening was a DOMLEC Premiere Division matchup between United Insurance Sharks and Paix Bouche Eagles. However basketball fans were left in disapointment as the Paix Bouche team failed to show up when the referee blew the whistle for the start of the contest. The Eagles team did not give any oficial reason for their absense to the match commissioners or the Secretary General of the DABA. At 9:45 pm the referee blew the match off and awarded the victory to the Sharks team, who were already in uniform and had a minimum of five players to start the game.

Leading the way for Crossovers and the Police were as follows;

Crossovers
Mccray Edwards 26
Brandon Lazar 20
Emile Cadau 18
Lydell Myers 13

Police
Floyd Theodore 20
Lenny Dangleben 17
Garvin James 13

Period 1 - Period 2 -Period 3 - Period 4 - Total
Police 11 17 14 27 69
Crossovers 20 32 35 21 108

Courtesy of www.caribbeanbasketball.com

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EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE

EUROCHALLENGE

Triple crown it is, for Eurochallenge champ Besiktas - by Diamadis Farmakis

It is the epitome of a succesfull basketball season. Besiktas Milangaz conquered every competition and lifted every cup it could lifted. The players of the the team just put the finishing touches on one of the greatest seasons in Turkish basketball history by winning the Beko Basketbol Ligi title, last weekend in Abdi Ipekci Arena.

The Istanbul powerhouse (propably a Euroleague side next season) completed a Turkish Cup, EuroChallenge and domestic league treble on Monday night with an 80-76 victory over Anadolu Efes. The triumph gave Ergin Ataman's team a 4-2 series victory.

Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: FIU), who joined the club in late December, capped a terrific play-off performance with 18 points. The Puerto Rico international averaged 16 points per game during the title series against Efes. Arroyo also had 23 points in the Game 4 triumph over regular season winners Galatasaray that clinched a spot in the finals.

Besiktas, who won the EuroChallenge after beating Elan Chalon in the final on 29 April, defeated the previous champion Fenerbahce in the first round of the Turkish play-offs.

"It's time to go out and celebrate because it is not easy to win three titles in one season," Ataman said, "especially when you are playing against top-ranked Euroleague teams. We not only did a great job tonight but rewrote Besiktas JK's basketball history."

It's been a long time coming for Besiktas in Turkey, who last captured the domestic league crown in 1975.

Ersin Dagli and Zoran Erceg each had 15 points and both David Hawkins and Pops Mensah-Bonsu weighed in with 10, in the last final which gave Basiktas the championship.

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EUROCUP

Eurocup side BC Oostende claimed domestic glory - by Diamadis Farmakis

Plenty of Eurocup teams, crowned domestic champions this year. Teams like, BC Donetsk in Ukraine, Cibona Zagreb in Croatia, KRKA Novo Mesto in Slovenia and Lukoil Akademik in Bulgaria. Last who did that, is Telenet BC Oostende, in Belgium.

Oostende won its 13th Belgian championship and first since 2007 by edging their big contenders Belgacom Spirou Basket 75-74 after overtime Friday, in the fifth and deciding game of the series, with Spirou Basket being the champion of the last 4 editions of the Belgian basketball championship.

Matt Lojeski (198-G-85, college: Hawaii) scored the go-ahead triple with 23 seconds left in overtime. Spirous Justin Hamilton got to the line with 8 seconds to go, but missed twice and Oostende capitalized to claim the title.

Lojeski finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead the new champs. Kennedy Winston added 14 and 9 and Brent Wrigth scored 11 for Oostende.

Demond Mallet led Spirou with 19 points, Toko Shengelia added 14 and Chris Hill scored 12 in defeat.

Lietuvos Rytas target Dejan Ivanov - by Eurobasket News

Lietuvos Rytas are close to penning deal with Dejan Ivanov (205-F/C-86, agency: Beo Basket). The sided have reportedly reached an agreement on terms of contract. Dejan Ivanov spent the last season with Montegranaro. The Bulgarian centre averaged 13.1 points, 8.2 boards, 1.3 steals and 1.3 assists per game in SeriaA. It was his third straight season with the team. Eurobasket.com gave Dejan Ivanov All-Italian SeriaA Honourable Mention in 2011. In 2010 he made it into Italian SeriaA All-Bosmans Team. Previously the centre had stints in Spain, Croatia, Bulgaria and Russia. He has been the member of Bulgarian National Team since 2005. Dejan Ivanov participated at 2011 EuroBasket. His stats read 10.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in Lithuania.

Lietuvos Rytas officially signs Dejan Ivanov - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Dejan Ivanov (205-F/C-86, agency: Beo Basket) officially became a new member of Lietuvos Rytas. They signed a deal yesterday. Ivanov heads to Rytas from Fabi Shoes Montegranaro, where he spent last three and a half years. He appeared 32 times in SerieA this season averaging 13.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists. In 2010/11, he had almost the same numbers. Dejan Ivanov joined Montegranaro in March of 2009 from Zadar. Before that, he had a great season with Split collecting 15.2 ppg and 8.1 rpg for 20 games in Croatian league. In the past, Ivanov also played for Mallorca, Caja San Fernando, Cherno More and Avtodor Saratov. He is active member of the Bulgarian National Team since 2008. Last summer at the EuroBasket in Poland, Ivanov had 10.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg for 5 games.

CEZ Nymburk lands PG Miljan Pavkovic - by Eurobasket News

CEZ Nymburk reinforced its roster at position 1. The reigning Czech champion penned a deal with Serbian point guard Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, agency: Beo Basket). The 31-year-old player spent this season with Radnicki Kragujevac. He shined with 13.2 ppg, 7 apg and 2.6 rpg for 20 games in Adriatic league. Pavkovic was the league's No.1 in assists. In Serbian championship, the PG appeared 16 times for the club registering 10.3 ppg, 6.9 apg and 1.8 rpg. Radnicki Kragujevac reached Serbian league and Cup Semis this season. Earlier this year Pavkovic was awarded with Eurobasket.com Adriatic League All-European Players Team -12. A year ago he was Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Domestic Player of the Year -11. Before Radnicki Kragujevac, Miljan Pavkovic spent four years with Hemofarm Stada. He also has experience from Buducnost Podgorica, Vojvodina and Zdravlje. Pavkovic won the Montenegrin league title and Cup with Buducnost in 2007.

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EUROLEAGUE

Ettore Messina returns to CSKA Moscow - by Eurobasket News

There figures to be a lot of change for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason after a second straight second-round disappointment in the playoffs. The first shoe to drop began with the coaching staff.

Famed Italian coach Ettore Messina, who served as a coaching consultant to coach Mike Brown last season, is going back to Europe to coach CSKA Moscow, Messina told ESPNLosAngeles.com on Tuesday.

Messina previously coached CSKA Moscow from 2005-08 and experienced great success, winning two Euroleague championships and four Russian SuperLeague titles in four seasons with the team.

Messina met with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak on Monday at the adidas Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy, and informed Kupchak of his decision.

Messina's contract with the Lakers was up, but Kupchak had extended an offer to return to Messina last week.

The 52-year old coach also had head-coaching offers from two teams in Istanbul, according to a league source, but ultimately decided a return to CSKA was his best option.

Messina's contract with CSKA Moscow has yet to be finalized, but will include an out clause should any NBA head-coaching opportunities arise. There are two head-coaching vacancies in the NBA -- Orlando and Charlotte -- and there potentially could be a third if Portland decides not to retain interim coach Kaleb Canales.

Messina was relied upon for his offensive expertise in his lone season with the Lakers and assumed lead assistant coach John Kuester's duties when Kuester had a leave of absence from the team in April following the death of his mother.

Courtesy of ESPN

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20

All-Stars rally past France in Treviso - by Eurobasket News

All-Stars - France U20 66:60

Adidas EuroCamp All-Stars selection took on French U20 National during the Adidas EuroCamo in Treviso. All-Stars claimed a narrow win at the end. David Jelinek (196-G-90) scored 21 points to lead the winners.
All-Stars enjoyed a narrow 15:14 lead after ten minutes. France bounced back in the second quarter. They outscored All-Stars 23:13 for a 9-point halftime lead. But All-Stars reacted with more aggressive defence in the third quarter. France managed just 11 points in the period and entered the final quarter up by just a single point 48:47. All-Stars held their opponents to 12 points in the final frame and sealed the victory at the end. Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91) accounted for 16 points, while Darko Planinic (211-C-90) provided 11 points in the victory. Axel Toupane (200-G/F-92) answered with 15 points for France. Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket) and Rudy Gobert (212-C-92) chipped in 13 points each in the loss.

All-Stars: David Jelinek 21, Tornike Shengelia 16, Darko Planinic 11
France U20: Axel Toupane 15, Leo Westermann 13, Rudy Gobert 13

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: ToPo in financial problems - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Finnish Basketball Federation has today made a tough decision. They do not let Torpan Pojat (Helsinki) to participate the Top League (Korisliiga) 2012-13. ToPo is in such financial problems, that it's difficult, almost impossible to play a full season on top level. And this happens now as ToPo has club's anniversary. Sport club was founded 1932 and will be 80 yo in the fall. ToPo won bronze in May 2012, has played 51 seasons on top level and signed with Head Coach Mihailo Pavicevic just recently 1,5 weeks ago.
There will be 12 teams anyway coming 2012-13 season on top level. The Federation will give spot # 12 to Korikobrat (Lapua). Lapua has played nine seasons on the second highest level in Division 1. Last season Lapua was # 2, when FoKoPo (Forssa) won it all and made the way from Division 1 into Top League. The season 2012-13 will start on October 3.

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FRANCE

Fos-sur-Mer signs Issife Soumahoro - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Issife Soumahoro (197-F-88) officially became a new member of Fos-sur-Mer. They signed a deal yesterday. The Ivorian National Team forward currently plays for Boulazac. They reached ProB Grand Final, where they will meet Limoges. Boulazac already won the promotion for ProA as Limoges was the regular season champ of ProB. Soumahoro played 36 games for Boulazac so far averaging 3.8 points and 1.1 rebounds. He joined them in January of 2010. The forward had 4 ppg and 1.1 rpg for 16 games last season. He started 2010/11 with Strasbourg, where he played since 2006. Soumahoro also has experience from Levallois and Charenton. Issife Soumahoro played for the Ivory Coast National Team at the 2010 World Championship in Turkey. A year before that they won the Silver at the AfroBasket in Libya. Yesterday, Fos-sur-Mer already signed Chris Davis.

Johan Passave-Ducteil stays with JSF Nanterre - by Eurobasket News

Johan Passave-Ducteil (200-C-85) will return to JSF Nanterre for the next season. The French big guy decided not to use his option to become a free agent, so he stays with the club. Passave-Ducteil appeared 26 times in ProA averaging 7.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1 assist. It was his debut ProA season. Johan Passave-Ducteil joined Nanterre a year ago from Limoges. He had 10.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 1.5 spg for 38 games leading Nanterre to ProB title. The player was awarded with Eurobasket.com French ProB All-Domestic Players Team -11. From 2008 to 2010, Passave-Ducteil played for Limoges and they reached ProB Finals in both seasons. The center also has experience from Saint Etienne. He spent few years there in the past. In 2008 and 2011, Johan Passave-Ducteil was named Eurobasket.com All-French ProB Honorable Mention.

Maurienne keeps Houmounou and Yvrande - by Eurobasket News

Maurienne announced signing of a one-year contract extension with Meredis Houmounou (188-SG-88). The team also kept Thomas Yvrande (195-SF-84) until 2014.
Meredis Houmounou arrived to the club a year ago from Cholet. He appeared 37 times in ProB this season averaging 5.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 apg. In 2010/11, the guard had very limited playing time with Cholet. In the past he played for Evreux and Le Havre U20 team. Houmounou also played for the French U20 National Team in 2008.
Thomas Yvrande is a product of Maurienne, where he spent last 10 years. He had 3.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 1 apg this season for 31 games. With Maurienne, Yvrande reached ProB Semifinals in 2010.

Kim Tillie joins the National Team - by Eurobasket News

Kim Tillie (210-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Utah) is set to join the French National Team today. Due to absence of Ian Mahinmi, Ronny Turiaf and Joakim Noah, the FFBB decided to call Tillie. The 23-year-old player spent last two seasons with ASVEL. In the latest one he had 10.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 1.4 apg for 30 games in ProA. He participated at the ProA All-Star Game. In EuroCup, Tillie had 12.3 ppg and 4.8 rpg for 12 game. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup Honorable Mention -12. Kim Tillie joined ASVEL in 2010 and it was his pro deal. He graduated at the University of Utah that same year. Last summer Kim Tillie also was a part of the French NT training camp. In the past, he played for U20, U19 and U18 France.

News from Denain - by Eurobasket News

Denain is one of the most active teams on the transfer market these days. The French squad already signed deals with Vincent Ateba (195-F-85, college: Missouri So.), Clement Cavallo (197-F-90), Lee Humphrey (188-PG-84, college: Florida), Rafael Lopez (204-C-86) and Marcus Kitts (205-F-89, college: William & Mary). According to French media (Catch-and-shoot), Denain is close to add another player for the next season. Reportedly, it is Antoine Liorel (181-G-89) who should be used as a back up point guard behind Xavier Gaillou. Liorel spent last two seasons with Brest. In the latest one he had 8.9 ppg, 2.8 apg and 1.7 rpg for 31 games in NM1. In 2010/11, the player had slightly lower numbers. Before Brest, Antoine Liorel was a member of Quimper UJAP. He spent two years there. The point guard also has experience from Rouen. With Brest he reached NM1 Finals a year ago. In 2008, Liorel was the ProB regular season champion with Rouen.

Le Mans and Antoine Diot part ways - by Eurobasket News

Antoine Diot (191-PG-89) is no longer a member of Le Mans. The French squad officially announced this news yesterday. Diot missed almost the entire season due to injury. He appeared only four times with Le Mans. In 2010/11 season Diot had 8 ppg, 3.7 apg, 3.3 rpg and 2.1 spg for 30 games in ProA. He had slightly better numbers for 12 EuroCup games. Antoine Diot joined Le Mans in 2007 from CFBB. Before that, he spent one year with INSEP. Recently, he had an offer from Bourg, but he turned it down. According to some rumors, Paris-Levallois is also interested for the player.
Antoine Diot played for the French National Team at the 2009 EuroBasket in Poland. He had 5.1 ppg and 1.9 rpg for 8 games at this event. In 2009, he won the French Cup and Semaine des As with Le Mans. In the past, Diot very successfully played for U20, U19, U18 and U16 France.

Orchy tab Tony Stanley - by Eurobasket News

Orchy bolstered their roster. They brought in Tony Stanley (194-SG-77, college: Dayton). The guard has agreed on terms of two-year contract with the team. Tony Stanley spent the last two seasons with Boulogne. He averaged 10.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game in ProB last season. Previously Tony Stanley had stints with Gravelines, Le Havre, Buducnost, Cholet.

All-Stars rally past France in Treviso - by Eurobasket News

All-Stars - France U20 66:60

Adidas EuroCamp All-Stars selection took on French U20 National during the Adidas EuroCamo in Treviso. All-Stars claimed a narrow win at the end. David Jelinek (196-G-90) scored 21 points to lead the winners.
All-Stars enjoyed a narrow 15:14 lead after ten minutes. France bounced back in the second quarter. They outscored All-Stars 23:13 for a 9-point halftime lead. But All-Stars reacted with more aggressive defence in the third quarter. France managed just 11 points in the period and entered the final quarter up by just a single point 48:47. All-Stars held their opponents to 12 points in the final frame and sealed the victory at the end. Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91) accounted for 16 points, while Darko Planinic (211-C-90) provided 11 points in the victory. Axel Toupane (200-G/F-92) answered with 15 points for France. Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket) and Rudy Gobert (212-C-92) chipped in 13 points each in the loss.

All-Stars: David Jelinek 21, Tornike Shengelia 16, Darko Planinic 11
France U20: Axel Toupane 15, Leo Westermann 13, Rudy Gobert 13

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FYR MACEDONIA

GERMANY

The NOMA Iserlohn Kangaroos Sign Greg Baker - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Regionaliga team NOMA Iserlohn Kangaroos have announced the signing of Greg Baker (194-G/F-84, college: Adams St.) He is not an unknown face in the German basketball world as he played two years in the German PRO A for BG Karlsruhe and USC Heidelberg. Baker is a 26 year old 194cm swingman from Lewisville, Texas. Last season he played for Team Okinawa (Eurobasket Summer League in Houston): 3 games: 6.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg. "Greg fits 100% to our team", stated head coach Matthias Grothe. Baker played at Adams St. (NCAA2). Before coming to Germanyhe played for Albuquerque Thunderbirds (D-League) preseason camp, Gallup Outlaws (ABA) and Oklahoma Storm (USBL). In 2009-2010, he played for BG Karlsruhe (Germany-ProA, starting five): 30 games: 13.8ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 66.7%. In 2010-2011, he played for USC Heidelberg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 29 games: 10.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 26.4%, FT: 69.6%

Source: NOMA Iserlohn

John Cadmus Remains With BG Dorsten - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO B team BG Dorsten announced yesterday that their captain John Cadmus (183-G-85) will stay on board for this season. Cadmus is a 26 year old 183cm wing player from Germany that will be starting his 10th professional basketball season. Last season, he played 26 games: 11.3ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 81.5%. He scored in double figurs 14 times including two 23 point efforts against Wolfenbuettel and Leverkusen. "He was absolutly our wish player that we wanted to keep. I am happy that he will play another season for us", stressed BG Dorsten head coach Torsten Schierenbeck.

Source: BG Dorsten

Philipp Friedel Joins The Crailsheim Merlins - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After an injury plagued season in Duesseldorf, Philipp Friedel (185-G-87) is looking to start over with the Crailsheim Merlins who gave him a contract for the upcoming season. Friedel is a 25 year old 185cm guard that last season for the Gloria Giants played 26 games: 7.3ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 79.5%. He is one of the best German guards. He is a good shooter, but also brings many other attributes that will help us", stressed Merlins manager Martin Romig. Friedel started his basketball career in 2004 with USC Freiburg (2.Bundesliga) where he played until 2006. As a 19 year old, he already got a taste of the beko BBL playing for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 8 games: 0.3ppg - SV03 Tbingen 2nd team (Germany-Regionalliga): 21 games: 16.0ppg. In 2007-2008, he played for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 30 games: 9.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.1apg, 2FGP: 38.4%, 3FGP: 32.5%, FT: 76.7%, played also at Walter Tigers Tuebingen (1.Bundesliga), left in Nov.'07: DNP and came back to Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five). From 2008-2010, he played for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig (1.Bundesliga)playing a total of 7 Beko BBL games. He also had a license to play for the Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig (ProB). In 2010-2011, he played for the GiroLive-Ballers Osnabrueck (ProA): 25 games: 9.8ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 77.9%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Most Improved Player of the Year -10, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Honorable Mention -10, Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro B All-Domestic Players Team -10, and
German 2.Bundesliga Pro A Semifinals -12

Source: http://www.swp.de

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GREECE

Christoforos Stefanidis extended with Kavala for two more years - by Giorgos Diploidis

Christoforos Stefanidis (185-PG-80) will be player of Enosi Kalathosfairisis Kavalas until the end of season 2014. The experienced point guard is in the team of Macedonia the last 3 years and the good co-operation between the two sides led them to extend their partnership for two more years.

Stefanidis the last season with Enosi Kalathosfairisis Kavalas had 7.5ppg, 2.1rpg and 2.0apg in 26 games. Except the team of Enosi Kalathosfairisis Kavalas he has also played for AO Paleo Faliro Pireus and Marousi BC

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HOLLAND

Magixx Wijchen withdraw from Dutch Basketball League - by Fred Roggen

Magixx KidsRights Nijmegen have pulled out of the Dutch Basketball League for financial reasons. The Magixx KidsRights Nijmegen's will be unable to fulfil their commitments the upcoming season.
They had spent eleven years in the DBL, but has not ruled out a return in the future

League Positions:
95- (D2), 96- (D2), 97- (D1), 00-1 (D2), 01-7 (D1), 02-1, 03-1, 04-1, 05-3, 06-6, 07-2, 08-4, 09-5, 10-4, 11-4, 12-6
--------------------------------------------------------------------
League achievements:
Dutch Eredivisie Champion -03
Dutch Cup Winner -07
Dutch Eredivisie Regular Season Champion -02, 03, 04
Dutch Eredivisie Finalist -07
Dutch Cup Finalist -02, 12
Dutch Eredivisie Regular Season Runner-Up -07
Dutch Eredivisie Semifinals -04, 05, 08, 11
Dutch Cup Semifinals -06

GasTerra Flames extends Ties Theeuwkens - by Fred Roggen

GasTerra Flames extends Ties Theeuwkens (190-G-85, agency: Court Side)
GasTerra Flames has announced a new deal with guard/forward Ties Theeuwkens (190-G-85, agency: Court Side), who extended his contract until the end of
the 2012-13 season.
Theeuwkens has also played for Cape Holland Den Helder, Rotterdam Challengers and WCAA Giants Bergen op Zoom.
He finished the Dutch basketball league season with 3.3 points and 0.9 boards per game in 36 appearances for GasTerra Flames.

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IBL

2012 IBL PLAY-OFFS TO BE HOSTED BY BELLINGHAM SLAM - by John Gary

courtesy oursportscentral.com THe IBL has announced that the BEllingham Slam,currently in their fifth season in the league will host the 2012 play-offs, July 5,6, and 8 at Whatcom Pavillion in Bellingham. The home court of the Slam has served them well over the years,many teams in many years have not been able to win at their house including the 2011 IBL champion Vancouver Volcanoes. The past three years have seen two other great teams become champions in the LOs Angles Lightning in 2009 and the Albany Legends in 2010.

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ICELAND

Icelandic National Team - by Siggi Hjorleifsson

Peter Oqvist National Team Coach has selected 21 players to the training group for upcoming European Qualification games later this summer.
Iceland will play 5 games this year and all are at home against Serbia,Israel,Estonia, Slovakia and Montnegro. Not an easy group for Iceland
These players will start training this coming weekend.
Logi Gunnarsson Solna Vikings. Magnus Gunnarsson Keflavik. Helgi Magnusson 08 Stockholm. Jon Arnor Stefansson CAI Zaragosa. Hlynur Baeringsson Sundsvall Dragons. Jakob Sigurdarson Sundsvall Dragons.Sigurdur Thorsteinsson Grindavik. Hordur Axel Vilhjalmsson MBC. Brynjar Bjornsson Jamtland. Johann Olafsson Grindavik. Finnur Magnusson KR. Fannar Helgason Stjarnan. Axel Karason Vaerlose. Haukur Palsson Manresa. Aegir Steinarsson Newberry College. Justin Shouse Stjarnan. Arni Ragnarsson Fjolnir
Justin Shouse and Arni Ragnarsson have not played National Teams games before

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IRAN

Iran record second straight win in Amman - by Eurobasket News

Iran - Palestine 106:52

Iran registered the second straight win at the start of the WABA Championship. They fired past Palestine to improve at 2-0 record. Reza Lotfi (191-G/F-83) notched 19 points for the winners.
Iran left their opponents far behind in the opening frame. The defending champions reeled off to a 33:11 start. They unleashed 32 points in the second quarter to establish a 55:23 halftime lead. Palestine managed to slow down their opponents in the third term. Palestine outscored Iran to cut the distance but the reigning champions quickly restored the tempo and cruised to the victory at the end. Hamed Afagh (190-SG-83) knocked down 18 points, while Samad Nik Khahbahrami (198-F-83) provided 11 points in the victory. Jamal Abu-Shamala (196-F/G-87, college: Minnesota) answered with 15 points and 7 rebounds for Palestine. Nicola Fadayel (194-F-87) and Sakakini Sani (204-C-88) had 8 points each in the loss.

Iran: Reza Lotfi 19, Hamed Afagh 18, Samad Nik Khahbahrami 11
Palestine: Jamal Abu-Shamala 15, Nicola Fadayel 8, Sakakini Sani 8

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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. Dean, Sidigas AV	16.0
7. Shakur, Novipiu CM	16.0
8. Pullen, Angelico BI	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.	3.5
9. Perkins, Bennet C.	3.3
10. Stipcevic, Cimber.	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. Crosariol, Acea R.	0.8

Countdown to Torino, Italy, ESL July 1-3 - by Eurobasket

Eurobasket and Chris Warren are very excited about the upcoming ESL in Torino, Italy. For player's who want to be seen first hand by clubs in Europe this is the best opportunity because the teams are already here. Torino gives everyone in Europe and for those players flying in from the U.S. a much more nuetral location. Also, with the fact that we have a great partnership with Federico Paci and the PMS Torino Basketball Club where Federico has a personal strong relationship with the management, we feel very confident with the level that this event will be run. We have been in contact with many gm's, scouts, agents and coaches from Italy, Ukraine, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and France who are coming to the Torino ESL and we are looking forward to establishing one of the strongest summer league events back in Italy. Also, during the ESL when games are not being run there will be a coaches and general manager workshop for all of us to talk basketball, team needs and look more in depth into players backgrounds.
The Players can register on: http://www.eurobasketsummerleague.com/PlayerRegistration.asp?event=Torino

Dates:
July 1-3

Location and Hotel:
Our host will be PMS Torino Basketball Club, Italy
Our host hotel will be L'Hotel Tulip inn, Turin, Italy

Please e-mail Chris Warren directly at warsportscorp@msn.com for airline details.
Players and teams are guaranteed to play six games in 3 days as well as receive individual instruction.
All games will be videotaped.

Reggio Emilia keeps Head Coach Menetti until 2014 - by Eurobasket News

Reggio Emilia awarded its Head Coach Massimiliano Menetti with one-year contract extension. It means that Menetti will stay with the club until the end of 2013/14 season. Reggio Emilia won the Lega Due regular season title with 20-8 record. At the same time they won the promotion for SerieA. The team didnt participate in the Playoffs. Massimiliano Menetti took over Reggio Emilia as Head Coach last summer. He served as Assistant Coach there in 2010/11. Before Reggio Emilia, Menetti worked as AC of Montegranaro. In the past, Menetto worked with Reggio Emilia few years as Assistant Coach and he also was a Head Coach there in 2006/07. He also coached the club from 1998 to 2003, when they competed in minor leagues.

Bologna close to Matt Janning - by Eurobasket News

Bologna are looking for the roster strengthening. They are closely watching Matt Janning (193-G-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Northeastern). The team has reportedly made an offer for the guard. Matt Janning is not new to Italy. He spent the last season with Novipiu Casale. Matt Janning averaged 12.6 points, 3.6 boards, 1.7 assists per game in SeriaA. The guard started his pro career in 2010/11 season. He played for the Maine Red Claws and Rio Grande Valley Vipers in D-League. His stats read 9.3 points, 3.5 boards, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals for the Red Claws. In Vipers uniform the guard posted 11.0 points, 4.4 boards and 2.7 assists per appearance.

SerieA Round 3 of Finals. Montepaschi Siena are step away from the title - by Eurobasket News

Armani Mit - Montepaschi 79-82

Montepaschi Siena came within reach of SeriaA title after they handed Emporio Armani the third loss in a row. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 10-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 82-79. 30 personal fouls committed by Armani Milano helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for Lithuanian center Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-79) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points. Australian center David Andersen (212-80) helped adding 11 points and 6 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American guard Malik Hairston (198-87, college: Oregon) with 25 points (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) and swingman Alessandro Gentile (197-92) scored 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Armani Mit: M.Hairston 25+3reb, A.Gentile 13+7reb+5ast, O.Cook 12+1reb+5ast, L.Radosevic 8+2reb, S.Mancinelli 8+5reb, N.Melli 4+3reb
Montepaschi: K.Lavrinovic 17+3reb+1ast, R.Kaukenas 15+2ast, S.Stonerook 13+3reb, D.Andersen 11+6reb+2ast, N.Zisis 9+6reb+2ast, B.McCalebb 7+7reb+5ast

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IVORY COAST

JAMAICA

NBL: Flames scorch Sav Hawks by 37 points - by Eurobasket News

It took them seven tries but Lucea Flames finally won their first game in the Flow National Basketball League-West when they beat fellow promoted team Sav Hawks by 37 points (96-59) at the Montego Bay Cricket Club on Saturday.

After their six-game winless streak, Flames exploded for 96 points, third highest points output by any team this season with only unbeaten Granville Jaguars, who have scored at least 100 points twice, topping them in that area.

Craig Dorman scored a game-high 24 points in his first game this season for the last-placed Flames as three players scored in double figures.

In the second game, MoBay Hoopers scored back-to-back wins when they beat Railway Tigers, 82-67, the second time they were beating Tigers this season.

In the first game of the day, Flames trailed Sav who suited up only eight players, by three points (17-20) after the first quarter but they outscored them by 28 points (51-23) over the next two quarters as they drove to their long overdue win.

Dorman also grabbed 12 rebounds along with six assists and nine turnovers, Julian Walker also had a double-double 23 points and 10 rebounds along with six steals and three assists, while Mitchell McLean continued his impressive run, scoring 10 points and had eight rebounds and two assists.

Hawks, who have lost six straight since winning their first two games, were led by Richard Chambers who scored 15 points and had five rebounds and five steals as well as two assists; Maurice Rodriques scored nine points and had 10 rebounds, two blocked shots and four steals, while Richard Russell scored eight points.

Hoopers also had a slow start against Tigers and were down 8-16 after the first quarter, and despite closing the gap in the second quarter, trailed by two points (29-31) at half-time.

They, however, dominated the second half, as they led by two points (52-50) before turning up the tempo in the fourth quarter to run out easy winners.

Four players led by the impressive Nicholas Watson and Marlon Comrie, all scored in double digits for MoBay Hoopers.

Watson had 19 points and 25 rebounds along with five steals and two assists, while Comrie also had 19 points and 19 rebounds, six blocked shots, eight steals and two assists. Dwayne Johns scored 13 points, while Rayon Bolt scored 11 points.

Courtesy of Jamaican Observer

Jaguars face searing Flames in NBL - by Eurobasket News

After Sunday's exciting over-time win over defending champions Catherine Hall All-Stars at Montego Bay CC, Granville Jaguars will this afternoon seek their eighth straight win against the resurgent Lucea Flames in their Flow National Basketball League-West game.

The Jaguars were pushed to the limit on Sunday, rallying from a double-digit deficit at half-time to beat Catherine Hall by two points (65-63) to run their record to seven straight wins.

Today, they face a Flames team that has shaken off six straight losses to win their last two Saturday and Sunday against Sav Hawks and Railway Tigers, respectively.

Granville, who beat Lucea, 100-72, in their first game, will have the advantage entering today's game.

On Sunday, Catherine Hall were without the injured Vaughn Corke and also played most of the second half without shooting guard Goyan Malcolm, who picked up his fourth foul with four minutes 15 seconds to go in the third.

Malcolm returned late in the fourth quarter, however, to rally All-Stars to tie the game at 59 after they gave up a 10-point lead (36-26) at half-time.

Catherine Hall got off to a brilliant start in the game that lived up to its pre-game hype, scoring 10 straight points after Granville had scored the opening basket, increasing that to 29-17 with five minutes 36 seconds left in the second quarter.

The first half ended with spectacular back-to-back three-pointers from Granville's Ivaughn Lee and Catherine Hall's Jermaine Rerrie.

Lee scored a turnaround basket from just outside the three-point arc after eluding two defenders, but Rerrie, the Catherine Hall centre, threw up a prayer from just inside his own half as time ran out.

The turning point came midway the third quarter when Catherine Hall led, 43-37, and Malcolm picked up his fourth foul and went to the bench, giving Granville the chance to take over the game. This limited the champions to nine points in the period as they cut the deficit, 41-45, then took the lead two minutes and 48 seconds into the fourth quarter at the end of a 7-0 run to start the quarter.

Catherine Hall battled to force the extra period, but watched as Granville scored the first five points in extra time and go on to win.

Dave Black Jnr and Andrew Whilby both scored 13 points for Granville as Rerrie led all scorers with 17 points, 28 rebounds and five assists. Malcolm finished with 14 points and eight steals, while Marvin Powell and Kurt Dorman scored 12 points.

Earlier Lucea, who score 96 points in their win over a badly slumping Hawks on Saturday, ran away from Railway, 73-62, despite a combined 35 points from Omar Biggs and Damion Smith.

Julian Walker had 21 points for Lucea and Gavin Forbes 10, while Cecil Cole had nine points and eight rebounds.

Biggs had a game-high 22 points and Damion 13, along with 23 rebounds and three blocked shots.

Courtesy of www.jamaicaobserver.com

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JAPAN

Ryuji Kawai remain at helm of Hamamatsu Phoenix - by Eurobasket News

Hamamatsu Phoenix will keep Ryuji Kawai at head coaching position for another season. The sides have reached an agreement on terms of contract extension. Ryuji Kawai joined Hamamatsu back in 2008. He worked as an assistant coach for two seasons. Ryuji Kawai was promoted to head coach position at the start of the previous season. He replaced Kazuo Nakamura on the bridge. Kawai led the team to 37-15 record in BJ League regular season. Hamamatsu then rallied into the BJ League Finals where they lost to Okinawa.
Ryuji Kawai also worked as assistant coach with OSG Phoenix in JBL. He won BJ League champions title in 2010 serving as assistant coach to Kazuo Nakamura .

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JORDAN

LATVIA

Kings bring in Martins Berkis and Agnis Cavars for tryout - by Eurobasket News

Sodertalje Kings announced that Martins Berkis (198-F-85, agency: TSS Management) and Agnis Cavars (198-F-86) arrived to the club for tryout.
Martins Berkis spent this season with Slovakian BK Iskra Svit. He had 15.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.3 spg for 39 games. Berkis was awarded with Eurobasket.com Slovakian League All-Bosmans Team -12 and also Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League Honorable Mention -12. He helped the club to reach the Slovakian league Semifinals. Before Svit, the Latvian played for Komarno and Icelandic Snaefell. With them he won the Icelandic league title and Cup.
Agnis Cavars played 16 games for Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels this season registering 3.3 ppg and 1 rpg. They competed in German ProA. In 2010/11, Cavars played for Latvian Barons Riga. He had 11.2 ppg and 6.1 rpg for 36 games in LBL. They won the LBL title together in 2010.

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LEBANON

Rony Fahed signed with Mouttahed for 3 years - by Maarouf Mawloud

Fahed Rony (184-PG-81),has just signed a contract with Al-Mouttahed club tripoli for 3 years.
Its the first official signing for al mouttahed tripoli for the upcoming season and there's lot of rumors saying that they will make another important step to make a great team.
Fahed Rony played last season in china with TianJin Rongcheng and had an average of 17 points 5 rebounds and 4 assists

for the arabic version please visit : http://www.sportkello.com/basketball/basketball/basketball-lebanon/10692-exclusive-

Lebanon cruise past Yemen - by Eurobasket News

Lebanon - Yemen 109:74

Lebanon celebrated the second win in a row at the WABA Championship. They knocked down Yemen yesterday to stay undefeated. Six players scored in double figures for Lebanon. Nadim Souaid (192-F/G-86) led the effort with 19 points and 13 boards. Fadi Khatib missed the game for personal reasons.
Lebanon erupted for 35 points in the opening quarter to clear off. They piled up a 24-point lead at the first intermission. Lebanon maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They arrived at halftime up by 25 points 56:31. Lebanon kept the pressure growing in the third term. They boosted the margin by 11 more points and sealed the victory in the fourth term. Cheikh Hussein El Khatib (186-PG-86) and Elie Estephane (194-G-86, college: Alabama So. CC) produced 18 points each for the winners. Mohammed Yaeesh (182-PG-93) reacted with 17 points for Yemen. Salah Al-Hanbasi (184-G-89) netted 15 points in the loss.

Lebanon: Nadim Souaid 19+13 boards, Cheikh Hussein El Khatib 18, Elie Estephane 18
Yemen: Mohammed Yaeesh 18, Salah Al-Hanbasi 15

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LITHUANIA

Lietuvos Rytas target Dejan Ivanov - by Eurobasket News

Lietuvos Rytas are close to penning deal with Dejan Ivanov (205-F/C-86, agency: Beo Basket). The sided have reportedly reached an agreement on terms of contract. Dejan Ivanov spent the last season with Montegranaro. The Bulgarian centre averaged 13.1 points, 8.2 boards, 1.3 steals and 1.3 assists per game in SeriaA. It was his third straight season with the team. Eurobasket.com gave Dejan Ivanov All-Italian SeriaA Honourable Mention in 2011. In 2010 he made it into Italian SeriaA All-Bosmans Team. Previously the centre had stints in Spain, Croatia, Bulgaria and Russia. He has been the member of Bulgarian National Team since 2005. Dejan Ivanov participated at 2011 EuroBasket. His stats read 10.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in Lithuania.

Lietuvos Rytas officially signs Dejan Ivanov - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Dejan Ivanov (205-F/C-86, agency: Beo Basket) officially became a new member of Lietuvos Rytas. They signed a deal yesterday. Ivanov heads to Rytas from Fabi Shoes Montegranaro, where he spent last three and a half years. He appeared 32 times in SerieA this season averaging 13.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists. In 2010/11, he had almost the same numbers. Dejan Ivanov joined Montegranaro in March of 2009 from Zadar. Before that, he had a great season with Split collecting 15.2 ppg and 8.1 rpg for 20 games in Croatian league. In the past, Ivanov also played for Mallorca, Caja San Fernando, Cherno More and Avtodor Saratov. He is active member of the Bulgarian National Team since 2008. Last summer at the EuroBasket in Poland, Ivanov had 10.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg for 5 games.

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MEXICO

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Devon PEARSON
  Los M.
  (198-F-84)
  Avg: 27.2

1. Pearson, Los M.	27.2
2. Reese, Tepic	24.4
3. Thomas, Cananea	22.6
4. Scott, Los Mochis	22.4
5. McCullough, Nogales	22.3
6. Robinson, Culiacan	22.1
7. Alexander, Cananea	21.8
8. Carter, Guasave	20.4
9. Selleaze, Navolato	20.3
10. Hornsby, Tijuana	20.1

Rebounds Per Game

Deangelo RILEY
  Tepic
  (205-C-)
  Avg: 11.2

1. Riley, Tepic	11.2
2. Pearson, Los M.	10.2
3. Alexander, Cananea	10.1
4. Selleaze, Navolato	8.4
5. Sanders-F., Nogales	8.2
6. Scott, Los Mochis	8.0
7. Robinson, Culiacan	7.8
8. Habel, Guaymas	7.7
9. Moore, Navolato	7.6
10. Strobbe, Nogales	7.4

Assists Per Game

William FUNN
  Los Mochis
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 9.4

1. Funn, Los Mochis	9.4
2. Allen, Guaymas	7.4
3. Monreal, Hermosillo	5.8
4. Taylor, Los Mochis	5.8
5. Hornsby, Tijuana	4.6
6. Harris, Cananea	4.6
7. Nungaray, Guaymas	4.1
8. Riley, Tepic	4.1
9. Pulido, Culiacan	3.9
10. Quintero, Tijuana	3.8

Steals Per Game

Brian HAMILTON
  Hermosillo
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Hamilton, Hermosil.	1.9
2. George, Nogales	1.8
3. Gibson, Navolato	1.6
4. Hornsby, Tijuana	1.5
5. Monreal, Hermosillo	1.5
6. Riley, Tepic	1.5
7. Thomas, Cananea	1.4
8. Carter, Guasave	1.3
9. Toussaint, Los M.	1.3
10. Buelna, Guasave	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Deangelo RILEY
  Tepic
  (205-C-)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Riley, Tepic	3.5
2. Habel, Guaymas	1.4
3. Zamora, Culiacan	1.3
4. Wiley, Los Mochis	1.0
5. Young, Tepic	0.9
6. Alexander, Cananea	0.9
7. Davis, Nogales	0.8
8. Robinson, Culiacan	0.8
9. Scott, Los Mochis	0.8
10. Tate, Tijuana	0.7

Guaymas grab 1-0 lead in CIBACOPA Finals - by Eurobasket News

Finals, Game 1: Hermosillo - Guaymas 88-96 (0-1)

First game of the 2012 CIBACOPA Finals was played last night. Guaymas did a great job against Hermosillo celebrating 88-96 road victory for 1-0 lead in the series. The format is best-of-seven and teams will meet today again. Hermosillo will be the host one more time.
The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Rayos de Hermosillo won third quarter 31-30. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American forward Jerome Habel (208-85, college: San Diego St.) fired 33 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds for the winners. His fellow American import point guard Myron Allen (182-79, college: Lee JC) chipped in 25 points and 6 assists. The former international swingman Alonso Izaguirre (200-76) produced 20 points and 7 rebounds and American forward Emmanuel Little (196-85, college: N.Dakota) added 20 points respectively for lost side. Five Rayos de Hermosillo players scored in double figures.
Hermosillo was the regular season champion in CIBACOPA with 34-4 record. Guaymas was No.2 with 27-11 score. It is already clear that CIBACOPA will get a new champion this season as Cananea is out of the Finals. Los Moschis eliminated them with perfect 4-0 in the Quarterfinals. Later, Hermosillo edged Los Moschis with 4-2 in the Semis.

Hermosillo: E.Little 20+3reb+3ast, A.Izaguirre 20+7reb+1ast, P.Sanders 15+3reb+1ast, B.Hamilton 13+5reb+1ast, J.Camacho 11+7reb+3ast, J.Manuel Esteva 7+8reb+2ast
Guaymas: J.Habel 33+8reb, M.Allen 25+3reb+6ast, A.Pedroza 13+4reb+1ast, H.Nungaray 8+2reb+1ast, H.Carrillo 8+3reb, F.Benitez 4

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MONTENEGRO

Mihailo Pavicevic will not join ToPo - by Darko Pekic

Montenegrin coach Mihailo Pavicevic contacted eurobasket.com today and officially denied the transaction news 'Mihailo Pavicevic returns to Finland' published on our pages on June 5, 2012. Here is the full version of Pavicevic's letter:

Dear,

I got a lot of calls and mesagges from my Finnish friends congratulating me for taking the head coaching position in first division club ToPo from Helsinki. They found that information on eurobasket and in some local media. I must deny that I signed any type of contract with the above mentioned club. However, I do not deny that I negotiated with them and that I was satisfied with the offer. I even received a draft of the contract and I was ready to sign it but my friends from Finland informed me that it would not be the right thing to do. ToPo has financial problems and the basketball federation probably will not let them play in the highest division next year so I had to say no to that offer. Thank you for giving me space on your pages. I appreciate all the efforts that eurobasket.com and its correspondents are making to promote basketball in Montenegro.

Best Regards,
Mihailo Pavicevic

Actually, Finnish Basketball Federation made a tough decision today. They will not not let Torpan Pojat Helsinki to participate in the Top League (Korisliiga) 2012-13 season. ToPo is in big financial problems, and it would be difficult, almost impossible to play a full season on top level so the ultimate decision had to be made. Unfortunately, it happens now as ToPo has club's anniversary- the club was founded in 1932 and they will reach 80 years this fall.

Eurobasket.com would like to take this opportunity to apologize to Mr. Mihailo Pavicevic for any inconvinience we caused him.

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NBA

Obama avoids predicting winner in NBA championship - by Eurobasket News

Politically speaking, you'd think President Barack Obama would have a free pass to pick a winner in the NBA championship. The game pits the Oklahoma City Thunder from solidly Republican Oklahoma against the Miami Heat, in the crucial swing state of Florida.

Asked by a television reporter from Reno, Nev., to predict a winner on Monday Obama demurred.

Obama, an avid basketball fan, said, quoting: "Both teams look terrific and I am looking forward to a good series. Hopefully, it will go to seven games. But I can't make a prediction right now. They both look pretty tough."

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Seattle mayor meets with David Stern - by Eurobasket News

Mayor Mike McGinn met with NBA Commissioner David Stern in New York City on Monday to tell him Seattle wants to bring back professional basketball.

"We met so the mayor could show his commitment to bringing an NBA team back to Seattle," wrote McGinn spokesman Aaron Pickus in an email.

The visit came as a surprise to local representatives of Chris Hansen, the San Francisco hedge-fund manager who is proposing to spend up to $800 million to partially finance a new arena and buy an NBA team.

Rollin Fatland, a spokesman for Hansen, said he didn't know anything about the meeting.

"What the hell is that about?" Fatland said, adding that the mayor may have contacted others about the meeting. "I'm not aware that anyone asked him to do it."

Pickus said the meeting was part of an East Coast work trip. The mayor is heading next to Washington, D.C., then to Orlando, Fla., for the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

The Seattle City Council and Metropolitan King County Council are currently considering a proposal to build a nearly $500 million state-of-the art sports and entertainment venue in the Sodo neighborhood. The public contribution would be capped at $200 million.

Seattle City Council member Tim Burgess said Monday he is in the process of hiring independent experts to review the agreement's legal and financial implications.

It's premature, Burgess said, to reveal details about experts because a contract hasn't yet been finalized. The hiring would be done through the Government Performance and Finance Committee he chairs. Burgess said City Council President Sally Clark has given the necessary approval.

"This is a very significant proposal, and the council received it in May and we have to do our due diligence," he said.

The City Council would share information from its experts with the County Council, Burgess said.

Pete von Reichbauer, a Republican County Council member and longtime Sonics fan, said a thorough vetting of the proposal does not mean local officials oppose the deal offered by Hansen.

"If I'm going to buy a house, I want an expert third party to examine it. I'm not going to rely on the seller" for all the information, von Reichbauer said.

"To (Hansen's) credit he has made it clear he understands it's our job to ask questions and his to have answers," von Reichbauer said.

Several County Council members have said they support the idea of hiring independent experts to augment the county's planned review by staff analysts and a volunteer panel of experts appointed by Councilmember Joe McDermott, chair of the budget committee.

The four Republicans on the nine-member council wrote a letter last week complaining they weren't consulted about the panel that McDermott, a Democrat, announced last month. McDermott and Council Chair Larry Gossett wrote back saying they regretted that not all council members were consulted.

Both the city and county councils have heard concerns from the Port of Seattle and maritime industries that the proposed location could hurt freight mobility and the long-term viability of the city's dominant industrial area south of downtown.

With an agreement signed by both councils, Chris Hansen could go shopping for an NBA team. McGinn had been negotiating with Hansen on an arena deal since last July and supports the proposal.

"The Councils are very much reviewing the proposal. In the case of the County Council, we want to know if it's a worthy and safe investment for $80 million," McDermott said.

Neither Burgess nor McDermott would comment on McGinn's meeting with Stern. But McDermott speculated that Hansen might look into securing an NBA team even before an agreement is finalized, if one became available.

In announcing a memorandum of understanding with Hansen, McGinn and County Executive Dow Constantine said a new NBA or NHL team could play temporarily at KeyArena until a new arena is built.

Courtesy of http://seattletimes.nwsource.com

Sources: Sixers interviewing candidates for Thorn's job - by Eurobasket News

Whether the Sixers need wholesale changes or a tweak here or there this offseason, the first change appears to be with the man charged with making those moves.

The Sixers are currently interviewing potential replacements for president of basketball operations Rod Thorn, team sources told the Daily News on Monday.

The team has received permission to talk with personnel executives from some teams, a source said. The Sixers also have been turned down by some organizations.

Potential candidates, according to league sources, include San Antonio vice president of operations Danny Ferry ; Spurs assistant GM Dennis Lindsey; Jeff Bower, who was a general manager for the New Orleans Hornets; Oklahoma City assistant GM Troy Weaver ; Atlanta GM Rick Sund , whose contract expires at the end of June; and Milwaukee GM John Hammond, who has a year remaining on his deal. Hammond, who was denied permission to talk to Portland last month, was an assistant coach for Doug Collins with Detroit.

The Sixers' interview group consists of owner Josh Harris, CEO Adam Aron, Collins and Thorn, a source said.

Thorn, 71, took a similar role in identifying his successor in New Jersey when the Nets hired Billy King as general manager in 2010.

Thorn is entering the final year of his 3-year contract as president, but the deal he signed in August 2010 with then-chairman Ed Snider included a provision for Thorn to become a part-time consultant for 5 years after his contract expired.

A team source said that the process of replacing Thorn could take up to a year, which is why the search has started now. If "Mr. Right" were to come along in the near future, the Sixers would make the hire and Thorn would assume his part-time role immediately. The search did not start until after the Sixers' run into the second round of the playoffs had ended, the source said.

The source indicated that the organization is in no way trying to remove Thorn from his position; rather, it is trying to start a process that could take a while to complete, maybe even until Thorn's contract has expired.

One has to wonder, though, as the relationship between Collins and Thorn has appeared to be cool at times and downright cold at others. Both are extremely competitive individuals, and the butting of heads certainly had to be expected. But the source denied there was anything behind this move other than getting a head start on what might be a long process.

Courtesy of http://articles.philly.com

Philadelphia 76ers Lou Williams Set To Opt-Out, Test Free Agency - by Eurobasket News

One of the many surprises of this NBA season was the play of the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that finished 41-41 in 2010-2011, who led the Atlantic Division for much of the season. But the 76ers ultimately lost in the 1st round to the Boston Celtics and now, just like 27 other teams in the NBA (three are still in the playoffs), it is time for them to rebuild. One of the 76ers first targets will be their key bench player Louis Williams (6'3''-PG-86).

Williams came off the bench this past season for the 76ers and played extremely well averaging 14.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. Williams has a 5.35 million player option for next season, though and it is widely expected that he will test free-agency. There has been much speculation that Williams will test free-agency, seeing if he can possibly get starter type money from, either the 76ers, or another team who is interested in his services.

Certainly the 76ers will try to re-sign Williams but, with him being an unrestricted free-agent, if a team is desperate for a scorer off the bench, (particularly the Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, and Orlando Magic come to mind as teams needing scoring off the bench), they might pay the type of money the 76ers cant match. The Clippers will have some money to spend in free-agency and, if the Magic can unload the contract of Hedo Turkoglu they will have money to go after Williams.

But the Mavericks, if they are interested in signing Williams (as there has not really been a front-runner to pursue him), will be one of the few teams with a lot of money to spend. The Mavericks goal in free-agency though, is not Louis Williams but Deron Williams, a native of Dallas. The Mavericks are hoping that Deronwould like to come play for his hometown team but the odds of that are slim as, according to some information,Deron has the New Jersey Nets first on his list, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers, with the Mavericks a distant third.

So getting back to the point of this article, Louis Williams, it seems that, unless the 76ers are ready to fork out a big sum of cash, they will be losing Williams via free-agency.

Courtesy of www.rantsports.com

Derek Fisher has no plans to retire - by Eurobasket News

Oklahoma City has embraced and enjoyed all that Derek Fisher (6'1''-PG-74, college: UALR) has to offer, since his midseason arrival.

But what's next for the 37-year-old guard, who approaches free agency when The Finals are complete?

'I've always tried my best, as I approach free agent summers, to not think that much about it until I'm there', Fisher said. 'And especially at this time in a season, where so much is at stake right now. So I couldn't accurately or truthfully answer that question, because I don't know where I'll be emotionally or psychologically after this season is over.'

Courtesy of http://newsok.com

Kobe and Vanessa Bryant - divorce called off, for now - by Eurobasket News

Vanessa Bryant will not sign documents to make her divorce final, at least for now, because TMZ has learned, she and Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) are working on a full reconciliation.

We've learned Kobe and Vanessa are trying to work out the issues that caused her to file for divorce back in December. They spend a lot of time together but he has not officially moved back in with her.

Under California law, Vanessa has to wait 6 months before she can file final docs making the divorce official. The 6-month mark hits this weekend, so Vanessa could end the marriage as early as Monday, but we know she won't.

Now here's the deal. We're told Kobe and Vanessa have had their ups and downs since she filed for divorce and there's nothing stopping her from filing final divorce papers at some point in the future if things don't work out.

One more thing. If Kobe and Vanessa end up living together it will be in one of her 3 mansions, because he signed over all the deeds to her while they were working out divorce details.

Courtesy of www.tmz.com

Mike Miller denies that he will soon retire - by Eurobasket News

The text message was swift and to the point, only minutes after ESPN reported that he had said these NBA Finals could be the final two weeks of his career.

"What!!!!" was the text message reply from Miami Heat forward Mike Miller (6'8''-F/G-80, college: Florida) to the Sun Sentinel.

A few minutes later, after he had the chance to get to others who had made him aware of the report, came a phone call.

"I'm not retiring," he told the Sun Sentinel. "I don't know what I'm doing."

The fact that retirement talk had gone public was not nearly as upsetting to Miller as the timing.

"What I said is I guess I've got to figure out what is best for me," he said, stressing that the last thing that should stand as an issue on the eve of the NBA Finals was his future.

As it is, the reserve 3-point specialist already has been considering his future, including a June 30 auction of his Hillsboro Shores mansion.

When discussing that sale with the Sun Sentinel last week, Miller said, "I'm in it to move on to the next step."

These have been trying times for Miller, who has fought through and continues to fight through a series of chronic injuries. While the ESPN report mentioned both pregame and halftime pain-killer injections, Miller, who has been dealing with back issues, said the shots were not nearly that frequent.

Should Miller, 32, retire, he would forgo $18.8 million over the next three seasons.

In addition, a Miller retirement would allow the Heat to retain the one-time "amnesty" clause they can utilize to avoid a luxury-tax payment on a player who was under contract to the Heat prior to this season.

A retirement by Miller and an "amnesty" of, say, forward Udonis Haslem or center Joel Anthony in the offseason could provide greater free-agency flexibility for the franchise going forward.

For his part, Miller said it is an issue that should be off-limits just as any other issue that does not directly pertain to this championship series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

"This is not the time for that," he said. "And it's not something that I even know what's going to happen."

Courtesy of www.sun-sentinel.com

Dynamic Duos Decide the Finals? - by Daniel Gibson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK---The Miami Heat came into the series as a clear underdog for the first time in the "Big 3" era against the Thunder, and the Thunder's play may have validated that decision.

The Thunder pulled away late after taking a one point lead into the fourth quarter to hold down their home court, 105-94. Kevin Durant led all scorers with 36 and 17 of those came in the fourth quarter where the sellout crowd showered him with chants of "MVP." Russell Westbrook played a great game and was two rebounds shy of a triple-double with, 27 points, 11 assists and eight boards in his first Finals game.

The two main players did what they have done up to this point and the supporting cast filled in and stepped up when they were called upon. Serge Ibaka had 10 points and six rebounds, Nick Collison had eight points and 10 rebounds and Thabo Sefolosha had nine points but his defense on the heat super stars was key.

The Miami Heat nearly had the same format, except one key piece was missing.

LeBron James had his usual 30 points, nine rebounds and four assists. The supporting cast stepped up big early; Shane Battier had 17 points and Mario Chalmers had 12. The problem for the Heat was the lack of a big game from a second super star.

Dwyane Wade struggled to get going. He finished with 19 points, shooting 7-of-19. Many of those misses where on long jump shots that he shot off the dribble with a defender crowding him. He had success driving to the basket and putting pressure on the defense. Chris Bosh chipped in 10 points off the bench but he shot 4-of-11 and couldn't really get into the flow of the game.

The Heat had the lead for the majority of three quarters but in the final quarter when the game got tight, the Thunder played through their two main guys and Miami couldn't get crucial stops. If Dwyane Wade is able to attack more and take some of the scoring burden off of LeBron James the Heat will be in position to win game 2 and head back to Miami for three straight games with the series tied 1-1.

For the Thunder, they got five points out of the Sixth Man Award winner James Harden. He's another weapon that they have so they definitely feel confident being able to win without much of a contribution from one of their top guns.

It will be interesting to see the adjustments made for game 2 tomorrow night. The Heat feel stealing one game would make a successful trip, the Thunder want to head to Miami with a 2-0 advantage.

Which dynamic duo will step up and lead their team to a win? Which role player will step up and give support?

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NCAA1

The top 54 non-conference contests for the 2012-13 campaign - by Eurobasket News

This is an early look at most of the best non-conference matchups for next season. This is not a final list since some teams still haven't finished their schedule, but this will include most of the "can't miss" non-league games for the 2012-13 campaign.

Are you eager already for college hoops? We are. That's why we couldn't wait to show you what's already on the slate for next season. Although the college hoops campaign is still well more than 100 days away, hopefully this list makes it feel a little closer. What did we get right or wrong? Too high or too low?

2012-13 Top Non-Conference Games

1) Dec. 29 - Kentucky at Louisville

2) Nov. 27 - North Carolina at Indiana (ACC-Big Ten)

3) Nov. 13 - Kentucky vs. Duke, Champions Classic (Atlanta)

4) Nov. 13 - Kansas vs. Michigan State, Champions Classic (Atlanta)

5) Dec. 22 - Kansas at Ohio State

6) Nov. 28 - Ohio State at Duke (ACC-Big Ten)

7) Dec. 15 - Louisville at Memphis

8) Dec. 28 - Missouri at UCLA

9) Dec. 1 - San Diego State vs. UCLA in Wooden Classic

10) Nov. 9 - Syracuse vs. San Diego State in Battle of Midway

11) Dec. 29 - UNLV at North Carolina

12) Nov. 27 - N.C. State at Michigan

13) Dec. 15 - Florida at Arizona

14) Dec. 1 - Baylor at Kentucky

15) Nov. 9 - Ohio State vs. Marquette at Carrier Classic in Charleston

16) Dec. 28 - Baylor at Gonzaga

17) Nov. 14 - Wisconsin at Florida

18) Dec. 5 - Florida at Florida State

19) Nov. 29 - Kentucky at Notre Dame (SEC-Big East)

20) Dec. 15 - Indiana vs. Butler in Indianapolis

21) Dec. 8 - Wisconsin at Marquette

22) Jan. 4 - Memphis at Tennessee

23) Dec. 15 - Alabama at VCU

24) Jan. 19 - Gonzaga at Butler

25) Dec. 22 - Texas at Michigan State

26) Dec. 22 - Florida vs. Kansas State in Kansas City

27) Dec. 19 - North Carolina at Texas

28) Dec. 31 - Gonzaga at Oklahoma State

29) Dec. 8 - Texas vs. UCLA in Houston

30) Dec. 15 - Kansas State at Gonzaga in Seattle

31) Jan. 5 - Temple at Kansas

32) Dec. 8 - Duke vs. Temple in East Rutherford, N.J. (Izod Center)

33) Nov. 28 - Michigan State at Miami

34) Nov. 27 - Minnesota at Florida State

35) Nov. 29 - Marquette at Florida (SEC-Big East)

36) Dec. 22 - Temple vs. Syracuse in the Gotham Classic (NY)

37) Dec. 15 - West Virginia vs. Michigan in Brooklyn

38) Dec. 4 - Texas vs. Georgetown in the Jimmy V Classic (NYC)

39) Dec. 4 - N.C. State vs. UConn in the Jimmy V Classic (NYC)

40) Dec. 9 - Kentucky vs. Maryland in Brooklyn

41) Dec. 29 - Xavier at Tennessee

42) Dec. 5 - South Florida at Oklahoma State

43) Dec. 1 - Alabama at Cincinnati

44) Nov. 25 - San Diego State at USC

45) Dec. 5 - Ohio at Memphis

46) Dec. 18 - Stanford at N.C. State

47) Dec. 9 - UNLV at California

48) Dec. 2 - Wisconsin at California

49) Nov. 28 - Saint Louis at Washington

50) Nov. 30 - Tennessee at Georgetown

51) Dec. 1 - St. Joe's at Creighton

52) Dec. 31 - St. Joe's at Drexel

53) Nov. 30 - Syracuse at Arkansas

54) Nov. 11 - Loyola Marymount at SMU

* TBD - Cincinnati vs. Xavier - No date has been set yet

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

WVU adds two-time transfer Matt Humphrey - by Eurobasket News

West Virginia is losing just two seniors next year, but they're the two players who had the most impact on last year's Mountaineers team. Kevin Jones was one of the best players -- some believe the best -- in the league last season, and Truck Bryant, erratic as he may have been, was still unafraid of the moment and having the ball.

Outside of that, Bob Huggins gets Deniz Kilicli for one more year -- he'll be a senior and will be asked to put the team on his back -- and Dominique Rutledge, who'll also be in his fourth year but will take on a heavier load than ever.

The rest? All incoming freshmen or sophomores: players who Huggins frequently got frustrated with last season. There's a lot of learning to be done. Frankly, from where I sit (and the view is murky), there's little chance WVU makes the NCAAs in 2013, what with it moving to the Big 12 next season. Huggins' team just isn't talented or seasoned enough to navigate its way there.

But its chances at the Big Dance could be improved with the arrival of Matthew Humphrey (6'5''-G-90). The school announced its addition Tuesday. Humphrey was at Boston College the past two seasons. Before that, he played at Oregon.

"Matt will give us much needed experience on the front line," Huggins said in a statement. "In having played in the Pac-12 and ACC, his familiarity with multiple offensive and defensive schemes will help us at both ends of the floor."

Humphrey played a forgettable junior season at B.C. last year, starting 29 times and putting up 10.3 points per game on the way to a 9-22 season. And that's nothing against the kid; Boston College went through some growing pains in 2010-11. He also sank 55 3s. So, yes, he's bringing value to WVU, absolutely. In two years at Oregon, Humphrey averaged 4.8 points and two boards per game.

"His size and length will definitely make us a better defensive team on the perimeter and should help us create matchup problems for opposing defenses," Huggins said in what amounts to perfect press release-speak. "He will give us another 3-point threat, which will enable us to stretch defenses and open up the posts for our inside guys."

Pending NCAA approval, which WVU is hopeful will come sooner rather than later, Humphrey will be able to use his final year of eligibility for the upcoming season. If not, he'd play out his last year in 2013-14.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

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OLYMPIC GAMES

John Calipari cuts Charlie Villanueva from Dominican Republic team for being overweight - by Eurobasket News

The level of competition in international basketball has steadily improved over the past 20 years, to the point where various national teams can do pretty well without a big-name NBA star on board. That said, it's sure a big help for a team to have some of the best players in the world on the roster. That's even more the case if you're a relatively small, baseball-obsessed country like the Dominican Republic.

So it must have come as something of a shock to Detroit Pistons forward Charlie Villanueva (209-F-84, college: Connecticut) when he was cut by national team head coach (and, more famously, Kentucky head coach) John Calipari . From Vincent Goodwill for The Detroit News:

After dealing with injuries for the entire lockout-shortened season for the Pistons - he didn't play any significant minutes - he won't play for the Dominican Republic national team because he's out of shape, head coach John Calipari said.

"Charlie was not in good form when we saw him," Calipari told Deportes en la Z. "He was overweight, and unfortunately, we could not slow down the entire team and it was a decision taken collectively. Last year, Charlie behaved really well with us and his only problem was his weight."

Villanueva never was in camp with the team this summer, contrary to the FIBA.com report that said he had a private workout with the team in New York.

It's believed the team wasn't pleased with his conditioning last summer, which led to the decision, after being a big part of the national team in recent years. An ankle injury slowed his progress and any hopes of getting much playing time for the Pistons this season.

Villanueva fired back at Calipari's accusations by tweeting this photo of his scale, which reads 243.5 pounds, or roughly 11.5 pounds fewer than his playing weight of 255. (That reading includes the weight of CV's Connecticut championship ring from 2004, the inclusion of which I don't understand since Coach Cal won this year's NCAA title with the Wildcats.) Check out that photo.

This development is goofier still because the Pistons praised Villanueva for his conditioning in April, noting that he'd gone above and beyond what they'd asked even as he recovered from his injuries. By most indications, Villanueva is in as good shape as he's going to be for the foreseeable future? What exactly is making Calipari unhappy?

The answer is probably a fairly dull one: that Villanueva, in any shape, just isn't a good fit for the run-and-gun system that Cal is known for. When he's at his best, Villanueva is still a very deliberate player. Calipari wants to run, and there's no room for big guys who can't keep up (Al Horford, for example, is doing just fine). Even at many pounds below his usual playing weight, CV just isn't the right guy for the system.

What's curious here is that, in almost all cases, mid-range national teams tend to organize themselves around their NBA players no one implements a game plan that doesn't fit their best players. It's possible that Villanueva's reputation outstrips his talent. Yet it's more likely that Calipari is simply trying to establish his brand, and perhaps even give this nation a basketball character that can take hold for many years. The results will ultimately determine which person is right. For now, though, it's clear that Calipari is going to get his way.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com

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PALESTINE

PUERTO RICO

Latinbasket.com All-Puerto Rican BSN Awards 2012 - by Luis Modestti

Latinbasket.com All-Puerto Rican BSN 1st Team 2012

Franklin

Dalmau

Ayuso

Smith

Thornton

Finals MVP: Alexander Franklin (196-PF-88) of Mayaguez
Player of the Year: Donta Smith (201-G-83) of Mayaguez
Guard of the Year: Christian Dalmau (194-G-77) of Bayamon
Forward of the Year: Al Thornton (203-F-83) of Guayama
Center of the Year: Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) of Quebradillas
Rookie of the Year: Tomas Vazquez-Simmons (202-F-89) of Guayama
Most Improved Player of the Year: Andres Ortiz (188-G-86) of Mayaguez
Import Player of the Year: Al Thornton (203-F-83) of Guayama
Domestic Player of the Year: Christian Dalmau (194-G-77) of Bayamon
Defensive Player of the Year: Kleon Penn (213-C-86) of Humacao
Coach of the Year: Eddie Casiano of Mayaguez

1st Team
G: Christian Dalmau (194-77) of Bayamon
G: Larry Ayuso (190-77) of Arecibo
G: Donta Smith (201-83) of Mayaguez
F: Al Thornton (203-83) of Guayama
C: Peter John Ramos (222-85) of Quebradillas

2nd Team
PG: Filiberto Rivera (190-82) of San German
PG: Carlos Rivera (187-83) of Mayaguez
F: Alexander Galindo (200-85) of Guayama
F: Mike Harris (198-83) of San German
F: Michael Sweetney (203-82) of Bayamon

Honorable Mention
Ansel Guzman (174-PG-84) of Guaynabo
Jonathan Garcia (183-G-87) of Humacao
Javier Mojica (190-G-84) of Bayamon
David Huertas (195-G-87) of Quebradillas
Joel Jones (196-G/F-81) of Quebradillas
Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83) of Arecibo
Angel Daniel Vassallo (198-G/F-86) of Guaynabo
Hector Valenzuela (204-C-82) of Humacao
Mamadou Lamizana (207-F/C-81) of Bayamon
Patrick O'Bryant (213-C-86) of Mayaguez

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Christian Dalmau (194-77) of Bayamon
G: Larry Ayuso (190-77) of Arecibo
F: Alexander Galindo (200-85) of Guayama
C: Jeffrion Aubry (205-76) of Arecibo
C: Peter John Ramos (222-85) of Quebradillas

All-Imports Team
G: Danilo Pinnock (196-83) of Arecibo
G: Donta Smith (201-83) of Mayaguez
F: Al Thornton (203-83) of Guayama
F: Mike Harris (198-83) of San German
F: Michael Sweetney (203-82) of Bayamon

All-Defensive Team
Filiberto Rivera (190-PG-82) of San German
David Cortes (190-G/F-81) of Arecibo
Donta Smith (201-G-83) of Mayaguez
Mamadou Lamizana (207-F/C-81) of Bayamon
Kleon Penn (213-C-86) of Humacao

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RUSSIA

Russia edge AIS in Treviso - by Eurobasket News

Russia U20 - AIS 66:63

Russian U20 National Team took on Australian Institute of Sport selection on the final day of the Adidas EuroCamp in Treviso. Russia claimed a narrow victory. Vladislav Trushkin (201-F-93) scored 14 points to lead the charge.
AIS jumped to an early lead. They built a 14:11 advantage ten minutes into the game. AIS stretched the margin in the second quarter. The Aussies established a 34:30 halftime advantage. The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter. AIS stayed in front 47:43 entering the final period. But Russia managed to prevail at the end. They unloaded 23 points in the fourth frame and sneaked past their opponents. Artem Artem Komolov (191-G-93) dropped 12 points, while Alexander Varnakov (185-PG-92) added 9 points for the winners. Owen Odigie (196-F/G-93) scored 17 points to lead AIS. Matthew Andronicos (208-C/F-91) and Mitchell Norton (183-G-93) had 9 points apiece in defeat.

Russia U20: Vladislav Trushkin 14, Artem Komolov 12, Alexander Varnakov 9
AIS: Owen Odigie 17, Matthew Andronicos 9, Mitchell Norton 9

Ettore Messina returns to CSKA Moscow - by Eurobasket News

There figures to be a lot of change for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason after a second straight second-round disappointment in the playoffs. The first shoe to drop began with the coaching staff.

Famed Italian coach Ettore Messina, who served as a coaching consultant to coach Mike Brown last season, is going back to Europe to coach CSKA Moscow, Messina told ESPNLosAngeles.com on Tuesday.

Messina previously coached CSKA Moscow from 2005-08 and experienced great success, winning two Euroleague championships and four Russian SuperLeague titles in four seasons with the team.

Messina met with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak on Monday at the adidas Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy, and informed Kupchak of his decision.

Messina's contract with the Lakers was up, but Kupchak had extended an offer to return to Messina last week.

The 52-year old coach also had head-coaching offers from two teams in Istanbul, according to a league source, but ultimately decided a return to CSKA was his best option.

Messina's contract with CSKA Moscow has yet to be finalized, but will include an out clause should any NBA head-coaching opportunities arise. There are two head-coaching vacancies in the NBA -- Orlando and Charlotte -- and there potentially could be a third if Portland decides not to retain interim coach Kaleb Canales.

Messina was relied upon for his offensive expertise in his lone season with the Lakers and assumed lead assistant coach John Kuester's duties when Kuester had a leave of absence from the team in April following the death of his mother.

Courtesy of ESPN

Jamont Gordon set for Malaga move - by Anton Zirkov

American swingman Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) is set to leave CSKA and sign with Spanish side Unicaja Malaga.
According to Unicaja president,the Spanish team is in advanced negotiations with Gordon and hope to strike a deal soon.
Gordon,who singed from Cibona in 2010 on a three years contract is surplus requierments at the Russian champions and played a limited time this season avereging 6.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.8apg in the VTB League,: 6.7ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.0apg in the Euroleague and 7.6ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.3apg in the Russian league.

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SAINT LUCIA

Scores are level in National Basketball Championship - by Eurobasket News

Game 2 of both the 3rd place and championship games tipped off this past Saturday 9th June in the Rooster Select National Mens Basketball finals at the Beausejour Indoor Facility. In what was dubbed as a must win games for both Gardens battling for third place and Courts Jets in the championship game, there was a feeling of desperation as the two teams seek to square the three game series after going down in the first encounter one week ago.

In the first game of the night, Gardens competed throughout but still came up short to a dominant and determined VBCC team 57- 46 led by Marcian Calderon with 19 points and 14 rebounds, to win the three game series 2 - 0 and claim the third place in this years tournament. For Gardens, Mervin Augustin top scored with 11 points and 7 rebounds but it was not enough to lead his team to victory.

Game 2 the championship game, followed with Canaries coming off an impressive win in Game 1, seeking to sweep 2- time defending champions Courts Jets and winning their first ever National title. Early on that looked like the case, but a more organized and focussed Courts Jets stepped up their defensive intensity in the second quarter and put the victory beyond doubt squaring the best of 3 series 1 - 1 with a 57 - 39 double digit win.

For Courts Jets, Ron Du Murville led the way for them with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Durocher Antoine had a sub-par outing, but still top scored for Canaries with 10 points and 4 rebounds.

The three game series is now tied 1 - 1 and will be decided with its final game on Saturday 16th June from 7:00pm at the Beausejour Indoor Facility.

Following the excitement a short trophies presentation and individual awards ceremony for this years tournament will take place to bring the curtains down on what has been dubbed successful tournament thus far.

Courtesy of www.thevoiceslu.com

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SERBIA

Standings - 1 Srpska Liga

1Srpska Standings

Group Central
1. Partizan II		21-3
2. Kolubara		21-3
3. Kotez		19-5
4. Torlak		15-9
5. Zemun Lasta		14-10
6. Zvezdara		14-10
7. Zitko Basket		12-13
8. Surcin		12-13
9. Koledz Basket		10-16
10. Vizura		10-17
11. Pro Sport		9-17
12. Stari Dif		7-17
13. Grocka		5-19
14. Sava		5-19
Group East
1. Morava		14-0
2. Jablanica M.		13-1
3. Pirot		12-2
4. Prokuplje		11-3
5. Zdravlje		10-4
6. KK Nis		9-5
7. Junior Nis		8-6
8. Dimitrovgrad		7-7
9. Mladost Za.		6-8
10. Knjazevac		5-9
11. Kursumlija		4-10
12. Bujanovac		3-11
13. Jug Vranje		2-12
14. Eko Basket		1-13
Group North
1. Meridiana NS		24-2
2. Srem		23-3
3. Mladost BJ		18-8
4. Stara Pazova		17-9
5. Topola		15-11
6. Veternik		14-12
7. Vrbas		13-13
8. Srbobran		12-14
9. Vojvodina		12-14
10. Nova Pazova		11-15
11. Dunav S.Ban.		10-16
12. Odzaci		7-19
13. Radnicki Kovin		3-23
14. Kikinda		3-23
Group West
1. Plana		14-0
2. Novi Pazar		13-1
3. Masinac		12-2
4. Zeleznicar C.		11-3
5. Priboj		10-4
6. Varvarin		9-5
7. Zlatar NV		8-6
8. Svilajnac		7-7
9. Sloga Pozega		6-8
10. Polet Ratina		5-9
11. Prva Petolet.		4-10
12. Mionica		3-11
13. Pozarevac		2-12
14. Klik Arilje		1-13

CEZ Nymburk lands PG Miljan Pavkovic - by Eurobasket News

CEZ Nymburk reinforced its roster at position 1. The reigning Czech champion penned a deal with Serbian point guard Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, agency: Beo Basket). The 31-year-old player spent this season with Radnicki Kragujevac. He shined with 13.2 ppg, 7 apg and 2.6 rpg for 20 games in Adriatic league. Pavkovic was the league's No.1 in assists. In Serbian championship, the PG appeared 16 times for the club registering 10.3 ppg, 6.9 apg and 1.8 rpg. Radnicki Kragujevac reached Serbian league and Cup Semis this season. Earlier this year Pavkovic was awarded with Eurobasket.com Adriatic League All-European Players Team -12. A year ago he was Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Domestic Player of the Year -11. Before Radnicki Kragujevac, Miljan Pavkovic spent four years with Hemofarm Stada. He also has experience from Buducnost Podgorica, Vojvodina and Zdravlje. Pavkovic won the Montenegrin league title and Cup with Buducnost in 2007.

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 favourites 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.

Serbian U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five

Vujosevic

Popovski-Turanjanin

Miljenovic

Igrutinovic

Gujanicic

Nemanja Dangubic

196-G-93

Hemofarm

Bogic Vujosevic

189-PG-92

Vojvodina

Petar Lambic

195-G-92

Hemofarm

Stefan Popovski-Turanjanin

202-F-93

Oostende

Nenad Miljenovic

194-G-93

Mega Vizura Serbia

Luka Igrutinovic

193-PG-92

Proleter Naftagas Serbia

Marko Gujanicic

202-F-92

George Mason USA

Nemanja Bezbradica

205-F/C-93

OKK Beograd Serbia

Djordje Drenovac

203-F-92

Arkadia

Nikola Siladi

206-F-92

Crvena Zvezda Serbia

Nemanja Miskovic

207-C-93

Partizan II Serbia

Luka Mitrovic

204-F/C-93

Hemofarm

Marko Lukovic

204-F-92

Mega Vizura Serbia

Nemanja Krstic

198-F-93

Hemofarm

Goran Huskic

210-C-92

Radnicki OB Serbia

Aleksandar Marelja

207-C-92

Sloga

Bozo Djumic

208-C-92

Vojvodina

Bogdan Bogdanovic

198-F-92

Partizan

Ivan Marinkovic

208-C/F-93

Partizan

Nemanja Besovic

221-C-92

Partizan

Danilo Toskovic

198-G-92

W.Wyoming CC USA

Strahinja Gavrilovic

203-F/C-93

USC

Stefan Nastic

210-C-92

Stanford

Andrija Bojic

206-C/F-93

Mega Vizura Serbia

Aleksandar Cvetkovic

185-PG-93

Crvena Zvezda Serbia

Aleksandar Dzikic

Head Coach

Lietuvos rytas Lithuania

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

SLOVENIA

Slovenian U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five

Rupnik

Prepelic

Omic

Rojc

Pajic

Jan Span

189-PG-92

Maribor Messer Slovenia

Luka Rupnik

185-PG-93

Geoplin Slovan Slovenia

Jaka Brodnik

203-F-92

Zlatorog

Klemen Prepelic

194-G-92

Helios

Jure Besedic

208-F/C-92

Helios

Alen Hodzic

192-F-92

Parklji

Alen Omic

215-C-92

Zlatorog

Matej Rojc

198-G-93

Krka

Marko Pajic

204-F/C-92

Geoplin Slovan Slovenia

Miha Lapornik

192-G-93

Zlatorog

Bojan Radulovic

210-C-92

Geoplin Slovan Slovenia

Urban Gorjanc

213-C/F-92

Helios

Ziga Dimec

208-C/F-93

Zlatorog

Ziga Fifolt

210-C-93

Krka II

Aljaz Korosec

190-PG-92

Helios

Gezim Morina

204-C/F-92

Union Olimpija Slovenia

Miha Vasl

192-G-92

Polzela

Zmagoslav Sagadin

Head Coach

Helios

Dalibor Damjanovic

Assistant

Helios

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SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

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	13.2
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. Prigioni, Caja L.	3.9
5. Llull, Real Madrid	3.9
6. Rodriguez, Bluse.	3.8
7. Granger, Asefa E.	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. Calloway, Cajasol	1.4
7. Udoka, UCAM M.	1.4
8. Hanga, Assignia M.	1.4
9. Garbajosa, Unicaja	1.3
10. Williams, FIATC J.	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

Unicaja to keep 215cm center Ognjen Kuzmic until 2016 - by Eurobasket News

According to Spanish media (Laopiniondemalaga.es), Unicaja is set to sign a 4-year contract extension with young center Ognjen Kuzmic (215-C-90). Reportedly, it will be a 2+2 year deal, which will be signed in the next few days. Kuzmic spent this season on loan with LEB Gold team Clinicas Rincon. He played 34 games with the club averaging 10.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. He finished as the best shot blocker and fourth rebounder of the competition. Ognjen Kuzmic joined Unicaja a year ago from Celik Zenica. He had 9.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 1.8 bpg for 12 games with the Bosnian squad in 2010/11 season. The player was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League Newcomer of the Year -11. In the past, the young center played in Finland and also in Borac Nektar Banja Luka. Kuzmic entered his name to this year's NBA Draft (June 28).

Regal Barca wins in Madrid, forces decisive Game Five - by Eurobasket News

Liga Endesa Finals, Game 4: Real Madrid - FCB Regal 75-81 (2-2, best-of-five)

Regal Barca tied the score to 2-2 in the series and fifth crucial game will be played on Saturday at the Palau Blaugrana. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Real Madrid won fourth quarter 20-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Erazem Lorbek (209-84, college: Michigan St.) who helped to win the game recording 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and American forward Pete Mickeal (199-78, college: Cincinnati) who added 13 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Five Regal FC Barcelona players scored in double figures. At the losing side Kyle Singler (203-88, college: Duke) responded with 11 points and 5 rebounds and Croatian center Ante Tomic (217-87) scored 12 points and 6 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Real Madrid's coach Pablo Laso rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Real Madrid: N.Mirotic 14+3reb, A.Tomic 12+6reb, S.Llull 12, K.Singler 11+5reb+3ast, S.Rodriguez 9+1reb+2ast, N.Velickovic 7+1reb+3ast
FCB Regal: E.Lorbek 24+5reb+4ast, J.Wallace 16+6reb, M.Huertas 15+1ast, P.Mickeal 13+8reb+2ast, J.Carlos Navarro 12+2reb+5ast, J.Ingles 1+1ast

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

SWEDEN

Sundsvall Dragons lock Alex Wesby until 2015 - by Eurobasket News

Alex Wesby (196-G-80, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Temple) is back to Sundsvall Dragons. The American guard signed a 3-year deal with the club. Wesby already was a Dragon in 2004/05 and 2010/11 seasons and also from 2007 to 2009. They won two Basketligan titles together in 2009 and 2011. In 2008 and 2011, Wesby was named Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Forward of the Year. In their last season together he had 18.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 3.5 apg in 46 games. Alex Wesby spent this season with Groningen. He had 13.9 ppg and 4.6 rpg for 36 games in Dutch league. The team also competed in EuroCup, where Wesby added 8.8 ppg and 3.2 rpg for 6 games. In 2009/10, he was a member of Cypriot Etha. Wesby also has experience from Finland, Austria and France. A month ago, Sodertalje Kings announced signing of a 3-year contract extension with their Head Coach Vedran Bosnic. The coach has a clause to leave at the end of each season.

Kings bring in Martins Berkis and Agnis Cavars for tryout - by Eurobasket News

Sodertalje Kings announced that Martins Berkis (198-F-85, agency: TSS Management) and Agnis Cavars (198-F-86) arrived to the club for tryout.
Martins Berkis spent this season with Slovakian BK Iskra Svit. He had 15.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.3 spg for 39 games. Berkis was awarded with Eurobasket.com Slovakian League All-Bosmans Team -12 and also Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League Honorable Mention -12. He helped the club to reach the Slovakian league Semifinals. Before Svit, the Latvian played for Komarno and Icelandic Snaefell. With them he won the Icelandic league title and Cup.
Agnis Cavars played 16 games for Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels this season registering 3.3 ppg and 1 rpg. They competed in German ProA. In 2010/11, Cavars played for Latvian Barons Riga. He had 11.2 ppg and 6.1 rpg for 36 games in LBL. They won the LBL title together in 2010.

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

SYRIA

Jordan outgun Syria at WABA Championship - by Eurobasket News

Jordan - Syria 70:60

Jordan stayed on the winning track at the WABA Championship. The hosts claimed the second consecutive win beating Syria in Amman. Ali Jamal (205-C/F-88) came up with 13 points to pace the winners. Syria fell at 0-2 record after the loss.
The visitors enjoyed a slightly better start to the game. They grabbed an 18:14 lead ten minutes into the encounter. But Jordan stopped the bleeding and pulled in front for a 36:30 halftime advantage. Jordan dominated in the third quarter. They held their opponents to 8 points and surged ahead for a 17-point lead 55:38. Syria tried desperately to erase the deficit in the fourth but came up short of win at the end. Issa Kamel (194-F/G-83) delivered 10 points for Jordan. Mohammad Shaher (210-C-90) netted 9 points in the victory. Michel Maadanly (194-G-81) answered with game-high 24 points and 9 rebounds for Syria. Abdul Wahab Hamowi (217-C-90) had 18 points and 9 boards in the loss.

Jordan: Ali Jamal 13, Issa Kamel 10, Mohammad Shaher 9
Syria: Michel Maadanly 24, Abdul Wahab Hamowi 18

Former Jalaa head coach Mensur Bajramovic signs in Kuwait !! - by Ahmad Madwar

The former head coach for Jalaa club and Syrian National team coach Mensur Bajramovic signs deal for next season with AL QADSIA for next season ..
He spent 3 seasons with Jalaa club and won the cup and league tittle 2 times ..

and here is his Awards/Achievements:
Coach Assistant: Bosnian National Team -01
European Championships in Turkey -01
Bosnia and Herzegovina League Semifinals -03
Bosnia and Herzegovina League Cup Semifinals -04
Bosnia and Herzegovina League All-Stars Game -04
Bosnia and Herzegovina League Regular Season Champion -04, 05, 06
Bosnia and Herzegovina League Finalist -04
Adriatic League Quarterfinals -05
Bosnia and Herzegovina League Champion -05, 06
Head Coach: Bosnian National Team -04-05, 08-09
Bosnia and Herzegovina Cup Finalist -06
Asia-Basket.com All-Syrian League Coach of the Year -09
Syrian League Regular Season Champion -09, 10, 11
Syrian League Champion -09, 11
Syrian Cup Winner -09
Aleppo International Tournament Champion -09
WABA Club Championships -10 (Finalist), 11 (Finalist)
Syrian League Finalist -10
Head Coach: Syrian National Team -11
West Asia Basketball Championships in Duhok (Iraq) -11 (Bronze)

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

TAIWAN

Taiwanese National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket Center

Taiwanese NT 2012

Mao

Chien

Wu Tai-Hao

202-F/C-85

Guangsha L. China

Mao Chia-En

195-F/G-82

Pure Youth Taiwan

Chien Chia-Hung

197-F-87

Pure Youth Taiwan

Lu Cheng-Ju

194-F-86

Yulon Luxgen Taiwan

Su Yi-Chieh

181-PG-87

Taiwan Mobile Taiwan

Lee Hsueh-Lin

176-PG-84

Beijing Ducks China

Tseng Wen-Ting

204-F/C-84

Shanghai S. China

Lin Chih-Chieh

192-G-82

Guangsha L. China

Chen Hsin-An

196-F/G-80

Pure Youth Taiwan

Chou Po-Chen

196-SG-90

Yulon Luxgen Taiwan

Tien Lei

202-F-83

Dacin Tigers Taiwan

Lin Yi-Hui

193-F-86

Dacin Tigers Taiwan

Creighton Douglas

195-F-85

Pure Youth Taiwan

Liu Cheng

192-F-90

KKL

Chen Shih-Chieh

176-G-84

Pure Youth Taiwan

Hsu Chin-Tse

Head Coach

Pure Youth Taiwan

Metcalf Ben

Assistant

Pure Youth Taiwan

Lee Po-Lun

Assistant

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

TURKEY

Mahmudi-Galatasaray: The End - by Sinan Can

GALATASARAY Medical Park and Oktay Mahmudi parted ways. The story which turned to a soap-opera since the team eliminated to Besiktas Milangaz at Play-Off semi-finals, has came to a dramatic end. Galatasaray board who confirmed the 2 + 2, 4 years agreement with Mahmudi, then changed their mind and decided to part ways. Due to the media, the incident that caused Mahmudi's release at Galatasaray was happened right after the 4th game of Play-Off semi-final series against Besiktas Milangaz. After a shocking loss to Besiktas Milangaz and closing the season without a cup, Mahmudi who was very mad with refrees, blamed his own management and used very abusive language. Those strong words went to the president Unal Aysal very quickly. Despite having an agreement with Oktay Mahmudi and his agent Misko Raznatovic, Galatasaray decided to quit and ended the relationships. It's been rumoured that, Istanbul giants now targetin Erman Kunter. Kunter spent his last season at Cholet is keen to come back to Turkey. Experienced coach confirmed that he had two offers from Turkey and seriously considering to be back at home land after 9 years.

Erman Kunter is the first option for Galatasaray - by Baha Kurtulus

The coach comes from Cholet
With Oktay Mahmudi (agency: Beo Basket ) out, Galatasaray is already on the market looking for a new head coach. According to a source, Erman Kunter is the first option for the Turkish team. Kunter comes from Cholet with whom he won also a French Pro A. Turkish Agency News DHA reported the news that Kunter already signed while the coach replied saying that he didn't sign yet.

Courtesy of www.sportando.net

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Season Review: Tim Duncan - by David Edole

Jun 12th, 2012 at 8:00 am by Quixem Ramirez

The profile
Minutes: 28.2
Points: 15.4
Rebounds: 9.0
Assists: 2.3
FG%: 49.2%
3P%: 0.0%
FT%: 69.5%

The (advanced) profile
TS%: 53.1%
USG%: 26.2%
PER: 22.5
Offensive PPP: 0.96 (95th)
Defensive PPP: 0.73 (32nd)
Offensive rating (points per 100 possessions): 108
Defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions): 99

Hes too old. Father Time is going to finish him off. He wont finish the season unless Gregg Popovich limits his minutes to about 20 per game. San Antonio cant rely on him offensively. Hes going to over exert himself during a condensed season that will put immense amount of pressure on his knees. More agile big men will dominate his wretched corpse. The 2011-12 season wont go well for Tim Duncan.

Not only did the 2011-12 season go remarkably well for a 36-year-old veteran with nearly 40,000 minutes on his odometer (39,832 to be exact) but the quality of basketball was pretty unprecedented.

I may have sensationalized the national medias perception on Tim Duncan a little bit (ok a lot especially the wretched corpse part which, admittedly, is a bit much) but Duncan exceeded even the most optimistic Spurs fans expectations. His 2011-12 season wont stack up with his ethereal dominance amidst the Spurs dynastic run from a purely numerical standpoint. (Check out his absolutely ridiculous stats from the 2001-02 season just in case you forgot how good Duncan was.)
When you adjust for his age and the minutes he received this season, Duncans season is even more impressive. Per 36 minutes, Duncan averaged 19.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.9 blocks. Those numbers are particularly noteworthy because they are really, really close to his career norms. Does Timmeh know that basketball players arent supposed to be playing this well at this stage of their careers? Who didnt give him the memo? (Whoever didnt good work.)

Consistency. Thats the prevailing narrative that I am going to take away from yet another brilliant season from Duncan. He consistently provided an effective safety valve for the No. 1 ranked offense, found open cutters, set effective screens, took advantage of the extra defensive attention by knocking down mid-range jumpers and gave the Spurs perimeter defenders security because he resided in the paint just in case they overcompensated. He did this every night. He didnt carry the team offensively on most nights but, frankly, he didnt need to. Duncan simply allocated his unabashed attention to making his teammates lives considerably easier. When he wasnt covering for their mistakes, he was instilling confidence in the younger players by simply believing in them. And the fact that he played 58 of 66 games in an insane lockout season without any notable injuries?
Remarkable.

Now I dont even want to think about thinking about the prospect of Timmeh retiring. A couple of days after San Antonio was eliminated from the playoffs, I ventured to the movie theaters. I turned my phone off because I didnt want to be a complete jackass. Once the movie ended, I turned on my phone only to read a text from a good friend of mine.

He asked whether Tim Duncan retired with three question marks tacked on the end for good measure. Since I wasnt connected to the actual world for two hours, I frantically searched Twitter for a reprieve from the potential nightmare that mightve ensued in my brief absence. I scanned the internet for a good solid 30 minutes before coming to the conclusion that he didnt retire. I was relieved. The entire ordeal taught me, though, that I am not still ready to see my favorite basketball player of all-time exit my life.

Hes just too valuable to leave now, too influential on the court and off the court. Not when they were dangerously close of winning another NBA Championship. Not when hes still capable of putting together above-average box score lines. Thats how Im approaching his looming free agency decision.

I dont even want to envision the future without him. I dont think Im ready.
***
Performance of the year: June 6, 2012 at Oklahoma City. L 99-107.
The line: 20:27 MIN | 11-23 FG | 3-4 FT | 14 REB | 2 AST | 25 PTS | -3

This wasnt one of Tim Duncans best statistical nights but on a night where only four Spurs made a shot in the second half and Tony Parker was completely stymied by the Oklahoma City defense, Duncan maintained the course and kept his team in the game as long as humanly possible.
Season grade: A

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

UKRAINE

Oleksandr Lypovyy is MVP of 2012 Adidas Eurocamp in Treviso - by Eurobasket News

Ukrainian prospect Oleksandr Lypovyy (197-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) shined at the 2012 Adidas Eurocamp, which ended yesterday in Treviso. For his performance, the 21-year-old guard was named MVP of this prestigious event. Lypovyy is active member of the Ukrainian National Team. He played 3 games for them last summer in Lithuania averaging 2.7 points and 1 assists. This season he won the Ukrainian Superleague title with Donetsk. Lypovyy played 51 games registering 2.3 ppg, 1.3 rpg and 1.2 apg. He had slightly better numbers in EuroCup, where Donetsk reached Quarterfinals. The guard joined Donetsk in March of 2011. Last summer Oleksandr Lypovyy also played for the Ukrainian U20 National Team. He shined with 13.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.4 apg for 8 games at U20 EuroBasket in Bilbao. In the past, he shined also with U18 and U16 Ukrainian National Teams.

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

URUGUAY

Okosa scored 26 for Cader, the Metro leader - by Hector Lopez

Reggie Okosa (208-F/C-80, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: La Salle), with 26 points and 17 rebounds leads Cader to defeat Romis Nelimar 91-89, to maintain the leadership of the Metro League with a 6-1. Cader played with just seven players as a results of injuries for the five other memebers of the team. For Romis Nelimar, Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, college: Lewis) scored 22 points. Other results:
Atenas 75 - Anthony Johnson (203-F-88, college: Fairfield) 21 points 13 rebounds
Larranaga 59 - Gordon James (198-F-79, college: Bridgeport) 23 points 17 rebounds
- - -
Marne 86 - Lisandro Rasio (197-F/C-90) 21 points 13 rebounds
Capitol 74 - Kevin Martin (208-C-83, college: Florida Gulf Coast) 23 points 10 rebounds
- - -
Verdirrojo 72 - Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, college: Park) 19 points 6 assists
Yale 69 - Gregg Thondique (201-F-87, college: Virginia Union) 22 points 20 rebounds
- - -
Guruyu Waston 72 - Martavius Adams 28 points 10 rebounds
Goes 70 - Diego Romero (208-C-82, college: Florida St.) 23 points 6 rebounds

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

WABA

Results and Stats from Day 2 in Amman - by Eurobasket News

Iran - Palestine 106:52
Iran registered the second straight win at the start of the WABA Championship. They fired past Palestine to improve at 2-0 record. Reza Lotfi (191-G/F-83) notched 19 points for the winners.
Iran left their opponents far behind in the opening frame. The defending champions reeled off to a 33:11 start. They unleashed 32 points in the second quarter to establish a 55:23 halftime lead. Palestine managed to slow down their opponents in the third term. Palestine outscored Iran to cut the distance but the reigning champions quickly restored the tempo and cruised to the victory at the end. Hamed Afagh (190-SG-83) knocked down 18 points, while Samad Nik Khahbahrami (198-F-83) provided 11 points in the victory. Jamal Abu-Shamala (196-F/G-87, college: Minnesota) answered with 15 points and 7 rebounds for Palestine. Nicola Fadayel (194-F-87) and Sakakini Sani (204-C-88) had 8 points each in the loss.

Iran: Reza Lotfi 19, Hamed Afagh 18, Samad Nik Khahbahrami 11
Palestine: Jamal Abu-Shamala 15, Nicola Fadayel 8, Sakakini Sani 8

Lebanon - Yemen 109:74
Lebanon celebrated the second win in a row at the WABA Championship. They knocked down Yemen yesterday to stay undefeated. Six players scored in double figures for Lebanon. Nadim Souaid (192-F/G-86) led the effort with 19 points and 13 boards. Fadi Khatib missed the game for personal reasons.
Lebanon erupted for 35 points in the opening quarter to clear off. They piled up a 24-point lead at the first intermission. Lebanon maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They arrived at halftime up by 25 points 56:31. Lebanon kept the pressure growing in the third term. They boosted the margin by 11 more points and sealed the victory in the fourth term. Cheikh Hussein El Khatib (186-PG-86) and Elie Estephane (194-G-86, college: Alabama So. CC) produced 18 points each for the winners. Mohammed Yaeesh (182-PG-93) reacted with 17 points for Yemen. Salah Al-Hanbasi (184-G-89) netted 15 points in the loss.

Lebanon: Nadim Souaid 19+13 boards, Cheikh Hussein El Khatib 18, Elie Estephane 18
Yemen: Mohammed Yaeesh 18, Salah Al-Hanbasi 15

Jordan - Syria 70:60
Jordan stayed on the winning track at the WABA Championship. The hosts claimed the second consecutive win beating Syria in Amman. Ali Jamal (205-C/F-88) came up with 13 points to pace the winners. Syria fell at 0-2 record after the loss.
The visitors enjoyed a slightly better start to the game. They grabbed an 18:14 lead ten minutes into the encounter. But Jordan stopped the bleeding and pulled in front for a 36:30 halftime advantage. Jordan dominated in the third quarter. They held their opponents to 8 points and surged ahead for a 17-point lead 55:38. Syria tried desperately to erase the deficit in the fourth but came up short of win at the end. Issa Kamel (194-F/G-83) delivered 10 points for Jordan. Mohammad Shaher (210-C-90) netted 9 points in the victory. Michel Maadanly (194-G-81) answered with game-high 24 points and 9 rebounds for Syria. Abdul Wahab Hamowi (217-C-90) had 18 points and 9 boards in the loss.

Jordan: Ali Jamal 13, Issa Kamel 10, Mohammad Shaher 9
Syria: Michel Maadanly 24, Abdul Wahab Hamowi 18

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

WALES

Welsh National Team 2012 - by Greg

Starting five

Acreman

Carter

Gough

Jenkins

Jennings

Hayley Acreman

178-F-84

Megan Carter

178-G-92

Reading R. United Kingdom

Emma Gough

177-G-86

Taunton T. United Kingdom

Megan Jenkins

176-F-92

Danielle Jennings

173-G-84

UWIC Archers United Kingdom

Imogen Jones

175-F-95

Amy Kingston

161-G-93

Reading R. United Kingdom

Georgina Paul

162-PG-94

Joanne Raper

186-C-84

UWIC Archers United Kingdom

Amelia Reynolds

176-G/F-91

Nottingham United Kingdom

Laura Shanahan

170-G-89

Nottingham United Kingdom

Rebecca Short

181-C-88

UWIC Archers United Kingdom

Rachel Woods

168-G-89

UWIC Archers 2 United Kingdom

Darren Oakey

Head Coach

Sean Reynolds

Assistant

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

YEMEN

Lebanon cruise past Yemen - by Eurobasket News

Lebanon - Yemen 109:74

Lebanon celebrated the second win in a row at the WABA Championship. They knocked down Yemen yesterday to stay undefeated. Six players scored in double figures for Lebanon. Nadim Souaid (192-F/G-86) led the effort with 19 points and 13 boards. Fadi Khatib missed the game for personal reasons.
Lebanon erupted for 35 points in the opening quarter to clear off. They piled up a 24-point lead at the first intermission. Lebanon maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They arrived at halftime up by 25 points 56:31. Lebanon kept the pressure growing in the third term. They boosted the margin by 11 more points and sealed the victory in the fourth term. Cheikh Hussein El Khatib (186-PG-86) and Elie Estephane (194-G-86, college: Alabama So. CC) produced 18 points each for the winners. Mohammed Yaeesh (182-PG-93) reacted with 17 points for Yemen. Salah Al-Hanbasi (184-G-89) netted 15 points in the loss.

Lebanon: Nadim Souaid 19+13 boards, Cheikh Hussein El Khatib 18, Elie Estephane 18
Yemen: Mohammed Yaeesh 18, Salah Al-Hanbasi 15

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

Women News

Azerbaijan National Team 2012 - by Simas

Starting five

Alisultanova

Aslanova

Biryuchkova

Iskakova

Mahmudova

Naila Alisultanova

Sabina Aslanova

Staraya Kupavna

Anastasiya Biryuchkova

Tatyana Slozhenitsina

Head Coach

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

CAYMAN ISLANDS

Home Gas sweep aside Lady Heels to defend the championship title - by Eurobasket News

Cayman basketball has a new dynasty.

The Home Gas Flames recently won their second consecutive national women's championship. Home Gas completed a two-game sweep of the Dominos Lady Heels in the Cayman Islands Basketball Association 2012 national women's league finals.

The Flames wrapped it up on May 10 with a 54-53 victory in game two at Camana Bays Arts and Recreation Centre. Dominos head coach Collin Anglin states the loss is tough to take.

Its a tough pill to swallow, Anglin said. The ladies did good at the end of the day. They showed heart, never gave up and they made me proud. The Flames, they earned it. La-Torae Nixon and Sade Wood earned it by putting the team on their backs offensively. Hats off to them, they worked for it.

Nixon, who turned 15 this month, had another monster game with 27 points, eight rebounds, six steals and six blocks plus the series-clinching free-throw. Wood stepped up with 20 points (including two three-pointers), three assists and two steals.

The Lady Heels had three players in double digits. Dionne Anglin led the way with 20 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Hannah Parchment had 12 points, four assists and two steals though she missed the game-winning jumper. Sarah Kidd had 10 points, 10 rebounds and four steals.

Home Gas won game one 66-52 and have claimed both of their titles at Dominos expense. Coach Anglin states Nixons performance was the difference in the 2012 series.

La-Torae stepped up big with big baskets in the fourth quarter. She showed a lot of heart in game two when they took the lead in the fourth. The goal was to contain La-Torae and Sade and we did a good job. Im proud of my ladies because we know what we had to do to win the series.

Two of our starters werent there as Kamilla Nagy was off-island and Joanne Remillard was away for the second year in a row. Dionne was also injured and Courtisha Ebanks broke her ankle. We had to rely on the bench.

The Home Gas championship is the first for rookie head coach Bruce Reynolds, who spoke about the importance of earning the sweep.

We didnt want game three, everyone on the team wanted it now, Reynolds said. They didnt want to practice another Sunday, I wanted to get back to dealing with my kids. Dominos fought us but we wanted to win.

Courtesy of www.compasscayman.com

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

CENTROBASKET

Standings

Group A
1. Mexico		1-0
2. P.Rico		1-0
3. El Salvado.		0-1
4. Jamaica		0-1
Group B
1. Cuba		1-0
2. Dominican R.		1-0
3. US Virg.Isl		0-1
4. Trinid/T.		0-1

Preliminary Round: Round 1

Jun. 12: PUR - JAM 82-53
Jun. 12: MEX - ESA 77-44

Jun. 12: DOM - ISV 72-69
Jun. 12: TRI - CUB 36-88

Preliminary Round: Round 3

Jun. 14: JAM - ESA
Jun. 14: PUR - MEX

Jun. 14: CUB - ISV
Jun. 14: DOM - TRI

2012 Centrobasket Championship: Day One in Morovis - by Eurobasket News

GROUP A

PUERTO RICO - JAMAICA 82-53
Puerto Rico cruised past Jamaica 82-53 in Day One of the 2012 Centrobasket Championship for women in Morovis (Group A). Puerto Rico is the host of this event and it is also the defending champion from 2010. Jamaica managed to resist only in the first ten minutes, but all after that belonged to Puerto Rico. The hosts jumped to 11-point lead at the halftime and increased it to plus 13 at the end of Q3. Puerto Rico smashed its rival in the last ten minutes of the game (28-12) celebrating comfortable 29-point win at the end. Jazmine Sepulveda (186-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: S.Florida) led the hosts with 28 points (valuation 30). Sandra Garcia (190-C-90) had 11 points, while Carla Cortijo (173-G-87, college: Texas) (6 as) and Esmary Vargas-Sanchez (192-C-81, college: Emporia St.) (6 rebs) added 10 points each. In defeat, Shenneika Smith (185-G) was better than the others with 17 points and 7 rebs, while Rhona McKenzie (183-F-76, agency: LBM Management) had 14 points and 9 boards. Today, Puerto Rico will play against El Salvador and another easy win is expected. Jamaica will take on Mexico.

Puerto Rico: Jazmine Sepulveda 28, Sandra Garcia 11, Carla Cortijo 10+6 as, Esmary Vargas-Sanchez 10+6 boards
Jamaica: Shenneika Smith 17+7 boards, Rhona McKenzie 14+9 boards

MEXICO - EL SALVADOR 77-44
Mexico opened 2012 Centrobasket Championship in style. They blasted El Salvador 77-44 on Tuesday for 1-0 record in Group A of the Preliminary Round. Mexico took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Maria Orozco (176-PF) shined for the winners with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Alexis Castro (180-G/F-86, agency: 22ft, college: Vermont) secured a great help with 13 points and 8 boards, while Abril Garcia (188-F/C-80, college: ORU) added 12 pts and also 8 rebs. In the loosing squad, Monica Calderon (175-SF-91) collected 11 points and 5 rebs, with poor shoot percentage. Gladis Maravilla (184-C-85) stopped to 10 pts and 9 boards. Quarters: 24-10, 8-9, 23-8, 22-17. In Day Two, Mexico will meet Jamaica. El Salvador will take on the home squad - Puerto Rico.

Mexico: Maria Orozco 15+10 boards+5 as, Alexis Castro 13+8 boards, Abril Garcia 12+8 boards
El Salvador: Monica Calderon 11+5 boards, Gladis Maravilla 10+9 boards

GROUP B

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 72-69
Dominican Republic had to work very hard to take the victory in Game One of the 2012 Centrobasket Championship in Morovis. They outsmarted US Virgin Islands 72-69 for 1-0 record in Group B of the Preliminary Round. Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago are also participants of this pool and all of them fight for one of the first two spots. First two teams from Group A and B will advance to Semifinals. Carmen Guzman (172-SG-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) was a key player for Dominican Republic. She scored 28 points, including 6 of 13 from behind the arc. Jennifer Estrella (183-G-88) had a great game collecting 11 points and 6 rebounds for 17 minutes on the court, while Charlenny Frias (170-G-84) helped her team with 8 pts. In US Virgin Islands, Victoria Hamilton (177-G-91) was better than the others with 17 points and 9 boards. Akkema Richards (172-SG) (8 as) and Yanique Javois (176-G-85) delivered 12 points apiece. Dominican trailed by four, 57-53, with 5:38 left to play in the final quarter before tying the score at 65 with 1:25. US Virgin Island still held 67-65 lead before things began to unravel. The Dominican Republic took control with a three point shot from Carmen Guzman with 41 seconds remaining in the game. Quarters: 13-16, 28-19, 8-13, 23-21. Today, Dominican Republic will play against Cuba, who also has 1-0 record. US Virgin Islands and Trinidad and Tobago will fight for the first win.

Dominican Republic: Carmen Guzman 28, Jennifer Estrella 11+6 boards, Charlenny Frias 8
US Virgin Islands: Victoria Hamilton 17+9 boards, Akkema Richards 12+8 as, Yanique Javois 12

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - CUBA 36-88
Cuba demonstrated wonderful performance in Day One of the 2012 Centrobasket Championship in Morovis. They smashed Trinidad and Tobago 88-36 for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group B. Participants of this pool are also Dominican Republic and US Virgin Islands. Cuba started the game with impressive 25-4 run and at that time it was already clear that T&T will not have a chance for rest of the way. Cuba made 18-12 in Q2 and jumped to plus 39 with ten minutes remaining in the game. Last quarter was just the formality and Cuba celebrate huge win at the end. Marlen Cepeda (193-C-85) was the MVP of this game with valuation 22 (12 points, 12 rebounds). Leidys Oquendo (180-F-82), Yamara Amargo (180-F-85) and Islen Carbonell (182-G/F-87) also scored 12 points each for the winners. At the other side, Rhea Codio (165-G-88) delivered 13 points. Shakira Clarke (182-C) (6 rebs) and Adanna David (177-F) stopped to 9 and 8 points respectively. Cuba will play against Dominican Republic today. T&T will meet US Virgin Island.

Trinidad and Tobago: Rhea Codio 13, Shakira Clarke 9+6 boards Adanna David 8
Cuba: Marlen Cepeda 12+12 boards, Leidys Oquendo 12, Yamara Amargo 12, Islen Carbonell 12

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

CUBA

Cuba has no mercy for Trinidad and Tobago in Morovis - by Eurobasket News

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - CUBA 36-88

Cuba demonstrated wonderful performance in Day One of the 2012 Centrobasket Championship in Morovis. They smashed Trinidad and Tobago 88-36 for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group B. Participants of this pool are also Dominican Republic and US Virgin Islands. Cuba started the game with impressive 25-4 run and at that time it was already clear that T&T will not have a chance for rest of the way. Cuba made 18-12 in Q2 and jumped to plus 39 with ten minutes remaining in the game. Last quarter was just the formality and Cuba celebrate huge win at the end. Marlen Cepeda (193-C-85) was the MVP of this game with valuation 22 (12 points, 12 rebounds). Leidys Oquendo (180-F-82), Yamara Amargo (180-F-85) and Islen Carbonell (182-G/F-87) also scored 12 points each for the winners. At the other side, Rhea Codio (165-G-88) delivered 13 points. Shakira Clarke (182-C) (6 rebs) and Adanna David (177-F) stopped to 9 and 8 points respectively. Cuba will play against Dominican Republic today. T&T will meet US Virgin Island.

Trinidad and Tobago: Rhea Codio 13, Shakira Clarke 9+6 boards Adanna David 8
Cuba: Marlen Cepeda 12+12 boards, Leidys Oquendo 12, Yamara Amargo 12, Islen Carbonell 12

Cuban National Team 2012 - by Greg

Starting five

Gelis

Amargo

Cepeda

Fernandez

Oquendo

Islen Carbonell

182-G/F-87

Guantanamo Cuba

Ineidis Casanova

165-G-88

Santiago

Lisdeyvis Martinez

175-G-89

Capitalinas Cuba

Oyanaisy Gelis

172-G-83

Santiago

Arlenys Romero

176-G-84

Pinar del Rio Cuba

Yamara Amargo

180-F-85

Sancti Spiritus Cuba

Lazara Moises

190-C-88

Camaguey

Marlen Cepeda

193-C-85

Sancti Spiritus Cuba

Arlenis Gonzalez

184-PF-87

Capitalinas Cuba

Taimy Fernandez

183-F-82

Pinar del Rio Cuba

Leidys Oquendo

180-F-82

Camaguey

Suchitel Avila

183-F-82

Capitalinas Cuba

Alberto Zabala

Head Coach

Eduardo Moya

Assistant

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

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Dominican Republic National Team 2012 - by Greg

Starting five

Guzman

Frias

Gomez

Perdomo

Monsac

Carmen Guzman

172-SG-85

Landes

Viviana Beltre

177-SF-94

Jennifer Estrella

183-G-88

Mauricio Baez Dominican Republic

Andreina Paniagua

183-F-78

Mauricio Baez Dominican Republic

Charlenny Frias

170-G-84

Mauricio Baez Dominican Republic

Lily Abreu

172-G-90

Arkansas Tech USA

Wanda Gomez

185-C-78

Mauricio Baez Dominican Republic

Dariana Santos

172-SG-91

Anabel Perdomo

172-SG-84

Mauricio Baez Dominican Republic

Melissa Santos

186-C-89

Mauricio Baez Dominican Republic

Eyandra Molina

172-G

N.C.Central USA

Sugeiry Monsac

186-F/C-81

M.Tel Kabir Israel

Radhames Paulino

Head Coach

Dosa

Luis Rojas

Assistant

Villa Duarte Dominican Republic

Carmen Guzman leads Dominican Republic to victory in Morovis (Day 1) - by Eurobasket News

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 72-69

Dominican Republic had to work very hard to take the victory in Game One of the 2012 Centrobasket Championship in Morovis. They outsmarted US Virgin Islands 72-69 for 1-0 record in Group B of the Preliminary Round. Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago are also participants of this pool and all of them fight for one of the first two spots. First two teams from Group A and B will advance to Semifinals. Carmen Guzman (172-SG-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) was a key player for Dominican Republic. She scored 28 points, including 6 of 13 from behind the arc. Jennifer Estrella (183-G-88) had a great game collecting 11 points and 6 rebounds for 17 minutes on the court, while Charlenny Frias (170-G-84) helped her team with 8 pts. In US Virgin Islands, Victoria Hamilton (177-G-91) was better than the others with 17 points and 9 boards. Akkema Richards (172-SG) (8 as) and Yanique Javois (176-G-85) delivered 12 points apiece. Dominican trailed by four, 57-53, with 5:38 left to play in the final quarter before tying the score at 65 with 1:25. US Virgin Island still held 67-65 lead before things began to unravel. The Dominican Republic took control with a three point shot from Carmen Guzman with 41 seconds remaining in the game. Quarters: 13-16, 28-19, 8-13, 23-21. Today, Dominican Republic will play against Cuba, who also has 1-0 record. US Virgin Islands and Trinidad and Tobago will fight for the first win.

Dominican Republic: Carmen Guzman 28, Jennifer Estrella 11+6 boards, Charlenny Frias 8
US Virgin Islands: Victoria Hamilton 17+9 boards, Akkema Richards 12+8 as, Yanique Javois 12

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

EL SALVADOR

Mexico destroys El Salvador in Morovis, 77-44 - by Eurobasket News

MEXICO - EL SALVADOR 77-44

Mexico opened 2012 Centrobasket Championship in style. They blasted El Salvador 77-44 on Tuesday for 1-0 record in Group A of the Preliminary Round. Mexico took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Maria Orozco (176-PF) shined for the winners with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Alexis Castro (180-G/F-86, agency: 22ft, college: Vermont) secured a great help with 13 points and 8 boards, while Abril Garcia (188-F/C-80, college: ORU) added 12 pts and also 8 rebs. In the loosing squad, Monica Calderon (175-SF-91) collected 11 points and 5 rebs, with poor shoot percentage. Gladis Maravilla (184-C-85) stopped to 10 pts and 9 boards. Quarters: 24-10, 8-9, 23-8, 22-17. In Day Two, Mexico will meet Jamaica. El Salvador will take on the home squad - Puerto Rico.

Mexico: Maria Orozco 15+10 boards+5 as, Alexis Castro 13+8 boards, Abril Garcia 12+8 boards
El Salvador: Monica Calderon 11+5 boards, Gladis Maravilla 10+9 boards

El Salvador National Team 2012 - by Greg

Starting five

Sosa

Helena

Calderon

Urias

Maravilla

Aida Funes

167-PG-84

Santa Tecla El Salvador

Veronica Sosa

173-SG-90

Survivor

Karla Helena

168-PG-93

Kenia Campos

172-SF-86

Survivor

Mirna Simon

168-SF-82

UTEC

Vanessa Heredia

185-C-82

UTEC

Jessica Bautista

165-SG-83

UTEC

Yosselin Flores

163-SG-92

Monica Calderon

175-SF-91

Survivor

Hillary Martinez

172-SF

Kryssia Urias

183-C-94

Itexsal

Gladis Maravilla

184-C-85

UTEC

Francisco Valle

Head Coach

Juan Pablo Samour

Assistant

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

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Standings Div.A (Women)

Standings

Group A
1. Belarus		1-0
2. Ukraine		1-0
3. Israel		0-0
4. Portugal		0-1
5. Hungary		0-1
Group B
1. Montenegro.		1-0
2. Switzerlan.		1-0
3. Poland		0-0
4. Serbia		0-1
5. Estonia		0-1
Group C
1. Lithuania		1-0
2. Slovenia		1-0
3. Slovakia		0-0
4. Holland		0-1
5. Belgium		0-1
Group D
1. Spain		1-0
2. Romania		1-0
3. Germany		0-0
4. Bulgaria		0-1
5. Sweden		0-1
Group E
1. Finland		1-0
2. Latvia		1-0
3. Greece		0-0
4. Italy		0-1
5. Luxembourg.		0-1

Qualifying Round: Round 1

Jun. 13: UKR - POR 92-38
Jun. 13: BLR - HUN 51-47

Jun. 13: MNT - SRB 85-68
Jun. 13: EST - SUI 58-62

Jun. 13: LTU - NED 88-47
Jun. 13: BEL - SLO 59-63

Jun. 13: ROM - SWE 66-59
Jun. 13: ESP - BUL 64-48

Jun. 12: LAT - ITA 71-52
Jun. 13: FIN - LUX 114-54

Qualifying Round: Round 2

Jun. 16: POR - BLR
Jun. 16: ISR - UKR

Jun. 16: SUI - MNT
Jun. 16: POL - EST

Jun. 16: SVK - BEL
Jun. 16: SLO - LTU

Jun. 16: SWE - ESP
Jun. 16: GER - ROM

Jun. 16: GRE - FIN
Jun. 16: LUX - LAT

Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)

Points Per Game

Taru TUUKKANEN
  FIN
  (190-C-77)
  Avg: 27

1. Tuukkanen, FIN	27.0
2. Murphy, MNT	26.0
3. Marginean, ROM	26.0
4. Anderson, EST	23.0
5. Eldebrink, SWE	22.0
6. Dabovic, SRB	21.0
7. Perovanovic, MNT	20.0
8. Sten, FIN	20.0
9. Erkic, SLO	19.0
10. Twehues, SUI	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

Eshaya MURPHY
  PUR
  (182-G/F-85)
  Avg: 15

1. Murphy, MNT	15.0
2. Perovanovic, MNT	14.0
3. Dubljevic, MNT	14.0
4. Petronyte, LTU	13.0
5. Mandic, SRB	12.0
6. Tuukkanen, FIN	12.0
7. Halvarsson, SWE	11.0
8. Meesseman, BEL	10.0
9. Vadja, HUN	10.0
10. Jansone, LAT	10.0

Assists Per Game

Jelena DUBLJEVIC
  MNT
  (191-C-87)
  Avg: 7

1. Dubljevic, MNT	7.0
2. Iagupova, UKR	6.0
3. Teilane-T., LAT	5.0
4. Stoenescu, ROM	5.0
5. Wilson, FIN	5.0
6. Karklina, LAT	4.0
7. Rausberg, EST	4.0
8. Brandao, POR	4.0
9. Skerovic, MNT	4.0
10. Hetting, LUX	4.0

Steals Per Game

Maja ERKIC
  SLO
  (183-G/F-85)
  Avg: 5

1. Erkic, SLO	5.0
2. Vengryte, LTU	5.0
3. Tuukkanen, FIN	4.0
4. Dubljevic, MNT	4.0
5. Van Den Adel, NED	4.0
6. Mandic, SRB	3.0
7. Ouvina, ESP	3.0
8. Hendrickx, BEL	3.0
9. Paugaite, LTU	3.0
10. Kesanen, FIN	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Gintare PETRONYTE
(196-C-89)
Avg: 5

1. Petronyte, LTU	5.0
2. Veremeenko, BLR	4.0
3. Nicholls, ESP	2.0
4. Paugaite, LTU	2.0
5. Teilane-T., LAT	2.0
6. Mesila-K., EST	2.0
7. Zlatanova, BUL	2.0
8. Jallai, EST	2.0
9. Meszaros, ROM	2.0
10. Kurasova, UKR	2.0

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

FRANCE

Perpignan land Iva Ciglar - by Eurobasket News

Perpignan added another import player to their roster. They signed a deal with Iva Ciglar (170-G-85, agency: Data Plus Group). The Croatian inked a one-year contract. Iva Ciglar spent the last season in Hungary. She played for UNI SEAT Gyor. The guard notched 11.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.1 steals per game in Hungarian League. In Euroleague Iva Ciglar tallied 12.9 points, 5.5 assists, 3.1 boards and 1.1 steals per appearance. Eurobasket.com named Iva Ciglar All-Hungarian League Player of the Year. Previously Iva Ciglar had stints in Russia, Hungary and Slovenia. She has been the member of Croatian National Team since 2009.

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

ITALY

Latvia too strong for Italy in EuroBasket Qualifications opener - by Eurobasket News

LATVIA - ITALY 71-52

Latvia started the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications in style. They blasted Italy 71-52 in the opener for 1-0 record in Group E. Latvia exploded in the last ten minutes to secure this comfortable victory. Italy was 2-points ahead after 20 minutes, but the home squad totally took control on them after the breather. Latvia made 16-11 in Q3 and closed the game with impressive 26-10 in the last ten minutes of play. Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) was the leading player in victory with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Kristine Karklina (175-G-83, agency: Regeneracom Sports) (5 rebs) and Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) netted 14 points each, while Anete Horelika (177-F-87, agency: Regeneracom Sports) followed them with 13 pts. In the loosing squad, Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) delivered 18 points. Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) was their second scorer with just 7 pts (6 rebs). In the next game, Lavtia will meet Luxembourg on the road. Italy will skip Round 2 and will continue on June 20, when they will host Luxembourg as a part of Round 3.

Latvia: Liene Jansone 15+10 boards, Kristine Karklina 14+5 boards, Ieva Krastina 14, Anete Horelika 13
Italy: Giorgia Sottana 18, Raffaella Masciadri 7+6 boards

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

JAMAICA

Puerto Rico too strong for Jamaica 82-53 in Day One of Centrobasket - by Eurobasket News

PUERTO RICO - JAMAICA 82-53

Puerto Rico cruised past Jamaica 82-53 in Day One of the 2012 Centrobasket Championship for women in Morovis (Group A). Puerto Rico is the host of this event and it is also the defending champion from 2010. Jamaica managed to resist only in the first ten minutes, but all after that belonged to Puerto Rico. The hosts jumped to 11-point lead at the halftime and increased it to plus 13 at the end of Q3. Puerto Rico smashed its rival in the last ten minutes of the game (28-12) celebrating comfortable 29-point win at the end. Jazmine Sepulveda (186-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: S.Florida) led the hosts with 28 points (valuation 30). Sandra Garcia (190-C-90) had 11 points, while Carla Cortijo (173-G-87, college: Texas) (6 as) and Esmary Vargas-Sanchez (192-C-81, college: Emporia St.) (6 rebs) added 10 points each. In defeat, Shenneika Smith (185-G) was better than the others with 17 points and 7 rebs, while Rhona McKenzie (183-F-76, agency: LBM Management) had 14 points and 9 boards. Today, Puerto Rico will play against El Salvador and another easy win is expected. Jamaica will take on Mexico.

Puerto Rico: Jazmine Sepulveda 28, Sandra Garcia 11, Carla Cortijo 10+6 as, Esmary Vargas-Sanchez 10+6 boards
Jamaica: Shenneika Smith 17+7 boards, Rhona McKenzie 14+9 boards

Jamaican National Team 2012 - by Greg

Starting five

Smith

Dixon

LaTouche

McKenzie

Byfield

Zandria Dell

163-PG-84

Ballers

Thova Gardner

185-C

Guaynabo M. Puerto Rico

Shenneika Smith

185-G

St.John's

Tajay Ashmeade

190-C-89

Seton Hall USA

Sasha Dixon

167-G-87

Cougars

Tarita Gordon

165-G-89

E.Tenn.St. USA

Tracey-Ann Kelly

189-G-86

Ballers

Angelee LaTouche

187-F/C-85

George Mason USA

Rhona McKenzie

183-F-76

Riva Basket Switzerland

Althea Byfield

185-F/C-82

Blades Utd Jamaica

Ladonna Lamonth

191-F-90

Walgrovians Jamaica

Christina Mitchell

173-G-89

Liberty

Simone Edwards

Head Coach

George Mason USA

James Cleamons

Assistant

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

LATVIA

MEXICO

Starting five

Castro

Garcia

Ornelas

Tapia

Orozco

Alexis Castro

180-G/F-86

San Diego S. USA

Nadia Bibbs

168-G/F-85

Northwestern USA

Lorena Diaz

184-PF

Abril Garcia

188-F/C-80

Caceres

Frida Gonzalez

184-C

Brisa Silva

170-G-84

Maranhao

Maylene Ornelas

166-PG-87

UACH

Annel Tapia

171-SG-86

Michoacan

Laura Nunez

187-C/F-93

Monterrey

Rocio Medrano

178-G

Robert Morris USA

Maria Orozco

176-PF

Sofia Garcia

167-G-89

Iberoamerican Mexico

Ray Santana

Head Coach

Sergio Castanieda

Assistant

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

NCAA1

PUERTO RICO

ROMANIA

Romanian U16 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Teodora Neagu

181-C-96

Galati

Paula Lenart

178-F/G-96

Targu Secuiesc Romania

Vasilica Cuzic

171-G-96

Galati

Birgitte Steiner

177-SF-96

Timisoara

Iulia Grigor

173-SG-96

Satu Mare

Mihaela Maxim

167-PG-96

McSport

Kincso Kelemen

166-PG-96

Sf.Gheorghe Romania

Andreea Beldian

165-PG-96

Alba Iulia Romania

Andreea Cretu

178-SG-98

Galati

Alexandra Sasebes

177-SG-96

Timisoara

Nora Demeter

187-C-98

Targu Secuiesc Romania

Andreea Arsulesei

181-SF-97

Botosani

Andreea Coja

182-PF-96

Galati

Iringo Debreczi

183-PF-96

Targu Secuiesc Romania

Carmen Potop

185-PF-96

Olimpia

Veronica Gavrila

Head Coach

Valentin-Ioan Urian

Assistant

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

SERBIA

Standings - Women

A League Stage Two Standings

Play Off
1. Partizan		8-0
2. Hemofarm		7-1
3. Vojvodina		5-3
4. Vozdovac		5-3
5. Radivoj Korac		4-4
6. Crvena Zvezda		3-5
7. Jagodina 2001		1-7
8. Vrbas		1-7
Play Out
1. Sabac		14-2
2. Radnicki KG		11-6
3. Celarevo		10-7
4. Stara Pazova		10-7
5. Beocin		9-8
6. Student		8-9
7. Spartak		7-10
8. Proleter		5-12
9. Loznica		2-15

Stage One Standings

B Liga Standings - by Eurobasket

B League Standings

1. Radivoj Korac		11-1
2. Srbobran		10-2
3. Basket Stars		9-3
4. Ljubovija		8-4
5. Parachin		7-5
6. Play Off Uzice		6-6
7. Bor		5-7
8. Zeleznicar		4-8
9. Sivac		3-9
10. Kraljevo		2-10
11. Moravac		1-11
12. Trepca		0-12

Serbian U16 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five

Cukic

Vojinovic

Crvendakic

Madzarevic

Zeljka Petkovic

188-C-96

Vrbas

Tijana Cukic

173-PG-96

Vrbas

Jovana Jovovic

183-F-97

Vrbas

Julijana Vojinovic

174-PG-96

Vozdovac

Tamara Repac

177-G-96

Partizan

Bojana Stevanovic

180-PF-96

Jagodina 2001 Serbia

Aleksandra Crvendakic

188-F/C-96

Crvena Zvezda Serbia

Kristina Arsenic

193-C-97

Zicer Vajlevo Serbia

Nina Veljkovic

191-C-96

Moravac

Katarina Zec

178-G-97

Ruma 92

Jovana Subasic

187-PF-96

Sabac

Snezana Bogicevic

176-PG-97

Ruma 92

Ksenija Madzarevic

198-C-96

High School USA USA

Aleksandra Katanic

172-PG-97

Mladost SP Serbia

Jovana Nogic

178-G-97

Benfica

Ana Ilic

190-C-97

Radivoj Korac Serbia

Milica Ivanov

178-G-96

Camberwell Australia

Anja Spasojevic

180-SG-96

Radivoj Korac Serbia

Milos Pavlovic

Head Coach

Radivoj Korac Serbia

Milos Paden

Assistant

Aleksandra Radulovic

Assistant

Serbian U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Vidakovic

Ciric

Stepanovic

Rodic

Mandic

Jovana Vidakovic

171-G-94

Sabac

Jelena Ciric

195-C-95

Sabac

Olga Stepanovic

178-F-94

Sabac

Bogdana Rodic

179-C-95

Radivoj Korac Serbia

Sanja Mandic

177-G-95

Radivoj Korac Serbia

Kristina Topuzovic

179-G-94

Radivoj Korac Serbia

Zaklina Jankovic

190-F/C-94

Radivoj Korac Serbia

Katarina Vuckovic

191-F/C-94

Crvena Zvezda Serbia

Aleksandra Stanacev

167-PG-94

Crvena Zvezda Serbia

Andelina Radic

187-F-94

Hemofarm

Ines Cordas

Hemofarm

Natasa Kovacevic

187-F-94

Vozdovac

Dragana Nikolic

189-F-95

Jagodina 2001 Serbia

Marijana Corto

182-F-94

Vojvodina

Una Nikolic

173-G-94

Basket Stars Serbia

Ivana Boskovic

183-F-94

Play Off Uzice Serbia

Vanessa Vermezovic

Melbourne

Dragana Stankovic

188-F-95

Sloboda

Anita Bosnjak

171-G-94

Sint Katelijne Belgium

Nina Hadzibabic

186-G/F-94

High School USA USA

Zoran Kovacic

Head Coach

Zeljko Vasiljevic

Assistant

Loznica

Jovan Gorec

Assistant

Brankica Hadzovic signs with DKSK Miskolc ( HUN ) - by Tamara Ruzic

Brankica Hadzovic (175-G-81) has extended her contract with DKSK MISKOLC for one more season. Last season, she was the top scorer in Hungarian league with 17.6ppg and 5th in assists. Hadzovic played for DKSK Miskolc 2004-2005. Also, she helped Bulgarian CSKA wining the Adriatic Championship and Bulgarian Cup, Montenegro Cup Winner -09
Montenegro League Champion -09, 10, 11, Montenegrin League Regular Season Runner-Up -09 . She made to Eurobasket.com All-WABA 2nd Team -10, Eurobasket.com All-Montenegrin League Guard of the Year -10, Eurobasket.com All-Montenegrin League 1st Team -10, 11. She was member of Yugoslavian U-16 and Serbian U- 18 national team
.

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SLOVAKIA

Michaela Jurcisinova signed for Spisska Nova Ves - by Barbora Stuchlikova

Michaela Jurcisinova is another player who is going to suit up for Spisska Nova Ves following season. 19-year-old guard has been playing for SK BD Spisska Nova Ves since 12. With the team, she also participated in lower Slovak league previous season. Now, she is going to experience Slovak Extraliga for the first time in her basketball career.

Michaela says: I've always dreamed about playing in Extraliga with Spisska Nova Ves in front of our fans, who can create incredible atmosphere during men's basketball games. I hope they will support us, too.

Jurcisinova is also excited about practices with a great coach and players. She explains: I can learn techniques and tricks from experienced Extraliga's players.
The Slovakian believes it will help her to improve herself and develop into an important player. She also wishes to get a valuable court time and make her way in the team.

So far, Spisska Nova Ves have signed Slovakians Zuzana Babarikova, Martina Letkova, Veronika Vajnerova, Lucia Stanekova and internationals Josephine Grima and Jade Smith-Williams.

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Trinidad and Tobago National Team 2012 - by Greg

Starting five

Clarke

Ortega

Codio

Patterson

Seale

Shakira Clarke

182-C

Jowan Ortega

173-G-85

Juncos V.

Rhea Codio

165-G-88

Kansas

Adanna David

177-F

Southern

Anika Nottingham

175-SF

Fanta Patterson

180-F-89

Williston St. JC USA

Corisia Blugh

187-PF

Muriel Mitchell

177-SG

Pietra Gay

183-G-74

Courts Horizon Trinidad and Tobago

Melissa Guerrero

180-G-83

Tampa X.

Miriam Seale

191-C-91

Alaska-Anch. USA

Candice Nelson

192-C

Ark.-Ft.Smith JC USA

Ivan Flores

Head Coach

Pietra Gay-Ifill

Assistant

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

U.S. Virgin Islands National Team 2012 - by Greg

Starting five

Richards

Hamilton

Javois

Bough

Liburd

Akkema Richards

172-SG

Delaware

Tanecka Carey

175-G-91

S.Mississippi USA

Natalie Day

182-G/F-90

Portland

Brittney Matthew

170-G

SF Austin

Victoria Hamilton

177-G-91

Radford

Yanique Javois

176-G-85

Missouri Western USA

Aesha Peters

193-C-92

NC-Wilmington USA

Tasheema Lewis

182-C-90

Barry

Lanese Bough

168-G-93

Edidiong Utibe

167-PF-96

Lynia Liburd

180-PG-84

Benedict

Felicia James

180-PG

Tajama Abraham-Ngongba

Head Coach

Stephanie Williams

Assistant

Dominican republic outlasts virgin islands - by David Edole

Morovis, Puerto Rico - Carmen Guzmn scored 28 points to lead Dominican Republic over US Virgin Island, 72-69, today in the third game of the 18th edition of the Centrobasket Tournament in the Jos Pepe Huyke Coloseum of Morovis, Puerto Rico.

Guzmn finished the night with six three-point baskets in 13 attempts. Their offense was accompanied by 11 points from Jennifer Estrella. In the loss, Hamilton scored 17 points, Yanique Monifa and Richards 12 each one.

Dominican trailed by four, 57-53, with 5:38 left to play in the final quarter before tying the score at 65 with 1:25. US Virgin Island still held an 67-65 lead before things began to unravel. The Dominican Republic national team took control with a three point shot from Guzmn with 41 seconds remaining in the game.

The first half ended 41-35 for the Quisqueya team.

Victoria Hamilton (177-G-91) led the VI with 17 points and nine rebounds while Akeema Richards (170-G) added 12 points and eight assists.

Dominican Republic back to court tomorrow against Cuba at 6:00 p.m. (local time), US Virgin Islands, meanwhile, will face Trinidad & Tobago at 1:30 p.m.

Box Score: http://www.fibaamericas.com/fnabox.asp?g=B&n=1&r=9111

http://www.fibaamericas.com/en/torneos1.asp?t=ENLIEBMOAO&xtab=1

USVI senior women's basketball roster

2012 Centrobasket Championship

Name College

Akeema Richards, Delaware

Tanecka Carey, Southern Miss

Victoria Hamilton, Radford

Natalie Day, Portland

Brittney Matthew, Stephen F. Austin State

Yanique Javois, Saint Louis

Aesha Peters, Glenville State

Tashima Lewis, Barry

Lanese Bough, Panola JC

Lynia Liburd, Benedict College

Felicia James, Grambling

Edidiong Utibe, Charlotte Amalie HS

Head Coach: Tajama Abraham Ngongba

A quartet sign on to play college sports - by David Edole

Kerri Harry and Shaniqua Wheatley are both headed to Virginia to play basketball at the Patrick Henry Community College. Kelsy Trass is headed to Illinois to play basketball at Kaskaskia College and Merrisa Murphy is going to Bethune Cookman in Florida on a volleyball scholarship. All four played basketball at CAHS under head coach/athletic director Myron Corbett, who has been instrumental in helping local kids get athletic scholarships across the country.
To Read more: http://virginislandsdailynews.com/sports/four-cahs-athletes-sign-letters-of-intent-1.1322564

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WBCBL

Columbus Hidden Gems & Flint Monarchs tied at 2-1 each to top NorthEast Region! - by Lucius Jones

The Flint Lady Monarchs defeated the Detroit Black Hawks 65-51 in the Battle of Michigan to move to 2-1 and tie for the lead in the Region and for 15th in the Nation with the Columbus Hidden Gems. Leading scorer for the BlackHawks was Monique George (6'1''-C) with 18pts and Joei Clyburn (6'1''-G/F-84, college: Xavier) with 17.

The Columbus Hidden Gems beat the Cleveland Crush 92-77 to also finish at 15th in the Nation and #1 in the NorthEast Region. Brittany Smart (5'9''-G-85, college: Cedarville) scored 18pts with 5rebs, 4asts, 3stls, 1blk 25mins in the win and Jeannie Saunders (5'8''-G-86, college: Salem Intern.) added 15pts with 5rebs, 6asts, 3stls, 1blk in 15mins. Tapre Young added 12pts 5rebs, Crystal Murdaugh (6'0''-G/F, college: N.Carolina A&T) added 10pts, 5rebs, 3stls and Janicia Anderson (5'9''-G/F, college: Wilberforce) just missed a double-double with 10pts and 9rebs.

Flint will travel to Cleveland this Saturday as Columbus plays Detroit Saturday and Cleveland on Sunday, both in home contests at 5pm at Lazelle Woods Rec Ctr 8140 Sancus Blvd.

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WNBA

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Chicago S.		7-1
2. Connecticut S.		6-2
3. Indiana F.		4-2
4. Atlanta D.		3-5
5. New York L.		3-6
6. Washington M.		1-5
Western
1. Minnesota L.		9-0
2. L.Angeles S.		6-2
3. S.Antonio SS		3-4
4. Phoenix M.		2-5
5. Seattle S.		2-6
6. Tulsa S.		0-8

Regular Season: Round 12

Jun. 13: Connecticut S. - L.Angeles S. 81-87
Jun. 13: Chicago S. - Seattle S. 74-58
Jun. 15: Washington M. - Indiana F.
Jun. 15: Connecticut S. - New York L.
Jun. 15: Atlanta D. - L.Angeles S.
Jun. 15: Tulsa S. - Seattle S.
Jun. 15: Phoenix M. - Minnesota L.

Sun players, Olympians get along with Auriemma's accuser - by Eurobasket News

During the course of her 10-year career with the NBA, Kelley Hardwick traveled all over the world as a senior manager in the league's security department. She was responsible for the well-being of players, coaches and executives of the NBA and WNBA.

Hardwick, 46, often visited Mohegan Sun Arena, home of the WNBA's Connecticut Sun. Players know her. She would coordinate security for the WNBA Finals and all-star games in the building. People interviewed Tuesday said they generally respect her work. Mention of her name brought remembrances of a professional, no-nonsense individual.

But until Monday, when she filed suit seeking recompense for employment discrimination against Hall of Fame coach Geno Auriemma, USA Basketball and the NBA, she was just an anonymous face in the shadows. The suit, filed with the Supreme Court of New York, is connected to an incident Hardwick says occurred in the hallway of a hotel in Russia in 2009. She accuses the coach of the UConn women and 2012 Olympic women's basketball team of trying to kiss her at that time. She says she rejected his advances and he has now used his power to have her dismissed from the assignment of accompanying the Olympic team to London this summer.

"I have been around Geno in countless situations over the past 25 years, at practically every hour of the day, in all sorts of different places, and I have never seen him act inappropriately in this kind of manner," said Meghan Pattyson Culmo, who played on Auriemma's first Final Four team, served as his assistant coach and was a broadcaster of UConn women's games for CPTV. "Nothing ever like that."

A number of former and current USA Olympic players and Sun coach Mike Thibault , an assistant on the 2008 staff in Beijing, reacted to the news with a combination of quiet and resignation.

Hardwick has worked at a wide range of WNBA events, serving as the contact for USA Basketball's senior national team.

"I got along great with Kelley," said Sun guard Kara Lawson (5'8''-PG-81, college: Tennessee), a 2008 gold medalist. "I have never had a problem with her. She was professional and did a great job. I've worked with her for such a long time. If you play for USA Basketball, you have interaction with her.

"For the WNBA, the interaction is mostly in relation to the drug-testing program. But the best way to describe it is, if you get into trouble, you deal with her."

During the 2010 World Championship in the Czech Republic, and the training camps that preceded and followed it, none of the players said they sensed anything usual about her or her relationship with Auriemma, especially anything that would have resulted in a lawsuit.

"She did her job very well. She was there to protect us, make sure we got to the places we were going," said Sun center Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut), the former UConn All-American who was with the team in 2010 and will be in London. "She was around us all the time, on the planes, whenever we traveled. She was very welcoming to us.

"Was I was surprised [to hear about the suit]? Yes. I never saw anything [that would have led up to the suit]."

Thibault wouldn't say much.

"I know [Hardwick], yes I do," said Thibault. "But I am not commenting on this case. I will not. I have no comment. None. It's not my job. That's the Olympic team's job to explain. Not mine. ... This is a distraction for my team."

Attorney Randolph McLaughlin turned down The Courant's request to speak to Hardwick. But he did confirm as did the NBA that she was still employed by the NBA, despite her reassignment and the suit.

"I am not at liberty to disclose her assignment," McLaughlin said. The NBA also would not say where she is assigned.

Auriemma wasn't Hardwick's only target. She claims she was discriminated against by the NBA and wasn't promoted properly or paid what she deserved. The lawsuit states "she has been the victim of a corportate culture of gender discrimination to such an extent that she has been subjected to a flagrant and persistent glass ceiling."

USA Basketball continues to withhold comment and would not explain why Hardwick was reassigned. A source familiar with situation told The Courant Monday night that her dismissal stemmed from unprofessional conduct more than from a beef with Auriemma.

"That will all come out in due process," said USA Basketball spokesman Craig Miller.

Sun forward Asjha Jones, another former Husky and current Olympian, said if there was friction between Auriemma and Hardwick, it was none of the players' concern.

"Did I know her? Of course. Impressions? Everyone likes her," said Jones. "You're always surprised to see something like [the suit]. You never expect something like that to happen. We just do our jobs, we have no idea what goes on behind the scenes."

Courtesy of www.courant.com

Hayes adapting to switch from UConn to WNBA - by Eurobasket News

Tiffany Hayes (5'10''-G-89, college: Connecticut) is not afraid to get rough, and shes quickly learning that trait can be painful in the WNBA. In her first days of training camp with the Atlanta Dream, the former UConn standout had her nose broken by a teammates elbow.

Then we were playing (a scrimmage) in Indiana against China and it happened again, Hayes said.

Thats why Hayes was sporting a mask when she trotted onto the Mohegan Sun Arena court late in the first quarter against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday afternoon, and she will have to keep it on another week.

The mask hasnt slowed Hayes down, though. She did what she has done best early in her pro career as she recorded five fouls, giving her 20 in her first eight games. Not that the number is a surprise to her new coach, Marynell Meadors.

Tiffany is like a runaway train, Meadors said.

That train was derailed slightly in April when the WNBA brought her to Bristol anticipating that she would be one of the first players to go in the first round of the draft. The player who had helped UConn to four Final Four appearances and two national championships, who holds the record in Storrs for most points in a half by either a mens or womens player, was the 14th overall pick.

We couldnt believe it. We were thinking about just drafting someone internationally because we never thought she would drop there and we also needed a back-up to Angel (McCoughtry), and shes a good backup. She can play either two or three, Meadors said.

The reason for the precipitous drop in Hayes stock, according to Meadors, is teams chose based on need and many went the international route, although she was surprised when New York selected Kelley Cain with the seventh pick.

Hayes move to Atlanta meant she could play for a coach familiar with Hayes mentor in Storrs, Geno Auriemma. Meadors is one of Auriemmas assistants with the U.S. womens basketball team that will play in the Olympics in July.

I think things are good, we started off a little rough, but I think things are coming along and weve had some good practices. Well get it together, Hayes said.

Hayes compared her brief time in Atlanta to how things began in Storrs when she was sitting and learning on Auriemmas bench as a freshman.

She didnt get a chance to start until she was a sophomore and it may take much longer than that in the WNBA. She came into Sundays game averaging 13 minutes and four points a game for Atlanta, good numbers for a player fresh out of college.

She is so aggressive. I love her. I love her to death, Meadors said. Shes blended into our system very well. She loves to run. Shes a rebounder, a hustler. She gets to loose balls. She plays with reckless abandon, and we need someone like that.

Hayes has had an up-and-down ride on the bench so far, playing almost 20 minutes in one game, barely five the next.

On Sunday, she saw her most playing time of the season: 21:09, and finished with seven points in addition to the five fouls. Although Hayes said she must slow down her game and let it come to her more and that she must work on her shooting (10-for-34 from the floor), especially from beyond the arc (2-for-10), she is getting more comfortable as the games wear on.

Its been a good transition going from college to the pros, especially with this team, just because of the relationship (between Meadors and Auriemma) and the program I came from, which was nothing short from great, and thats made it a little easier for me, Hayes said.

The biggest difference so far has been the freedom of being a professional. College players lives are scrited. Theyre told when to eat, when to sleep, when to study and when to play.

Sometimes, you have to go eat by yourself, just get the money and go, (and) come back when they need you, Hayes said with a smile.

Shes also technically still a college student, having finished finals at UConn late last week. She needs one more class to earn her degree and that has led to a discussion with her parents and agent over whether to return to college following the WNBA season or play basketball overseas.

As far as her WNBA future, Meadors said that remains to be seen.

It depends on her and her performance, Meadors said. I can see her moving into some really good things. We have some players that you never know when they might retire. You cant predict injuries, but it wouldnt bother me one bit to start her.

Courtesy of www.norwichbulletin.com

Lynx return to practice Tuesday, stay at top of power ratings - by Eurobasket News

Chicago is the new No. 2 team in the wnba.com's weekly power ratings. The Sky come to the Target Center on Saturday, June 23 for a nationally televised afternoon game on ESPN.

The Lynx at 9-0, of course, remained at the top of the power ratings. No. 3 was Connecticut, and dropping two spots to No. 4 was Los Angeles.

The Lynx's next two opponents' Phoenix (2-5) and Seattle (1-6) are No. 8 and 11, respectively. The Lynx play at Phoenix on Friday and at Seattle on Sunday. There will be a viewing party Friday at Champps in Minnetonka.

Coach Cheryl Reeve gave the Lynx both Sunday and Monday off after they beat Tulsa on the road on Saturday to go 9-0 -- tying a WNBA record for victories in a row at the start of a season.

* The WNBA players of the week are Chicago guard Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers), for the second week in a row, in the East and Los Angeles rookie Nneka Ogwumike in the West. ... Lynx forward Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut) was among the other players nominated.

Los Angeles has had two players of the week in the West, Phoenix one and the Lynx none.

BALANCED ATTACK

The Lynx have a handful of players doing well. Guard Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-PG-82, college: Minnesota) is averaging 5.8 assists per game --- second in the league. ... Monica Wright, making her second start for the Lynx this season in place of the injured Seimone Augustus (strained right quad), had 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals as the Lynx ran away from Tulsa on Saturday.

Maya Moore scored a season-high 26 points against the Shock. She had 14 points in the third quarter when the Lynx pulled away. ... Rebekkah Brunson is shooting 60.5 percent from the field -- second in the league -- and is averaging 7.8 rebounds -- the fourth best.

Courtesy of www.startribune.com