EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/21/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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


Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game
 Joe SMITH
  La Union
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 17.3
 1. Smith, La Union17.3 
 2. Gutierrez, Obras16.7 
 3. Villegas, Sionista16.6 
 4. McHopson, Quilm.16.3 
 5. OBannon, Boca Jrs16.1 
 6. DeGroat, Olimpico.15.8 
 7. Quinteros, Regat.15.6 
 8. Martinez, San M.15.6 
 9. Pittman, Libertad.15.3 
 10. Meyinsse, Wuber-.15.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jack Michael MARTINEZ
  San M.
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 12.4
 1. Martinez, San M.12.4 
 2. Battle, Libertad S.9.9 
 3. Davis, GECR I.9.5 
 4. Sandes, Sionista9.1 
 5. Lloreda, Olimpico.8.8 
 6. Gutierrez, Obras8.6 
 7. Williams, Quimsa7.6 
 8. DeGroat, Olimpico.7.5 
 9. Truscott, Quilm.7.3 
 10. Matthews, Quilm.7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (179-PG-91)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Campazzo, Penarol5.9 
 2. Sanchez, Wuber-.5.5 
 3. Stanic, Boca Jrs5.5 
 4. Cequeira, Sionista4.8 
 5. Martinez, Regat.4.7 
 6. Laprovittola, Lanus3.8 
 7. Victoriano, San M.3.7 
 8. Sucatzky, Atenas3.7 
 9. Labaque, Atenas3.4 
 10. Ciorciari, GECR I.3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (179-PG-91)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Campazzo, Penarol2.3 
 2. Lescano, Atenas2.3 
 3. Quinteros, Regat.1.8 
 4. Moldu, Olimpico LB1.7 
 5. McHopson, Quilm.1.6 
 6. Ciorciari, GECR I.1.5 
 7. Sanchez, Wuber-.1.5 
 8. Treise, Libertad S.1.4 
 9. DeGroat, Olimpico.1.4 
 10. Stanic, Boca Jrs1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Robert BATTLE
  Libertad S.
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Battle, Libertad S.1.5 
 2. Clancy, Club 91.2 
 3. Rollins, Sionista1.2 
 4. Meyinsse, Wuber-.1.2 
 5. Gutierrez, Obras1.1 
 6. Matthews, Quilm.1.0 
 7. Roe, Regatas C.1.0 
 8. Ayarza, Club 90.9 
 9. Humphrey, Atenas0.9 
 10. Garces, Atenas0.9 


USA leave no chance for Argentina in Sao Sebastian - by Eurobasket News

USA U18 - Argentina U18 107:72

USA advanced into the title game at the U18 Fiba Americas Championship. They fired past Argentina to post the fourth straight win at the tournament. Seven US player scored in double figures in the victory. Julius Randle (6'8''-F-94) posted 15 points in the winning effort.
USA set the tone early in the game. They erupted for 29 points in the opening ten minutes to take a 12-point lead. USA maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They posted a 53:38 halftime lead. USA dominated after the big break. They ensured a 23-point lead with one quarter to go. The North American team did not slow down in the final quarter and rallied to a comprehensive win at the end. Rasheed Sulaimon (6'4''-G-94) notched 14 points, while Shaquille Goodwin (6'8''-F-94) added 13 points in the victory. Ignacio Moreno (6'6''-F-94) answered with 15 points for Argentina. Pedro Barral (6'0''-PG-94) and Gabriel Deck (6'7''-F/C-95) had 11 points apiece in the loss.

USA U18: Julius Randle 15, Rasheed Sulaimon 14, Shaquille Goodwin 13
Argentina U18: Ignacio Moreno 15, Pedro Barral 11, Gabriel Deck 11


South American Championship: Argentina narrowly defeat Venezuela - by Eurobasket News

Argentina - Venezuela 90:87

Argentina registered the second straight win at the South American Championship. They overcame Venezuela behind 18 points from Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78). Argentina are now on top of Group A at 2-0 record. Venezuela slipped at 1-1.
Venezuela got to a perfect start. They unloaded 26 point in the opening quarter to take a 5-point lead. Argentina slowed their opponents down a bit in the second frame. The hosts cut the deficit to 4 points at the interval 44:48. Argentina finally pulled in front in the third term. The home team gained a 64:62 lead with one quarter remaining. The hosts erupted for 26 points in the fourth quarter to keep Venezuela at distance rolling to the victory. Matias Sandes (201-F/G-84) netted 14 points, while Marcos Mata (201-F-86) and Nicolas Laprovittola (188-PG-90) added 13 points each in the win. Greivis Vasquez (198-PG-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Maryland) answered with game-high 26 points for Venezuela. Gregory Echenique (205-C-90) had 12 points in the loss.

Argentina: Leonardo Gutierrez 18, Matias Sandes 14, Marcos Mata 13, Nicolas Laprovittola 13
Venezuela: Greivis Vasquez 26, Gregory Echenique 12


*****************************************************
  BAHAMAS   


Centrobasket 2012: Puerto Rico close Day 2 successfully - by Eurobasket News

Bahamas- Puerto Rico 71:88

Puerto Rico close Day 2 successfully as they edged Bahamas 88:71. The hosts of Centrobasket 2012 improved to 2-0 record in Group thanks to 88:71 win.
Puerto Rico did not waste time and took 20:11 after the first 10 minutes. In the second period, both teams traded baskets through the early goings of the quarter, but the home side took the ascendency thanks to another 18-16 burst.
In the second half, both sides traded baskets for the majority of the third quarter with Puerto Rico maintaining their advantage at 63:42. They did not mind 25-29 in the last stanza to win the second game.
David Huertas (195-G-87, college: Mississippi) led the way with 21 points and Filiberto Rivera (190-PG-82, college: UTEP) nailed 13. Ricardo Sanchez (212-C-87) finished the night with 11 points, whilst Edwin Ubiles (198-G/F-86, college: Siena) had 10. Marvin Gray (178-G-83) delivered 14 points in the losing case and Gamaliel Rose (193-F, college: Highland CC (IL)) poured in 13. Bennet Davis (206-F-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Northeastern) finished the game with 11 points, while Leon Cooper Jr. (188-G-91) scored 9.

Bahamas: Marvin Gray 14, Gamaliel Rose 13, Bennet Davis 11, Leon Cooper Jr. 9
Puerto Rico: David Huertas 21, Filiberto Rivera 13, Ricardo Sanchez 11, Edwin Ubiles 10


*****************************************************
  BOLIVIA   


South American Championship: Paraguay post first win in Chaco - by Eurobasket News

Paraguay - Bolivia 81:62

Paraguay opened win count at the South American Championship in Argentina. They toppled Bolivia in Group B yesterday. Federico Mellone (193-F/G-85) stepped up with 15 points to pace the winners.
Bolivia enjoyed a slightly better start to the game. They registered a 17:'15 lead ten minutes into the encounter. However Paraguay bounced back in style. They exploded with a 34:12 run in the second term to establish a 49:29 halftime advantage. Paraguay stretched the lead in the third quarter. They arrived at the final intermission up by 24 points and never looked back en route to the win. Carlos Jorge Riveros (189-G-85) provided 13 points, while Diego Bareiro (195-F/C-91) finished with 12 points for the winners. Christian Camargo (F-92) answered with 16 points and 8 rebounds for Bolivia. Julio Mendoza (PG) netted 12 points in the losing case.

Paraguay: Federico Mellone 15, Carlos Jorge Riveros 13, Diego Bareiro 12
Bolivia: Christian Camargo 16, Julio Mendoza 12


*****************************************************
  BOSNIA   


Bosnia and Herzegovina U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket Center

Starting five
#s#
Marko Rikalo
Rikalo
Marko Vukovic
Vukovic
Armin Bilic
Bilic
Srdan Damjanovic
Damjanovic
Nedim Buza
Buza
#e#5
Marko Rikalo 188-PG-94 Leotar Bosnia
Nedim Salcin 192-G-94 Spars Sarajevo Bosnia
Marko Vukovic 190-SF-94 Bosna Bosnia
Armin Bilic 195-G/F-94 Celik Bosnia
Srdjan Micic
Srdan Damjanovic 188-G-94 Bosna Bosnia
Nedim Buza 201-F-95 Spars Sarajevo Bosnia
Adin Vrabac 203-F/G-94 Spars Sarajevo Bosnia
Stefan Lakic 195-SG-95 Varda HE Bosnia
Dino Muminovic 200-G/F-95 Cajasol Spain
Mateo Jurkovic 190-G-95 KK Zagreb CO Croatia
Dejan Ivkovic 197-F-95 Mornar Bar Montenegro
Kenan Guzonjic Bosna Bosnia
Stefan Glogovac 204-F/C-94 Spars Sarajevo Bosnia
Asim Ahmedic 201-F-94 Sloboda Dita Bosnia
Dejan Kovacevic 203-F-96 Furstenfeldbruck Germany
Stefan Djurasinovic 203-F/C-95 Asefa Estudian. Spain
Emir Sulejmanovic 203-C/F-95 Union Olimpija Slovenia
Jusuf Nurkic 210-C-94 Cedevita Croatia
Nikola Marijan 208-C-95 Sloboda Dita Bosnia
Dzenis Sogolj 202-F-95 Norrkoping BK Sweden
Berin Gudic 206-F/C-94 Kos Bosnia
Samir Sehic 201-F-96 High School USA
Sandro Gacic 96 Caja Laboral Spain

Nenad Markovic Head Coach Panionios Greece



BIH U18 NT roster sent to FIBA - by Nedzad Kladusak

Today KSBIH will send the preliminar roster for the upcoming 2012 EC in Sarajevo.

There are some surprises and some interesting new players who have drawn the attention of coach Nenad Markovic (agency: Beo Basket ).

The biggest surprise is Dejan Kovacevic playing in the German JBBL. A widely unknown just 15 year old SF/PF with excellent size, quickness for his age and size, with excellent rebounding and shotblocking and a touch that is usually common to shooting guards. Kovacevic won t join the team this time due to scholar obligations until August. However Dejan expressed his wish to join the team next time.

Former Swedish U16 NT player Dzenis Sogolj (202-F-95) is one of them. He is a great rebounder and plays with great hustle under both rims.
However this time he has some private business hindering him to join the team.

Samir Sehic has been expected to join the U16 team but he will play the Nike EYBL tournament and won t be able to come to the U16 preparations. Since Samir Sehic would miss also most of the U18 preparations it is unlikely that he will play for any BH NT this year.

Dejan Todorovic who plays for Clinicas Rincon (Unicaja Malaga II) has not been called. Todorovic declared that he wants to play for Serbia. However he signed a letter of commitment with KSBIH. KSBIH is trying to find a suitable solution with KSS.

This time it seems that KSBIH has worked hard to find the best Bosnian players. Along with the legendary player and former Panonios coach Nenad Markovic (agency: Beo Basket ) there is no doubt that BIH should be considered as one of the top contenders for the finals.

Marko Rikalo (188-PG-94)
Nedim Salcin (192-G-94)
Marko Vukovic (189-SF-94)
Armin Bilic (195-G/F-94)
Srdjan Micic
Srdjan Damjanovic
Nedim Buza (201-F-95)
Adin Vrabac (203-F/G-94)
Stefan Lakic (195-SG-95)
Dino Muminovic (200-G/F-95)
Mateo Jurkovic (190-G-95)
Dejan Ivkovic (197-F-95)
Kenan Guzonjic
Stefan Glogovac (204-F/C-94)
Asim Ahmedic
Dejan Kovacevic
Stefan Djurasinovic
Emir Sulejmanovic (203-C/F-95)
Jusuf Nurkic (210-C-94)
Nikola Marijan (208-C-95)
Dzenis Sogolj
Berin Gudic
Samir Sehic
Sandro Gacic (96)



*****************************************************
  BRAZIL   

Standings - Paulista, Carioca, Minas G. leagues

Paulista Standings
 1. Abdala 0-0 
 2. America 0-0 
 3. Americana 0-0 
 4. Inter Santos 0-0 
 5. Jacarei 0-0 
 6. Metodista/S.B. 0-0 
 7. Rio Claro 0-0 
 8. Sao Caetano 0-0 
 9. Suzano 0-0 
 10. Taubate 0-0 
 11. UNIFADRA 0-0 


Renan Leichtweis and Diego Conceicao sign with Joinville - by Paulo Freire

Joinville announce more reinforcements for the upcoming season of the Brazilian basketball.
The team from the south of Brazil still looking for the market as the team sign the small forward Diego Conceicao (200-F-87) and center Renan Leichtweis (207-C-89)
Diego, who is 25 years old, played his first NBB season in the last season, after getting the 2011 Super Cup Brazil title with the Tijuca club. In his first year, the small forward average 7.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game in 16.7 minutes in the court, he is a versatile player that does the positions 3 and 4.

Renan Leichtweis, is a tall center with 2, 11m height, he has been playing in Spain for about six years, and now will have the chance to show his talent in the Brazilian courts.

The managers are trying to renew the contract of point guard Luiz Felipe Lemes (193-G-80, college: BYU) and bring back to the team the center Douglas Kurtz (213-C-87, college: Hawaii) that played in Joinville in 2006 and is now having a good season at Jacarei club.


Caio Ranches will be with Mogi das Cruzes - by Paulo Freire

The Gremio Mogi das Cruzes/Unip team is working hard to play their first NBB season as they won the last Super Cup Brazil.
The managers renew the contract of almost every player in their roster, waiving the international players Christian Cortez (184-G-90) and Juan Manuel Rivero (191-G-85).
The new face on the team is the guard Caio Ranches (192-F-87) that comes from XV de Piracicaba team. Caio is shooter, he spend last season almost treating an injury and now will be able to play on the NBB once again.

It will remain on the team for the 2012-2013 season:
Eder Araujo Gorges (212-C/F-81, college: Walsh, OH)
Edu Caviglia (196-G/F-80, college: W.Texas A&M)
Gustavinho Lima (178-G-85)
Thomas Gehrke (203-F/C-82, college: UTEP)
Alexandre Pinheiro (185-G-85)
Guilherme Filipin (191-G/F-83)
Maurice Riddick (188-G-79, college: Beth.-Cookman)
Ellis Kayijuka (208-C-85, college: Arkansas Tech)
Fabiao Pires (199-C-77)
Gobor Vinicius (185-G-90)
Pedro Patekoski (200-F-89)
Zulu Souza (210-C-91)
Lucao Santos (205-C-92)


South American Championship: Welington dos Santos leads Brazil past Uruguay - by Eurobasket News

Brazil Uruguay 77:73

Brazil registered the second straight win at the start of South American Championship. They held off Uruguay for 2-0 record in Group B. Welington Dos Santos (185-PG-81) was pivotal scoring 23 points for the winners. Uruguay fell at 1-1 record after the loss.
Brazil started off with an aggressive defence. They held their opponents at 11 points in the first quarter to take a 5-point lead. The gap grew in the second quarter. Brazil arrived at halftime up by 6 points 32:26. Brazil did not loosen the grasp in the third frame. They extended the advantage at 14-point mark with ten minutes remaining. Uruguay however sparked the intrigue when they narrowed the deficit in the dying seconds. But Brazil stayed calm and executed for the win at the end. Arthur Silva (199-F/G-82) delivered 14 points, while Vitor Benite (190-F/G-90) provided 10 in the victory. Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M) responded with 21 points for Uruguay. Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83, agency: Players Group) and Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) had 12 points each in the loss.

Brazil: Welington Dos Santos 23, Arthur Silva 14, Vitor Benite 10
Uruguay: Leandro Garcia Morales 21, Mauricio Aguiar 12, Brian Craig 12


Brazil surprise Canada to reach Final in Sao Sebastian - by Eurobasket News

Brazil U18 - Canada U18 66:62

Brazil will play in the Final of home U18 Fiba Americas Championship. The hosts held off previously undefeated Canada in the semifinal battle to set up an exciting clash versus the USA for the crown. Deryk Ramos (185-G-94) accounted for 18 points to lead Brazil to the crucial win.
Canada got to a trademark strong start. They overwhelmed the hosts to build a 23:18 lead after ten minutes. Brazil however quickly reacted and went on a 21:12 run to take a 39:35 halftime lead. Canada stiffened their defence and held Brazil to only 7 points in the third term. The North American team entered the final quarter up by 5 points. But Brazil dominated the final minutes. They outscored Canada 20:11 and sealed the victory at the end. Lucas Dias (205-C-96) provided 15 points and 9 rebounds, while Arthur Fernandes (182-PG-95) netted 10 points in the win. Xavier Rathan-Mayes (193-G-94) answered with 21 points for Canada. Andrew Wiggins (202-F-95) had 17 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.

Brazil U18: Deryk Ramos 18, Lucas Dias 15, Arthur Fernandes 10
Canada U18: Xavier Rathan-Mayes 21, Andrew Wiggins 17


*****************************************************
  CANADA   


Brazil surprise Canada to reach Final in Sao Sebastian - by Eurobasket News

Brazil U18 - Canada U18 66:62

Brazil will play in the Final of home U18 Fiba Americas Championship. The hosts held off previously undefeated Canada in the semifinal battle to set up an exciting clash versus the USA for the crown. Deryk Ramos (185-G-94) accounted for 18 points to lead Brazil to the crucial win.
Canada got to a trademark strong start. They overwhelmed the hosts to build a 23:18 lead after ten minutes. Brazil however quickly reacted and went on a 21:12 run to take a 39:35 halftime lead. Canada stiffened their defence and held Brazil to only 7 points in the third term. The North American team entered the final quarter up by 5 points. But Brazil dominated the final minutes. They outscored Canada 20:11 and sealed the victory at the end. Lucas Dias (205-C-96) provided 15 points and 9 rebounds, while Arthur Fernandes (182-PG-95) netted 10 points in the win. Xavier Rathan-Mayes (193-G-94) answered with 21 points for Canada. Andrew Wiggins (202-F-95) had 17 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.

Brazil U18: Deryk Ramos 18, Lucas Dias 15, Arthur Fernandes 10
Canada U18: Xavier Rathan-Mayes 21, Andrew Wiggins 17


*****************************************************
  CENTROBASKET   

Standings (Men)

Standings
Group A
1. P.Rico2-0
2. Bahamas1-1
3. Cuba1-1
4. Nicaragua0-1
5. Panama0-1
Group B
1. Jamaica2-0
2. Dominican R.1-0
3. Mexico1-1
4. Costa Rica.0-1
5. US Virg.Isl0-2

Qualifying Round: Round 2

A

Jun. 19: BAH - PUR 71-88
Jun. 19: NIC - CUB 47-80

B

Jun. 19: DOM - MEX 85-67
Jun. 19: ISV - JAM 64-80

Qualifying Round: Round 4

A

Jun. 21: NIC - PAN
Jun. 21: CUB - PUR

B

Jun. 21: MEX - JAM
Jun. 21: DOM - CRC


Stats Leaders (Men)

Points Per Game
 Walter HODGE
  ISV
  (183-PG-86)
  Avg: 19
 1. Hodge, ISV19.0 
 2. Huertas, PUR18.5 
 3. Stoll, MEX18.0 
 4. Efejuku, JAM17.5 
 5. Scott, JAM17.0 
 6. Samuels, JAM17.0 
 7. Valdez, CUB17.0 
 8. Gray, BAH15.0 
 9. Ayon, MEX14.0 
 10. Aska, ISV10.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Joan Luis HAITI
  (200-C-82)
  Avg: 11
 1. Haiti, CUB11.0 
 2. Ayon, MEX9.5 
 3. Samuels, JAM8.5 
 4. Ramos, PUR8.0 
 5. Cadeau, BAH7.5 
 6. Davis, BAH7.5 
 7. Jordan, JAM7.5 
 8. Aska, ISV6.5 
 9. Valdez, CUB6.5 
 10. Hernandez, MEX6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Jose Juan BAREA
  PUR
  (181-PG-84)
  Avg: 7
 1. Barea, PUR7.0 
 2. Rodriguez, PUR5.5 
 3. Haiti, CUB5.0 
 4. Efejuku, JAM4.5 
 5. Hodge, ISV4.5 
 6. Rodriguez, CUB4.0 
 7. Gray, BAH4.0 
 8. Rivera, PUR3.5 
 9. Ewing Jr., JAM3.5 
 10. Scott, JAM3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Paul STOLL
  USA
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Stoll, MEX3.5 
 2. Rodriguez, CUB2.5 
 3. Scott, JAM2.5 
 4. Gray, BAH2.5 
 5. Hodge, ISV2.5 
 6. Efejuku, JAM2.0 
 7. Ewing Jr., JAM2.0 
 8. Haiti, CUB2.0 
 9. Meza Rogel, MEX1.5 
 10. Mariscal, MEX1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Phillip Michael JONES
  ISV
  (209-C/F-85)
  Avg: 2
 1. Jones, ISV2.0 
 2. Sanchez, PUR1.5 
 3. Jordan, JAM1.5 
 4. Haiti, CUB1.5 
 5. Johnson, BAH1.0 
 6. Ramos, PUR1.0 
 7. Rhymer, ISV1.0 
 8. Efejuku, JAM1.0 
 9. Smith, BAH1.0 
 10. Lopez, MEX1.0 


Day 2 in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Bahamas - Puerto Rico 71-88
Puerto Rico close Day 2 successfully as they edged Bahamas 88:71. The hosts of Centrobasket 2012 improved to 2-0 record in Group thanks to 88:71 win. Puerto Rico did not waste time and took 20:11 after the first 10 minutes. In the second period, both teams traded baskets through the early goings of the quarter, but the home side took the ascendency thanks to another 18-16 burst. In the second half, both sides traded baskets for the majority of the third quarter with Puerto Rico maintaining their advantage at 63:42. They did not mind 25-29 in the last stanza to win the second game. David Huertas (195-G-87, college: Mississippi) led the way with 21 points and Rivera Filiberto nailed 13. Sanchez Ricardo finished the night with 11 points, whilst Ubiles Edwin had 10. Gray Marvin delivered 14 points in the losing case and Rose Gamaliel poured in 13. Bennet Davis (206-F-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Northeastern) finished the game with 11 points, while Cooper Leon scored 9.

Nicaragua - Cuba 47-80
Cuba spoiled Nicaragua's opener at the 2012 Centrobasket. Cuba improved to 1-1 record after 80:47 win in Day 2. Cuba started with 18:12 in the opening period and never looked behind after. The winners added massive 24-8 in the second period for 42:20 at the halftime. Moreover Cuba produced a 19-14 surge in the third frame and did not even think of slowing down. They finished the game with 19-13 in the last period to seal the victory. Lisvan Valdez (195-G/F-88) erupted with 34 points and 11 rebounds, while Yoannis Soria (196-G/F-86) netted 15. Orestes Torres (203-C-87) delivered 10 and Rodriguez Yaser scored 8. Vansdell Thomas (179-G-86) finished the game with 9 points in defeat and Sloan Windell notched 8.

Group B
Dominican Republic - Mexico 85-67
Dominican Republic open the campaign with the win over Mexico. Dominican Republic celebrated a 85:67 victory in Day 2, while Mexico fell at 1-1. There was little to separate the teams during the initial exchanges. Mexico however started better and took 23:16 after the opening period. Dominican Republic meanwhile replied with 26-17 in the second frame and took 42:40 at the halftime. Later on they dominated the game in the court. For every bit as tired, lethargic and lacklustre Mexico looked, Dominican Republic were quite brilliant and it was their defence as well as offence which stood out. Dominican Republic won the third period 21-14 and added 22-13 in the last quarter. Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) stepped up with 24 points for the winners, while Martinez Yack collected 18 points and 13 rebounds. Eulis Baez (201-F-82, college: W.Illinois) had 16 points and 10 boards and Coronado Juan had 12. Victor Mariscal (198-F-72) posted 17 points in defeat and Stoll Paul added 13.

U.S. Virgin Islands - Jamaica 64-80
Jamaica improved to 2-0 record in Group B at 2012 Centrobasket. The team overcame Virgin Islands 80:64 in Day 2 for a perfect record. Both teams nailed 16 points each in the first period. Virgin Islands dominated the second quarter and grabbed 3-point lead at the halftime due to 18-15 in it. Jamaica faithful were probably hoping it was just a nightmare quarter but it ended up being a nightmare half as things went from bad to worse. In the third period Jamaica erupted with 28-13 surge and took the lead for good. They added 21-17 in the last stanza to taste the second straight victory. Akeem Scott (186-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Samuels Samardo nailed 20. Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86, college: Providence) collected 17, while Ewing Patrick nailed 10. Hodge Walter replied with 20 points in the losing case and Aska Ivan scored 11.


*****************************************************
  CHILE   


Chile is still far from Argentina: 88-64 - by Cristian Quiroga

In the third day of action of this Southamerican Chapionship, Chile faced host Argentina and clearly lost 88-64. Neighbor is several steps above Chile, and this difference was evident today.
Only first half was enough for Argentina, that finally gave rest to its best figures (Leo Gutirrez, Sandes, Mata) and even so was more than Chilean NT.
Evandro Arteaga (178-G-83) with 17 points and Sebastian Suarez with 11 were the best hands of Chile. Meanwhile, Argentina had the best player of the game with 26 points: Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83). Obras Sanitarias power forward was an insoluble problem for Chile tonight. Federico Van Lacke and Selem Safar scored 18 and 14 respectively in the team coached by Nestor Garca.
This way Chile, thanks to the victory yesterday over Colombia, will play tomorrow for the fifth place against Paraguay and this way fight for a ticket in the next Fiba Americas tournament.
In the other games tomorrow, Brasil will face to Venezuela and Argentina against Uruguay for a place in the Friday final game.


Chile is still far from Argentina - by Cristian Quiroga

In the third day of action of this Southamerican Chapionship, Chile faced host Argentina and clearly lost 88-64. Neighbor is several steps above Chile, and this difference was evident today.
Only first half was enough for Argentina, that finally gave rest to its best figures (Leo Gutirrez, Sandes, Mata) and even so was more than Chilean NT.
Evandro Arteaga with 17 points and Sebastian Suarez with 11 were the best hands of Chile. Meanwhile, Argentina had the best player of the game with 26 points: Juan Gutierrez. Penarol power forward was an insoluble problem for Chile. Federico Van Lacke and Selem Safar scored 18 and 14 respectively in the team coached by Nestor Garca.
This way Chile, thanks to the victory yesterday over Colombia, will play tomorrow for the fifth place against Paraguay and this way fight for a ticket in the next Fiba Americas tournament.
In the other games tomorrow, Brasil will face to Venezuela and Argentina against Uruguay for a place in the Friday final game.


*****************************************************
  CHINA   

Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game
 J.R. SMITH
  Zhejiang CB
  (198-G-85)
  Avg: 34.4
 1. Smith, Zhejiang CB34.4 
 2. Hudson, Qingdao E.33.6 
 3. Williams, Shanxi Z.32.0 
 4. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.29.1 
 5. Akognon, DongGuan.28.2 
 6. McDonald, Fujian Q.27.6 
 7. Marbury, Beijing27.0 
 8. Roberson, Fujian QB26.9 
 9. Chandler, Guangsha.26.6 
 10. Martin, Jilin N.26.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Donnell HARVEY
  TianJin S.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 14.6
 1. Harvey, TianJin S.14.6 
 2. Abbas, Fujian QB14.5 
 3. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.14.3 
 4. Ramos, Guangsha L.13.3 
 5. Oyedeji, Qingdao E.13.1 
 6. Hunter, Shandong12.5 
 7. Lawal, Xinjiang FT12.3 
 8. Harris, Shanghai S.12.2 
 9. Boone, Zhejiang CB12.2 
 10. Vroman, Jiangsu D.11.9 
Assists Per Game
 Osama DAGHLES
  Jilin N.
  (198-G-79)
  Avg: 7.3
 1. Daghles, Jilin N.7.3 
 2. Yang, Liaoning H.6.5 
 3. Marbury, Beijing6.3 
 4. Hudson, Qingdao E.6.3 
 5. Lu, Shanxi Zh.5.7 
 6. Brooks, Guandong4.8 
 7. Fahed, TianJin S.4.4 
 8. Mengke, Xinjiang.4.3 
 9. Oyedeji, Qingdao E.4.3 
 10. Zhang, Liaoning H.4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Tim PICKETT
  Xinjiang.
  (192-G/F-81)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Pickett, Xinjiang.2.9 
 2. Hudson, Qingdao E.2.9 
 3. Smith, Zhejiang CB2.5 
 4. Daghles, Jilin N.2.5 
 5. Marbury, Beijing2.4 
 6. Vroman, Jiangsu D.2.4 
 7. Williams, Shanxi Z.2.3 
 8. Lee, Beijing Ducks2.3 
 9. Lu, Shanxi Zh.2.2 
 10. Anderson, Shando.2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 ZhongHao XU
  Bayi R.
  (212-C-90)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Xu, Bayi R.2.3 
 2. Morris, Beijing Du.1.8 
 3. Zhang, Shanghai S.1.8 
 4. Boone, Zhejiang CB1.7 
 5. Douthit, Foshan LL1.6 
 6. Randolph, DongGua.1.6 
 7. Vroman, Jiangsu D.1.6 
 8. Watkins, Jilin N.1.5 
 9. Abbas, Fujian QB1.4 
 10. Lawal, Xinjiang FT1.3 


Standings - NBL

NBL Standings
 1. Guangzhou L. 12-3 
 2. Guangzhou FM 10-5 
 3. Hebei 10-5 
 4. Jiangsu 9-5 
 5. Changan Group 9-6 
 6. Heilongjiang 7-8 
 7. Hong Kong 5-9 
 8. Sichuan 5-10 
 9. Nanjin Army 5-10 
 10. Henan Jiyuan 2-13 

Regular Season: Round 15

Jun. 19: Heilongjiang - Hong Kong 98-92 OT
Jun. 19: Guangzhou FM - Nanjin Army 93-74
Jun. 19: Jiangsu - Changan Group 78-76
Jun. 19: Sichuan - Henan Jiyuan 117-99
Jun. 19: Hebei - Guangzhou L. 100-85

Regular Season: Round 16

Jun. 23: Jiangsu - Sichuan
Jun. 23: Nanjin Army - Changan Group
Jun. 23: Hebei - Guangzhou FM
Jun. 23: Heilongjiang - Guangzhou L.
Jun. 23: Hong Kong - Henan Jiyuan



*****************************************************
  COLOMBIA   


South American Championship: Chile hold off Colombia - by Eurobasket News

Chile Colombia 76:66

Chile registered the first win at the South American Championship. They defeated Colombia in the second round of Group A action. Erik Carrasco (181-PG-83) came up with 17 points and 7 rebounds to lead the winners.
Chile dominated from start to finish. They ensured a 39:26 halftime lead. The gap grew in the third quarter. Chile ensured a 15-point lead with ten minutes remaining. Colombia did not surrender as they cut the deficit in the final quarter. But Chile survived the threat and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Evandro Arteaga (178-G-83) notched 16 points, while Gerardo Isla (200-F/C-91) contributed 12 points and 12 rebounds in the victory. Enielsen Guevara (204-F/C-82) answered with 18 points and 14 boards for Colombia. Norbey Aragon finished with 16 points and 10 boards in the loss.

Chile: Erik Carrasco 17, Evandro Arteaga 16, Gerardo Isla (200-F/C-91) 12+12 boards
Colombia: Enielsen Guevara 18+14 boards, Norbey Aragon 16+10 boards


Mexico defeat Colombia in Sao Sebastian - by Eurobasket News

Mexico U18 - Colombia U18 85:82

Mexico registered victory over Colombia in the classification round of U18 Fiba Americas Championship. They will now take on Puerto Rico for the fifth place. Colombia will face Virgin Islands in the 7th-8th place game.
Colombia gained a 21:17 lead ten minutes into the game. They maintained it throughout the second quarter. Colombia enjoyed a 44:39 halftime lead. Mexico however cut the deficit in the third term. They got within a single point at the final intermission 63:64. Mexico pulled their noses in front in the final quarter and they managed to protect a narrow lead to escape with the win at the end. Jose Estrada (190-G-94) accounted for 21 points for Mexico. Abel Miranda (94) added 13 points for the winners. Tony Trocha (206-C/F-94) answered with 23 points and 10 rebounds for Colombia. Brian Angola (195-F-94) netted 18 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and issued 5 assists in the loss.

Mexico U18: Jose Estrada 21, Abel Miranda 13, Kevin Arias (94) 11, Kevin Lagunas (94) 11
Colombia U18: Tony Trocha 23+10 boards, Brian Angola 18


*****************************************************
  CUBA   


Centrobasket 2012: Cuba spoiled Nicaraguas opener - by Eurobasket News

Nicaragua-Cuba 47:80

Cuba spoiled Nicaraguas opener at the 2012 Centrobasket. Cuba improved to 1-1 record after 80:47 win in Day 2.
Cuba started with 18:12 in the opening period and never looked behind after. The winners added massive 24-8 in the second period for 42:20 at the halftime. Moreover Cuba produced a 19-14 surge in the third frame and did not even think of slowing down. They finished the game with 19-13 in the last period to seal the victory.
Tomorrow Nicaragua will face Puerto Rico, while Cuba will have a day-off.
Lisvan Valdez (195-G/F-88) erupted with 34 points and 11 rebounds, while Yoannis Soria (196-G/F-86) netted 15. Orestes Torres (203-C-87) delivered 10 and Rodriguez Yaser scored 8. Vansdell Thomas (179-G-86) finished the game with 9 points in defeat and Windell Sloan (195-F/C-87) notched 8.

Nicaragua: Vansdell Thomas 9, Windell Sloan 8
Cuba: Lisvan Valdez 34+11 rebs, Yoannis Soria 15, Orestes Torres 10, Rodriguez Yaser 8


*****************************************************
  D-LEAGUE   

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Blake AHEARN
  Reno B.
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 23.8
 1. Ahearn, Reno B.23.8 
 2. Almond, Maine RC23.4 
 3. Emmett, Reno B.23.1 
 4. Dentmon, Austin T.22.2 
 5. Millsap, Los A.20.0 
 6. Efevberha, Iowa E.19.6 
 7. Mitchell, Sioux F.19.6 
 8. Gilder, Sioux F.19.2 
 9. Ubiles, Dakota W.19.2 
 10. Smith, Springfiel.18.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marcus LEWIS
  Tulsa 66ers
  (203-F/C-86)
  Avg: 12.7
 1. Lewis, Tulsa 66ers12.7 
 2. Harangody, Canton11.7 
 3. Butch, Bakersfi.10.4 
 4. Dawson, Austin T.10.2 
 5. Thomas, Los A.10.1 
 6. Foote, Springfield9.0 
 7. Williams, Texas L.8.9 
 8. Criswell-L., Austi.8.9 
 9. Reid, Tulsa 66ers8.6 
 10. Horner, Springfi.8.4 
Assists Per Game
 Walker RUSSELL
  Ft.Wayne.
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 9.9
 1. Russell, Ft.Wayne.9.9 
 2. Conroy, Rio G.9.0 
 3. Daniels, Texas L.8.7 
 4. Curry, Springfield6.3 
 5. Wise, Bakersfield6.2 
 6. Fortson, Los A.5.9 
 7. Stinson, Iowa E.5.8 
 8. Bailey, Idaho S.5.8 
 9. Baker, Dakota W.5.7 
 10. Bozeman, Reno B.5.5 
Steals Per Game
 Marqus BLAKELY
  Sioux F.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Blakely, Sioux F.2.2 
 2. Coleman, Sioux F.2.2 
 3. Smith, Springfield2.2 
 4. Fortson, Los A.2.1 
 5. Millsap, Los A.2.0 
 6. Hannah, Dakota W.2.0 
 7. Curry, Springfield1.9 
 8. Greene, Los A.1.9 
 9. Owens, Tulsa 66ers1.9 
 10. Saunders, Rio G.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Hamady N''DIAYE
  Maine R.
  (213-C-87)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. N''Diaye, Maine R.3.2 
 2. Foster, Idaho S.2.9 
 3. Williams, Texas L.2.5 
 4. Saunders, Rio G.2.3 
 5. Daniels, Erie B.2.1 
 6. Thomas, Los A.1.8 
 7. Hill, Maine RC1.8 
 8. Ojougboh, Tulsa1.7 
 9. Strong, Iowa E.1.6 
 10. Blakely, Iowa E.1.5 


Former NBA D-Leaguers Taking Part in 2012 Centrobasket Championship - by Surujh Roopnarine

Home favorites Puerto Rico along with Jamaica and Dominican Republic field NBA/D-League laden squads as Monday saw the tip-off of the 2012 Centrobasket Championship in San Juan. Up for grabs is one of four spots in the 2013 FIBA Americas tournament and players with NBA D-League experience will play a crucial role in the fates of their countries chances. Here is a list of players for each country who have experience playing in the D-League.

PUERTO RICO
Peter John Ramos (7'4''-C-85): Roanoke Dazzle (2005-06), Idaho Stampede (2006-07)
Jose Juan Barea (5'11''-PG-84, college: Northeastern): Ft. Worth Flyers (2006-07)
Ricardo Sanchez (7'0''-C-87): Idaho Stampede (2006-07)
Edwin Ubiles (6'6''-G/F-86, college: Siena): Dakota Wizards (2011-12)

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Josh Asselin (6'11''-C/F-78, agency: Duran International, college: Michigan): Roanoke Dazzle (2003-2004)

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Gregory Washington (6'10''-F-84, college: Hofstra): Erie Bayhawks (2011-12)
Kitwana Rhymer (6'10''-C-78, college: Massachusetts): Columbus Riverdragons (2004-05)

PANAMA
Danilo Pinnock (6'5''-G-83, college: G.Washington): Arkansas RimRockers (2006-07)

BAHAMAS
Bennet Davis (6'9''-F-84, college: Northeastern) : Utah Flash (2008-2011)

JAMAICA
Patrick Ewing Jr. (6'8''-F-84, college: Georgetown).: Reno Bighorns (2008-09, 10-11), Sioux Falls Skyforce (2010-12), Iowa Energy (2011-12)
Jerome Jordan (7'0''-C-86, college: Tulsa): Erie Bayhawks (2011-12)
Samardo Samuels (6'9''-F/C-89, college: Louisville): Erie Bayhawks (2010-11)
Kimany Ffriend (6'11''-C-77, college: Nebraska): Greenville Groove (2001-02)


*****************************************************
  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Centrobasket 2012: Dominican Republic open the campaign with the win - by Eurobasket News

Dominican Republic-Mexico 85:67

Dominican Republic open the campaign with the win over Mexico. Dominican Republic celebrated a 85:67 victory in Day 2, while Mexico fell at 1-1.
There was little to separate the teams during the initial exchanges. Mexico however started better and took 23:16 after the opening period. Dominican Republic meanwhile replied with 26-17 in the second frame and took 42:40 at the halftime. Later on they dominated the game in the court. For every bit as tired, lethargic and lacklustre Mexico looked, Dominican Republic were quite brilliant and it was their defence as well as offence which stood out. Dominican Republic won the third period 21-14 and added 22-13 in the last quarter.
Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) stepped up with 24 points for the winners, while Martinez Yack collected 18 points and 13 rebounds. Eulis Baez (201-F-82, college: W.Illinois) had 16 points and 10 boards and Juan Coronado (196-G-83) had 12. Victor Mariscal (198-F-72) posted 17 points in defeat and Paul Stoll (178-PG-85) added 13.

Dominican Republic: Alfred Horford 24, Martinez Yack 18+13 rebs, Eulis Baez 16+10 rebs, Juan Coronado 12
Mexico: Victor Mariscal 17, Paul Stoll 13


*****************************************************
  ESTONIA   


Janar Talts continue with Varese - by Eurobasket News

Janar Talts (206-C-83) continue with Varese for the next season. According to Ufficio Stampa Pallacanestro Varese via sportando.net the big man inks for one season with an option for a second one
Last year Varese strengthened their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Janar Talts. The Estonian player earlier released by Krasnye Krylia Samara. The 27-year-old Estonian centre signed with Krasnye Krylia back in December 2010. He tallied 0.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in Russian PBL. Janar Talts started the season in TU/Rock. His stats read 13.7 points and 6.0 boards per game in EuroChallenge. In EMKL the centre posted 12.7 points, 5.6 boards per appearance. In Baltic League he tallied 15.5 points, 6.9 boards and 1.7 assists. Janar Talts is the member of Estonian NT.
Last year for Cimberio Varese (Italy-SerieA) he averaged 5.1ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP-2 (69.0%), 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 54.3%.


*****************************************************
  EUROCUP   


Yotam Halperin (Most Likely) Won't Rejoin Macc TLV - by David Pick

Israeli national team captain Yotam Halperin, isn't likely to play for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the upcoming season, sources with information of the player's status decisively told Eurobasket.

Halperin, who spent last season in Russia with Spartak St.Petersburg is facing severe tax issues, preventing him from signing with his childhood organization.

Halperin's agent Arik Krayn, confirmed the information to Eurobasket via cellular this afternoon. "We're facing tax difficulties for some years now. Yotam (Halperin) wants to play for Maccabi, he loves the club and is eager to be apart of their family again. Nevertheless, he won't play for Maccabi if the circumstances don't allow it."

The kind of "circumstances" Krayn's referring to are roughly $300,000 that Halperin is required to pay Israeli tax corporations due the fact that he's played for four consecutive years
outside Israel.

Krayn continued and revealed that he's already undergoing the process of searching for further overseas possibilities for his client, "I'm currently looking into the best fit for Yotam and his family."

Russian sources recently reported to Eurobasket that Lokomotiv Kuban has showed interest in the Israeli talent. Krayn however, shattered any possibilities of Halperin returning to Russia next season. "A return to Russia is out of the question for Yotam. We've received offers from CSKA, Khimky, Unics Kazan and Kuban but Yotam is certain not to return to Russia."


Valencia tabs Dubljevic - by Uygar Karaca

Bojan Dubjelvic, the promising center of Buducnost Podrogica joins Valencia Basket. Agent Misko Raznatovic announced from twitter than the contract is for three years. Dubljevic is one of the rising stars of Montenegrin basketball. Rising through the ranks of Niksic, immediately he became an important member of Montenegrin champions Buducnost. Moreover, he played a central role in Montenegrin U18 and U20 national teams.


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


ECA Board meets in preparation for the 2012-13 season - by Eurobasket News

The Euroleague Commercial Assets Board met in Barcelona on Wednesday to close the book on a highly successful 2011-12 season that met all estimated profit projections and to plan for even better seasons ahead. The main order of business was to approve the teams that will play next season in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague, which will feature a new Top 16 round expanded to 14 games, and in the Eurocup, where the qualifying round was eliminated and a single-game final reestablished. The board also analyzed a summary of last season's sporting and fiscal success before making plans to enhance fan enjoyment and security in the future.

In the Turkish Airlines Euroleague, the board approved the awarding of a new two-year A License to Italy's most successful basketball club ever, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, to replace one that became a wild card following the sports results over the past three seasons of another Italian team, Lottomatica Roma. Among the B-License teams are newcomers Besiktas JK Milangaz of Turkey, Elan Chalon-sur-Saone of France and Cedevita Zagreb of Croatia. A wild-card C License for Alba Berlin of Germany was approved by the board, taking into consideration the importance of the German market for Euroleague Basketball and its interest in developing the basketball business in that country. Wild cards were also given to Bennet Cantu of Italy and Unics Kazan of Russia for the eight-team Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds.

The complete list of teams that will participate in the 2012-13 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Regular Season is as follows:

TEAMS (24) COUNTRY DOMESTIC STANDINGS
Anadolu Efes Istanbul Turkey Finalist
Asseco Prokom Gdynia Poland Champion
BC Khimki Moscow Region Russia Finalist
Besiktas JK Milangaz Istanbul Turkey Champion
Brose Baskets Bamberg Germany Champion
Caja Laboral Vitoria Spain Semifinalist
Cedevita Zagreb Adriatic 1st Croatian in Adriatic League
CSKA Moscow Russia Champion
EA7 Emporio Armani Milan Italy Finalist
Elan Chalon-sur-Saone France Champion
FC Barcelona Regal Spain Champion
Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul Turkey Finalist
Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius Lithuania Finalist
Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv Israel Champion
Montepaschi Siena Italy Champion
Olympiacos Piraeus Greece Champion
Panathinaikos Athens Greece Finalist
Partizan mt:s Belgrade Adriatic 1st Serbian in Adriatic League
Real Madrid Spain Finalist
Unicaja Malaga Spain 9th in Regular Season
Union Olimpija Ljubljana Adriatic 1st Slovenian in Adriatic League
Zalgiris Kaunas Lithuania Champion
Alba Berlin (Wild Card) Germany Quarterfinalist
Winning team of Qualifying Round - -


* See bottom of the text

Those teams participating in the 2012-13 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds are as follows:

TEAMS (8) COUNTRY DOMESTIC STANDINGS
BC Donetsk Ukraine Champion
Bennet Cantu (Wild Card) Italy Quarterfinalist
CEZ Basketball Nymburk Czech Republic Champion
Le Mans Sarthe Basket France Finalist
PBC Lukoil Academic Bulgaria Champion
Ratiopharm Ulm Germany Finalist
Telenet BC Oostende Belgium Champion
Unics Kazan (Wild Card) Russia 6th in Regular Season


* See bottom of the text

The Qualifying Rounds winner advances to the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Regular Season while the other seven teams will play in the Eurocup Regular Season.

The competition changes in the 2012-13 Eurocup, returning to two-game home-and-away semifinals and a single-game final, were also approved by the board. Changes also included the elimination of the Qualifying Round phase of the competition, although the number of participating teams (32) remains the same. The system will look like this:

REGULAR SEASON
8 groups of 4 teams Top 2 6 weeks November, December
LAST 16
4 groups of 4 teams Top 2 6 weeks January, February
QUARTERFINALS
Home and Away Winners 2 weeks March
SEMIFINALS
Home and Away Winners 2 weeks March
FINAL
Single Game 1 week April


Those teams participating in the Eurocup Regular Season are as follows:

TEAMS (32) COUNTRY DOMESTIC STANDINGS
Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck Germany Semifinalist
Azovmash Mariupol (Wild Card) Ukraine Finalist
Banco Di Sardegna Sassari Italy Semifinalist
Banvit BK Bandirma*** Turkey Semifinalist
Belgacom Spirou Charleroi Belgium Finalist
Cholet Basket France Semifinalist
Crvena Zvezda Diva Belgrade** Adriatic 10th in Regular Season
EiffelTowers Den Bosch Netherlands Champion
Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul Turkey Semifinalist
Gescrap Bilbao Basket Spain Quarterfinalist
Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem** Israel Quarterfinalist
KK Buducnost VOLI Podgorica Adriatic 4th after Final Four
KK Cibona Zagreb** Adriatic 7th in Regular Season
Lagun Aro San Sebastian Spain Quarterfinalist
Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar Russia 3rd Place
Orleans France Semifinalist
Panionios On Telecoms Athens Greece 3rd Place
Rudupis Prienai*** Lithuania 3rd Place
s.Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg Germany Semifinalist
Spartak St. Petersburg Russia 6th after Playoffs
Trefl Sopot Poland Finalist
Triumph Lyubertsy Russia 4th Place
Valencia Basket Spain Semifinalist
VAP Kolossos Rhodes Greece 4th Place
VEF Riga Latvia Champion
+7 teams from Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds


* See bottom of the text
** Wildcards coming after the renouncement of teams: Maccabi Ashdod, Scavolini Siviglia Pesaro and HKK Siroki WWin.
*** Wildcards coming due to the 2011-12 EuroChallenge champion and runner-up - Besiktas JK Milangaz Istanbul of Turkey, Elan Chalon-sur-Saone of France - qualifying for the 2012-13 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Regular Season.

The board also heard and approved proposals to address future security problems with increased sanctions, up to and including permanent disqualification from the competitions, as well as deepening the cooperation between the league and clubs so as to avoid violence in the arenas. All members agreed that any violent fan behavior is prejudicial to basketball's status as a family friendly sport. Board members approved the heightened measures and a zero-tolerance policy towards unsportsmanlike behavior.

In a review of the just-completed 2011-12 season, the board heard details of how the Turkish Airlines Euroleague's reach is expanding both in terms of audience and social impact. Last season marked the highest number of television partners in competition history, 71, whose broadcasts of Turkish Airlines Euroleague games reached 174 countries on all five continents. Audiences for the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Magazine, 32 half-hour shows seen in 31 countries on a weekly basis, topped 100 million in the 2011-12 season. Board members were also given a review of the current television agreements that are under negotiation.

With regards to Euroleague.tv, board members saw end-of-year numbers that showed a surge in subscribers to the different commercial packages offered, as well as an evaluation of improvements such as multi-language options and higher broadcast quality.

The board also heard how the new social responsibility program One Team, backed by additional sponsorship from Turkish Airlines, has taken root in the last few months with a training workshop, seven local team projects and a major event at the Final Four.

Finally, the board looked ahead to the next Final Four at O2 in London, the 2012 Olympic Games basketball venue. Board members reasoned that London is a strategically important market for Euroleague Basketball, due to its commercial possibilities as well as the benefits of having the partnership with AEG grow. Euroleague Basketball directors have already held organizational meetings and are actively working on making the next edition of the Final Four better than previous editions.

All items that have been discussed will be presented at the Euroleague Commercial Assets General Assembly for approval.

The Euroleague Commercial Assets Board meeting was attended by: Alain Beral, president LNB (France); Jan Pommer, managing director BEKO BBL (Germany); Shimon Mizrahi, president Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv (Israel); Radovan Lorbek, president Liga ABA (Adriatic); Christos Stavropoulos, general manager Olympiacos Piraeus (Greece); Joan Carles Raventos, sports director, and Joan Blade, basketball director, F.C. Barcelona Regal (Spain); Jose Antonio Querejeta, president Caja Laboral Vitoria; Valentino Renzi, president Lega Basket (Italy); Ferdinando Minucci, president Montepaschi Siena (Italy); Engin Ozerhun, general manager Anadolu Efes Istanbul (Turkey); Natalia Furaeva, vice president, sports, CSKA Moscow (Russia); and Jean-Bayle Lespitau, honorary president ULEB.

* All Turkish Airlines Euroleague, Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds and Eurocup teams listed above are pending confirmation that they meet all Euroleague and Eurocup regulations.

Courtesy of: http://www.euroleague.net


Voronov resigned with CSKA Moscow - by Eurobasket News

Eugeny Voronov (193-G-86) resigned with CSKA Moscow for the next season. The Russian Guard will enter his second season with the team.
In 2011-2012 he joined CSKA Moscow (PBL) and in VTB League averaged 5.2ppg, 1.5rpg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 47.4%, FT: 66.7%. In Euroleague he showed 1.2ppg, while in Russian League his stats read 4.2ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1spg.
Last year CSKA Moscow announced signing of Russian guard Eugeny Voronov. Two sides penned 1+1 year deal. Eugeny Voronov spent last season with Dynamo Moscow. He shined with 12.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.8 spg for them in 25 PBL games. In EuroChallenge, Eugeny Voronov had 9.5 ppg, 3 rpg and 3.2 apg for 6 games. He joined Dynamo in 2010 from Krasnie Krilya Samara. In the past, Eugeny Voronov also played for Dynamo St. Petersburg and Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu. Last summer with the Russian NT in Turkey, Eugeny Voronov had 5.2 ppg and 2.1 rpg for 9 games. He also has experience from the Russian University NT, U20 and U18 National Teams.


Yotam Halperin (Most Likely) Won't Rejoin Macc TLV - by David Pick

Israeli national team captain Yotam Halperin, isn't likely to play for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the upcoming season, sources with information of the player's status decisively told Eurobasket.

Halperin, who spent last season in Russia with Spartak St.Petersburg is facing severe tax issues, preventing him from signing with his childhood organization.

Halperin's agent Arik Krayn, confirmed the information to Eurobasket via cellular this afternoon. "We're facing tax difficulties for some years now. Yotam (Halperin) wants to play for Maccabi, he loves the club and is eager to be apart of their family again. Nevertheless, he won't play for Maccabi if the circumstances don't allow it."

The kind of "circumstances" Krayn's referring to are roughly $300,000 that Halperin is required to pay Israeli tax corporations due the fact that he's played for four consecutive years
outside Israel.

Krayn continued and revealed that he's already undergoing the process of searching for further overseas possibilities for his client, "I'm currently looking into the best fit for Yotam and his family."

Russian sources recently reported to Eurobasket that Lokomotiv Kuban has showed interest in the Israeli talent. Krayn however, shattered any possibilities of Halperin returning to Russia next season. "A return to Russia is out of the question for Yotam. We've received offers from CSKA, Khimky, Unics Kazan and Kuban but Yotam is certain not to return to Russia."


Maric: all you can do is keep working hard - by Kostas Papadopoulos

Already with the responsibility of being Australia's key big man in London next month, Aleks Maric (211-C-84, college: Nebraska) has even more reason to help the Boomers in their quest to claim their first Olympic medal.
The Sydney-born Aleks Maric, who has played the past five years in Europe, including the past two with prominent Greek club Panathinaikos, has revealed at The Sydney Morning Herald, an Australian newspaper, that he was recently interviewed by four NBA clubs. He also spoke about this seasons experience at Panathinaikos.
He worked out for the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors and spoke with Houston, having been unable to take to the court in front of Rockets coach Kevin McHale because of scheduling issues.
Aleks Maric, 27, who only took up the sport at 16, said the workouts had gone ''very well'' as he attempts to join fellow Australians Bogut and Mills in the world's premier basketball competition. He knows a strong Olympic campaign will strengthen his hopes.
''I don't want to hold my breath, but I did my best,'' Aleks Maric said after Boomers training yesterday. ''A good Olympics will boost that, but I just want to play good for the team, for my country, and whatever happens after that, happens.''
Boomers coach Brown, also a senior assistant with the San Antonio Spurs, said Aleks Maric, at 211 centimetres and 125 kilograms, had the size and strength to compete in the NBA. But he needed to improve poor career 63 per cent shooting from the free-throw line.
''I think his game is fine the way it is. I think he needs to become a more reliable free-throw shooter but, as far as a physical presence, he has that. He is a great person, a great teammate,'' he said.
Aleks Maric's hopes of impressing have been restricted with Panathinaikos in the past two seasons.
He has averaged only seven minutes and fewer than four points per game in each season, having been forced to sit amid suggestions his coach had been under pressure to play local talent.
Needless to say, it was a frustrating time, particularly as he had been named on the All-Euroleague first team in 2010 when he averaged 14.6 points and 8.4 rebounds over 25 minutes a game while playing with former club Partizan Belgrade. He also helped Partizan claim the Serbian national cup and the Adriatic Championship.
''It's frustrating at times but you just have to respect the coach's decision. Obviously, when I do get a chance, I show what I can do,'' Aleks Maric said. ''As a player, all you can do is keep working hard and when the coach gives you an opportunity, you take full advantage of it.''
Nonetheless, it's not a season he will forget in a hurry. Aleks Maric posted a series of photos on Twitter when the team bus was pelted with rocks by fans of rival club Olympiakos during the championship series and two teammates were injured and hospitalised.
While such passion, or stupidity, is rare in Australia, Aleks Maric said there were often ''incidents'' in Greece.
''The kind of rivalry you have between the clubs, you expect that. It's nothing new. It's unfortunate but it's true,'' he said.
As Aleks Maric has Serbian citizenship, some time ago that country had been keen to welcome him into the fold but that move was disallowed by FIBA, the sport's governing body, as he had represented Australia at junior levels.
''They tried to get me to play for them, but I was pushing for the Australian side. I was born here, raised here, I am happy where I am. I don't want to go anywhere,'' he said.
The Boomers are more than happy about that, particularly as Aleks Maric will be the man in the middle in the absence of the injured Bogut.

''There is a physical presence that Al brings to the table. He is a veteran, he is a man, he is experienced, he has played against all these guys at high levels over the past few years,'' Brown said.
''He is extremely important and, at this stage, he is our starting centre.''
That importance will be shown in the three-match series against Greece, ranked fourth in the world, beginning on Sunday.
The Olympic squads for the Boomers and Opals will be unveiled tomorrow.
Courtesy of The Sydney Morning Herald


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


USA and Brazil to clash in the Final - by Eurobasket News

Semifinals
Canada - Brazil 62-66
Brazil will play in the Final of home U18 Fiba Americas Championship. The hosts held off previously undefeated Canada in the semifinal battle to set up an exciting clash versus the USA for the crown. Deryk Ramos (185-G-94) accounted for 18 points to lead Brazil to the crucial win. Canada got to a trademark strong start. They overwhelmed the hosts to build a 23:18 lead after ten minutes. Brazil however quickly reacted and went on a 21:12 run to take a 39:35 halftime lead. Canada stiffened their defence and held Brazil to only 7 points in the third term. The North American team entered the final quarter up by 5 points. But Brazil dominated the final minutes. They outscored Canada 20:11 and sealed the victory at the end. Lucas Dias (205-C-96) provided 15 points and 9 rebounds, while Arthur Fernandes netted 10 points in the win. Xavier Rathan-Mayes (193-G-94) answered with 21 points for Canada. Andrew Wiggins had 17 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.

USA - Argentina 107-72
USA advanced into the title game at the U18 Fiba Americas Championship. They fired past Argentina to post the fourth straight win at the tournament. Seven US player scored in double figures in the victory. Julius Randle (203-F-94) posted 15 points in the winning effort. USA set the tone early in the game. They erupted for 29 points in the opening ten minutes to take a 12-point lead. USA maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They posted a 53:38 halftime lead. USA dominated after the big break. They ensured a 23-point lead with one quarter to go. The North American team did not slow down in the final quarter and rallied to a comprehensive win at the end. Rasheed Sulaimon (193-G-94) notched 14 points, while Shaquille Goodwin added 13 points in the victory. Ignacio Moreno (197-F-94) answered with 15 points for Argentina. Pedro Barral and Gabriel Deck had 11 points apiece in the loss.
Places 5-8
Colombia - Mexico 82-85
Mexico registered victory over Colombia in the classification round of U18 Fiba Americas Championship. They will now take on Puerto Rico for the fifth place. Colombia will face Virgin Islands in the 7th-8th place game. Colombia gained a 21:17 lead ten minutes into the game. They maintained it throughout the second quarter. Colombia enjoyed a 44:39 halftime lead. Mexico however cut the deficit in the third term. They got within a single point at the final intermission 63:64. Mexico pulled their noses in front in the final quarter and they managed to protect a narrow lead to escape with the win at the end. Jose Estrada (190-G-94) accounted for 21 points for Mexico. Abel Miranda (94) added 13 points for the winners. Tony Trocha (206-C/F-94) answered with 23 points and 10 rebounds for Colombia. Brian Angola netted 18 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and issued 5 assists in the loss.

U.S. Virgin Islands - Puerto Rico 68-71
Puerto Rican U18 National Team posted the first win at the Fiba Americas Championship in Sao Bernardo. They held off Virgin Islands in the classification round. Wilfredo Rodriguez (94) scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead the winners. Puerto Rico will now take on Mexico in the fight for the fifth place. Virgin Islands got to the better start. They established a 19:12 lead at the first intermission. Puerto Rico cut the distance to get within 3 points at the interval 34:37. Puerto Rico surged ahead in the third quarter. They posted a 53:50 lead with ten minutes remaining. The teams went neck and neck throughout the final quarter. Puerto Rico however survived the challenge and eked out the initial win at the end. David Rosado (94) posted 14 points, while Abdiel Badillo contributed 11 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Khalid Hart (198-SF-95) answered with 26 points for Virgin Islands. Kyle Hodge and Rasheed Swanston netted 10 points each in the loss.


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

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game
 Tim BLUE
  KTP
  (205-F-84)
  Avg: 23.2
 1. Blue, KTP23.2 
 2. Zeno, Nilan Bisons19.7 
 3. Crocker, KTP19.3 
 4. Beidler, Kauhajoki19.2 
 5. Durham, Salon Vilp.18.9 
 6. Brooks, Namika L.18.6 
 7. Holloway, Salon V.18.3 
 8. Hannah, Kauhajoki18.3 
 9. Hawkins, ToPo18.1 
 10. Newson, Kataja18.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 John FIELDS
  Salon Vilpas
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 12.2
 1. Fields, Salon Vilp.12.2 
 2. Durham, Salon Vilp.11.2 
 3. Blue, KTP10.4 
 4. Williams, Pyrinto10.1 
 5. Beidler, Kauhajoki9.8 
 6. Newson, Kataja8.6 
 7. Zeno, Nilan Bisons8.4 
 8. McDade, Nilan B.8.2 
 9. Brown, Kouvot8.1 
 10. Hamm, LrNM.7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Malik MOORE
  Namika L.
  (192-G-77)
  Avg: 5.2
 1. Moore, Namika L.5.2 
 2. Ivey, Nilan Bisons4.9 
 3. Haynes, LrNM.4.8 
 4. Hannah, Kauhajoki4.5 
 5. Sarcevic, KTP4.3 
 6. Williams, Pyrinto4.1 
 7. Walker, Kataja3.8 
 8. Virtanen, Kataja3.6 
 9. Zeno, Nilan Bisons3.5 
 10. Nikkarinen, Kouvot3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Kelly BEIDLER
  Kauhajoki
  (199-F-88)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Beidler, Kauhajoki2.3 
 2. Moore, Korihait2.2 
 3. Williams, Pyrinto2.0 
 4. Williams, Pyrinto1.9 
 5. Holloway, Salon V.1.8 
 6. Haynes, LrNM.1.7 
 7. Sarcevic, KTP1.7 
 8. Jordan, Kouvot1.6 
 9. Newson, Kataja1.6 
 10. Moore, Namika L.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Kelly BEIDLER
  Kauhajoki
  (199-F-88)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Beidler, Kauhajoki1.9 
 2. Fields, Salon Vilp.1.8 
 3. Blue, KTP1.4 
 4. Williams, Pyrinto1.0 
 5. Zeno, Nilan Bisons1.0 
 6. Lehtoranta, Kataja0.9 
 7. Mottola, ToPo0.8 
 8. Hamm, LrNM.0.8 
 9. Jones, Nilan Bisons0.7 
 10. Ahvenniemi, Pyrin.0.6 


KORISLIIGA: KTP-Basket captured Timo Heinonen - by Rauno Hurmalainen

KTP-Basket (Kotka) has signed with Finnish F Timo Heinonen (198-F-81). The contract is for coming two years 2012-14. Heinonen has played the last 12 years on top level in Finland; first on Pussihukat (Vantaa) roster 2000-07 and then on Torpan Pojat (Helsinki) roster 2007-12. Heinonen averaged last season 9,8 ppg - 5,3 rpg in 25:15 mpg and 47 contests. KTP has now Heinonen and five other players signed: Jukka Matinen (203-F-78), Michael Pounds (188-PG-88), Milos Dobras (197-F-87), Joonas Lehtoranta (185-F/G-94) and Bojan Sarcevic (190-G-88) from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sami Toiviainen will continue as Team's Head Coach.


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

Standings - ProB

ProB Standings
 1. Limoges 27-7 
 2. Boulazac 25-9 
 3. Chalons-Reims 24-10 
 4. Fos Ouest 22-12 
 5. Maurienne 22-12 
 6. Bordeaux 21-13 
 7. Boulogne 18-16 
 8. Evreux 17-17 
 9. Bourg 16-18 
 10. Lille 16-18 
 11. Antibes 16-18 
 12. St Vallier 15-19 
 13. Nantes 14-20 
 14. Rouen 14-20 
 15. Le Portel 12-22 
 16. Denain 11-23 
 17. Quimper 9-25 
 18. Vichy 7-27 


Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game
 Jason SIGGERS
  Rouen
  (189-SG-85)
  Avg: 18.5
 1. Siggers, Rouen18.5 
 2. Davis, Le Portel17.0 
 3. Brown, Maurienne16.8 
 4. Wood, Evreux16.5 
 5. Paelay, Quimper15.8 
 6. Monroe, Boulazac15.7 
 7. McCray, Boulogne15.4 
 8. Mels, Chalons-Reims15.2 
 9. Prowell, St Vallier15.1 
 10. Barro, Bourg14.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Christophe MASSIE
  Limoges
  (206-C/F-77)
  Avg: 11
 1. Massie, Limoges11.0 
 2. Wood, Evreux10.8 
 3. Monroe, Boulazac9.7 
 4. Rossiter, Denain9.6 
 5. Osby, Maurienne9.4 
 6. Daniels, Chalons-.8.7 
 7. Barro, Bourg8.5 
 8. Allen, Antibes8.2 
 9. Badiane, Nantes7.9 
 10. Dunn, Rouen7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Ronnie TAYLOR
  Le Portel
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Taylor, Le Portel6.6 
 2. Mullins, Chalons-.5.6 
 3. Copeland, Bourg5.3 
 4. Rowland, Evreux5.2 
 5. Darnauzan, Mauri.5.1 
 6. Patiejunas, Rouen4.9 
 7. Darrigand, Bordeaux4.8 
 8. Denave, St Vallier4.8 
 9. Eito, Vichy4.4 
 10. Poupet, Rouen4.4 
Steals Per Game
 Armand CHARLES
  Nantes
  (193-SF-83)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Charles, Nantes2.5 
 2. McCray, Boulogne2.5 
 3. Eito, Vichy1.9 
 4. Shiloh, St Vallier1.9 
 5. Mullins, Chalons-.1.9 
 6. Paelay, Quimper1.9 
 7. Allen, Antibes1.8 
 8. Driss, Bordeaux1.8 
 9. Rowland, Evreux1.7 
 10. Daniels, Chalons-.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Sherman GAY
  Fos Ouest
  (201-PF-82)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Gay, Fos Ouest1.7 
 2. Badiane, Antibes1.7 
 3. Jefferson, Vichy1.6 
 4. Osby, Maurienne1.5 
 5. Ford, Bordeaux1.0 
 6. Massie, Limoges1.0 
 7. Fields, Nantes0.9 
 8. Barrett, St Vallier0.8 
 9. Rossiter, Denain0.8 
 10. McKenzie, Boulaz.0.8 


Fernando Raposo inks with Orleans - by Eurobasket News

Fernando Raposo Laurencio (206-C/F-89) inks with Orleans for the next season. The Portuguese-French player arrives from SO Maritime Boulogne. The player signed a three-year deal
In 2004-2005 he started for Pau Orthez U20 team and then played for Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez. In 2008-2009 for Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez (France-ProA) he averaged 4.8ppg, 4.2rpg. In 2010-2011 moved to SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB) and in 39 games showed 4.5ppg, 3.9rpg
In 2011-2012 for SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB, starting five) he averaged 10.8ppg, 7.1rpg, FGP: 53.2%, FT: 52.5%. In Round 3 he was third on the list of top players. Raposo Laurencio scored 23 points. Despite Raposo Laurencio's great performance Boulogne lost 71-80 to Antibes (1-2).


Eurobasket.com All-French ProB Awards 2011-12 - by Eurobasket Center

Eurobasket.com All-French ProB 1st Team 2011-12
#s#
Christophe Massie
Massie
Jason Siggers
Siggers
Chris McCray
McCray
Kyle McAlarney
McAlarney
Darryl Monroe
Monroe
#e#5

Finals MVP: Christophe Massie (206-C/F-77) of Limoges
Player of the Year: Darryl Monroe (202-F/C-86) of Boulazac
Guard of the Year: Jason Siggers (189-SG-85) of Lille
Forward of the Year: Darryl Monroe (202-F/C-86) of Boulazac
Center of the Year: Christophe Massie (206-C/F-77) of Limoges
Domestic Player of the Year: Joseph Gomis (180-G-78) of Limoges
Import Player of the Year: Christophe Massie (206-C/F-77) of Limoges
Bosman Player of the Year: Bryan Mullins (185-PG-87) of Chalons-Reims
Most Improved Player of the Year: Ferdinand Prenom (205-C-91) of Antibes
Defensive Player of the Year: Chris McCray (196-G/F-84) of Boulogne
Coach of the Year: Frederic Sarre of Limoges

1st Team
SG: Jason Siggers (189-85) of Lille
G/F: Chris McCray (196-84) of Boulogne
G: Kyle McAlarney (185-87) of Limoges
F/C: Darryl Monroe (202-86) of Boulazac
C/F: Christophe Massie (206-77) of Limoges

2nd Team
PG: Ronnie Taylor (188-81) of Le Portel
G: Joseph Gomis (180-78) of Limoges
SG: David Denave (195-85) of Pau-Lacq-Orthez
PF: Amadi McKenzie (201-86) of Boulazac
C/F: Jeremiah Wood (200-85) of Evreux

3rd Team
PG: Bryan Mullins (185-87) of Chalons-Reims
PG: Austen Rowland (186-81) of Evreux
SF: LaQuan Prowell (203-84) of Chalon
PF: Wilbert Brown (199-84) of Maurienne
C/F: Bambale Osby (203-86) of Maurienne

Honorable Mention
Antoine Eito (186-PG-88) of Le Mans
Pele Paelay (193-SG-84) of Quimper
Ryan Rossiter (204-F/C-89) of Denain
David Fergerson (185-G-78) of Nantes
Malick Badiane (211-F/C-84) of Trappes
Kyle Shiloh (191-PG-85) of St Vallier
Angelo Tsagarakis (190-G-84) of Chalons-Reims
Moussa Badiane (205-C-81) of Antibes
Kurt Cunningham (204-C/F-87) of Boulogne
Sherman Gay (201-PF-82) of Fos Ouest
Simon Darnauzan (178-PG-80) of Maurienne
Rodrigue Mels (188-G/F-85) of Chalons-Reims
Chris Daniels (200-PF-82) of Chalons-Reims
Landon Milbourne (201-F-87) of Limoges

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Joseph Gomis (180-78) of Limoges
PG: Edouard Choquet (187-88) of Fos Ouest
SG: David Denave (195-85) of Pau-Lacq-Orthez
SF: Lamine Kante (200-87) of Denain
C: Moussa Badiane (205-81) of Antibes

All-Imports Team
SG: Jason Siggers (189-85) of Lille
G/F: Chris McCray (196-84) of Boulogne
G: Kyle McAlarney (185-87) of Limoges
F/C: Darryl Monroe (202-86) of Boulazac
C/F: Christophe Massie (206-77) of Limoges


Panagiotis Giannakis takes over Limoges - by Eurobasket News

Panagiotis Giannakis (agency: FCM ) takes over Limoges for the 2012/2013 season. According to Limoges Official Website via sportando.net, the Greek specialist will move to France. Panagiotis Giannakis (agency: FCM ) signed a two-year deal with the historic French club.
As a Head Coach he worked first in 2001-2002 for Panionios Athens and then in Dec.'02 signed at Maroussi Athens. After few season there he moved to Ionikos Nikeas (B) and in 2007-2008 joined Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (A1). Panagiotis Giannakis (agency: FCM ) remained with the team for three seasons.
He became Greek Cup Finalist -09, reached Euroleague Final Four -09, Greek League Regular Season Champion -09. In 2012 the coach was Greek Cup Winners -10 and Euroleague Finalist -10. Giannakis was free agent since he finished his experience at the helm of Olympiacos with whom he reached the Euroleague Final in Paris-Bercy 2010.


Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Awards 2011-2012 - by Eurobasket Center

Eurobasket.com All-French ProA 1st Team 2011-2012
#s#
Blake Schilb
Schilb
Eric Chatfield
Chatfield
Fabien Causeur
Causeur
Amara Sy
Sy
Lamont Hamilton
Hamilton
#e#5

Finals MVP: Blake Schilb (200-G/F-83) of Chalon
Player of the Year: Blake Schilb (200-G/F-83) of Chalon
Guard of the Year: Blake Schilb (200-G/F-83) of Chalon
Forward of the Year: Amara Sy (202-F-81) of Orleans
Center of the Year: Lamont Hamilton (208-C/F-84) of Paris-Levallois
Newcomer of the Year: Axel Julien (185-PG-92) of Hyeres-Toulon
Domestic Player of the Year: Amara Sy (202-F-81) of Orleans
Import Player of the Year: Blake Schilb (200-G/F-83) of Chalon
Bosman Player of the Year: Taylor Rochestie (185-PG-85) of Le Mans
Defensive Player of the Year: Andrew Albicy (178-PG-90) of Gravelines
Coach of the Year: Gregor Beugnot of Chalon

1st Team
G: Eric Chatfield (191-79) of Paris-Levallois
G: Fabien Causeur (193-87) of Cholet
G/F: Blake Schilb (200-83) of Chalon
F: Amara Sy (202-81) of Orleans
C/F: Lamont Hamilton (208-84) of Paris-Levallois

2nd Team
PG: Andrew Albicy (178-90) of Gravelines
PG: Taylor Rochestie (185-85) of Le Mans
F: Marcellus Sommerville (200-82) of Le Mans
F/G: Ricardo Greer (197-78) of Strasbourg
C: Akinlolu Akingbala (208-83) of Nancy

3rd Team
G: Nic Wise (178-87) of Le Havre
G: Cedrick Banks (190-81) of Orleans
F: Jawad Williams (204-83) of Paris-Levallois
F/C: Joao Paulo Batista (207-81) of Le Mans
C: Alexis Ajinca (215-88) of Strasbourg

Honorable Mention
Ludovic Vaty (206-C-88) of Gravelines
Malcolm Delaney (191-G-89) of Chalon
Teddy Gipson (193-G-80) of Pau-Lacq-Orthez
Alex Acker (196-G-83) of Le Mans
Jamal Shuler (191-G-86) of Nancy
Rick Hughes (204-C/F-73) of Hyeres-Toulon
DeMarcus Nelson (191-G-85) of Cholet
Dylan Page (204-F-82) of Roanne
Bobby Dixon (178-PG-83) of Dijon
Mykal Riley (198-F-85) of Nanterre
Hilton Armstrong (208-C/F-84) of ASVEL
Chinemelu Elonu (206-F/C-87) of Pau-Lacq-Orthez
Charles Kahudi (197-F-86) of Le Mans

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Fabien Causeur (193-87) of Cholet
PG: Andrew Albicy (178-90) of Gravelines
F: Amara Sy (202-81) of Orleans
F: Charles Kahudi (197-86) of Le Mans
C: Alexis Ajinca (215-88) of Strasbourg

All-Imports Team
G: Eric Chatfield (191-79) of Paris-Levallois
G/F: Blake Schilb (200-83) of Chalon
F/G: Ricardo Greer (197-78) of Strasbourg
F: Marcellus Sommerville (200-82) of Le Mans
C/F: Lamont Hamilton (208-84) of Paris-Levallois

All-Defensive Team
Andrew Albicy (178-PG-90) of Gravelines
John Linehan (175-PG-78) of Nancy
Charles Kahudi (197-F-86) of Le Mans
Marcellus Sommerville (200-F-82) of Le Mans
Alexis Ajinca (215-C-88) of Strasbourg


*****************************************************
  GEORGIA   


Shermadini Has Tremendous Potential - by Darbaiseli

It seems that transfer of Giorgi Shermadini to Maccabi Tel Aviv is already decided. This issue was not decided because Bennet Cantu, former club of Shermadini, had some
pretensions. Today, official website of Euroleague has made everything clear.

After the end of the season Maccabi Tel Aviv made the first important transfer. Giorgi Shermadini, one of the best young centers, is a new member of the team. The Georgian
showed himself in the games against Maccabi. His average results were 14 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 block-shot.

Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv has made Giorgi Shermadini its first big signing of the offseason. One of the best young centers in the game, Shermadini arrives from Italian club Bennet
Cantu, where he posted big numbers all season and in particular in a pair of Top 16 games against Maccabi. The Georgian averaged 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 0.6 blocks over
16 games as the backup center for Cantu. Against Tel Aviv those numbers improved to 14 points, 7.5 boards, 3 assists and 1 blocks per game. His performance index rating of 15.3
per game ranked seventh in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague and prorated over 40 minutes, it was 28.3, which ranked third behind only Euroleague MVP Andrei Kirilenko and All-
Euroleague center Nenad Krstic, - official website of Euroleague writes.

23-year-old Shermadini (height 216cm) signed one-year contract with Maccabi coached by David Blatt. Blatt characterizes Shermadini this way:

"We are happy and excited that Giorgi is joining us. He is one of the most talented young big men in Europe today and he fits wonderfully into our plans. The truth is that I have
followed his career for several years and I always thought he would be an excellent addition to any team at the highest level, not only because of his impressive physical attributes,
but a lot because of his approach to the game, his impressive mobility and the hard work he puts in. Shermadini has the size needed to be a center, but he moves on the court and
runs like a guard. He fights for rebounds, blocks shots and chases loose balls. He has tremendous potential and is exactly the kind of players we want at Maccabi." Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89)


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


Florian Boerstler heads to Wolfenbuettel - by Moritz Korff

Florian Boerstler (185-G-91) has been added to the 2012-13 roster of Pro B side MTV Wolfenbuettel von 2012 Herzoege Basketball. The former German U16 international comes off a solid campaign with Muenchen Basket in the 1. Regionalliga South-East. Boerstler averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 assists and 3.6 rebounds per contest, while being named the Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga South-East Most Improved Player and making the Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga South-East Honorable Mention list as well as All-Domestic Players Team. The 21-year-old Muenchen native has previously played for FC Bayern Muenchen, TG Landshut and the Giants Noerdlingen. In 2009-10 he appeared in six Pro A games for the Giants, scoring a total two points.
Meanwhile, Martin Kemp (182-G-85) and Nils Staebe (201-F-88) are not going to play for the Wolfenbuettel team next season due to professional obligations.


Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Awards 2011-12 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 1st Team 2012
#s#
David Holston
Holston
Isaiah Swann
Swann
Casey Jacobsen
Jacobsen
Anthony Leon Tucker
Tucker
John Bryant
Bryant
#e#5

Guard of the Year: David Holston (170-G-86, college: Chicago St.) of Art.Dragons
Forward of the Year: Anthony Leon Tucker (198-F-85) of Brose Baskets
Center of the Year: John Bryant (208-C-87) of Ratiopharm
Newcomer of the Year: David Holston (170-G-86, college: Chicago St.) (170-G-86) of Art.Dragons
Bosman Player of the Year: Zygimantas Jonusas (200-F-82) of Phoenix Hagen
Import Player of the Year: Anthony Leon Tucker (198-F-85) of Brose Baskets
Domestic Player of the Year: Per Guenther (185-G-88) of Ratiopharm
Defensive Player of the Year: Anton Gavel (189-G-84) of Brose Baskets
Coach of the Year: Thorsten Leibenath of Ratiopharm

1st Team
G: David Holston (170-G-86, college: Chicago St.) (170-86) of Art.Dragons
G: Isaiah Swann (188-85) of Ratiopharm
G/F: Casey Jacobsen (198-81) of Brose Baskets
F: Anthony Leon Tucker (198-85) of Brose Baskets
C: John Bryant (208-87) of Ratiopharm

2nd Team
G: DaShaun Wood (185-85) of ALBA
G: Anton Gavel (189-84) of Brose Baskets
G: Reggie Redding (196-88) of Walter Tigers
F: Tony Gaffney (204-84) of Telekom Baskets
C: Chris Ensminger (209-73) of Telekom Baskets

3rd Team
PG: Jared Jordan (188-84) of Telekom Baskets
G: Jimmy McKinney (192-83) of Fraport SKY
G: Rickey Paulding (196-82) of EWE Baskets
F: Chevon Troutman (202-81) of B.Muenchen
F/C: Tibor Pleiss (214-89) of Brose Baskets

Honorable Mention
Bryce Taylor (196-G-86) of ALBA
Nathan Peavy (203-F-85) of Art.Dragons
Adam Chubb (208-F/C-81) of EWE Baskets
John Little (180-PG-84) of s.Oliver Baskets
Chris Kramer (191-G-88) of s.Oliver Baskets
Vaughn Duggins (190-G-87, college: Wright St.)
All-Domestic Players Team
G: Per Guenther (185-88) of Ratiopharm
G: Karsten Tadda (189-88) of Brose Baskets
F: Robin Benzing (208-89) of B.Muenchen
F: Philip Zwiener (198-85) of TBB Trier
C: Maik Zirbes (205-90) of TBB Trier

All-Imports Team
G: David Holston (170-G-86, college: Chicago St.) (170-86) of Art.Dragons
G: Reggie Redding (196-88) of Walter Tigers
G: Kenny Hasbrouck (191-86) of EWE Baskets
F: Chevon Troutman (202-81) of B.Muenchen
C: Jared Homan (206-83) of B.Muenchen

All-Bosmans Team
G: Anton Gavel (189-84) of Brose Baskets
G: Benas Veikalas (192-83) of Telekom Baskets
F: Simonas Serapinas (197-82) of Telekom Baskets
F: Branko Jorovic (205-81) of NY Phantoms
F/C: Elvir Ovcina (210-76) of LTi 46ers

All-Defensive Team
Anton Gavel (189-G-84) of Brose Baskets
Quantez Robertson (189-G-84) of Fraport SKY
Nate Linhart (201-F-86) of TBB Trier
Tony Gaffney (204-F-84) of Telekom Baskets
Kurt Looby (208-F/C-84) of EnBW L'burg

All-Newcomers Team
Joshua Young (185-PG-88) of Walter Tigers
Chris Kramer (191-G-88) of s.Oliver Baskets
Reggie Redding (196-G-88) of Walter Tigers
Devin Gibson (182-G-89) of Fraport SKY
Tyrone Nash (203-F-88) of Walter Tigers


Dejan Kreclovic To Coach BIS Baskets Speyer - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


Regionaliga club BIS Baskets Speyer have announced that the team will be coached this season by Dejan Kreclovic who replaces Carl Mbassa who moved to USC Heidelberg as an assistant coach. Kreclovic is a coach that has sufficient international experience as he has coached teams like ASC Mainz, UBSC Graz and teams in Iran like Shahrekord Basketball and Melli Haffari Ahvaz. "I am very happy that the team has given me the chance to work here", stated Dejan Kreclovic . ""Dejan Kreclovic guarantees us a lot of expertise", stressed BIS Baskets sport manager Gerd Kopf. He was German Regionalliga (South-West North Group) Champion in 2006 with ASC Theresianum Mainz (Regionalliga).

Source: BIS Baskets Speyer


*****************************************************
  GREECE   


Maric: all you can do is keep working hard - by Kostas Papadopoulos

Already with the responsibility of being Australia's key big man in London next month, Aleks Maric (211-C-84, college: Nebraska) has even more reason to help the Boomers in their quest to claim their first Olympic medal.
The Sydney-born Aleks Maric, who has played the past five years in Europe, including the past two with prominent Greek club Panathinaikos, has revealed at The Sydney Morning Herald, an Australian newspaper, that he was recently interviewed by four NBA clubs. He also spoke about this seasons experience at Panathinaikos.
He worked out for the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors and spoke with Houston, having been unable to take to the court in front of Rockets coach Kevin McHale because of scheduling issues.
Aleks Maric, 27, who only took up the sport at 16, said the workouts had gone ''very well'' as he attempts to join fellow Australians Bogut and Mills in the world's premier basketball competition. He knows a strong Olympic campaign will strengthen his hopes.
''I don't want to hold my breath, but I did my best,'' Aleks Maric said after Boomers training yesterday. ''A good Olympics will boost that, but I just want to play good for the team, for my country, and whatever happens after that, happens.''
Boomers coach Brown, also a senior assistant with the San Antonio Spurs, said Aleks Maric, at 211 centimetres and 125 kilograms, had the size and strength to compete in the NBA. But he needed to improve poor career 63 per cent shooting from the free-throw line.
''I think his game is fine the way it is. I think he needs to become a more reliable free-throw shooter but, as far as a physical presence, he has that. He is a great person, a great teammate,'' he said.
Aleks Maric's hopes of impressing have been restricted with Panathinaikos in the past two seasons.
He has averaged only seven minutes and fewer than four points per game in each season, having been forced to sit amid suggestions his coach had been under pressure to play local talent.
Needless to say, it was a frustrating time, particularly as he had been named on the All-Euroleague first team in 2010 when he averaged 14.6 points and 8.4 rebounds over 25 minutes a game while playing with former club Partizan Belgrade. He also helped Partizan claim the Serbian national cup and the Adriatic Championship.
''It's frustrating at times but you just have to respect the coach's decision. Obviously, when I do get a chance, I show what I can do,'' Aleks Maric said. ''As a player, all you can do is keep working hard and when the coach gives you an opportunity, you take full advantage of it.''
Nonetheless, it's not a season he will forget in a hurry. Aleks Maric posted a series of photos on Twitter when the team bus was pelted with rocks by fans of rival club Olympiakos during the championship series and two teammates were injured and hospitalised.
While such passion, or stupidity, is rare in Australia, Aleks Maric said there were often ''incidents'' in Greece.
''The kind of rivalry you have between the clubs, you expect that. It's nothing new. It's unfortunate but it's true,'' he said.
As Aleks Maric has Serbian citizenship, some time ago that country had been keen to welcome him into the fold but that move was disallowed by FIBA, the sport's governing body, as he had represented Australia at junior levels.
''They tried to get me to play for them, but I was pushing for the Australian side. I was born here, raised here, I am happy where I am. I don't want to go anywhere,'' he said.
The Boomers are more than happy about that, particularly as Aleks Maric will be the man in the middle in the absence of the injured Bogut.

''There is a physical presence that Al brings to the table. He is a veteran, he is a man, he is experienced, he has played against all these guys at high levels over the past few years,'' Brown said.
''He is extremely important and, at this stage, he is our starting centre.''
That importance will be shown in the three-match series against Greece, ranked fourth in the world, beginning on Sunday.
The Olympic squads for the Boomers and Opals will be unveiled tomorrow.
Courtesy of The Sydney Morning Herald


Coach Priftis join forces with Ikaros Kallitheas - by Chris Mammides

A great transfer took place earlier today as the talented and successful Greek Head Coach Dimitris Priftis agreed financial terms with one of the most promising teams for the new season, Ikaros Kallitheas. The president of the team Mr. Angelopoulos wanted the young Head Coach very much and this wish became true today. Coach Priftis has a solid profile and is quite well known for his tactics, his hard work and his success in selecting players which are much better than their budgets. Is been said that is because of his work in Kavala that Panathinaikos lost this season's league after 13 years as Kavala was actually the team to beat Panathinaikos and cut his chances of reaching the top place of the regular season to gain the full home court advantage. Of course all these are simply theories, the truth is that Coach Priftis did a very good job in Kavala these two seasons and that was his "ticket" to take over Ikaros Kallitheas.

Ikaros Kallitheas is a club which is a 100% focused on Basketball and just few weeks ago absorb the Women's team of Ravenna Esperides / Glyfada to rename them to Ikaros Kallitheas and take over the total management. Furthermore, Ikaros is among the few teams in the Greek league which is investing a lot in the young ages and is managing a great basketball academy with great kids who some of them are joining the youth National teams, moreover is among the few teams that with the correct scouting is signing from time to time young prospects from oversees


*****************************************************
  IBA   

Standings

IBA Standings
 1. Kankakee S. 13-3 
 2. L.Angeles L. 10-3 
 3. Chicago R. 10-5 
 4. Albany L. 9-5 
 5. Gary Splash 9-6 
 6. Lansing C. 8-7 
 7. Kenosha B. 7-8 
 8. Lake County S. 5-10 
 9. Battle Creek K. 3-11 
 10. St.Louis T. 1-0 
 11. Springfield E. 1-11 
 12. Malibu P. 0-2 
 13. Las Vegas HD 0-2 

Regular Season: Round 28

Jun. 18: Lansing C. - Albany L. 147-132
Jun. 19: Battle Creek K. - Albany L. 119-108
Jun. 20: Battle Creek K. - Albany L.



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


Portland's David Lucas Picks Up Player of the Week Award - by Kip Leonetti

Veteran International Basketball League forward David Lucas (6'8''-F-82, college: Oregon St.) of the Portland Chinooks has been selected as the leagues Player of the Week for the ninth week of the 2012 regular season following a big offensive outburst last weekend.

Lucas scored 55 points in a 158-110 victory over the Nippon Tornadoes on Sunday to lift the Chinooks to a 10-4 record on the season, good for first place in the IBLs Continental Conference standings. Lucas has helped the Chinooks win five games in a row and nine of its last ten, and is currently averaging nearly 27 points per game on the season.

The 6-foot-9 Lucas, son of the late Maurice Lucas of Portland Trailblazers fame, has been a fixture in the IBL since 2007. His longevity in the league has placed him fourth on the leagues all-time scoring list with 1,966 points, and second among active players behind Bellingham Slam guard Jacob Stevenson. Thats not bad for a player who walked on to Oregon States basketball team in 2001 before eventually becoming a two-time Pac-10 all-conference player as a junior and senior for the Beavers.

Following college, Lucas has played much of his professional career with the Chinooks. Team owner Terry Emmert is close with Lucas and the family, ''His father and I were close, we took vacations together and I have known David since he was a little guy,'' Emmert shared.

''Now he is a big guy performing well for us because he has a tremendous feel for the basket, ability to get that shot in and can shoot from outside, inside as an all around offensive player; he could work on his defence and take more charges,'' Emmert chuckles.

''Great genes help from his father, who had a great pride in David which I share. It was hard losing a very close friend in Maruice and David losing his father, he is a fantastic son and he is making his father and I very proud. He is not only a talented player, but a great young man. As a veteran he supports the team, is a conscious player with a calm authority whos presence is felt which brings a great strength to our team. We share the same attitude, we dont like to lose, at all,'' said Emmert.

Lucas remains grateful to his father as being the reason for his success, stating, ''If it wasn't for my father not pushing me, and making me love basketball on my own, I don't know where I'd be today.''

''I always try to make my dad proud. I knew growing up I would never be like my dad but I wanted to be the closest thing to it,'' said Lucas.

Off the court, Lucas is the founder and executive director of the Maurice Lucas Foundation, an organization which aims to empower Portlands youth with opportunities for positive developmental growth through sport. The Foundation will be hosting its second annual Maurice Lucas Foundation Dinner and Auction at the Nike Center on Saturday, September 8.

Following his collegiate career, Lucas played professionally in Europe in Portugal and Poland before returning to the Portland area.

At age 30, Lucas no longer has aspirations of heading overseas, simply playing for the love of the game and to help his younger teammates.

''I just do it for the love of the game, because I enjoy it. My role is to score when Im in the game and be a leader and make it fun for the guys,'' Lucas concluded.

The selection is the first for a player from the Chinooks this season. The team is currently ranked one game ahead of second-place Vancouver with four games remaining in the regular season.


IBL Game Summaries: June 14-17 - by Kip Leonetti

Nippon Tornadoes 109 at Olympia Reign 132
Despite an outstanding performance from center Joe Wolfinger, the Nippon Tornadoes fell to the Olympia Reign on Thursday, 132-109. Wolfinger, who played at the University of Washington, scored 41 points and added 35 rebounds for one of the best performances of the IBL season. For the Reign, Marcus Whittaker, Michael Ward , and Nathan Menefee all scored over 20 points while Brandon Adams added a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. The Reign made 18 three pointers out of their 49 attempts and held the Tornadoes to only 34 percent shooting for the game.

Vancouver Volcanoes 119 at Salem Soldiers 149
The Salem Soldiers exploded for 70 points in the fourth quarter of their game Friday night to beat the 2011 IBL Champion Volcanoes 149-119 for the second time this season. The Soldiers actually headed into the fourth down 3 points, but were lights out in the final period outscoring Vancouver 70-37. Eight players scored in double figures for Salem including Dane Johnson who had 15 points and 18 assists. Vancouver was led by Andre Murray's 24 points but as a team they were outscored from the three-point line 75-24, making a huge difference in the game. Vancouver fell to 8-5 with the loss but will get a chance at a rematch on July 1 in their final regular season game, which will also feature the teams annual Fan Fest BBQ at Clark College.

Nippon Tornadoes 132 at Yamhill Highflyers 127
The visiting Nippon Torndoes got their first win of the season, taking out Yamhill 132-127. Joe Wolfinger had another outstanding performance perhaps outdoing his game on Thursday with 53 points and 30 rebounds to help the traveling team from Japan get the win; Jordan Mast added 30 points himself. Jason Hartford of Yamhill scored 36 points but struggled from behind the arc (1-11) as did the rest of the Highflyers who finished at 23 percent for the game. Yamhill is now 0-3 and will look for their first win of the season on June 22 against Bellingham at Linfield College.

Oregon Waves 152 at Salem Soldiers 191
The Soldiers continued their hot streak by beating the visiting Oregon Waves 191-152. Salem got their points from a variety of places with four players scoring over 25 including 2-time IBL Player of the Week Chehales Tapscott (33) and Phil Nelson (35). Dane Johnson had another strong game facilitating adding 21 assists to his 15 points. Jourdan Sweeney of the Waves scored 48 points (22-34 FGs) but the Wave defense was could not contain the Soldiers. Salem has now won three games in a row including last week against league-leading Bellingham and has moved to 6-8 on the season as they look to make a strong push toward the playoffs.

Nippon Tornadoes 110 at Portland Chinooks 158
David Lucas poured in a game-high 55 points to help the Portland Chinooks take out the Nippon Tornadoes 158-110 on Sunday. Lucas shot 26-for-37 including five three-pointers. The Chinooks also got a big performance from Everett Spencer who had 34 points and 14 rebounds. Joe Wolfinger finished off his strong week with 41 points but the Tornadoes were playing for the third time in four days and just couldnt handle Lucas, the former star at Oregon State University and reigning IBL Player of the Week.


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


Janar Talts continue with Varese - by Eurobasket News

Janar Talts (206-C-83) continue with Varese for the next season. According to Ufficio Stampa Pallacanestro Varese via sportando.net the big man inks for one season with an option for a second one
Last year Varese strengthened their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Janar Talts. The Estonian player earlier released by Krasnye Krylia Samara. The 27-year-old Estonian centre signed with Krasnye Krylia back in December 2010. He tallied 0.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in Russian PBL. Janar Talts started the season in TU/Rock. His stats read 13.7 points and 6.0 boards per game in EuroChallenge. In EMKL the centre posted 12.7 points, 5.6 boards per appearance. In Baltic League he tallied 15.5 points, 6.9 boards and 1.7 assists. Janar Talts is the member of Estonian NT.
Last year for Cimberio Varese (Italy-SerieA) he averaged 5.1ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP-2 (69.0%), 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 54.3%.


Ebi Ere joins Cimberio Varese - by Antonello Varallo

Cimberio Varese announced the agreement with Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma) . The athletic swingman from Tulsa is not a new face for Italian Leagues, having played two seasons ago with Caserta (15.1 ppg in 38 games). Ere spent last season with Obradoiro CAB (Spain-ACB), where he averaged 8.1 ppg in 34 games, with a season high of 18 points scored twice, the first time in the opening game of the Spanish League and the second against Barcelona. Ere also played in Germany, Belgium and Australia, where he was the top scorer of NBL in 2007-2008 with Brisbane Bullets (27.1 ppg)


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


Centrobasket 2012: Jamaica improved to 2-0 record in Group B - by Eurobasket News

Virgin Islands- Jamaica 64:80

Jamaica improved to 2-0 record in Group B at 2012 Centrobasket. The team overcame Virgin Islands 80:64 in Day 2 for a perfect record.
Both teams nailed 16 points each in the first period. Virgin Islands dominated the second quarter and grabbed 3-point lead at the halftime due to 18-15 in it. Jamaica faithful were probably hoping it was just a nightmare quarter but it ended up being a nightmare half as things went from bad to worse. In the third period Jamaica erupted with 28-13 surge and took the lead for good. They added 21-17 in the last stanza to taste the second straight victory.
Akeem Scott (186-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Samardo Samuels (206-F/C-89, college: Louisville) nailed 20. Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86, college: Providence) collected 17, while Patrick Ewing Jr. (203-F-84, college: Georgetown) nailed 10. Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida) replied with 20 points in the losing case and Ivan Aska (200-F-90) scored 11.

Virgin Islands: Walter Hodge 20, Ivan Aska 11
Jamaica: Akeem Scott 23, Samardo Samuels 20, Oritseweyinmi Efejuku 17, Patrick Ewing Jr. 10


*****************************************************
  JAPAN   

BJ League Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Michael PARKER
  Shimane SM
  (202-F-81)
  Avg: 22.9
 1. Parker, Shimane SM22.9 
 2. Palmer, Fukuoka21.9 
 3. Hargrow, Chiba J.21.6 
 4. Staten, Chiba Jets21.2 
 5. Cummings, Oita H.21.1 
 6. Woods, Akita NH20.4 
 7. Flowers, Saitama19.4 
 8. Burrell, Yokohama.18.8 
 9. White, Oita H.18.6 
 10. Raivio, Shinshu BW18.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Chris HOLM
  Niigata Albirex
  (212-C/F-84)
  Avg: 14.2
 1. Holm, Niigata Albi.14.2 
 2. Hamilton, Fukuok.11.4 
 3. Staten, Chiba Jets11.0 
 4. Rickert, Kyoto H.10.9 
 5. Searcy, Toyama G.10.8 
 6. Malloy, Iwate B.10.5 
 7. Mims, Sendai 89ers10.4 
 8. Roberts, Shins.10.2 
 9. Burrell, Yokohama.10.1 
 10. Bell, Osaka Eves.10.0 
Assists Per Game
 Kenny SATTERFIELD
  Saitam.
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 6.7
 1. Satterfield, Saita.6.7 
 2. Takushi, Oita H.5.9 
 3. Gardener, Akita NH5.6 
 4. Dixon, Hamamats.5.5 
 5. Shimura, Sendai5.2 
 6. Yamamoto, Shima.4.8 
 7. Dukes, Sendai 89e.4.6 
 8. Yamamoto, Iwate B.4.5 
 9. Staten, Chiba Jets4.4 
 10. Namizato, Okina.4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Jamel STATEN
  Chiba Jets
  (198-G-83)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Staten, Chiba Jets2.8 
 2. Palmer, Fukuoka2.7 
 3. Parker, Shimane SM2.3 
 4. Smith, Takamats.2.1 
 5. Humphrey, Saitama2.0 
 6. Lyons, Miyazaki SS2.0 
 7. Dixon, Hamamats.1.8 
 8. Klaiber, Iwate B.1.8 
 9. Joho, Toyama G.1.7 
 10. Arnold, Hamamats.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Jeral DAVIS
  Shimane SM
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Davis, Shimane SM3.8 
 2. Blackledge, Osaka3.0 
 3. Singleton, Sendai2.9 
 4. Broxsie, Chiba Jets2.5 
 5. Blackledge, Hamama.2.1 
 6. Hughes, Shinshu BW1.6 
 7. Mims, Sendai 89ers1.6 
 8. Marshall, Osaka E.1.5 
 9. Moliva, Chiba Jets1.3 
 10. McHenry, Okina.1.3 



*****************************************************
  JORDAN   


ASU to start talks with Baldwin - by Mohammed Malas

ASU Sports Club management are looking to start negotiations with Jordan NT head coach Thomas Baldwin through his agent to take over the team next season.

Bosnian head coach Alen Abaz in the addition of a serbian one are still options for ASU as the final decision to be decided soon.

In a related issue, ASU Sports Club president Dr. Haitham Abu Khadeejah spoke to Al Rai Newspaper about his wishes to have the services of the NT stars Osama Daghles (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.), Enver Soobzokov (201-G/F-78, college: CS San Bernar.), Ayman Idais (205-C-78, agency: Court Side) and Zaid Abbas (203-F-83) to strengthen the roster of his team and his affiliates Al Ittihad Schools who gained promotion from the First Division.

Abu Khadeejah is looking to a near decision from the Jordanian Basketball Federation to allow teams to have imports in the next Premier League season.


*****************************************************
  MEXICO   

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Devon PEARSON
  Los M.
  (198-F-84)
  Avg: 27.2
 1. Pearson, Los M.27.2 
 2. Reese, Tepic24.4 
 3. Thomas, Cananea22.6 
 4. Scott, Los Mochis22.4 
 5. McCullough, Nogales22.3 
 6. Robinson, Culiacan22.1 
 7. Alexander, Cananea21.8 
 8. Carter, Guasave20.4 
 9. Selleaze, Navolato20.3 
 10. Hornsby, Tijuana20.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Deangelo RILEY
  Tepic
  (205-C-)
  Avg: 11.2
 1. Riley, Tepic11.2 
 2. Pearson, Los M.10.2 
 3. Alexander, Cananea10.1 
 4. Selleaze, Navolato8.4 
 5. Sanders-F., Nogales8.2 
 6. Scott, Los Mochis8.0 
 7. Robinson, Culiacan7.8 
 8. Moore, Navolato7.6 
 9. Habel, Guaymas7.4 
 10. Strobbe, Nogales7.4 
Assists Per Game
 William FUNN
  Los Mochis
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Funn, Los Mochis9.4 
 2. Allen, Guaymas7.1 
 3. Taylor, Los Mochis5.8 
 4. Monreal, Hermosillo5.8 
 5. Hornsby, Tijuana4.6 
 6. Harris, Cananea4.6 
 7. Riley, Tepic4.1 
 8. Pulido, Culiacan3.9 
 9. Nungaray, Guaymas3.9 
 10. Quintero, Tijuana3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Brian HAMILTON
  Hermosillo
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Hamilton, Hermosil.1.9 
 2. George, Nogales1.8 
 3. Gibson, Navolato1.6 
 4. Riley, Tepic1.5 
 5. Hornsby, Tijuana1.5 
 6. Monreal, Hermosillo1.5 
 7. Thomas, Cananea1.4 
 8. Carter, Guasave1.3 
 9. Toussaint, Los M.1.3 
 10. Buelna, Guasave1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Deangelo RILEY
  Tepic
  (205-C-)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Riley, Tepic3.5 
 2. Habel, Guaymas1.4 
 3. Zamora, Culiacan1.3 
 4. Wiley, Los Mochis1.0 
 5. Young, Tepic0.9 
 6. Alexander, Cananea0.9 
 7. Scott, Los Mochis0.8 
 8. Robinson, Culiacan0.8 
 9. Davis, Nogales0.8 
 10. Tate, Tijuana0.7 


Mexico defeat Colombia in Sao Sebastian - by Eurobasket News

Mexico U18 - Colombia U18 85:82

Mexico registered victory over Colombia in the classification round of U18 Fiba Americas Championship. They will now take on Puerto Rico for the fifth place. Colombia will face Virgin Islands in the 7th-8th place game.
Colombia gained a 21:17 lead ten minutes into the game. They maintained it throughout the second quarter. Colombia enjoyed a 44:39 halftime lead. Mexico however cut the deficit in the third term. They got within a single point at the final intermission 63:64. Mexico pulled their noses in front in the final quarter and they managed to protect a narrow lead to escape with the win at the end. Jose Estrada (190-G-94) accounted for 21 points for Mexico. Abel Miranda (94) added 13 points for the winners. Tony Trocha (206-C/F-94) answered with 23 points and 10 rebounds for Colombia. Brian Angola (195-F-94) netted 18 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and issued 5 assists in the loss.

Mexico U18: Jose Estrada 21, Abel Miranda 13, Kevin Arias (94) 11, Kevin Lagunas (94) 11
Colombia U18: Tony Trocha 23+10 boards, Brian Angola 18


Centrobasket 2012: Dominican Republic open the campaign with the win - by Eurobasket News

Dominican Republic-Mexico 85:67

Dominican Republic open the campaign with the win over Mexico. Dominican Republic celebrated a 85:67 victory in Day 2, while Mexico fell at 1-1.
There was little to separate the teams during the initial exchanges. Mexico however started better and took 23:16 after the opening period. Dominican Republic meanwhile replied with 26-17 in the second frame and took 42:40 at the halftime. Later on they dominated the game in the court. For every bit as tired, lethargic and lacklustre Mexico looked, Dominican Republic were quite brilliant and it was their defence as well as offence which stood out. Dominican Republic won the third period 21-14 and added 22-13 in the last quarter.
Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) stepped up with 24 points for the winners, while Martinez Yack collected 18 points and 13 rebounds. Eulis Baez (201-F-82, college: W.Illinois) had 16 points and 10 boards and Juan Coronado (196-G-83) had 12. Victor Mariscal (198-F-72) posted 17 points in defeat and Paul Stoll (178-PG-85) added 13.

Dominican Republic: Alfred Horford 24, Martinez Yack 18+13 rebs, Eulis Baez 16+10 rebs, Juan Coronado 12
Mexico: Victor Mariscal 17, Paul Stoll 13


CIBACOPA Round 6 of Finals: Guaymas force the decider - by Eurobasket News

Hermosillo - Guaymas 92-94 OT

Guaymas force the decider as they tied the Final series at 3-3. The guests were tied at the half and again at the end of regular time. But they managed to win overtime period 11-9. Ostioneros de Guaymas dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to Rayos de Hermosillo's 50. The best player for the winners was American point guard Myron Allen (182-79, college: Lee JC) who scored 28 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international guard Anthony Pedroza (191-79, college: Oregon, agency: Edge Sports) chipped in 19 points and 8 rebounds. Ostioneros de Guaymas' coach LaSelle Taylor used entire bench in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Brian Hamilton (198-82, college: La-Lafayette) who recorded 23 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals and his fellow American import forward Emmanuel Little (196-85, college: N.Dakota) added 20 points and 10 rebounds respectively. Four Ostioneros de Guaymas and five Rayos de Hermosillo players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Hermosillo: B.Hamilton 23+8reb+5ast, E.Little 20+10reb+3ast, A.Izaguirre 13+2reb+4ast, P.Sanders 12+4reb, J.Manuel Esteva 12+7reb+2ast, J.Camacho 10+7reb+2ast
Guaymas: M.Allen 28+5reb+4ast, A.Pedroza 19+8reb+2ast, J.Habel 18+8reb, H.Johnson 13+4reb+1ast, H.Carrillo 7+6reb+1ast, F.Benitez 4+3reb
gschID: 177753



*****************************************************
  MONTENEGRO   


Bojan Dubjevic joined Valencia Basket (ACB) - by Darko Pekic

Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket), who was voted Eurobasket.com Player of the Year signed a three year contract with Valencia, one of the best clubs in the strongest league outside the American continent- ACB. After a great season with Buducnost (averaged 11.5 ppg and 5.7 rpg in Eurocup), Dubljevic decided to move forward and join the club coached by Velimir Perasovic (agency: Interperformances ).

The 205cm big man is a regular member of Montenegrin National Team and one of the biggest hopes of Montenegrin basketball in the last decade.


Montenegrin National Team candidates for European Championship qualifications announced - by Darko Pekic

Luka Pavicevic (agency: Beo Basket ), the new head coach of Montenegrin National Team announced yesterday the list with 20 candidates to make the team for Qualification Tournament which will start in August. Here are the names:

Point guards

Nikola Ivanovic (187-G-94, agency: Beo Basket)
Taylor Rochestie (185-PG-85, college: Washington St.)
Brion Rush (186-G-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: Grambling St.)
Ivan Koljevic (185-G-84, agency: New Trend Agency)

Guards

Suad Sehovic (197-G/F-87, agency: Ultimate Sports Agency)
Boris Bakic (194-G-86, agency: Beo Basket)
Vladimir Mihailovic (193-G-90)
Ivan Jelenic (190-SG-85, agency: BeoExcell)

Forwards

Milos Borisov (201-F-85)
Sead Sehovic (199-F-89, agency: Ultimate Sports Agency)
Aleksa Popovic (201-G/F-87)
Marko Popovic (200-F-85)

Power forwards

Vladimir Dasic (206-F-88, agency: Beo Basket)
Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86)
Ivan Maras (208-C/F-86, agency: Beo Basket)

Centers

Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket)
Nikola Vucevic (208-F-90, college: USC)
Milko Bjelica (207-C-84, agency: Beo Basket)
Blagota Sekulic (208-F/C-82, agency: FCM)
Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket)


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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-G-78)
  Avg: 28.2
 1. Bryant, LA Lakers28.2 
 2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.28.1 
 3. James, Miami Heat28.0 
 4. Love, Minnesota T.26.0 
 5. Westbrook, Oklah..23.5 
 6. Anthony, New Y.23.1 
 7. Wade, Miami Heat22.4 
 8. Nowitzki, Dallas M.22.0 
 9. Rose, Chicago B.21.9 
 10. Aldridge, Portlan.21.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 14.5
 1. Howard, Orlando M.14.5 
 2. Love, Minnesota T.13.4 
 3. Bynum, LA Lakers11.7 
 4. Humphries, New J.11.0 
 5. Cousins, Sacramen.11.0 
 6. Griffin, LA Clipp.10.3 
 7. Gasol, LA Lakers10.3 
 8. Gortat, Phoenix10.0 
 9. Smith, Atlanta H.9.9 
 10. Noah, Chicago B.9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 11.8
 1. Rondo, Boston C.11.8 
 2. Nash, Phoenix Suns10.7 
 3. Paul, LA Clippers8.9 
 4. Calderon, Toron.8.8 
 5. Williams, New J.8.7 
 6. Rubio, Minnesot.8.2 
 7. Wall, Washington W.8.0 
 8. Rose, Chicago B.7.9 
 9. Parker, San A.7.5 
 10. Conley, Memphis G.6.7 
Steals Per Game
 Chris PAUL
  LA Clippers
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Paul, LA Clippers2.5 
 2. Rubio, Minnesot.2.2 
 3. Conley, Memphis G.2.1 
 4. Rondo, Boston C.1.9 
 5. James, Miami Heat1.9 
 6. Kidd, Dallas M.1.8 
 7. Millsap, Utah Jazz1.8 
 8. Shumpert, New Y.1.7 
 9. Allen, Memphis G.1.7 
 10. Westbrook, Oklah..1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Serge IBAKA
  Oklah.Ci.
  (208-C/F-89)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.3.5 
 2. McGee, Washingt.2.5 
 3. Howard, Orlando M.2.1 
 4. Bynum, LA Lakers2.1 
 5. Hibbert, Indiana P.2.1 
 6. Jordan, LA Clippers2.0 
 7. McGee, Denver N.2.0 
 8. Gasol, Memphis G.1.9 
 9. Biyombo, Charlott.1.8 
 10. Udoh, Golde S.1.7 



*****************************************************
  NCAA1   


USA leave no chance for Argentina in Sao Sebastian - by Eurobasket News

USA U18 - Argentina U18 107:72

USA advanced into the title game at the U18 Fiba Americas Championship. They fired past Argentina to post the fourth straight win at the tournament. Seven US player scored in double figures in the victory. Julius Randle (6'8''-F-94) posted 15 points in the winning effort.
USA set the tone early in the game. They erupted for 29 points in the opening ten minutes to take a 12-point lead. USA maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They posted a 53:38 halftime lead. USA dominated after the big break. They ensured a 23-point lead with one quarter to go. The North American team did not slow down in the final quarter and rallied to a comprehensive win at the end. Rasheed Sulaimon (6'4''-G-94) notched 14 points, while Shaquille Goodwin (6'8''-F-94) added 13 points in the victory. Ignacio Moreno (6'6''-F-94) answered with 15 points for Argentina. Pedro Barral (6'0''-PG-94) and Gabriel Deck (6'7''-F/C-95) had 11 points apiece in the loss.

USA U18: Julius Randle 15, Rasheed Sulaimon 14, Shaquille Goodwin 13
Argentina U18: Ignacio Moreno 15, Pedro Barral 11, Gabriel Deck 11


*****************************************************
  NCAA2   


Central Washington Adds JC Transfer - by Sanjey Noriega

From: wildcatsports.com

The Central Washington University mens basketball team has announced the signing of Tacoma Community College transfer Nate Walker to its 2012-13 roster, joining TCC teammate Dominique Williams, who signed with the Wildcats last week.

Nate is a very versatile and competitive winner who has the ability to defend and rebound effectively for us while playing multiple positions, said CWU head coach Greg Sparling . He is also extremely efficient offensively, having shot 60 percent from the field last season.

Walker is a 6-foot-5 forward who prepped at Foss High School in Tacoma prior to TCC. In two seasons with the Titans, he averaged 15 points per game and over eight rebounds while shooting 60 percent from the field as a sophomore. He transfers to CWU as a junior with two years of eligibility remaing.

Walker had 10 double-doubles this past season for TCC, highlighted by a 31-point, 10-rebound performance against Pierce College when he made 12 of 15 shot attempts. He also scored 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds on 83 percent shooting in the Titans' victory over Chemeketa Community College for the 2012 Northwest Athletic Association of Community Coilleges (NWAACC) championship game in March.

Nate is a tough kid and brings a great deal of toughness to Central, said former CWU assistant and current TCC head coach Carl Howell . He is a great rebounder on both ends and can score effectively inside 17 feet.

With the signing of Walker, the projected 2012-13 roster currently features seven players who played at TCC prior to joining Cent.Washington.



*****************************************************
  NICARAGUA   


Centrobasket 2012: Cuba spoiled Nicaraguas opener - by Eurobasket News

Nicaragua-Cuba 47:80

Cuba spoiled Nicaraguas opener at the 2012 Centrobasket. Cuba improved to 1-1 record after 80:47 win in Day 2.
Cuba started with 18:12 in the opening period and never looked behind after. The winners added massive 24-8 in the second period for 42:20 at the halftime. Moreover Cuba produced a 19-14 surge in the third frame and did not even think of slowing down. They finished the game with 19-13 in the last period to seal the victory.
Tomorrow Nicaragua will face Puerto Rico, while Cuba will have a day-off.
Lisvan Valdez (195-G/F-88) erupted with 34 points and 11 rebounds, while Yoannis Soria (196-G/F-86) netted 15. Orestes Torres (203-C-87) delivered 10 and Rodriguez Yaser scored 8. Vansdell Thomas (179-G-86) finished the game with 9 points in defeat and Windell Sloan (195-F/C-87) notched 8.

Nicaragua: Vansdell Thomas 9, Windell Sloan 8
Cuba: Lisvan Valdez 34+11 rebs, Yoannis Soria 15, Orestes Torres 10, Rodriguez Yaser 8


*****************************************************
  PARAGUAY   


South American Championship: Paraguay post first win in Chaco - by Eurobasket News

Paraguay - Bolivia 81:62

Paraguay opened win count at the South American Championship in Argentina. They toppled Bolivia in Group B yesterday. Federico Mellone (193-F/G-85) stepped up with 15 points to pace the winners.
Bolivia enjoyed a slightly better start to the game. They registered a 17:'15 lead ten minutes into the encounter. However Paraguay bounced back in style. They exploded with a 34:12 run in the second term to establish a 49:29 halftime advantage. Paraguay stretched the lead in the third quarter. They arrived at the final intermission up by 24 points and never looked back en route to the win. Carlos Jorge Riveros (189-G-85) provided 13 points, while Diego Bareiro (195-F/C-91) finished with 12 points for the winners. Christian Camargo (F-92) answered with 16 points and 8 rebounds for Bolivia. Julio Mendoza (PG) netted 12 points in the losing case.

Paraguay: Federico Mellone 15, Carlos Jorge Riveros 13, Diego Bareiro 12
Bolivia: Christian Camargo 16, Julio Mendoza 12


*****************************************************
  PHILIPPINES   


2012 PBA Governors Cup Roundup: June 20, 2012 - by Enzo Flojo

MERALCO BOLTS over AIR21 EXPRESS, 106-77
Mario West pumped in 34 points, alongside seven rebounds and seven steals, in an all-around performance that sparked Meralcos 106-77 beating of Air 21 in the PBA Governors Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.

It was the third win in seven games for the Bolts, who needed to sweep their remaining games to avoid complications of making it to the semifinal round.

For Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio, a sweep is the only way to get them to the next level.

The goal is to have clear passage to the semis, so sweep is required, said Gregorio. Its a daunting task, but workable. Weve been in this situation before, now we have to give ourselves a chance.

The match was all over right from the opening period.

A dizzying 21-0 run by the Bolts shoved Meralcos lead to 19, 25-6, 2:52 left in the first period.

There was no looking back from the Bolts who remained in eight place but managed to close in on teams from fifth to seventh places.

MER 106- West 34, Cardona 15, Taulava 11, Mercado 9, Macapagal 9, Bulawan 6, Reyes 6, Hugnatan 6, Ross 5, Yee 3, Aljamal 2, Ballesteros 0, Daa 0, Artadi 0.
A21 77- Graham 36, Ritualo 12, Isip 10, Arboleda 6, Omolon 5, Sena 2, Espiritu 2, Menor 2, Faundo 2, Bagatsing 0, Salamat 0, Sison 0, Escobal 0, Hubalde 0.
QS: 34-12, 64-35, 82-62, 106-77

TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS over BARAKO BULL ENERGY, 109-89
Slowly but surely, Talk N Text is getting back to championship form.

The Tropang Texters blew past Barako Bull, 109-89, in the PBA Governors Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.

Jayson Castro came off the bench and finished with 23 points, including three triples. Paul Harris contributed 21 points and 12 rebounds while Larry Fonacier played his most productive game of the conference as the Tropang Texters notched their first back-to-back wins in the tournament.

I think we played much better today, said Talk N Text coach Chot Reyes. We played 48 minutes of good basketball. Last game against Alaska, we played good for 40 minutes but we screwed up in the last eight minutes.

The long layoff also gave us a chance to practice more and develop team chemistry, but this will be a long climb for us. What we attained tonight is make it to the .500 mark, he added.

Ranidel de Ocampo chipped in 11 points while Ali Peek had 10 points and eight boards.

Even Japeth Aguilar had a steady game on Wednesday, finishing with eight points and 11 rebounds in what was easily his most impressive game in a long while.

TNT 109- Castro 23, Harris 21, Fonacier 20, De Ocampo 11, Peek 10, Aguilar 8, Aban 7, Alapag 5, Williams 4, Gamalinda 0.
BAR 89- Miller 25, Hickerson 20, Seigle 18, Tubid 9, Allado 6, Kramer 5, Najorda 4, Cruz 2, Vergara 0, Sharma 0.
QS: 31-23, 59-45, 85-72, 109-89

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



*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO   

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game
 Al THORNTON
  Guayama
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 25.3
 1. Thornton, Guayama25.3 
 2. Sensley, Humacao19.7 
 3. Randolph, Quebradi.19.4 
 4. Harris, San German19.1 
 5. Diogu, Arecibo18.1 
 6. Brown, Humacao18.0 
 7. Ayuso, Arecibo17.2 
 8. Dalmau, Bayamon17.1 
 9. Ramos, Quebradillas17.1 
 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 German10.3 
 3. Diogu, Arecibo9.9 
 4. Lloreda, San G.9.6 
 5. Thornton, Guayama9.2 
 6. Powell, Guayama9.2 
 7. Sensley, Humacao9.0 
 8. Ramos, Quebradillas8.8 
 9. Burgess, Guaynabo8.4 
 10. Shannon, Quebradi.8.1 
Assists Per Game
 Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Arecibo
  (184-PG-81)
  Avg: 7.3
 1. Rodriguez, Arecibo7.3 
 2. Rivera, San German5.7 
 3. Guzman, Guaynabo5.4 
 4. Garcia, Humacao5.2 
 5. Smith, Mayaguez5.1 
 6. Pagan, Guayama5.0 
 7. Butler, Quebradill.4.8 
 8. Dalmau, Bayamon4.1 
 9. Pinnock, Arecibo3.8 
 10. Brown, Humacao3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Donta SMITH
  Mayaguez
  (201-G-83)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Smith, Mayaguez1.9 
 2. Rodriguez, Arecibo1.8 
 3. Mojica, Bayamon1.7 
 4. Hamilton, Mayaguez1.6 
 5. Pinnock, Arecibo1.5 
 6. Dalmau, Bayamon1.5 
 7. Sensley, Humacao1.3 
 8. Thornton, Guayama1.3 
 9. Rivera, San German1.3 
 10. Figueroa, Guayna.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Mamadou LAMIZANA
  Bayamon
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Lamizana, Bayamon2.4 
 2. Aubry, Arecibo1.8 
 3. Penn, Humacao1.8 
 4. Shannon, Quebradil.1.6 
 5. Thornton, Guayama1.6 
 6. Looby, Bayamon1.6 
 7. O''Bryant, Mayaguez1.6 
 8. Burgess, Guaynabo1.4 
 9. Randolph, Quebradi.1.3 
 10. Powell, Guayama1.3 


Puerto Rico snatch win over Virgin Islands - by Eurobasket News

Puerto Rico U18 - Virgin Islands U18 71:68

Puerto Rican U18 National Team posted the first win at the Fiba Americas Championship in Sao Bernardo. They held off Virgin Islands in the classification round. Wilfredo Rodriguez (94) scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead the winners. Puerto Rico will now take on Mexico in the fight for the fifth place.
Virgin Islands got to the better start. They established a 19:12 lead at the first intermission. Puerto Rico cut the distance to get within 3 points at the interval 34:37. Puerto Rico surged ahead in the third quarter. They posted a 53:50 lead with ten minutes remaining. The teams went neck and neck throughout the final quarter. Puerto Rico however survived the challenge and eked out the initial win at the end. David Rosado (94) posted 14 points, while Abdiel Badillo (193-F-94) contributed 11 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Khalid Hart (198-SF-95) answered with 26 points for Virgin Islands. Kyle Hodge (193-F) and Rasheed Swanston (196-F-95) netted 10 points each in the loss.

Puerto Rico U18: Wilfredo Rodriguez 17, David Rosado 14, Abdiel Badillo 11+13 boards
Virgin Islands U18: Khalid Hart 26, Kyle Hodge 10, Rasheed Swanston 10


Centrobasket 2012: Puerto Rico close Day 2 successfully - by Eurobasket News

Bahamas- Puerto Rico 71:88

Puerto Rico close Day 2 successfully as they edged Bahamas 88:71. The hosts of Centrobasket 2012 improved to 2-0 record in Group thanks to 88:71 win.
Puerto Rico did not waste time and took 20:11 after the first 10 minutes. In the second period, both teams traded baskets through the early goings of the quarter, but the home side took the ascendency thanks to another 18-16 burst.
In the second half, both sides traded baskets for the majority of the third quarter with Puerto Rico maintaining their advantage at 63:42. They did not mind 25-29 in the last stanza to win the second game.
David Huertas (195-G-87, college: Mississippi) led the way with 21 points and Filiberto Rivera (190-PG-82, college: UTEP) nailed 13. Ricardo Sanchez (212-C-87) finished the night with 11 points, whilst Edwin Ubiles (198-G/F-86, college: Siena) had 10. Marvin Gray (178-G-83) delivered 14 points in the losing case and Gamaliel Rose (193-F, college: Highland CC (IL)) poured in 13. Bennet Davis (206-F-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Northeastern) finished the game with 11 points, while Leon Cooper Jr. (188-G-91) scored 9.

Bahamas: Marvin Gray 14, Gamaliel Rose 13, Bennet Davis 11, Leon Cooper Jr. 9
Puerto Rico: David Huertas 21, Filiberto Rivera 13, Ricardo Sanchez 11, Edwin Ubiles 10


*****************************************************
  RUSSIA   


Voronov resigned with CSKA Moscow - by Eurobasket News

Eugeny Voronov (193-G-86) resigned with CSKA Moscow for the next season. The Russian Guard will enter his second season with the team.
In 2011-2012 he joined CSKA Moscow (PBL) and in VTB League averaged 5.2ppg, 1.5rpg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 47.4%, FT: 66.7%. In Euroleague he showed 1.2ppg, while in Russian League his stats read 4.2ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1spg.
Last year CSKA Moscow announced signing of Russian guard Eugeny Voronov. Two sides penned 1+1 year deal. Eugeny Voronov spent last season with Dynamo Moscow. He shined with 12.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.8 spg for them in 25 PBL games. In EuroChallenge, Eugeny Voronov had 9.5 ppg, 3 rpg and 3.2 apg for 6 games. He joined Dynamo in 2010 from Krasnie Krilya Samara. In the past, Eugeny Voronov also played for Dynamo St. Petersburg and Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu. Last summer with the Russian NT in Turkey, Eugeny Voronov had 5.2 ppg and 2.1 rpg for 9 games. He also has experience from the Russian University NT, U20 and U18 National Teams.


*****************************************************
  SERBIA   


Crvena zvezda Beograd Diva in Eurocup! - by Ivan Milenkovic

After one year absence, Serbia will have team in Eurocup. Crvena zvezda Beograd, despite finishing in 10th position in Adriatic league, received wild card from Euroleague board and will be only Serbian team in Eurocup in 2012/2013 season. 'Red and whites' previously played in this competition in 2009/2010 season when they were eliminated in Last 16 round.

Former Yugoslavia will have 3 teams in Eurocup next season - Buducnost qualified thanks to 4th position in Adriatic league, while Cibona -like Crvena zvezda Diva- received wild card after Siroki decided not to play because of financial problems.


Vlada Jovanovic leaves Partizan! 'Wizard' will be back? - by Ivan Milenkovic

After two years, Partizan and Vladimir Jovanovic terminated their contract! Partizan will have new coach next season and most serious candidate to take this job is legendary Dusko Vujosevic!

Vlada Jovanovic was Dule's assistant coach from 2005 to 2010, when he replaced his teacher who signed for CSKA. During two years as Partizan head coach, Vlada managed to win 5 trophies, but majority of 'black and white' fans were not satisfied with his work.
Partizan won all 4 domestic trophies and Adriatic league in 2011, but failed in Euroleague. In 2010/2011, Vlada Jovanovic qualified for Top 16 phase, but won only one out of 6 games, while 2011/2012 was even worse as best Serbian team didn't qualify for Top 16. Also, Partizan lost easily to Cedevita in semifinals of Adriatic league. 'Black and whites' didn't play well in majority of games and coach's decisions regarding playing time of some players were also under question mark.

Big favourite to replace Vladimir Jovanovic is Dusko Vujosevic. 'Dule' was Euroleague Coach of the Year in 2009 and led Partizan to Euroleague Final Four in 2010. He won numerous trophies, including 4 Adriatic league titles (2007-2010) and 9 Serbian league titles (2002-2010) in a row. His status among Partizan fans is difficult to describe and currently it looks like that 'Wizard' will be back.


*****************************************************
  SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   

Standings

Standings
Group A
1. Argentina2-0
2. Chile1-1
3. Venezuela1-1
4. Colombia0-2
Group B
1. Brazil2-0
2. Paraguay1-1
3. Uruguay1-1
4. Bolivia0-2

Preliminary Round: Round 2

Group A

Jun. 19: ARG - VEN 90-87
Jun. 19: CHI - COL 76-66

Group B

Jun. 19: BRA - URU 77-73
Jun. 19: BOL - PAR 62-81

Semi-Finals: Round 4

Jun. 21: A1 - B2
Jun. 21: B1 - A2

Places 5-8

Jun. 21: A4 - B4
Jun. 21: A3 - B3


Day 2 in Chaco - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Chile - Colombia 76-66
Chile registered the first win at the South American Championship. They defeated Colombia in the second round of Group A action. Erik Carrasco (181-PG-83) came up with 17 points and 7 rebounds to lead the winners. Chile dominated from start to finish. They ensured a 39:26 halftime lead. The gap grew in the third quarter. Chile ensured a 15-point lead with ten minutes remaining. Colombia did not surrender as they cut the deficit in the final quarter. But Chile survived the threat and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Evandro Arteaga (178-G-83) notched 16 points, while Gerardo Isla contributed 12 points and 12 rebounds in the victory. Enielsen Guevara (204-F/C-82) answered with 18 points and 14 boards for Colombia. Norbey Aragon finished with 16 points and 10 boards in the loss.

Argentina - Venezuela 90-87
Argentina registered the second straight win at the South American Championship. They overcame Venezuela behind 18 points from Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78). Argentina are now on top of Group A at 2-0 record. Venezuela slipped at 1-1. Venezuela got to a perfect start. They unloaded 26 point in the opening quarter to take a 5-point lead. Argentina slowed their opponents down a bit in the second frame. The hosts cut the deficit to 4 points at the interval 44:48. Argentina finally pulled in front in the third term. The home team gained a 64:62 lead with one quarter remaining. The hosts erupted for 26 points in the fourth quarter to keep Venezuela at distance rolling to the victory. Matias Sandes (201-F/G-84) netted 14 points, while Marcos Mata and Nicolas Laprovittola added 13 points each in the win. Greivis Vasquez (198-PG-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Maryland) answered with game-high 26 points for Venezuela. Gregory Echenique had 12 points in the loss.

Group B
Bolivia - Paraguay 62-81
Paraguay opened win count at the South American Championship in Argentina. They toppled Bolivia in Group B yesterday. Federico Mellone (193-F/G-85) stepped up with 15 points to pace the winners. Bolivia enjoyed a slightly better start to the game. They registered a 17:'15 lead ten minutes into the encounter. However Paraguay bounced back in style. They exploded with a 34:12 run in the second term to establish a 49:29 halftime advantage. Paraguay stretched the lead in the third quarter. They arrived at the final intermission up by 24 points and never looked back en route to the win. Carlos Jorge Riveros (189-G-85) provided 13 points, while Diego Bareiro finished with 12 points for the winners. Christian Camargo (F-92) answered with 16 points and 8 rebounds for Bolivia. Julio Mendoza netted 12 points in the losing case.

Brazil - Uruguay 77-73
Brazil registered the second straight win at the start of South American Championship. They held off Uruguay for 2-0 record in Group B. Welington Dos Santos (185-PG-81) was pivotal scoring 23 points for the winners. Uruguay fell at 1-1 record after the loss. Brazil started off with an aggressive defence. They held their opponents at 11 points in the first quarter to take a 5-point lead. The gap grew in the second quarter. Brazil arrived at halftime up by 6 points 32:26. Brazil did not loosen the grasp in the third frame. They extended the advantage at 14-point mark with ten minutes remaining. Uruguay however sparked the intrigue when they narrowed the deficit in the dying seconds. But Brazil stayed calm and executed for the win at the end. Arthur Silva (199-F/G-82) delivered 14 points. Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M) responded with 21 points for Uruguay. Mauricio Aguiar and Brian Craig had 12 points each in the loss.


*****************************************************
  SPAIN   

Stats Leaders - ACB

Points Per Game
 Andy PANKO
  Lagun A.
  (204-F-77)
  Avg: 18.6
 1. Panko, Lagun A.18.6 
 2. Doellman, Assignia16.8 
 3. Teletovic, Caja L.15.8 
 4. Wright, CAI Z.14.5 
 5. Penney, Fuenlabra.14.4 
 6. Davis, Cajasol14.1 
 7. De Colo, Valencia13.5 
 8. Hettsheimer, CAI Z.13.3 
 9. Navarro, FCB Regal13.0 
 10. Freeland, Unicaja12.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 James AUGUSTINE
  UCAM M.
  (208-F-84)
  Avg: 8.3
 1. Augustine, UCAM M.8.3 
 2. Ivanov, Lucentum7.9 
 3. Borchardt, B.de R.7.7 
 4. Freeland, Unicaja7.5 
 5. Davis, Cajasol7.3 
 6. Williams, FIATC J.7.1 
 7. Caner-Medley, Vale.6.7 
 8. Gabriel, Asefa E.6.5 
 9. Hettsheimer, CAI Z.6.4 
 10. Lasme, Blusens M.6.3 
Assists Per Game
 Javier RODRIGUEZ
  Assignia.
  (189-G-79)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Rodriguez, Assigni.6.5 
 2. Salgado, Lagun A.4.3 
 3. Rodriguez, Bluse.3.9 
 4. Rodriguez, Real M.3.9 
 5. Prigioni, Caja L.3.9 
 6. Llull, Real Madrid3.9 
 7. Granger, Asefa E.3.8 
 8. Rodriguez, Bluse.3.8 
 9. Dumas, B.de R.3.7 
 10. Uriz, B.de Rueda3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Pablo PRIGIONI
  Caja L.
  (191-G-77)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Prigioni, Caja L.1.8 
 2. Doellman, Assignia1.5 
 3. Vidal, Lagun A.1.5 
 4. De Colo, Valencia1.5 
 5. Uriz, B.de Rueda V.1.4 
 6. Calloway, Cajasol1.4 
 7. Udoka, UCAM M.1.4 
 8. Hanga, Assignia M.1.4 
 9. Garbajosa, Unicaja1.3 
 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 BB1.9 
 3. Lasme, Blusens M.1.9 
 4. Sene, Fuenlabrada1.7 
 5. Toure, B.de R.1.4 
 6. Begic, Real Madrid1.3 
 7. Vazquez, FCB Regal1.2 
 8. Ndong, FCB Regal1.0 
 9. Barnes, Lucentum1.0 
 10. Zoric, Unicaja0.9 


Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game
 Troy DEVRIES
  Melilla
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 19.1
 1. DeVries, Melilla19.1 
 2. Witt, Knet Clavijo18.2 
 3. Feldeine, Breogan17.7 
 4. Quezada, Leon16.5 
 5. Franklin, Huesca16.2 
 6. Bivia, Mallorca16.0 
 7. Fernandez, Granada15.7 
 8. Moss, Palencia15.4 
 9. Leonavicius, Hues.14.7 
 10. Antelo, Caceres14.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Olaseni LAWAL
  Knet Clavijo
  (208-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.6
 1. Lawal, Knet Clavijo10.6 
 2. Diouf, Palencia8.8 
 3. Donaldson, Canarias8.8 
 4. Kuzmin, Clinicas.8.6 
 5. Starosta, Navarra8.2 
 6. Antelo, Caceres7.8 
 7. Sikma, La Palma7.7 
 8. Mortellaro, Leon7.7 
 9. Fernandez, Granada7.6 
 10. Williams, Caceres7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Oscar ALVARADO
  La Palma
  (184-PG-91)
  Avg: 6.1
 1. Alvarado, La Palma6.1 
 2. Bivia, Mallorca5.1 
 3. Witt, Knet Clavijo4.5 
 4. Norris, Lleida4.3 
 5. Lopez, Burgos4.0 
 6. Bernabe, Leon3.7 
 7. Sabat, Canarias3.6 
 8. Perez, Menorca3.6 
 9. Quezada, Leon3.4 
 10. DeVries, Melilla3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Alexander FRANKLIN
  Huesca
  (196-PF-88)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Franklin, Huesca2.5 
 2. Toledo, Burgos2.1 
 3. Bernabe, Leon2.0 
 4. Xavier, Palencia2.0 
 5. Norris, Lleida1.9 
 6. Abrines, Clinic.1.8 
 7. Green, Mallorca1.8 
 8. Alonso, Mallorca1.8 
 9. Rost, Canarias1.7 
 10. Guerra, Granada1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Ognjen KUZMIC
  Clinicas.
  (215-C-90)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Kuzmin, Clinicas.2.1 
 2. Lawal, Knet Clavijo1.7 
 3. Diouf, Palencia1.6 
 4. Green, Mallorca1.3 
 5. Olmos, Caceres1.1 
 6. Samb, Granada1.1 
 7. Coleman, Girona1.1 
 8. Odiakosa, Melilla1.1 
 9. Donaldson, Canarias0.9 
 10. Starosta, Navarra0.9 



*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   

Stats Leaders LNA

Points Per Game
 Mohammed ABUKAR
  Lugano T.
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 20.3
 1. Abukar, Lugano T.20.3 
 2. Sharper, Boncourt19.4 
 3. Burrows, Starwings18.2 
 4. Jenkins, Starwings17.8 
 5. Calasan, Boncourt17.7 
 6. Jones, SAM M.16.8 
 7. Barnette, Geneve16.8 
 8. Mitrovic, SAM M.16.3 
 9. Smith, Monthey16.2 
 10. Gibson, SAV Vacal.16.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Erroyl BING
  Geneve Lions
  (198-F/C-82)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Bing, Geneve Lions9.1 
 2. Calasan, Boncourt9.1 
 3. Toure, Geneve Lio.9.0 
 4. Knutson, BBC Nyon8.3 
 5. Burrows, Starwings8.1 
 6. Rakocevic, Lugano7.9 
 7. Esterkamp, Fribo.7.6 
 8. Finn, Monthey7.5 
 9. Molteni, SAM M.7.5 
 10. Jones, SAM M.7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo6.4 
 2. Brown, Lugano T.6.0 
 3. Jenkins, Starwings5.3 
 4. Dunn, Geneve Lions4.9 
 5. Petkovic, Starw.4.7 
 6. Boylan, Monthey4.5 
 7. Draughan, Lugano4.4 
 8. Bobetso, BBC Nyon4.0 
 9. Petkovic, Fribourg3.9 
 10. Parker, Monthey3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Miroslav PETKOVIC
  Starw.
  (183-G-88)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Petkovic, Starw.3.1 
 2. Gibson, SAV Vacallo2.7 
 3. Boylan, Monthey2.6 
 4. Jones, SAM M.2.2 
 5. Jenkins, Starwings2.1 
 6. N''Diaye, Boncourt1.8 
 7. Sloan, SAV Vacallo1.8 
 8. Smith, Monthey1.8 
 9. Dubas, Monthey1.7 
 10. Mitrovic, SAM M.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Babacar TOURE
  Geneve Lions
  (205-F/C-85)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Toure, Geneve Lio.1.9 
 2. Knutson, BBC Nyon1.7 
 3. Molteni, SAM M.1.2 
 4. Matter, Starwings1.2 
 5. Roberson, Boncourt1.1 
 6. Rakocevic, Lugano1.0 
 7. Burrows, Starwings1.0 
 8. Barnette, Geneve0.9 
 9. Dubas, Monthey0.9 
 10. Albrecht, Starw.0.9 



*****************************************************
  TURKEY   


Kemal Dincer: 'The transfer of McCalebb is impossible for us' - by Pervin Elgin

Fenerbahce GM said that Siena is asking for big money and McCalebb for even more money.

Kemal Dincer, Fenerbahce's GM, ruled out, at least for now, the possibility for the Turkish team to land Bo McCalebb. The manager of the Turkish powerhous who will land Simone Pianigiani as coach in the next days, said that the money asked by both Siena and the player are too high.
"McCalebb has a contract with Siena who is asking big money. And the player wants even more. His transfer to Fenerbahce at these conditions is impossible" said Dincer to Basketdergisi.

Courtesy of basketdergisi.com, sportando.net


*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Puerto Rico snatch win over Virgin Islands - by Eurobasket News

Puerto Rico U18 - Virgin Islands U18 71:68

Puerto Rican U18 National Team posted the first win at the Fiba Americas Championship in Sao Bernardo. They held off Virgin Islands in the classification round. Wilfredo Rodriguez (94) scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead the winners. Puerto Rico will now take on Mexico in the fight for the fifth place.
Virgin Islands got to the better start. They established a 19:12 lead at the first intermission. Puerto Rico cut the distance to get within 3 points at the interval 34:37. Puerto Rico surged ahead in the third quarter. They posted a 53:50 lead with ten minutes remaining. The teams went neck and neck throughout the final quarter. Puerto Rico however survived the challenge and eked out the initial win at the end. David Rosado (94) posted 14 points, while Abdiel Badillo (193-F-94) contributed 11 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Khalid Hart (198-SF-95) answered with 26 points for Virgin Islands. Kyle Hodge (193-F) and Rasheed Swanston (196-F-95) netted 10 points each in the loss.

Puerto Rico U18: Wilfredo Rodriguez 17, David Rosado 14, Abdiel Badillo 11+13 boards
Virgin Islands U18: Khalid Hart 26, Kyle Hodge 10, Rasheed Swanston 10


Centrobasket 2012: Jamaica improved to 2-0 record in Group B - by Eurobasket News

Virgin Islands- Jamaica 64:80

Jamaica improved to 2-0 record in Group B at 2012 Centrobasket. The team overcame Virgin Islands 80:64 in Day 2 for a perfect record.
Both teams nailed 16 points each in the first period. Virgin Islands dominated the second quarter and grabbed 3-point lead at the halftime due to 18-15 in it. Jamaica faithful were probably hoping it was just a nightmare quarter but it ended up being a nightmare half as things went from bad to worse. In the third period Jamaica erupted with 28-13 surge and took the lead for good. They added 21-17 in the last stanza to taste the second straight victory.
Akeem Scott (186-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Samardo Samuels (206-F/C-89, college: Louisville) nailed 20. Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86, college: Providence) collected 17, while Patrick Ewing Jr. (203-F-84, college: Georgetown) nailed 10. Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida) replied with 20 points in the losing case and Ivan Aska (200-F-90) scored 11.

Virgin Islands: Walter Hodge 20, Ivan Aska 11
Jamaica: Akeem Scott 23, Samardo Samuels 20, Oritseweyinmi Efejuku 17, Patrick Ewing Jr. 10


*****************************************************
  UKRAINE   


Budivelnyk land Igor Krivtsov - by Eurobasket News

Budivelnyk continued to work on building the roster for the next season. They strengthened their frontcourt with addition of Igor Krivtsov (201-F-86). The forward spent the last two season in Kryvbasbasket. He tallied 4.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in Superleague last season. Previously Igor Krivtsov had stints with Politekhnika-Halychyna, Mykolaiv and DniproAzot.


*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   

EBL Div.1 Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Vernon TEEL
  Leopards
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 23.8
 1. Teel, Leopards23.8 
 2. Kakad, Derby T.23.5 
 3. Krubally, Leopards20.8 
 4. Rivers, Worthing.20.2 
 5. Toluwase, Brixt.19.6 
 6. Tullis, Worthing T.18.2 
 7. Berry, Tees V.17.8 
 8. Fenyn, Medway Park16.9 
 9. Small, Worthing T.16.8 
 10. Sulcs, Bradford D.16.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ousman KRUBALLY
  Leopards
  (198-F-88)
  Avg: 13.8
 1. Krubally, Leopards13.8 
 2. Rivers, Worthing.13.1 
 3. Silcott, Bradford.10.3 
 4. Bolomo, Tees V.9.7 
 5. Whittington, Derby9.7 
 6. Demba-Kasse, Brixt.9.5 
 7. Teel, Leopards9.1 
 8. Bowne, Bristol AF9.1 
 9. Fenyn, Medway Park8.4 
 10. Adorian, Brixton7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Vernon TEEL
  Leopards
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 8.9
 1. Teel, Leopards8.9 
 2. Vear, Medway Park7.4 
 3. Edmunds, Bradford.5.6 
 4. Popoola, Westmins.5.1 
 5. Lascelles, Derby T.4.6 
 6. Ciesla, Bradford D.4.4 
 7. Streete, Bristol AF4.3 
 8. Tullis, Worthing T.3.5 
 9. Small, Worthing T.3.5 
 10. Silcott, Bradford.3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Vernon TEEL
  Leopards
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Teel, Leopards3.1 
 2. Small, Worthing T.2.8 
 3. Sulcs, Bradford D.2.7 
 4. Toluwase, Brixt.2.1 
 5. Silcott, Bradford.2.0 
 6. Popoola, Westmins.2.0 
 7. Edmunds, Bradford.2.0 
 8. Treasure, Brist.1.9 
 9. Krubally, Leopards1.6 
 10. Gayle, Derby T.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Troy WHITTINGTON
  Derby T.
  (198-C-)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Whittington, Derby2.7 
 2. Tullis, Worthing T.2.1 
 3. Garcia, Bristol AF1.5 
 4. Teel, Leopards1.0 
 5. Bowne, Bristol AF1.0 
 6. Bulambwe, Westmi.0.9 
 7. Amato, Worthing T.0.9 
 8. Bolomo, Tees V.0.9 
 9. Matzeder, Readi.0.7 
 10. McGrew, Bradford.0.7 


Eurobasket.com All-British EBL Division One Awards 2011-12 - by Eurobasket Center

Eurobasket.com All-British EBL Division One 1st Team 2012
#s#
Vernon Teel
Teel
Rishi Kakad
Kakad
Hank Rivers
Rivers
Ousman Krubally
Krubally
Troy Whittington
Whittington
#e#5

Finals MVP: Vernon Teel (193-G-87) of Leopards
Co-Player of the Year: Vernon Teel (193-G-87) of Leopards
Co-Player of the Year: Ousman Krubally (198-F-88) of Leopards
Guard of the Year: Vernon Teel (193-G-87) of Leopards
Forward of the Year: Ousman Krubally (198-F-88) of Leopards
Center of the Year: Troy Whittington (198-C) of Derby T.
Bosman Player of the Year: Rihards Sulcs (190-F-87) of Bradford D.
Co-Import Player of the Year: Vernon Teel (193-G-87) of Leopards
Co-Import Player of the Year: Ousman Krubally (198-F-88) of Leopards
Domestic Player of the Year: Rishi Kakad (188-G-87) of Derby T.
Defensive Player of the Year: Vernon Teel (193-G-87) of Leopards
Coach of the Year: Dejan Mihevc of Leopards

1st Team
G: Vernon Teel (193-87) of Leopards
G: Rishi Kakad (188-87) of Derby T.
F: Hank Rivers (203-81) of Worthing T.
F: Ousman Krubally (198-88) of Leopards
C: Troy Whittington (198) of Derby T.

2nd Team
PG: Bobby Edmunds (180-88) of Bradford D.
G: Tyrone Treasure (193) of Bristol AF
F: Marcus Tullis (198-86) of Worthing T.
F: Rihards Sulcs (190-87) of Bradford D.
C: Tom Adorian (206-85) of Brixton T.

Honorable Mention
David Buchberger (193-G) of Leopards
Doug McLaughlin-Williams (203-F-85) of Bristol AF
Courtney Small (191-G-88) of Worthing T.
Martyn Gayle (G-89) of Derby T.
Vance Silcott (193-F) of Bradford D.
Ryan Lohfink (201-F/C-83) of Reading R.
Adrian Fenyn (198-G/F-85) of Medway Park
Steve Vear (180-G) of Medway Park
Tom Adorian (206-C-85) of Brixton T.
Lekan Popoola (183-G-81) of Westminster W.

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Tyrone Treasure (193) of Bristol AF
G: Rishi Kakad (188-87) of Derby T.
G: Martyn Gayle (-89) of Derby T.
G: Steve Vear (180) of Medway Park
C: Tom Adorian (206-85) of Brixton T.

All-Imports Team
G: Vernon Teel (193-87) of Leopards
PG: Bobby Edmunds (180-88) of Bradford D.
F: Hank Rivers (203-81) of Worthing T.
F: Ousman Krubally (198-88) of Leopards
C: Troy Whittington (198) of Derby T.


*****************************************************
  URUGUAY   

Stats Leaders - LUB

Points Per Game
 Brandon BROWN
  Trouville
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 24
 1. Brown, Trouville24.0 
 2. Keenan, Larre B.23.9 
 3. Humphrey, Bigua23.8 
 4. Crews, Cader23.5 
 5. Herring, Bohemios22.7 
 6. McCullough, Un.Atl.21.2 
 7. Johnson, Olimpia21.0 
 8. Jennings, Cordon20.9 
 9. Garcia Moral., Big.20.7 
 10. Gale, Olimpia20.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ryan HUMPHREY
  Bigua
  (203-C/F-79)
  Avg: 43.8
 1. Humphrey, Bigua43.8 
 2. Allen, Bohemios15.5 
 3. Polk, Montevideo14.1 
 4. Shellman, Sayago12.8 
 5. Wilborn, Un.Atleti.12.8 
 6. Passos, Hebraica11.4 
 7. Keenan, Larre B.10.8 
 8. Crews, Cader10.7 
 9. Douglas, Bohemios9.5 
 10. Haller, Montevideo9.2 
Assists Per Game
 Gustavo BARRERA
  Hebraica
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 8
 1. Barrera, Hebraica8.0 
 2. Gonzalez, Aguada5.9 
 3. Fitipaldo, Malvin5.6 
 4. Taboada, Larre B.5.0 
 5. Muro, Aguada5.0 
 6. Vidal, Bigua4.9 
 7. Silvarrey, Sayago4.8 
 8. Jennings, Cordon4.8 
 9. Garcia Moral., Big.4.6 
 10. de Gouveia, Mont.4.3 
Steals Per Game
 Terence SHELLMAN
  Sayago
  (199-F-78)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Shellman, Sayago2.5 
 2. Clarkson, Larre B.2.4 
 3. Garcia Moral., Big.2.3 
 4. Tornaria, Trouville2.2 
 5. Aguilera, Trouville2.2 
 6. Barrera, Hebraica2.2 
 7. Silvarrey, Sayago2.1 
 8. Brown, Trouville2.1 
 9. Silveira, Welcome2.0 
 10. Vazquez, Olimpia2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Rammel ALLEN
  Bohemios
  (210-C-79)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Allen, Bohemios3.8 
 2. Wilborn, Un.Atleti.2.2 
 3. Humphrey, Bigua1.9 
 4. Polk, Montevideo1.8 
 5. Herring, Bohemios1.7 
 6. Clarkson, Larre B.1.7 
 7. Crews, Cader1.6 
 8. Augustus, Hebraica1.5 
 9. Newsome, Malvin1.5 
 10. Suarez, Cordon1.4 


South American Championship: Welington dos Santos leads Brazil past Uruguay - by Eurobasket News

Brazil Uruguay 77:73

Brazil registered the second straight win at the start of South American Championship. They held off Uruguay for 2-0 record in Group B. Welington Dos Santos (185-PG-81) was pivotal scoring 23 points for the winners. Uruguay fell at 1-1 record after the loss.
Brazil started off with an aggressive defence. They held their opponents at 11 points in the first quarter to take a 5-point lead. The gap grew in the second quarter. Brazil arrived at halftime up by 6 points 32:26. Brazil did not loosen the grasp in the third frame. They extended the advantage at 14-point mark with ten minutes remaining. Uruguay however sparked the intrigue when they narrowed the deficit in the dying seconds. But Brazil stayed calm and executed for the win at the end. Arthur Silva (199-F/G-82) delivered 14 points, while Vitor Benite (190-F/G-90) provided 10 in the victory. Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M) responded with 21 points for Uruguay. Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83, agency: Players Group) and Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) had 12 points each in the loss.

Brazil: Welington Dos Santos 23, Arthur Silva 14, Vitor Benite 10
Uruguay: Leandro Garcia Morales 21, Mauricio Aguiar 12, Brian Craig 12


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


South American Championship: Argentina narrowly defeat Venezuela - by Eurobasket News

Argentina - Venezuela 90:87

Argentina registered the second straight win at the South American Championship. They overcame Venezuela behind 18 points from Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78). Argentina are now on top of Group A at 2-0 record. Venezuela slipped at 1-1.
Venezuela got to a perfect start. They unloaded 26 point in the opening quarter to take a 5-point lead. Argentina slowed their opponents down a bit in the second frame. The hosts cut the deficit to 4 points at the interval 44:48. Argentina finally pulled in front in the third term. The home team gained a 64:62 lead with one quarter remaining. The hosts erupted for 26 points in the fourth quarter to keep Venezuela at distance rolling to the victory. Matias Sandes (201-F/G-84) netted 14 points, while Marcos Mata (201-F-86) and Nicolas Laprovittola (188-PG-90) added 13 points each in the win. Greivis Vasquez (198-PG-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Maryland) answered with game-high 26 points for Venezuela. Gregory Echenique (205-C-90) had 12 points in the loss.

Argentina: Leonardo Gutierrez 18, Matias Sandes 14, Marcos Mata 13, Nicolas Laprovittola 13
Venezuela: Greivis Vasquez 26, Gregory Echenique 12



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Women News


No mercy for Israel in Minsk - by Eurobasket News

Belarus-Israel 69:61

There was no mercy for Israel in Minsk at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. Belarus overcame the visiting side 69:61 in Day 3 for a perfect record on top.
It was the game for the top position in Group A. The hosts started with 19:18 and led one points at the halftime. Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) and Katia Levitsky (190-PF-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) exchanged for 34:33 score on the board. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) later gave the guests 35:34 lead, while Tatyana Troina tied the game at 39:39. Anufryienka and Anastasiya Veremeenko (194-C-87) closed the period at 54:47 for Belarus. Trafimava and Alexandra Tarasava (170-PG-88) scored for 63:54 and Anufryienka brought 65:58. Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) meanwhile was the last to score in the game for the final result.
Anastasiya Veremeenko led the way with 20 points and Tatyana Troina nailed 15. Alexandra Tarasava delivered 10, while Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G/F-88, agency: LBM Management) and Haradzetskaya scored 6 each. Liron Cohen finished the game with 17 points in defeat, while Shay Doron posted 16. Katia Levitsky netted 12 and Zairy poured in 9.

Belarus: Anastasiya Veremeenko 20, Tatyana Troina 15, Alexandra Tarasava 10, Tatsiana Likhtarovich 6, Haradzetskaya 6
Israel: Liron Cohen 17, Shay Doron 16, Katia Levitsky 12, Zairy 9


*****************************************************
  BULGARIA   


Sweden continue their winning streak - by Eurobasket News

Bulgaria-Sweden 60:80

Sweden continue their winning streak at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. The Scandinavian side overcame Bulgaria 80:60 in the start of Day 3.
Sweden produced an offensive start and took 29:24 after the first 10 minutes. Stanoeva however gave the hosts 34:33 lead and Daniela Georgieva (184-G/F-86) kept the advantage at 40:39. On top 41-40 at half, Sweden poured in the first six points of the second half and ended up outscoring the Bulgarians 21-9 in the frame to take command for good. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored for 71:53 and Andersson brought 73:55. Sweden added 18-11 in the second frame for the final success.
Frida Eldebrink erupted with 19 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and Louice Halvarsson followed her with 12. Stefanie Yderstrom (172-G-90) and Elin Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored 11 points each. Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) ended up with 18 points in defeat, while Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: FIU) collected 9 points and 13 boards. Daniela Georgieva posted 8, while Daniela Peteva (179-F-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 7.

Bulgaria: Jaklin Zlatanova 18, Vera Perostiyska 9+13 rebs, Daniela Georgieva 8, Daniela Peteva 7
Sweden: Frida Eldebrink 19+10 rebs, Louice Halvarsson 12, Stefanie Yderstrom 11, Elin Eldebrink 11


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   

Standings Div.A (Women)

Standings
Group A
1. Belarus3-0
2. Hungary1-1
3. Israel1-1
4. Ukraine1-1
5. Portugal0-3
Group B
1. Montenegro.3-0
2. Poland1-1
3. Serbia1-1
4. Switzerlan.1-2
5. Estonia0-2
Group C
1. Slovenia3-0
2. Lithuania2-1
3. Slovakia1-1
4. Holland0-2
5. Belgium0-2
Group D
1. Spain2-1
2. Sweden2-1
3. Germany1-1
4. Romania1-1
5. Bulgaria0-2
Group E
1. Latvia3-0
2. Finland1-1
3. Greece1-1
4. Italy1-1
5. Luxembourg.0-3

Qualifying Round: Round 3

A

Jun. 20: HUN - POR 80-45
Jun. 20: BLR - ISR 69-61

B

Jun. 20: SRB - SUI 88-64
Jun. 20: MNT - POL 59-50

C

Jun. 20: LTU - SVK 78-64
Jun. 20: SLO - NED 68-52

D

Jun. 20: ESP - GER 66-39
Jun. 20: BUL - SWE 60-80

E

Jun. 20: ITA - LUX 86-37
Jun. 20: LAT - GRE 63-46

Qualifying Round: Round 4

A

Jun. 23: UKR - BLR
Jun. 23: ISR - HUN

B

Jun. 23: POL - SRB
Jun. 23: EST - MNT

C

Jun. 23: SVK - NED
Jun. 23: BEL - LTU

D

Jun. 23: ROM - ESP
Jun. 23: GER - BUL

E

Jun. 23: FIN - LAT
Jun. 23: GRE - ITA


Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)

Points Per Game
 Shay DORON
  ISR
  (175-SG-85)
  Avg: 22
 1. Doron, ISR22.0 
 2. Eldebrink, SWE21.7 
 3. Tuukkanen, FIN21.0 
 4. Marginean, ROM21.0 
 5. Dubljevic, MNT19.3 
 6. Dabovic, SRB18.5 
 7. Twehues, SUI18.0 
 8. Petronyte, LTU17.7 
 9. Perovanovic, MNT17.3 
 10. Sten, FIN17.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Taru TUUKKANEN
  FIN
  (190-C-77)
  Avg: 12.5
 1. Tuukkanen, FIN12.5 
 2. Pavel, ROM11.0 
 3. Matic, SRB10.5 
 4. Teilane-T., LAT10.0 
 5. Dubljevic, MNT9.7 
 6. Petronyte, LTU9.7 
 7. Mandic, SRB9.5 
 8. Vadja, HUN9.5 
 9. Meesseman, BEL9.0 
 10. Perostiyska, BUL8.5 
Assists Per Game
 Jelena SKEROVIC
  MNT
  (176-G-80)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Skerovic, MNT6.3 
 2. Dubljevic, MNT5.7 
 3. Jalcova, SVK5.5 
 4. Radocaj, SRB5.0 
 5. Teilane-T., LAT5.0 
 6. Baric, SLO4.5 
 7. Doron, ISR4.5 
 8. Bar, GER4.5 
 9. Erkic, SLO4.0 
 10. Stoenescu, ROM4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Romy BAR
  GER
  (189-F-87)
  Avg: 5
 1. Bar, GER5.0 
 2. Hatzinikolao., GRE4.5 
 3. Doron, ISR4.5 
 4. Skobel, POL4.0 
 5. Nagy, HUN3.5 
 6. Erkic, SLO3.5 
 7. Kubatova, SVK3.5 
 8. Dubljevic, MNT3.0 
 9. Dimitrakou, GRE3.0 
 10. Masciadri, ITA3.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Elisabeth PAVEL
  ROM
  (192-C-90)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Pavel, ROM2.5 
 2. Nicholls, ESP2.3 
 3. Veremeenko, BLR2.3 
 4. Petronyte, LTU1.7 
 5. Meesseman, BEL1.5 
 6. Piekarska, POL1.5 
 7. Mesila-K., EST1.5 
 8. Zlatanova, BUL1.5 
 9. Vynuchalova, SVK1.5 
 10. Teilane-T., LAT1.3 


Round Three of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Belarus - Israel 69-61
There was no mercy for Israel in Minsk at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. Belarus overcame the visiting side 69:61 in Day 3 for a perfect record on top. It was the game for the top position in Group A. The hosts started with 19:18 and led one points at the halftime. Troina and Levitsky exchanged for 34:33 score on the board. Cohen later gave the guests 35:34 lead, while Troina tied the game at 39:39. Anufryienka and Anastasiya Veremeenko (194-C-87) closed the period at 54:47 for Belarus. Trafimava and Tarasava scored for 63:54 and Anufryienka brought 65:58. Doron meanwhile was the last to score in the game for the final result. Anastasiya Veremeenko led the way with 20 points and Troina nailed 15. Tarasava delivered 10, while Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G/F-88, agency: LBM Management) and Haradzetskaya scored 6 each. Cohen finished the game with 17 points in defeat, while Doron posted 16. Levitsky netted 12 and Zairy poured in 9.

Hungary - Portugal 80-45
Hungary wins the initial game in Miskolc at the start of day 3 of the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. The host overcame Portugal 80:45 as the latter fell at 0-3 record. Narrowly beaten at Belarus in their first game a week ago, Hungary blew away the Portuguese in Group A. They started with 23:12 in the first period and never looked behind after. Portugal bounced back with 13-11 in the second frame as Carla Freitas (170-G-80) closed the half at 34:25. The third quarter became decisive as the hosts erupted with 30-14 burst to take 64:39 advantage. Another 16-6 in the last stanza brought them their first victory in the group. Nagy-Bujdoso top-scored for the inners with 18 points and Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) nailed 17. Honti posted 11, while Horti added 9. Carla Freitas replied with 14 points in the losing effort, while Oliveira and Nascimento poured in 6 apiece.

Group B
Montenegro - Poland 59-50
Montenegro pull away from Poland at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. The winners improved to 3-0 record on top of Group B after 59:50 win. Poland meanwhile fell at 1-1 record. Montenegro won the opening period 15:8 as Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) made a jump shot. Aleksic nailed three for 21:13 and Skerovic made the same at 25:15. Ana Turcinovic (190-C-93) and Skerovic later closed the half at 33:21. Montenegro continued their dominance and added 17-13 in the third period. Poland responded with 16-9 in the last period but could reduce only to 9. Murphy top-scored for the winners with 12 points for the perfect record. Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Aleksic and Jelena Dubljevic each added 11. Agnieszka Skobel (179-F-89) ended up with 16 points in the losing effort.

Serbia - Switzerland 88-64
Serbia opened win count at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down Switzerland at home court to improve at 1-1 record in Group B. Marina Mandic delivered 18 points to lead the home team. Switzerland fell at 1-2 record after the loss. Serbia started to build their lead steadily right from the start. They accumulated a 49:32 halftime lead. The Swiss team cut the deficit in the third term. They got within 13 points at the final break. But Serbia quickly regained control and gave no chance for the visitors in the fourth period. Nevena Jovanovic and Milica Dabovic (175-PG-82) contributed 16 points each for the hosts. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) answered with 19 points for Switzerland. Sarah Kershaw (180-SF-85) finished with 13 points in defeat.

Group C
Lithuania - Slovakia 78-64
Lithuania rolled over Slovak Republic in Kaunas for 2-1 record in Group C. The Baltic side celebrated a 78:64 victory to hand the opponents their first loss at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. It was a key game in the group and brought so much interest in the Lithuanian city. The guests took 18:17 lead after the first ten minutes and then Vynuchalova sent the teams to the lockers at 35:34. Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) later tied the game at 41:41 and then Paugaite brought 46:45 for the hosts. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) and Nacickaite closed the third period at 54:51. No matter how hard the Slovakian side tried to catch up with Lithuania, they could not win the game. Marina Solopova and Linkeviciene were perfect from the free throw line and then Paugaite brought the final points for the winners. Linkeviciene chipped in with 21 points for the winners and Marina Solopova added 19. Gintare Petronyte posted 17, while Paugaite had 10. Vynuchalova ended up with 13 points for the guests and Kupcikova scored 11.

Slovenia - Holland 68-52
Slovenia recorded the third straight win at the start of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They outscored Netherlands at home court to take 3-0 record on top of Group C. Nika Baric accounted for 18 points to pace the winners. Slovenia ensured a quick start. They held Netherlands to 7 points in the first quarter to pile up a 12-point lead. Slovenia increased the tempo in the second frame. They cleared off to accumulate a massive 28-point advantage. Netherlands however did not say die. The Dutch team went on a 25:15 run in the third frame to cut the deficit. They managed to narrow the distance even further in the fourth period but came up short of victory at the end. Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) netted 12 points, while Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) delivered 10 points for the winners. Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Cal-Irvine) answered with 16 points for Netherlands. Natalie Van Den Adel had 11 points in the loss.

Group D
Spain - Germany 66-39
Spain demolish Germany in Avila at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. After a loud upset from Swede, Spain bounced back with 66:39 win over the German side. Spain went on an early lead and Ouvina brought 16:12. Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) closed a 6-0 run early in the second, while she later nailed three for 29:14. Mankertz managed to send the teams to the lockers at 35:21 at the halftime. In the second half Spain played even better in defense. Both teams nailed 11 points each in the third quarter, while Spain limited the opponents to just 7 points in the last stanza. Spain won the last period 20-7 and celebrated the second win in Group D. Elisa Aguilar led the way with 12 points and Valdemoro netted 11. Ouvina and Palau followed them with 8 apiece. Bar finished the night with 13 points in defeat and Breitreiner scored 7.

Bulgaria - Sweden 60-80
Sweden continue their winning streak at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. The Scandinavian side overcame Bulgaria 80:60 in the start of Day 3. Sweden produced an offensive start and took 29:24 after the first 10 minutes. Stanoeva however gave the hosts 34:33 lead and Georgieva kept the advantage at 40:39. On top 41-40 at half, Sweden poured in the first six points of the second half and ended up outscoring the Bulgarians 21-9 in the frame to take command for good. Halvarsson and Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored for 71:53 and Andersson brought 73:55. Sweden added 18-11 in the second frame for the final success. Frida Eldebrink erupted with 19 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and Halvarsson followed her with 12. Yderstrom and Elin Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored 11 points each. Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) ended up with 18 points in defeat, while Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: FIU) collected 9 points and 13 boards. Georgieva posted 8, while Peteva had 7.

Group E
Italy - Luxembourg 86-37
Italy posted the initial win at the 2013 EuroBaket Qualifying Round. They hosted Luxembourg and gained a convincing victory. Italy are now at 1-1 record, while Luxembourg slipped at 1-2 in Group E. Ilaria Zanoni (180-G-86) scored 16 points to lead well-balanced effort from the Azzurri. Italy cleared off in the opening quarter. The hosts outscored Luxembourg for a 22:8 lead. Italy boosted the margin in the second frame. They ensured a 48:23 halftime advantage. Italy dominated in the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 46 points and obviously never looked back en route to the win. Lavinia Santucci and Martina Crippa (175-G/F-88) provided 10 points each for Italy. Nadia Mossong answered with 13 points and 9 rebounds for Luxembourg. Tessy Hetting had 11 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Latvia - Greece 63-46
Latvia claimed another impressive win in Group E of the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. The Baltic side overcame Greece 63:46 in Riga. Latvia opened the game with 19-9 burst and never looked behind after. Krastina brought 22:9 early in the second, while Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) nailed 3 for 27:11. Krastina and Tamane later closed the half at 37:22. In the third period the tempo had slowed down as both teams nailed 8 points. It gave Latvia 45:30 advantage after three quarters. Krastina and Eibele scored for 56:34 and Karklina nailed three later for 61:44. Papamichail and Karklina brought the last points for their teams as the board showed 63:46 at the end of the game. Tamane top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Liene Jansone added 13. Krastina notched 12, while Karklina had 8. Zoi Dimitrakou (188-F-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas) ended up with 14 points in the losing effort as Greece fell at 1-1 record. Papamichail scored 11 and Sotiriou chipped in with 10.


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


Spain demolish Germany in Avila - by Eurobasket News

Spain-Germany 66:39

Spain demolish Germany in Avila at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. After a loud upset from Swede, Spain bounced back with 66:39 win over the German side.
Spain went on an early lead and Cristina Ouvina (174-G-90) brought 16:12. Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) closed a 6-0 run early in the second, while she later nailed three for 29:14. Mankertz managed to send the teams to the lockers at 35:21 at the halftime. In the second half Spain played even better in defense. Both teams nailed 11 points each in the third quarter, while Spain limited the opponents to just 7 points in the last stanza. Spain won the last period 20-7 and celebrated the second win in Group D.
Elisa Aguilar led the way with 12 points and Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) netted 11. Cristina Ouvina and Laia Palau (178-G-79) followed them with 8 apiece. Romy Bar (189-F-87) finished the night with 13 points in defeat and Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) scored 7.

Spain: Elisa Aguilar 12, Amaya Valdemoro 11, Cristina Ouvina 8, Laia Palau 8
Germany: Romy Bar 13, Anne Breitreiner 7


*****************************************************
  GREECE   


Latvia claimed another impressive win in Group E - by Eurobasket News

Latvia-Greece 63:46

Latvia claimed another impressive win in Group E of the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. The Baltic side overcame Greece 63:46 in Riga.
Latvia opened the game with 19-9 burst and never looked behind after. Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) brought 22:9 early in the second, while Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) nailed 3 for 27:11. Ieva Krastina and Tamane later closed the half at 37:22. In the third period the tempo had slowed down as both teams nailed 8 points. It gave Latvia 45:30 advantage after three quarters. Ieva Krastina and Eibele scored for 56:34 and Kristine Karklina (175-G-83, agency: Regeneracom Sports) nailed three later for 61:44. Peli Papamichail (189-F/C-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Kristine Karklina brought the last points for their teams as the board showed 63:46 at the end of the game.
Zane Teilane-Tamane top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Liene Jansone added 13. Ieva Krastina notched 12, while Kristine Karklina had 8. Zoi Dimitrakou (188-F-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas) ended up with 14 points in the losing effort as Greece fell at 1-1 record. Peli Papamichail scored 11 and Katerina Sotiriou (187-F-84, agency: FCM) chipped in with 10.

Latvia: Zane Teilane-Tamane (200-C-83, agency: LBM Management, college: W.Illinois) 18, Liene Jansone 13, Ieva Krastina 12, Kristine Karklina 8
Greece: Zoi Dimitrakou 14, Peli Papamichail 11, Katerina Sotiriou 10


*****************************************************
  HOLLAND   


Slovenia outgun Netherlands in Slovenske Konjice - by Eurobasket News

Slovenia - Netherlands 68:52

Slovenia recorded the third straight win at the start of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They outscored Netherlands at home court to take 3-0 record on top of Group C. Nika Baric (169-PG-92) accounted for 18 points to pace the winners.
Slovenia ensured a quick start. They held Netherlands to 7 points in the first quarter to pile up a 12-point lead. Slovenia increased the tempo in the second frame. They cleared off to accumulate a massive 28-point advantage. Netherlands however did not say die. The Dutch team went on a 25:15 run in the third frame to cut the deficit. They managed to narrow the distance even further in the fourth period but came up short of victory at the end. Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) netted 12 points, while Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) delivered 10 points for the winners. Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Cal-Irvine) answered with 16 points for Netherlands. Natalie Van Den Adel (185-G-90, college: Colorado St.) had 11 points in the loss.

Slovenia: Nika Baric 18, Maja Erkic 12, Sandra Pirsic 10
Netherlands: Naomi Halman 16, Natalie Van Den Adel 11


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  HUNGARY   


Hungary wins the initial game in Miskolc - by Eurobasket News

Hungary-Portugal 80:45

Hungary wins the initial game in Miskolc at the start of day 3 of the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. The host overcame Portugal 80:45 as the latter fell at 0-3 record.
Narrowly beaten at Belarus in their first game a week ago, Hungary blew away the Portuguese in Group A. They started with 23:12 in the first period and never looked behind after. Portugal bounced back with 13-11 in the second frame as Carla Freitas (170-G-80) closed the half at 34:25. The third quarter became decisive as the hosts erupted with 30-14 burst to take 64:39 advantage. Another 16-6 in the last stanza brought them their first victory in the group.
Nora Nagy (185-F-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group)-Bujdoso top-scored for the inners with 18 points and Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) nailed 17. Katalin Honti (175-G-87) posted 11, while Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) added 9. Carla Freitas replied with 14 points in the losing effort, while Ana Oliveira (176-F-83, college: UTSA) and Carla Nascimento (171-G-86) poured in 6 apiece.

Hungary: Nora Nagy-Bujdoso 18, Allie Quigley 17, Katalin Honti 11, Dora Horti 9
Portugal: Carla Freitas 14, Ana Oliveira 6, Carla Nascimento 6


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


No mercy for Israel in Minsk - by Eurobasket News

Belarus-Israel 69:61

There was no mercy for Israel in Minsk at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. Belarus overcame the visiting side 69:61 in Day 3 for a perfect record on top.
It was the game for the top position in Group A. The hosts started with 19:18 and led one points at the halftime. Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) and Katia Levitsky (190-PF-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) exchanged for 34:33 score on the board. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) later gave the guests 35:34 lead, while Tatyana Troina tied the game at 39:39. Anufryienka and Anastasiya Veremeenko (194-C-87) closed the period at 54:47 for Belarus. Trafimava and Alexandra Tarasava (170-PG-88) scored for 63:54 and Anufryienka brought 65:58. Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) meanwhile was the last to score in the game for the final result.
Anastasiya Veremeenko led the way with 20 points and Tatyana Troina nailed 15. Alexandra Tarasava delivered 10, while Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G/F-88, agency: LBM Management) and Haradzetskaya scored 6 each. Liron Cohen finished the game with 17 points in defeat, while Shay Doron posted 16. Katia Levitsky netted 12 and Zairy poured in 9.

Belarus: Anastasiya Veremeenko 20, Tatyana Troina 15, Alexandra Tarasava 10, Tatsiana Likhtarovich 6, Haradzetskaya 6
Israel: Liron Cohen 17, Shay Doron 16, Katia Levitsky 12, Zairy 9


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


Italy defeat Luxembourg Frosinone - by Eurobasket News

Italy - Luxembourg 86:37

Italy posted the initial win at the 2013 EuroBaket Qualifying Round. They hosted Luxembourg and gained a convincing victory. Italy are now at 1-1 record, while Luxembourg slipped at 1-2 in Group E. Ilaria Zanoni (180-G-86) scored 16 points to lead well-balanced effort from the Azzurri.
Italy cleared off in the opening quarter. The hosts outscored Luxembourg for a 22:8 lead. Italy boosted the margin in the second frame. They ensured a 48:23 halftime advantage. Italy dominated in the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 46 points and obviously never looked back en route to the win. Lavinia Santucci (186-F-85) and Martina Crippa (175-G/F-88) provided 10 points each for Italy. Nadia Mossong (182-F-86, college: E.Kentucky) answered with 13 points and 9 rebounds for Luxembourg. Tessy Hetting (188-SF-86, college: LIU Brooklyn) had 11 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Italy: Ilaria Zanoni 16, Lavinia Santucci 10, Martina Crippa 10
Luxembourg: Nadia Mossong 13, Tessy Hetting 11


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  LATVIA   


Latvia claimed another impressive win in Group E - by Eurobasket News

Latvia-Greece 63:46

Latvia claimed another impressive win in Group E of the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. The Baltic side overcame Greece 63:46 in Riga.
Latvia opened the game with 19-9 burst and never looked behind after. Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) brought 22:9 early in the second, while Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) nailed 3 for 27:11. Ieva Krastina and Tamane later closed the half at 37:22. In the third period the tempo had slowed down as both teams nailed 8 points. It gave Latvia 45:30 advantage after three quarters. Ieva Krastina and Eibele scored for 56:34 and Kristine Karklina (175-G-83, agency: Regeneracom Sports) nailed three later for 61:44. Peli Papamichail (189-F/C-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Kristine Karklina brought the last points for their teams as the board showed 63:46 at the end of the game.
Zane Teilane-Tamane top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Liene Jansone added 13. Ieva Krastina notched 12, while Kristine Karklina had 8. Zoi Dimitrakou (188-F-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas) ended up with 14 points in the losing effort as Greece fell at 1-1 record. Peli Papamichail scored 11 and Katerina Sotiriou (187-F-84, agency: FCM) chipped in with 10.

Latvia: Zane Teilane-Tamane (200-C-83, agency: LBM Management, college: W.Illinois) 18, Liene Jansone 13, Ieva Krastina 12, Kristine Karklina 8
Greece: Zoi Dimitrakou 14, Peli Papamichail 11, Katerina Sotiriou 10


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  LITHUANIA   


Lithuania rolled over Slovak Republic in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania-Slovak Republic 78:64

Lithuania rolled over Slovak Republic in Kaunas for 2-1 record in Group C. The Baltic side celebrated a 78:64 victory to hand the opponents their first loss at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round.
It was a key game in the group and brought so much interest in the Lithuanian city. The guests took 18:17 lead after the first ten minutes and then Romana Vynuchalova (192-C/F-86, college: Penn St.) sent the teams to the lockers at 35:34. Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) later tied the game at 41:41 and then Giedre Paugaite (192-C-90) brought 46:45 for the hosts. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) and Nacickaite closed the third period at 54:51. No matter how hard the Slovakian side tried to catch up with Lithuania, they could not win the game. Marina Solopova and Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) were perfect from the free throw line and then Giedre Paugaite brought the final points for the winners.
Sandra Linkeviciene chipped in with 21 points for the winners and Marina Solopova added 19. Gintare Petronyte posted 17, while Giedre Paugaite had 10. Romana Vynuchalova ended up with 13 points for the guests and Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) scored 11.

Lithuania: Sandra Linkeviciene 21, Marina Solopova 19, Gintare Petronyte 17, Giedre Paugaite 10
Slovak Republic: Romana Vynuchalova 13, Lucia Kupcikova 11


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  LUXEMBOURG   


Italy defeat Luxembourg Frosinone - by Eurobasket News

Italy - Luxembourg 86:37

Italy posted the initial win at the 2013 EuroBaket Qualifying Round. They hosted Luxembourg and gained a convincing victory. Italy are now at 1-1 record, while Luxembourg slipped at 1-2 in Group E. Ilaria Zanoni (180-G-86) scored 16 points to lead well-balanced effort from the Azzurri.
Italy cleared off in the opening quarter. The hosts outscored Luxembourg for a 22:8 lead. Italy boosted the margin in the second frame. They ensured a 48:23 halftime advantage. Italy dominated in the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 46 points and obviously never looked back en route to the win. Lavinia Santucci (186-F-85) and Martina Crippa (175-G/F-88) provided 10 points each for Italy. Nadia Mossong (182-F-86, college: E.Kentucky) answered with 13 points and 9 rebounds for Luxembourg. Tessy Hetting (188-SF-86, college: LIU Brooklyn) had 11 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Italy: Ilaria Zanoni 16, Lavinia Santucci 10, Martina Crippa 10
Luxembourg: Nadia Mossong 13, Tessy Hetting 11


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  MONTENEGRO   


Montenegro pull away from Poland - by Eurobasket News

Montenegro-Poland 59:50

Montenegro pull away from Poland at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. The winners improved to 3-0 record on top of Group B after 59:50 win. Poland meanwhile fell at 1-1 record.
Montenegro won the opening period 15:8 as Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) made a jump shot. Snezana Aleksic (172-G-89) nailed three for 21:13 and Skerovic made the same at 25:15. Turcinovic and Skerovic later closed the half at 33:21. Montenegro continued their dominance and added 17-13 in the third period. Poland responded with 16-9 in the last period but could reduce only to 9.
Eshaya Murphy (182-G/F-85, college: USC) top-scored for the winners with 12 points for the perfect record. Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Snezana Aleksic and Jelena Dubljevic each added 11. Agnieszka Skobel (179-F-89) ended up with 16 points in the losing effort.

Montenegro: Eshaya Murphy 12, Jelena Skerovic 11, Snezana Aleksic 11, Jelena Dubljevic 11
Poland: Agnieszka Skobel 16


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  POLAND   


Matizol Lider Pruszkow land Justyna Grabowska - by Lukasz Lukaszewski

Matizol Lider Pruszkow started to build the clubs roster. The first newcomer in the team will be Justyna Grabowska (177-G-81) (177-G-81) (177-G-81). Coach Adam Prabucki (agency: Promotex ) stays with the team for another season. Two players will stay in Pruszkow for another season.

Justyna Grabowska is 31 year old guard. She started her professional career in Start Gdansk. Then she moved to Energa Torun. In 2009 She signed contract with LKS Siemens
AGD Lodz but after one year she changed club.

Justyna Grabowska moved to MKS Tecza Leszno, where she have been playing for 2 seasons. In her last season in Leszno she averaged: 9,3 points and 2,1 assists in 35 games. She was a starting-five player.

Coach Adam Prabucki (agency: Promotex ) started to work with Matizol Lider Pruszkow in December 2011. He signed contract for 1,5 year, so he is still working.



Two other players will stay in Matizol Lider Pruszkow: Paulina Rozwadowska (190-F-89, agency: Promotex) and Paulina Antczak (182-F-90) (She was lend for some time to MUKS Poznan),




Montenegro pull away from Poland - by Eurobasket News

Montenegro-Poland 59:50

Montenegro pull away from Poland at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. The winners improved to 3-0 record on top of Group B after 59:50 win. Poland meanwhile fell at 1-1 record.
Montenegro won the opening period 15:8 as Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) made a jump shot. Snezana Aleksic (172-G-89) nailed three for 21:13 and Skerovic made the same at 25:15. Turcinovic and Skerovic later closed the half at 33:21. Montenegro continued their dominance and added 17-13 in the third period. Poland responded with 16-9 in the last period but could reduce only to 9.
Eshaya Murphy (182-G/F-85, college: USC) top-scored for the winners with 12 points for the perfect record. Jelena Skerovic (176-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Snezana Aleksic and Jelena Dubljevic each added 11. Agnieszka Skobel (179-F-89) ended up with 16 points in the losing effort.

Montenegro: Eshaya Murphy 12, Jelena Skerovic 11, Snezana Aleksic 11, Jelena Dubljevic 11
Poland: Agnieszka Skobel 16


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  PORTUGAL   


Hungary wins the initial game in Miskolc - by Eurobasket News

Hungary-Portugal 80:45

Hungary wins the initial game in Miskolc at the start of day 3 of the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. The host overcame Portugal 80:45 as the latter fell at 0-3 record.
Narrowly beaten at Belarus in their first game a week ago, Hungary blew away the Portuguese in Group A. They started with 23:12 in the first period and never looked behind after. Portugal bounced back with 13-11 in the second frame as Carla Freitas (170-G-80) closed the half at 34:25. The third quarter became decisive as the hosts erupted with 30-14 burst to take 64:39 advantage. Another 16-6 in the last stanza brought them their first victory in the group.
Nora Nagy (185-F-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group)-Bujdoso top-scored for the inners with 18 points and Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) nailed 17. Katalin Honti (175-G-87) posted 11, while Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) added 9. Carla Freitas replied with 14 points in the losing effort, while Ana Oliveira (176-F-83, college: UTSA) and Carla Nascimento (171-G-86) poured in 6 apiece.

Hungary: Nora Nagy-Bujdoso 18, Allie Quigley 17, Katalin Honti 11, Dora Horti 9
Portugal: Carla Freitas 14, Ana Oliveira 6, Carla Nascimento 6


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  SERBIA   


Miljana Bojovic ex Musovic extends contract with Dobri Andjeli Kosice (SLK) - by Tamara Ruzic

Dobri Andjeli extends contract with Miljana Bojovic (181-G-87) . Slovak Champion from Kosice won 9th straight Extraliga title.
Bojovic averagedin Slovakian league: 7.9ppg, 2.5rpg, as-1 (6.3apg), 2.7spg, FGP-2 (62.2%), 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 73.0% . In Euroleague: 8.4ppg, 2.8rpg, Ass-4 (5.0apg), Steals-3 (2.1spg), FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 64.7%.
Bojovic also played for: Universitat de Barcelona - FC Barcelona (ESP-LFB), C.B. Olesa (ESP-LFB,, WBC Kimico Struga (MKD-D1,1T), BSE-ESMA Budapest (HUN-A,1T).
She was member of U16,U18, U19, U 21 and Senior Serbian National Team.


Serbia dismantle Switzerland for first win in EuroBasket Qualification - by Eurobasket News

Serbia - Switzerland 88:64

Serbia opened win count at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down Switzerland at home court to improve at 1-1 record in Group B. Marina Mandic (181-G-83) delivered 18 points to lead the home team. Switzerland fell at 1-2 record after the loss.
Serbia started to build their lead steadily right from the start. They accumulated a 49:32 halftime lead. The Swiss team cut the deficit in the third term. They got within 13 points at the final break. But Serbia quickly regained control and gave no chance for the visitors in the fourth period. Nevena Jovanovic (179-G-90) and Milica Dabovic (175-PG-82) contributed 16 points each for the hosts. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) answered with 19 points for Switzerland. Sarah Kershaw (180-SF-85) finished with 13 points in defeat.

Serbia: Marina Mandic 18, Nevena Jovanovic 16, Milica Dabovic 16
Switzerland: Karen Twehues 19, Sarah Kershaw 13


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  SLOVAKIA   


Lithuania rolled over Slovak Republic in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania-Slovak Republic 78:64

Lithuania rolled over Slovak Republic in Kaunas for 2-1 record in Group C. The Baltic side celebrated a 78:64 victory to hand the opponents their first loss at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round.
It was a key game in the group and brought so much interest in the Lithuanian city. The guests took 18:17 lead after the first ten minutes and then Romana Vynuchalova (192-C/F-86, college: Penn St.) sent the teams to the lockers at 35:34. Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) later tied the game at 41:41 and then Giedre Paugaite (192-C-90) brought 46:45 for the hosts. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) and Nacickaite closed the third period at 54:51. No matter how hard the Slovakian side tried to catch up with Lithuania, they could not win the game. Marina Solopova and Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) were perfect from the free throw line and then Giedre Paugaite brought the final points for the winners.
Sandra Linkeviciene chipped in with 21 points for the winners and Marina Solopova added 19. Gintare Petronyte posted 17, while Giedre Paugaite had 10. Romana Vynuchalova ended up with 13 points for the guests and Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) scored 11.

Lithuania: Sandra Linkeviciene 21, Marina Solopova 19, Gintare Petronyte 17, Giedre Paugaite 10
Slovak Republic: Romana Vynuchalova 13, Lucia Kupcikova 11


Stefan Svitek named head coach of MBK Ruzomberok - by Barbora Stuchlikova

General manager of MBK Ruzomberok Stanislav Onuska announced that Stefan Svitek , former coach of Good Angels Kosice, will lead MBK Ruzomberok following season.
Svitek spent 5 seasons with Good Angels Kosice. In 2010 the team advanced to the EuroLeague quarterfinals, which is so far their greatest achievement in the league. Svitek was forced to leave Good Angels Kosice in February 2012 due to a great communication barrier between him and general manager of the team Daniel Jendrichovsky. Since that, Svitek has been coaching Hungarian Women NT.
MBK Ruzomberok also confirmed to participate in EuroCup following season.


Spisska Nova Ves signed Czech forward Romana Stehlikova - by Barbora Stuchlikova

Spisska Nova Ves announced signing 26-year-old Czech forward Romana Stehlikova (190-C-85).

Stehlikova spent previous five seasons in EuroLeague Frisco Sika Brno. In 2011-2012 she averaged 3,6 points and 2,1 rebounds in EuroLeague. Her team didn't advance to the play-offs. In Czech ZBL, she had 6,8 points and 3,8 rebounds per game. Brno lost to ZVVZ USK Praha in the finals and finished the season on second spot.
With Stehlikova on the roster, strength of Spisska Nova Ves rises. The team have also signed American point guard Jade Smith-Williams (170-G, college: Cal-Irvine), Maltese center Josephine Grima (193-C-84) and Slovakians Veronika Vajnerova (172-F-92), Zuzana Babarikova (176-F-86), Lucia Stanekova (187-C/F-91), Martina Letkova and Michaela Jurcisinova.


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  SLOVENIA   


Slovenia outgun Netherlands in Slovenske Konjice - by Eurobasket News

Slovenia - Netherlands 68:52

Slovenia recorded the third straight win at the start of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They outscored Netherlands at home court to take 3-0 record on top of Group C. Nika Baric (169-PG-92) accounted for 18 points to pace the winners.
Slovenia ensured a quick start. They held Netherlands to 7 points in the first quarter to pile up a 12-point lead. Slovenia increased the tempo in the second frame. They cleared off to accumulate a massive 28-point advantage. Netherlands however did not say die. The Dutch team went on a 25:15 run in the third frame to cut the deficit. They managed to narrow the distance even further in the fourth period but came up short of victory at the end. Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) netted 12 points, while Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) delivered 10 points for the winners. Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Cal-Irvine) answered with 16 points for Netherlands. Natalie Van Den Adel (185-G-90, college: Colorado St.) had 11 points in the loss.

Slovenia: Nika Baric 18, Maja Erkic 12, Sandra Pirsic 10
Netherlands: Naomi Halman 16, Natalie Van Den Adel 11


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  SPAIN   


Spain demolish Germany in Avila - by Eurobasket News

Spain-Germany 66:39

Spain demolish Germany in Avila at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. After a loud upset from Swede, Spain bounced back with 66:39 win over the German side.
Spain went on an early lead and Cristina Ouvina (174-G-90) brought 16:12. Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) closed a 6-0 run early in the second, while she later nailed three for 29:14. Mankertz managed to send the teams to the lockers at 35:21 at the halftime. In the second half Spain played even better in defense. Both teams nailed 11 points each in the third quarter, while Spain limited the opponents to just 7 points in the last stanza. Spain won the last period 20-7 and celebrated the second win in Group D.
Elisa Aguilar led the way with 12 points and Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) netted 11. Cristina Ouvina and Laia Palau (178-G-79) followed them with 8 apiece. Romy Bar (189-F-87) finished the night with 13 points in defeat and Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) scored 7.

Spain: Elisa Aguilar 12, Amaya Valdemoro 11, Cristina Ouvina 8, Laia Palau 8
Germany: Romy Bar 13, Anne Breitreiner 7


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  SWEDEN   


Sweden continue their winning streak - by Eurobasket News

Bulgaria-Sweden 60:80

Sweden continue their winning streak at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. The Scandinavian side overcame Bulgaria 80:60 in the start of Day 3.
Sweden produced an offensive start and took 29:24 after the first 10 minutes. Stanoeva however gave the hosts 34:33 lead and Daniela Georgieva (184-G/F-86) kept the advantage at 40:39. On top 41-40 at half, Sweden poured in the first six points of the second half and ended up outscoring the Bulgarians 21-9 in the frame to take command for good. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored for 71:53 and Andersson brought 73:55. Sweden added 18-11 in the second frame for the final success.
Frida Eldebrink erupted with 19 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and Louice Halvarsson followed her with 12. Stefanie Yderstrom (172-G-90) and Elin Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored 11 points each. Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) ended up with 18 points in defeat, while Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: FIU) collected 9 points and 13 boards. Daniela Georgieva posted 8, while Daniela Peteva (179-F-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 7.

Bulgaria: Jaklin Zlatanova 18, Vera Perostiyska 9+13 rebs, Daniela Georgieva 8, Daniela Peteva 7
Sweden: Frida Eldebrink 19+10 rebs, Louice Halvarsson 12, Stefanie Yderstrom 11, Elin Eldebrink 11


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  SWITZERLAND   


Serbia dismantle Switzerland for first win in EuroBasket Qualification - by Eurobasket News

Serbia - Switzerland 88:64

Serbia opened win count at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down Switzerland at home court to improve at 1-1 record in Group B. Marina Mandic (181-G-83) delivered 18 points to lead the home team. Switzerland fell at 1-2 record after the loss.
Serbia started to build their lead steadily right from the start. They accumulated a 49:32 halftime lead. The Swiss team cut the deficit in the third term. They got within 13 points at the final break. But Serbia quickly regained control and gave no chance for the visitors in the fourth period. Nevena Jovanovic (179-G-90) and Milica Dabovic (175-PG-82) contributed 16 points each for the hosts. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) answered with 19 points for Switzerland. Sarah Kershaw (180-SF-85) finished with 13 points in defeat.

Serbia: Marina Mandic 18, Nevena Jovanovic 16, Milica Dabovic 16
Switzerland: Karen Twehues 19, Sarah Kershaw 13


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  WNBA   

Standings

WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Connecticut S. 9-2 
 2. Chicago S. 7-2 
 3. Indiana F. 5-4 
 4. Atlanta D. 4-7 
 5. New York L. 4-7 
 6. Washington M. 2-7 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 10-1 
 2. L.Angeles S. 8-4 
 3. S.Antonio SS 4-4 
 4. Seattle S. 4-6 
 5. Phoenix M. 3-7 
 6. Tulsa S. 1-10 

Regular Season: Round 14

Jun. 20: L.Angeles S. - Tulsa S. 95-79
Jun. 19: Connecticut S. - Indiana F. 88-85 OT
Jun. 20: Phoenix M. - Washington M. 80-77
Jun. 19: Atlanta D. - New York L. 60-73
Jun. 18: L.Angeles S. - Washington M. 101-70

Regular Season: Round 15

Jun. 21: Indiana F. - Connecticut S.
Jun. 21: Minnesota L. - New York L.
Jun. 22: Seattle S. - S.Antonio SS
Jun. 23: Minnesota L. - Chicago S.
Jun. 23: Tulsa S. - Indiana F.
Jun. 23: Phoenix M. - L.Angeles S.


Los Angeles Sparks gain two victories in midweek - by Eurobasket News

L.Angeles S. - Tulsa S. 95-79
Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) scored 33 points and had a career-high nine blocks and the Los Angeles Sparks remained undefeated at home with a 95-79 victory against the Tulsa Shock on Wednesday night. The Sparks (9-3) improved to 6-0 at home, their best start since they went 7-0 in 2006. Parker went 14 for 21 from the field and her 33 points matched a season high. Kristi Toliver scored 22 points, including 14 for 14 from the free throw line. Toliver, who had a WNBA-record 14 turnovers on May 29 against Tulsa, had only three turnovers. The Shock (1-10), who ended a 15-game losing streak Sunday, lost their ninth consecutive road game. Tulsa's last road win came at Los Angeles on Aug. 26, 2011. Glory Johnson (6'3''-F-90, college: Tennessee) led Tulsa with a season-high 19 points and Temeka Johnson added 11. Riquna Williams (5'7''-PG-90, college: Miami, FL), who scored 15 fourth-quarter points on Sunday, had 10 points on 2 for 12 shooting on Wednesday. Parker helped respond to two Tulsa rallies in the fourth quarter. Her basket inside pushed the lead to 88-73 after the Shock pulled within nine points with 4:32 remaining. Tulsa had closed within 10 with 8:25 remaining on Amber Holt's 3-pointer. On the ensuing possession, Parker made a 3-pointer while she was fouled. Parker missed the free throw, but Marissa Coleman (6'1''-G/F-87, college: Maryland) got the rebound, and passed to Parker for a finger roll to push the lead to 78-63. Parker was frustrated at not completing the four-point play but she liked the blocks total. "I'm going to be able to go home and whip out my thumb to my husband a little bit," said Parker, who is married to NBA player Shelden Williams. "He prides himself on the defensive end. It's always fun to be able to do that." Parker's career has been interrupted by injuries and pregnancy the past two seasons, but the Sparks are happy to have her back. "Unfortunately, for her, it's what people expect," Sparks coach Carol Ross said. "She's got high expectations for herself. She's created a very high standard for excellence. Sometimes she makes 30-something point and nine blocks seem like a routine day at the office. "For the rest of us, that could be a week's worth of basketball. She has great gifts. Fortunately, tonight, when we needed someone to put us on our back, she was able to carry us through us some rough spots." Tulsa played its first game without third-leading scorer Jennifer Lacy, who tore the meniscus in her right knee Sunday and could be out 4 to 6 weeks. "It hurts us because she shoots the ball so well," Tulsa coach Gary Kloppenburg said. "We're trying to see if we can't get her knee to calm down and maybe use her. We're just in a state of flux right now to see if we can't get that rehabbed and get her back in the lineup this next week." Kloppenburg still took positives from the loss despite allowing the Sparks to shoot a season-high 54.8 percent. The Shock's 79 points were the most allowed at home by L.A. this season. Tulsa committed only eight turnovers. "It's a competitive team that will fight," Kloppenburg said. "They've got some mental toughness and resiliency. We've got some things to build on as we move forward." Coleman grabbed five of her six rebounds in the second half. "Marissa was so key tonight," Parker said. "Her energy, those extra hustle plays, those extra deflections. I think every team needs that. In past games it's come from Nneka (Nnemkadi Ogwumike (6'2''-F-90, college: Stanford)). Today it was Marissa making those extra plays." Toliver helped maintain a 10-point lead through three quarters by getting to the free throw line for seven points. She scored eight of the Sparks' 18 points in the third. Parker scored 17 points in the first half on 7 for 9 shooting from the field to help give the Sparks a 49-39 halftime lead. The Sparks made 20 of 29 field goal attempts in the first half, including 5 for 5 by DeLisha Milton-Jones. Courtesy of: buffalonews.com

Atlanta D. - New York L. 60-73
The Liberty's awful performance in their last game embarrassed Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers). She was determined not to let it happen again. 'I brought a great deal of energy tonight, which has been inconsistent with us,' Pondexter said. 'I feel like when we play with a lot of energy it allows us to play both ends of the floor the way we really want to.' Pondexter had 14 points and a season-high 13 assists and Essence Carson added 14 points in the Liberty's 73-60 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday night. The Dream dropped their second straight game with Angel Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville), the WNBA's leading scorer and shot blocker, injured and unable to play. Sancho Lyttle (6'4''-C-83, college: Houston) and Lindsey Harding each finished with 13 points for Atlanta (4-7). Lyttle pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds. The Liberty (4-7) had plenty of incentive after last Friday's debacle at Connecticut, a 42-point loss that was the worst in team history and included 34-point halftime deficit that was the largest in league history. The Liberty, who snapped a two-game skid, never trailed after Leilani Mitchell pulled up for a 15-foot fast-break jumper to make it 13-12 late in the first. 'We were so hungry for a win,' Mitchell said. 'We were just playing harder. We were taking it easy in the last couple of practices trying to save our legs for this game.' The Liberty went up 36-30 on Pondexter's 19-foot fadeaway in transition in the final minute of the second period. The Dream shot a season-low 35.3 percent. Their five bench players combined to go 6 for 25 from the field, including a 3-for-11 performance from Cathrine Kraayeveld. Lyttle, Harding and Jessica Moore each finished with three turnovers as Atlanta dropped to 0-4 this season when trailing at halftime. Now the Dream only can hope they won't have to play without Harding, who fell backward while defending Carson with 4:40 remaining and had to be helped off the court with an apparent right leg injury. But even with Angel McCoughtry and Harding at full strength, Atlanta coach Marynell Meadors said she knows her team can't afford to keep missing so many layups. 'I thought we did better going to the offensive boards, but we'd rebound and we wouldn't put the shot down,' Meadors said. 'We have to make shots.' The Dream never got closer than eight after Armintie Price's 15-footer made it 65-57 with 5:42 remaining. It was a second straight tough ending for Atlanta, which lost at home Sunday to Connecticut despite not trailing until the game's final 3.1 seconds. Kia Vaughn (6'4''-C-87, college: Rutgers), who scored 12 points for the Liberty, hit a 14-foot jumper from the left baseline with 9:33 remaining to give New York its first double-digit lead at 60-49. Nicole Powell's turnaround jumper nearly two minutes later gave New York its biggest lead at 14. The Liberty improved to 2-4 on the road. Atlanta, which fell to 4-4 at home, doesn't know how long Angel McCoughtry will be out with a strained left knee ligament. She sat on the bench and encouraged her teammates, but was not in uniform. 'Not having Angel puts them in a tough situation,' Pondexter said. 'This gave us the upper hand because we didn't have to focus on her, and we all played loosely and freely. You could tell we just really wanted to win.' Liberty coach John Whisenant credited Pondexter with spreading the ball around and getting her teammates involved offensively. 'When she plays like she did tonight and we play good team defense, we can win games on the road,' Whisenant said. 'We demand that she does her part on defense as well as offense. We don't have any other options. She has to perform well for the Liberty to do well. It's that simple.' Courtesy of: nypost.com

Phoenix M. - Washington M. 80-77
Samantha Prahalis (5'7''-PG-90, college: Ohio St.) scored seven of her 15 points in the final 2:02 and made a tiebreaking layup with 23 seconds left and the Phoenix Mercury got past the Washington Mystics 80-77 on Wednesday night. Washington's Monique Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, college: Duke) missed a driving shot in the lane with 4.9 seconds remaining and teammate Michelle Snow and Avery Warley got tied up on the rebound. Officials called the Mystics for a jump ball violation on the ensuing jump with 1.5 seconds left. Krystal Thomas made a free throw for the final margin. Down 74-69 with 2:26 left, Samantha Prahalis and DeWanna Bonner hit back-to-back 3-pointers within 33 seconds for the Mercury. Washington's Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86, college: Maryland) then missed an 18-footer with 44 seconds left, setting up the Mercury's winning possession. Bonner led the Mercury (3-7) with 19 points and had seven rebounds and Thomas added 15. Snow scored nine of her 21 in the fourth quarter and had nine rebounds to lead the Mystics (2-7) while Monique Currie scored season-high 20 points. Washington has lost six of seven. Phoenix had just eight players in uniform as second-leading scorer Candice Dupree sat out with a left knee contusion suffered in Sunday's loss to Tulsa. Backup center Nakia Sanford also was out with an injury on Wednesday and All-Star Diana Taurasi remains sidelined by a strained left hip flexor. Phoenix is 1-5 with Taurasi out of the lineup. After missing five of its first six shots, Washington made six straight to erase an early deficit. Monique Currie made two 3-pointers and had 11 points as the teams were tied at 26 after one quarter. Snow had 12 points for Washington as the Mystics took a 41-40 lead at the break. Monique Currie had six points in the third, including four in the final 1:37 to help the Mystics take a 60-57 advantage into the final period. Courtesy of: washingtonpost.com

L.Angeles S. - Washington M. 101-70
Nnemkadi Ogwumike scored 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Sparks, who beat the Washington Mystics 101-70 on Monday night and improved to 5-0 at home. The Sparks are off to their best home start since they went 7-0 in 2006. Washington dropped its 12th straight road game, dating to a victory at Staples Center on July 17, 2011. The 31-point loss was the Mystics' worst defeat of the season. Nnemkadi Ogwumike, the top pick in this year's WNBA draft, missed last Saturday's game to attend her graduation ceremony at Stanford. The Sparks (8-3) lost that game for their first two-game losing streak of the season, but they got re-energized in their third game in four nights. Nnemkadi Ogwumike went 11 for 14 from the field. Candace Parker scored eight of her 11 points in the third quarter and Kristi Toliver added 15 points and six assists. The Sparks benefited from 29 free throw attempts to 13 for the Mystics (2-6). Michelle Snow led Washington with 15 points and seven rebounds, and Natasha Lacy added 12 points in a reserve role. Leading scorer Crystal Langhorne, who had scored 20 points in each of the previous three games, was held to a season-low two. The Sparks opened the second half on a 12-4 run and pushed their lead to 21 when Nnemkadi Ogwumike took a pass from a falling Marissa Coleman and scored on a layup to end the scoring in the third quarter. Nnemkadi Ogwumike made a layup off a pass from Alana Beard pass in the lane and completed the three-point play to make it 84-54. The Sparks led 44-36 at halftime thanks largely to 19 free throw attempts compared to six for the Mystics. Courtesy of: dailybreeze.com

Connecticut S. - Indiana F. 88-85 OT
Kara Lawson (5'8''-PG-81, college: Tennessee) had 22 points and four rebounds and the Connecticut Sun outlasted the Indiana Fever 88-85 in overtime on Tuesday. Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) had 14 points and eight rebounds for Connecticut (9-2), which leads the Eastern Conference. Renee Montgomery had 12 points and four rebounds and Kalana Greene scored 12 points. Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) had a game-high 23 points and nine rebounds and four assists for the Fever (5-4). Tamika Catchings added 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Connecticut has won six of its past seven games. The Sun trailed by two with less than three minutes remaining in overtime when Charles made the second of two free throws. On Connecticut's next possession, Allison Hightower drove left to the rim, then passed to Charles on the right for a layup and an 86-85 Sun lead with 41.7 seconds left. Asjha Jones, playing with five fouls, blocked Catchings' shot and grabbed the ball. Lawson made a pull-up jumper with 5.2 seconds left for the game's final points. The Fever trailed 81-76 with less than two minutes left in regulation when it forced a Connecticut shot clock violation. Douglas made a 3-pointer to make it 81-79. Catchings drove for a layup to tie the game at 81-81 with 13.6 seconds left. Jones missed a jumper at the buzzer and the game went to overtime. Indiana played from behind for almost the entire game. It was down 54-44 with more than six minutes left to play in the third quarter when it stormed back with a 13-1 run. It featured a Catchings block on Hightower, leading to a Douglas 3-pointer on the other end. Phillips finished the run with a 3-pointer as the Fever took their first lead of the game 57-55 with more than two minutes left in the quarter. Courtesy of: indystar.com