Eurobasket Daily News Report: 6/2/2012 1:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/2/2012 1:04:01 AM

Copyright � 1997-2012 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com

Men News

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

ARGENTINA

Latinbasket.com All-Argentinian LigaA Awards 2011-12 - by Eurobasket News

Latinbasket.com All-Argentinian LigaA 1st Team 2012

Gutierrez

Campazzo

Smith

Washam

Gutierrez

Player of the Year: Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83) of Obras
Domestic Player of the Year: Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83) of Obras
Import Player of the Year: Robert Battle (204-C-81) of Libertad S.
Guard of the Year: Facundo Campazzo (179-PG-91) of Penarol
Forward of the Year: Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78) of Penarol
Center of the Year: Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83) of Obras
Newcomer of the Year: Alejandro Konsztatd (191-G-89) of Obras
Most Improved Player of the Year: Facundo Campazzo (179-PG-91) of Penarol
6th Man of the Year: Tyler Field (205-F/C-78) of Obras
Defensive Player of the Year: Robert Battle (204-C-81) of Libertad S.
Coach of the Year: Silvio Jose Santander of Lanus

1st Team
PG: Facundo Campazzo (179-91) of Penarol
G: Joe Smith (193-77) of La Union
F: Tony Washam (200-82) of Obras
F: Leonardo Gutierrez (200-78) of Penarol
F/C: Juan Gutierrez (205-83) of Obras

2nd Team
G: Juan Ignacio Sanchez (192-77) of Wuber-Est.Bahia
PG: Paolo Quinteros (185-79) of Regatas C.
F: Marcos Mata (201-86) of Penarol
F: Gabriel Mikulas (200-80) of La Union
C: Robert Battle (204-81) of Libertad S.

Honorable Mention
Maximiliano Stanic (178-PG-78) of Boca Jrs
Nicolas Laprovittola (188-PG-90) of Lanus
Larry O'Bannon (194-G-83) of Lanus
Johwen Villegas (193-G-85) of Sionista
Matias Sandes (201-F/G-84) of Sionista
Diego Lo Grippo (198-F-78) of Quimsa
Jazwin Cowan (204-F/C-83) of Club 9
Martin Leiva (207-F/C-80) of Penarol
Jerome Meyinsse (206-F/C-88) of Sionista

All-Domestic Players Team
PG: Facundo Campazzo (179-91) of Penarol
PG: Paolo Quinteros (185-79) of Regatas C.
F: Marcos Mata (201-86) of Penarol
F: Leonardo Gutierrez (200-78) of Penarol
F/C: Juan Gutierrez (205-83) of Obras

All-Imports Team
G: Joe Smith (193-77) of La Union
F: Joshua Pittman (197-76) of Sionista
F: Louis Roe (201-72) of Regatas C.
F: Tony Washam (200-82) of Obras
C: Robert Battle (204-81) of Libertad S.

All-Defensive Team
Facundo Campazzo (179-PG-91) of Penarol
Mariano Byro (195-G-82) of Lanus
Matias Lescano (196-G/F-79) of Atenas
Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83) of Obras
Robert Battle (204-C-81) of Libertad S.

Penarol wins third straight LigaA title - by Eurobasket News

LigaA Finals, Game 6: Penarol - Obras 75-56 (4-2)

Penarol is the LigaA champion for season 2011/12 and this is their third straight title. They outplayed Obras last night 75-56 in Game Six of the Finals winning the series with 4-2. David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.) stepped up for Penarol with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78) had 17 points and 8 boards, while Facundo Campazzo (179-PG-91) helped his team with 12 points and 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83) was better than the others with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Alejandro Konsztatd (191-G-89) scored 13 points and Pablo Espinoza (200-F-87) added 8 pts, plus 6 boards. Obras shined in the first ten minutes, but it was all from them last night as Penarol took control for rest of the way. Quarters: 10-21, 21-12, 17-9, 27-14. Penarol eliminated Estudiantes with 3-2 in the Quarterfinals. They edged Libertad with 3-1 in the Semis.

Penarol: David Jackson 23+5 boards+5 as, Leonardo Gutierrez 17+8 boards, Facundo Campazzo 12+5
Obras: Juan Gutierrez 21+9 boards, Alejandro Konsztatd 13, Pablo Espinoza 8+6 boards

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

AUSTRALIA

Australian Boomers to play China in YouYi Games - by Eurobasket News

Basketball lovers throughout the Asia Pacific region will be flocking to venues in Western Australia in June 2012 to watch the very best Chinese and Australian men's basketball players vie for dominance in the YouYi ('Friendship') Games.

The YouYi Games bring together the national teams from China and Australia to celebrate the relationships between countries and provide fans in the region with a world-class basketball experience.

This year the Boomers & China will play a three game series with two games being played in Perth at Challenge Stadium.

Game One: Saturday 9 June @ Challenge Stadium (2pm tip off).
Game Two: Monday 11 June @ Albany Leisure & Aquatic Centre (8pm tip off).
Game Three: Wednesday 13 June @ Challenge Stadium (8pm tip off).
Courtesy of: SBL

Sixers out of Boomers - by Eurobasket News

Injury has forced Australian Boomers rising stars Daniel Johnson (212-C-88, college: Pepperdine) and Mitchell Creek (197-F/G-92) to withdraw from the national team squad and as a result next weeks camp in Perth.

Johnson, who has come off a break-out season in the NBL with the Adelaide 36ers, had an MRI yesterday to determine the cause of pain he was experiencing in his ankle. The scan revealed that he has some bruising and other minor damage which will require set skills training under the watchful eye of the medical staff.

Creek, also a member of the Adelaide 36ers team as well as the 2011 Australian Emus U19s team that competed in the FIBA U19 World Championship, has been experiencing strong back pain and is on specialised rehabilitation work.

Both the Boomers and 36ers medical staff reviewed the injuries and it was decided that both players should withdraw from the camp, which is expected to be two sessions per day and quite intense.

The decision also rules both players out of contention for selection for the Boomers team that will battle China in the YouYi Series in WA, as well as the Farewell Series: Basketballs Road to London, which will see the Boomers battle Greece in Victoria next month.

The YouYi Series tips off in Perth on Saturday, 9 June at 2pm from Challenge Stadium. The series then moves to the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre on Monday 11 June at 7pm, before concluding on Wednesday 13 June at Challenge Stadium at 8pm.

For more information on the YouYi Series visit: www.youyigames.com

The Farewell Series will see the Boomers and Jayco Opals take on Greece and Brazil respectively in a three-match series, tipping off with a double-header at Hisense Arena on Sunday June 24.

Tickets for The Farewell Series: Basketballs Road to London are now on sale for all games with adults starting from just $25 and children/concession from $15.

For more information on The Farewell Series visit: www.thefarewellseries.com.au.

Courtesy of NBL Australia (www.nbl.com.au)

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

AUSTRIA

Ray moves to Vienna - by Stefan Heinrich

Today BC Vienna announced the signing of Swingman Shawn Ray (194-G/F-80, college: N.C.Central) for the 2012-2013 season. Ray is very well known in the Austrian league as he was playing in Austria for several years (Oberwaltersdorf, Oberwart, Kapfenberg and Furstenfeld). Last season Ray started in Cyprus playing for Etha and he finished the season in the second Israeli league with Lev Hasharon. In 10 games for Hasharon he had 19.0ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.8apg and 1.8spg. Ray said that he is very happy to have a chance to come back to Austria as he thinks that its on the most beautiful countries on the world

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

BELGIUM

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Christopher COPELAND
  Aalstar
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 21.8

1. Copeland, Aalstar	21.8
2. Bostic, Liege	16.7
3. Mallet, Spirou	15.0
4. Lojeski, Oostende	14.6
5. Haynes, Gent	14.1
6. Taylor, M.Hainaut	13.9
7. Black, Antwerp	13.7
8. Love, Verviers-Pep.	13.3
9. Jenkins, Gent	13.0
10. Winston, Oostende	12.6

Rebounds Per Game

Jason LOVE
  Verviers-Pep.
  (206-F/C-87)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Love, Verviers-Pep.	8.7
2. Brown, Gent	7.9
3. Mejri, Antwerp	7.8
4. Merriex, Verviers.	7.1
5. Young, Aalstar	7.1
6. McLean, Leuven	6.8
7. Mukubu, Verviers.	6.8
8. Jackson, Aalstar	6.3
9. Maras, M.Hainaut	6.0
10. Booker, Oostende	5.9

Assists Per Game

Dominic WATERS
  Liege
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 4.1

1. Waters, Liege	4.1
2. Bosco, Gent	3.4
3. Marnegrave, Leuven	3.4
4. Djordjevic, Ooste.	3.4
5. Black, Antwerp	3.0
6. Steinbach, Aalstar	2.9
7. Slaughter, M.Hai.	2.9
8. Mallet, Spirou	2.7
9. Taylor, M.Hainaut	2.6
10. Bostic, Liege	2.6

Steals Per Game

Adeola DAGUNDURO
  Leuven
  (196-G-86)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Dagunduro, Leuven	2.5
2. Mukubu, Verviers.	2.2
3. Black, Antwerp	2.0
4. Hopkins, Antwerp	2.0
5. Bosco, Gent	2.0
6. Wilson, Antwerp	1.8
7. Mallet, Spirou	1.8
8. Muya, Liege	1.7
9. Maras, M.Hainaut	1.6
10. Haynes, Gent	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Salah MEJRI
  Antwerp
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Mejri, Antwerp	2.5
2. Riddick, Spirou	1.8
3. Jennings, Liege	1.5
4. Love, Verviers-Pep.	0.9
5. Young, Aalstar	0.8
6. Booker, Oostende	0.8
7. Nivins, M.Hainaut	0.6
8. Holiday, Aalstar	0.5
9. De Zeeuw, Verviers.	0.5
10. Vaughn, Antwerp	0.5

Oostende is one win away from the title - by Eurobasket News

Finals, Game 3: Oostende - Spirou 82-79 (2-1, best-of-five)

The hosts trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 24-18 charge, which allowed them to win the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Spirou Charleroi helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for American forward Kennedy Winston (198-84, college: Alabama) who led his team to a victory with 27 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import guard Matt Lojeski (198-85, college: Hawaii) contributed with 20 points and 9 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for the winners. Base Oostende's coach Dario Gjergja used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. International forward Christophe Beghin (207-80, agency: Court Side) answered with 17 points and 5 rebounds and American guard Justin Hamilton (190-80, college: Florida) added 15 points in the effort for Spirou Charleroi. Game Four is scheduled for Tuesday in Charleroi.
Top scorers:
Oostende: K.Winston 27+7reb+4ast, M.Lojeski 20+9reb+1ast, B.Wright 18+7reb+3ast, C.Booker 7+2reb+1ast, D.Djordjevic 6+3reb+2ast, Q.Serron 2+2reb
Spirou: C.Beghin 17+5reb+3ast, J.Hamilton 15+1reb+2ast, D.Mallet 13+1reb+2ast, C.Green 9+4reb, T.Shengelia 8+5reb+1ast, J.Welsch 5+4reb+1ast

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

BOSNIA

Nihad Djedovic is free agent - by Eurobasket News

Nihad Djedovic (196-F-90, agency: Beo Basket) is no longer a member of Regal Barcelona. His contract expired and the Bosnian star is set for workouts with NBA teams. Djedovic will also attend the Eurocamp in Treviso and will decide about his future after the 2012 NBA Draft. Nihad Djedovic finished this season with Galatsaray on loan. He joined them at the end of March averaging 11.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists for 12 TBL games. Galatasaray was the regular season champion in Turkey, but they failed to reach the Finals. Nihad Djedovic started the season with Lottomatica Roma. There he had 11.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 1.6 apg for 25 Italian league games. He played for Roma in 2010/11 as well registering 9.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.1 apg and 1.7 spg for 15 Euroleague games. Djedovic is active member of the Bosnian National Team. He had 10.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg for 5 games at the 2011 EuroBasket in Poland.

3 BOSNIAN PLAYERS WITH A SHOT AT GETTING DRAFTED THIS YEAR! - by Chris Mathieu

3 BOSNIAN PLAYERS WITH A SHOT AT GETTING DRAFTED THIS YEAR!
Nihad Dedovic: Nihad has been on the radar of NBA scouts since joining KK BOSNA as a 15 year old kid. He has played in various camps over the years and scouts have seen him play numerous times. He has good size and is strong and is an above average European athlete, although only average by NBA standards. He is good at attacking the basket and is an aggressive player. He has a quirky shot mechanic and is a below average outside shooter. The real question is he hasnt really gotten measurably better from year to year, so his NBA upside is limited. Also you have to ask yourself what does he do for an NBA team and there is nothing that stands out in particular.
Chances of being drafted: 2nd round less than 50% but a team may take a flyer on him in the middle or back of the second round.
Ogjen Kuzmic: Ogjen burst onto the scenes last year when he had a breakout year for Celik Zenica in Bosnia. He moved onto D2 Spain this season which was a big leap and he responded very well. He shows very good athleticism for a center with his size and length. He looks like he can add weight and get stronger over time. He is an excellent rebounder and shot blocker and is not intimidated by physical play. He is still very raw offensively but shows decent hands and shooting form and could turn into an average scorer over time.
Chances of being drafted: 2nd round is a virtual lock for him. If he was a college center or had a bigger European profile then he could even have snuck into the end of the first round in a year with a weak draft. He is at least as good as Leonard Meyers in my opinion.
Alen Omic: A very young player who has played tough competition in the Adriatic league for two years and has played well. He just turned 20 and he looks like he will be productive in Europe for years. He is an aggressive player who lacks any refined individual skills. Much like Nihad you have to ask what NBA skill he has and it looks like he just comes up a bit short in every category. He isnt a great athlete, defender, shooter or rebounder.
Chances of being drafted: Unlikely unless a team takes a chance on him at the back on the second round. 25% chance.

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

BRAZIL

Otavio Troyano sign with Jacarei - by Paulo Freire

The Jacarei Basketball/Fibria/JTU/Ativia team has add a new point guard to their roster. The team sign Otavio Troyano (188-G-80) who was playing for the Minas Tenis Clube on the NBB.
Jacarei Basketball/Fibria/JTU/Ativia only had one truelly point guard since they waived Alexandre Pinheiro during the Brazil Cup.
Otavio will play the Paulista State Championship, his last participation on the tournament was in 2009-2010 season when he played for the Assis Basket team.

Coach Gonzalo Garcia leaves Flamengo basketball - by Paulo Freire

After being eliminated, in the semifinal of the NBB, losing the series to the Sao Jose dos Campos, the Argentine coach Gonzalo Garcia left the Flamengo coach command. Gonzalo will not be without a job for a long time, the coach already hit a new contract back in Argentina for two seasons with the La Union de Formosa (ARG).

Gonzalo arrived at Flamengo in the beginning of the 2010/2011 season. While in command of one of the strongest teams of the national basketball, he did not lead the team to any good championship while in Flamengo, not making the NBB, South America or Liga das Americas Championship.

For most of the brazilian basketball midia, Gonzalo was a big disappointment as he did not made a solid defense and could not make a different offensive game plan, as the team still use the 3 point ball a lot under his command.

The Flamengo team also is losing his import player, as David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.) move to Penarol to only play the finals as a sub player for Kyle Lamonte. Besides getting a quick Argentine Champion, David Jackson found a contract for the next season with the Gimnasia and will not be back for Flamengo.

Coach Helio Rubens and Franca part away after a long ride - by Paulo Freire

Helio Rubens is not in charge of Vivo/Franca Basquete Sao Paulo. The coach announced his departure from the team in a official letter made public through the Press Office of the Club. The decision to leave the team came from the coach himself.

In Franca, Helio Rubens spent five decades of history. Helio was one of the main responsible for transforming the team and the city as a basketball references in Brazil. As a coach and player, he lead the Franca Team for 50 years and won 11 State titles and 10 Brazilian National titles, in addition to having won six times the South American Championships and five times the Pan American Games.

The rumors says Franca is in negotiation with Aluisio Xavier Ferreira for the coach position, Lula Ferreira is currently working for the NBB.

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

CANADA

Storm protects five players - by Eurobasket News

The Summerside Storm of the National Basketball League of Canada, presented by Rogers Communications, announced the five players the team has protected for the upcoming season.

The protected players include last years NBL First-Team All-Star and First-Team All-Defensive team member Mike Williams; First-Team All-Defensive team member Al Stewart (5'10''-G-83, college: Drake); Canadian and three-point specialist Chris Cayole (6'7''-F-85, college: St.Michael's); point guard Eric Gilchrese (6'0''-PG-87, agency: SDJ Sports, college: New Hampshire), and small forward Louie McCroskey (6'5''-G-85, college: Marist).

Among league leaders

Statistically, Williams was among the league leaders in scoring, field-goal percentage and rebounding in Year 1 of the league. He will be an important cog for the Storm during the 2012-13 season.

Stewart also had a big year for the Storm as he was among the league leaders in assists and steals.

Cayole, while injured for over half the season, shot almost 50 per cent from the three-point line.

Both Gilchrese and McCroskey were also solid contributors for the Storm while also proving to be among the fan favourites.

Strong fan base

The Storm had a successful season building a strong fan base among Islanders. The team made well over 100 community visits, helping raise over $20,000 for non-profit organizations that all led to over 50,000 fans coming to EastLink Arena in Summerside to watch Prince Edward Islands first pro basketball team compete during its first season of operation.

Training camp

Training camp is expected to begin in October, with the NBL of Canadas regular season starting later that month or early November.

Storm season tickets are expected to go on sale within another month.

Camps

The Storm will be running four basketball camps across Prince Edward Island this summer, with the first from July 9 to 12 at Westisle Composite High School in Elmsdale.

The next camp is at Birchwood Intermediate Junior High in Charlottetown from July 23 to 26, and then at Three Oaks Senior High School in Summerside from Aug. 6 to 9. The final camp goes at Souris Regional High School from Aug. 20 to 23.

Courtesy of www.journalpioneer.com

Halifax Rainmen opt to protect starting backcourt - by Eurobasket News

The Halifax Rainmen hope to have their backcourt return intact for the 2012-13 season.

The club is protecting guards Taliek Brown (6'1''-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Connecticut), Joey Haywood (6'1''-G-84) and Chris Hagan (5'9''-G-89, college: Midwestern St.) along with forwards Tyrone Levett (6'5''-F-80, college: Alabama St.) and Darnell Hugee (6'7''-F-85, college: Prairie View A&M), owner Andre Levingston confirmed Thursday.

NBL teams had to submit a five-man protected list by the last day of the month, giving them exclusive negotiating rights with those players within the league.

The players could still accept offers from other leagues, but cant be signed by rival NBL squads.

Brown, who was suspended by the Rainmen briefly late last season to deal with personal issues, has remained in the city during the off-season working with the teams community outreach program.

If he returns, it would be his third season in Halifax. None of Haywood, Hagan, Levett and Hugee began the 2011-12 campaign with the Rainmen, but each became a lineup fixture shortly after arrival.

Courtesy of http://thechronicleherald.ca

NBL could add five new teams for second season - by Eurobasket News

As many as five new teams could be tipping off with the National Basketball League of Canada in its second season of operation.

Ownership groups in five Ontario cities had their formal applications for expansion franchises submitted by Thursdays soft deadline for proposals of interest.

The groups in St. Catharines, Mississauga, Ottawa, Windsor and Kitchener have until June 15 to finalize arena lease agreements and other arrangements and fork over a $50,000 refundable deposit.

It will then be up to the league to decide how much it wants to expand for the 2012-13 campaign.

Andre Levingston, the leagues president and CEO, had said earlier this month that there was no preferred number going forward for the NBL in Year 2.

He reiterated Thursday that the league could proceed with just one expansion team if thats deemed most appropriate. But he said it could also accept all five prospective expansion franchises.

That is a possibility but again it has to be more than just eagerness from the community or from the city, said Levingston, the owner of the Halifax Rainmen and one of the NBL founders.

It has to be that the individuals that have shown interest are able to be fiscally responsible and were still doing our due diligence.

He went on to say, though, that he has been impressed by all five ownership groups and each appears to be solid and financially capable.

The NBL was formed last spring after the Rainmen, Saint John Mill Rats and Quebec Kebs withdrew from the Premier Basketball League, one of two U.S.-based loops that all three Canadian clubs had been associated with.

They were joined by new teams in Moncton, Summerside, Oshawa and London, Ont., for the first season.

Levingston has said its important for the league to expand prudently to attract stable ownership groups and ensure that markets are ready to support those groups.

But he added that theres also nothing wrong with expanding to 12 teams from seven this soon if the situation is right.

Naturally someone on the outside looking in would say it looks like the league is growing too fast, he said.

But if you have five cities whos willing to support, if you have ownership groups in these markets that can be fiscally responsible or have the wherewithal to sustain a professional basketball club for years to come, no, that number is not too big.

The league will also move into a new market in Quebec. Levingston confirmed the Kebs organization wont be operating out of Quebec City and is in the process of finalizing its transfer to another venue within the province.

Courtesy of http://thechronicleherald.ca

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

CROATIA

Kvarner hires Vladimir Anzulovic as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Kvarner 2010 Rijeka got a new Head Coach. The team decided not to extend Aramis Naglic and at the same time hired Vladimir Anzulovic (186-G-78). It will be his first head coaching position. Anzulovic started coaching career in 2010 with Krka Novo Mesto. He served as Assistant Coach there. Anzulovic retired as a professional basketball player that same year. He played 31 games for Slovenian team Zasavlje PRO-TEK Rudar averaging 11.4 ponts, 4.1 assists and 1.6 rebounds. Before that, Anzulovic was a member of Hopsi Polzela, Pepinster, Zadar, Iraklis etc. He played for Kvarner in 2007/08 season. For 23 games with them the point guard had 14.6 ppg, 3.8 apg and 1.9 rpg.
Kvarner finished last season as No.3 in Play-Out group. They registered 11-9 record, what was enough for the survival in A1 league.

Croatian duo stays with EuroCup holders - by Eurobasket News

Croatian duo stays with EuroCup holders for the next season. Loncar and Planinic will continue for Khimky in Russia.
Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83, agency: Alti Sport) joined the team two seasons ago. In 2010-2011 for BC Khimky Moscow Region (Russia-PBL) in VTB League he averaged 10.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 65.0% and in Euroleague after 16 games his stats read 8.4ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 22.7%, FT: 69.8%. In Russian League he had 11.5ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 13.8%, FT: 72.7%.
In 2011-2012 he showed 10.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 63.8%, FT: 68.4% in Russian League and in VTB had 13.3ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 65.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 85.5%. In EuroCup Loncar averaged 12.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.6%, FT: 84.4%.
Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) will also enter his third season with the team. Last season in Russian League he averaged 13.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT-2 (53.7%), FT: 67.1% and in VTB League had 10.1ppg, 2.9rpg, Assists-2 (5.2apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 64.6%. In EuroCup his stats read 11.1ppg, 2.9rpg, Assists-3 (4.9apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 79.6%.

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

CYPRUS

Anthony King and the National team - by Dr. Nasios Orinos

The well known Anthony King has been naturalized as a Cypriot. We all know Anthony King from his service in Etha during the years 2009-2011 with which he won a champ and a cup. Last year King was transferred in Germany's Artland Dragons which he helped landing the 4th place, averaging 10 pts and 6 rebounds.

Anthony king will join the rest of the team soon and will help the Cyprus National team's effort. The National team has begun practicing for the eurobasket qualifiers under the supervision of new coach Antonis Constantinides. Eurobasket final phase will take place in Slovenia.

In the qualifiers, the team will battle in the 3rd group against Croatia, Ukraine, Hungary, and Austria. Preparation has begun on the 1st of May and will be concluded in two phases. Preparation will be intensified in July with the basic training taking place after the 29th of June.

Games will take place between the 15th of August and 11th of September. The schedule is as follows:

15/08/2012 Cyprus - Austria
18/08/2012 Croatia - Cyprus
24/08/2012 Cyprus - Ukraine
27/08/2012 Hungary - Cyprus
30/08/2012 Austria - Cyprus
02/09/2012 Cyprus - Croatia
08/09/2012 Ukraine - Cyprus
11/09/2012 Cyprus - Hungary

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

EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE

Standings

Eurobasket S.League Standings

1. Treviso		2-0
2. Pointiers		1-1
3. Solna		1-1
4. Asker		0-2

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

EUROCUP

Interview with Dusan Sakota - by Serafim Karaiskakis

Dusan Sakota (209-SF-86) former Panathinaikos player spoke to Eurobasket.com:

With scale 1-5 rate the situation in Oostende and tell us few things about.

Payments: 5
Everything in Oostende concerning the payments was 100% professional and on time.

Facilities: 4
Everything in and around the gym was great, except for one detail that I didn't like personally, which is that the weight room was ten minutes by car from the gym, so that makes it a little harder to work out during the season as you'd like.

Fans: 4
Although the gym is rarely full, the fans of Oostende are very supportive of their players and coaches, and always bring a positive energy and atmosphere to the game!

League: 3
Even though many people underestimate the level of basketball played in Belgium, I give it a 3 because of three reasons. Very poor TV and media coverage, very low level of refereeing, and most importantly, very few teams participating in the league (only 9)

City: 5
A great, cozy city by the sea, that makes every basketball player feel comfortable in Belgium, making it that much easier to have your mind only on basketball

Are you happy in Russia now, what plans you have for the new season? Do you want to return to Greece?

I was very glad that I signed for Enisey, Russia for the remainder of the season in January, since it was a great experience to play and live in Siberia for 4 months, and also I believe it was a tremendous help for me to get back on my old level before the injury physically and mentally, by playing in one of the toughest leagues in Europe against teams such as CSKA and Khimki. Of course, I would love to one day return and play in Greece since I have spent 18 years of my life there, but for now my biggest basketball wish and goal is to try and return to the Italian League.

What advice you give to those who have a serious injury to overcome, what you did in your case?

The advice I would give to players overcoming hard injuries is mainly two: DON'T GIVE UP and HAVE A LOT OF PATIENCE! I know for a fact that the hardest possible thing a basketball player has to do in his career is to force himself to practice and rehabilitate as fast as possible, especially when no one is around. Its always easier when there is a coach or a trainer on top of your head telling you what and how to do it, but when you are alone in that gym, thats when you really have to show your love and devotion to the game of basketball, as well as your personal zeal and will to overcome all obstacles in front of you and get back to doing what you love most.. PLAYING!

Who was the best teammate ever had in your career so far.

In my opinion the best teammate player-wise that I ever had would be Diamantidis.

Do you follow the Greek finals? Whats your prediction, Panathinaikos or Olympiakos?

Of course, I am closely following the finals of the Greek League this year. OSFP is bringing a tremendous combination of energy and confidence on the court, especially after winning the Euroleague in a heroic fashion, which makes it very difficult to beat them in any aspect of the game. they dominate on the offensive rebounds, they get many steals and fly to the transition game, and their percentages are sky high due to their incredible confidence, combined with a great desire and wish to finally become champions after 15 years! However, you can never underestimate the heart of the champion, and also since I have spent 5 years of my life there, I know for a fact that PAO is not going to give up without a great fight, using maybe the only advantage that they have over their opponents in this moment...their vast experience in playing games with no tomorrow and winning! So, basically I believe that the best thing to do is not make any predictions but sit back and enjoy the show!!

http://www.serwrites.blogspot.com/

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

EUROLEAGUE

FRANCE

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Eric CHATFIELD
  Paris-.
  (191-G-79)
  Avg: 19.6

1. Chatfield, Paris-.	19.6
2. Hughes, Hyeres-T.	17.2
3. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	17.1
4. Hamilton, Paris-.	17.0
5. Rochestie, Le Mans	16.7
6. Schilb, Chalon	16.6
7. Williams, Paris-.	16.5
8. Causeur, Cholet	16.0
9. Cox, Le Havre	15.8
10. Ray, Pau-Lacq.	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Chinemelu ELONU
  Pau-Lacq.
  (206-F/C-87)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.	8.3
2. Hamilton, Paris-.	8.2
3. Akingbala, Nancy	7.8
4. Armstrong, AS.	7.2
5. Greer, Strasbourg	7.0
6. Aminu, Chalon	6.9
7. Vebobe, Cholet	6.9
8. Nsonwu-Amadi, Roa.	6.8
9. Moerman, Nancy	6.6
10. Falker, Cholet	6.5

Assists Per Game

Kareem REID
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (178-PG-75)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Reid, Hyeres-Toulon	7.6
2. Rochestie, Le Mans	6.5
3. Wise, Le Havre	5.6
4. Pellin, Orleans	5.3
5. Linehan, Nancy	5.2
6. Dixon, Dijon	5.1
7. Barrett, Roanne	4.9
8. Schilb, Chalon	4.6
9. Tchicamboud, Cha.	4.6
10. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	4.5

Steals Per Game

Andrew ALBICY
  Gravelines
  (178-PG-90)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Albicy, Gravelines	2.4
2. Dobbins, Poitiers	2.3
3. Riley, Nanterre	2.1
4. Linehan, Nancy	2.1
5. Wise, Le Havre	2.0
6. Shuler, Nancy	1.8
7. Pellin, Orleans	1.8
8. Acker, Le Mans	1.7
9. Melody, Dijon	1.7
10. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Alexis AJINCA
  Strasbourg
  (215-C-88)
  Avg: 2

1. Ajinca, Strasbourg	2.0
2. Falker, Cholet	1.4
3. Gobert, Cholet	1.3
4. Hamilton, Paris-.	1.2
5. Akingbala, Nancy	1.1
6. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.	1.1
7. Akpomedah, Grave.	1.0
8. Issa, Gravelines	0.9
9. Armstrong, AS.	0.9
10. Sy, Orleans	0.9

Lille extends Gillet, Camara and Bradford - by Eurobasket News

Lille extended deals with Benoit Gillet (191-G/F-86), Moussa Camara (196-SF-87, college: Binghamton) and Steffon Bradford (199-F/C-78, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Nebraska) for the next season.
Benoit Gillet arrived to Lille in 2010 from Saint-Etienne. He played 34 games in ProB this season averaging 9.2 points and 1.6 assists. In 2010/11, he had 7.7 ppg and 2.3 apg for 32 games also in ProB.
Moussa Camara graduated at Binghamton University something more than a year ago and he was rookie this season in France. For 32 games in the league Camara registered 5.1 ppg.
Steffon Bradford also joined the club last summer. He collected 13.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 1.5 apg for 26 games. Bradford spent 2010/11 season in Israel. He won their National League title with Maccabi Habikaa.

Anthony Dobbins remains with Poitiers - by Eurobasket News

Anthony Dobbins (194-G-81, college: Richmond) remains with Poitiers for the next season. The player will enter his second season with the team.
At the end of January Anthony Dobbins strengthens Union Poitiers Basket 86 roster. Guard came from Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket where last season he was averaging 7.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-3 (2.0spg). Anthony brings athleticism and energy on the defensive side.
Earlier Tony Dobbins played for Entente Orleans 45 and C.B. Murcia. He started the season 2011-2012 for Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA, starting five),but left in pre-season. In Jan.'12 moved to Union Poitiers Basket 86 (France-ProA, starting five) and averaged 8.1 points per game. He recorded 14 points twice during the season. In the last game his 14 points did not help his team in the game versus Orleans in a 67:83 loss.

Lievin land Mory Correa and Jonathan Godin - by Eurobasket News

Lievin are building the roster for the next season. They agreed on terms of contract with Mory Correa (204-C/F-79, college: Wyoming) and Jonathan Godin (185-G-82).
Jonathan Godin spent the last season with Cognac BB. The guard averaged 11.1 points, 5.1 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game in NM1 League. He also had stints with Mulhouse, 45 Orleans, Le Portel, JALT Le Mans, Longwy-Rehon before.
Mory Correa played in ProB last season. He was the member of Evreux squad. The centre tallied 5.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per appearance. Mory Correa used to play in Chalons, Charleville, Besonson, Challans and Boulazac after graduating from the University of Wyoming in 2004. Eurobasket.com named Mory Correa into French ProB All-Newcomers Team in 2006.

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

FYR MACEDONIA

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

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

Vojdan Stojanovski

#1. This week's number one is an international guard Vojdan Stojanovski (193-87). He led BC Donetsk to a victory over the closely-ranked Azovmash (26-13) 84-79 in the Ukrainian Superleague in Thursday night's game. Stojanovski was MVP of the game. He recorded 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals (made all of his six free throws) in 29 minutes on the court. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. BC Donetsk (31-8) is placed first in the Superleague. It was his team's 13th consecutive victory in a row. Stojanovski has relatively good stats this year: 11.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 48.9%, 3FGP: 47.7%(31-65) and FT: 86.1% in the 28 games he played so far. He is currently a member of the FYR Macedonian senior national team.

Bo McCalebb

#2. Second place goes to an international point guard Bo McCalebb (183-85, college: New Orleans). McCalebb contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Banco di Sardegna Sassari (20-12) crushing them 91-68 in the Italian SerieA last Monday. He recorded 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Montepaschi Siena (24-8) is placed first in the SerieA. This season McCalebb has relatively solid stats: 13.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.4apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 62.2%(153-246), 3FGP: 38.8% and FT: 77.9%. He is a naturalized American. Despite McCalebb played previously for the USA national team, he is currently a member of the FYR Macedonian senior national team. Strangely McCalebb has never played in FYR Macedonia.

Pero Antic

#3. The FYR Macedonian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Pero Antic (210-82, agency: Beo Basket), who plays in the Greek A1. He could not help Olympiacos (23-1) in their last game. Despite Antic's good performance the league leader Olympiacos lost 74-84 in a derby game to the second-ranked Panathinaikos. He was the second best scorer with 11 points in a mere 19 minutes. It's Antic's first season with the team. This year Antic averages: 7.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 2FGP: 55.3%(47-85), 3FGP: 33.8% and FT: 74.6% in the 30 games. He has a dual citizenship: FYR Macedonian and Bulgarian. Despite Antic played previously for the Bulgarian national team, he is currently a member of the FYR Macedonian senior national team.

Damjan Stojanovski

#4. Forward Damjan Stojanovski (197-87) was the major contributor in a Lukoil Academik's victory against the closely-ranked Levski Sofia (23-5) 87-82 in a derby game in the Bulgarian NBL in Sunday night's game. Stojanovski scored 13 points. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Lukoil Academik Sofia (25-3) is placed first in the NBL. Stojanovski's overall stats this season are: 7.1ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.1apg and 1.3spg. Despite he played previously for the Bulgarian national team, Stojanovski is currently in the FYR Macedonian national team roster.

Other top FYR Macedonian players, who play abroad:

Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86) plays for Lietuvos rytas in Lithuanian LKL
Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81) plays for Unics Kazan in Russian PBL
Vlado Ilievski (189-PG-80) plays for Lokomotiv in Russian PBL
Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82) plays for Lokomotiv in Russian PBL
Marques Green (167-PG-82) plays for Air Avellino in Italian SerieA
Kevin Fletcher (207-C-80) plays for Otto Caserta in Italian SerieA
Riste Stefanov (198-G-81) plays for Ilysiakos in Greek A1
Darius Washington (188-PG-85) plays for Quebradillas in Puerto Rican BSN
Nenad Zivcevic (204-F-87) plays for Sundsvall Dragons in Swedish Basketligan
Blagoj Janev (203-F-84) plays for Thor Thorl in Icelandic Express L.
Nenad Vujadinovic (202-F-64) plays for Soproni in Hungarian A Division

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

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

GERMANY

Phillipp Heyden Remains With The Mitteldeutscher BC - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Ever since Phillipp Heyden (208-C-88) left EnBW Ludwigsburg it seems like is basketball career has been in a whirlwind as he left the Beko BBL twice going back to the PRO A and now is back again for a fourth time with MBC after having played in the first German Basketball division with Alba Berlin, EnBW Ludwigsburg and BBC Bayreuth. The 208cm big man seems to have been around for the longest time, but is only 23 years old. He was an important piece to the success of MBC last season as he played 25 games: 10.3ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP-1 (66.0%), FT: 74.2%. He scored in double figures 14 times and had two double doubles including a monster game against USC Heidelberg with 21 points and sixteen rebounds. In the run back to the Beko BBL with MBC, he was German 2.Bundesliga Pro A Regular Season Champion -12, German 2.Bundesliga Pro A Champion -12, and Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro A All-Domestic Players Team -12.

Vincent Kittmann Joins The Webmoebel Baskets - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After three years with Herten and four years of PRO B basketball, Vincent Kittmann (199-F-88) will finally be able to showcase his talent in the German PRO A this coming season for the Webmoebel Baskets. Kittmann is a 23 year old 199 cm forward that was a desired candidate to get for head coach Thomas Glasauer played in Herten the last three years playing a total of 84 PRO B games and last season played 30 games: 16.4ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.7apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 23.7%, FT: 78.1%. He was able to improve his scoring in each season. He scored in double figures in 25 games and scored more than 30 points against Hannover and Dorsten. 'I am happy that we were able to compete against some other PRO A teams and get the best German player from the PRO B. I know him since some years and have followed his career. He is similar to the player Michael Jost, a versatile fighter that does much that isnt always seen on the stats. He will mostly play the position three, but also play down low as he is a good rebounder and can guard guards', stressed Thomas Glasauer.Kittmann started his career in 2005 for Bramfelder SV Hamburg II (Oberliga).Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been German NBBL Division Northeast Regular Season Champion -07, German NBBL Quarterfinals -07, German 2. Regionalliga North - Division North Champion -08, German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Runner-Up -10
German 2.Bundesliga Pro B (Group North) Regular Season Runner-Up -11, 12, German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Semifinals -12, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Domestic Player of the Year -12, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B 1st Team -12, and Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro B All-Domestic Players Team -12

Source: Webmoebel Baskets

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

GREECE

HOLLAND

Den Helder Back in the Dutch Eredivisie - by Fred Roggen

6-times champion of Holland Den Helder returns after an absence of three years, with a team back in the league. The team will play under the name Den Helder Kings.
The team will be partly made up of regional talent. Former player Quincy Treffers (202-F-91), previously released by Bergen op Zoom last season is one of those players. The team will play in a futuristic dome.

Amsterdam also has plans to return to the Dutch Eredivisie.

Financial problems Aris Leeuwarden - by Fred Roggen

Future Lasaulec Aris Leeuwarden extremely unstable. Again, money is the major culprit. The economic crisis is causing a hole in the budget for the ambitious club
There is still no clarity about the need for renovation of the Kalverdijkje. ,, We are in heavy weather, 'admits manager Gert Schurer.

Crisis has hit sports as well and basketball is no exception to that. Dutch basketball had only a few big investors but never a good marketing plan to help it develop.
The Dutch basketball association (NBB) and the FEB (organisation of the teams) have made many mistakes, biggest of which, I think, is the fact that they werent interested
to communicate and cooperate so as to help Dutch basketball develop as a whole and build foundations that would help it be healthy and evolve.

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

IBA

Standings

IBA Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 25

Jun. 2: Lansing C. - Chicago R.
Jun. 3: Chicago R. - Kenosha B.

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

IBL

KING SPEAKS OUT ON NEW FBA Part 1 - by John Gary

CAN you see many of your players moving up to the D-League or do you think they will head overseas? The main focus is on development of players staff and referees and also entertainers looking for a platform to perform and exercise their craft. We absolutely feel that given a chance several of our players can continue their careers in various places whether it be overseas in various other Us Leagues during our offseason,hopefully at the highest level the NBA. There are some very talented players inthis league so it would not shock us to see someone advance to the D-League. To aid in getting our players exposure,we do our very best to place game film online. In fact,the Florida Flight also broadcasts their home games on Ustream. Now that their away games are closer to home they may also broadcasts a select few away games,also other teams do similar things. Its also planned to have YouTUBE highlights of many top games. Simply put we believe in our players and we are completely confident that as we build up our reputation and credibility as a sustainable US minor league model,our players will enjoy various offers which allow them to be selective and choose which next stop is right for them not just because there is a big paycheck to follow.

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

ISRAEL

Maccabi Ashdod keeps Head Coach Ofer Berkovic - by Eurobasket News

Ofer Berkovic stays with Maccabi Ashdod. The Israeli specialist signed a one-year contract extension with the club. Maccabi Ashdod reached Premier League Finals this season and lost it to Maccabi Electra. They finished regular season as No.6 with 12-12 record and later eliminated Galil Gilboa in the Playoff Quarterfinals (3-1). In the Semis, Maccabi Ashdod edged Maccabi Rishon 75-68. Berkovic was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Co-Coach of the Year -12.
Ofer Berkovic took over the club two years ago. Before that he worked with Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion and Elitzur Ashkelon. From 2004 to 2007 he coached Maccabi Givat Shmuel. The coach also has experience from West Petrom Arad, Elitzur Ramla and Maccabi Ramat Gan. With Arad he reached Romanian league Finals in 2003.

Elitzur Ramla tab Darrin Govens - by Eurobasket News

Elitzur Ramla ensured the services of Darrin Govens (185-G-88, college: St.Joseph's) for the next season. The guard played in Iceland last season. He was the member of sensational Thor Thorl squad. Darrin Govens led the team in scoring averaging 23.5 points per game. He also notched 6.2 boards, 5.3 assists and 2.1 steals per Express League game. Darrin Govens helped Thor Thorl reach the title series where they lost 1-3 to Grindavik. Eurobasket.com named Darrin Govens All-Icelandic League Guard of the Year. Darrin Govens started his pro career in D-League. He had a short stint with the Reno Bighorns in 2010/11 season. The guard graduated from Saint Josephs University in 2010. He was Atlantic Tournament winner with the team back in 2008.

Eurobasket.com All-Israeli National League Awards 2011-12 - by Eurobasket

All-Israeli National League 1st Team 2012

Miller

Bet-Yosef

Laing

Hall

Kelly

Player of the Year: Nate Miller (193-G-87) of Macc.B.Yaakov
Guard of the Year: Nate Miller (193-G-87) of Macc.B.Yaakov
Forward of the Year: Ramon Clemente (200-PF-85) of Kiryat Tivon
Center of the Year: Rahshon Turner (201-F/C-75) of Hapoel Y/M
Defensive Player of the Year: Nate Miller (193-G-87) of Macc.B.Yaakov
Domestic Player of the Year: Yoad Bet-Yosef (182-PG-87) of Macc.B.Yaakov
Import of the Year: Errick McCollum (185-G-88) of Hapoel K/S
Coach of the Year: Erez Edelshtein of Hapoel T-A

1st Team
G: Nate Miller (193-87) of Macc.B.Yaakov
PG: Yoad Bet-Yosef (182-87) of Macc.B.Yaakov
G/F: Brian Laing (195-85) of Elitzur Yavne
F: Jermaine Hall (196-80) of Macc.B.Yaakov
PF: Curtis Kelly (205-88) of Hapoel T-A

2nd Team
PG: Demontez Stitt (186-89) of Hapoel T-A
G: Errick McCollum (185-G-88) of Hapoel K/S
PF: Ramon Clemente (200-85) of Kiryat Tivon
F: Gregg Thondique (201-87) of Hapoel Afula
F/C: Rahshon Turner (201-75) of Hapoel Y/M

Honorable Mention
Bilal Benn (196-G/F-86) of Ironi Nes-Ziona
Elad Hofman (192-G/F-85) of Elitzur Yavne
Ilan Berkowitz (186-G-75) of Elitzur Ramla
Lenny Daniel (203-F-87) of Ironi K-A
Marcus Ginyard (196-G/F-87) of Ironi Nahariya
Stacey Moragne (195-F-83) of Elitzur Ramla
Rodney Webb (200-F-83) of Ironi Ramat Gan
Gabe Blair (203-F-87) of Ironi Nes-Ziona
Gary Gandel (203-G/F-80) of Hod Hasharon

All-Domestic Players Team
PG: Yoad Bet-Yosef (182-87) of Macc.B.Yaakov
G/F: Corry Carr (192-75) of Hapoel T-A
G/F: Elad Hofman (192-85) of Elitzur Yavne
G/F: Gary Gandel (203-80) of Hod Hasharon
F: Tal Michael Dunne (197-87) of Ironi Nes-Ziona

All-Imports Team
PG: Demontez Stitt (186-89) of Hapoel T-A
G: Nate Miller (193-87) of Macc.B.Yaakov
G/F: Brian Laing (195-85) of Elitzur Yavne
PF: Ramon Clemente (200-85) of Kiryat Tivon
PF: Curtis Kelly (205-88) of Hapoel T-A

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

ITALY

Stats Leaders - SerieA

Points Per Game

Andre SMITH
  Otto C.
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 18.4

1. Smith, Otto C.	18.4
2. Coleman, Angelico.	18.2
3. White, Scavolin.	17.2
4. Diener, Banco d.	16.6
5. Green, Sidigas AV	16.1
6. Shakur, Novipiu CM	16.0
7. Pullen, Angelico BI	16.0
8. Hickman, Scavolin.	16.0
9. Dean, Sidigas AV	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. Jones, Scavolini PS	7.2
8. Chiotti, Novip.	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	5.1
5. Shakur, Novipiu CM	4.3
6. Mekel, Benetton TV	3.7
7. Poeta, CS Bologna	3.6
8. Perkins, Bennet C.	3.3
9. McCalebb, Montepa.	3.3
10. Fultz, Banca Ter.	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.	2.3
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. Crosariol, Acea R.	0.8
9. Viggiano, Benetton.	0.8
10. Slokar, Acea Roma	0.8

Stats Leaders - Lega2

Points Per Game

Troy BELL
  S.Antimo
  (186-PG-80)
  Avg: 23.2

1. Bell, S.Antimo	23.2
2. Hardy, Giorgio	23.1
3. Marigney, Givova S.	21.3
4. Freeman, MarcoPol.	20.9
5. Voskuil, Morpho B.	18.8
6. Maggioli, Fileni B.	18.5
7. Robinson, Trenkwal.	18.0
8. McConnell, Fileni	17.6
9. Taylor, Trenkwal.	17.1
10. Brooks, Fileni BPA	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

James THOMAS
  Givova S.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Thomas, Givova S.	11.8
2. Anderson, Morpho B.	8.2
3. Jones, Giorgio	7.9
4. Maggioli, Fileni B.	7.7
5. Baldassarre, Bianc.	7.5
6. Waleskowski, Tezen.	7.4
7. Borovnjak, Enel B.	7.2
8. Diliegro, Assi Ost.	7.1
9. Brooks, Fileni BPA	6.9
10. Kotti, Aget Imola	6.9

Assists Per Game

Mike GREEN
  Sigma B.
  (185-PG-85)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Green, Sigma B.	4.9
2. Johnson, Assi O.	4.5
3. Porta, Tezenis	4.4
4. Kelley, Biancobl.	3.5
5. McConnell, Fileni	3.4
6. Whiting, Aget Imola	3.4
7. Marigney, Givova S.	3.3
8. Renfroe, Enel B.	3.3
9. Goldwire, Centra.	3.0
10. Blizzard, Biancob.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Mario WEST
  Tezenis .
  (195-G-84)
  Avg: 3.1

1. West, Tezenis	3.1
2. Green, Sigma B.	2.6
3. Thompson, Centra.	2.6
4. Marigney, Givova S.	2.4
5. Robinson, Trenkwal.	2.4
6. Baldassarre, Bianc.	2.4
7. Porta, Tezenis	2.3
8. Radulovic, Givova	2.3
9. Goldwire, Centra.	2.2
10. McConnell, Fileni	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Riccardo CERVI
  Trenkwalder
  (215-C-91)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Cervi, Trenkwalder	2.2
2. Maggioli, Fileni B.	1.7
3. Radulovic, Givova	0.9
4. Thomas, Givova S.	0.9
5. Brkic, Prima Veroli	0.8
6. Chiacig, Trenkwald.	0.7
7. Kotti, Aget Imola	0.6
8. Da Ros, Sigma B.	0.6
9. Galanda, Giorgi.	0.6
10. Zerini, Enel Brin.	0.6

Francesco Vitucci takes over Cimberio Varese - by Eurobasket News

Francesco Vitucci takes over Cimberio Varese for the next season. The Italian specialist will come from Sidigas Avellino (SerieA).
It was reported by the team official website the head coach Carlo Recalcati will leave the team soon. His contract expires on June 30 and won't be extended.
In 2011 Francesco Vitucci became the new head coach of Scandone Avellino, replacing Cesare Pancotto. 47 years old, Vitucci began his career with Vicenza, then he won two Legadue leagues with Venezia and Imola. Vitucci worked 5 years in Imola, then 2 years with Scafati, before moving to Benetton Treviso, where he was assistant coach for 5 seasons. At the beginning of this season, he began head coach of Treviso, but he was fired after 13 games.
Last year he reached Italian Cup Semifinals. Earlier he became Italian SerieA Supercup Finalist -03, Italian Cup Winner -04, 05, 07, Italian League Semifinals -04, 05, Italian SerieA Supercup Winner -04, 06, Euroleague Quarterfinals -05 and Italian SerieA Regular Season Champion -05.
In 2009 Francesco Vitucci was also Coach Assistant: Italian National Team.

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

MADAGASCAR

Assignia Manresa lands Charles Ramsdell - by Eurobasket News

Charles Ramsdell (208-F/C-85, agency: Court Side, college: Tulsa) is a new member of Assignia Manresa. The 27-year-old big guy penned a deal for the next season, including the club option to extend the agreement for two more years. Ramsdell arrives to Manresa from Lleida, where he had 12.3 ppg and 4.5 rpg for 37 games in LEB Gold. Before Lleida, he spent one season with Avila. There he had 15.4 ppg and 7.6 rpg for 32 games in LEB Silver. Ramdsell also has experience from Alaoir Coinga and Rosalia. He graduated at Tulsa University in 2007. Charles Ramsdell is active member of the Madagascar National Team. He shined with 15.8 ppg and 8.8 rpg for 5 games at the 2011 AfroBasket. Madagascar was the host of this event and Ramsdell was named to Africabasket.com All-African Championships 3rd Team -11.

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

MALI

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

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

Amara Sy

#1. This week's number one is an international forward Amara Sy (202-81). He was the major contributor in a Entente Orleans 45's victory against the closely-ranked Paris-Levallois (17-13) 79-73 in the French ProA in Friday night's game. Sy scored 14 points in 31 minutes on the court. Entente Orleans 45 (21-9) is placed third in the ProA. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Sy has relatively good stats this year: 13.0ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 53.3%, 3FGP: 32.9% in the 32 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Mali and French. Despite Sy played previously for the French national team, he is currently a member of the Mali senior national team.

Yohann Sangare

#2. Second place goes to an international guard Yohann Sangare (193-83) is a teammate of previously mentioned Amara Sy and both played together in the last French ProA game. Sangare contributed to a Entente Orleans 45's victory against the closely-ranked Paris-Levallois (17-13) 79-73. He scored 7 points and added 5 passes. It's Sangare's first season with the team. This year Sangare averages: 5.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.6apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3FGP: 17.3% and FT: 83.8%. He is another player who holds two passports: Mali and French. Despite Sangare played previously for the French national team, he is currently a member of the Mali senior national team.

Sambou Traore

#3. The Mali player who performed third best last week abroad was an experienced international power forward Sambou Traore (199-79). Traore led Limoges CSP Elite to an overtime victory against the eighth-ranked ALM Evreux (17-17) 86-82 in the French ProB (second division) on Saturday night. He had a double-double by scoring 11 points and getting 12 rebounds. Traore also added 2 blocks in 32 minutes. Limoges CSP Elite (27-7) is placed first in the ProB. This year Traore's overall stats are: 8.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 44.8% and FT: 61.5% in the 36 games. Similarly like Sangare and Sy above he has both Mali and French nationalities. Despite Traore played previously for the French national team, he is currently a member of the Mali senior national team.

Tahirou Sani

#4. Forward Tahirou Sani (204-85) helped Blois win their game against the closely-ranked Souffelweyersheim (26-8) 77-64 in the French NM1 (third division) in Saturday night's game. Sani recorded 9 points. ADA Blois Basket (23-11) is placed fifth in the NM1. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. Sani's total stats this season are: 8.7ppg and 3.4rpg. Similarly like three previous players above, he also holds two passports: Mali and French. Despite Sani played previously for the French national team, he is currently in the Mali national team roster.

Mamoudou Sy

#5. International forward Mamoudou Sy (196-83, college: Cowley County CC) is a teammate of previously mentioned Tahirou Sani. But that was another game of his team in French NM1 which we would like to mention. Sy, who plays in the French NM1 (third division) could not help one of league's weakest teams Blois (23-11) to beat Charleville-Mezieres (24-10). He recorded only 4 points in 9 minutes on the court. Blois lost 63-75 on the road to the higher-ranked (#4) Charleville-Mezieres. This year Sy's total stats are: 5.4ppg and 2.1rpg in the eight games. He holds both Mali and French passports. Sy plays currently for the Mali national team.

Other top Mali players, who play abroad:

Mamoutou Diarra (200-F-80) plays for JSF Nanterre in French ProA
Bakary Konate (208-C/F-93) plays for UB La Palma in Spanish LEB Gold
Djibril Diallo (207-C-91) plays for Hyeres-Toulon in French ProA
Souarata Cisse (197-G/F-86) plays for Hyeres-Toulon in French ProA
Negueba Samake (211-C-90) plays for Boulazac Basket in French ProB
Dramane Diarra (203-F/C-80) plays for Saint Vallier in French ProB
Mahamadou Drame (188-SG-86) plays for Nantes in French ProB
Ludovic Chelle (183-G-83) plays for SPO Rouen in French ProB
Cheick Soumaoro (205-F/C-90) plays for SPO Rouen in French ProB
Nouha Diakite (207-C-80) plays for JA Vichy in French ProB
Soumaila Samake (215-C-78) plays for Quebec Kebs in the NBL Canada
Mamadou Diarra (213-F-88) plays for Feve Oviedo in Spanish LEB Silver

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

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

MEXICO

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Devon PEARSON
  Los M.
  (198-F-84)
  Avg: 28.1

1. Pearson, Los M.	28.1
2. Reese, Tepic	24.4
3. Scott, Los Mochis	23.2
4. Thomas, Cananea	22.6
5. McCullough, Nogales	22.3
6. Robinson, Culiacan	22.1
7. Alexander, Cananea	21.8
8. Hornsby, Tijuana	20.6
9. Carter, Guasave	20.4
10. Selleaze, Navolato	20.3

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	7.6
9. Moore, Navolato	7.6
10. Strobbe, Nogales	7.4

Assists Per Game

William FUNN
  Los Mochis
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 9.1

1. Funn, Los Mochis	9.1
2. Allen, Guaymas	7.3
3. Taylor, Los Mochis	5.8
4. Monreal, Hermosillo	5.6
5. Hornsby, Tijuana	4.9
6. Harris, Cananea	4.6
7. Nungaray, Guaymas	4.5
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: 2.1

1. Hamilton, Hermosil.	2.1
2. George, Nogales	1.8
3. Gibson, Navolato	1.6
4. Riley, Tepic	1.5
5. Monreal, Hermosillo	1.5
6. Hornsby, Tijuana	1.4
7. Thomas, Cananea	1.4
8. Buelna, Guasave	1.3
9. Toussaint, Los M.	1.3
10. Carter, Guasave	1.3

Blocks Per Game

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

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

CIBACOPA Semifinals: Tijuana and Hermosillo take 1-0 lead - by Eurobasket News

First games of the CIBACOPA Semifinals were played last night. Tijuana and Hermosillo beat their rivals for 1-0 lead in the series. The format is best-of-seven and second games will be played today. Same teams will be the hosts. After that more games will be played on Monday and Tuesday. Hermosillo was the regular season champion in CIBACOPA with 34-4 record. Defending champion Cananea is out of the Playoffs. Los Mochis eliminated them with perfect 4-0 in the Quarterfinals.

Guaymas - Tijuana 86-101 (0-1)
The game was mostly controlled by Tijuana Zonkeys. Ostioneros de Guaymas managed to win fourth quarter 24-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Tijuana Zonkeys looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American power forward Robert Hornsby (196-F/C-82, college: Troy) fired 38 points (!!!) for the winners. The former international power forward Arim Solares (202-83) chipped in 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. American point guard Myron Allen (182-79, college: Lee JC) produced 26 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and the other American import forward Jerome Habel (208-85, college: San Diego St.) added 12 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Ostioneros de Guaymas' coach rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Tijuana: R.Hornsby 38+4reb+3ast, C.Tate 16+6reb+1ast, A.Solares 14+7reb+4ast, L.Ramirez 12+2ast, M.Morrison 12+6reb+2ast, L.Rodriguez Sainz 4+1reb
Guaymas: M.Allen 26+6reb+6ast, H.Carrillo 13+1reb, A.Pedroza 12+3ast, J.Habel 12+10reb+3ast, H.Johnson 10+8reb+3ast, I.Morales 5+1reb

Hermosillo - Los Mochis 102-94 (1-0)
The hosts trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 102-94. Rayos de Hermosillo outrebounded Pioneros Los Mochis 48-30 including a 16-1 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The game was dominated by American players. Forward Patrick Sanders (198-85, college: Cal-Irvine) fired 30 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Forward Brian Hamilton (198-82, college: La-Lafayette) chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds. Rayos de Hermosillo's coach Dan Tacheny used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Forward Devon Pearson (198-84, college: SMU) produced 40 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds and guard William Funn (188-82, college: Portland St.) added 14 points and 10 assists respectively for lost side. Five Rayos de Hermosillo and four Pioneros Los Mochis players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Hermosillo: P.Sanders 30+9reb+2ast, B.Hamilton 13+8reb+3ast, S.Monreal 13+2reb+7ast, J.Camacho 12+5reb, A.Izaguirre 11+8reb+1ast, E.Little 10+8reb+5ast
Los Mochis: D.Pearson 40+7reb, S.Scott 18+3reb+1ast, W.Funn 14+3reb+10ast, E.Cuen 12+3reb+2ast, E.Hare 8+9reb+1ast, L.Felipe Diaz 2+1reb

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

MONTENEGRO

Omar-Sharif Cook selected the top Montenegrin playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Omar-Sharif Cook

#1. This week's number one is an international point guard Omar-Sharif Cook (186-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's). He was the major contributor in a Armani Milano's victory against the sixth-ranked Scavolini Pesaro (19-13) 84-68 in the Italian SerieA in Thursday night's game. Cook scored 17 points and added 5 passes in 29 minutes on the court. EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (22-10) is placed second in the SerieA. It was his team's eighth consecutive victory in a row. It's Cook's first season with the team. Cook belongs to league's best passers and is ranked #4 with 5.1apg. He also averaged so far 8.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 60.6%(43-71), 3FGP: 39.3% and FT: 78.4% in the 37 games he played so far. Cook is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Cook is currently a member of the Montenegrin senior national team. Strangely he has never played in Montenegro.

Milko Bjelica

#2. Second place goes to an international center Milko Bjelica (207-84, also represented by Beo Basket), who plays in the Spanish ACB. Bjelica could not help one of league's weakest teams Caja Laboral (23-11) in their last game on Thursday. Despite his good performance Caja Laboral was defeated 76-66 at home by the second-ranked Real Madrid. Bjelica was the second best scorer with 14 points. This season Bjelica averages: 7.6ppg, 3.2rpg, 2FGP: 60.4%(93-154), 3FGP: 19.0% and FT: 80.5%. He has a dual citizenship: Serbian and Montenegrin. Despite Bjelica played previously for the Serbian national team, he is currently a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Nikola Mirotic

#3. The Montenegrin player who performed third best last week abroad was an international power forward Nikola Mirotic (207-91) faced previously mentioned Milko Bjelica in the Spanish ACB last game. Mirotic contributed to a Real Madrid's victory against the closely-ranked Caja Laboral (23-11) 76-66. He recorded 7 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in only 11 minutes. This year Mirotic's overall stats are: 8.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 2FGP: 53.1%, 3FGP: 37.0% and FT: 69.9% in the 35 games. He is another player who holds two passports: Montenegrin and Spanish. Despite Mirotic played previously for the Spanish U20 national team, he is currently a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Jaycee Carroll

#4. Point guard Jaycee Carroll (188-83, agency: Priority Sports) is a teammate of previously mentioned Nikola Mirotic. But that was another game of his team in Spanish ACB which we would like to mention. Carroll helped Real Madrid win their game against the closely-ranked Caja Laboral (23-11) 73-64. He scored 9 points. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Real Madrid (26-8) is placed second in the ACB. Carroll has relatively good stats this season: 11.5ppg and 2.3rpg. He is a naturalized American. Despite Carroll played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster. Apparently Carroll has never played in Montenegro.

Vladimir Dasic

#5. International forward Vladimir Dasic (206-88, another player represented by Beo Basket) was not able to help Union Olimpija (7-3) in their game against Krka (8-2) in the Slovenian Telemach League, despite his very good performance last Thursday. He was the second best scorer with 13 points. Dasic also added 5 rebounds in 32 minutes. But the second-placed Union Olimpija lost 55-67 on their home court in Ljubljana to the leading Krka in the Championship Group. Dasic is currently third on the list of most steals with 1.8spg. This year he also averages: 12.6ppg, 5.9rpg and 1.1apg in the 14 games. Despite Dasic played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

Suad Sehovic

#6. Swingman Suad Sehovic (197-87) was not able to secure a victory for Budivelnyk (30-9) in their game against Ferro-ZNTU (23-16) in the Ukrainian Superleague. Despite his good performance on Friday night Sehovic recorded a double-double by scoring 11 points and getting 14 rebounds. He also added 6 assists. This season Sehovic has relatively solid stats: 11.2ppg, 5.8rpg and 1.3spg. Despite he played previously for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, Sehovic is also an international player who is currently on the senior Montenegrin National Team roster.

Miljan Pavkovic

#7. International guard Miljan Pavkovic (178-81, another player represented by Beo Basket) led Radnicki Kragujevac to a victory against the third-ranked Zvezda (9-5) 84-78 in the Serbian A League in Sunday night's game. He recorded 16 points and added 5 assists in 34 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group SuperLiga. Radnicki Kragujevac (10-4) is placed second. Pavkovic is ranked first on the list of the best passers in the league with 7.1apg. He also averaged so far 10.4ppg, 1.7rpg and 1.2spg in the 15 games. Despite Pavkovic played previously for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, he is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

Branko Cuic

#8. An experienced guard Branko Cuic (197-78) couldn't help Timisoara (21-7) in their game against Ploiesti (20-8) in the Romanian Division A. Despite his very good performance last Thursday Cuic was the second best scorer with 18 points. He also added 5 rebounds. Cuic's total stats this season are: 9.4ppg, 5.8rpg and 4.5apg. Despite he played previously for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, Cuic is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

Dusan Djordjevic

#9. International guard Dusan Djordjevic (195-83, another player represented by Beo Basket) helped Base Oostende win their game against the closely-ranked Spirou Charleroi (23-9) 72-68 in the Belgian Ethias League on Wednesday night. He scored 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 25 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Telenet Oostende (23-9) is placed first in the Ethias League. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. Djordjevic belongs to league's best passers and is ranked #4 with 3.4apg. This year his other stats are: 9.2ppg, 3.2rpg and 1.2spg in the 33 games. Despite Djordjevic played previously for the Serbian national team, he is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

Boris Bakic

   #10. Guard Boris Bakic (194-86, another player represented by Beo Basket) is a teammate of previously mentioned Miljan Pavkovic and both played together in the last Serbian A League game. Bakic helped Radnicki Kragujevac win their game against the third-ranked Zvezda (9-5) 84-78. He recorded 11 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Bakic's total stats this season are: 9.3ppg, 3.6rpg and 1.7apg. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Bakic is also an international player who is currently on the senior Montenegrin National Team roster.

   #11. International power forward Bojan Subotic (206-90) faced previously mentioned Miljan Pavkovic in the Serbian A League last game. Subotic couldn't help Zvezda in their game against Radnicki Kragujevac. He recorded 9 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 17 minutes. His team lost 78-84. This year Subotic's total stats are: 6.4ppg and 3.9rpg in the 14 games. Despite he played previously for the Serbian U20 national team, Subotic is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

   #12. International guard Goran Jeretin (192-79, another player represented by Beo Basket) is a teammate of previously mentioned Vladimir Dasic and both played together in the last Slovenian Telemach League game. Jeretin couldn't help Union Olimpija in their game against Krka. He cannot count Thursday's game as one of the best ones. Jeretin recorded only 2 points. His team was defeated 67-55. Jeretin has averaged so far 2.3ppg and 2.4apg. He is also in the roster of the Montenegrin national team.

   #13. International center Radomir Marojevic (207-81) couldn't help Vojvodina in their game against Partizan in the Serbian A League. Marojevic scored 7 points in 16 minutes. His team lost 81-87. Marojevic has averaged so far 5.1ppg and 2.5rpg in the 16 games. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Marojevic is currently in the Montenegrin national team roster.

   #14. International guard Nikola Rakocevic (192-91) couldn't help Grupo Iruna Navarra in their game against Menorca Basquet in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division). He cannot count Thursday's game as one of the best ones. Rakocevic scored only 3 points and had 3 steals. His team was defeated 65-55. Rakocevic has averaged so far 6.7ppg and 1.7rpg. He plays currently for the Montenegrin national team.

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

NBA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-G-78)
  Avg: 28.2

1. Bryant, LA Lakers	28.2
2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	27.8
3. James, Miami Heat	27.7
4. Love, Minnesota T.	26.0
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	23.4
6. Anthony, New Y.	23.1
7. Wade, Miami Heat	22.3
8. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	22.0
9. Rose, Chicago B.	21.9
10. Aldridge, Portlan.	21.7

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Howard, Orlando M.	14.5
2. Love, Minnesota T.	13.4
3. Bynum, LA Lakers	11.7
4. Cousins, Sacramen.	11.0
5. Humphries, New J.	11.0
6. Griffin, LA Clipp.	10.3
7. Gasol, LA Lakers	10.3
8. Gortat, Phoenix	10.0
9. Smith, Atlanta H.	9.9
10. Noah, Chicago B.	9.8

Assists Per Game

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

1. Rondo, Boston C.	11.7
2. Nash, Phoenix Suns	10.7
3. Paul, LA Clippers	8.9
4. Calderon, Toron.	8.8
5. Williams, New J.	8.7
6. Rubio, Minnesot.	8.2
7. Wall, Washington W.	8.0
8. Rose, Chicago B.	7.9
9. Parker, San A.	7.6
10. Conley, Memphis G.	6.7

Steals Per Game

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

1. Paul, LA Clippers	2.5
2. Rubio, Minnesot.	2.2
3. Conley, Memphis G.	2.1
4. Rondo, Boston C.	1.9
5. James, Miami Heat	1.9
6. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.8
7. Millsap, Utah Jazz	1.8
8. Allen, Memphis G.	1.7
9. Iguodala, Philadel.	1.7
10. Shumpert, New Y.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	3.6
2. McGee, Washingt.	2.5
3. Howard, Orlando M.	2.1
4. Bynum, LA Lakers	2.1
5. Hibbert, Indiana P.	2.1
6. Jordan, LA Clippers	2.0
7. McGee, Denver N.	2.0
8. Gasol, Memphis G.	1.9
9. Biyombo, Charlott.	1.8
10. Udoh, Golde S.	1.7

3 BOSNIAN PLAYERS WITH A SHOT AT GETTING DRAFTED THIS YEAR! - by Chris Mathieu

3 BOSNIAN PLAYERS WITH A SHOT AT GETTING DRAFTED THIS YEAR!
Nihad Dedovic: Nihad has been on the radar of NBA scouts since joining KK BOSNA as a 15 year old kid. He has played in various camps over the years and scouts have seen him play numerous times. He has good size and is strong and is an above average European athlete, although only average by NBA standards. He is good at attacking the basket and is an aggressive player. He has a quirky shot mechanic and is a below average outside shooter. The real question is he hasnt really gotten measurably better from year to year, so his NBA upside is limited. Also you have to ask yourself what does he do for an NBA team and there is nothing that stands out in particular.
Chances of being drafted: 2nd round less than 50% but a team may take a flyer on him in the middle or back of the second round.
Ogjen Kuzmic: Ogjen burst onto the scenes last year when he had a breakout year for Celik Zenica in Bosnia. He moved onto D2 Spain this season which was a big leap and he responded very well. He shows very good athleticism for a center with his size and length. He looks like he can add weight and get stronger over time. He is an excellent rebounder and shot blocker and is not intimidated by physical play. He is still very raw offensively but shows decent hands and shooting form and could turn into an average scorer over time.
Chances of being drafted: 2nd round is a virtual lock for him. If he was a college center or had a bigger European profile then he could even have snuck into the end of the first round in a year with a weak draft. He is at least as good as Leonard Meyers in my opinion.
Alen Omic: A very young player who has played tough competition in the Adriatic league for two years and has played well. He just turned 20 and he looks like he will be productive in Europe for years. He is an aggressive player who lacks any refined individual skills. Much like Nihad you have to ask what NBA skill he has and it looks like he just comes up a bit short in every category. He isnt a great athlete, defender, shooter or rebounder.
Chances of being drafted: Unlikely unless a team takes a chance on him at the back on the second round. 25% chance.

Celtics 101, Heat 91: Garnett scores 24 to help cut Miami's series lead to 2-1 - by Eurobasket News

Hold off with those obituaries. The old, tired Boston Celtics are not dead just yet.

In fact, if Friday's Game Three of the Eastern Conference finals is any indication, the Celtics may have a way to go before they ride off into the sunset.

The Celts answered Miamis two home game wins that opened this series with a clutch 101-91 victory in the first game on its home court. The Celts will try to even the series on Sunday night at TD Garden.

Besides the locale, the difference in the series was energy and defense for the Celtics which bottled up all of the Heat players with the notable exception of LeBron James.

The difference was our defensive energy which allowed us to run. I thought we had terrific ball movement for three quarters, said Celtic coach Doc Rivers.

Boston trailed, 28-22, but pulled away from the Heat late in the first quarter and raced to a 55-42 halftime lead. The Celts kept cruising and led by 23 points early in the fourth quarter before Miami finally made its expected run. The Heat closed to eight points before the Celts tightened up and closed the game out down the stretch.

They got us tonight, said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra. Our energies will be focused now on Sunday. We feel we can win on the road and we can play better than this.

Rivers made sure to focus the offense on getting Kevin Garnett (6'11''-F-76) the ball at the rim, and he came up big with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Paul Pierce (6'7''-F/G-77, college: Kansas) added 23 and Rajon Rondo (6'1''-PG-86, college: Kentucky) went for 21 points and 10 assists.

James was his usual spectacular self with 34 points, but Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) struggled (9-of-20 FG) his way to 18 points.

The Celtics came out sharp on offense in the first quarter, but they let James get off to an outstanding start. Actually, the game began with a rarity: a foul on James as Rondo drove to the hoop. Since James is called for an average of less than two fouls a game, the call was certainly welcomed. The trend continued as James was actually whistled for four fouls, a playoff high.

James scored on jumpers, on drives and went to the line, and when the quarter was over he had 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting.

The Heat led, 28-22, late in the quarter but the Celts closed strong with an 8-0 run sparked by bench players. Keyon Dooling (6'3''-G-80, college: Missouri) was outstanding, drawing an offensive foul on a screen by Shane Battier and then draining a wing 3-pointer.

Pierce found Marquis Daniels (9 points, 5 rebounds) for a layup and Mickael Pietrus stripped James and kicked the ball out to Dooling for a fast-break layup that put the Celts back ahead, 29-28.

A Garnett free throw gave the Celts a 30-28 first quarter lead. Wade had just two points and only squeezed up two shots in the quarter.

The Celtics kept rolling at the start of the second quarter and created a nice cushion. Boston scored the first seven points of the quarter, extending its run to 15-0. Miami missed its first six shots of the quarter and fell behind by 39-30. During the run, Garnett was fouled hard by Udonis Haslem and stayed down on the floor for a bit. When he regained his composure, he juiced up the crowd by pounding out several push-ups before jumping to his feet.

The punch from the bench carried over the rest of the quarter and the Celts led at halftime, 55-42. Garnett had 12 points in both halves.

Its exhausting for him, said Rivers, but we kept telling them at the end of the day throw it up. Theres no one taller than Kevin on the floor. Kevin will go get it.

The Celtics hit the Heat hard again in the third quarter and took a 85-63 lead into the fourth. The Celts made a few emphatic scores early as Ray Allen sliced down the lane for a big one-handed dunk and then Rondo sashayed to the basket with a slick score to boost the lead to 89-66 with just under 11 minutes to play.

Thats when Miami finally forced some stops. The result was a 16-2 run that ended with two Mike Miller 3-pointers and a Wade jam that cut the lead to 91-82. With Doc Rivers urging his team to regain its poise on defense, the Celts forced Wade to miss twice and they went back up 95-82 with 4:27 left.

Miami kept charging and closed to 95-87 with three minutes left, but that was as far as the Heat could get.

It was great energy all night and now we have to come back and do it again, Rivers said.

Courtesy of www.providencejournal.com

Anthony Davis: Family wanted me to play for Jordan - by Eurobasket News

The Bobcats' organization (and fans) weren't the only ones disappointed with the NBA Draft lottery results. Chicago native Anthony Davis (6'10''-F-93) (and expected number one pick) told 'The Dan Patrick Show' that his family also wanted him to go to Charlotte and play for Michael Jordan's (6'7''-F-63, college: N.Carolina) team.

'A lot of disappointment inside my family,' said Anthony. 'My mom wanted me to go to to Charlotte. I have a lot of good friends in Charlotte. At the same time, it wasn't my call. A lot of guys are disappointed but they have to move on and make the best out of New Orleans.'

Anthony said he grew up rooting for Michael Jordan and the Bulls.

Check out the complete interview HERE.

Courtesy of www.csnchicago.com

Lakers promote Glenn Carraro to Assistant General Manager - by Eurobasket News

The Los Angeles Lakers have promoted Glenn Carraro to Assistant General Manager, it was announced today by Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

Carraro, who spent last season serving in a dual role as both the Director of Basketball Administration for the Lakers and as the General Manager of the Los Angeles D-Fenders, will retain his title of General Manager of the D-Fenders.

Carraro, who has 17 years of NBA experience, has been a member of the Lakers front office staff since 2000. Originally joining the team as the Assistant to the General Manager/Director of Camps, Carraro was promoted to Director of Basketball Administration in 2006. In addition to his duties with the Lakers, Carraro served as the D-Fenders Assistant General Manager from 2006-2010 and was named General Manager of the Los Angeles D-Fenders at the start of the 2011-12 season. In his first season as GM of the D-Fenders, the team finished with the best regular season record in NBA D-League history (38-12) and had a total of eight GATORADE Call-Ups to the NBA. The D-Fenders also received the NBA D-League Development Champion Award.

Glenn has done an excellent job in every position he has had in the organization, and hes become a valuable part of our staff, said Kupchak. This is a well-deserved promotion for him, and I expect hell do an excellent job in his new position.

Prior to joining the Lakers, Carraro served in various positions with the New York Knicks from 1995-99, starting off as a Sports Management Trainee, then Player Personnel Coordinator/Manager of Knicks Camps and eventually as Manager of Basketball Operations. With primary responsibilities including the creation and management of player personnel databases as well as separate salary cap reports, in his time with New Yorks front office, the Knicks posted a 174-122 (.588) record and made at least the Eastern Conference Semifinals in all four seasons while appearing in the 1999 NBA Finals.

A graduate of SUNY-Stony Brook after transferring from NYU-Polytechnic following two seasons on the mens basketball team, Carraro completed his graduate coursework in Athletic Administration at St. Johns University (1991-94). Carraro also spent time working in the USBL and in the CBA for the Hartford Hellcats and Connecticut Pride.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

A Dwight Howard-Deron Williams bank-shot is all that's left, after the Nets go bust in the lottery - by Eurobasket News

For the better part of two years, the Nets have tried mightily to acquire Magic center Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) as an inducement to Deron Williams (6'3''-PG-84, college: Illinois), their star point guard, to stick around.

Williams is a free agent this summer, and was visibly frustrated by the team's play this season, when the Nets finished 22-44. But the hope has been that once Howard arrived, and the Nets moved to Brooklyn, that Williams would buy into the new plan.

The pursuit of Howard only seemed to get more complicated the longer it went on. He had demanded a trade from Orlando, and a deal with New Jersey seemed imminent at the trade deadline this season. Howard then turned into a basketball Hamlet, repeatedly reversing himself before signing with the Magic for one more season.

He did little to endear himself to Orlando from that point forward, however, trying to get coach Stan Van Gundy fired in a feud that became public, then ending his season early for back surgery.

With Van Gundy now gone, Orlando can try to add a coach to Howard's liking. But the cast of players around him is what led Howard to demand a trade in the first place, and that is unlikely to change.

Which brings us back to the Nets. They have the ability to offer Orlando some future draft picks and talent. But Wednesday night's draft lottery had the potential to increase their options significantly.

The N.B.A. draft lottery has all non-playoff teams in a ping-pong-ball machine like the ones seen in lottery drawings. The worse a team's record, the more ping pong balls. The Nets, sixth-worst, were middle of the pack in likelihood of getting drawn with one of the top three picks.

Had they gotten one of those top three picks, they could keep the pick. Since they didn't, they were forced to surrender it to Sacremento, as part of an ill-advised trade that brought them forward Gerald Wallace.

The pick had value whether they used it or not. Had they kept it, especially had it been the top pick, they could have drafted Kentucky's Anthony Davis, who could be a better bet to excel over the long term than Dwight Howard. Davis is the best center prospect in years, and unlike Howard, Davis has no back problem to navigate.

The pick also could have served as a centerpiece for a Howard deal. Instead, it went toward bringing in Wallace, who has the option to opt out of his contract, which he appears to be leaning toward doing.

So at this point the Nets' least awful option would probably be to sign Howard to a long-term deal, if they can get it, and just praying his back holds up.

It's no way to build a franchise, really. But the bad break with the ping pong balls has trapped them in a bad situation, and now it doesn't look like there's any other way out.

Courtesy of www.capitalnewyork.com

Hornets' lottery win won't impact Eric Gordon's decision to test free agency - by Eurobasket News

Eric Gordon (6'4''-G-88, college: Indiana) was surprised to hear the New Orleans Hornets won the top pick in the NBA's draft lottery. Hornets coach Monty Williams and assistant general manager Tim Connelly called Gordon to talk to him about the windfall that will bring Kentucky forward Anthony Davis to New Orleans.

But despite the news, Gordon still plans on exploring his options in free agency.

'Wherever I end up will be a good situation or Im going to make it a good situation,' Gordon said.

Gordon made $3.1 million in the final year of his contract and will be a restricted free agent this summer. He turned down in January a four-year contract that would have paid him close to $50 million, league sources said. He averaged 20.6 points and 3.4 assists in just nine games last season after being slowed by a right knee injury that required surgery. Gordon said his knee is 'good' now.

New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson agreed last month to buy the Hornets. Gordon has met Benson, but they have not had any contract negotiations.

'The things that he says make him sounds like a pretty good owner,' Gordon said. 'He sounds like he wants to win in a hurry.'

Davis was the consensus college basketball player of the year last season after leading Kentucky to the national championship.

'He reminds me of another player I played with: Marcus Camby,' Gordon said. 'If [Davis] can get that jump shot, he can be really, really good for a long time.'

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com

NBA draft lottery fuels conspiracy theories - by Eurobasket News

On Tuesday afternoon I happened upon this New York Knicks t-shirt in a Yonge Street store and impulsively bought it.

It wasn't until Wednesday morning that I realized that there may have been stars, symmetry, fate and all that other stuff involved in the purchase.

Wednesday was NBA Draft Lottery day, and as a salute to the frozen envelope conspiracy theory that delivered Patrick Ewing to the Knicks in 1985, I opted to wear the shirt. Then like clockwork, hours later, NBA fans watched yet another conspiracy theory evolve when the New Orleans Hornets made the unlikely jump to land the first pick in the draft and take Kentucky's Anthony Davis (6'10''-F-93).

Of course to a rational person, my new Knicks tee is a pointless side story to another ridiculous tale of the NBA's historical bend towards Roswell-type conspiracy theories. The thing is, many NBA fans aren't necessarily rational people. And for good reason: When you consider some of the league's stories and the circumstances of them over the years, you understand why.

This time, the theory is that the Hornets (league-owned, in the process of sale to Saints owner Tom Benson) gift-wrapped the No. 1 pick as either a) incentive or b) a big thank you kiss for Benson buying the team and keeping it in New Orleans, to which the league has been admirably committed -- albeit to a fault -- since the horrors of Hurricane Katrina.
For added suspicion, everyone still has the memory fresh in mind of David Stern vetoing Chris Paul's trade to the Lakers in December. For added bonus, the Hornets will also pick 10th in this draft.

The reaction was swift and predictable. On Twitter, ESPN's Bill Simmons compared the NBA to the WWE. Meanwhile, one team executive told Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski that 'this is a joke.'

Either way, this is David Stern's NBA right now. Charlotte's former team screwed Charlotte's current team -- who despite a historically inept 7-59 record -- failed to secure the first pick and the unibrowed one, the safest bet in the draft. If it's not a conspiracy theory, maybe higher powers were out to punish Bobcats owner Michael Jordan for screwing things up the last time he had a say in a No. 1 selection -- Kwame Brown.

The Brooklyn Nets had a bad day as well, losing their No. 6 pick from this season's Gerald Wallace trade with Portland (Their pick was top-three protected, so moving up in the fashion New Orleans did would have got them good news amid reports Deron Williams won't re-sign with them unless they somehow acquire Dwight Howard).

The Raptors unsurprisingly stayed put at eighth, leading president & GM Bryan Colangelo to unsurprisingly use the word 'flexibility' regarding what Toronto will do with the pick. Many feel a trade may be coming, and given the Raps' needs and the talent in the top 10, there's a very good chance that could happen.

Top-10 mock

Having said that, here's an early top-10 mock. Although keep in mind how much will change in terms of stock, workouts and trade discussions before the June 28 draft:

1. New Orleans: Anthony Davis, 6-10 PF, Kentucky (Signed, sealed, delivered)
2. Charlotte: Thomas Robinson, 6-9 PF, Kansas (Bobcats need size)
3. Washington: Andre Drummond, 7-0 C, Connecticut
4. Cleveland: Bradley Beal, 6-4 SG, Florida
5. Sacramento: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, 6-7 SF, Kentucky
6. Portland: Jared Sullinger, 6-10 PF-C, Ohio State (Sullinger may be a stretch this high, but the Blazers need something inside)
7. Golden St.: Harrison Barnes, 6-8 SF, North Carolina (Stock has dropped but he won't go too low)
8. Toronto: Jeremy Lamb, 6-5 SG, Connecticut (If the Raps aren't picking for someone else, this is their best option likely available in this spot in terms of need)
9. Detroit: John Henson, 6-9, PF, North Carolina
10. New Orleans: Damian Lillard 6-2 PG, Weber State (Hornets still also need a point guard in the wake of Paul's departure and this is their man)

The Canadian to keep an eye on as pre-draft workouts evolve is St. Bonaventure's Andrew Nicholson of Mississauga. Pegged as a mid-first rounder, he could move up as many have labelled him with a sleeper tag.

Spurs seem like team to beat

While getting caught up in the idea of a Heat-Thunder NBA Finals this year, it became easy for me to pay less attention to the San Antonio Spurs. I won't say I forgot them because you'd never dismiss a team, a system and a coach as successful the past decade-plus as Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, the Spurs and head coach Gregg Popovich.

When Phil Jackson marginalized them by referring to their first championship in 1999 as an 'asterisk title' because it was a lockout season (sound familiar?), he obviously didn't know three more titles would follow and the comment would be invalidated.

Of course, San Antonio didn't have Parker or Ginobili then, and it was still David Robinson's team despite the rapid emergence of Duncan.

What Pop and company developed since then has been the subject of much debate, mostly stupid.

Are they an NBA dynasty because they never won back-to-back titles? In an age of flash, image and a public with the attention span of gnats, does this fundamentally rock-solid four-time titlist belong in the pantheon of greats alongside the Lakers?

But back to now. Maybe it was because they were knocked out by Memphis in the first round last year as a No. 1 seed that we thought they were finished. Maybe there is truth in the talk that Parker's been a better player since his marriage to Eva Longoria ended and he's no longer a staple on TMZ.

Whatever it is, they're playing at a level right now -- 20 straight wins through Tuesday -- even they haven't demonstrated in the past with their fundamental, ball-movement system.

The reason they are doing it is because in addition to the savvy vets, the youthful quickness in Daniel Green and Kawhi Leonard are a much-needed upgrade from last season.

And no matter how you slice it, Popovich is the best coach in the NBA. Forget the entertainment value of the surly quotes; no coach in the league can make adjustments and pull down the proverbial pants of another good coach as effectively (Scott Brooks' hack-a-Splitter foolishness notwithstanding).

Appreciate it. Whatever happens next, you probably won't see a team that plays the game this way again for a very, very long time, if ever. Like Martin Brodeur in the Stanley Cup final, take a good look at it and thank the sports Gods you were able to see it.

End of Story ContentBack to accessibility links

Courtesy of www.cbc.ca

Wizards to keep Randy Wittman - by Eurobasket News

The Washington Wizards plan to retain Randy Wittman as their coach, league sources said, even though no official announcement is expected anytime soon.

Wittman, 52, was named interim coach in January after the Wizards fired Flip Saunders following a 2-15 start, and he is already under contract through next season. The Wizards finished the season on a roll, winning their last six in a row and eight of their last 10. There has been no indication that the Wizards plan to extend Wittman's contract, sources said.

There are several high-profile head coaches on the market -- Stan Van Gundy, Jerry Sloan and Nate McMillan lead the list -- but the Wizards have not expressed any interest in interviewing them or any other potential candidates.

Had the Wizards won the draft lottery and earned the right to draft Kentucky's Anthony Davis, the cost of investing in a higher-profile coach might've been worthwhile, a source said, but with the Wizards still in rebuilding mode and the job Wittman did with their young players last season, the team will stand pat for now.

Courtesy of ESPN

Larry Bird will ask Herb Simon to raise Pacers' payroll - by Eurobasket News

This much has been established: The Indiana Pacers will be a playoff contender for a long time. As long as they hold on to Roy Hibbert -- which means, as long as nobody offers him the sun and the moon in free agency -- they will have a nucleus that can consistently win 50-plus games and be players in the postseason.

But team President Larry Bird wants to win championships, and there's only one way that's going to happen in the next few years.

By spending money.

That's what this whole Bird-Herb Simon conversation will be about: the owner's willingness to spend, something he has done in the past but might be disinclined to do with such lousy recent results at the gate.

Bird is duly proud of the job he has done cleaning up the mess left by 'The Brawl' and its aftermath, proud of the way he has helped build a young team that handles its business professionally and is growing into a long-term playoff contender.

But he wants to take that next step, a step that will require both internal improvement and, well, cash.

He didn't say that Wednesday, no matter how many different ways the media asked the question -- 'We just want to make sure we're on the same page,'' Bird said of his upcoming conversation with Simon -- but that will be central to their talk.

However it plays out, a foundation has been established. Finally, Central Indiana has a pro basketball team it can embrace.

'I love this team,' Bird said at his season-ending news conference. 'This is one of the best locker rooms we've had. The attitude has changed. It's been a breath of fresh air. These kids have come in here, they're dedicated, they're for one another; we've had no problems and I don't expect any problems. We got better as we went along and some of our young guys improved.'

So let's say Simon loosens the purse strings. Where does it go?

The dream acquisition is point guard Deron Williams (6'3''-PG-84, college: Illinois), who would be a perfect fit for the Pacers. He's the one player who can take Indiana above and beyond where they've been.

The problem is, he probably doesn't want to come here.

Every report suggests he wants to either stay in Brooklyn or sign with the Lakers or Mavericks. In which case, it won't matter how close Simon is willing to go toward reaching the luxury tax threshold.

That leaves the Pacers in a situation where most of the improvement has to come internally, and through lesser free-agent acquisitions and trades.

They need Paul George to take a giant step forward in his development -- ballhandling, finding his shot, post-up moves.

They need Tyler Hansbrough, who had a disappointing season, to discover his left hand and establish low-post moves so his shot won't be blocked time and again.

They need the point guards, George Hill and Darren Collison, to grow their games.

They need Hibbert to keep adding to his game, as he has the past four summers.

And the list goes on.

If Simon gives Bird more freedom -- and the Pacers figure to be about $10 million under the new salary cap -- that's great. If he doesn't -- and you'll know he hasn't if Bird walks away -- the Pacers still have a chance to remain good for years to come.

But to be a champion, or at least compete for titles? That's hard to do when you're 24th in total payroll.

This much we know: Hibbert and Hill, the two restricted free agents, are coming back. Unless somebody makes Hibbert an insane offer of more than $14 million per season, the Pacers will match and can give him a five-year deal when others can only offer four. Same with Hill, at lesser numbers.

The rest of the nucleus is set.

If there are going to be moves, they figure to be moves that don't warrant big headlines. Williams isn't coming. Steve Nash is a long shot, especially given his age and defensive deficiencies.

Expect more trades, like the one-sided deals that brought Leandro Barbosa to town. Expect some smaller free agent acquisitions, unless something spectacular crosses Bird's desk and turns into a sign-and-trade.

Bird's biggest focus will be the bench.

'They weren't as consistent as we'd like,' Bird said. 'Against Miami, we didn't get the type of play we needed from our bench. Our starters did pretty decent, but for us to be successful in a small market, we've got to have a better bench.'

The good news is, the Pacers are finally embarking on a summer when the calling cry is something other than 'blow it up and start over again.' They're starting to build something special here, with a terrific young coach in Frank Vogel and some promising young players who can't help but get better.

The question is how Bird and the Pacers will take that next big step so they'll still be playing basketball in June.

Courtesy of www.indystar.com

NBA Trade Rumors 2012: Golden State Warriors interested in Andre Iguodala, Danny Granger, Nic Batum, Rudy Gay - by Eurobasket News

The Golden State Warriors have four draft picks, and they're not likely to hold onto all of them. Golden State has some upgrading they need to do with their squad, and it's not likely they'll find all the solutions they need with this shallow draft class.

So it makes sense to trade for some talent. Marcus Thompson II of the Contra Costa Times has this report.

Golden State has long since had interest in Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala (6'6''-G-84, college: Arizona), who is exactly the playmaking athlete the Warriors need at small forward. Other small forwards high on their list, according to league sources, are Portland's Nicolas Batum (6'7''-F-88), Indiana's Danny Granger (6'8''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) and Memphis' Rudy Gay (6'9''-F/G-86, college: Connecticut).

Getting any of these players would greatly upgrade Golden State at the three position, a historic spot of weakness for the Warriors. You figure that the number seven pick and maybe one or two of the other picks would be solid enough for the Warriors to land the players they want, especially considering that some of these players might be shopped around.

Courtesy of http://bayarea.sbnation.com

Mark Cuban still wants NBA players out of Olympics - by Eurobasket News

Mark Cuban's repeated criticism of the NBA for allowing its stars to play in the Olympics is no longer falling on deaf ears in the commissioners office.

David Stern and deputy commissioner Adam Silver said Wednesday that they are no longer sure they want to see NBA veterans playing in the Olympics beyond this summers Games in London and will look into a 23-and-under age limit, as soccer does.

The news came as a welcome surprise to Cuban, who touted a 22-and-under age limit as recently as April.

Yes, Im thrilled, Cuban told ESPNDallas.com on Wednesday night.

The most outspoken of the leagues owners regarding the NBAs participation in the Olympics and all international competition during the NBAs offseason, Cuban said in April that he believed the topic of NBA players availability was a dead issue, saying, The commissioners office wont open it up to discussion. Theyll take calls about it, but wont put it up for a vote. Hopefully, I can get him to move it to a vote at some point.

Silver made it clear Wednesday that Cubans voice is resonating.

Courtesy of ESPN Dallas (via www.insidehoops.com)

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

NBLCANADA

NBL could add five new teams for second season - by Eurobasket News

As many as five new teams could be tipping off with the National Basketball League of Canada in its second season of operation.

Ownership groups in five Ontario cities had their formal applications for expansion franchises submitted by Thursdays soft deadline for proposals of interest.

The groups in St. Catharines, Mississauga, Ottawa, Windsor and Kitchener have until June 15 to finalize arena lease agreements and other arrangements and fork over a $50,000 refundable deposit.

It will then be up to the league to decide how much it wants to expand for the 2012-13 campaign.

Andre Levingston, the leagues president and CEO, had said earlier this month that there was no preferred number going forward for the NBL in Year 2.

He reiterated Thursday that the league could proceed with just one expansion team if thats deemed most appropriate. But he said it could also accept all five prospective expansion franchises.

That is a possibility but again it has to be more than just eagerness from the community or from the city, said Levingston, the owner of the Halifax Rainmen and one of the NBL founders.

It has to be that the individuals that have shown interest are able to be fiscally responsible and were still doing our due diligence.

He went on to say, though, that he has been impressed by all five ownership groups and each appears to be solid and financially capable.

The NBL was formed last spring after the Rainmen, Saint John Mill Rats and Quebec Kebs withdrew from the Premier Basketball League, one of two U.S.-based loops that all three Canadian clubs had been associated with.

They were joined by new teams in Moncton, Summerside, Oshawa and London, Ont., for the first season.

Levingston has said its important for the league to expand prudently to attract stable ownership groups and ensure that markets are ready to support those groups.

But he added that theres also nothing wrong with expanding to 12 teams from seven this soon if the situation is right.

Naturally someone on the outside looking in would say it looks like the league is growing too fast, he said.

But if you have five cities whos willing to support, if you have ownership groups in these markets that can be fiscally responsible or have the wherewithal to sustain a professional basketball club for years to come, no, that number is not too big.

The league will also move into a new market in Quebec. Levingston confirmed the Kebs organization wont be operating out of Quebec City and is in the process of finalizing its transfer to another venue within the province.

Courtesy of http://thechronicleherald.ca

Halifax Rainmen opt to protect starting backcourt - by Eurobasket News

The Halifax Rainmen hope to have their backcourt return intact for the 2012-13 season.

The club is protecting guards Taliek Brown (6'1''-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Connecticut), Joey Haywood (6'1''-G-84) and Chris Hagan (5'9''-G-89, college: Midwestern St.) along with forwards Tyrone Levett (6'5''-F-80, college: Alabama St.) and Darnell Hugee (6'7''-F-85, college: Prairie View A&M), owner Andre Levingston confirmed Thursday.

NBL teams had to submit a five-man protected list by the last day of the month, giving them exclusive negotiating rights with those players within the league.

The players could still accept offers from other leagues, but cant be signed by rival NBL squads.

Brown, who was suspended by the Rainmen briefly late last season to deal with personal issues, has remained in the city during the off-season working with the teams community outreach program.

If he returns, it would be his third season in Halifax. None of Haywood, Hagan, Levett and Hugee began the 2011-12 campaign with the Rainmen, but each became a lineup fixture shortly after arrival.

Courtesy of http://thechronicleherald.ca

Storm protects five players - by Eurobasket News

The Summerside Storm of the National Basketball League of Canada, presented by Rogers Communications, announced the five players the team has protected for the upcoming season.

The protected players include last years NBL First-Team All-Star and First-Team All-Defensive team member Mike Williams; First-Team All-Defensive team member Al Stewart (5'10''-G-83, college: Drake); Canadian and three-point specialist Chris Cayole (6'7''-F-85, college: St.Michael's); point guard Eric Gilchrese (6'0''-PG-87, agency: SDJ Sports, college: New Hampshire), and small forward Louie McCroskey (6'5''-G-85, college: Marist).

Among league leaders

Statistically, Williams was among the league leaders in scoring, field-goal percentage and rebounding in Year 1 of the league. He will be an important cog for the Storm during the 2012-13 season.

Stewart also had a big year for the Storm as he was among the league leaders in assists and steals.

Cayole, while injured for over half the season, shot almost 50 per cent from the three-point line.

Both Gilchrese and McCroskey were also solid contributors for the Storm while also proving to be among the fan favourites.

Strong fan base

The Storm had a successful season building a strong fan base among Islanders. The team made well over 100 community visits, helping raise over $20,000 for non-profit organizations that all led to over 50,000 fans coming to EastLink Arena in Summerside to watch Prince Edward Islands first pro basketball team compete during its first season of operation.

Training camp

Training camp is expected to begin in October, with the NBL of Canadas regular season starting later that month or early November.

Storm season tickets are expected to go on sale within another month.

Camps

The Storm will be running four basketball camps across Prince Edward Island this summer, with the first from July 9 to 12 at Westisle Composite High School in Elmsdale.

The next camp is at Birchwood Intermediate Junior High in Charlottetown from July 23 to 26, and then at Three Oaks Senior High School in Summerside from Aug. 6 to 9. The final camp goes at Souris Regional High School from Aug. 20 to 23.

Courtesy of www.journalpioneer.com

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

NCAA1

Brown hires former player and Penn assistant - by Eurobasket News

Brown has hired Penn assistant Mike Martin, multiple sources told CBSSports.com.

Martin was a four-year starter at Brown in the early 2000s and was a part of the winningest class in program history.

Martin spent one season as an assistant at Brown before spending the last six years on the staff at Penn under Glen Miller and Jerome Allen.

Sources also told CBSSports.com that T.J. Sorrentine, the former Vermont star who had been the interim head coach since the dismissal of Jesse Agel, is expected to remain on the staff as Martin's top assistant.

Brown finished 8-23 last season and 2-12 in Ivy league play.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

UCLA to play Indiana State in new Pauley debut - by Eurobasket News

UCLA will play its first basketball game in the renovated Pauley Pavilion against Indiana State on Nov. 9 in a nod to the roots of late Bruins coaching great John Wooden.

Indiana State was the only other university where Wooden served as a head coach. He had a 44-15 record in two seasons in Terre Haute before leaving for Los Angeles. Wooden was a native of Martinsville, Ind. He died in 2010 at 99.

The arena is undergoing a $136 million renovation to bring it up to date. The changes include new locker rooms, lounges, a video room, concession stands and restrooms, seats, a scoreboard and 30-inch LED ribbon boards encircling the building's interior, along with displays showing UCLA's athletic history.

After the opener, the Bruins will host two games in the Los Angeles regional of the 12-team Legends Classic, which will conclude at the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Courtesy of www.brownsvilleherald.com

Clemson names Smith as basketball assistant - by Eurobasket News

Clemson has hired Steve Smith as an assistant men's basketball coach, ending a nearly two-month search since Rick Ray left to become Mississippi State's head coach.

Coach Brad Brownell hired longtime Virginia Tech assistant James Johnson for Ray's spot in April. But Johnson returned to the Hokies as their head coach shortly after Seth Greenberg was fired. Smith spent the past three years as an assistant at Georgia Southern. Before that, he was an assistant coach at USC Upstate from 2002 through 2009.

Brownell was happy to have Smith on board and said he's got plenty of recruiting ties in the Southeast that will make him an asset to the Tigers.

Courtesy of www.brownsvilleherald.com

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

NIGERIA

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

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

Akinlolu Akingbala

#1. This week's number one is former international center Akinlolu Akingbala (208-83, college: Clemson), who plays in the French ProA. He could not help one of league's weakest teams one of league's weakest teams Sluc Nancy (18-12) to beat Le Mans (19-11). Akingbala scored 9 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in 32 minutes on the court. But Sluc Nancy lost in an overtime 84-92 on the road to the higher-ranked (#4) Le Mans. It's Akingbala's fourth season with the team. He is currently third on the league's list of best rebounders and also on the list of best blockers (fifth place). Akingbala has very reliable stats this year: 12.2ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.1bpg, 2FGP: 61.5%(158-257) and FT: 53.4% in the 33 games he played so far. He played for the Nigerian senior national team three years ago.

Chukwudinma Odiakosa

#2. Second place goes to former U22 international power forward Chukwudinma Odiakosa (203-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St.). Odiakosa led Melilla Baloncesto to a victory over the league leader Caceres 2016 (2-1) 91-81 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) in Tuesday night's game. He was MVP of the game. Odiakosa recorded a double-double by scoring 26 points and getting 11 rebounds. He also added 3 blocks; not bad, considering it's only Odiakosa's second season in pro basketball. Melilla Baloncesto (20-14) is placed fifth in the LEB Gold. Odiakosa is currently fifth on the list of best blockers. This season he has very good stats: 11.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.2bpg, 2FGP: 62.2%(209-336) and FT: 45.4%. Odiakosa played for the Nigerian U22 national team in 2004.

Uche Nsonwu-Amadi

#3. The Nigerian player who performed third best last week abroad was an experienced former international power forward Uche Nsonwu-Amadi (208-78, agency: Beo Basket, college: Wyoming), who plays in the French ProA. He was not able to help Chorale de Roanne (16-14) in their last game. Despite Nsonwu-Amadi's good performance Chorale de Roanne lost 74-85 on the opponent's court to the second-ranked Chalon/Saor. He scored 10 points and grabbed 4 rebounds (was perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line) in 18 minutes. Nsonwu-Amadi has relatively good stats this year: 11.3ppg, 6.8rpg, 2FGP: 65.8%(144-219) and FT: 70.2% in the 32 games. He played for the Nigerian national team eight years ago.

Oritseweyinmi Efejuku

#4. Guard Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-86, college: Providence) was the main contributor in Indios' victory against the fourth-ranked Vaqueros (6-4) 85-66 in the Puerto Rican BSN on Saturday night. Efejuku was the best player in that game. He scored 18 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Indios de Mayaguez (6-4) is placed second in Top 6 group. This season Efejuku has relatively solid stats: 11.5ppg, 3.1rpg and 2.1apg. He has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and Jamaican. Despite Efejuku played previously for the Jamaican national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

Olumuyiwa Famutimi

#5. Former international swingman Olumuyiwa Famutimi (198-84, college: Arkansas) contributed to a 3-point Optimum TED's victory against the closely-ranked Gaziantep (26-12) 72-69 in the Turkish TB2L (second division) in Friday night's game. Famutimi was the top player that evening. He recorded 19 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 25 minutes. Optimum TED Kolejliler Ankara (30-8) is placed second in the TB2L. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. Famutimi has reliable stats this year: 10.9ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.1apg and 1.2spg in the 39 games. He is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and Canadian. Despite Famutimi played previously for the Canadian national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

Chamberlain Oguchi

   #6. Guard Chamberlain Oguchi (198-86, college: Illinois St.), who plays in the Filipino PBA was not able to secure a victory for Meralco Bolts (1-1) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Oguchi's very good performance Meralco Bolts were defeated 101-88 in a derby game by the second-ranked Petron Blaze. He was the top scorer with 24 points. Oguchi is ranked fifth on the list of the top scorers in the league. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Oguchi averages: 26.5ppg, 6.5rpg and 2.0apg. Despite he played previously for the Canadian national team, Oguchi is also a former international player as he played for the Nigerian senior team three years ago.

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

   #1. Alade Aminu (207-C/F-87, college: Georgia Tech) was the major contributor in Chalon/Saor's victory against the seventh-ranked Chorale de Roanne (16-14) 85-74 in the French ProA in Saturday night's game. He scored 15 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 22 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Aminu's third season in pro basketball. ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (23-7) is placed second in the ProA. Aminu belongs to league's best rebounders and is ranked #6 with 6.9rpg. He also averaged so far 11.8ppg in the 33 games he played so far.

   #2. Kenny Adeleke (205-C-83, college: Hartford), who plays in the Chinese NBL (second division) could not help one of league's weakest teams Henan Jiyuan (1-8) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Adeleke's very good performance the bottom-ranked Henan Jiyuan was badly defeated 101-84 on the road by the one of league's weakest teams Nanjin Army (#9). He recorded a double-double by scoring 51 points and getting 16 rebounds. Adeleke also added 2 blocks and 5 steals. Adeleke is currently second on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best rebounders (first place). He has individually a very good season with high stats. Adeleke averages: 34.0ppg, 19.2rpg, 1.1apg and 2.6spg.

Other top Nigerian players, who play abroad:

Benjamin Eze (207-C/F-81) plays for Armani Milano in Italian SerieA
Ekpe Udoh (208-F/C-87) plays for Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA
Solomon Alabi (216-C-88) plays for Toronto Raptors in the NBA
Ben Uzoh (191-PG-88) plays for Toronto Raptors in the NBA
Emeka Okafor (206-F/C-82) plays for New Orleans Hornets in the NBA
Andy Ogide (205-F-87) plays for Lagun Aro GBC in Spanish ACB
Oluoma Nnamaka (201-F/C-78) plays for Novipiu CM in Italian SerieA
Jefferson Agba (209-F/C-80) plays for Itabom/Bauru in Brazilian NBB
Derrick Obasohan (199-F-81) plays for Cocodrilos in Venezuelan LPB
Andrew Dikas (193-G-88) plays for Norrkoping Dolphins in Swedish Basketligan
Ike Diogu (204-F/C-83) plays for Capitanes in Puerto Rican BSN
Kieron Achara (208-F/C-83) plays for Assignia Manresa in Spanish ACB

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

Its crunch time for Nigerian basketball and here play offs have not even started - by Iwedi Ojinmah

With her local basketball league finally gathering steam a qualification for the London Olympics would go a long way in adding extra fuel to its popularity. And that is saying a lot in a country that prides itself as being 100 per cent Football crazy. It is even more significant when we factor in that for the first time in a very long time neither of her Football teams have been able to book a slot to London meaning that millions of fans will soon be looking for something to root for or a team to back regardless of Sport.
This is why the qualifying Tournament in Venezuela is of such importance to the D Olympic Tigers and this is why we say crunch time. However it will not be easy. Nigeria out of the 12 teams vying for a ticket to London has been drawn in Group B alongside hosts Venezuela and Lithuania both excellent teams.
Two players both critical to Nigerias success in South America offered their opinions as to how they see things unfolding next month. They were as far apart as night and day. Ime Udoka a seasoned player who started at Portland State and saw NBA trench action with the Knicks, Trailblazers, Kings, Spurs and Nets claims that the countrys best players are often not given the opportunity to play due to among many things - poor decision making by her Managers. For this very reason he is yet to commit totally to the dream.
Forward and ex Cleveland Cavalier Ejike Ugboaja is of a different opinion calling Venezuela a challenge that will be surmounted and even claiming that D Tigers opponents are afraid of the mercurial West Africans. He also dismissed the notion of any home advantage for the locals on July the 2nd when the two meet. He reminded us that good teams are expected to win on the road. He citied Angola over Nigeria in Lagos and Nigeria over Madagascar in Antananarivo as recent and perfect examples.
Regardless of who you believe there is no doubt that playing at the Olympics has been the dream of many Tigers and that they now grasp that this is the perfect time to realise the dream for themselves, country and fans. With Africas largest talent pool in North America and an ever growing one at home and now also in Europe, anything less has to be considered nothing more than a huge disappointment and another squandered opportunity.

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

PANAMA

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

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

Danilo Pinnock

#1. This week's number one is an international guard Danilo Pinnock (196-83, college: G.Washington). He led Capitanes to a victory against the leader Atleticos (7-3) 68-61 in the Puerto Rican BSN in Saturday night's game. Pinnock scored 13 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 38 minutes on the court. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group Top 6. Capitanes de Arecibo (6-4) is placed third. Pinnock is ranked fifth on the list of the most steals in the league with 1.5spg. He also averaged so far 14.6ppg, 6.0rpg, 4.1apg, 2FGP: 50.1%, 3FGP: 31.5% and FT: 78.6% in the 45 games he played so far. Pinnock is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Pinnock is currently a member of the Panamanian senior national team. He used to play for Toros de Chorrillo in Panamanian league.

Gabriel Giron

#2. Second place goes to an international forward Gabriel Giron (192-88), who plays in the Mexican CIBACOPA. Giron could not help Frayles de Guasave (19-19) in their last game on Friday. Despite his very good performance Frayles de Guasave was defeated 93-85 on the road by the higher-ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (#3). Giron was the top scorer with 22 points. He also added 4 rebounds and dished 4 assists. Giron has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 16.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 62.1%(185-298), 3FGP: 36.5% and FT: 67.9%. Giron has a dual citizenship: Panamanian and Mexican. Despite he played previously for the Mexican university national team, Giron is currently a member of the Panamanian senior national team.

Jose Lloreda

#3. The Panamanian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international power forward Jose Lloreda (201-80, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: LSU), who plays in the Puerto Rican BSN. He was not able to help Atleticos (7-3) in their last game. Despite Lloreda's good performance the first-placed Atleticos lost in an overtime 89-98 in Arecibo to the lower-ranked (#3) Capitanes in the Top 6 group. He had a double-double by scoring 10 points and getting 17 rebounds. Lloreda also added 3 blocks in 33 minutes. Lloreda belongs to league's best rebounders and is ranked #4 with 9.6rpg. This year his other stats are: 11.1ppg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 42.4% and FT: 58.9% in the 24 games. Despite Lloreda played previously for the Mexican national team, he is currently a member of the Panamanian senior national team.

Levour Warren

#4. Forward Levour Warren (196-81, agency: SportsTalent, college: S.Carolina) was not able to secure a victory for Cedevita (11-3) in their game against Cibona (14-0) in the Croatian A1. Warren scored only 4 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Cedevita (#2) was badly defeated 82-64 in a derby game by the leading Cibona in the Championship Group. It's Warren's first season with the team. His overall stats this year are: 9.6ppg, 3.9rpg and 1.4apg. Warren is a naturalized American. He used to play for the Panamanian national team back in 2005. Strangely Warren has never played in Panama.

Other top Panamanian players, who play abroad:

Gary Forbes (201-G/F-85) plays for Toronto Raptors in the NBA
Ruben Garces (206-C/F-73) plays for Capitanes in Puerto Rican BSN
Jamaal Levy (206-C-83) plays for Lanus in Argentinian LigaA
Josimar Ayarza (205-F-87) plays for Vaqueros in Puerto Rican BSN
Michael Hicks (194-G/F-76) plays for Sigma Barcellona in Italian Lega2
Leonardo Pomare (203-F-86) plays for Hamamatsu Phoenix in Japanese BJ League
Dionisio Gomez Camargo (203-F-80) plays for Shiga L-Stars in Japanese BJ League
Antonio Garcia (203-F/C-76) plays for Bigua in Uruguayan LUB
Jamahr Warren (194-G/F-79) plays for Bigua in Uruguayan LUB
Ruben Douglas (193-G-79) plays for Usak in Turkish TB2L
Isaac St.Rose (190-G/F-83) plays for Barva in Costa Rican LBS

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

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

PHILIPPINES

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Standings

1. Rain or Shine		3-0
2. Petron Blaze		2-1
3. Alaska Aces		1-1
4. B-Meg Llam.		1-1
5. Meralco Bolts		1-1
6. Ginebra Kings		1-1
7. Barako Bull		1-1
8. Air21 Express		1-2
9. Talk N Text		1-2
10. Powerade T.		0-2

Regular Season: Round 6

May. 30: Air21 Express - Rain or Shine 92-106
May. 30: Talk N Text - Petron Blaze 102-87

Regular Season: Round 8

Jun. 2: Ginebra Kings - Meralco Bolts
Jun. 3: Powerade T. - Talk N Text
Jun. 3: Petron Blaze - Alaska Aces

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Zach GRAHAM
  Air21 E.
  (198-G-89)
  Avg: 35.3

1. Graham, Air21 E.	35.3
2. Harris, Talk N Text	29.7
3. Bozeman, Ginebra	29.5
4. Forte, Alaska Aces	27.0
5. Oguchi, Meralco Bo.	26.5
6. Peterson, Barako B.	26.0
7. David, Powerade T.	25.5
8. McCants, Powerade.	25.0
9. Cornley, Rain o.	24.3
10. Basden, Petron B.	23.7

Rebounds Per Game

Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 16.5

1. Blakely, B-Meg L.	16.5
2. Graham, Air21 E.	15.7
3. Forte, Alaska Aces	15.0
4. Peterson, Barako B.	14.5
5. Harris, Talk N Text	13.3
6. Cornley, Rain o.	12.0
7. Salvador, Powerade.	11.5
8. Bozeman, Ginebra	11.5
9. Basden, Petron B.	11.0
10. Taulava, Meralco	11.0

Assists Per Game

Jimmy ALAPAG
  Talk N Text
  (177-PG-77)
  Avg: 9

1. Alapag, Talk N Te.	9.0
2. Cortez, Ginebra	7.0
3. Tenorio, Alaska A.	6.5
4. Ross, Meralco	6.5
5. Miller, Barako Bull	5.5
6. Arboleda, Barako B.	5.5
7. Hubalde, Air21 E.	5.3
8. Norwood, Rain o.	4.7
9. Bozeman, Ginebra	4.5
10. Blakely, B-Meg L.	4.5

Steals Per Game

Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 3

1. Blakely, B-Meg L.	3.0
2. Urbiztondo, B-Meg	2.5
3. Basden, Petron B.	2.3
4. Arboleda, Barako B.	2.0
5. Hatfield, Ginebra	2.0
6. Dillinger, Talk N.	2.0
7. Mercado, Meralco	2.0
8. Baguio, Alaska Ac.	1.5
9. Macapagal, Meralc.	1.5
10. McCants, Powerad.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Blakely, B-Meg L.	2.5
2. Thoss, Alaska Aces	2.5
3. McCants, Powerade.	2.0
4. Seigle, Barako Bull	1.5
5. Baguio, Alaska Ac.	1.5
6. Faundo, Air21 E.	1.3
7. Miller, Barako Bull	1.0
8. Reyes, Talk N Text	1.0
9. deOcampo, Talk N.	1.0
10. Peek, Talk N Text	1.0

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

POLAND

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Walter HODGE
  Zastal ZG
  (183-PG-86)
  Avg: 19.4

1. Hodge, Zastal ZG	19.4
2. Corbett, Siarka J.	16.1
3. Miller, Siarka J.	15.9
4. Kulig, PBG Basket	15.7
5. Micic, PBG Basket	15.7
6. Burrell, Energa C.	15.6
7. Dylewicz, Trefl So.	15.5
8. Koszarek, Trefl S.	15.5
9. Motiejunas, Asseco	15.4
10. Weeden, Polpharma	15.4

Rebounds Per Game

Darrell HARRIS
  Kotwica
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Harris, Kotwica	11.6
2. Lawal, Zastal ZG	10.2
3. Hrycaniuk, Asseco	8.7
4. Dluski, LKS Lodz	8.1
5. Archibeque, Zastal	8.0
6. Burgess, Trefl S.	8.0
7. Turek, Trefl Sopot	7.5
8. Doaks, Siarka J.	7.3
9. Simmons, Polpharma	7.2
10. Bartosz, PBG Bas.	7.1

Assists Per Game

Robert SKIBNIEWSKI
  Slask W.
  (182-G-83)
  Avg: 7.2

1. Skibniewski, Slask	7.2
2. Blassingame, Assec.	6.9
3. Hodge, Zastal ZG	5.7
4. Wilczek, AZS P.	5.2
5. Koszarek, Trefl S.	5.1
6. Milicic, AZS K.	5.0
7. Burrell, Energa C.	4.8
8. Miller, Siarka J.	4.7
9. Micic, PBG Basket	4.5
10. Moore, PGE Turow	4.4

Steals Per Game

Krzysztof SZUBARGA
  Anwil
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Szubarga, Anwil	1.7
2. Sapp, Kotwica	1.5
3. Skibniewski, Slask	1.5
4. Tiller, Siarka J.	1.5
5. Ponitka, AZS P.	1.4
6. Motiejunas, Asseco	1.4
7. Koszarek, Trefl S.	1.4
8. Miller, Siarka J.	1.4
9. Dabrowski, Polph.	1.4
10. Hodge, Zastal ZG	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Chris BURGESS
  Trefl S.
  (209-C-79)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Burgess, Trefl S.	1.6
2. Eziukwu, AZS K.	1.6
3. Harris, Kotwica	1.6
4. Kesicki, Kotwica	1.4
5. Morrison, Energa C.	1.3
6. Karnowski, Siarka	1.2
7. Lawal, Zastal ZG	1.1
8. Lauderdale, PGE T.	1.1
9. Mladenovic, Slask	1.1
10. Doaks, Siarka J.	1.0

PLK Round 4 of Finals. Asseco Prokom take third victory - by Eurobasket News

FINAL

Trefl Sopot - Asseco Prokom 71-79

Asseco Prokom overcame Trefl Sopot to step closer to the PLK title. The defending champions are now leading 3-1 in the series. The guests trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 47-38 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. 25 personal fouls committed by Trefl Sopot helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Jerel Blassingame (175-81, college: UNLV) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 4 assists and Lithuanian power forward Donatas Motiejunas (213-90, agency: Interperformances) who added 12 points during the contest. At the losing side the former international guard Lukasz Koszarek (187-84) responded with 16 points and 9 assists and American power forward John Turek (205-83, college: Nebraska) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. Four Trefl Sopot players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Trefl Sopot: A.Waczynski 19+1reb, L.Koszarek 16+4reb+9ast, J.Turek 13+10reb, F.Dylewicz 11+7reb+3ast, S.Kuzminskas 6+4reb, J.Mallett 4+3reb+1ast
Asseco Prokom: J.Blassingame 21+1reb+4ast, D.Motiejunas 12+4reb+1ast, P.Zamojski 12, P.Szczotka 9+1reb, P.Frasunkiewicz 8+6reb+3ast, A.Lapeta 6+5reb

Wojciech Kaminski stays with Polpharma - by Eurobasket News

Wojciech Kaminski will remain as head coach of Polpharma Starogard in the next season. The specialist took over Polpharma back in November. He started the season at helm of Polonia Azbud. Wojciech Kaminski worked with Polonia since 2002. Eurobasket.com named him All-Polish League Coach of the Year back in 2004. He also worked as assistant coach with Polish National Team back in 2003.

Gasper Okorn close to AZS Koszalin - by Eurobasket News

AZS Koszalin are closer to finalizing the deal with Gasper Okorn . The Slvoenian specialist will take over the Polsih team. Gasper Okorn will replace another Slovenian specialist Andrej Urlep (agency: Edge Sports ) at helm of the team. Gasper Okorn is not new to Poland. He guided Energa Czarni Slupsk back in 2008/09 season. He also worked with Geoplin Slovan, Ventspils and Union Olimpija. Gasper Okorn also has experience working as assistant coach with Slovenian U20 as well as Slovenian National Teams. Eurobasket.com named him All-Polish League Coach of the Year in 2009. Gasper Okorn was Lithuanian League champion in 2006 while working as assistant coach with Lietuvos Rytas. He also guided teams during Slovenian and Latvian All-Star Games in 2007 and 2008 respectively.

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

PORTUGAL

Eurobasket.com All-Portuguese League Awards 2011-12 - by Hugo Carvalho

Eurobasket.com All-Portuguese League 1st Team 2012

Stempin

Fernandes

Scott

Andrade

Hill

Player of the Year: Gregory Stempin (203-F-79) of Porto Ferpinta
Guard of the Year: Mario Fernandes (176-PG-82) of CAB Madeira
Forward of the Year: Gregory Stempin (203-F-79) of Porto Ferpinta
Center of the Year: Anthony Hill (204-F-88) of Barreirense
Newcomer of the Year: Ted Scott (188-G-85) of Benfica
Most Improved Player of the Year: Fernando Neves (194-F-80) of Ovarense
Import Player of the Year: Gregory Stempin (203-F-79) of Porto Ferpinta
Domestic Player of the Year: Mario Fernandes (176-PG-82) of CAB Madeira
Defensive Player of the Year: Carlos Andrade (197-F-78) of Porto Ferpinta
Coach of the Year: Moncho Lopez of Porto Ferpinta

1st Team
PG: Mario Fernandes (176-82) of CAB Madeira
G: Ted Scott (188-85) of Benfica
F: Carlos Andrade (197-78) of Porto Ferpinta
F: Gregory Stempin (203-79) of Porto Ferpinta
F: Anthony Hill (204-88) of Barreirense

2nd Team
PG: Ricky Franklin (185-87) of Lusitania
F: Fernando Neves (194-80) of Ovarense
F: Brian Mills (203-88) of Lusitania
F: Seth Doliboa (203-80) of Benfica
C: Christopher Lee (206-84) of Ovarense

Honorable Mention
Jaime Silva (187-PG-80) of CAB Madeira
Durrell Nevels (198-F-86) of Terceira Basket
Brian Addison (205-F-87) of Sampaense
Austen Powers (203-F-87) of Ovarense
Stefan Djukic (201-SF-89) of Ginasio
Robert Johnson (203-C/F-81) of Porto Ferpinta
Sergi Coll (204-F/C-82) of Barcelos

All-Domestic Players Team
PG: Mario Fernandes (176-82) of CAB Madeira
PG: Jaime Silva (187-80) of CAB Madeira
F: Fernando Neves (194-80) of Ovarense
C: Claudio Fonseca (206-89) of Vitoria SC
F: Carlos Andrade (197-78) of Porto Ferpinta

All-Imports Team
PG: Ricky Franklin (185-87) of Lusitania
G: Ted Scott (188-85) of Benfica
F: Brian Mills (203-88) of Lusitania
F: Gregory Stempin (203-79) of Porto Ferpinta
F: Anthony Hill (204-88) of Barreirense

All-Defensive Team
Mario Fernandes (176-PG-82) of CAB Madeira
Jaime Silva (187-PG-80) of CAB Madeira
Carlos Andrade (197-F-78) of Porto Ferpinta
Gregory Stempin (203-F-79) of Porto Ferpinta
Christopher Lee (206-C-84) of Ovarense

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

PUERTO RICO

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Al THORNTON
  Guayama
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 25.3

1. Thornton, Guayama	25.3
2. Sensley, Humacao	19.7
3. Randolph, Quebradi.	19.4
4. Harris, San German	19.1
5. Diogu, Arecibo	18.1
6. Brown, Humacao	18.0
7. Ayuso, Arecibo	17.5
8. Dalmau, Bayamon	17.1
9. Ramos, Quebradillas	17.1
10. Vassallo, Guayna.	16.4

Rebounds Per Game

Shavlik RANDOLPH
  Quebradi.
  (208-F-83)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Randolph, Quebradi.	11.5
2. Harris, San German	10.3
3. Diogu, Arecibo	9.9
4. Lloreda, San G.	9.6
5. Powell, Guayama	9.2
6. Thornton, Guayama	9.2
7. Sensley, Humacao	9.0
8. Ramos, Quebradillas	8.8
9. Burgess, Guaynabo	8.4
10. Shannon, Quebradi.	8.1

Assists Per Game

Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Arecibo
  (184-PG-81)
  Avg: 8.1

1. Rodriguez, Arecibo	8.1
2. Rivera, San German	5.7
3. Guzman, Guaynabo	5.4
4. Garcia, Humacao	5.2
5. Smith, Mayaguez	5.0
6. Pagan, Guayama	5.0
7. Butler, Quebradill.	4.8
8. Dalmau, Bayamon	4.1
9. Pinnock, Arecibo	4.1
10. Brown, Humacao	3.4

Steals Per Game

Donta SMITH
  Mayaguez
  (201-G-83)
  Avg: 2

1. Smith, Mayaguez	2.0
2. Rodriguez, Arecibo	1.9
3. Mojica, Bayamon	1.7
4. Hamilton, Mayaguez	1.5
5. Pinnock, Arecibo	1.5
6. Dalmau, Bayamon	1.5
7. Sensley, Humacao	1.3
8. Figueroa, Guaynabo	1.3
9. Rivera, San German	1.3
10. Thornton, Guayama	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Mamadou LAMIZANA
  Bayamon
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Lamizana, Bayamon	2.4
2. Penn, Humacao	1.8
3. Aubry, Arecibo	1.7
4. Looby, Bayamon	1.6
5. Shannon, Quebradil.	1.6
6. O''Bryant, Mayaguez	1.6
7. Thornton, Guayama	1.6
8. Burgess, Guaynabo	1.4
9. Randolph, Quebradi.	1.3
10. Powell, Guayama	1.3

Casiano is named Coach of the Year: - by Luis Modestti

Eddie Casiano was the unanimous choice for Coach of the Year after getting 25 of 27 possible votes. The two who didnt vote for Casiano were himself and the team owner since they cant vote for their players/coaches for awards.

Casiano had a 22-8 record with Indios who finished in first place. He has enjoyed a great year in coaching since he came here after winning a title with Halcones Rojos in Mexico.

The former Puerto Rican National Team shooting guard started his coaching career in 2009 with Indios and won coach of the year in his first season.

In 2009 he reached the semifinals with Indios but lost in Vaqueros, in 2012 he faced the same team and reached the first finals in franchise history.

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

ROMANIA

CSM Oradea and Stefan Vasile part ways - by Eurobasket News

Vasile Stefan (192-F-85) is no longer a member of CSM Oradea. His contract expired and will not be extended. Vasile spent last three seasons with Oradea. In the latest one he had 2.4 ppg and 1.4 rpg for 15 games in the league. They finished regular season as No.5, but failed in the Playoff Quarterfinals. In Romanian Cup, Oradea reached Semifinals. In 2010/11 season Vasile had 5.4 ppg and 2.3 rpg the club. Before Oradea, Vasile Stefan played one year for Craiova. There he had 5.7 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 25 games. He also has experience from CSS BC Ramnicu Valcea. According to some reports, Oradea already negotiates will couple of players for the next season.

Ploiesti keep Darius Hargrove - by Eurobasket News

Ploiesti kept Darius Hargrove (193-G-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Virginia Union) in the team. The guard has agreed on terms of contract extension with the Romanian champions. He will stay with Ploiesti for the next two seasons. Darius Hargrove joined Ploiesti in December. He tallied 16.0 points, 4.4 boards, 2.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game in Division A leading the team to the title. The guard started the season in Germany. Darius Hargrove played for MBC Weissenfels. His stats read 10.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in ProA. Previously he had stints in Belgium, Cyprus, Sweden and Romania. Eurobasket.com named Darius Hargrove All-Swedish Basketligan Import Player of the Year in 2011. He was All-Romanian League Import Player of the Year in 2010.

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

RUSSIA

Khimky keep Monya, Loncar and Planinic - by Eurobasket News

According to Sportando.net Khimky keep Monya, Loncar and Planinic. Khimky Moscow already signed Davis, Augustine, Koponen and Rivers.
Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83, agency: Alti Sport) joined the team two seasons ago. In 2010-2011 for BC Khimky Moscow Region (Russia-PBL) in VTB League he averaged 10.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 65.0% and in Euroleague after 16 games his stats read 8.4ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 22.7%, FT: 69.8%. In Russian League he had 11.5ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 13.8%, FT: 72.7%.
In 2011-2012 he showed 10.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 63.8%, FT: 68.4% in Russian League and in VTB had 13.3ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 65.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 85.5%. In EuroCup Loncar averaged 12.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.6%, FT: 84.4%.
Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) will also enter his third season with the team. Last season in Russian League he averaged 13.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT-2 (53.7%), FT: 67.1% and in VTB League had 10.1ppg, 2.9rpg, Assists-2 (5.2apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 64.6%. In EuroCup his stats read 11.1ppg, 2.9rpg, Assists-3 (4.9apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 79.6%.
Sergey Monya (203-F-83) averaged 8.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 75.0% in EuroCup last season. In VTB League his stats read 8.5ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-5 (1.0bpg), FGP: 37.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 83.3%, while in Russian League he showed 8.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 87.9%.

Ural Ekaterinburg keeps Head Coach Oleg Okulov - by Eurobasket News

Ural Ekaterinburg and its Head Coach Oleg Okulov (agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) continue their cooperation. The Russian specialist signed a one-year contract extension yesterday. Okulov took over the Ekaterinburg team last summer. They won the Superleague regular season and later managed to win the title as well. They outplayed Universitet Surgut in the Finals and Okulov was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Coach of the Year -12. Ural Ekaterinburg also reached Russian Cup Semifinals. Before Ekaterinburg, Oleg Okulov worked two years with Severstal Cherepovec. He also coached Liepajas Lauvas (Latvia) and Spartak St.Petersburg.
Except of coach Oleg Okulov, Nikola Lepojevic of Ural was named Superleague Player of the Year. Anton Glazunov and Lorenzo Gordon are named to First Team.

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

SERBIA

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Milos BOJOVIC
  Zeleznicar
  (198-G-81)
  Avg: 23.5

1. Bojovic, Zeleznicar	23.5
2. Milisavljevi., Meg.	20.7
3. Zigeranovic, Borac	20.5
4. Balaban, Smederevo	20.0
5. Jeremic, Hemofarm	17.1
6. Bozovic, Sloga	17.1
7. Dimic, Radnicki.	16.5
8. Cupkovic, Napredak	16.5
9. Miljenovic, Mega V.	16.1
10. Svilar, Smederevo	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Darko BALABAN
  Smederevo
  (211-C-89)
  Avg: 8.8

1. Balaban, Smederevo	8.8
2. Zigeranovic, Borac	8.2
3. Cupkovic, Napredak	7.6
4. Majkic, Prolet.	7.2
5. Cantekin, Mega V.	7.2
6. Petrovic, BKK R.	7.0
7. Scott, Radnicki K.	6.7
8. Misanovic, OKK B.	6.6
9. Musli, Mega Vizura	6.4
10. Gagic, Hemofarm	6.1

Assists Per Game

Miljan PAVKOVIC
  Radnicki K.
  (178-G-81)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Pavkovic, Radnicki	6.9
2. Boltic, BKK R.	5.7
3. Osmokrovic, BKK R.	5.1
4. Dundjerski, Vojvo.	4.7
5. Markovic, Radnicki	4.4
6. Popovic, Crvena Z.	4.4
7. Jovic, Sloga	4.3
8. Miljenovic, Mega V.	4.1
9. Stefanovic, Smede.	4.1
10. Milisavljevi., Me.	4.1

Steals Per Game

Negoslav GACIC
  BKK Radnicki
  (193-G-)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Gacic, BKK Radnicki	2.8
2. Jovic, Sloga	2.6
3. Boltic, BKK R.	2.3
4. Dundjerski, Vojvo.	2.1
5. Bojovic, Zeleznicar	2.0
6. Vulin, Prolet.	1.9
7. Kuzeta, Vojvodina	1.8
8. Majstorovic, Tamis	1.8
9. James, Partizan	1.7
10. Miljenovic, Mega	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Nenad MISANOVIC
  OKK B.
  (217-C-84)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Misanovic, OKK B.	1.5
2. Zigeranovic, Borac	1.2
3. Simon, Radnicki K.	1.2
4. Balaban, Smederevo	1.2
5. Scott, Radnicki K.	1.0
6. Cantekin, Mega V.	0.9
7. Todorovic, Borac	0.8
8. Majkic, Prolet.	0.8
9. Petronic, BKK R.	0.8
10. Bircevic, Radnick.	0.7

Obradovic stays on Panathinaikios bench? - by Zoran Popovic

According to Sports news, Serbian coach Zeljko Obradovic will stays on the bench of Panathinaikos Athens. After fourth game against Olympiacos Pireus, Panathinaikos owners, brothers Janakopulos, said that Zeljko Obradovic is one of most famous members of Panathinaikos family and after all trophys we wants to keep him forever. Current score of Greek Championship is 2-2 and in Saturday is the last match in Pireus, which will decides who is new Greek Champion.

Crvena Zvezda joins Partizan in the Finals - by Eurobasket News

Semifinals, Game 3: Radnicki K. - Crvena Zvezda 71-76 (1-2)

Third decisive game of the Superleague Semifinals between Radnicki Kragujevac and Crvena Zvezda just ended. Visitors celebrated 71-76 road victory and booked a spot for the Finals. There, Crvena Zvezda will take on Partizan and it will be another best-of-five series. First game is scheduled for Tuesday and Partizan will be the host.
The guests trailed by 8 points at the halftime before their 47-34 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Zvezda had a 18-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by Radnicki K. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for American forward Omar Thomas (197-82, college: UTEP) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds. Center Petar Popovic (211-79) contributed with 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Four Zvezda players scored in double figures. Montenegrin guard Boris Bakic (194-86, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 15 points and 6 rebounds and power forward Stefan Bircevic (209-89) added 10 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Radnicki K.Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Partizan is the defending champion in Serbia. They also were regular season champs with 12-2 record. It means that Partizan can count on support from their fans if the series go to decisive Game Five. As mentioned above, Partizan will host Game One on Tuesday.

Radnicki K.: B.Bakic 15+6reb+3ast, S.Markovic 13+1reb+3ast, S.Bircevic 10+5reb+3ast, M.Pavkovic 9+3reb+3ast, M.Scott 7+4reb+1ast, V.Vuksanovic 5+2reb+1ast
Crvena Zvezda: O.Thomas 19+14reb+3ast, P.Popovic 14+7reb, B.Lazic 14+1reb, S.Lesic 10+6reb+1ast, A.Milutinovic 5+4reb+2ast, B.Popovic 4+2reb+4ast

Nikola Lepojevic is Superleague Player of the Year in Russia, again - by Eurobasket News

Nikola Lepojevic (199-F-82, agency: BeoExcell) had a great season in Russia. The Serbian scorer led his team Ural Ekaterinburg to 2011/12 Superleague title. They outplayed Universitet Surgut in the Finals and before that Ekaterinburg was also the regular season champ. Lepojevic appeared 36 times for the club collecting 18.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2.3 apg. He was the top-scorer of the competition. For his performance Lepojevic is awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Player of the Year -12. Except of the Superleague title, the team also reached Russian Cup Semis. Nikola Lepojevic was the Superleague Player of the Year also in 2011. He was a member of Universitet-Yugra Surgut and reached Playoff Finals with them. Lepojevic had 23 ppg, 5 rpg and 4 apg for 36 games in 2010/11 season. Before Surgut, he played in Ukraine, Cyprus, Serbia and Greece.

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

SOUTH KOREA

South Korean National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five

Yang

Park

Kim

Kim

Yoon

Yang Dong-Geun

181-G-81

Mobis Phoebus South Korea

Park Chan-Hee

190-G-87

Anyang KGC South Korea

Kim Tae-Sool

180-G-84

Anyang KGC South Korea

Kim Sung-Hyun

190-G/F-80

SK Knights South Korea

Yoon Ho-Young

198-F-84

Dongbu Promy South Korea

Yang Hee-Jong

194-F-84

Anyang KGC South Korea

Lee Seung-Jun

187-G-88

SK Knights South Korea

Kim Yong-Woo

194-F-86

LG Sakers

Choi Jin-Soo

202-F

Goyang Orions South Korea

Kim Jong-Kyu

207-C-91

Lee Jung-Hyun

190-F-87

Anyang KGC South Korea

Oh Sek-Eun

200-C-87

Anyang KGC South Korea

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

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. Navarro, FCB Regal	13.3
9. Hettsheimer, CAI Z.	13.3
10. Freeland, Unicaja	12.9

Rebounds Per Game

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

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

Assists Per Game

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

1. Rodriguez, Assigni.	6.5
2. Salgado, Lagun A.	4.3
3. Llull, Real Madrid	4.1
4. Prigioni, Caja L.	3.8
5. Rodriguez, Bluse.	3.8
6. Granger, Asefa E.	3.8
7. Dumas, B.de R.	3.7
8. Rodriguez, Real M.	3.7
9. Uriz, B.de Rueda V.	3.4
10. Huertas, FCB Reg.	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. Udoka, UCAM M.	1.4
7. Hanga, Assignia M.	1.4
8. Calloway, Cajasol	1.4
9. Eidson, FCB Regal	1.3
10. Granger, Asefa E.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

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

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

Regal Barca eliminates Valencia, advances to Liga Endesa Finals - by Eurobasket News

Semifinals, Game 4: Valencia - FCB Regal 73-77 (1-3)

Fourth game of Liga Endesa Semifinals between Valencia and Regal Barca just ended. Visitors celebrated 73-77 victory closing the series with almost perfect 3-1. It means that Barca advanced to the Finals and now waits for the winner of Real Madrid - Caja Laboral series. The score is tied at 2-2 and Real Madrid will host decisive Game Five on Saturday.
The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Valencia Basket won third quarter 21-18. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Regal FC Barcelona won last quarter 26-23. They made 26-of-31 charity shots (83.9 percent) during the game. Valencia Basket was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. The winners were led by American forward Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) who scored 14 points and 7 rebounds and international guard Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) supported him with 17 points (made all of his eight free throws). Even 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists by French guard Nando De Colo (202-G-87) did not help to save the game for Valencia Basket. American forward Niklas Caner-Medley (203-F-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Maryland) added 15 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Four Valencia Basket players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Regal Barca is the defending champion in Spain. They were also regular season champs with 29-5 record. It means that Barca will have a home court advantage in the Finals series.

Valencia: N.De Colo 22+5reb+4ast, N.Caner-Medley 15+5reb+1ast, R.Martinez 11+4ast, V.Faverani 11+2reb, F.Pietrus 4+4reb, R.San Miguel 4+1reb+1ast
FCB Regal: J.Carlos Navarro 17+1reb+1ast, P.Mickeal 14+7reb, B.Ndong 9+2reb+1ast, J.Wallace 9+9reb+1ast, E.Lorbek 8+2reb, M.Huertas 6+3reb

Nihad Djedovic is free agent - by Eurobasket News

Nihad Djedovic (196-F-90, agency: Beo Basket) is no longer a member of Regal Barcelona. His contract expired and the Bosnian star is set for workouts with NBA teams. Djedovic will also attend the Eurocamp in Treviso and will decide about his future after the 2012 NBA Draft. Nihad Djedovic finished this season with Galatsaray on loan. He joined them at the end of March averaging 11.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists for 12 TBL games. Galatasaray was the regular season champion in Turkey, but they failed to reach the Finals. Nihad Djedovic started the season with Lottomatica Roma. There he had 11.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 1.6 apg for 25 Italian league games. He played for Roma in 2010/11 as well registering 9.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.1 apg and 1.7 spg for 15 Euroleague games. Djedovic is active member of the Bosnian National Team. He had 10.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg for 5 games at the 2011 EuroBasket in Poland.

Assignia Manresa lands Charles Ramsdell - by Eurobasket News

Charles Ramsdell (208-F/C-85, agency: Court Side, college: Tulsa) is a new member of Assignia Manresa. The 27-year-old big guy penned a deal for the next season, including the club option to extend the agreement for two more years. Ramsdell arrives to Manresa from Lleida, where he had 12.3 ppg and 4.5 rpg for 37 games in LEB Gold. Before Lleida, he spent one season with Avila. There he had 15.4 ppg and 7.6 rpg for 32 games in LEB Silver. Ramdsell also has experience from Alaoir Coinga and Rosalia. He graduated at Tulsa University in 2007. Charles Ramsdell is active member of the Madagascar National Team. He shined with 15.8 ppg and 8.8 rpg for 5 games at the 2011 AfroBasket. Madagascar was the host of this event and Ramsdell was named to Africabasket.com All-African Championships 3rd Team -11.

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

SWITZERLAND

Jackson Capel and Daniel Ferguson joins Boncourt - by Luca Maffioli

BC Boncourt Red Team signs Jackson Capel (191-G-87, college: Evangel) and Daniel Ferguson (191-G/F, college: Valdosta St.). Jackson Capel (191-G-87, college: Evangel) spent last three seasons in Germany with RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf and Cuxhaven BasCats. In 2011-2012 he averaged 15.8 points (FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 84.1%), 4.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists in 28 ProA games. Daniel Ferguson (191-G/F, college: Valdosta St.) played last two seasons in Canada at The University of Alberta averaging 20.7 points (FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 87.7%), 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 27 games. At the same time Boncourt extended with Laurent Lahey (204-F/C-89) and Alexis Herrmann (177-PG-92). Lahey signed a one-year deal (+1), Herrmann will stay with Boncourt for the next two seasons. Jerome Stucheli (185-G-89) decided to leaves the team.

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

TIM DUNCAN BECOMES THE ALL-TIME NBA PLAYOFF BLOCKS LEADER - by David Edole

OKLAHOMA CITY-- By blocking Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha's driving layup attempt with 6:42 left in the third quarter of Thursday's Game 3 of the Western Conference finals, Spurs captain Tim Duncan became the career leader in playoff blocks.
He finished the game with five, giving him 478 playoff rejections, two more than former leader Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Hall of Fame center for the Bucks and Lakers.
That the career milestone came in a 102-82 loss took most of the meaning from the accomplishment. Duncan's response was dripping with sarcasm.
Yes, he said, in mock surprise. Finally. Truly? That's great.
Teammate Stephen Jackson said Duncan would appreciate the milestone soon enough.
He won't enjoy it tonight, Jackson said. Wait until we get another win.

VIDEO: http://dimemag.com/2012/06/video-tim-duncan-becomes-the-playoff-blocks-leader/

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

URUGUAY

Urunday and Capitol are the Metro leaders - by Hector Lopez

Urunday Universitario and Capitol are the Metro leaders with a 4-1 record after the 5th round. Howard Wilkerson (198-F-84, agency: Two Points, college: Wofford) scored38 points, grabbed 12 rebounds with 3 bloicks and 6 assists when Urunday defeat Larranaga 80-72. For Larranaga Gordon James (198-F-79, college: Bridgeport) scorted 21 points with 6 rebounds and 4 blocks. Other results:
Capitol 74 - Santiago Moglia (196-F-89) 25 points 3 rebounds 5 assists, Brad Kanis (218-C-84, college: Grand Canyon) 9 poinmts 7 rebounds 2 blocks
Yale 71 - Gregg Thondique (201-F-87, college: Virginia Union) 24 points 14 rebounds 4 blocks 7 assists
- - -
Romis Nelimar 86 - Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, college: Lewis) 25 points 10 rebounds,
Verdirrojo 80 - Nicolas Delgado (198-F/C-87) 24 points 14 rebounds, Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, college: Park) 21 points 13 rebounds.

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

VENEZUELA

Stats Leaders - LPB

Points Per Game

Donald SIMS
  Gaiteros
  (185-PG-87)
  Avg: 24.1

1. Sims, Gaiteros	24.1
2. Holland, Toros	23.1
3. Pena, Toros	21.4
4. Rodgers, Marinos	19.1
5. Adams, Guaiqueries	18.9
6. Hickerson, Bucan.	18.6
7. Stoll, Gigantes	17.6
8. Edwin, Gaiteros	17.5
9. Millsap, Guaros	16.8
10. Elliott, Cocodril.	16.3

Rebounds Per Game

Jack Michael MARTINEZ
  Cocodrilos
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Martinez, Cocodril.	10.5
2. Braggs, Gaiteros	9.3
3. Pruitt, Trotamun.	9.2
4. Fuller, Panteras	9.2
5. Urbina, Toros	8.5
6. Jackson, Guaiquer.	7.8
7. Gransberry, Cocod.	7.7
8. Allen, Marinos	7.7
9. Sucre, Marinos	7.4
10. Gilder, Trotamun.	7.1

Assists Per Game

Paul STOLL
  Gigantes
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Stoll, Gigantes	6.8
2. Vargas, Marinos	5.7
3. Cubillan, Trotamun.	5.2
4. Guillent, Bucaneros	4.6
5. Guillent, Guaros	4.3
6. Elliott, Cocodrilos	4.2
7. Pena, Toros	4.1
8. Braggs, Gaiteros	4.1
9. Sims, Gaiteros	3.5
10. Centeno, Cocodril.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Paul STOLL
  Gigantes
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Stoll, Gigantes	4.3
2. Pena, Toros	2.8
3. Vargas, Marinos	2.8
4. Guillent, Bucaneros	2.8
5. Adams, Guaiqueries	2.5
6. Elliott, Cocodrilos	2.5
7. Sims, Gaiteros	2.5
8. Horton, Panteras	2.3
9. Gilder, Trotamun.	2.0
10. Edwin, Gaiteros	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Rammel ALLEN
  Marinos
  (210-C-79)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Allen, Marinos	2.3
2. Moss, Marinos	2.0
3. Lugo, Guaiqueries	1.8
4. Osorio, Panteras	1.5
5. Hardin, Marinos	1.4
6. Graterol, Cocodril.	1.3
7. Gilder, Trotamun.	1.1
8. Warner, Bucaneros	1.1
9. Romero, Trotamun.	1.0
10. Marriaga, Marinos	0.9

Marinos are one win away from LPB title - by Eurobasket News

LPB Finals, Game 5: Trotamundos - Marinos 79-91 (2-3)

Fifth game of the LPB Finals between Trotamundos and Marinos was played last night. Visitors celebrated 79-91 victory for 3-2 lead in the series. The format is best-of-seven and Marinos are now one win away from the title. The first chance to grab the trophy they will have next Wednesday. Marinos will be the hosts of Game Six.
The guests trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 56-42 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. International forward Axiers Sucre (198-78) stepped up and scored 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and American forward Leon Rodgers (199-80, college: N.Illinois) chipped in 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. American forward Trey Gilder (206-85, college: Northwestern St.) responded with 16 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import center Shaun Pruitt (208-85, college: Illinois, agency: Edge Sports) scored 17 points and 8 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
If necessary, Game Seven will be played on June 7. Marinos were No.1 of Group A with 6-2 record, so Game Six and if necessary Game Seven will be played at their home court.

Trotamundos: S.Pruitt 17+8reb+1ast, R.Perez 16+4reb+1ast, T.Gilder 16+8reb+3ast, H.Romero 10+5reb+1ast, D.Cubillan 9+1reb+6ast, D.Lewis 7+1reb
Marinos: A.Sucre 17+5reb+2ast, O.Torres 16+4reb, L.Rodgers 14+5reb+5ast, J.Vargas 11+2reb+2ast, J.Watkins 10+3reb, M.Marriaga 9+1reb

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

Women News

Dandenong Rangers extend deal with Canadian center Krista Phillips - by Eurobasket News

Dandenong Rangers announced another important signing. After WNBL Grand Final MVP Kathleen Macleod (167-G-86), the team also extended deal with Krista Phillips (198-C-88, college: Michigan). The Canadian center had 11 ppg, 7.4 rpg and 1.5 apg for the club in 21 games. She helped Dandenong to win the WNBL title. Krista Phillips arrived to Dandenong a year ago from Spain. She split 2010/11 season between Italian Umbertide and Spanish Burgos. For 18 games with Burgos she had 7.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg. Phillips graduated at the University of Michigan in 2010. They reached NIT Final Four that season. Krista Phillips is active member of the Canadian National Team since 2010. She helped them to win the Bronze at 2011 FIBA Americas in Neiva. For 6 games at this even the center had 6.8 ppg and 4 rpg.

SBL: Captain revels in lucky 13 - by Eurobasket News

Thirteen is a lucky number for Lisa Cartwright.

After enduring 12 lacklustre WSBL campaigns with the Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers womens side no one is treasuring their success like the captain, in her 13th season with the club.

Cartwright can remember the bad times well.

Triumphs were few and far between the Slammers won just 45 out of more than 250 games as Cartwright toiled through a woeful stretch which lasted more than a decade.

This season alone the side has already tasted victory on nine occasions a monumental statistic in the context of their history And theyre only 11 games in.

Such has been the turn around, mid-way through their campaign, season 2012 is already the most successful on record for the Slammers womens side.

Their previous best effort was in 2002 when they won eight games and as Cartwright agonisingly reflected this week just missed the play-offs.

While the club toasts the successes so far, Cartwright has promised the best is yet to come.

Its great, theyre a great bunch of girls and I dont think weve clicked properly yet, she said, following the Slammers six-point win over Cockburn on Saturday night I think weve got a lot of work to do, especially in defence, but when we do were going to be awesome.

In claiming the points on Saturday night, the Slammers moved to the top of the WSBL table on percentage, after other results fell their way.

This weekend, they have the chance to consolidate that position when they take on Perth at the Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre.

Coming off back-to-back losses, the fifth-placed Redbacks will present a stern test for the Slammers on their home court.

When the sides met at the Eaton Recreation Centre in round four, the Slammers notched a hard-fought 10-point win.

Meanwhile, the Slammers mens side will be out to improve on their 33-point defeat at the hands of the Redbacks, when they meet in Perth this Saturday night.

The improving Slammers lineup went down to Cockburn 84-74 at the weekend and were left to rue a costly lapse early in the game when the Cougars ran riot to lead by 15 points at quarter time.

Ahead of the clash against one of the SBLs bulkier rosters, Slammers coach Greg Worthington warned of the dangers of getting into foul trouble.

It was a warning that could have been put to good use by the South West side at the weekend, who sent the Cougars to the stripe on 34 occasions.

These early fouls that we do in games might not seem significant at the time but when the pressure is on and youre working hard, diving for balls and 50-50 calls go against you late in the game, all of a sudden youre in trouble, he said.
Courtesy of: au.news.yahoo.com

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

BELARUS

CANADA

EUROCUP

Fiba Europe announced the dates of next year's cup draws - by Diamadis Farmakis

Next basketball season is on it's way to start and so are the European competitions. So, as a result of that, Fiba Europe announced today (1-6-2012), that the Draws for all FIBA Europe club competitions 2012/13, will take place in Freising, Germany, on Friday 6th July.

The registration information for EuroCup Women, EuroLeague Women and EuroChallenge will be sent out shortly to all national federations.

On 5th July, the General Assembly of the EuroLeague Women clubs will take place, also in Freising. The EuroLeague Women clubs made good use of the General Assembly in the past, discussing the further development of the league, exchanging ideas and starting initiatives.

The clubs participating in the EuroCup Women and the EuroChallenge will meet on Friday morning, before the draw.

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

EUROLEAGUE

FRANCE

Charline Servage moves to Voiron - by Eurobasket News

Charline Servage moves to Voiron for the next season. The French Guard will come from Lyon.
In 2005-2006 she started for Basket Club La Tronche Meylan (NF2). In 2006-2007 moved to Istres Sports BC (NF1) and in 2007-2008 played for Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration Basket (LFB). She debuted in EuroCup and averaged 2.2ppg. In French League after 17 games her stats read 1.8ppg.
In 2008-2009 Charline Servage continued for Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration Basket (LFB), then moved to Strasbourg Alsace Basketball Club (NF1). In 2010-2011 joined Union Lyon Basket Feminin (LF2) and averaged 7.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 74.6%. In 2011-2012 for Union Lyon Basket Feminin (LFB, starting five) after 24 games her stats read 4.6ppg, 2.0rpg.
Last year Charline Servage reached French LF2 Semifinals -11 and became French LF2 Regular Season Champion -11.

Ana Cata-Chitiga leaves NT training camp due to injury - by Eurobasket News

Ana-Maria Cata-Chitiga (195-C-89) is out of the French National Team training camp. The center suffered stress fracture and was forced to leave the camp. There are 17 players now with the NT, who will meet Poland in three friendly games. The 22-year-old Cata-Chitiga signed with Montpellier for the next season. She spent last two with Tarbes averaging 10.9 points and 6 rebounds in the latest one (LFB). The player also added 11.9 ppg and 6.2 rpg for 12 Euroleague games. Before Tarbes, Ana-Maria Cata-Chitiga played for Villeneuve, Bourges and CFBB. With Bourges she won the LFB title in 2008 and 2009. They also won the French Cup twice. Cata-Chitiga joined French NT in 2010 and before that she played for U20 and U18 squads.

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

GERMANY

Germany U16 lose to France - by Eurobasket News

German U16 National Team played the second test game against French counterparts. This time Germany surrendered 56:64. France rebounded after the starting loss to rally to a tough victory.
France overcame an early deficit to post an 18:15 advantage after ten minutes. The lead changed hands throughout the second quarter before France posted a 34:30 halftime lead. France gradually opened a comfortable lead in the third quarter. They established a 48:38 advantage with ten minutes remaining. Germany fought bravely in the fourth term cutting the deficit on several occasions but France stayed in control and ran away with the victory. Emma lina Stach (175-PG-96) came up with 18 points for Germany. Alexandra Wilke added 7 points, while Maj Vom Hofe (178-F-96) and Lisa Janko (184-F-96) had 6 points each in the loss.

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

ITALY

A2, North and South Finals: Both series are tied at 1-1 - by Eurobasket News

Group North

Bologna - Vigarano 48-61 (1-1, best-of-three)

The game was mostly controlled by Vigarano. Meccanica NB managed to win third quarter 17-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Meccanica NB to just 6 points in second quarter. Vigarano held Meccanica NB to an opponent 21.1 percent shooting from the field compared to 35.8 percent accuracy of the winners. Vigarano forced 20 Meccanica NB turnovers and outrebounded them 44-33 including a 31-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by Meccanica NB helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was forward Eleonora Laffi (188-83) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Marika Zanardi (175-G-81) chipped in 20 points. The former international guard Valeria Zanoli (170-84) produced 12 points and 4 assists and forward Eleonora Costi (180-83) added 11 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the hosts.
Top scorers:
Bologna: V.Zanoli 12+3reb+4ast, E.Costi 11+8reb, I.Cigliani 11+1reb+1ast, G.Leva 7+6reb+1ast, F.Nannucci 4+2reb+2ast, A.Denti 2+13reb
Vigarano: M.Zanardi 20+4reb, E.Laffi 18+13reb, E.Basso 8+3reb, M.Losi 8+3reb+2ast, S.Farris 2+3reb+1ast, J.Rosier 2+5reb

Group South

Orvieto - Chieti 42-46 (1-1, best-of-three)

It looked good early as Orvieto took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then C.U.S. Chieti had a 15-10 second period charge getting the lead and Orvieto was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 42-46. C.U.S. Chieti held Orvieto to an opponent 25.0 percent shooting from the field compared to 36.2 percent accuracy of the winners. C.U.S. Chieti forced 22 Orvieto turnovers. International center Valentina Gatti (191-88) orchestrated the victory by scoring 16 points and 5 rebounds. Swedish guard Josefin Olheim (176-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports) contributed with 9 points for the winners. International forward Francesca Mariani (188-85) replied with 12 points and 4 steals and center Licia Filippetti (185-86) added 10 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Orvieto.
Top scorers:
Orvieto: F.Mariani 12+4reb, L.Filippetti 10+5reb+1ast, L.Reke 7+2reb+1ast, L.Tripalo 7+6reb+2ast, A.Puliti 4+7reb+3ast, A.Ratti 2+4reb
Chieti: V.Gatti 16+5reb+1ast, J.Olheim 9+3reb+2ast, D.Gonzalez 9+1reb+2ast, E.Silva 6+4reb+2ast, V.Diodati 4+1reb+2ast, F.Tognalini 2+11reb

Third decisive games are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

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

JAPAN

LATVIA

LUXEMBOURG

T71 Dudelange land Michele Orban - by Eurobasket News

T71 Dudelange bolstered their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Michele Orban (190-C-86). The centre spent the last season with Residence. She tallied 9.7 points, 5.8 rebounds per appearance. She also had a stint in New Zealand before the start of the season. The centre posted 7.8 points per game for the Hutt Valley Flyers in WBC. Michele Orban joined Residence back in 2007. Previously she played for BC Mess. She earned Eurobasket.com All-Luxembourg League Honourable Mention in 2010. Michele Orban has been the member of Luxembourg National Team since 2007. She tallied 1.7 points and 1.0 board per game in the 2011 European Championship in Division B Qualifying Round.

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

MONTENEGRO

Montenegro fire past Japan in Turkey - by Eurobasket News

Montenegro - Japan 66:49

Montenegro finished the Kepez international tournament in Turkey on a high note. They defeated Japan by 17 points to improve at 2-1 record and clinched the second overall position. Japan fell at 1-2 in the third spot. Snezana Aleksic (172-G-89) came up with 21 points to lead the winners.
Japan enjoyed a narrow 18:17 lead after ten minutes of action. Montenegro put their noses in front in the second frame. They established a thin 33:31 halftime lead. The European side stretched the gap in the third quarter. Montenegro posted a 50:39 lead with one quarter remaining. They never looked back in the fourth quarter rolling to a comfortable win at the end. Milica Jovanovic (189-F/C-89) posted 14 points, while Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 11 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assist sin the win. Arisa Fujiwara (87) answered with 15 points for Japan. Maki Takada (183-C-89) provided 11 points in the losing case.

Montenegro: Snezana Aleksic 21, Milica Jovanovic 14, Jelena Skerovic 11+10 boards
Japan: Arisa Fujiwara 15, Maki Takada 11

Jelena Dubljevic joins Skerovic and De Forge at USK Praha - by Eurobasket News

The reigning Czech champion USK Praha brought in another Montenegrin player for the next season. After Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Anna De Forge (178-SG-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Nebraska), the team penned a deal with Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87). The 25-year-old center started this season with Buducnost and later moved to Rivas Ecopolis.
In 2010/11, Dubljevic played for Tarbes. She helped them reach the French league Finals and was named Eurobasket.com All-French LFB Bosman Player of the Year -11. Dubljevic appeared 24 times averaging 15.3 points, 5 rebounds and 3.3 assists. She also added 16 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 2.8 apg for 10 Euroleague games. From 2006 to 2010, Jelena Dubljevic played for Rivas. She also has experience from Ros Casares. Dubljevic shined at the EuroBasket in Poland last summer averaging 13.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists for 8 games.

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

NAIA

Carroll women's hoops signs two Weber State transfers - by Eurobasket News

Carroll College women's basketball coach Rachelle Gardner-Sayers has announced the signing of two transfer players she recruited to Weber State as an assistant.

Guard Megan Patterson (5'11''-G) of Columbus and Jordan Pfau (5'9''-G) of Missoula will join the Saints for the 2012-13 season. Patterson averaged 10 points per game as a junior last season at Weber State of the Big Sky Conference. Sayers says Patterson is an amazing shooter who will make an immediate impact in her final year of eligibility.

Pfau, a graduate of Missoula Loyola, averaged six points and three rebounds per game for the Wildcats as a sophomore. Sayers says Pfau is a tremendous defender and very good rebounder who will contribute right away.

Courtesy of www.brownsvilleherald.com

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

NCAA1

Central Arkansas announces women's basketball coach - by Eurobasket News

Delta State coach Sandra Rushing has been chosen to succeed Matt Daniel as the head coach of the women's basketball program at the University of Central Arkansas. Rushing's selection was announced during a news conference on Thursday.

Rushing inherits a Sugar Bear program that won the Southland Conference championship and has had three straight seasons of 21 or more wins. At Delta State, Rushing had a 254-58 record in 10 seasons at the NCAA Division II school in Cleveland, Miss., and guided the Lady Statesmen to two Final Fours, six Gulf South Conference championships and six straight Sweet 16 appearances from 2006 to 2011.

Rushing played collegiately at Alabama, where she was a four-time Academic All-Southeastern Conference selection. Daniel left Central Arkansas for Marshall.

Courtesy of www.brownsvilleherald.com

Carroll women's hoops signs two Weber State transfers - by Eurobasket News

Carroll College women's basketball coach Rachelle Gardner-Sayers has announced the signing of two transfer players she recruited to Weber State as an assistant.

Guard Megan Patterson (5'11''-G) of Columbus and Jordan Pfau (5'9''-G) of Missoula will join the Saints for the 2012-13 season. Patterson averaged 10 points per game as a junior last season at Weber State of the Big Sky Conference. Sayers says Patterson is an amazing shooter who will make an immediate impact in her final year of eligibility.

Pfau, a graduate of Missoula Loyola, averaged six points and three rebounds per game for the Wildcats as a sophomore. Sayers says Pfau is a tremendous defender and very good rebounder who will contribute right away.

Courtesy of www.brownsvilleherald.com

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

POLAND

1Liga Standings - by Greg

1Liga Stage Two Standings

Group C
1. L.School P.		12-2
2. AZS Rzeszow		12-2
3. MKS PWSZ		9-5
4. Siemaszka		8-6
5. AZS UW		7-7
6. Lomianki		3-11
7. MKK Sokolow		3-11
8. KKS Olsztyn		2-12
Group D
1. Ostrovia		13-3
2. CCC Polkow.II		12-4
3. GTK		9-7
4. MKK Siedlce		9-7
5. AZS UMCS		9-7
6. Lider AZS II		7-9
7. AZS Uniw.Gd.		6-10
8. Basketpro JG		4-12
9. MUKS Kornik		2-14

Stage One Standings

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

PUERTO RICO

Puerto Rico falls to the Netherlands: - by Luis Modestti

Puerto Rico fell to the Netherlands 76-70 on Friday as part of a three-game series against them.

Leonie Kooij (187-F-86) scored 20 points for the Netherlands who dominated the first half 42-31.

Carla Cortijo (173-G-87, college: Texas) had 24 for the Puerto Ricans and Carla Escalera (180-PF-84) added 10.

Their next games are on June 2 and 3. Puerto Rico has the Centrobasket Women's Tournament on June 12-16 in Morovis and then the FIBA Olympic Qualifier in Turkey starting on June 25.

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

SLOVAKIA

Slovakia edge Latvia in Sopron - by Eurobasket News

Latvia - Slovakia 62:68

Slovakia played a friendly encounter with Latvia in Hungarian Sopron. Slovakia celebrated a 6-point victory. Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) stepped up with 17 points to lead the winners.
Latvia enjoyed a narrow 20:19 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the gap in the second quarter. The Baltic team established a 36:34 halftime lead. But Slovakia bounced back in the third term. They fired 23 points to take a 2-point advantage into the fourth quarter. Slovakia limited their opponents at just 9 points in the final stanza to seal the victory at the end. Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) delivered 15 points, while Katarina Tetemondova (188-F/C-88) added 12 points for the winners. Aija Putnina (192-F/C-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) responded with 16 points for Latvia. Kristine Karklina (175-G-83, agency: Regeneracom Sports) chipped in 10 points in the loss.

Latvia: Aija Putnina 16, Kristine Karklina 10
Slovakia: Ivana Jalcova 17, Lucia Kupcikova 15, Katarina Tetemondova 12

Spisska Nova Ves signs Veronika Vajnerova, Zuzana Babarikova and Lucia Stanekova - by Eurobasket News

Spisska Nova Ves continues with signings for the next season. Their latest additions are domestic players Veronika Vajnerova (172-F-92), Zuzana Babarikova (176-F-86) and Lucia Stanekova (187-C/F-91).
Veronika Vajnerova spent this season with Roznava. She had 2.3 ppg and 1.1 spg for 18 Extraliga games. Vajnerova already played for Spisska Nova Ves in 2010/11.
Zuzana Babarikova also arrives to the club from Roznava. She had 8 ppg and 4.2 rpg for 25 games this season. Babarikova played for Nitra from 2008 to 2011 and they reached Extraliga Semifinals twice.
Lucia Stanekova is a member of the Slovakian National Team. She spent last few years with Poprad. Stanekova played for Slovakia U20 last summer and in the past she also played for U18 NT.

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

SLOVENIA

Slovenia edge Switzerland in friendly game - by Eurobasket News

Slovenian National Team played the first friendly encounter against Switzerland in Kranjska Gora. The hosts proved the strength claiming a 76:59 victory. The teams are scheduled to play two more games in the upcoming days.
Slovenia shocked the visitors in the opening quarter. The hosts went on a 27:12 run to clear off. Slovenia maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They registered a 46:27 halftime advantage. The margin grew in the third term. Slovenia accumulated a 23-point lead with one quarter remaining. Switzerland sweetened the pill in the fourth quarter outscoring the hosts and slightly cutting the deficit. Tjasa Gortnar (187-F-92) stepped up with 21 points to lead Slovenia. Tina Trebec (189-F-90, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) added 11 points, while Nika Baric (169-PG-92) and Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) added 8 points each in the victory.

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

TURKEY

Belarus wins Kepez International Tournament - by Eurobasket News

Turkey-Belarus 41:61

Belarus wins Kepez International Tournament with 4 participating teams. In Game 3 the winners overcame Turkey 61:41 to finish with three victories.
Belarus won the first two games and looked forward to beat winless hosts. They started with 13-11 in the first period and never looked behind. The second quarter was decisive in the game and brought 23-7 in it. Belarus enjoyed 36:18 halftime advantage and even added two narrow wins in the second half. Belarus won the third period 15-14 and ended up with 10-9 in the last stanza.
Alexandra Tarasava (170-PG-88) and Anastasiya Veremeenko (194-C-87) top-scored for the winners with 11 points each, while Marina Kress (193-C-80) netted 10. Quanitra Hollingsworth (196-C-88, college: VCU) and Saziye Ivegin (183-F-82) ended up with 7 points each in the losing effort.

Turkey: Quanitra Hollingsworth 7, Saziye Ivegin 7
Belarus: Alexandra Tarasava 11, Anastasiya Veremeenko 11, Marina Kress 10

Ceyhan lands F Kayla Pedersen - by Eurobasket News

Ceyhan Belediyespor announced important signing for the next season. The Turkish squad inked a deal with forward Kayla Pedersen (193-F-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford). She arrives to Ceyhan from Dobri Anjeli Kosice. With them Pedersen won the Slovakian league title and Cup. Pedersen played 16 Euroleague games for the club averaging 5.9 points and 5.1 rebounds. Kayla Pedersen is currently a member of the WNBA team Tulsa Shock. She averages 5 points and 3 rebounds. Last summer, Pedersen also played for Tulsa. She had 6.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.8 apg for 32 games. It was her first pro deal. Pedersen graduated at Stanford University something more than a year ago. They reached NCAA Final Four and Pedersen was named All-Pac-10 1st Team. In 2010, Stanford played in NCAA Finals.

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

WNBA

Standings

WNBA Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 8

Jun. 1: S.Antonio SS - Phoenix M. 85-66
Jun. 1: Seattle S. - Tulsa S. 76-58
Jun. 1: Connecticut S. - Minnesota L. 72-85
Jun. 1: Chicago S. - Washington M. 65-63

Regular Season: Round 9

Jun. 2: Indiana F. - New York L.
Jun. 2: Atlanta D. - Chicago S.
Jun. 3: Connecticut S. - Washington M.
Jun. 3: New York L. - Indiana F.
Jun. 3: Phoenix M. - Tulsa S.
Jun. 3: Minnesota L. - S.Antonio SS
Jun. 3: L.Angeles S. - Seattle S.

Friday's games review - by Eurobasket News

Seattle S. - Tulsa S. 76-58
Seattle Storm guard Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) showed just how comfortable she's getting with her new teammates. Bird scored 27 points and Camille Little (6'2''-F/G-85, college: N.Carolina) added 19 points and nine rebounds to lead the Storm to their first win of the season, 76-58 over the Tulsa Shock on Friday night. Bird hit 5 of 7 3-pointers for Seattle (1-3) after she had made just 5 of 17 in the first three games of the season. Bird and Little had seven points each as the Storm outscored Tulsa 21-11 in the third quarter to break open a close game. ''I think being comfortable helps and we're getting more and more comfortable with each other,'' said Bird, who has five new teammates this season because of trades, draft picks and free agent signings. ''You're able just to go out there and play and not have to think so much.'' Seattle increased its lead to 57-46 after three quarters as the Shock made only 2 of 17 from the field in the quarter. ''I thought we battled that first half, but we just stalled out offensively in the third quarter,'' Shock coach Gary Kloppenburg said. ''You can't do that against a team like the Storm because they have so many weapons.'' Jennifer Lacy scored 12 points and fellow reserve Riquna Williams had 11 to lead Tulsa (0-5), which has lost 11 straight dating to last season when it finished 3-31. Seattle avoided matching its worst start since its inaugural 2000 season. *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Connecticut S. - Minnesota L. 72-85
Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) believes the Minnesota Lynx have yet to play to their potential. Opponents might beg to differ as the defending WNBA champions are off to their best start in franchise history. Brunson had 14 points and 13 rebounds in an 85-72 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Friday night that gave the Lynx (6-0) the best start in franchise history. Seimone Augustus (6'2''-G-84, college: LSU) had 23 points, six rebounds and two steals for Minnesota while Lindsay Whalen had 10 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Minnesota has played all six of its games in 12 days with half of them on the road. ''I don't think we're playing our best,'' Brunson said. ''I still think we have a lot of things to work on. ''We haven't had a lot of practice time, which is difficult when you have a schedule like this. You have to try to fine-tune things during games and figure them out on the fly, but we're continuing to get better, and luckily we've been able to escape some of these games.'' Tina Charles had 20 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks for Connecticut (3-1) while Renee Montgomery added 16 points and Kara Lawson had 14 points and four assists. *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

S.Antonio SS - Phoenix M. 85-66
Becky Hammon (5'6''-PG-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Colorado St.) paid the price for her big night. Hammon made of 7 of 9 3-pointers while scoring 30 points, leading the Silver Stars to an 85-66 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night. She sparked a sharp-shooting performance by San Antonio, which hit 53 percent from 3-point range and 46 percent from the field. She made 9 of 14 shots from the field in setting her season high for points. San Antonio's first home victory helped Hammon ease the sting of bruises. She had ice packs on her lower back, hips and knees, and both feet immersed in a bucket of ice water after the game. ''I'm a little banged up right now,'' she said, smiling through a swollen lip suffered during Wednesday's loss to Chicago. Her pain equaled the hurting the 35-year-old guard put on Phoenix. ''Becky has still got it,'' Mercury coach Corey Gaines said. ''She may be a little long in the tooth, but she can still go.'' Hammon opened the game by hitting consecutive 3-pointers to set an up-tempo tone. ''I just took the shots that I thought were available,'' she said. ''I didn't want to force anything. ''I came off some handoffs and stuff, so I knew I'd have a second to get a clean look. (The shots) fell. When you start feeling good, you start getting a lot more comfortable taking those shots.'' San Antonio (2-2) took advantage of a Phoenix team playing the second night of a back-to-back series. The Silver Stars scored 30 fast-break points and forced 21 turnovers. Candice Dupree and Nakia Sanford each scored 17 points to lead the Mercury (1-4), and Samantha Prahalis had 11. The Silver Stars scored a season-high 44 points in the first half, shooting 47 percent to open the game. *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Chicago S. - Washington M. 65-63
Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) capped a late Chicago rally with a game-winning layup as the Sky claimed a 65-63 WNBA victory over the Washington Mystics on Friday night. With 1.8 seconds left in regulation, Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) launched a successful inbounds pass to Fowles, who turned around under the basket and put in the winning basket. Fowles, the Eastern Conference player of the month for May, closed with 19 points and a season-high 16 rebounds for Chicago (3-1). Teammate Epiphanny Prince scored a career-high 31 points, including 13 in the final 1:44 as Chicago rallied from an 8-point deficit. Washington (1-3) was paced by Monique Currie's 15 points and 12 from Crystal Langhorne. *Courtesy of www.whbf.com

Tangela Smith undergoes successful surgery - by Eurobasket News

Silver Stars center Tangela Smith (6'4''-F/C-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Iowa) underwent successful arthroscopic knee surgery on her left knee Thursday, May 31 in San Antonio. As a result, Smith will be sidelined indefinitely and will be re-evaluated weekly. Smith appeared twice for the franchise this season. She got 9 minutes in total. In 2011, Tangela Smith played for Indiana Fever. She appeared 39 times with them averaging 7.6 points and 3.4 rebounds. Before Indiana, Smith played for Phoenix Mercury, Charlotte Sting and Sacramento. Last season in Europe Tangela Smith spent with Tarsus. She had 16.4 ppg and 8.2 rpg for 18 games in Turkish league. In 2010/11, she played for CCC Polkowice. They were regular season runners-up in Poland. Smith won the WNBA title in 2007 and 2009 with Phoenix.

Ceyhan lands F Kayla Pedersen - by Eurobasket News

Ceyhan Belediyespor announced important signing for the next season. The Turkish squad inked a deal with forward Kayla Pedersen (193-F-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford). She arrives to Ceyhan from Dobri Anjeli Kosice. With them Pedersen won the Slovakian league title and Cup. Pedersen played 16 Euroleague games for the club averaging 5.9 points and 5.1 rebounds. Kayla Pedersen is currently a member of the WNBA team Tulsa Shock. She averages 5 points and 3 rebounds. Last summer, Pedersen also played for Tulsa. She had 6.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.8 apg for 32 games. It was her first pro deal. Pedersen graduated at Stanford University something more than a year ago. They reached NCAA Final Four and Pedersen was named All-Pac-10 1st Team. In 2010, Stanford played in NCAA Finals.

Latest games - by Eurobasket News

Atlanta D. - Phoenix M. 81-65
Former WNBA MVP Diana Taurasi was back in Phoenix with a hip injury. The Atlanta Dream's reserves took full advantage. Sancho Lyttle (6'4''-C-83, college: Houston) and Cathrine Kraayeveld (6'4''-F-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Oregon) scored 12 points each to lead five Atlanta players in double figures and the Dream rolled to an 81-65 victory over the short-handed Mercury on Thursday night. Taurasi, the league's defending scoring champion and 2009 MVP, is out indefinitely with a strained left hip flexor and did not travel with the team. She was injured during training camp and has played in only two games. The Mercury struggled without their star. 'Well, you know I think Diana is one of the top players in the world,' Phoenix coach Corey Gaines said. 'Let's put her in the top five.' Gaines said losing Taurasi was like an NBA team losing Kevin Durant, Tim Duncan or LeBron James. 'You know whoever is left, it makes a difference in the game.' Gaines said he has 'no idea' when Taurasi can return. He said he doubts Taurasi will join the team when Phoenix plays at San Antonio on Friday. Angel McCoughtry, Armintie Price and Lindsey Harding all added 10 points for the Dream (2-2). DeWanna Bonner had 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Mercury (1-3) and Candice Dupree added 14 points. Atlanta regained its offensive momentum after struggling in a 78-62 loss to Indiana on Sunday when it attempted only 45 field goals, a franchise-record low, and had only two points from its reserves. Atlanta's backups outscored the Phoenix reserves 37-10. 'I thought we bounced back really well,' Dream coach Marynell Meadors said. 'They took the challenge. They played a lot of minutes tonight. They played really well together. They did a great job defensively.' Meadors said she has encouraged Kraayeveld, a 6-foot-3 forward, to take more outside shots. She made all of her four shots, including three 3-pointers. 'I knew my coaches and teammates had confidence in me coming off the bench and knocking down a few shots when I am open,' Kraayeveld said. Without Taurasi, Phoenix lacked the scorers to keep pace with Atlanta. Charde Houston replaced Taurasi in the starting lineup and had two quick baskets as the Mercury trailed only 19-16 after one quarter. Kraayeveld had consecutive baskets, including a 3-pointer, in a 14-1 run that helped the Dream pull away in the second quarter. McCoughtry banged her left knee with 8:07 remaining in the half and left a minute later after missing two free throws. She sat out the remainder of the half. McCoughtry, the WNBA's scoring leader at 23.3 points per game, returned with the knee wrapped for the start of the second half but soon was back on the bench. 'I didn't play her,' Meadors said. 'We were up. We've got a big, physical game (against Chicago) coming up on Saturday, so if we don't need them, I'm going to rest them.' Tiffany Hayes, one of those reserves, scored eight points. 'We just needed to come out with the same intensity as the first team,' Hayes said. 'This was a physical game and we just turned up the intensity. The second team came in and did what they needed to do. I think we all just came in ready.' Atlanta took a 73-58 lead following back-to-back 3-pointers by Laurie Koehn. Phoenix started launching 3s in its comeback attempt. Samantha Prahalis had three 3-pointers and Bonner also hit a 3 - all in the final quarter. The Mercury cut the lead to 75-63 but Kraayeveld, who led Atlanta with nine rebounds, padded the lead with another 3-pointer. Price had six rebounds and six assists. *Courtesy of www.wsbtv.com

L.Angeles S. - Tulsa S. 76-75
Kristi Toliver (5'7''-PG-87, college: Maryland) was suffering through one of the worst games of her career before coming up big for the Sparks in the end Toliver sank a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Los Angeles Sparks a 76-75 victory against the Tulsa Shock on Tuesday night. The Sparks appeared headed for defeat when Temeka Johnson (5'3''-PG-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: LSU) made a pair of free throws to give Tulsa a 75-71 lead with 16.7 seconds remaining. Toliver made a turnaround jump shot before Tulsa's Karima Christmas (6'0''-G/F-89, college: Duke) missed two free throws to give the Sparks a chance. Nnemkadi Ogwumike (6'2''-F-90, college: Stanford) rebounded the miss and got it to Toliver, who drove down the left side and put up a shot over Ivory Latta (5'6''-PG-84, college: N.Carolina) as the home crowd erupted in celebration. It was redemptive for Toliver after she committed a WNBA record 14 turnovers. It feels good, Toliver said. Throughout that game I was just letting my teammates down by being careless with the ball . I was making boneheaded plays. Toliver and DeLisha Milton-Jones each scored 16 points and Ogwumike added 14 points and seven rebounds for the Sparks, who won despite committing 28 turnovers. Candace Parker sat on the bench for a large stretch of the fourth quarter and finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Good teams just find a way, Sparks coach Carol Ross said. I told (Toliver) in the locker room, Nothing else can go wrong for you. Youve used up all your wrong chips. It was time for something good to happen. For her to be able to keep her head up and have the confidence to take the shot says a lot about her character. It was another last-second heartbreak loss for Tulsa, which remains winless at 0-4. Johnson sank a 3-pointer to give Tulsa a 70-69 lead and made four free throws in the final 20.1 seconds, the last two for a 75-71 edge. Riquna Williams came off the bench to score 19 points but Tulsa lost its eighth straight game dating to last season. It hurts, Williams said. Teary. Painful. (Its) emotional but its not going to stop us. Tulsa has trouble closing out games. It lost to Washington on Saturday despite going on a 14-0 run in the fourth quarter and to Phoenix last Tuesday in the final seconds. Last possession, rebounds, Williams said. Weve got to box out. Were not big, but we just cant jump up there and get it. Weve got to find a body. Williams scored eight of Tulsas 19 points in the third quarter to help Tulsa come out of it with a 55-52 lead. She made the last of three consecutive baskets on a 3-pointer gave the Shock its first lead at 45-44. Tulsa fell into an 11-0 hole to start the game and shot 30 percent from the field in the first half but clawed back to trail, 40-36, at halftime. Latta made a 3-pointer to cap a 10-2 run and the Shock held the Sparks to two field goals in the final five minutes of the first half. Johnson had 13 points. Tulsa rookie Glory Johnson, the fourth pick in last years draft, was matched up at times with No.1 pick Ogwumike and finished with seven points. Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Washington M. - Minnesota L. 77-79
The WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx have shown they can win big while jumping out to an undefeated start. The Lynx's victory proved they can also survive. Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-PG-82, college: Minnesota) put back her own miss with a second remaining to give Minnesota a 79-77 win over the Washington Mystics on Wednesday night after the Lynx blew a 24-point lead. Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut) and Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) led the Lynx (5-0) with 16 points and Seimone Augustus added 15. Minnesota shot 65.6 percent (21 of 32) in the first half and led 59-35 with 6:36 remaining in the third quarter before turnovers and inspired play by the Mystics changed the flow. The Mystics used a 21-4 run to pull closer at 63-54 late in the third quarter, tied the game at 68 on Matee Ajavon's jumper with 6:27 remaining and took their first lead at 73-72 on Michelle Snow's layup with 3:25 left. After an exchange of baskets, Whalen, who scored all 11 of her points in the second half and the Lynx' final seven, tied the game at 75 with a free throw. She hit two more with 42.9 seconds left after Minnesota extended a possession with three offensive rebounds. Mystics forward Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86, college: Maryland) 's layup with 25 seconds left tied it at 77. Whalen, the Lynx's point guard, found room on the right corner and attempted a driving runner that missed. After an ensuing rebounding scrum, the ball wound up back in the 5-foot-9 Whalen's hands near the basket. She did not miss her second chance at the win. 'I figured if I could just get in the lane, something good would happen,' said Whalen, who finished with seven assists but six of the Lynx's 18 turnovers. 'I ended up missing the first one. Somehow the ball came back to me and I was able to get it up high enough to go in.' Devereaux Peters (6'2''-F-89, college: Notre Dame) blocked Mystics center Ashley Robinson (6'4''-C-82, college: Tennessee) 's long jumper at the buzzer as the Lynx extended their franchise-record road-winning streak to seven games. Ajavon led the Mystics (1-2) with 20 points, 14 coming in the second half. 'We're going to win the game, that's what we're thinking,' said Langhorne, who finished with 12 points. 'It was that possession; we couldn't get a defensive rebound. Then Lindsay has the ball, shoots, gets her own offensive rebound and scores with 1 second left. It's tough.' Minnesota matched a franchise record and became the 10th team in WNBA history to open a season with five straight victories. Dating back to last season, the Lynx have won 11 straight and their first four victories this season were by an average of 15.3 points. The latest win nearly slipped away as the Mystics to shot 56.7 percent (17 of 30) from the field after halftime. 'They were aggressive, they were hitting their shots','' Moore said. We didn't do the things we normally do on either end. It was a bad combination, but I'm glad I have great teammates that will step up in the clutch.' Both teams suffered scoring droughts. Washington held Minnesota without a point for the opening 4:33 of the fourth quarter. That came after the Lynx kept Mystics without a field goal for over seven minutes and 11 seconds during a 24-2 first half run. Minnesota led by 14 points after the first quarter and 51-31 at halftime. 'We were able to get stops and run,' Whalen said. 'When the stops stop going, it's harder to run and get easy baskets.Hopefully we do a better a job playing the whole 40 minutes because today it felt like we played 20 and thought it was over.' Washington, coming off a win over Tulsa on Saturday, has not won consecutive games since winning their final six regular season games in 2010. Dating back to last season, the Mystics have lost 15 of 17 games. 'We never quit,' Mystics Coach Trudi Lacey said. 'In a lot of ways, we simply ran out of time. We didn't lose the game. Courtesy of www.greenwichtime.com

S.Antonio SS - Chicago S. 63-77
Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) had 23 points and 12 rebounds, helping the Chicago Sky dominate the smaller San Antonio Silver Stars for a 77-63 victory Wednesday night. The Sky used their height advantage to rally and take control of the game. San Antonio started 6-foot-1 forwards Sophia Young and Danielle Adams against 6-6 Fowles and 6-5 Ruth Riley. 'Fowles is about as good as it gets at that position,' San Antonio coach Dan Hughes said. 'We had to do things by team concept . . . we weren't strong enough. We just weren't strong enough to do that.' The Sky outscored the Silver Stars 40-26 in the paint and 13-6 in second-chance points. Becky Hammon finished with 21 points for San Antonio. Young had nine points and Danielle Robinson added 13. Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) scored 22 points for the Sky, Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) had 12 and Riley added 10. Fowles had five straight points off post feeds from Courtney Vandersloot to give Chicago an 11-8 lead they would never relinquish. 'Every time,' Sky coach Pokey Chatman yelled at Vandersloot. 'Every time. There is no answer for it. They're either going to double team or have play her straight.' The Silver Stars subbed in 6-4 center Jayne Appel (6'4''-F/C-88, college: Stanford) after Fowles was fouled to set up her fifth point. Appel put a temporary end to the Sky's inside dominance, grabbing an offensive rebound immediately after checking in. 'Jayne did an excellent job on that (offensive rebounding),' Adams said. 'Just doing the little things, (like) hustling for the ball; we've just got to be better on that. It was a lot of little positives we can take The Silver Stars were held scoreless for nearly five minutes in the second quarter while shooting 27.8 from the field during the period. Appel's layup with 56.5 seconds remaining was San Antonio's first points since Jia Perkins hit a 3-pointer at the 5:53 mark. Fowles and Riley combined for seven rebounds and two blocked shots in the second quarter. 'Several times I thought offensively we had a chance to gain momentum,' Hughes said. ' (But Fowles) would get on the glass in a way that would just overpower us. Defensively she's a factor. We didn't get finishes in that area like we would like to.' Courtesy of www.kitsapsun.com

Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi out indefinitely with strained left hip flexor - by Eurobasket News

Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) is out indefinitely with a strained left hip flexor, the Mercury announced on Thursday.

Taurasi did not travel with the Mercury to Atlanta for Thursday's game against the Dream. She also won't play in Friday's road game vs. the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Taurasi, who will be re-evaluated daily, suffered the injury during a Mercury preseason practice just days after she returned from the USA women's Olympic team training camp in Seattle on May 13.

Taurasi sat out the season opener, a loss to the Minnesota Lynx, and played 10 minutes in a win vs. the Tulsa Shock. She started, played 26 minutes and scored 18 points in the Mercury's home opener, a loss to the Los Angeles Sparks.

Taurasi and the Mercury were unavailable for comment on Thursday.

The Mercury are now without their two best players. Forward Penny Taylor suffered a season-ending knee injury while playing in Turkey in April.

The team will have only nine players available until Taurasi is deemed healthy enough to play. WNBA roster rules do not allow teams to replace injured players on their 11-player rosters without terminating those players' contracts.

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com