Source: Alba Berlin





Patrick Wischnewski joins BG Leitershofen/Stadtbergen - by Moritz Korff

The BG Leitershofen/Stadtbergen Kangaroos (2. Bundesliga Pro B) continued to fill their roster as the club announced the signing of Patrick Wischnewski (191-G-87) today. The 25-year-old guard started this past season with the Schwelmer Baskets and moved to SC Rist Wedel during the christmas break. For SC Rist he scored 13.1 points a game and dished out 2.8 assists per contest.
Wischnewski will add a lot of experience to the Kangaroos' squad: The Hamburg native spent a single season in the BBL with the Duesseldorf Giants and also played in the Pro A for the Cuxhaven BasCats.


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Australia - Greece 79:58

Australian National Team completed the sweep of the Farewell Series against Greece. The Boomers claimed a 21-point win in the third game. Matthew Dellavedova (193-G-90) stepped up with 12 points to lead well-balanced effort from the hosts.
The Boomers led by just two points after ten minutes 15:13. Australia stretched the margin in the second quarter. The Boomers held the Hellenes to 8 points in the frame to take a 38:21 halftime lead. Greece stopped the rot in the third stanza. The visitors held Australia to 6 points in the quarter to narrow the margin 5 points at the final intermission. But the Boomers were back in control in the final quarter. They unleashed 35 points and sealed the victory at the end. Joe Ingles (203-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports) and Brad Newley (201-F/G-85, agency: Beo Basket) provided 11 points each for the winners. Giorgos Bogris (210-C/F-89) and Nikos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) answered with 16 points each for Greece.

Australia: Matthew Dellavedova 12, Joe Ingles 11, Brad Newley 11
Greece: Giorgos Bogris 16, Nikos Pappas 16


Solna Vikings hire Aris Likogiannis as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Aris Likogiannis (agency: FCM) is a new Head Coach of the Swedish team Solna Vikings. The 43-year-old Greek signed a deal for the next season. Most recently he coached Ikaros Kalitheas in A1 league. He took them over in January of 2009. Year and a half later they won A2 league title. At the same time, Ikaros won the promotion for A1, where they competed for the last two years. Likogiannis was named Eurobasket.com All-Greek A2 Coach of the Year -10. He started last season with the club, but they parted ways in January. In the past, Aris Likogiannis worked with Ilysiakos and Pagrati. He also coached Sporting Athens men and women teams.
Solna Vikings competes in Swedish Basketligan. They reached Quarterfinals last season.


Greek U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Greek U20 National Team 2012
#s#	Antonakis	Chrysikopoulos	Davanis	Deligeorgis	Dermitzakis	#e#5

Anastasios Antonakis

204-PF-92

Pagrati

Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos

205-SF-92

Angelico BI

Antonios Davanis

201-PF-92

Doxa Pefkon

Apollon Deligeorgis

190-PG-93

Mantoulidis

Marios Dermitzakis

198-F-92

Aiolos Trikallon

Nikolaos Kampouris

205-C/F-92

Olympiacos

Giannoulis Larentzakis

195-SG-93

Ikaros

Sotirios Marougkas

188-G-93

Georgios Mavrogiannis

193-G/F-92

Niki Volou

Petros Melissaratos

205-F/C-93

Alimos

Spyridon Motsenigos

193-SG-92

AGOR

Spyridon Panagiotaras

180-PG-93

Ikaros

Efstathios Papadionysiou

189-PG-92

Apollon Sm.

Sokratis Psaropoulos

191-PG-92

Peristeri GS

Ioannis Sachpatzidis

207-C-93

Thomas Tsalkitzis

195-G-92

Iraklis

Konstantinos Tsaprounis

Emmanouil Tselentakis

194-F-93

St.Louis

Alexandros Vasileiadis

194-SF-93

Petros Velissariou

184-PG-93

Mantoulidis

Lampros Vlachos

201-SF-93

Ikaros

Fotios Zoumpos

192-SG-93

Panathinaikos

Konstantinos Missas

Head Coach

Giannis Eleftheriadis

Assistant

Koroivos

George Limniatis

Assistant

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

HUNGARY

Jaszberenyi KSE extends C Rastko Dramicanin for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Rastko Dramicanin (207-C-86, agency: BeoExcell) will stay with Hungarian squad Jaszberenyi KSE. They signed a one-year contract extension. The Serbian big guy joined the club in December. He immediately became one of their top players with 18.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.7 spg and 1.2 apg. Dramicanin started last season with Borac Cacak. There he also shined with 14.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.4 apg and 1.4 spg in 14 Serbian league games. Season 2010/11, Rastko Dramicanin spit between Mega Vizura and Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels. With the Germans he had 6.3 ppg and 3 rpg for 20 games in 1.Bundesliga. Before that, the center collected 15.3 ppg and 5.1 rpg for 13 games with Mega Vizura. In the past, Dramicanin also played for Borac Cacak and FMP Zeleznik.


Transfer news from Szeged - by Tamas Deri

The management of Szeged published yesterday, that hungarian forward Attila Tanacs (200-F/C-82) and serbian big man Nebojsa Dukic (206-C/F-85) extended with the club for the coming season. The 30 years old, 200 cm tall Tanacs had a solid season with his team averaging 8.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. The 27 years old, 205 cm tall Dukic spent his second season in Szeged and helped his team with 14.2 points and 4.3 rebounds in 31.6 minutes per game.

Coach Peter Fodor decided to leave the club, so the management was looking for a new head coach for the coming season. Finally they agreed with hungarian Jozsef Molnar . The 41 years old coach is not really well known in our country as he spent almost 10 years abroad. Before moving to the USA Molnar worked as a coach in the Hungarian 2nd division and graduated on the Semmelweis University in Sport Sciences. He started his carreer in New Zealand in 2004 as an assistant coach of the U16 National Team. Between 2007 and 2009 he worked as an assistant coach of the Junior National Team of NZ and worked also two seasons as an assistant of the New Zealand Giants.


Gyorgy Cseh moves to Debrecen - by Tamas Deri

The domestic forward Georgy Cseh (208-F-87) signed with Factum Sport for the coming season! The 25 years old, 208 cm tall all-around forward spent the last season with Fortress-Kormend and had a solid one averaging 3.6 points and 2.0 rebounds in only 9.6 minutes on the court. The former U18 and U20 NT member spent several seasons with Szolnok before moving to Kecskemet in 2010, where he signed a 2-years deal. In his first season he put up 3.3 points and 1.7 rebounds per game and asked for his release after it, so could he move to Kormend.


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ISRAEL

Exclusive interview with Israeli National Team head coach - Arik Shivek - by Ozell Wells

Eurobasket recently had the pleasure os sitting and chatting with famed Israeli coach Arik Shivek (agency: Avi Zilberman ). Recently completing the season in the Belgium Ethias League, he was able to share some of this thoughts, as we sat with a living legend.

EU: Coach, it is a true joy to be able to chat with you. How have you found this last tour of duty in the Belgian League?
AS:level is lower than last year...competition was bigger because Charleroi was a bit weaker than last year, Antwerp and Oostende really upgraded their level both teams controlled the league all season. There were both teams controlling the league all season, those three teams, then 4-6 and lastly 7-9 was how I viewed the way the things came out....lets go team by team
Charleroi was very unlucky with injuries early in the season.
Oostende-made changes with players that really fit the system and they were the best team . With those great moves they deserved the title, even though they won with a lucky basket.
Antwerp-should be quite disappointed because in the money time, they failed in both competitions, they had home advantage in the playoffs and lost in the semifinals and they had home advantage in the cup and they lost it. They played good basketball in the season And after leading the league all season, they failed and were really disappointing. They had home court advantage in the Cup and lost in the semifinals,. In the league they were really good but in the playoffs and in the Cup, they were really disappointing.
Us (Mons), Aalst, Lueven- these three teams were ok but not more than ok
my team was suffering what happened with juan carter and sean singletary., these two really affected our season, but we did the unbelievable in the end we stepped up reaching the final four
The last 3- Ghent,Liege and Pepinster it was all about budget. The teams with low budget showed it in how they finished in the league.

EU: Having coached abroad, not only in your home country of Israel, but also in Holland and most recently in Belgium, what is your view of the level of play across the different regions?
AS: Its hard to compare the Israeli league with the Dutch and Belgian, mainly due to the number of foreigners. I think that Israeli players are better, most of them, than the Belgian and the Dutch players. In addition to the Dutch and Belgian players,you add in the American players; and the Belgian league is a very competitive and a good league. Now the Dutch league in my times, now now, 4-5 years ago was a very competitive league with 5 or 6 good teams, with very god Americans. Proof of that is what we did in Europe; quarterfinals, we beat Jerusalem, Dynamo Moscow Region, we beat very good teams..we beat Mons. But these days the leagues are very similar, the Dutch league has gotten weaker but it was much stronger in my days.

EU: What is your take on recent rule changes? For example. The moving blocks that become prevalent in almost every league imaginable, Can you tell us more on that?
AS: I like them (rule changes)..each year they (FIBA) emphasize one rule and you can see its impact in the games. I would like the refs to look closely at these rules but not as its the Bible. They should take them on their own interpretation, that is what makes the job of being a ref so difficult. When the calls affect the way that the coach can coach games, I don't think its the right thing. If you have to change the way that you coach the games, it is the wrong thing. But like I said, I like the new rules.

EU: How do you see the evolution of the game, over the course of your career? Having been a part of epic games in Euro competition and also National Team Games.
AS: I see the game becoming more up tempo, with individual skills taking a larger role now than when I started coaching. We see a lot of one on one play, I actually use a lot of one on one play, the level of individual skill has affected the game positively. The key is to see coaches adapt to the changes in the speed of the game and other ways, the best coaches are also changing as the game changes.

EU: From scouting and observing games, one can see a type of shift in focus from a focus on coaching to a more focus on players and their wants/desires,etc. Not only in the NBA, but also in countries like Holland and France we have seen players doing things quite out of character on the part of a player. How do you feel this type of behavior impacts the game?
AS: Basketball, as we both knw is an emotional game. I think that in the course of the action, players can say or do what they do and when dealing with a coach or a ref it is ok to say things in their ear or up close, but making a cinema out of the situation is unacceptable.

EU: We have heard rumblings of you rejoining the Israeli National Team in the weeks to come. Can you tell us more about this?
AS: Yes, I have returned to the National Team and we will be preparing for the European Qualifiers later this year.

EU: What are you plans for the upcoming season 2012/2013?
AS: I have signed on with the Israeli National Team, long term and I will also be the CO of ALL junior national teams as well.

EU: Do you want to share anything with your fan base, not only in Israel but also in Holland and in Belgium and across the globe?
AS: Speaking of the fans, I have a great appreciation for them, and I know that as they cheer and support you, they can also take that support from you and boo. As such, they are very important and I appreciate what they do to the game.

EU: Any other closing thoughts?
AS: As long as OUR hobby is our job, we have to shut up ad say thanks to GOD

EUROBASKET WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS TIME TO CONGRATULATE COACH SHIVEK ON ANOTHER SEASON IN BELGIUM. WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO WISH HIM THE VERY BEST IN HIS NEXT ENDEAVORS, WHEREEVER THEY MAY BE AND WE LOOK TO HERE GREAT THINGS FROM HIM IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. BEST SWISHES COACH!


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

ITALY

Correction: Everage Richardson is the 2011 world top scorer - by Crazy



My mistake. On May 30, we stated that Thomas Branca was the world top scorer in 2011 basketball season. Expanding our database, we found that in reality Everage Richardson (191-G-85, college: Co.Carolina) has exceeded the average of the Italian guard.
Everage Richardson scores 47.8 points per game during 2010-2011 season, playing for Oberharz in Germany Oberliga, winning the title. The NY City native scores at least 40 points per game for 3 consecutive seasons: 48.8 ppg in 2009-2010 season (Landesliga), 47.8 ppg in 2010-2011 (Oberliga) and he has just finished his 2011-2012 season scoring 42.1 ppg in 2. Regionalliga. As far as we know, Richardson was also the best world scorer in 2010 season and is actually leading the world in 2012 season. More than 110 Leagues all around the world are included in our database. Pro, Semi-pro and Amateur League are included, College or U-21, U-19 etc tournaments are not included. If you have any additional information please contact us or send email to the author. We try to do the best.

2011 WOLRD TOP SCORER RACE:
47.8 - EVERAGE RICHARDSON, OBERHARZ, OBERLIGA GERMANY
35.1 - THOMAS BRANCA, BORGOSESIA, SERIE D ITALY
34.8 - LLOYD JOHNSON, HUDSON, EBA USA
34.7 - CHARLES PARKER, HORIZON, EBA USA
34.5 - COSTANZO RUOCCO, CAPRI, PROMOZIONE ITALY
33.7 - CHARLES GAINES, QINGDAO, CBA CHINA
32.9 - RALPH BUCCI, T.VALLEY, EBL DIVISION 2 ENGLAND
32.0 - QUINCY DOUBY, XINJIANG, CBA CHINA
30.8 - NIKOLAI BALEV, CHAVDAR, DIVISION A BULGARIA
30.7 - KEVIN SOWELL, GUASAVE, CIBACOPA MEXICO
30.7 - CHAMBERLAIN OGUCHI, MERALCO, PBA COMM PHILIPPINE




Coach Crespi becomes assistant at Montepaschi Siena - by Giovanni Bargna

After selecting Luca Banchi as the new head coach, Montepaschi Siena announced Marco Crespi as assistant early this afternoon.
Crespi has been coaching at Casale Monferrato form 2006 to last February, when he resigned.
He led Casale Monferrato to the LegaA in season 2010-2011. Crespi was also scouting responsible for the Phoenix Suns for three years (2003-2006).
Among his previuos experiences he coached in Milano, Biella and Pesaro.


Giorgio Valli is announced by Avelino - by Eurobasket News

Giorgio Valli officially is announced by Avelino. He will not help Ettore Messina in CSKA Moscow next season as it was seemed to be earlier.
Giorgio Valli coached Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (SerieA) last season. His team finished the Regular Season with 12-20 record on the 15th place.
Earlier Giorgio Valli worked as a Head Coach of Anzola Emila (Serie D), Virtus Bologna Juvenile teams, Pall. Treviglio (B1), Popolare Ragusa (Lega2), Popolare Ragusa (Lega2).
In Nov.'04 was hired by Banco di Sardegna Sassari (Lega2) and then in 2005-2006 moved to Eurorida Scafati (Lega2). In June signed a two-years contract with Carife Ferrara (Lega2) and stayed with the team until season 2010. In 2011 worked as a Coach Assistant for Armani Jeans Milano (SerieA).
Earlier Andrea Capobianco turned down the proposal of Sidigas Avellino. According to new source Ufficio Stampa FIP via Sportando.net, the head Coach wants to be focused just on the National Team where he is assistant coach of Simone Pianigiani


France edge Italy in Pau - by Eurobasket News

France - Italy 74:54

French National Team played an exhibition encounter versus Italy in Pau. Les Bleus claimed a comfortable win at the end. Florent Pietrus (202-F-81) came up with 23 points to lead the winners.
The hosts entered the game without Tony Parker, Ronny Turiaf, Nicolas Batum and Joakim Noah. However they jumped to an early lead. The hosts built a 22:16 lead after ten minutes. The Azzurri cut the distance in the second quarter. Italy got within three points at halftime 32:35. But France dominated in the third frame. They opened a comfortable 15-point lead at the final intermission. Les Bleus stayed in control throughout the final quarter and rolled to the victory at the end. Kevin Seraphin (205-F/C-89) accounted for 15 points, while Fabien Causeur (193-G-87), Yakhouba Diawara (201-F-82, college: Pepperdine), Nando De Colo (202-G-87) and Mickael Gelabale (201-F-83, agency: Court Side) added 8 points each for the winners. Massimo Chessa (188-G-88, agency: Two Points) answered with 19 points for Italy. Achille Polonara (203-F-91) had 15 points in the loss.

France: Florent Pietrus 23, Kevin Seraphin 15, Fabien Causeur 8, Yakhouba Diawara 8, Nando De Colo 8, Mickael Gelabale 8
Italy: Massimo Chessa 19, Achille Polonara 15


Andrea Capobianco turned down the proposal of Sidigas Avellino - by Eurobasket News

Andrea Capobianco turned down the proposal of Sidigas Avellino. According to new source Ufficio Stampa FIP via Sportando.net, the head Coach wants to be focused just on the National Team where he is assistant coach of Simone Pianigiani
Yesterday Eurobasket wrote that Andrea Capobianco would take over Sidigas Avellino for the next season. Capobianco is actually working with the Italian Federation as assistant coach of Simone Pianigiani in the National Team.
Last season Andrea Capobianco has been fired by Banca Tercas Teramo. The Italian coach paid the bad start in Serie A with zero win in six games.Capobianco arrived at the helm of Teramo in June 2008. With the team he reached Italy Cup semifinal in the season 2008/09 and also the semifinals in the playoffs losing by Armani Jeans Milano. At the end of the season he was named Coach of the Year.
Last summer he was also assistant coach of Simone Pianigiani in the Italian National Team.


Italian U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Italian U20 National Team 2012
#s#	Cefarelli	Ceron	Chillo	Cicognani	Fallucca	#e#5

Dario Cefarelli

199-PF-93

Otto Caserta

Marco Ceron

194-G-92

Recanati

Matteo Chillo

202-PF-93

Biancoblu BO

Giacomo Cicognani

204-C/F-92

Ravenna

Matteo Fallucca

195-SG-93

Roma S.Azzurra

Raphael Gaspardo

206-C/F-93

Benetton TV

Edoardo Giovara

199-G/F-93

Novipiu CM

Matteo Imbro

190-PG-94

Bologna

Tommaso Ingrosso

206-F-92

Chieti

Marco Lagana

193-G-93

Angelico BI

Fabio Mian

196-F-92

Bari

Ivan Morgillo

203-C-92

Salvatore Parrillo

190-SG-92

Ferentino

Giovanni Pini

205-F/C-92

Trenkwalder

Andrea Quarisa

202-F/C-92

Latina Basket

Michele Ruzzier

180-PG-93

Trieste

Lorenzo Saccaggi

190-PG-92

Giorgio Tesi PT

Giorgio Sgobba

201-F-92

Fabriano

Gabriele Spizzichini

194-G-92

Comsum.it SI

Amedeo Tessitori

205-C-94

Comsum.it SI

Mohamed Toure

190-G-92

Omegna

Andrea Traini

184-PG-92

Recanati

Kenneth Viglianisi

194-SG-92

Trenkwalder

Stefano Sacripanti

Head Coach

Otto Caserta

Fabio Corbani

Assistant

Morpho Basket

Furio Steffe

Assistant

Perugia

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JAMAICA

Local fraternity buoyed by Centrobasket heroics - by Eurobasket News

Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) President Ajani Williams said the country's historic third-place finish at the Centrobasket tournament and its unprecedented qualification to the Tournament of the Americas for North, South and Central American teams have ushered in a new era for Jamaica.

Williams, who was speaking to the Jamaica Observer on the team's arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday, said this achievement has propelled Jamaica's basketball onto the global stage, and with the right resources they can make next year's World Championship.

WILLIAMS... I think were definitely on our way

"It may not happen immediately, but through time like our track and field we will, as this is the beginning of our phase and I think we are definitely on our way," he said.

"... The right people and are there; the right coaches; the right mentality, and the players are committed to advancing in this new frontier," he argued.

The JABA boss said it took sacrifice to achieve their objective. He was especially grateful to Tina Matalon and KFC for their ardent support of the programme.

"We knew it would take great sacrifice, but we do have some cash and great support from KFC... plus we got some really strong backing from the SDF (Sports Development Foundation), the sports minister and Grand Palladium (hotel)," he added.

Williams lauded the team and made special mention of Samardo Samuels (206-F/C-89, college: Louisville), Jerome Jordon, Weyimi Rose and coach Sam Vincent .

"Samardo put on an all-star performance, Jerome was developing into himself, while Weyimi was unbelievable...

"And Coach Sam Vincent threw out so many plays that nobody else had seen and came out with totally new plays on the day. So the coaching staff was really great in their application, preparation and sacrifice," he beamed.

Williams said he will use this accomplishment to spearhead the nation's new basketball initiative.

"This is huge. I was getting tired but they have given me a lot more energy now and I'm going to create a pretty phenomenal marketing team," he pledged.

"We have a new team brand, a new team name and we intend to hit the entire diaspora... but we needed this moment to activate it," he added.

Williams believes that with their newfound fame, they will attract other players with Jamaican heritage and even convince Roy Hibbert Jr to reconsider switching allegiance from the United States.

"I think we can and should advance to the World Championship... but we have to recruit the best players and get them to come within that same year," he said.

"If we're going to make a real run at the World Championships, then Roy Hibbert is ultimately important... If we don't have him we can do without him, although it would be harder, but we'll definitely need Ryan Reid, especially for those rebounds," he noted.

Meanwhile, veteran Kimani Friend, who played only for limited periods in the tournament because of a broken nose, said the feat was overwhelming and called it "a very big accomplishment for Jamaica's basketball".

"This should now propel us to get more sponsorship and more people to support the team," he said.

"We made history... and I think this is one of the achievements for our 50th Anniversary," he added.

He pointed out that the success was achieved in a very short time and the local basketball administration should be commended.

"This has been achieved in a short amount of time with the new players, Ajani, and Coach Vincent... so in about three, four years we've really made a big achievement and I hope after this we continue to move forward," said Friend.

He added that the team will be stronger and more experienced next year and will attract newcomers.

"The fact that we made the Tournament of Americas means more guys will be coming out of the NBA or Europe with Jamaican parentage and they will want to use this as an excuse to play for Jamaica, and because of this, we will be very strong," he said.
Courtesy of: http://www.caribbeanbasketball.com


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

JAPAN

Kyoto Hannaryz land Yu Okada - by Eurobasket News

Kyoto Hannaryz strengthened their backcourt. They signed contract with Yu Okada (184-G-83). The deal is meant for one season. Yu Okada spent the last two seasons with Shiga Lakestars. He averaged 12.8 points, 2.6 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in BJ League last season. Yu Okada played for Takamatsu Five Arrows before joining Shiga Lakestars. He made it onto BJ League All-Domestic Players Team in 2008. Next year Yu Okada was named into All-Domestic Players 2nd Team. In 2010 the guard was included into BJ League All-Defensive Team. The same season Yu Okada made it into BJ League 2nd Team.


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

JORDAN

Venezuela rally past Jordan in test game - by Eurobasket News

Venezuela - Jordan 81:42

Venezuela claimed a confident win over Jordan in the exhibition encounter in Caracas. Yorman Zamora (190-F-89) stepped up with 16 points to lead the winners.
Venezuela stunned their Asian opponents in the first half. Venezuela held Jordan to 12 points in the half to take a 22-point halftime lead 34:12. The margin just kept on growing in the second part of the game. Venezuela ensured a 32-point lead with one period remaining. They did not slow down and raced to a massive victory at the end. John Cox (195-G-81, college: USF) added 12 points for Venezuela. Gregory Echenique (205-C-90) contributed 11 points for the hosts. Zaid Abbas (203-F-83) answered with 10 points for Jordan. Osama Daghles (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.), Mohammad Shaher (210-C-90) and Ali Jamal (205-C/F-88) had 6 points each in the loss.

Venezuela: Yorman Zamora 16, John Cox 12, Gregory Echenique 11
Jordan: Zaid Abbas 10, Osama Daghles 6, Mohammad Shaher 6, Ali Jamal 6


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

JUCO

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Basketball Mens Summer League Day 3 Results - by Vance Marbury

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Basketball Mens Summer League Day 3 Results


Game 1


Meli Mels vs. Youngbloodz


Meli Mels suffers its second loss of the season to Team Youngbloodz
Meli Mels was led by former Jacksonville State University and European Pro Anthony Wilson who tallied 24 pts. Mercy Hurst Community College signee Damon Jones chipped in with 15 pts. Vince Maxwell former Spoon river CC player added 10 pts. And Greg Gamble also chipped in with 10 pts.


Team Youngbloodz was led by unsigned big man Ramone Sheffield who had 16 pts. West Liberty U. forward Nick Brown added 11 pts. 2012 Ohio Mr. Basketball Justin Fritts chipped in with 10 pts. And Wheeling Jesuit point guard Collin Barth added 9 pts.


Game 2


Mentor vs. Baldwin Wallace


Baldwin Wallace Defeated Mentor 64 to 42
All of the Baldwin Wallace players play for Baldwin Wallace University in Berea Ohio. Baldwin Wallace was led by Kyle Payne who tallied 29 pts. and 8 rebs. Justin Roth chipped in with 16 pts. 8 ast and 4 reb. Brandon Schmitt added 8 pts. and 9 rebounds


Mentor was led by Brandon Fritts who had 9 pts. and 5 rebounds. Jeff Foreman contributed 5 pts., 3 ast and 6 rebounds. Brody Nelson added 8 pts. 2 reb. Connor Krizancic added 9 pts. 1 ast


Game 3


Team Cal vs. 3rd Coast Hoops


Team Cal Defeated 3rd Coast Hoops 87 to 70
Team Cal was led by former Lake Erie player Nate Barnes former Alderson and Broaddus player. Nate tallied 25 pts. 6 ast 2 reb. Former Lake Erie U. guard Eric Worthey chipped in with 15 pts. 1 ast 7 reb. Former Lake Erie guard Alex Davis chipped in with 10 pts. 1 reb 4 ast.


3rd Coast Hoops was led by Lorain Community College guard Greg Fite who tallied 17 pts. 1 ast 6 reb. Junior College recruit Thomas Winbush added 16 pts. 4 rebs.


Game 4


Leff Electric vs. Supreme Clientele


Supreme Clientele defeated Leff Electric 68 to 63
Supreme Clientele was led by Eric McPherson former Vermillion CC Juco All American. McPherson tallied 26 pts. 3 ast 5 rebs. Cleveland State University Devon Long added 10 pts. 4 rebs. Former Cleveland State University Guard Jeremy Montgomery added 9 pts. 2 ast 2 reb.


Game 5


Just A Chance vs. Jason Borish


The 2011 Defending Champs Just A Chance was dealt a surprising loss by Jason Borish 74 to 56.
Jason Borish team was led by Cleveland St. guard Charles Lee who tallied 26 pts. Cleveland St. forward Marlin Mason added 11 pts. 7 rebs. Team captain Jason Borish added 8 pts. and 3 rebounds


Just A Chance was led by 2011 Cleveland Am Pro League and North Carolina Central signee Alfonzo The Present Houston who tallied 17 pts. Former Ohio Mr. Basketball, Ohio St/Cleve St. and European pro Damon Stringer added 11 pts. Former Pitt Panther guard Jerome Holmes added 6 pts. 5 ast 5 reb.


Game 6


Stockman Basketball vs. Shooting Stars


Stockman Basketball defeated Shooting Stars 67 to 54
Stockman Basketball was led by Former MAC Player of the Year and current European Pro Jeremiah Wood who tallied 22 pts. 10 rebounds. Former Winthrop guard Adrian Stockman added 13 pts. 6 ast.


Shooting Stars was led by Cleveland St. U. Tim Kamcyck who tallied 16 pts. Former Johnson County CC guard Matthew Smith added 14 pts. 3 rebs. Former Hiram U. guard Chris Roberts added 8 pts. Former Rio Grande Guard Sean Whiting added 8 pts.


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KENYA

KBF: KCA proves a hard nut to crack in DIV 1 - by Eurobasket News

KCA University basketball team during a past league match at Nyayo
Kenya College of Accountancy University is firmly perched at the helm of the KBF Division One log having amassed the maximum 14 points from their 7 matches.
Over the past weekend KCA affirmed that they are the team to beat after they handed newcomers and fellow students Kenyatta Universitys Pirates a rude welcome to the league defeating them 66 -58.
Nakuru Club comes in 2nd in the Division One standings with 13 points having lost one of the 7 matches. They are followed by Parkland Baptist that has 12 points from 8 matches winning 4 of those.
College side Nairobi Aviation and Umoja are in position 4 and 5 respectively sharing 11 points but the students have played only 6 matches compared to Umoja who have played 7. EMYBA are in position 6 with 10 points having played 8 matches and only winning 2 of them.

In the other half of the standings KAA, Trail Blazers, students Upper Hill are at position 7, 8 and 9 respectively all of them having 9 points. KAA and Upper Hill have played 6 matches while Blazers have played 7.

The bottom three teams are World Hope, African Nazarene University and the recently promoted KU. World Hope has 9 points, ANU 8 points and KU Pirates 2 points having lost the only 2 matches that they have played.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.ch/


Lions extend lead in KBF Premier League - by Eurobasket News

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) has maintained their supremacy at the summit of the KBF premier league going unbeaten since the start of the season back in April. Out of 8 matches , KCB has 16 points.
Thika Road based students USIU come in 2nd with 13 points having lost one of their 7 matches; they share the same number of points with their rivals Strathmore University who are at position 3 having played 8 matches losing 3 of those.
Defending champions CO-OP Bank who are struggling to get a footing in their title defense campaign are 4th with 12 points. Against their expectations, CO-OP Bank has lost 4 of their 8 matches.

UON Terror, Thunder and Kakamega based MMUST are at position 5, 6 and 7 respectively sharing 8 points. Terror has played 5 matches while Thunder and MMUST have played 6 matches. Blazers who are at position 8 and Mennonites (position 9) follow both with 7 points.

The last 3 teams in the mens category are KPA, Lakeside and Ulinzi.

KPA and Lakeside share 4 points while Ulinzi are back in the league after they were disbanded due to the Operation Linda Nchi close the table not having played a single match.

The K.B.F Premier League and the Division One will resume this weekend and the fixtures are as follows;
DI/1L/122 Nakuru Club VS KCA-U 12:00 MHS

NYAYO GYMNASIUM
DI/1L/123 Nairobi Aviation Vs World Hope 9:00
DI/1L/124 ANU VS \Umoja 10:30
DI/1L/112 KAA VS KU Pirates 12:00
MP/1L/127 Mennonites Vs Blazers 3:00
MP/1L/126 Terror Vs Ulinzi 4:30

SUN.01.07.2012
NYAYO GYMNASIUM
DI/1L/129 Upper Hill vs Nairobi Aviation 9:00
DI/1L/130 KAA VS Trailblazers 10:30

DI/1L/132 K U Pirates Vs Nakuru Club 1:30
MP/1L/133 Mennonites Vs USIU 3:00
MP/1L/143 Ulinzi Vs Thunder 4:30
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.ch/


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LATVIA

Latvian U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Latvian U20 National Team 2012
#s#	Aizpurs	Bagatskis	Berzins	Bremers	Bricis	#e#5

Ingars Aizpurs

197-F/G-92

LU

Eduards Bagatskis

194-F/G-92

High School

Janis Berzins

201-SF-93

VEF Riga

Arturs Bremers

190-G-92

Ridzene

Arturs Bricis

196-SG-92

Liepaja

Davis Coders

188-PG-92

Jurmala

Andrejs Grazulis

203-F/C-93

Ventspils

Arnolds Helmanis

201-PF-92

Liepaja

Ingus Jakovics

186-PG-93

Liepaja

Juris Kalnins

202-F/C-93

Turiba

Roberts Krumins

200-F/G-93

Liepaja

Renars Magone

201-F-92

Liepaja

Andris Misters

194-G-92

Toronto R.

Elvis Saulitis

208-C-93

Valmiera BSS

Ojars Silins

201-F-93

Trenkwalder

Guntis Sipolins

206-C/F-93

Ogres

Klavs Strazdins

194-F/G-93

DSN

Roberts Stumbris

199-F-93

Liepaja

Janis Timma

201-F/G-92

Liepaja

Kaspars Vecvagars

193-G-93

Baltai Kaunas

Arturs Vitins

198-F/C-92

Daugava

Marcis Vitols

189-PG-92

LU

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LIGA SUDAMERICANA

Stats Leaders PPG RPG APG SPG BPG Points Per Game  Marcelo MAGALHAES   Flame.   (199-F/G-75)   Avg: 18.8  1. Magalhaes, Flame. 18.8   2. Ribeiro, Un. 16.4   3. Vieira, Pinheiro. 16.3   4. Giovannoni, Unice. 15.3   5. Washam, Obras 15.3   6. Jackson, Flamengo 14.6   7. Melvin, Atenas 13.7   8. Martinez, Malvin 13.4   9. Kammerichs, Flame. 13.4   10. Stallworth, Pinhe. 13.1  Rebounds Per Game  Guillermo KAMMERICHS   Flame.   (203-F/C-80)   Avg: 11.6  1. Kammerichs, Flame. 11.6   2. Humphrey, Atenas 8.0   3. Gutierrez, Obras 7.7   4. Rodriguez, Pinhei. 7.7   5. Myles, Malvin 7.6   6. Giovannoni, Unice. 7.3   7. Borsellino, Malvin 7.2   8. Melvin, Atenas 7.2   9. Tischer, Un. 6.8   10. Jeffries, Malvin 6.6  Assists Per Game  Welington DOS SANTOS   Unice.   (185-PG-81)   Avg: 5.3  1. Dos Santos, Unice. 5.3   2. Sucatzky, Atenas 4.4   3. Labaque, Atenas 4.0   4. Jeffries, Malvin 3.8   5. Figueroa, Pinheiro. 3.7   6. Osimani, Obras 3.7   7. Martinez, Malvin 3.6   8. Fitipaldo, Malvin 3.4   9. Magalhaes, Flame. 3.4   10. Vieira, Pinheiro. 3.4  Steals Per Game  Juan Pablo FIGUEROA   Pinheiro.   (184-PG-86)   Avg: 2  1. Figueroa, Pinheiro. 2.0   2. Fitipaldo, Malvin 2.0   3. Ribeiro, Un. 2.0   4. Rodriguez, Pinhei. 1.9   5. Tischer, Un. 1.8   6. Silveira, Flamengo 1.6   7. Mazzaro, Obras 1.4   8. Silva, Un. 1.3   9. Washam, Obras 1.3   10. Espinoza, Obras 1.3  Blocks Per Game  Mineiro FERREIRA   Pinheiro.   (208-C/F-88)   Avg: 1.4  1. Ferreira, Pinheiro. 1.4   2. Kammerichs, Flame. 1.4   3. Humphrey, Atenas 1.3   4. Reis, Un. 0.8   5. Santos, Flamengo 0.8   6. Espinoza, Obras 0.7   7. Ribeiro, Un. 0.6   8. Gutierrez, Obras 0.6   9. Garcia, Atenas 0.6   10. Myles, Malvin 0.6

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LITHUANIA

Kazys Maksvytis pens deal with Neptunas - by Eurobasket News

Kazys Maksvytis pens deal with Neptunas for the next season. The Lithuanian Coach will come from Sakalai Vilnius.
As a head Coach he started his career in 2010-2011 for Aisciai Kaunas (Lithuania-LKL). In 2011-2012 he coached Sakalai Vilnius (Lithuania-LKL) and finished with 5-17 record.
Kazys Maksvytis also worked as a Head Coach of Lithuanian U19 National Team -11. They became the Champions of the World Championships U19 in Latvia -11. Due to that he was named Eurobasket.com All-World Championships U19 Best Coach -11. That time Lithuania U19 won the 2011 U19 FIBA World Championships! The Baltic side won over Serbia U19 85:67 to become the best U19 team of the world with MVP, Jonas Valanciunas.
Moreover with Sakalai Vilnius he reached Baltic League (Challenge Cup) Semifinals -12.


Lithuanian U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Lithuanian U20 National Team 2012
#s#	Aniulis	Anuzis	Butkevicius	Cizauskas	Giedraitis	#e#5

Evaldas Aniulis

192-SG-92

High School

Deividas Anuzis

181-PG-92

Nafta Universitetas

Arnas Butkevicius

198-SF-92

Sakalai

Vytenis Cizauskas

190-SG-92

Baltai Kaunas

Rokas Giedraitis

198-SF-92

ABRO-Univ.

Arturas Gudaitis

208-C-93

Nafta Universitetas

Rolandas Jakstas

199-F-92

Zalgiris-Sabonio

Vaidas Kariniauskas

198-PF-93

Zalgiris-Sabonio

Modestas Masiulionis

192-G-92

Moraine Valley CC

Egidijus Mockevicius

207-C-92

S.Marciulionio

Deividas Pukis

193-G/F-92

Sakalai

Ignas Ramasauskas

211-C-93

Siauliai

Dovydas Redikas

195-G-92

Lietuvos rytas

Ronaldas Rutkauskas

203-PF-92

Minsk-2006

Tautvydas Sabonis

202-F-92

Clinicas Rincon

Renaldas Simanavicius

185-PG-92

Zalgiris-Sabonio

Zygimantas Skucas

200-SF-92

Zalgiris-Sabonio

Paulius Sorokas

197-G/F-92

Baltai Kaunas

Taurantas Tamosiunas

189-G-92

LKKA-Atletas

Edgaras Ulanovas

197-G-92

Baltai Kaunas

Tomas Urbonas

218-C-92

LKKA-Atletas

Paulius Vaitiekunas

205-PF-92

Triobet

Jonas Valanciunas

213-C-92

Lietuvos rytas

Eigirdas Zukauskas

200-PF-92

Radviliskis

Kazys Maksvytis

Head Coach

Sakalai

Egidijus Vasiliauskas

Assistant

ABRO-Univ.

Robertas Giedraitis

Assistant

Juventus

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MEXICO

Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA Awards 2012 - by Carlos Chapa

Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA 1st Team 2012
#s#	Pearson	Allen	Thomas	Scott	Habel	#e#5

Player of the Year: Devon Pearson (198-F-84) of Los Mochis
Guard of the Year: Derek Thomas (193-F-84) of Cananea
Forward of the Year: Devon Pearson (198-F-84) of Los Mochis
Center of the Year: Jerome Habel (208-F-85) of Guaymas
Import Player of the Year: Devon Pearson (198-F-84) of Los Mochis
Domestic Player of the Year: Gabriel Giron (192-G-88) of Guasave
Defensive Player of the Year: Jerome Habel (208-F-85) of Guaymas
Coach of the Year: Dan Tacheny of Hermosillo

1st Team
PG: Myron Allen (182-79) of Guaymas
F: Derek Thomas (193-84) of Cananea
F: Seth Scott (208-81) of Los Mochis
F: Devon Pearson (198-84) of Los Mochis
F: Jerome Habel (208-85) of Guaymas

2nd Team
PG: Steve Monreal (180-86) of Hermosillo
G/F: O'Louis McCullough (198-82) of Nogales
F: Ronald Selleaze (197-76) of Navolato
F: Rob Robinson (203-87) of Culiacan
C: Rodrigo Zamora (206-86) of Culiacan

Honorable Mention
Deangelo Riley (205-C) of Tepic
Ray Reese (196-G-87) of Tepic
Brian Hamilton (198-F-82) of Hermosillo
Patrick Sanders (198-F-85) of Hermosillo
Cyrus Tate (203-F/C-85) of Tijuana

All-Domestic Players Team
PG: Omar Quintero (183-81) of Tijuana
G: Victor Buelna (192-78) of Guasave
G: Gabriel Giron (192-88) of Guasave
G/F: Alonso Izaguirre (200-76) of Hermosillo
C: Rodrigo Zamora (206-86) of Culiacan

All-Imports Team
PG: Myron Allen (182-79) of Guaymas
F: Derek Thomas (193-84) of Cananea
F: Seth Scott (208-81) of Los Mochis
F: Devon Pearson (198-84) of Los Mochis
F: Jerome Habel (208-85) of Guaymas


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MONTENEGRO

Montenegrin U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Montenegrin U20 National Team 2012
#s#	Fatic	Grabovica	Kasalica	Kovac	Latkovic	#e#5

Ivan Fatic

185-PG-93

Mogren

Nemanja Grabovica

190-G-92

Sutjeska

Mihailo Kasalica

185-PG-93

Mornar Bar

Marko Kovac

201-F-92

Sutjeska

Milos Latkovic

198-SF-93

Lovcen

Marko Mugosa

198-F-93

Buducnost

Danilo Nikolic

206-C-93

Buducnost

Andrej Pajovic

188-G-92

Mornar Bar

Vukota Pavic

203-C-93

Mornar Bar

Luka Radovic

205-C/F-92

S.Carolina St.

Pavle Raickovic

205-F-92

High School

Bojan Ratkovic

181-PG-92

Danilovgrad

Radosav Spasojevic

204-F/C-92

Arkadia

Marko Todorovic

210-C/F-92

FIATC Joventut

Mihailo Pavicevic

Head Coach

Honka Espoo

Ljubomir Vujacic

Assistant

Mornar Bar

Zoran Stankovic

Assistant

Teodo Tivat

China edge Montenegro U20 in Yongcheng - by Eurobasket News

China - Montenegro U20 79:71

Chinese National Team recorded the fourth straight win at the Sino-European Challenge Event. The hosts opened the second stage of the tournament with victory over Montenegrin U20 selection in Yongcheng. Wang ShiPeng (196-G/F-83) scored 17 points to lead the winners.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 17:17 after ten minutes of action. China pulled ahead in the second quarter. The hosts ensured a 40:32 halftime lead. China stretched the gap in the third term. The home team entered the final frame up by as many as 11 points 65:54. Montenegro outscored the hosts in the final frame but only cut the deficit at the end. Zhang ZhaoXu (221-C-87, college: California) had 15 points, while Zhou Peng (206-F-89) produced 14 points in the winning effort. Marko Mugosa (197-F-93) answered with 19 points for Montenegro. Nemanja Grabovica (190-G-92) had 14 points in the loss.

China: Wang ShiPeng 17, Zhang ZhaoXu 15, Zhou Peng 14
Montenegro U20: Marko Mugosa 19, Nemanja Grabovica 14


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

MOROCCO

RSB wins maiden national basketball cup - by Eurobasket News

The men of Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RSB) won their maiden national basketball cup Monday defeating Wydad de Casablanca 67-65 in the return leg of the final.

RSB had defeated Wydad last week in the away leg on the same score.

The runner-ups, Wydad have won the cup 9 times: 1965, 1966, 1967, 1975, 1976, 1982, 1983, 1985, and 2000.
Courtesy of: StarAfrica.com


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

NBA

Baron Davis aims for Knicks return in 2013-14 season - by Eurobasket News

Baron Davis (6'3''-PG-79, college: UCLA) is not going to let his latest injury stop him from coming back and ending his career as a Knick.

Davis, who suffered a dislocated kneecap in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, has been on the mend following the gruesome injury that some viewed as potentially career-ending.

Recovery is going real good, Davis told The Post at a Popchips Game Changers charity event. It was a tough injury, really disheartening, but at the same time it has been an opportunity for me to better understand my body and more motivation for me to come back and get to 100 percent.

After signing with the Knicks prior to last season, Davis played in 29 games due to a back injury. The 33-year-old point guard said he hopes to return to New York when hes healthy.

Davis is expected to miss all of next season and would be targeting a return in 2013-14.

I hope I [return to the Knicks], I want to come back, Davis said before the Dyckman Street Ball Tournament. I want to be a Knick for the rest of my career.

Davis said the atmosphere is enough to make him want to play in New York.

Playing in the Garden and the people, the fans, Davis said. I feel like New York is the Mecca of basketball. This was the best stage, for who I am, to give back to the community and play for a top-notch organization.

The Knicks werent the only team Davis heaped praise on. The veteran point guard had nothing but good things to say about the NBA champion Heat, especially LeBron James.

I think the Heat were the best team in the NBA, Davis said. I definitely tip my hat to the Miami Heat, Davis said, and to LeBron James for winning the MVP and proving a lot of people wrong. They deserved it.

Davis is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and will still be recovering, but said he would make his presence felt.

Im probably going to be out all next season, but Im still going to be a good teammate and cheer on the Knicks, Davis said.

Courtesy of www.nypost.com


Walsh, Pritchard take over revamped Pacers' front office - by Eurobasket News

Larry Bird officially resigned as Indiana Pacers' president of basketball operations, returning the baton to Donnie Walsh, who filled the role in the team's glory days over 24 seasons before four seasons with the Knicks.

Under Walsh, Kevin Pritchard was promoted to general manager. He replaces David Morway, who resigned Tuesday after 13 seasons with the franchise.

"I'm happy these two gentlemen will step up and take us to the next level," Bird said at a press conference at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Wednesday.

The outgoing NBA Executive of the Year, Bird met with owner Herb Simon to finalize the restructured front office on Tuesday. Bird, 55, has had shoulder and back issues for years.

He was Pacers' head coach from 1997-2000 and came back in a front-office capacity in 2003.

"I really congratulate (Bird) for what he did with this franchise," Walsh said.

Walsh will have final say in personnel matters. He has had his own health problems and did not work last season. He'd been the head of the Knicks' front office since 2008.

Pritchard was the Pacers' director of player personnel but began doing general manager-related duties over the second half of last season.

"I think change is great," Morway said. "I really do. New ideas, new creativity, new vision and new energy."

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com


Deron Williams: Nets star officially declines option for 2012-13 season - by Eurobasket News

Deron Williams (6'3''-PG-84, college: Illinois) is free.

The Brooklyn Nets point guard is officially an unrestricted free agent and able to sign wherever his heart desires.

Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News tweeted the report.

Deron Williams officially did not opt into his contract.

Now, Mike Mazzeo of ESPN reported back in March that Williams would opt out so the news is no surprise.

Free agency kicks off on July 1, so teams wont be able to negotiate a contract with his agent until then. Marc Stein of ESPN reported earlier this week that Williams is only interested in signing with two teams: the Nets and Dallas Mavericks.

When Brooklyn dealt for him before the 2011 NBA trade deadline, they were forced to surrender Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, two first-round draft picks and $3 million to the Utah Jazz. Having given up that many assets to acquire Williams, losing him in free agency would be crippling.

At this point, though, its anyones guess where he lands.

In Steins report, he mentioned that Williams has already begun shopping for homes in Dallas. While that detail is disheartening for Nets fans, Ken Berger of CBS Sports reported on Tuesday that there is a growing fear inside the Mavs organization that Williams will choose to stay in Brooklyn.

Wherever D-Will signs, his decision will shape the face of the NBA. The 28-year old floor general is the crown jewel of the 2012 free-agent class for a reasonhes a game-changer.

Courtesy of http://bleacherreport.com


Anthony Davis trademarks 'Brow' phrases - by Eurobasket News

Don't just 'Fear the Brow', fear the businessman.

Kentucky star Anthony Davis (6'10''-F-93) is making sure that only one person cashes in on his signature unibrow: Him. The consensus No. 1 pick in Thursday nights NBA draft trademarked the phrases Fear the Brow and Raise the Brow earlier this month, CNBC reported.

'I don't want anyone to try to grow a unibrow because of me and then try to make money off of it', he told CNBC. 'Me and my family decided to trademark it because its very unique.'

During Davis one-and-only season at Kentucky where he led the Wildcats to the National Championship the forward, and his unibrow, inspired dozens of t-shirts: Brow Down, Respect the Brow and one that just featured Davis unibrow.

Jason Schlafer, Kentuckys associate athletic director for marketing, told CNBC that the school sent dozens of cease-and-decist notifications to folks who were making Brow gear. He said that keeping tabs on all of the merchandise became more difficult as the Wildcats made their run to the Final Four.

Sports figures and teams, in particular trademarking phrases isnt a completely new phenomenon. The Mets own the trademark on Ya Gotta Believe and Pat Riley trademarked the phrases 3-peat and three-peat after his Lakers won three-straight NBA championships.

Davis isnt planning on changing his look when he reaches the NBA, however. He says he has no plans of shaving or plucking his brow because everyones talking about it.

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com


Magic fire Director of Player Development, former player, Adonal Foyle - by Eurobasket News

The Orlando Magic continued their front-office housecleaning Monday, firing Adonal Foyle (6'10''-F-75, college: Colgate) after two seasons as the teams director of player development.

Today was my last day with the Orlando Magic as I was let go, Foyle wrote on his Facebook page. Thank you to the people of Orlando for your incredible support. Im looking forward to my next adventure.

Foyle, 37, played two seasons for the Magic and also was injured for the entire 2009-10 season.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com


NBA fines Amare Stoudemire $50K for tweeting gay slur - by Eurobasket News

Amare Stoudemire (208-F-82) has been fined $50,000 US by the NBA after the New York Knicks star tweeted a gay slur.

Stu Jackson, the league's executive vice-president of basketball operations, announced the fine Tuesday in a release, calling Stoudemire's language offensive and derogatory.

Stoudemire apologized Sunday to a fan for using the slur in response to a crude tweet in which the fan admonished the All-Star to "make up for this past season."

The fan, (at)BFerrelli, tweeted his comment on Saturday and received a direct message containing an expletive and the slur from the account Twitter verifies as Stoudemire's. BFerrelli, identified by the New York Daily News as Brian Ferrelli, posted a screen shot of the direct message. Direct messages can only be seen by the sender and the recipient.

Stoudemire also issued an apology in a statement Tuesday.

"I am a huge supporter of civil rights for all people," he said. "I am disappointed in myself for my statement to a fan. I should have known better and there is no excuse."

Courtesy of www.cbc.ca


Report: Clippers trying to acquire Lamar Odom - by Eurobasket News

Earlier this month, we speculated on this blog whether or not the Clippers should reunite with Lamar Odom (6'10''-F-79, college: Rhode Island), whom they drafted in 1999, and Tuesday night, ESPNs Marc Stein reported that the Clippers are indeed pursuing the former Sixth Man of the Year.

From Steins report: the deal, sources said, could hinge on the willingness of a third team to take on the contract of Clippers veteran guard Mo Williams, which would allow the Dallas Mavericks to send Odom to the Clippers with no significant money coming back to the Mavericks.

Williams has said that he plans to opt in for the final year of his deal with the team, which is worth $8.5 million. However, he less-than-enthusiastically accepted his role as the teams third guard this past season, and despite handling the move to the bench professionally, he never seemed to fully embrace it.

Williams, a former All Star, could also see his minutes slashed this season if third-year guard Eric Bledsoe takes another step forward in his development.

The Clippers, who are still operating without a general manager, pick 53rd overall in Thursday nights NBA Draft.

Odom would address some of the teams stated needs. The Clippers wanted to add another frontcourt player who could stretch defenses and play with either Blake Griffin or DeAndre Jordan, and Odoms ball-handling skills and outside shooting should make him a nice fit.

However, hes coming off the worst season of his professional career after the Lakers sent him to Dallas prior to last season. In 50 games with Dallas, Odom averaged career-lows in points (6.6), rebounds (4.2) and assists (1.7).

Odom will turn 33 this Novemeber. The Mavericks have a Friday deadline to buy out the final year of Odoms deal for $2.4 million. Hes set to make $8.2 million next season if his contract is picked up or traded.

The Clippers interest in Odom and willingness to trade Williams could mean that the team has interest in re-signing Chauncey Billups, who missed the bulk of last season after tearing his Achilles tendon.

Courtesy of www.ocregister.com


Warriors extend qualifying offer to Brandon Rush - by Eurobasket News

The Warriors have extended a qualifying offer to swingman Brandon Rush (6'6''-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Kansas) to make him a restricted free agent.

The team announced the long-expected move Tuesday. The tender allows Golden State to match any offer Rush receives this offseason.

Rush, 26, appeared in 65 games last season after coming to Oakland in a trade from Indiana for Lou Amundson. Rush averaged a career-high 9.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 26 minutes per game.

Rush ranked sixth in the NBA in three-point percentage, shooting a career-high 45.2. He also posted career highs by shooting 50 percent from the field and 79 percent on free-throw tries.

Courtesy of www.sfgate.com


Source: Randy Foye interested in Knicks - by Eurobasket News

Many Knicks fans remember Randy Foye (6'3''-G-83, college: Villanova) big fourth quarter against the Knicks on Feb. 9, 2011, scoring 17 points to lead the Clippers to the 116-108 victory. He also went off on the Knicks this year, scoring 28 points on April 25, but this time the Clippers fell short, 99-93.

Foye, a Newark native who attended East Side High, has always played well at Madison Square Garden -- even dating back to his days at Villanova when he played there during a couple of Big East tournaments.

Now, heading into free agency, which starts July 1, it's the Garden that's on his favorites list, according to a source close to the six-year veteran who's been in Los Angeles the past two seasons.

Foye, an unrestricted free agent, is interested in the Knicks and their mid-level exception of $3 million, which came about based on the early Bird rights ruling.

"He will have multiple offers at that amount and more annually," the source told ESPN New York. "New York would be a great fit for both [playing and financial reasons]."

Foye's specialty on the court would boost the Knicks in one of their weakest categories during the 2011-12 campaign: 3-point shooting (33.6 percent). During the second half of the season, Foye made the most 3-pointers in the league, even outdueling Steve Novak by two (87 to 85). While Novak had the highest percentage during that span (48.0), Foye was still lights out at 41.4.

While the Knicks will likely want to use that $3 million on one of the top point guard free agents, Steve Nash, Andre Miller or Raymond Felton, any of those veterans could demand more than that per year. So that could leave Jason Kidd, who sounds like he's the most willing to accept a veteran's minimum contract and to either be a starter or backup mentor to Jeremy Lin.

Then, the Knicks could also retain Novak using his early Bird rights and re-sign J.R. Smith, who decided not to opt in, to 120 percent of his previous year's salary using a non-Bird exception (around $2.8 million). They could also use a second veteran's minimum of $1.4 million to sign Lamar Odom.

In this scenario, the Knicks will have added one seasoned player in the backcourt (Kidd), one in the frontcourt (Odom) and another 3-pointer to their arsenal: Foye, who can also create off the dribble, play some D and replace Iman Shumpert temporarily at starting shooting guard.

Overall, the starting five would initially include: Lin, Foye, Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler. The bench would feature: Kidd, Smith, Novak, Odom, Landry Fields (early Bird rights), Jared Jeffries (unrestricted FA) and Josh Harrellson.

In addition to Foye, Ray Allen, Anthony Parker and Mickael Pietrus are other 3-point shooters who could be on the Knicks' radar.

Courtesy of ESPN


Knicks' JR Smith declines option, to be free agent - by Eurobasket News

The New York Knicks say J.R. Smith (6'6''-G-85) has declined his second-year contract option and will become a free agent.

The Knicks could still re-sign the reserve swingman, who averaged 12.5 points last season, when he becomes a free agent Sunday. He was scheduled to make about $2.5 million next season but could earn slightly more by signing a new deal with the Knicks.

Smith joined the Knicks in February after playing in China during the lockout. He informed the Knicks of his decision on Tuesday.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com


Celtics awarded 2013 draft pick by NBA - by Eurobasket News

The Celtics have been awarded added compensation as part of their 2011 trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Because of a dispute involving the medical condition of Jeff Green (6'9''-F-86, college: Georgetown), the NBA has given the Celtics a 2013 second-round draft pick that was owned by the Thunder.

Green, Nenad Krstic and a first-round pick in Thursday nights draft were sent to the Celtics in February 2011 for Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson.

Green, who is now a free a gent, missed the 2011-12 season because of an aortic aneurysm required surgery in January. The ailment was detected in a physical exam that took place prior to the start of training camp.

NBA commissioner David Stern ruled the Thunder had information about Green that should have been shared with the Celtics.

In a statement released by the league on Tuesday night, the NBA said, Stern found that there was no evidence of bad faith or any intent to withhold information on the part of Thunder management or its physicians, but that Oklahoma City's cardiologists were in possession of information about Jeff Green that was not shared with Thunder management and that should have been disclosed to the Celtics in connection with the trade of Green in February 2011.

Under NBA rules, teams are required to disclose to each other in connection with trades any information in their possession or control about a player's prior injuries, illnesses, or other health conditions that could affect the player's ability to play NBA basketball at any point in the future.

Courtesy of www.enterprisenews.com


Pacers part ways with GM David Morway, appointing former Blazers GM as replacement - by Eurobasket News

The Indiana Pacers reportedly announced Tuesday afternoon that they have parted ways with General Manager David Morway, according to a tweet from Ken Berger of CBSSports.com, and the team is expected to appoint former Portland Trail Blazers General Manager Kevin Pritchard as Morway's replacement. Berger also tweeted Tuesday that news of Pritchards appointment to general manager could be confirmed on Wednesday when the team has scheduled a press conference.

Pritchard served as the Blazers general manager from 2007 to 2010 and is most known for, and perhaps most criticized for, selecting Greg Oden in the 2007 NBA Draft after only three months as general manager. In July 2011, Pritchard was named the director of player personnel for the Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers are also expected to use the press conference on Wednesday to announce the return of Donnie Walsh as team president, who joined the team in 1984 as an assistant and has since served various roles within the organization, including president, CEO and general manager.

Courtesy of http://tracking.si.com


A breakdown of the Milwaukee Bucks trade with the Houston Rockets - by Chris Mathieu

A breakdown of the Milwaukee Bucks trade with the Houston Rockets
After days of denying that any pre-draft trade was likely, backed up by those close to the team who cover the team in the local papers, the expected happened again, a trade for the Bucks before the draft. The Bucks traded John Brockman, Shaun Livingston, John Leuer and the 12th pick in the 2012 draft to Houston for Samuel Delembert and the 14th pick in the 2012 NBA draft a breakdown of the players involved
Milwaukee gets
Samuel Delembert: A solid center who has great athletic ability but has underachieved throughout his NBA career. Another example of a big man who plays uninspiring basketball, he has a low basketball IQ and doesnt always give good effort as witnessed by the fact he is now on his fourth team. His career best season he averaged 10ppg 10rbpg and 2blks a game. He is a solid addition considering they gave up very little get him.
14th Pick 2012 Draft: A small price to pay as the players they have likely targeted will still be available. A couple of talents who are falling down the draft should be available Jared Sullinger and Perry Jones, who both would likely have gone top 5 if they came out a year early.
Houston gets
John Brockman: Nothing more than salary thrown into the trade. Unlikely to make the Rockets roster unless injuries happen, Brockman is 6 foul cheerleader and little else.
Shaun Livingston: A remarkable story that he is in the NBA after one of the worst injuries ever suffered on a basketball court. Shaun is very limited role player who will have a hard time cracking the rotation or even making the team.
John Leuer: A very solid shooter is who is very weak defensively, he is the one player they got in return that likely will make the team and contribute.
12th Pick 2012 Draft: Houston has positioned themselves well in upcoming trade talks since they now own the 12th pick, 16th pick and the 18th pick in the draft.
Milwaukee fills a solid gap in the middle but hardly positioned themselves to challenge for a title in the future. The leadership of the Bucks seems to be happy trying to clinch a 5-8th seed year after year and seeing that as a measure of success. Grade: B
For Houston they dumped a lot of salary and got valuable picks in case they make a move for a big man before or during the season. The likely target would be Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard or possibly even a move for a PG like Deron Williams (if he decides he wants to move closer to home). Regardless this trade seems to benefit both teams well in their current goals. Grade:A-


A Tale of Two Games - by Robert Pate

A TALE OF TWO GAMES

Everything that made this years NBA Finals so spectacular, literally came down to a Tale of two games. Or maybe more to the point, two types of games. OKC came out in this, their first finals, like they had been playing against Dallas in round 1, the Lakers in round 2, and the San Antonio Spurs to become the new Western Conference Champions. It was all out gangbusters. Their young, brash, Im to young to feel the pressure style, had just allowed them to leapfrog the 2011 NBA Champions of Destiny in the first round, a Lakers team that was feeling the pressure of yet another off-season change looming in 2013, and finally an older, yet crafty Spurs Team that was looking to show they had traded in their slow, gas guzzling diesel fueled truck, for a newer, but slightly used hybrid. And OKC had dispatched each former champion with relative ease, by simply letting the throttle out and not looking back.

While Game1 was spectacular, and NBA fans saw an extremely motivated and hot OKC Thunder team, the truth is OKC was looking for an old fashion, wild, wild west shootout. The Thunder kept their foot on the throttle. As a matter of fact, the peddle got stuck. OKC went coasting down hill, and closed the Miami Heat out in a very big way. The Heat, staring Dywane Wade as The Flash, Chris Bosh as The Unknown Beatle & Lebron James as The King, were simply plowed over by the younger, faster, bigger train. The Heat were Thunder Struck! Russell Westbrook played the part of the Spark for each run, finishing with 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Kevin Durant became the BOOM!, capping off each run with big shots and building bigger momentum. Now I have just one question, what happened to that OKC throttle? Where did it go?

Make no mistake, Game 2 teased us with inspired performances by both squads. Starting with James Harden, the 6th Man of The Year temporarily came out of his dense haze and off the bench to drop 21pts on 7 of 11 shots, 2-3 from behind the arc. And even though he has been much maligned for his shot selection, it was Westbrook that began the Thunders runs on his way to 27pts, 7ast, and 8rebs, while K.D., the reigning 3-time NBA Scoring Champion fought off foul trouble the entire game, but still managed to put down 32pts on 12-22 from the field. The heroics were just as impressive from the Heats Shane Battier who played smothering defense, and matched the Thunder from deep almost single handedly, drilling 5 of 7 treys and contributing 17pts on 6 out of 8 attempts. A gutsy, recovering Chris Bosh, provided 16 points and 15 rebounds, and an ailing Dwyane Wade continued knifing to the basket for 24pts on 10-20 shooting, 5ast, and 6rebs to prove Flash still exists. But a very motivated Lebron James poured in 32 points, sinking 12-12 from the line, and calmly knocked down the two biggest free-throws of his life with 7.1 seconds to prove to the world he was a closer. But the oddest thing is, the Thunder were primed to rumble. OKC had played solid, complete with semi-sustained runs, and Kevin Durant even capped those runs off with his 3-point Hammer! But once again, their runs werent a full throttle down, peddle to the medal, freight train type of Game 1 run. Each run quickly somehow became a, who should take the next shot type of run. A, somebody make them stop outrunning us, and tell the Heat we just beat three former NBA Champions!, type of run. The world sat in shock & dismay, as we all were made to bare witness to one of the biggest magic tricks in history, and it wasnt the Miami Heats title hope going poof, it was the disappearance of OKCs throttle. Chris Angel couldnt escape a submerged, chained box as fast, nor could David Blain pass through the Great Wall with such speed. The Thunders younger, faster, bigger train had been derailed. It was a sharp contrast from Game 1 where Miami didnt look like they had any answers. In Game 2, it seemed the Heat wrote the grade book.

Game 3 and 4 were not much different. OKC would make short run, after short run, capped off by a Kevin Durant 3-Point Hammer. Only to be slapped in the face by a timely Mario Chalmers, Shane Battier, Mike Miller, or Chris Bosh trey. Yes, I said Chris Bosh. The Unknown Beatle, has become a 3-point threat that must now be guarded and respected. And in defiance to the premature crowning of the Thunder as SHOWTIME 2.0, an injury riddled Dwyane Wade, continued to find his way to the rim & to the free-throw line. Even after a 43 point, Hulk-like explosion from Russell Westbrook in Game 4, and Kevin Durant once again with hands in his face, dropping threes from Lands Unknown to finish with 28pts, it was the Miami Heat that pulled the handbrake on the Thunder train. With both Chalmers & Wade rolling out matching 25 point performances, the games balance would be left in the hands of a severely dehydrated Lebron James. After being carried off the court from exhaustion and severe leg cramps, James checked into the game staggering, rose above his defender and drove the Spalding dagger deep into the heart of the rising, rumbling Thunder! The world sat waiting for another OKC uprising or Harden leaner or Westbrook drive & dunk, or at least a Durantula 3-point Hammer! Some sign that the end was not near. That the Heat would not fulfill its destiny. That Lebron would be left another year suffering in doubt over choices & legacy. But again no throttle. Not able to reach deep down in themselves and tap into that all inclusive, legendary, Champion-like killer instinct one must possess to reach the next level. It was in those moments that their innocence was ripped away. The look on each and everyone of their faces, including Head Coach Brooks, told it all. The magic trick had been pulled again. The brash swagger that lifted them above so many, had disappeared and was replaced by 20 or so broken spirits. The impetuousness of youth, was overtaken by a seasoned, battle hardened King, who would be denied no more.

Game 5 was simply a show of force. It was nothing short of teamwork excellence. Mike Miller pulled out a Superhuman game, sniping 3-point shot after 3-point shot. Shane Battier, Mario Chalmers, and again the Unknown Beatle, Chris Bosh hit Treys, and were all nothing short of Amazing! It was once again a solid game by Russell Westbrook and K.D., but the throttle was never even pushed to the floor. There was no OKC Freight Train. There would be no Thunder struck on this night. Just an OKC team that had seen and felt its heart ripped out in front of the ruckus Miami crowd. In front of the NBA faithful around the world. The Western Conference Champions proved to be a truly wonderful group of young cowboys that had put up a great fight, but unfortunately for them, they only brought a pistol. It was James and his gang, that came to the Gunfight with sniper rifles & a cannon. And James kept his teammates with their eye on the target, including checking Mario Chalmers premature celebration. He found open teammates through double and triple teams with surgeon-like precision, reminding his critics why he was named the 3-time league MVP. James triple-double was for the 2012 NBA Championship, for the 2012 NBA Finals MVP, and to finally win personal redemption.

In the end, these finals came down to OKCs physical, shootout style V.S. Miamis tactical transition Style. Just simply a tale of two games.


Photo: Streetball.com


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NCAA1

Anthony Davis, Harrison Barnes could lead Wildcats, Tar Heels into NBA Draft history - by Rick Ross

Courtesy Of SICNN.COM

Anthony Davis (6'10''-F-93), Harrison Barnes, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, NBA, NBA Draft, University of Kentucky,
University of North Carolina | Comments

The Kentucky Wildcats and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels
could each have a record four players selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
The Kentucky Wildcats and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels could each have a record
four players drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft on Thursday, marking the first time since the
NBA switched to a two-round format in 1989 that two schools have accounted for eight
players in the first round of the draft, according to NBA.com:

Kentucky brought in a lot of guys, but what was great about the talent was the way they were able to play with each other,
said Ryan Blake, senior director of NBA scouting operations. I think thats whats so valuable
not just the physical skill side, but the ability to play the roles in the team format.

North Carolina also brought in enormous talent and they were able to work on
their games for a number of years. Its just unusual. I dont know if itll be done again.

The Wildcats Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is projected to go in the top three, shortly after his teammate
Anthony Davis is selected as the consensus No. 1 overall pick. Terrence Jones and
Marquis Teague are also probable first-rounders.

For the Tar Heels, Harrison Barnes will likely be a lottery pick, and John Henson and
Tyler Zeller are projected to be chosen in the top 20 of the first round.
Kendall Marshall is expected to be chosen in the middle of the first round as well.

Kentucky could see Darius Miller and Doron Lamb chosen in the first round, too.
If the projections are correct, it would give the Wildcats six players drafted in the
first round, and 10 overall between the two schools.

The last time two schools came close to doing what UK and UNC have the potential to do was in
2007 when Ohio State and Florida each had three players selected in the first round,
highlighted by Greg Oden, Al Horford and Joakim Noah.

According to the report, Kentucky head coach John Calipari said that four of his
six players are guaranteed to be drafted in the first round but that hes hoping for more:

My hope is all six, but I dont know,Calipari said earlier this month.
I would be surprised if four are not. I would say four are locks and the other two have to go work out.


MSU-UConn to open in Germany - by Eurobasket News

Michigan State and Connecticut have agreed to play this year's college basketball opener at an overseas military base on Friday, Nov. 9, prior to Veterans Day.

The Spartans and North Carolina played on the deck of an active aircraft carrier in California to tip off last season.

Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the home of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and also a North Atlantic Treaty Organization installation, is the proposed location, pending formal approval by the U.S. Department of Defense, which negotiated the game with ESPN programming.

The game would start late, sometime after 10 p.m. local time in Germany, for an early evening East Coast start time. It would be televised on ESPN.

"I asked my players if they wanted to do it and they were jacked," said Michigan State coach Tom Izzo. "Has a college team ever played a regular-season game in Europe? I don't think so. It will be cool. We're going to a base in another country. That's pretty cool."

Izzo said that after he went to Kuwait with a coaching group early in the Iraq war, he found an "an incredible appreciation for the military."

That's why he jumped at the chance a year ago when athletic director Mark Hollis pushed through the inaugural game on the USS Carl Vinson on Nov. 11. The game was a huge success with plenty of fanfare, including the presence of President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.

Hollis issued a statement late Monday night to ESPN.com saying: "During Coach Izzo's outreach trips to visit and coach our troops overseas, along with our recent experience in San Diego aboard the USS Carl Vinson, we have all developed deep admiration and respect for the men and women that serve in our armed forces. Those troops, many the same age as our student-athletes, protect the freedom that we enjoy every day. It is our responsibility to give reflection and support to these men and women that currently serve and have served in the past. As such, we appreciate the consideration by the Department of Defense to allow NCAA competition to be a reflection of the support our entire nation feels for our troops."

Hollis said the game would be played in front of 2,500 to 3,000 enlisted men and women at the base.

Hollis said he applauded ESPN for the commitment to programming aimed at "providing our veterans with the respect they deserve. Once again, Michigan State is honored to be a part of that programming and we look forward to sharing America's pride with those stationed at Ramstein in November."

UConn coach Jim Calhoun said he couldn't think of a more appropriate place to play a game since the last official U.S. combat troops withdrew from Iraq in December, and the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan is continuing.

"With so many of our [servicemen and women] coming from the war front, it's appropriate for our kids to honor them," said Calhoun. "This is a great thing for us and for the kids, especially on Veterans Day."

UConn was originally going to play against Arizona in the sequel to the UNC-Michigan State Carl Vinson game, but that game fell through. Three other games that will be either stationed on ships or at a naval dock have been planned for Nov. 9, as well. Florida is set to play Georgetown in Jacksonville, Fla.; Ohio State takes on Marquette in Charleston, S.C.; and Syracuse faces San Diego State in San Diego.

"We had talked about an aircraft carrier game, but it didn't work out and we took this opportunity," Calhoun said. "This will be something that our kids will remember for their lifetime. I hope we're doing our small part to help the with [servicemen and women]."

Last November, a number of sailors told ESPN during the game that they appreciated the attention and the break from the daily grind of being at sea or sitting in dock on the ship.

"We're playing Michigan State, it's on ESPN, and it's a good opportunity for this team to do something special like this to travel to Europe," said Calhoun. "We're doing this because it has a chance to be a special event."

UConn athletic director Warde Manuel said his family has ties to the base and he is looking forward to going to a place he heard so much about growing up.

Hollis said in his statement that he wanted to thank the Department of Defense for allowing "NCAA competition to be a reflection of the support our entire nation feels for our troops."

Izzo said the Spartans will likely leave for Germany late on Tuesday, Nov. 6, and return Saturday afternoon on Nov. 10, to East Lansing. The Spartans play Kansas on Tuesday, Nov. 13, in the second year of the Champions Classic, this time in Atlanta.

Michigan State started last season by playing North Carolina on the Carl Vinson off Coronado Island, then flew home for two days before going to New York to face Duke in the first-ever Champions Classic. The Spartans dropped both games.

"We'll play four days later, but who cares," Izzo said. "The players want to do it. UConn has a really good backcourt. We'll be a little young, but we'll have a pretty good team."

The Spartans lost All-America forward and Big Ten Player of the Year Draymond Green to graduation, but guard Keith Appling returns along with a relatively deep frontcourt led by a recovering Branden Dawson (knee). Michigan State is a legitimate challenger behind Indiana for a top-two finish in the Big Ten.

The Huskies can't play in the Big East tournament or postseason due to poor APR scores. UConn lost two underclassmen to the NBA draft, and three others transferred, including key forward Alex Oriakhi to Missouri; Oriakhi helped UConn win the national title in 2011.

But the Huskies return a strong backcourt with Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright, plus they added heralded wing Omar Calhoun to a team that will be challenged in the frontcourt.

"We've had great battles with Tommy's teams over the years," said Calhoun.

Michigan State beat UConn in the 2009 Final Four semifinals in Detroit. UConn then defeated No. 2 Michigan State in the Maui Invitational in 2010, four months before the Huskies' run to the national title in Houston.

"They are always physical up front, even without seeing them," said Calhoun. "I'm looking forward to this. We both consider ourselves national programs and we're going across the sea to Germany. It's a special thing for our [servicemen and women], a special game for our kids. We get to play a good team. There is an awful lot of good in this for all sides."

Courtesy of ESPN


Providence freshman Dunn to have surgery; will miss 4-6 months - by Eurobasket News

Providence's talented incoming freshman point guard Kris Dunn could miss the entire season.

The New London Day reported that Dunn is expected to have shoulder surgery in about two weeks due to a torn labrum suffered back in March.

Sources confirmed to CBSSports.com that Dunn will be out about 4-6 months. That could put Dunn back on the court in mid-December, but Friars coach Ed Cooley will have a difficult decision whether to play Dunn or redshirt him.

"It's very tough," Dunn said. "I just can't play basketball, that's all I know. Just sitting out for five months not being able to play basketball will be totally different. It's a disaster for me and my family. It's a downfall for us. Hopefully, I can bounce back. Providence fans wanted to see me and Ricardo (Ledo) and other new recruits coming in. Hopefully, they understand the process that I'm going through and I'll get back on my feet."

Dunn is one of the top freshmen in the country and is a cornerstone of Cooley's rebuilding task in Providence. The Friars have also lost another freshman, Ian Baker, to a torn ACL. Cooley and the staff are optimistic that the highest-rated member of the freshman class, local wing Ricky Ledo, will qualify -- but that's not a lock due to the fact he has bounced around to numerous high school and prep schools.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com


Anthony Davis trademarks 'Brow' phrases - by Eurobasket News

Don't just 'Fear the Brow', fear the businessman.

Kentucky star Anthony Davis (6'10''-F-93) is making sure that only one person cashes in on his signature unibrow: Him. The consensus No. 1 pick in Thursday nights NBA draft trademarked the phrases Fear the Brow and Raise the Brow earlier this month, CNBC reported.

'I don't want anyone to try to grow a unibrow because of me and then try to make money off of it', he told CNBC. 'Me and my family decided to trademark it because its very unique.'

During Davis one-and-only season at Kentucky where he led the Wildcats to the National Championship the forward, and his unibrow, inspired dozens of t-shirts: Brow Down, Respect the Brow and one that just featured Davis unibrow.

Jason Schlafer, Kentuckys associate athletic director for marketing, told CNBC that the school sent dozens of cease-and-decist notifications to folks who were making Brow gear. He said that keeping tabs on all of the merchandise became more difficult as the Wildcats made their run to the Final Four.

Sports figures and teams, in particular trademarking phrases isnt a completely new phenomenon. The Mets own the trademark on Ya Gotta Believe and Pat Riley trademarked the phrases 3-peat and three-peat after his Lakers won three-straight NBA championships.

Davis isnt planning on changing his look when he reaches the NBA, however. He says he has no plans of shaving or plucking his brow because everyones talking about it.

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com


NC State's Brown to have knee surgery - by Eurobasket News

North Carolina State says guard Lorenzo Brown (6'5''-G) will have surgery on his right knee Tuesday.

School officials said Sunday that Brown will have the exploratory procedure to determine why he is having discomfort in the knee.

The school does not have a timetable for his return and says it will provide an update following the surgery.

Brown enters his junior season as 1 of the key players for the resurgent Wolfpack after helping them reach the round of 16 in the NCAA tournament in March.

He averaged 12.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists in his first full season at point guard while leading the Atlantic Coast Conference with 1.8 steals per game.

Courtesy of www.wmbfnews.com


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NCAA2

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Basketball Mens Summer League Day 3 Results - by Vance Marbury

2012 JT Focus Mgt Cleveland Am Pro Basketball Mens Summer League Day 3 Results


Game 1


Meli Mels vs. Youngbloodz


Meli Mels suffers its second loss of the season to Team Youngbloodz
Meli Mels was led by former Jacksonville State University and European Pro Anthony Wilson who tallied 24 pts. Mercy Hurst Community College signee Damon Jones chipped in with 15 pts. Vince Maxwell former Spoon river CC player added 10 pts. And Greg Gamble also chipped in with 10 pts.


Team Youngbloodz was led by unsigned big man Ramone Sheffield who had 16 pts. West Liberty U. forward Nick Brown added 11 pts. 2012 Ohio Mr. Basketball Justin Fritts chipped in with 10 pts. And Wheeling Jesuit point guard Collin Barth added 9 pts.


Game 2


Mentor vs. Baldwin Wallace


Baldwin Wallace Defeated Mentor 64 to 42
All of the Baldwin Wallace players play for Baldwin Wallace University in Berea Ohio. Baldwin Wallace was led by Kyle Payne who tallied 29 pts. and 8 rebs. Justin Roth chipped in with 16 pts. 8 ast and 4 reb. Brandon Schmitt added 8 pts. and 9 rebounds


Mentor was led by Brandon Fritts who had 9 pts. and 5 rebounds. Jeff Foreman contributed 5 pts., 3 ast and 6 rebounds. Brody Nelson added 8 pts. 2 reb. Connor Krizancic added 9 pts. 1 ast


Game 3


Team Cal vs. 3rd Coast Hoops


Team Cal Defeated 3rd Coast Hoops 87 to 70
Team Cal was led by former Lake Erie player Nate Barnes former Alderson and Broaddus player. Nate tallied 25 pts. 6 ast 2 reb. Former Lake Erie U. guard Eric Worthey chipped in with 15 pts. 1 ast 7 reb. Former Lake Erie guard Alex Davis chipped in with 10 pts. 1 reb 4 ast.


3rd Coast Hoops was led by Lorain Community College guard Greg Fite who tallied 17 pts. 1 ast 6 reb. Junior College recruit Thomas Winbush added 16 pts. 4 rebs.


Game 4


Leff Electric vs. Supreme Clientele


Supreme Clientele defeated Leff Electric 68 to 63
Supreme Clientele was led by Eric McPherson former Vermillion CC Juco All American. McPherson tallied 26 pts. 3 ast 5 rebs. Cleveland State University Devon Long added 10 pts. 4 rebs. Former Cleveland State University Guard Jeremy Montgomery added 9 pts. 2 ast 2 reb.


Game 5


Just A Chance vs. Jason Borish


The 2011 Defending Champs Just A Chance was dealt a surprising loss by Jason Borish 74 to 56.
Jason Borish team was led by Cleveland St. guard Charles Lee who tallied 26 pts. Cleveland St. forward Marlin Mason added 11 pts. 7 rebs. Team captain Jason Borish added 8 pts. and 3 rebounds


Just A Chance was led by 2011 Cleveland Am Pro League and North Carolina Central signee Alfonzo The Present Houston who tallied 17 pts. Former Ohio Mr. Basketball, Ohio St/Cleve St. and European pro Damon Stringer added 11 pts. Former Pitt Panther guard Jerome Holmes added 6 pts. 5 ast 5 reb.


Game 6


Stockman Basketball vs. Shooting Stars


Stockman Basketball defeated Shooting Stars 67 to 54
Stockman Basketball was led by Former MAC Player of the Year and current European Pro Jeremiah Wood who tallied 22 pts. 10 rebounds. Former Winthrop guard Adrian Stockman added 13 pts. 6 ast.


Shooting Stars was led by Cleveland St. U. Tim Kamcyck who tallied 16 pts. Former Johnson County CC guard Matthew Smith added 14 pts. 3 rebs. Former Hiram U. guard Chris Roberts added 8 pts. Former Rio Grande Guard Sean Whiting added 8 pts.


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PHILIPPINES

Days 1 & 2 of the 2012 SEABA U18 Championship - by Enzo Flojo

Notes:
The Indonesians and the Filipinos quickly raced to the top of the standings in the 2012 Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Under-18 Championship for Boys in Singapore.

The Indons frustrated the Malaysians in their first game of the tourney and then defeated the home team to shoot up to first place with a 2-0 slate. Andre Andriano led Indonesia in its win over Malaysia with 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Juan Kokodiputro took up the scoring cudgels against Singapore, finishing with 17 markers on top of 14 boards and 3 steals.

Team Pilipinas, meanwhile, mercilessly pounded the Laotians in Day 2 for its first win. LSGH Junior Blazer Mario Bonleon, CSJL Squire Rey Nambatac and UST Growling Tiger Kent Lao formed a terrific triumvirate, combining for 57 points to lead the Filipinos. RR De Leon of UE, J-Jay Alejandro, and Rash Rivero (both of NU) also scored in twin digits with 16, 12, and 12 respectively. The Pinoys limited the Laotians to just 16% FG shooting and outscored them from virtually every area of the floor.

It was the second loss of Laos in as many tries after they were defeated by the Singaporeans in Day 1. Remus Low, Jun Wei Tan, and Qing Huang Toh led the home squad in a blowout of Laos, 123-19, with 18, 16, and 16 points respectively. Cat-quick guard Junrong Thng also did well with 11 markers, 8 dimes, and 6 thefts. Singapores star player, Delvin Goh, seems as if hes still holding back, averaging just 14 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Goh is a mainstay of the Singaporean NT and is seen as some sort of phenom in the local scene.

Scores:
DAY 1 SCORES:

INDONESIA over MALAYSIA, 81-73
INA 81- Andriano 17, Panagan 16, Oei 14 Abraham 13, Kokodiputro 10, Sitorus 10, Halim 1, Baskoro 0, Seputra 0, Tuasela 0, Pratama 0
MAS 73- Sim 13, Tong 12, Tan ZH 11, Loo 10, Tan HK 6, Ng 5, Chiang 4, Liew 3, Keng 2, Bong 2, Mak 0
QS: 15-15, 41-34, 57-50, 81-73
Notable Performances:
Jan Misael Panagan (INA) - 16pts, 10rebs, 2asts
Jia Xuan Tong (MAS) - 12pts, 11rebs, 1ast, 1stl

SINGAPORE over LAOS, 123-19
SIN 123- Low 18, Tan 16, Toh 16, Tay 14, Goh 12, Thng 11, Chun 10, Ang 10, Wong 6, Ng 4, Chan 4, Chee 2
LAO 19- Vongmeleuth 6, Labouaphieng 4, Phommasone 4, Sengthong 3, Phengnalath 2, Champakeo 0, Phannolath 0, Maydaphone 0, Sengsouliya 0
QS: 30-7, 61-11, 91-17, 123-19
Notable Performances:
Ding Loon Tay (SIN) - 14pts, 11rebs, 3stls, 1blk
Junrong Thng (SIN) - 11pts, 8asts, 6stls, 2rebs, 1blk

DAY 2 SCORES:

PHILIPPINES over LAOS, 124-28
PHI 124- Bonleon 24, Nambatac 17, De Leon 16, Lao 16, Alejandro 12, Rivero 12, Suarez 9, Javelosa 6, Go 6, Olayon 4, Cani 2
LAO 28- Phommasone 10, Phannolath 8, Sengthong 3, Chmpakeo 3, Phengnalath 2, Sengsouliya 2, Labouaphieng 0, Maydaphone 0, Vongmeleuth 0
QS: 34-10, 64-12, 93-19, 124-28
Notable Performances:
Kent Lao (PHI) - 16pts, 15rebs, 1ast, 1blk
Aphakone Phommasone (LAO) - 10pts, 2rebs, 2stls, 1ast, 1blk

INDONESIA over SINGAPORE, 54-43
INA 54- Kokodiputro 17, Panagan 12, Abraham 5, Oei 5, Andriano 5, Seputra 4, Sitorus 4, Kosasih 2, Baskoro 0, Halim 0, Tuasela 0, Pratama 0
SIN 43- Goh 16, Thng 11, Toh 6, Tan 4, Chun 4, Low 2, Chee 0, Ng 0, Tay 0, Chan 0, Ang 0
QS: 11-11, 20-26, 37-35, 54-43
Notable Performances:
Juan Kokodiputro (INA) - 17pts, 14rebs, 3stls, 1ast
Delvin Goh (SIN) - 16pts, 14rebs, 4blks

Source: HoopNut.blogspot.com


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POLAND

Standings - DBE PLK Standings Group A  1. Asseco Prokom 8-2   2. Trefl Sopot 6-4   3. Zastal ZG 6-4   4. Anwil 5-5   5. Energa Czarni 3-7   6. PGE Turow 2-8  Group B  1. Slask Wroclaw 25-13   2. AZS Koszalin 22-16   3. Kotwica 19-19   4. Siarka Jezioro 17-21   5. Polpharma 14-23   6. AZS PW 11-26   7. PBG Basket 11-27   8. LKS Lodz 7-31  Stage One Standings

Seid Hajric extends with Anwil - by Eurobasket News

Anwil Wloclawek extended the contract of Seid Hajric (203-F-83). The new deal is meant for three seasons. Seid Hajric moved to Anwil back in January 2011. Last season the forward averaged 9.0 points and 5.2 rebounds per appearance. Previously he had stints with Celik Zenica, Alpos Sentjur, Polpak Swiecie, Bosna Telecom Sarajevo and Zrinjski Mostar.


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ROMANIA

Gaz Metan Medias lands American guard Paul Graham - by Eurobasket News

Paul Graham (196-G-85, agency: Beo Basket, college: Florida Atlantic) will continue his career in Romania. The American guard penned a one-year deal with Gaz Metan Medias. Graham heads to the club from Puerto Rican Pirates de Quebradillas. He spent last season with Polish WKS Slask Wroclaw. In 42 PLK games Graham shined with 14.1 points, 2.8 assists and 2.6 rebounds. He helped Slask to reach the Polish Cup Semifinals. Before Slask, Paul Graham played for Puerto Rican Indios de Mayaguez. He also had experience from Hungary. Graham is a product of the Florida Atlantic University, where he graduated in 2009. He exploded with 18.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 2 apg for his school as a senior (2008/09 season). In 2009, Graham was named All-Sun Belt 2nd Team.


Bulgaria and Romania U16 squads exchange victories - by Eurobasket News

Bulgaria and Romania U16 squads exchange victories in a friendly campaign between two teams.
In game 1 Romania U16 celebrated a 64:47 win. They started with 14-6 and led 28:16 after the first half. Moreover Romanian won the third and the last quarters 19-12 and 19-17 to seal the victory. Martin Gorunov scored 14 points for the hosts and Rosen Ivanov (195-SG-96) as well as Aleksandar Iliev had 5 each.
In game 2 Bulgaria bounced back with 82:74 win. They lost the first half 31:40 as Romania won the first and the second quarters in the game. The third and the last stanzas however belonged to the Bulgarian squad that won the game. Rumen Vasilev (200-C-96) erupted with 28 points and 11 rebounds, while Nikolay Vanguelov posted 21. Emre Kurt delivered 15 and Alex Ouandie (193-SF-96) had 14.


Porter Troupe leaves Energia Rovinari for Apoel Nicosia - by Ana Dutu

Porter Troupe (196-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Portland), the american who played three seasons for Energia Rovinari decided to leave the Romanian championship and continue his carear in Cyprus where he signed with Apoel Nicosia. The american guard explained that he did not leave Energia due to any problems with the management of the club and that he consideres the contract with Apoel Nicosia a great opportunity for his career. "Like I said before, I would only leave Energia for a couple of reasons: to advance in my career, meaning playing at a higher level, or if a team offered me a better contract and a better salary. In this case it is both, and for me this is my job. So I had to take the chance even though I love the people in Tg. Jiu and I have nothing bad to say about Energia Rovinari. The people there treated me very well and I hope they can understand my decision. At the end of the day when you are given an opportunity to advance in your career and move to the next level I believe you must take it, and if you fail at least you have tried and this is what I have decided to do. I love the fans from Tg.Iiu and I have made many friends there. I love my teammates and I hope they understand my decision as well.I hate to disappoint anyone and if I have I am truly sorry" said Porter Troupe about his decision of leaving Energia Rovinari.
In 18 games played last season for Energia Rovinari, Porter Troupe averaged 17.1 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds. Apoel Nicosia the team he just signed with, it's one of the best teams in the Cypriot championship, a team that won ten national titles so far.


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RUSSIA

Spartak St Petersburg announces signing of PJ Tucker - by Eurobasket News

Anthony Leon Tucker (198-F-85, college: Texas) is a new member of Spartak St Petersburg. The American forward penned a 1+1 year deal with the club. Tucker arrives from Brose Baskets Bamberg, where he shined with 16.2 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.4 apg and 1.2 spg in 44 German league games. He led Bamberg to championship title and was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Forward of the Year -12. Tucker was also named Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Import Player of the Year -12. Except of the league title, Bamberg also won the German Cup this year. Anthony Leon Tucker appeared 10 times in Euroleague, but there his numbers dropped to 8.9 ppg and 6.2 rpg. The forward joined Bamberg last summer from Puerto Rico (Quebradillas Pirates). In 2010/11 season he played for Aris Thessaloniki and Fabi Shoes Montegranaro. With Aris Tucker had 15.9 ppg and 8 rpg in 14 EuroCup games. He has experience from Bnei Eshet Tours Hasharon, Donetsk, Hapoel Holon, NBA and NBDL. In 2008, Tucker won the Israeli Premier league title with Hapoel Holon and was named Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League 1st Team -08.


CSKA Moscow and Jamont Gordon split - by Eurobasket News

Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) is no longer a member of CSKA Moscow. Two sides agreed to terminate the contract to comply with the interests of the player and the team. PBC CSKA Moscow sincerely thanked Gordon for his hard work, desire to sacrifice his ambitions for team interests and significant help during difficult times for the team.
Jamont Gordon arrived to the club two years ago. He had 6.7 ppg, 2 apg and 1.9 rpg for 21 Euroleague games last season. In Russian league, Gordon collected 7.6 ppg, 2.3 apg and 2.2 rpg. The player had slightly lower numbers in VTB United league. Gordon won two PBL titles with CSKA. They also were champions in VTB this season and were very close to win the Euroleague crown. Before CSKA, Jamont Gordon spent 2009/10 season with Cibona Zagreb. He exploded there and was named Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Guard of the Year -10. Gordon also was Eurobasket.com All-Croatian A1 League Player of the Year -10 helping Cibona to win the championship title. He played for GMAC Real Estate Bologna and Mississippi State University in the past.


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RWANDA

Rwanda shocked with mysterious death of youthful Basketballer - by Eurobasket News

Rwanda Basketball sports fraternity has suffered a massive blow following the mysterious death of Jonathan Rutare, a Rwandan basketball player with Tampa Bay Christian School in Florida.

The 17-year old, who was part of the U-18 team that represented Rwanda in the zone V U-18 qualifiers in 2010 where the national team finished 6th, had been in the U.S for only six months.

The cause of his death is yet to be ascertained but sources say it could be a heart attack.

Rutare was due to jet into the country next week to join his teammates preparing for this years Zone V Qualifiers slated for July 17-26 and, according to Moise Mutokabiri, the national team assistant coach, the death of the youthful center forward has shocked everyone.

It is so sad that we have lost a promising player, who was the future of basketball in this country. We had expected to use his experience in bolstering our squad but it is unfortunate that he died so suddenly, he will be dearly missed Mutokabiri said.

There was no training on Monday as shocked teammates were hit with the sad news and, before training started yesterday, the team observed a minute of silence to remember their fallen colleague.It is the second time in two months that the country is losing two of its sports players suddenly. Last month Amavubi defender Patrick Mafisango died in a horrific car crash in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Courtesy of: StarAfrica.com


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SAINT VINCENT

Magic fire Director of Player Development, former player, Adonal Foyle - by Eurobasket News

The Orlando Magic continued their front-office housecleaning Monday, firing Adonal Foyle (6'10''-F-75, college: Colgate) after two seasons as the teams director of player development.

Today was my last day with the Orlando Magic as I was let go, Foyle wrote on his Facebook page. Thank you to the people of Orlando for your incredible support. Im looking forward to my next adventure.

Foyle, 37, played two seasons for the Magic and also was injured for the entire 2009-10 season.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com


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SERBIA

Dusan Katnic and Veselin Petrovic stay with Belgian champion Oostende - by Eurobasket News

Belgian champion Oostende extended contracts with Serbian players Dusan Katnic (193-G-89, agency: Beo Basket) and Veselin Petrovic (196-G/F-77, agency: Beo Basket). Katnic signed a one-year deal, while Petrovic will stay with the club until the end of the 2013/14 season.
Dusan Katnic appeared 7 times for Oostende in EuroCup averaging 6.1 points, 2.1 assists and 1.6 rebounds. He also added 5.2 ppg and 1.7 rpg for 21 games in Belgium. The combo guard joined Oostende in December of 2010 and it will be his third season with the club. In the past, he played for Crvena Zvezda and Mega Vizura. Katnic won few gold medals with Serbian U20, U19 and U18 National Teams.
Veselin Petrovic joined Oostende in 2005. He had 7.4 ppg and 2.7 rpg for 7 EuroCup games last season. The player also added 6.4 ppg and 3.1 rpg for 27 games in Belgium.
Oostende won the Belgian league title this year.


Jaszberenyi KSE extends C Rastko Dramicanin for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Rastko Dramicanin (207-C-86, agency: BeoExcell) will stay with Hungarian squad Jaszberenyi KSE. They signed a one-year contract extension. The Serbian big guy joined the club in December. He immediately became one of their top players with 18.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.7 spg and 1.2 apg. Dramicanin started last season with Borac Cacak. There he also shined with 14.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.4 apg and 1.4 spg in 14 Serbian league games. Season 2010/11, Rastko Dramicanin spit between Mega Vizura and Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels. With the Germans he had 6.3 ppg and 3 rpg for 20 games in 1.Bundesliga. Before that, the center collected 15.3 ppg and 5.1 rpg for 13 games with Mega Vizura. In the past, Dramicanin also played for Borac Cacak and FMP Zeleznik.


Cheikhou Thioune to prepare youths for brighter future - by Eurobasket News

Senegalese basketball international, Cheikhou Thioune (192-F/G-83), shall launch a training camp dubbed Zig Camp July 13.

The aimed of the camp is to perfect the skills of young Senegalese talents so as to give them greater chances of signing contracts in the French Pro League.

The Rouen winger had one of his best seasons this year confirmed by his election for the French all star game.
Courtesy of: StarAfrica.com


Serbia beat Croatia in Yongcheng - by Eurobasket News

Serbia - Croatia 88:62

Serbian University National Team opened the second stage of Sino-European Challenge Event tournament with victory. They overcame Croatian B National Team in Yongcheng. Stefan Stojacic (194-F-89, agency: Interperformances) came up with 24 points to lead the Serbs.
Serbia built a 21:14 lead ten minutes into the game. They stretched the gap in the second quarter. Serbia accumulated a 47:29 halftime advantage. Croatia could not recover in the second half. Serbia boosted the margin to 23 points at the final intermission. They stayed in front in the final quarter and sealed the victory at the end. Stefan Bircevic (209-F/C-89) posted 18 points, while Darko Balaban (211-C-89, agency: Beo Basket) and Milos Dimic (195-G-89) accounted for 10 points apiece in the win. Luka Babic (200-F-91) answered with 14 points for Croatia. Karlo Vragovic (192-G-89), Zeljko Sakic (201-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) and Marcinkovic had 8 points each in the loss.

Serbia: Stefan Stojacic 24, Stefan Bircevic 18, Darko Balaban 10, Milos Dimic 10
Croatia: Luka Babic 14, Karlo Vragovic 8, Zeljko Sakic 8, Pavle Marcinkovic (197-G-89) 8


Belgrade basketball clinic schedule - by Zoran Popovic

DAY 1

SATURDAY, JUNE 30 (Center for Sports and Culture, "Sumice", Belgrade)
- 9am registration of participants (hall sports center "Sumice")
-11am Seminar Opening 11.10h Tim Floyd, "The continuous attacks and quick fixes,"
-12.30pm Mahmuti Oktay "Man to man defense as a basic defense"
- 2pm Vladimir Stankovic, "The functioning of PR services in large organizations - clubs"
- 3.30pm Aco Petrovic , "Match up the defense as an alternative form of defense"

DAY 2

SUNDAY, JUNE 1 (Center for Sports and Culture, "Sumice", Belgrade)
- 11pm Francesco Cuzzolin, "Speed in Basketball: the importance of attitude"
- 12.30pm Mahmuti Oktay, "Attack of Galatasaray in season 2011/2012"
- 2pm Emilio Kovacic, "Synergy"
- 3.30pm Tim Floyd, "Defense and transition"


Serbian U16 team on tournament in Italy - by Zoran Popovic

Serbian U16 National team participates on tournament in Benevento, Italy. Head coach Marko Icelic decides to put on the list for tournament 14 players and 4 of them to stay in Belgrade to continue withpractice with assistant coach Vanja Gusa. On the list of 14 players are: Nikola Pavlovic, Dusan Kovacevic, Vasilije Vucetic, Marko Radovanovic, Ivan Daskalovic, Stefan Lazarevic, Ilija Djokovic, Jovan Starincevic, Vojislav Stojanovic, Vukan Stojanovic, Slobodan Jovanovic, Stefan Peno, Vuk Karadzic and Jovan Andjelkovic. In Belgrade will stay Milos Glisic, Jovan Grujic, Bojan Nesic and Luka Radovic.

Schedule of the games
June 28
Serbia Germany
June 29
Serbia Czech Republic
June 30
Italy Serbia


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SLOVENIA

Turkey U16 swept the series over Slovenia - by Eurobasket News

Turkey U16 swept the series over Slovenia. The Turkish side celebrated three straight victories over the opponent.
Eurobasket wrote that in Game 1 Slovenian and Turkish U16 National Teams played a test game in Slovenj Gradec. The visitors claimed a narrow 64:61 victory at the end.
In game 2 Turkey grabbed 64:63 win. They led 20:17 and added 26-14 in the second period. Slovenia tried hard to recover and managed to reduce to 1 points at the end. For Slovenia Kavas top-scored with 23 points and Leskovar netted 11.
In game 3 Turkey celebrated a 58:51 victory. The hosts grabbed 15-12 lead after the first period and led 4 points at the halftime. Turkey however needed 14-6 in the third quarter and 17-14 in the last. Akif Guven (206-C-96) top-scored for the winners with 20 points. Kavas netted 19 points in defeat, while Domen Janc (185-PG-96) and Aleksander Medic (203-C-96) posted 8 apiece.


Dragisa Drobnjak stays in Belgium - by Eurobasket News

Dragisa Drobnjak (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) signed a one-year contract extension with Oostende. He helped them to win the Belgian league title last season and they will play in Euroleague qualifications for 2012/13. Drobnjak arrived to the club last summer. He had 6.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.2 apg for 6 EuroCup games. The player also registered 7.6 ppg and 3.6 rpg for 35 games in Belgium. Season 2010/11, Dragisa Drobnjak spent with Krka Novo Mesto. He helped them win three trophies (EuroChallenge, Slovenian Cup and title). Drobnjak already played for Oostende in 2009/10. He spent second half of the season there and won the Belgian Cup with them. Drobnjak also has experience from Union Olimpija, Triglav, PGE Turow Zgorzelec and Napoli.
Oostende also extended deals with Dusan Katnic (193-G-89, agency: Beo Basket) and Veselin Petrovic (196-G/F-77, agency: Beo Basket).


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SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Standings Standings Group A 1. Argentina 3-0 2. Venezuela 2-1 3. Chile 1-2 4. Colombia 0-3 Group B 1. Brazil 3-0 2. Uruguay 2-1 3. Paraguay 1-2 4. Bolivia 0-3

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SPAIN

Stats Leaders - ACB PPG RPG APG SPG BPG Points Per Game  Andy PANKO   Lagun A.   (204-F-77)   Avg: 18.6  1. Panko, Lagun A. 18.6   2. Doellman, Assignia 16.8   3. Teletovic, Caja L. 15.8   4. Wright, CAI Z. 14.5   5. Penney, Fuenlabra. 14.4   6. Davis, Cajasol 14.1   7. De Colo, Valencia 13.5   8. Hettsheimer, CAI Z. 13.3   9. Navarro, FCB Regal 13.0   10. Freeland, Unicaja 12.9  Rebounds Per Game  James AUGUSTINE   UCAM M.   (208-F-84)   Avg: 8.3  1. Augustine, UCAM M. 8.3   2. Ivanov, Lucentum 7.9   3. Borchardt, B.de R. 7.7   4. Freeland, Unicaja 7.5   5. Davis, Cajasol 7.3   6. Williams, FIATC J. 7.1   7. Caner-Medley, Vale. 6.7   8. Gabriel, Asefa E. 6.5   9. Hettsheimer, CAI Z. 6.4   10. Lasme, Blusens M. 6.3  Assists Per Game  Javier RODRIGUEZ   Assignia.   (189-G-79)   Avg: 6.5  1. Rodriguez, Assigni. 6.5   2. Salgado, Lagun A. 4.3   3. Rodriguez, Bluse. 3.9   4. Rodriguez, Real M. 3.9   5. Prigioni, Caja L. 3.9   6. Llull, Real Madrid 3.9   7. Granger, Asefa E. 3.8   8. Rodriguez, Bluse. 3.8   9. Dumas, B.de R. 3.7   10. Uriz, B.de Rueda 3.4  Steals Per Game  Pablo PRIGIONI   Caja L.   (191-G-77)   Avg: 1.8  1. Prigioni, Caja L. 1.8   2. Doellman, Assignia 1.5   3. Vidal, Lagun A. 1.5   4. De Colo, Valencia 1.5   5. Uriz, B.de Rueda V. 1.4   6. Calloway, Cajasol 1.4   7. Udoka, UCAM M. 1.4   8. Hanga, Assignia M. 1.4   9. Garbajosa, Unicaja 1.3   10. Granger, Asefa E. 1.3  Blocks Per Game  Stephane LASME   Blusens M.   (203-F-82)   Avg: 1.9  1. Lasme, Blusens M. 1.9   2. Fischer, Gescrap BB 1.9   3. Lasme, Blusens M. 1.9   4. Sene, Fuenlabrada 1.7   5. Toure, B.de R. 1.4   6. Begic, Real Madrid 1.3   7. Vazquez, FCB Regal 1.2   8. Ndong, FCB Regal 1.0   9. Barnes, Lucentum 1.0   10. Zoric, Unicaja 0.9

UCAM Murcia split ways with Blagota Sekulic - by Eurobasket News

Blagota Sekulic (208-F/C-82, agency: FCM) leaves UCAM Murcia. The centre joined the team at the start of the previous season. He tallied 8.2 points and 5.8 boards per game in ACB. Previously Blagota Sekulic played for Cremona, ALBA, Aris, Real Madrid, PAOK, Maroussi, AEK, Partizan and Buducnost. Sekulic was named into Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup 3rd Team in 2010. The centre was the the member of Yugoslavian U18 and U20 National Teams. In 2008 the centre joined Montenegrin National Team.


Menorca Basquet SAD out of Liga Endesa due to financial problems - by Eurobasket News

Menorca Basquet SAD will not play in Liga Endesa next season, according to the official press release. Reportedly, the team has huge financial troubles and liquidation process is one of the options. Menorca won the LEB Gold Playoffs last season and earned a spot for Liga Endesa 2012/13. However, it is clear now they will not play in this competition next season. Earlier this month, Canarias also gave up on participation in Liga Endesa due to financial problems.
Menorca was better than Melilla in the LEB Gold Playoff Finals. It was almost perfect 3-1 series win. The team finished regular season as No.4 with 21-13 record. Menorca played in ACB in 2010/11 season, but faced with relegation. Thet also played in ACB from 2006 to 2009. They were on the verge of relegation in each of these three seasons and actually was relegated in 2009, but returned back for 2010/11.


Spanish U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Spanish U20 National Team 2012
#s#	Abrines	Arteaga	Barrera	Creus	Diaz	#e#5

Alejandro Abrines

198-G/F-93

Unicaja

Victor Arteaga

212-C-92

B.de Rueda V.

Alejandro Barrera

198-F/G-92

FIATC Joventut

Joan Creus

185-PG-92

FCB Regal

Cristian Diaz

185-G-92

La Palma

Daniel Diez

203-F-93

Real Madrid

Mamadou Diop

201-F/C-93

Alava

Fall El Hadji

210-C-92

Clinicas Rincon

Jaime Fernandez

187-G-93

Asefa Estudian.

Tomas Fernandez

186-G-92

Francisco Guerra

212-C-92

Estudiantes II

Javier Medori

200-PF-93

Asefa Estudian.

Mikel Motos

193-F/G-93

Lagun Aro GBC

Julen Olaizola

203-C/F-93

Lagun Aro GBC

Pierre Oriola

206-F/C-92

Assignia M.

Jose Pozas

184-PG-92

Unicaja

Jorge Sanz

188-PG-93

Real Madrid

Miguel Servera

198-SG-92

Huesca

Alejandro Suarez

205-F/C-93

Prat Juventud

Joan Tomas

201-F-92

Prat Juventud

Federico Ucles

204-F/C-93

Granada

Albert Ventura

196-F/G-92

FIATC Joventut

Guillem Vives

190-F/G-93

Prat Juventud

Luis Guil

Head Coach

UCAM Murcia

Javier Juarez

Assistant

Real Canoe M.

Inaki Merino

Assistant

Aurteneche M.

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SWEDEN

Nassjo signs Canadian PG Tut Ruach - by Eurobasket News

Tut Ruach (188-G-85) will continue his career in Sweden. The Canadian point guard signed a one-year deal with Nassjo. They will compete in Basketligan. Ruach spent 2011/12 with Oshawa Power averaging 12 points, 5.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds for 36 games in Canadian NBL. It was the inaugural season of the league and Ruach participated at the All-Star Game. In 2010/11, Tur Ruach played in Germany. He was a member of the Regionalliga team CRE Eagles Itzehoe. He shined there with 20.5 ppg in 21 games and was named to Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga North 2nd Team -11. Ruach is a product of York University (CIS), where he graduated in 2009. He had 18.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 4 apg as a senior.


Nikica Rajacic remain with Botas - by Eurobasket News

Nikica Rajacic (175-G-89) remain with Botas for his third straight season. In 2010-2011 he joined Boras Basket (Basketligan) and in 26 games averaged 1.2ppg. In 2011-2012 for Boras Basket (Basketligan) his stats read 0.6ppg.
The Swedish Guard is happy to continue with the team.


Solna Vikings hire Aris Likogiannis as new Head Coach - by Eurobasket News

Aris Likogiannis (agency: FCM) is a new Head Coach of the Swedish team Solna Vikings. The 43-year-old Greek signed a deal for the next season. Most recently he coached Ikaros Kalitheas in A1 league. He took them over in January of 2009. Year and a half later they won A2 league title. At the same time, Ikaros won the promotion for A1, where they competed for the last two years. Likogiannis was named Eurobasket.com All-Greek A2 Coach of the Year -10. He started last season with the club, but they parted ways in January. In the past, Aris Likogiannis worked with Ilysiakos and Pagrati. He also coached Sporting Athens men and women teams.
Solna Vikings competes in Swedish Basketligan. They reached Quarterfinals last season.


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SYRIA

Standings - D1 Division I Standings North  1. Al Hurriyeh 0-0   2. Al Ittihad 0-0   3. Al Jalaa 0-0   4. Al Yarmouk 0-0  South  1. Al Jaish 0-0   2. Al Wahda 0-0   3. Qassyoun 0-0   4. Thawra 0-0

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TURKEY

Turkey U16 swept the series over Slovenia - by Eurobasket News

Turkey U16 swept the series over Slovenia. The Turkish side celebrated three straight victories over the opponent.
Eurobasket wrote that in Game 1 Slovenian and Turkish U16 National Teams played a test game in Slovenj Gradec. The visitors claimed a narrow 64:61 victory at the end.
In game 2 Turkey grabbed 64:63 win. They led 20:17 and added 26-14 in the second period. Slovenia tried hard to recover and managed to reduce to 1 points at the end. For Slovenia Kavas top-scored with 23 points and Leskovar netted 11.
In game 3 Turkey celebrated a 58:51 victory. The hosts grabbed 15-12 lead after the first period and led 4 points at the halftime. Turkey however needed 14-6 in the third quarter and 17-14 in the last. Akif Guven (206-C-96) top-scored for the winners with 20 points. Kavas netted 19 points in defeat, while Domen Janc (185-PG-96) and Aleksander Medic (203-C-96) posted 8 apiece.


Tofas targets Heytvelt - by Sinan Can

BASKETBALL market is getting more action day by day, as the clubs who had been in deep silence, started to announce official signing, along with that rumours are all around. Due to some sources, Tofas is close to sign American big man Joshua Heytvelt (211-F-86, college: Gonzaga). Bursa club is intended to build a strong roster for league and also for Eurochallenge Cup, as their current main target is Josh Heytvelt who played at Oyak Renault 3 years ago. Talented power forward was one of the key reasons of Oyak Renaults survival at Beko Basketball League as he averaged 17.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 blocks at 2009-2010 season. Heytvelt completed that season at Lottomatica Virtus Roma, the year after he left Italian side and joined KK Zagreb where he played since then. At KK Zagreb, Heytvelt played 10 Euroleague games last season and averaged 9.1 points, 5.6 rebounds. Former Gonzaga stand-out left Croatian side by febrauary. Heytvelt's signing might mean that Bradley Buckman (203-F-84, college: Texas) will not be with Tofas this coming season.


Turkish U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Turkish U20 National Team 2012
#s#	Altin	Baygul	Calban	Candan	Cantitiz	#e#5

Bulut Altin

187-PG-93

Pertevniyal

Muhammed Baygul

191-SG-92

Darussafaka

Onur Calban

211-C/F-93

Karsiyaka

Berkay Candan

204-F-93

Fener.Ulker

Ahmet Cantitiz

193-SG-92

Bandirma Kir.

Ozan Corbacioglu

201-SF-92

Bandirma Kir.

Ugur Dokuyan

197-SF-93

Tofas

Safak Edge

188-PG-92

Bandirma Kir.

Erbil Eroglu

195-PG-93

Inanlar ITU

Samet Geyik

205-PF-93

Tofas

Kerem Hotic

197-SF-93

Darussafaka

Ayhan Onur Kentli

192-SG-92

Karsiyaka

Fatih Kizilca

201-C-92

Gelisim

Can Korkmaz

187-PG-92

Darussafaka

Mertcan Ozen

194-G/F-93

Balikesir

Muhammed Senli

204-PF-92

Tofas

Dogukan Sonmez

206-C-92

Darussafaka

Yunus Sonsirma

192-G-92

Darussafaka

Sakut Suerkip

196-SF-93

Genc Telekom

Ramazan Tekin

212-C-93

Pertevniyal

Ahmet Tuncer

193-G-93

Aliaga

Mert Turkyilmaz

210-F/C-92

Bandirma Kir.

Yigitcan Vardal

190-PG-92

Olin Edirne

Burak Yuksel

205-PF-92

Anadolu Efes

Ertugrul Erdogan

Head Coach

Fener.Ulker

Erdem Can

Assistant

Olin Edirne

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UKRAINE

Ukrainian U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Ukrainian U20 National Team 2012
#s#	Anikiyenko	Artamonov	Belikov	Bobrov	Davydiuk	#e#5

Konstantin Anikiyenko

216-C-92

Budivelnyk

Klym Artamonov

183-PG-93

Meresta

Olexandr Belikov

200-G/F-92

Khimik

Vyacheslav Bobrov

202-F-92

BC Kyiv

Anton Davydiuk

205-PF-92

Halychyna

Oleksandr Furs

202-PF-93

Andriy Kobets

190-SG-93

Dnipro

Pavlo Krutous

195-G/F-92

BC Kyiv

Andriy Kulish

205-C/F-92

DniproAzot

Oleksandr Kushnirov

208-C-92

Mykolaiv

Olexiy Len

214-C-93

Maryland

Olexandr Mishula

187-G-92

Dnipro

Olexandr Misyats

200-SF-92

Dnipro

Oleksandr Prokopenko

190-PG-92

Khimik

Artem Pustovyi

215-C-92

Khimik

Stanislav Serpilin

191-SG-93

BC Donetsk

Anatoliy Shundel

190-PG-93

Mykolaiv

Bogdan Sosoi

186-PG-92

Dmytro Tykhonov

205-F/C-92

Khimik

Roman Virastiuk

207-C/F-92

BC Kyiv

Sergiy Zagreba

212-C-94

Dnipro

Maksym Zakurdaiev

193-PG-93

Dnipro

Illya Zhukovskyy

197-SF-93

Hoverla

Volodymyr Koval

Head Coach

Dnipro

Tomas Munius

Assistant

Pavel Agapov

Assistant

Dnipro

MBC Mykolaiv land Martins Kravcenko - by Eurobasket News

MBC Mykolaiv signed another player. They secured the services of Martins Kravcenko (192-G-85). The Latvian guard has agreed on terms of one-year contract with the team. Previously MBC Mykolaiv announced the signing of Josh Mayo (182-G-87, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav, college: Ill.-Chicago) and Igor Chumakov (207-C-90, agency: New Trend Agency).
Martins Kravcenko spent the last season with Liepajas Lauvas under the guidance of Mykolaiv new head coach Galvanovskis. The guard tallied 12.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steal per game in Baltic League. In LBL Martins Kravcenko posted 13.8 points, 3.8 assists, 2.5 boards and 1.0 steal per appearance. The guard played for Barons Riga before joining Liepaja. He earned both All-Latvian LBL and All-Baltic League Honourable Mentions for the previous season. He was the member of U20 and University Latvian National Teams.


Dmytro Zabirchenko returns to Azovmash - by Eurobasket News

Dmytro Zabirchenko (191-PG-84, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) is back to Azovmash after seven years. The Ukrainian point guard signed a deal for the next season. He spent last two with Budivelnyk Kyiv. For 52 Superleague games Zabirchenko averaged 4.9 points, 2 rebounds and 1.8 assists this season. He also added 4.7 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1 apg for 16 games in VTB United League. The PG helped Budivelnyk to win the Ukrainian Cup this year. In 2010/11, Dmytro Zabirchenko had 4.3 ppg and 1.9 apg in Superleague, plus 3.9 ppg and 1.6 rpg in EuroCup. He joined Budivelnyk in November of 2009 from Donetsk, but was loaned to BC Kyiv for rest of the season. The point guard played for Azovmash couple of years in the past. They won two championship titles together in 2003 and 2004. A year ago Dmytro Zabirchenko won the title with Budivelnyk.


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

UNITED KINGDOM

Channel Hopping Thomson Off To France - by Jeff King

GB forward Andrew Thomson (205-F-84, agency: JEMsports, college: Catawba) has signed with French NM1 club La Rochelle - putting an end to speculation he will join the new Manchester Giants organisation. The Mancunian forward - who won the quadruple with Newcastle Eagles last season - had been linked with a move to the Giants, who rejoined the British Basketball League last week.

But he will instead star for La Rochelle in the French third tier - after landing a lucrative contract. This comes as disappointing news not just for Manchester but also The Eagles who would have welcomed him back after a stellar season last term.

He gave an exclusive interview to Eurobasket following the news breaking of his move.

Newcastle Eagles wanted you to return to them next season but Managing Director Paul Blake described your offer as one he couldn't match and was too good for you to turn down. Is that a fair reflection?

"Yeah, it was an offer that I couldn't turn down and sadly Newcastle couldn't get near what La Rochelle had put on the table."

Obviously the offer came through your agent. How did you hear about it?

"I heard about the offer when my agent finally found me and called me on a friend's phone while we were sightseeing in Washington DC."

Have you done any research on La Rochelle?

"I googled the local area. At present I can't read French, yet, so I've not been able to do too much research and get the ins and outs. I do know the club are very ambitious and after coming up from NM2 they want to go straight up to Pro B after this season. The club is situated on the west coast of France, about 2 hrs north of Bordeaux. I've spoken with a couple of people who travel around France and they say its a beautiful place to visit."

How excited are you about the challenge?

"I'm extremely excited about playing abroad again and experiencing a new culture and French hospitality. I know the club has ambitions so I know its not going to be an easy year but I'm sure it will be an enjoyable one. Fingers crossed the team can gel together and we can make a run for the play-offs and get promoted."

Is it disappointing that you can leave The BBL Champions for a French 3rd Division side newly promoted to NM1?

"I'm not disappointed about leaving the BBL and only ending up in the French 3rd Division. It might be a reflexion on the league, or just my career path as a player which has resulted in me getting this job. But I'm ok with that.

People have told me you should be playing this level and that level and why are you not in Europe? But I believe it might be down to my college background. If you don't have that tag of D1 NCAA next to your name, some teams may over look a player.

The D1 tag doesn't mean you have a better knowledge of the game than a D2 player or are more physically gifted. Yes, some people are, but with most people it comes down to being in the right place at the right time.

That's fine with me it just means they get a foot on the ladder a little higher up than me. I'm confident that when I do get a foot on the ladder I'll prove my worth. I don't mind putting in the work and progressing up the league's to where people think I should be playing. I'm just thankful the coach wants to take a risk on me and I'm ready to prove the gamble will pay off."

La Rochelle look very ambitious having already signed Jarryd Cole (204-F-88, agency: JEMsports, college: Iowa) a 6 9 forward who averaged 21 pts and 10.3 rebs in his rookie season in Iceland last year and who has the same agent as you. Have you talked with them about their hopes?

"I've not had chance to talk with them about the coming season, I've been told the coach will call me soon so we can have a chat. But I know their ambitious as the signing of Jarryd proves whom I'm told is a good player so putting it all together with my own ambitions I think we will all work well together."

Did Manchester Giants figure at all in your thinking before signing?

"Yes, Manchester did figure in my plans before La Rochelle. Its no secret that I have close ties to the new franchise, through the coach and potential players so I was excited that maybe I could be a part of the second coming of the Giants. But it wasn't to be and now I have to look forward to the challenge ahead."

You had a fabulous season with Newcastle last year averaging over 14 pts and 9 rebounds a game, was it a wrench to leave?

"It wasn't an easy decision to leave Newcastle, but with any business you have to do what's better for you financially and also for the development of your game. It makes the decision easier when one party stands out above the rest, but it still wasn't easy as I'd like to have defended my titles with The Eagles."

How would you describe your time in Newcastle?

"Newcastle was a great experience and a really enjoyable journey. Yes, it was great winning all 4 trophies on the court, but life off the court and my teammates were also great. I got to watch and play (and score!) against my football team Newcastle United and also enjoy everything the city of Newcastle and Northumbria has to offer while I was there."

Have you a message for the Newcastle fans?

"Thanks!

I mean that to the OOTA travelling to all the away games and making them self heard in hostile environments (Plymouth Code of Conduct, LOL!) and then the Sport Central regulars. They set the benchmark on what fans of every club should aspire to have.

I hope they keep up the good work following The Eagles and I can tell you that the players do notice your support and there's!!!

I'd also like to thank the organisation and everyone in it as a whole for the chance to play and represent a great city and team."

Anything else you'd like to add?

"I'm glad the BBL is moving forward with the increase of teams to the league in the major cities. But the real progress needs to be re-addressing its policy on teams that are currently in the League. Its no secret, or maybe it is, that a certain team still hasn't paid its players from the treble winning season.

I just ask the question how can the league, that wants to progress and be respected as professional, stand by and let teams run up debt & not pay players but keep playing the following year with no consequence at all. Does that sound like a league has respect for itself?"

Theres no doubting that Thomson will be missed both by The BBL and Newcastle Eagles this coming season but his level-headed, professional attitude and hard-working ethic will no doubt stand him in good stead for his forthcoming adventure and give him every chance of making it a successful switch.


Raiders Swoop For O'Reilly - by Paul Nilsen

The UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders have announced their third signing of the summer, and it sees the Cheshire Jets captain, Colin O'Reilly (200-F-84, college: Post) move to the Raiders for the new season.

O'Reilly, a 6'7" forward from Ireland was 10th in the BBL in scoring last season (18.1 points per game) 17th in rebounding (7.8 rebounds per game), averaged 37% from the 3 point line, and was one of the most versatile forwards in the country, able to play both inside and outside.

"He's a smart player and one of the top 3 point shooters in the league," said Raiders Head Coach Gavin Love. "He's a good rebounder, he's tough and has improved each year since moving to the BBL. He had some great games against us last year, so I'm delighted to welcome him to the Raiders for the 2012/13 season."

The 28 year old Irish international, moved to Cheshire in 2009, having played in Switzerland, Germany and Ireland beforehand.

O'Reilly joins Raiders Captain Anthony Rowe and returning player, Drew Lasker as the three players signed by Raiders Coach Love so far this summer. "I'm continuing to talk to players from last season, and I'm talking to agents about players that are available. I would hope to be able to announce more signings soon."


Rocks Ink Murray On Two Year Deal - by Paul Nilsen

The Glasgow Rocks are thrilled to announce the return of Scotland's own Gareth Murray (201-F-84, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Kalamazoo Valley CC), who has signed a new 2 year deal with Scotland's only professional basketball side.

Murray will be coming off a solid season with the Rocks where he averaged 5.1 rebounds per game, 2.6 assists per game and 12.8 points per game, shooting 42% from the field. His experience within the BBL has developed him into one of the premier British players in the league. His ability to be potent at both ends of the court makes him a valuable asset and one that Coach Davis was not ready to relinquish any time soon.

'It's the perfect first step in rebuilding a team to start out with a player like Gareth. We have seen him grow into a seasoned professional on and off the court and players of his caliber and nature don't come through very often. His versatility makes it fun as a coach to experiment with. Whatever I called him to do last season he managed to handle; whether it being the point guard for the day or guarding the opposing teams biggest guy, he withstood the challenge'.

Murray's obvious plan was to stick it out with the Rocks and cement his spot within the franchise for the foreseeable future and the Rocks were more than happy to facilitate Gareth and keep him in Scotland.

Murray is excited at coming back to the Rocks and even more keyed up at the prospect of playing in the brand new Commonwealth Arena, which will no doubt be the envy of all other teams within the BBL.

"I really wanted to get things wrapped up quickly during the off-season so that I could focus on my game in the lead up to 2012/13 season. I am more excited than ever to put on a Rocks jersey, especially with the team scheduled to move to the New Commonwealth Arena next season. It will be a very exciting time to be a part of the Glasgow Rocks Franchise."

Glasgow Rocks General Manager, Daniel Bajwoluk, was clearly delighted at being able to obtain Murray's services for a further 2 years and found it an imperative step towards strengthening the franchise and making it a Championship contending team.

'Gareth was the first player that we wanted to secure for the 2012/13 season and we succeeded in doing so, not only for his on-court capabilities but also for his off-court work ethic. He has become a very important element in what we are trying to achieve here at the Rocks and to gain his services for a further 2 years illustrates to our fans that we are doing all we can to make sure that we put together a team that can bring Glasgow home some well overdue Silverware'.

With this first signing complete, Coach Davis and the Rocks will now be looking to secure more players from last season's squad. Talks with various players have gone well so far and the club are hopeful of announcing further signings in the coming weeks.


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

VENEZUELA

Stats Leaders - LPB PPG RPG APG SPG BPG Points Per Game  Donald SIMS   Gaiteros   (185-PG-87)   Avg: 24.1  1. Sims, Gaiteros 24.1   2. Holland, Toros 23.1   3. Pena, Toros 21.4   4. Rodgers, Marinos 19.3   5. Adams, Guaiqueries 18.9   6. Hickerson, Bucan. 18.6   7. Stoll, Gigantes 17.6   8. Edwin, Gaiteros 17.5   9. Millsap, Guaros 16.8   10. Romero, Trotamun. 16.4  Rebounds Per Game  Jack Michael MARTINEZ   Cocodrilos   (203-F/C-81)   Avg: 10.5  1. Martinez, Cocodril. 10.5   2. Braggs, Gaiteros 9.3   3. Fuller, Panteras 9.2   4. Pruitt, Trotamun. 9.1   5. Urbina, Toros 8.5   6. Jackson, Guaiquer. 7.8   7. Gransberry, Cocod. 7.7   8. Allen, Marinos 7.7   9. Sucre, Marinos 7.6   10. Warner, Bucaneros 7.1  Assists Per Game  Paul STOLL   Gigantes   (178-PG-85)   Avg: 6.8  1. Stoll, Gigantes 6.8   2. Vargas, Marinos 5.7   3. Cubillan, Trotamun. 5.1   4. Guillent, Bucaneros 4.6   5. Guillent, Guaros 4.3   6. Elliott, Cocodrilos 4.2   7. Braggs, Gaiteros 4.1   8. Pena, Toros 4.1   9. Sims, Gaiteros 3.5   10. Centeno, Cocodril. 3.5  Steals Per Game  Paul STOLL   Gigantes   (178-PG-85)   Avg: 4.3  1. Stoll, Gigantes 4.3   2. Guillent, Bucaneros 2.8   3. Vargas, Marinos 2.8   4. Pena, Toros 2.8   5. Adams, Guaiqueries 2.5   6. Elliott, Cocodrilos 2.5   7. Sims, Gaiteros 2.5   8. Horton, Panteras 2.3   9. Gilder, Trotamun. 2.1   10. Edwin, Gaiteros 1.9  Blocks Per Game  Rammel ALLEN   Marinos   (210-C-79)   Avg: 2.3  1. Allen, Marinos 2.3   2. Moss, Marinos 2.0   3. Lugo, Guaiqueries 1.8   4. Watkins, Marinos 1.7   5. Osorio, Panteras 1.5   6. Hardin, Marinos 1.4   7. Graterol, Cocodril. 1.3   8. Warner, Bucaneros 1.1   9. Gilder, Trotamun. 1.0   10. Romero, Trotamun. 1.0

Venezuela rally past Jordan in test game - by Eurobasket News

Venezuela - Jordan 81:42

Venezuela claimed a confident win over Jordan in the exhibition encounter in Caracas. Yorman Zamora (190-F-89) stepped up with 16 points to lead the winners.
Venezuela stunned their Asian opponents in the first half. Venezuela held Jordan to 12 points in the half to take a 22-point halftime lead 34:12. The margin just kept on growing in the second part of the game. Venezuela ensured a 32-point lead with one period remaining. They did not slow down and raced to a massive victory at the end. John Cox (195-G-81, college: USF) added 12 points for Venezuela. Gregory Echenique (205-C-90) contributed 11 points for the hosts. Zaid Abbas (203-F-83) answered with 10 points for Jordan. Osama Daghles (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.), Mohammad Shaher (210-C-90) and Ali Jamal (205-C/F-88) had 6 points each in the loss.

Venezuela: Yorman Zamora 16, John Cox 12, Gregory Echenique 11
Jordan: Zaid Abbas 10, Osama Daghles 6, Mohammad Shaher 6, Ali Jamal 6


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

ZAMBIA

Who will stop the Magic? - by Eurobasket News

The Matero magic maintained there 100% unbeaten record on Sunday when the beat the UNZA Pacers 73-72 in an interesting match played at Nasdec .
Defending champions Heroes suffered the 5th defect of the Season after going down 83-76
full results of the games played over the weekend
RESULTS FROM GAMES PLAYED ON SATURDAY, 23.06.2012 (SOUTHERN REGION):
COMETS 47 19 INTREPID... BULLS (M)
SPARTRESS 35 45 GREEN BUFFALOES (F)
NKWAZI 60 63 UNZA PACERS "B" (M)
UNZA HONEYS 44 40 LCC LOOTRESSES (F)
SPARTANS 68 76 KABWE LEGENDS (M)
GREEN EAGLES 69 73 LCC LOOTERS (M)
NAPSA HURRICANES 83 76 HEROES PLAY UNITED (M)
RESULTS FROM GAMES PLAYED ON 24.06.2012 (SOUTHERN REGION):
UNZA PACERS 'B' 63 83 ZCAS BLAZERS (M)
MATERO MAGIC 'B' 68 57 GREEN BUFFALOES 'B' (M)
SHELLS 64 60 HOTSPURS (F)
GREEN BUFFALOES 81 75 HAWKS (M)
MATERO MAGIC 'A' 73 72 UNZA PACERS 'A' (M)
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.ch



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

Women News

Czech Republic outplays Argentina to win Group B in Ankara - by Eurobasket News

ARGENTINA - CZECH REPUBLIC 54-68

It was a crucial game for the first place in Group B of the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Ankara. Czech Republic celebrated 54-68 victory to win this pool with perfect 2-0 record. Argentina dropped to the second place with 1-1 score. Both teams advanced to the Quarterfinals, which will be played on Friday. Petra Kulichova (198-C-84) was MVP of this game with valuation 29. She had monster double-double of 16 points and 20 rebounds. Alena Hanusova (189-F/C-91) and Hana Horakova (182-F/G-79) helped Czech Republic with 13 and 11 points respectively. In defeat, Melisa Gretter (170-PG-93) netted 13 points and Paula Reggiardo (178-F-84, agency: Players Group) scored one less. Czech Republic took control on its rival from the very beginning and resolved question about the winner after 3 quarters. They had 23-point lead with 10 minutes to go and all after that was just the formality, despite Argentina won last period by 9. Quarters: 9-19, 13-11, 9-24, 23-14. In the Quarterfinals, Czech Republic will play against Japan. Argentina will take on the winner of Group A and at the same time the host of this tournament - Turkey.

Argentina: Melisa Gretter 13, Paula Reggiardo 12
Czech Republic: Petra Kulichova 16+20 boards, Alena Hanusova 13, Hana Horakova 11


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

AUSTRALIA

Kristina Keneally named BA CEO - by Eurobasket News

Former NSW Premier Kristina Keneally is the new CEO of Basketball Australia.

Basketball Australia today announced former New South Wales Premier Kristina Keneally will be appointed as the organisations new Chief Executive Officer, effective 3 August 2012.

Ms Keneally, the current Member for Heffron, is resigning from NSW Parliament in order to take up the position.

BA Board member Justin Milne will immediately assume the role of Chair of the BA Board until a new Chair is appointed.

Mr Milne who chaired the CEO search committee said the Board was very pleased by the quality of the candidates who put themselves forward for the job.

"The reality is the Board had an extremely competitive field of candidates to choose from, and applicants from within and outside sport," Mr Milne said.

"However, the Board felt Kristina presented a complete package to BA: demonstrated leadership skills; strong understanding of community, government and the private sector; and excellent communication abilities.

Her national profile, combined with her energy and her passion for the sport, will give basketball a significant boost in Australia."

Acting CEO and BA Board member Scott Derwin said the move was yet another coup for Basketball Australia.

Kristina has more than proven her worth to Basketball Australia during her short time as Chair; weve all been extremely impressed with how much shes done to take the organisation in a new direction, Mr Derwin said.

Theres no better time to be involved in Australian Basketball. Its an Olympic year, and all four of our international teams are ranked in the top 10 in the world.

The sport has moved forward in leaps and bounds over recent years, and the Board looks forward to seeing Kristina build on that success in her new role as CEO.

Ms Keneally said she looks forward to rolling up her sleeves and getting to work as CEO.

Ive loved working with Basketball Australia during my time as Chair weve achieved a lot in a short space of time, including a new and improved NBL television deal with Network Ten, the establishment of the WNBL Commission, and return of the NBL All Stars game, Ms Keneally said.
Now, with the Olympics and Paralympics ahead of us, our teams are set to strut on the world stage.

Basketball in Australia has a solid success story to tell: were ranked as one of the top-five basketball playing nations in the world; our success at an international level is something other Australian codes can only dream about.

Beyond this years Olympics, our vision is to capitalise on that success in a big way to put Australian Basketball front and centre on our shores.


Background Information

The Hon Kristina Keneally MP is the Member for Heffron in the New South Wales Parliament.

First elected in 2003, Kristina served as the 42nd Premier of New South Wales and the first female Premier in the state from 2009 to 2011.

She has also had the privilege of serving the people of New South Wales as a Minister in the portfolios of Planning, Infrastructure, Disability Services, Ageing, World Youth Day and Redfern Waterloo.

She holds a BA in Political Science (Hons) and a MA in Religious Studies, and has also worked as the NSW Youth Coordinator for the Society of St Vincent de Paul.

The daughter of an Australian mother and an American father, Kristina grew up in the United States, where she played varsity basketball at her high school. She moved permanently to Sydney in 1994, and married her husband Ben in 1996.

Kristina previously served as the Chairman of the Board of Basketball Australia. She is a Director of Souths Cares, the charitable arm of the South Sydney Rabbitohs Football Club, and an Advisory Board member of the Sydney Sixers T20 cricket team.

She is also an Ambassador for Opportunity International Australia and a member of the Advisory Board of Government Media, publishers of Government Magazine.

Kristina is the mother of 3 children: Daniel (aged 14), Brendan (aged 11), and Caroline, who was stillborn. Kristina serves as Patron of the Stillbirth Foundation, promoting awareness, understanding, support and research into stillbirth.

Courtesy of WNBL


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

AUSTRIA

Austria U18 and Slovenia U16 exchange victories - by Eurobasket News

Austria U18 and Slovenia U16 exchange victories. Both teams won the initial game in the preparation campaign.
In Game 1 Austria U18 celebrated a 67:62 win. Austria started with 14-8 lead and needed 21-15 in the last stanza to seal the victory. Novakovic top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Fuchs-Robetin added 19. Manca Jelenc (172-PG-96) replied with 15 points and Larisa Ocvirk (184-F-97) scored 13.
In Game 2 Slovenia U16 responded with a 79:49 victory. Austria won the first period 22-12, but lost the game by 30 points. Slovenia played very well in the rest of the game and won three quarters. Manca Jelenc paced all the winners with 18 points and Zala Lesek (187-F-97) nailed 12. Novakovic responded with 14 points in the losing effort and Petrak as well as Wagner had 6 each.


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BELGIUM

Belgian U16 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

4

Fauve Bastiaenssen

97

Sint Katelijne

5

Julie Allemand

173-PG-96

Point Chaud

6

Eline Maesschalck

97

Jeugd Gentson

7

Eva Devliegher

170-PG-96

Blue Cats

8

Sofia Ouahabi

97

CRF AWBB

9

Phebe Raman

96

Jeugd Gentson

10

Emma Uittenhove

96

Oostende

11

Loes Breughe

175-G-96

Blue Cats

12

Heleen Nauwelaers

96

Sint Katelijne

13

Kyara Linskens

189-C-96

Sint Katelijne

14

Laeticia Mpoyi

179-C-96

Young Cats

15

Serena-Lynn Geldof

97

Oostende

Arvid Diels

Head Coach

Sint Katelijne

Pierre Cornia

Assistant

Point Chaud

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BULGARIA

Kristina Santiago signs with Dunav 8806 - by Eurobasket News

Kristina Santiago (185-F-89, agency: LBM Management) signs with Dunav 8806 for the next season. The Bulgarian team announced another loud signing for 2012/2013 season.
Kristina Santiago started her career in 2008-2009 for Cal Poly - SLO (NCAA, starting five) and debuted with 15.2ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.9apg, 1.7spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 52.6%, FT: 76.3%. In 2009-2010: Cal Poly - SLO (NCAA, starting five) she improved to 19.6ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.8apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 67.1%. In her last season for Cal Poly - SLO (NCAA, starting five) her stats read 23.4ppg, 9.9rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 71.5%.
Earlier Dunav 8806 Ruse signed their first new player for the 2012/2013 season. Amanda Johnsonwill play for the Bulgarian champions and this will be her first European experience. She is 187 cm tall and plays as a forward.
Over the last few years she made it into All-Big West 1st Team -09, 10, 12, became Big West Tournament Finalist -09, 11, Big West Regular Season Runner-Up -10 and reached Big West Tournament Semifinals -10, 12. She was named All-Big West Player of the Year -10, 12, Big West Regular Season Co-Champion -11 and Big West Regular Season Champion -12.


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CHILE

Ziomara Morrison in the WNBA - by Daniel Valencia

Ziomara Morrison (193-C-89, agency: Regeneracom Sports) have gained more minutes in the court in the past games of the Silver Stars.

In the seventh game of the season (against Seattle Storm), Morrison played 15 minutes, scoring 12 points and grabbing 2 rebounds. Then, when the Silver Stars host Los Angeles, Morrison played 8 minutes.

In the last two games, playing at Seattle and Los Angeles, the chilean center played 9 and 4 minutes respectively, scoring 3 points ans grabbing 2 rebounds against the Seattle Storm.

The next game for the San Antonio Silver Stars will be played in Texas against the Los Angeles Sparks.


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CHINA

Maya Moore to bring winning ways to China - by Eurobasket News

The Lynx star received a lucrative offer from a team in an emerging market for women's basketball.

Maya Moore (182-F-89, college: Connecticut) has two teams right now and both mean a lot to her.

There is the Lynx, of course, and then there is her business team, led by another Lindsay -- Kagawa, not Whalen -- of the Wasserman Media Group in Los Angeles.

Kagawa is Moore's agent who recently helped Moore land a lucrative offseason job.

On Sunday night, Moore announced on Twitter she will play for the Shangxu Xing Rui Flame in Taiyuan, China, this winter.

"China was a great opportunity, a new frontier," Moore said after Tuesday's practice. "They are starting to develop more and more teams that will bring in some foreigners -- we are foreigners now -- over there. I think I can take advantage of a lot of things on the court and off the court."

She will be the only American on the Flame. Only a handful of WNBA players have played in China before. Most play in Europe.

But the Flame offered Moore a nice contract. Moore said is was "significantly more than double her rookie contract," which was just under $47,000 last year.

"China is an amazing place," said Lynx guard Seimone Augustus, who played for the U.S. women's basketball team in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. "It is going to be a joy to see a great talent like Maya go over there and really open up the market there for women's basketball."

Her goal in China, as always, will be to lead her team to a championship. That seems to happen everywhere Moore goes. In college at Connecticut (two NCAA titles). On U.S. national teams (four gold medals since 2006). With the Lynx last year. And with Ros Casares in Valencia, Spain.

Ros Casares won two titles earlier this year; it was the best team in Spain and the EuroLeague, but ceased operations a month ago.

"It hurts but it happens," Moore said. "Some teams fold and then new ones come. I am not taking it as a decline of women's basketball. A lot of overseas teams are based off clubs and owners who put a lot of money into their teams and try to win. So if you can't afford to do it, sometimes times are tough."

With the Lynx, times have never been better. The defending WNBA champions are 12-1 and face Phoenix at Target Center on Wednesday.

Moore's statistics are solid -- 13.6 points per game, 4.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists -- but not the kind to garner any player of the week or month honors or put her in the spotlight she was under at UConn. The Lynx share the ball too much; four players average in double figures.

Moore has no problem with that. "I am definitely here to win championships and be a good teammate first," she said.

Her drive to improve remains, too. She knows she can get better and she is always setting goals.

Moore wants to shoot more free throws "[and there's] getting my shooting percentage just a little bit higher or cutting down on my turnovers, just different things like that."

She should quickly build a following among the hard-working Chinese just as she has with the Lynx.

Courtesy of www.startribune.com


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CROATIA

Croatia too strong for South Korea in Ankara, both teams advance to Quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News

SOUTH KOREA - CROATIA 75-83

Croatia won Group C of the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Ankara. They outplayed South Korea today 75-83 to win this pool with perfect 2-0 record. South Korea slipped to the second place with 1-1 score. Both teams advanced to Quarterfinals, which will be played on Friday. Croatia will play against Canada and South Korea will meet France. Marija Vrsaljko (195-C-89) led the winners today with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Her valuation 29 was enough for the MVP award in this game. Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) scored 14 points and Jelena Ivezic (182-F/G-84) helped with 13 points, plus 6 rebounds. At the other side, Beon Yeon-Ha (180-F-80) collected 19 points and 6 boards. Choi Yoon-Ah (169-G-85) (5 as) and Jung Sun-Min (185-C-74) posted 12 and 11 points respectively. South Korea was better at the beginning as they took 19-16 lead after ten minutes of play. Marija Vrsaljko and her teammates exploded in Q2 for plus 7 at the halftime. Teams were tied at 19-19 in Q3 and Croatia managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Teams will have a day off tomorrow.

South Korea: Beon Yeon-Ha 19+6 boards, Choi Yoon-Ah 12+5 as, Jung Sun-Min 11
Croatia: Marija Vrsaljko 26+7 boards, Sandra Mandir 14, Jelena Ivezic 13+6 boards


Novi Zagreb replace Gospic in Euroleague - by Eurobasket News

Novi Zagreb replace Gospic in Euroleague 2012/2013 season. The Croatian rising team will represent the country in the top tournament.
Tonight FIBA Europe has announced the list of teams that will participate in the 2012/13 EuroLeague Women season. Instead of 23 teams that participated last season, the new year will have only 21. Mostly due to the financial problems.
Earlier Novi Zagreb announced signing a one-year deals with Eva Komplet (182-F/C-86), Maurita Reid (173-PG-85, college: Miami, FL) and Latoya Williams (193-C-87, college: Chipola JC).
Maurita Reid is back to Croatia. She spent 2010-11 season in Gospic, helping them to take Croatian championship and cup title. She was named Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague 1st Team for 2011. Last season she spent in Israel, playing for A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra, and reaching Israeli cup finals.
Latoya Williams coming from Greece, where she spent last season playing for Ravenna Esperides / Glyfada.


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CZECH REPUBLIC

Czech Republic outplays Argentina to win Group B in Ankara - by Eurobasket News

ARGENTINA - CZECH REPUBLIC 54-68

It was a crucial game for the first place in Group B of the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Ankara. Czech Republic celebrated 54-68 victory to win this pool with perfect 2-0 record. Argentina dropped to the second place with 1-1 score. Both teams advanced to the Quarterfinals, which will be played on Friday. Petra Kulichova (198-C-84) was MVP of this game with valuation 29. She had monster double-double of 16 points and 20 rebounds. Alena Hanusova (189-F/C-91) and Hana Horakova (182-F/G-79) helped Czech Republic with 13 and 11 points respectively. In defeat, Melisa Gretter (170-PG-93) netted 13 points and Paula Reggiardo (178-F-84, agency: Players Group) scored one less. Czech Republic took control on its rival from the very beginning and resolved question about the winner after 3 quarters. They had 23-point lead with 10 minutes to go and all after that was just the formality, despite Argentina won last period by 9. Quarters: 9-19, 13-11, 9-24, 23-14. In the Quarterfinals, Czech Republic will play against Japan. Argentina will take on the winner of Group A and at the same time the host of this tournament - Turkey.

Argentina: Melisa Gretter 13, Paula Reggiardo 12
Czech Republic: Petra Kulichova 16+20 boards, Alena Hanusova 13, Hana Horakova 11


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EUROCUP

Sakellie Daniels will continue with Kibirkstis-Tiche - by Eurobasket News

Sakellie Daniels (170-G-84, college: Charlotte) will continue with Kibirkstis-Tiche. According to lovewomensbasketball.com and the local website the team will keep the American player. Moreover Kibirkstis-Tiche-IKI are set to participate in EuroCup Women next season.
Sakellie is a very athletic, strong and very quick guard who can play both the 1 and 2 guard position. She is a very versatile player who is capable of scoring both inside and outside, and also plays good defense with high intensity.
She possesses good ball handling and can really create in the open court. Can to push the ball down the floor at high speed, without losing control. While penetrating has a good court sense to make the pass to the right player.
In 2011-2012 for Kibirkstis-Tiche-IKI Vilnius (Lithuania-LMKL, starting five) Sakellie Daniels averaged 9.6ppg, 6.2rpg, Assists-1 (6.2apg), Steals-1 (3.3spg), FGP: 37.6%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 67.5% in Lithuanian league. In BWBL after 9 games her stats read 5.8ppg, 5.4rpg, Assists-1 (6.3apg), Steals-4 (2.3spg), FGP: 32.7%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 57.7%.


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EUROLEAGUE

EuroLeague Women Clubs Announced - by Eurobasket News

FIBA Europe has announced the list of teams that will participate in the 2012/13 EuroLeague Women season.

The Regular Season line-up features 21 clubs, which will be drawn into three groups of seven (7) teams.

Each team will play against the other teams in its group in home and away games (Round Robin).

The top five (5) teams from each group (if the Final Eight hosts are among the top five in their group) will advance, and the seven (7) teams that will join the hosts in the Final Eight will then be determined in the Play-Offs (best-of-three series).

If the hosts are not among the top five (5) in their group, the top four (4) in every group plus the two best fifth (5th) placed teams will advance to the play-offs.

The Draw takes place in Freising, Germany on Friday 6 July.

The 21 clubs that will enter the draw are:

Courtesy of http://www.fibaeurope.com


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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Standings Div.A (Women) Standings Group A 1. Belarus 4-0 2. Hungary 2-2 3. Israel 2-2 4. Ukraine 2-2 5. Portugal 0-4 Group B 1. Montenegro. 4-0 2. Poland 3-1 3. Serbia 2-2 4. Switzerlan. 1-3 5. Estonia 0-4 Group C 1. Lithuania 3-1 2. Slovenia 3-1 3. Slovakia 3-1 4. Holland 1-3 5. Belgium 0-4 Group D 1. Spain 3-1 2. Sweden 3-1 3. Germany 2-2 4. Romania 2-2 5. Bulgaria 0-4 Group E 1. Italy 3-1 2. Latvia 3-1 3. Finland 2-2 4. Greece 2-2 5. Luxembourg. 0-4 Qualifying Round: Round 5 A Jun. 27: HUN - UKR 73-78 Jun. 27: POR - ISR 60-62 B Jun. 27: SUI - POL 45-62 Jun. 27: SRB - EST 101-50 C Jun. 27: NED - BEL 74-59 Jun. 26: SLO - SVK 61-72 D Jun. 27: BUL - ROM 68-70 Jun. 27: SWE - GER 68-58 E Jun. 27: ITA - FIN 76-58 Jun. 27: LUX - GRE 61-85 Qualifying Round: Round 6 A Jun. 30: HUN - BLR Jun. 30: POR - UKR B Jun. 30: SUI - EST Jun. 30: SRB - MNT C Jun. 30: SLO - BEL Jun. 30: NED - LTU D Jun. 30: SWE - ROM Jun. 30: BUL - ESP E Jun. 30: LUX - FIN Jun. 30: ITA - LAT

Stats Leaders Div.A (Women) PPG RPG APG SPG BPG Points Per Game  Frida ELDEBRINK   SWE   (174-G-88)   Avg: 21.5  1. Eldebrink, SWE 21.5   2. Tuukkanen, FIN 21.3   3. Marginean, ROM 19.5   4. Dubljevic, MNT 19.3   5. Dabovic, SRB 19.0   6. Petronyte, LTU 18.5   7. Doron, ISR 18.0   8. Jansone, LAT 17.5   9. Perovanovic, MNT 17.3   10. Twehues, SUI 16.8  Rebounds Per Game  Taru TUUKKANEN   FIN   (190-C-77)   Avg: 12.8  1. Tuukkanen, FIN 12.8   2. Teilane-T., LAT 10.3   3. Dubljevic, MNT 10.0   4. Petronyte, LTU 9.3   5. Pavel, ROM 8.5   6. Perovanovic, MNT 8.3   7. Nicholls, ESP 8.0   8. Perostiyska, BUL 8.0   9. Meesseman, BEL 7.8   10. Fleisher, ISR 7.8  Assists Per Game  Jelena SKEROVIC   MNT   (176-G-80)   Avg: 5.5  1. Skerovic, MNT 5.5   2. Dubljevic, MNT 5.3   3. Baric, SLO 5.0   4. Teilane-T., LAT 4.8   5. Doron, ISR 4.3   6. Karklina, LAT 4.3   7. Parau, ROM 4.0   8. Sottana, ITA 3.8   9. Dabovic, SRB 3.8   10. Dabovic, SRB 3.8  Steals Per Game  Romy BAR   GER   (189-F-87)   Avg: 4.3  1. Bar, GER 4.3   2. Skobel, POL 3.5   3. Dabovic, SRB 3.5   4. Hatzinikolao., GRE 3.3   5. Doron, ISR 3.0   6. Linkeviciene, LTU 3.0   7. Ouvina, ESP 3.0   8. Kubatova, SVK 2.8   9. Erkic, SLO 2.8   10. Nagy, HUN 2.5  Blocks Per Game  Anastasiya VEREMEENKO   BLR   (194-C-87)   Avg: 2.5  1. Veremeenko, BLR 2.5   2. Pavel, ROM 2.0   3. Nicholls, ESP 2.0   4. Teilane-T., LAT 1.8   5. Meesseman, BEL 1.5   6. Majewska, POL 1.3   7. Petronyte, LTU 1.3   8. Halman, NED 1.0   9. Paugaite, LTU 1.0   10. Zlatanova, BUL 1.0

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FRANCE

France destroys Mali to win Group D in Ankara - by Eurobasket News

FRANCE - MALI 87-33

As expected, France had an easy job against Mali today in Ankara. France outplayed its rival with huge 87-33 winning Group B of the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Of course France advanced to the Quarterfinals, where they will meet South Korea. That game will be played on Friday at 21:15h (local time). Mali is the last ranked team in this pool with 0-2 score. Each of Team France players got at least 10 minutes in this game. Nwal-Endene Miyem (188-PF-88) shined with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) added 12 points and 5 rebs. Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) collected 10 points and 5 boards in this win. Mali got 14 points from Nassira Traore (181-F-91). Their second scorer was Aminata Sininta (188-F-85) with just 5 pts. Quarters: 18-10, 25-7, 26-5, 18-11.

France: Nwal-Endene Miyem 17+10 boards, Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui 12+5 boards, Sandrine Gruda 10+5 boards
Mali: Nassira Traore 14, Aminata Sininta 5


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JAPAN

Japan beats Puerto Rico in do-or-die game, heads to Quarterfinals in Ankara - by Eurobasket News

JAPAN - PUERTO RICO 79-70

Japan outplayed Puerto Rico in do-or-die game today. It was a 79-70 victory and Japan advanced to Quarterfinals of the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Ankara. Japan ended first phase as the second ranked team of Group A with 1-1 record and kept their Olympic hopes alive. Puerto Rico finished as the last ranked team in this pool with 0-2 and Olympic Games in London stay just a dream for them. Yuka Mamiya (185-C/F-90) exploded for the winners with double-double of 29 points and 15 rebounds. She reached valuation 32 and was the MVP of this meeting. Yuko Oga (170-G-82) followed her with 17 points and 5 assists, while Ryoko Yano (178-F-78) added 13 pts. In the loosing squad, Jazmine Sepulveda (178-SG-85, college: S.Florida) collected 24 points. Carla Cortijo (172-G-87, college: Texas) had 17 and was their last player with double digits in scoring. Japan shined after the breather and later managed to keep its lead for rest of the way. Quarters: 19-11, 11-17, 22-15, 27-27. Quarterfinals in Ankara will be played on Saturday. Japan will meet the winner of Group B - Czech Republic.

Japan: Yuka Mamiya 29+15 boards, Yuko Oga 17+5 as, Ryoko Yano 13
Puerto Rico: Jazmine Sepulveda 24, Carla Cortijo 17


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LITHUANIA

Sakellie Daniels will continue with Kibirkstis-Tiche - by Eurobasket News

Sakellie Daniels (170-G-84, college: Charlotte) will continue with Kibirkstis-Tiche. According to lovewomensbasketball.com and the local website the team will keep the American player. Moreover Kibirkstis-Tiche-IKI are set to participate in EuroCup Women next season.
Sakellie is a very athletic, strong and very quick guard who can play both the 1 and 2 guard position. She is a very versatile player who is capable of scoring both inside and outside, and also plays good defense with high intensity.
She possesses good ball handling and can really create in the open court. Can to push the ball down the floor at high speed, without losing control. While penetrating has a good court sense to make the pass to the right player.
In 2011-2012 for Kibirkstis-Tiche-IKI Vilnius (Lithuania-LMKL, starting five) Sakellie Daniels averaged 9.6ppg, 6.2rpg, Assists-1 (6.2apg), Steals-1 (3.3spg), FGP: 37.6%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 67.5% in Lithuanian league. In BWBL after 9 games her stats read 5.8ppg, 5.4rpg, Assists-1 (6.3apg), Steals-4 (2.3spg), FGP: 32.7%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 57.7%.


VICI Aistes is out of Euroleague 2012/2013 season - by Eurobasket News

VICI Aistes is out of Euroleague 2012/2013 season. The Lithuanian Champions will not represent the country next season.
Tonight FIBA Europe has announced the list of teams that will participate in the 2012/13 EuroLeague Women season. Instead of 23 teams that participated last season, the new year will have only 21. Mostly due to the financial problems.
VICI Aistes became the champions of Lithuanian and Baltic league. They triumphed at Baltic League 2011/2012 campaign with the win over Gorizont 79:66.
In the National League VICI Aistes lifted up the trophy as they won the Final series over Kibirkstis-Tiche. The decisive game brought 94:65 win for the favorites that proved their Regular Season unbeaten record.
The Draw takes place in Freising, Germany on Friday 6 July.


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MALI

France destroys Mali to win Group D in Ankara - by Eurobasket News

FRANCE - MALI 87-33

As expected, France had an easy job against Mali today in Ankara. France outplayed its rival with huge 87-33 winning Group B of the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Of course France advanced to the Quarterfinals, where they will meet South Korea. That game will be played on Friday at 21:15h (local time). Mali is the last ranked team in this pool with 0-2 score. Each of Team France players got at least 10 minutes in this game. Nwal-Endene Miyem (188-PF-88) shined with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) added 12 points and 5 rebs. Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) collected 10 points and 5 boards in this win. Mali got 14 points from Nassira Traore (181-F-91). Their second scorer was Aminata Sininta (188-F-85) with just 5 pts. Quarters: 18-10, 25-7, 26-5, 18-11.

France: Nwal-Endene Miyem 17+10 boards, Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui 12+5 boards, Sandrine Gruda 10+5 boards
Mali: Nassira Traore 14, Aminata Sininta 5


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OLYMPIC GAMES

Standings - Women Standings Group A 1. Angola 0-0 2. Chile 0-0 3. USA 0-0 Group B 1. Australia 0-0 2. Brazil 0-0 3. U.Kingdom 0-0 4. Russia 0-0 Group Qualification Gr.A 1. Turkey 2-0 2. Japan 1-1 3. P.Rico 0-2 Group Qualification Gr.B 1. Czech Rep. 2-0 2. Argentina 1-1 3. N.Zealand 0-2 Group Qualification Gr.C 1. Croatia 2-0 2. S.Korea 1-1 3. Mozambique. 0-2 Group Qualification Gr.D 1. France 2-0 2. Canada 1-1 3. Mali 0-2 Additional Qualifying Round: Round 3 Qual. A Jun. 27: JPN - PUR 79-70 Qual. B Jun. 27: ARG - CZE 54-68 Qual. C Jun. 27: KOR - CRO 75-83 Qual. D Jun. 27: FRA - MLI 87-33 Additional Qualifying Round: Round 4 Jun. 29: CRO - CAN Jun. 29: CZE - JPN Jun. 29: TUR - ARG Jun. 29: FRA - KOR

Stats Leaders PPG RPG APG SPG BPG Points Per Game  Yuka MAMIYA   (185-C/F-90)   Avg: 23  1. Mamiya, JPN 23.0   2. Sepulveda, PUR 22.0   3. Machanguana, MOZ 19.0   4. Sin, KOR 17.5   5. Vrsaljko, CRO 17.0   6. Beon, KOR 17.0   7. Cortijo, PUR 16.0   8. Viteckova, CZE 15.5   9. Mandir, CRO 15.0   10. Kulichova, CZE 14.5  Rebounds Per Game  Petra KULICHOVA   CZE   (198-C-84)   Avg: 16.5  1. Kulichova, CZE 16.5   2. Sin, KOR 12.0   3. Machanguana, MOZ 10.5   4. Mamiya, JPN 9.5   5. Caglar, TUR 8.0   6. Dongue, MOZ 8.0   7. Salopek, CRO 8.0   8. Takada, JPN 7.5   9. Burgrova, CZE 7.5   10. Phillips, CAN 7.0  Assists Per Game  Celine DUMERC   (169-G-82)   Avg: 6.5  1. Dumerc, FRA 6.5   2. Jelavic, CRO 6.5   3. Yoshida, JPN 6.0   4. Ngulela, MOZ 6.0   5. Pilypaitis, CAN 5.5   6. Choi, KOR 5.5   7. Oga, JPN 4.5   8. Yilmaz, TUR 4.0   9. Mandir, CRO 4.0   10. Vardarli, TUR 3.5  Steals Per Game  Yoon-Ah CHOI   (169-G-85)   Avg: 3.5  1. Choi, KOR 3.5   2. Lelas, CRO 3.0   3. Machanguana, MOZ 2.5   4. Cava, ARG 2.5   5. Sininta, MLI 2.5   6. Gretter, ARG 2.0   7. Yilmaz, TUR 2.0   8. Yoshida, JPN 2.0   9. Halar, MOZ 2.0   10. Ayim, CAN 2.0  Blocks Per Game  Petra KULICHOVA   CZE   (198-C-84)   Avg: 3.5  1. Kulichova, CZE 3.5   2. Ndongue, FRA 2.0   3. Takada, JPN 1.5   4. Vrsaljko, CRO 1.5   5. Phillips, CAN 1.5   6. Sin, KOR 1.5   7. Digbeu, FRA 1.0   8. Yacoubou-D., FRA 1.0   9. Miyem, FRA 1.0   10. Gruda, FRA 1.0

2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Quarterfinals are set - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Japan - Puerto Rico 79-70
Japan outplayed Puerto Rico in do-or-die game today. It was a 79-70 victory and Japan advanced to Quarterfinals of the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Ankara. Japan ended first phase as the second ranked team of Group A with 1-1 record and kept their Olympic hopes alive. Puerto Rico finished as the last ranked team in this pool with 0-2 and Olympic Games in London stay just a dream for them. Yuka Mamiya (185-C/F-90) exploded for the winners with double-double of 29 points and 15 rebounds. She reached valuation 32 and was the MVP of this meeting. Yuko Oga (170-G-82) followed her with 17 points and 5 assists, while Ryoko Yano (178-F-78) added 13 pts. In the loosing squad, Jazmine Sepulveda (178-SG-85, college: S.Florida) collected 24 points. Carla Cortijo (172-G-87, college: Texas) had 17 and was their last player with double digits in scoring. Japan shined after the breather and later managed to keep its lead for rest of the way. Quarters: 19-11, 11-17, 22-15, 27-27. Quarterfinals in Ankara will be played on Saturday. Japan will meet the winner of Group B - Czech Republic.

Group B

Argentina - Czech Republic 54-68
It was a crucial game for the first place in Group B of the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Ankara. Czech Republic celebrated 54-68 victory to win this pool with perfect 2-0 record. Argentina dropped to the second place with 1-1 score. Both teams advanced to the Quarterfinals, which will be played on Friday. Petra Kulichova (198-C-84) was MVP of this game with valuation 29. She had monster double-double of 16 points and 20 rebounds. Alena Hanusova (189-F/C-91) and Hana Horakova (182-F/G-79) helped Czech Republic with 13 and 11 points respectively. In defeat, Melisa Gretter (170-PG-93) netted 13 points and Paula Reggiardo (178-F-84, agency: Players Group) scored one less. Czech Republic took control on its rival from the very beginning and resolved question about the winner after 3 quarters. They had 23-point lead with 10 minutes to go and all after that was just the formality, despite Argentina won last period by 9. Quarters: 9-19, 13-11, 9-24, 23-14. In the Quarterfinals, Czech Republic will play against Japan. Argentina will take on the winner of Group A and at the same time the host of this tournament - Turkey.

Group C

South Korea - Croatia 75-83
Croatia won Group C of the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Ankara. They outplayed South Korea today 75-83 to win this pool with perfect 2-0 record. South Korea slipped to the second place with 1-1 score. Both teams advanced to Quarterfinals, which will be played on Friday. Croatia will play against Canada and South Korea will meet France. Marija Vrsaljko (195-C-89) led the winners today with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Her valuation 29 was enough for the MVP award in this game. Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) scored 14 points and Jelena Ivezic (182-F/G-84) helped with 13 points, plus 6 rebounds. At the other side, Beon Yeon-Ha (180-F-80) collected 19 points and 6 boards. Choi Yoon-Ah (169-G-85) (5 as) and Jung Sun-Min (185-C-74) posted 12 and 11 points respectively. South Korea was better at the beginning as they took 19-16 lead after ten minutes of play. Marija Vrsaljko and her teammates exploded in Q2 for plus 7 at the halftime. Teams were tied at 19-19 in Q3 and Croatia managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Teams will have a day off tomorrow.

Group D

France - Mali 87-33
As expected, France had an easy job against Mali today in Ankara. France outplayed its rival with huge 87-33 winning Group B of the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Of course France advanced to the Quarterfinals, where they will meet South Korea. That game will be played on Friday at 21:15h (local time). Mali is the last ranked team in this pool with 0-2 score. Each of Team France players got at least 10 minutes in this game. Nwal-Endene Miyem (188-PF-88) shined with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) added 12 points and 5 rebs. Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) collected 10 points and 5 boards in this win. Mali got 14 points from Nassira Traore (181-F-91). Their second scorer was Aminata Sininta (188-F-85) with just 5 pts. Quarters: 18-10, 25-7, 26-5, 18-11.


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POLAND

Matizol Lider Pruszkow signs American G Tyra White - by Eurobasket News

Matizol Lider Pruszkow signed American guard Tyra White (182-G-89) for the next season. It is the first professional deal for the player, who graduated at Texas A&M University few months ago. Pruszkow competes in Polish top division for women. White played 32 games for Texas A&M last season averaging 13.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists. She had almost the same numbers in 2010/11. Texas A&M was the NCAA champion in 2011. Last season they reached NCAA Sweet 16. The school played in Sweet 16 also three years ago. Tyra White was named All-Big 12 1st Team in 2011 and this year as well. Her new team Pruszkow reached Playoff Quarterfinals in Poland last season. They failed against Lotos Gydnia.


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PUERTO RICO

Japan beats Puerto Rico in do-or-die game, heads to Quarterfinals in Ankara - by Eurobasket News

JAPAN - PUERTO RICO 79-70

Japan outplayed Puerto Rico in do-or-die game today. It was a 79-70 victory and Japan advanced to Quarterfinals of the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Ankara. Japan ended first phase as the second ranked team of Group A with 1-1 record and kept their Olympic hopes alive. Puerto Rico finished as the last ranked team in this pool with 0-2 and Olympic Games in London stay just a dream for them. Yuka Mamiya (185-C/F-90) exploded for the winners with double-double of 29 points and 15 rebounds. She reached valuation 32 and was the MVP of this meeting. Yuko Oga (170-G-82) followed her with 17 points and 5 assists, while Ryoko Yano (178-F-78) added 13 pts. In the loosing squad, Jazmine Sepulveda (178-SG-85, college: S.Florida) collected 24 points. Carla Cortijo (172-G-87, college: Texas) had 17 and was their last player with double digits in scoring. Japan shined after the breather and later managed to keep its lead for rest of the way. Quarters: 19-11, 11-17, 22-15, 27-27. Quarterfinals in Ankara will be played on Saturday. Japan will meet the winner of Group B - Czech Republic.

Japan: Yuka Mamiya 29+15 boards, Yuko Oga 17+5 as, Ryoko Yano 13
Puerto Rico: Jazmine Sepulveda 24, Carla Cortijo 17


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ROMANIA

CSM Targoviste will make Euroleague debut - by Eurobasket News

CSM Targoviste will make Euroleague debut next season. The Romanian team was awarded a wildcard and will enter 2012/2013 season.
One of the reasons to bring the experienced coach was the new tournament for the team. Earlier CSM Targoviste officially announces Georgios Dikeoulakos (agency: FCM ) for the next season.
Later CSM Targoviste secured the signing of Ivanka Matic (195-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management). The Serbian centre spent the last season in Turkey. She played for Galatasaray. Her stats read 6.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in Euroleague. Previously Ivanka Matic had stints in France, Serbia, Czech Republic, Spain and Russia. She played for the Yugoslavian National Team back in 2002. Ivanka Matic has been the member of Serbian National Team since 2005.
Also the team brought Ksenia Tikhonenko (190-F/C-93, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav). In 2009-2010 she started for Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region cadet team. In 2010-2011 played mostly for junior team. In 2011-2012 averaged 1.4ppg, 1.6rpg in EuroLeague and in Russian League showed 2.7ppg, 3.6rpg. In 2011 she was a member of the Russian U19 National Team. Ksenia Tikhonenko was named Eurobasket.com All-World Championships U19 2nd Team -11. At the World Championships U19 in Chile -11 she showed 12.2ppg, Reb-2 (10.3rpg), 1.1apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-5 (1.1bpg), FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 54.3%.


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RUSSIA

Dynamo Kursk signs four Russian players - by Eurobasket News

Dynamo Kursk announced signing of Svetlana Makhlina (180-SG-85), Varvara Psareva (190-PF-85), Maria Cherepanova (190-PF-87) and Tatyana Burik (170-G-87) for the next season.
Svetlana Makhlina is back to the club after four years. She spent last season with Vologda-Chevakata averaging 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists for 12 EuroCup games. They reached Semifinals and Makhlina was named Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup 1st Team -12. She also shined in Russian league.
Varvara Psareva returned to Dynamo Kursk after two years. She had 12.7 ppg, 8.3 rpg and 2.8 apg for 19 games with Spartak Noginsk in PBL last season. In 2010/11, Psareva played for Dynamo Moscow.
Maria Cherepanova spent last season with Vologda-Chevakata, together with Svetlana Makhlina. She had 9.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 2.6 apg in EuroCup. Her numbers in Russian league were slightly lower.
Tatyana Burik played last season for Spartak St.Petersburg averaging 5.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in PBL.


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SLOVAKIA

Beata Simova replace Erin Lawless in NT roster - by Eurobasket News

Beata Simova (184-F-87, agency: Regeneracom Sports) replace Erin Lawless in NT roster. According to SITA via lovewomensbasketball.com, Erin Lawless has left the Slovak NT camp following yesterdays victory against Slovenia.
Erin Marie Lawless (188-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Purdue) became Eurobasket.com Slovakian Extraliga All-Domestic Players Team -10, 12 and Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian Extraliga Honorable Mention -12.
In 2010-2011 continued with Dobri Anjeli Kosice (Extraliga) and averaged 3.7ppg, 1.2rpg in EuroLeague, while in Slovakian League showed 10.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 85.2%. In 2011-2012 for Good Angels Kosice (Slovakia-Extraliga) she averaged 8.5ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 41.1%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 65.0% in EuroLeague. In Slovakian League her stats read 10.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT-3 (86.4%).
Beata Simova is a Forward from Poprad. In 2011-2012 for ZBK Whirpool Poprad (Extraliga, starting five) she became the fourth top-scorer of the League with 15.1ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.0apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 44.5%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 70.4%.


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SLOVENIA

Austria U18 and Slovenia U16 exchange victories - by Eurobasket News

Austria U18 and Slovenia U16 exchange victories. Both teams won the initial game in the preparation campaign.
In Game 1 Austria U18 celebrated a 67:62 win. Austria started with 14-8 lead and needed 21-15 in the last stanza to seal the victory. Novakovic top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Fuchs-Robetin added 19. Manca Jelenc (172-PG-96) replied with 15 points and Larisa Ocvirk (184-F-97) scored 13.
In Game 2 Slovenia U16 responded with a 79:49 victory. Austria won the first period 22-12, but lost the game by 30 points. Slovenia played very well in the rest of the game and won three quarters. Manca Jelenc paced all the winners with 18 points and Zala Lesek (187-F-97) nailed 12. Novakovic responded with 14 points in the losing effort and Petrak as well as Wagner had 6 each.


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SOUTH KOREA

Croatia too strong for South Korea in Ankara, both teams advance to Quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News

SOUTH KOREA - CROATIA 75-83

Croatia won Group C of the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Ankara. They outplayed South Korea today 75-83 to win this pool with perfect 2-0 record. South Korea slipped to the second place with 1-1 score. Both teams advanced to Quarterfinals, which will be played on Friday. Croatia will play against Canada and South Korea will meet France. Marija Vrsaljko (195-C-89) led the winners today with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Her valuation 29 was enough for the MVP award in this game. Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) scored 14 points and Jelena Ivezic (182-F/G-84) helped with 13 points, plus 6 rebounds. At the other side, Beon Yeon-Ha (180-F-80) collected 19 points and 6 boards. Choi Yoon-Ah (169-G-85) (5 as) and Jung Sun-Min (185-C-74) posted 12 and 11 points respectively. South Korea was better at the beginning as they took 19-16 lead after ten minutes of play. Marija Vrsaljko and her teammates exploded in Q2 for plus 7 at the halftime. Teams were tied at 19-19 in Q3 and Croatia managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Teams will have a day off tomorrow.

South Korea: Beon Yeon-Ha 19+6 boards, Choi Yoon-Ah 12+5 as, Jung Sun-Min 11
Croatia: Marija Vrsaljko 26+7 boards, Sandra Mandir 14, Jelena Ivezic 13+6 boards


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TURKEY

TED Ankara Koleji signs first import - Jeanette Pohlen - by Eurobasket News

TED Ankara Koleji announced signing of their first import player for the next season. It is American guard Jeanette Pohlen (182-G-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford). The 23-year-old player is currently a member of the WNBA team Indiana Fever. He averages 5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists this season (12 games so far). Pohlen is not a new face in Turkey as she spent last season with Tarsus. She appeared 13 times in TKBL registering 10.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.5 spg. It seems that was not enough for the club, so they parted ways in January this year. Jeanette Pohlen is a product of the Stanford University, where she graduated a year ago. She shined with 14.5 ppg, 4.8 apg and 3.2 rpg for 36 games in their last season together. In 2001, Pohlen was named All-Pac-10 Player of the Year -11. They reached NCAA Final Four twice. Jeanette Pohlen played for U19 USA National Team at 2009 World University Games in Belgrade, where they won the Gold.


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WNBA

Standings WNBA Standings Eastern  1. Connecticut S. 9-3   2. Indiana F. 8-5   3. Chicago S. 7-4   4. Atlanta D. 6-7   5. New York L. 4-9   6. Washington M. 3-9  Western  1. Minnesota L. 13-1   2. L.Angeles S. 9-6   3. Seattle S. 7-7   4. S.Antonio SS 5-5   5. Phoenix M. 3-9   6. Tulsa S. 2-11  Regular Season: Round 16 Jun. 26: Tulsa S. - L.Angeles S. 91-75 Jun. 24: Seattle S. - Washington M. 72-55 Jun. 24: L.Angeles S. - S.Antonio SS 71-91 Jun. 26: Washington M. - Seattle S. 71-79 Jun. 26: Atlanta D. - Indiana F. 70-58 Jun. 24: New York L. - Atlanta D. 64-74 Regular Season: Round 17 Jun. 27: Minnesota L. - Phoenix M. Jun. 27: Chicago S. - Indiana F. Jun. 28: S.Antonio SS - L.Angeles S.

TED Ankara Koleji signs first import - Jeanette Pohlen - by Eurobasket News

TED Ankara Koleji announced signing of their first import player for the next season. It is American guard Jeanette Pohlen (182-G-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford). The 23-year-old player is currently a member of the WNBA team Indiana Fever. He averages 5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists this season (12 games so far). Pohlen is not a new face in Turkey as she spent last season with Tarsus. She appeared 13 times in TKBL registering 10.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.5 spg. It seems that was not enough for the club, so they parted ways in January this year. Jeanette Pohlen is a product of the Stanford University, where she graduated a year ago. She shined with 14.5 ppg, 4.8 apg and 3.2 rpg for 36 games in their last season together. In 2001, Pohlen was named All-Pac-10 Player of the Year -11. They reached NCAA Final Four twice. Jeanette Pohlen played for U19 USA National Team at 2009 World University Games in Belgrade, where they won the Gold.


Chicago Sky and Sydney Carter part ways - by Eurobasket News

Sydney Carter (5'6''-PG-90, college: Texas A&M) is no longer a member of the Chicago Sky. The WNBA team decided to release Carter today. They selected her in third round of the WNBA Draft this year. Carter appeared only once in WNBA this season. She graduated at Texas A&M University few months ago. Carter had 10.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.1 apg and 1.9 spg last season and she had almost the same numbers in 2010/11. They reached NCAA Sweet 16 in 2009 and 2012, and were NCAA champions in 2011. This year Carter was named to All-Big 12 2nd Team -12.:

'Sydney has continued to impress me in her short time with us', said Chicago Sky Head Coach and General Manager Pokey Chatman. 'She will remain on my short list of quality players.'


Williams, Latta lead Shock past Sparks, 91-75 - by Eurobasket News

Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) tossed the ball away with much chagrin, and slowly picked herself up off the floor. The frustration expanded for one of the best players in the WNBA, as she could not shake her shadow.

Tulsa Shock forward Glory Johnson (6'3''-F-90, college: Tennessee) did not give Parker an inch of room to maneuver.

Smothering Parker at half-court, Johnson pounced upon the ball as Parker tried to dribble, forcing a jump ball near the end of the first quarter.

Continuing from there, Johnson made sure Parker never found relief.

She was frustrated, very frustrated, Johnson said. Along with the rest of her teammates.

A week after scoring 33 points in a win over Tulsa, Parker scored a season-low two, on 1-of-6 shooting. The Shock (2-11) played a tireless, physical, game, battering Los Angeles (9-4) all game en route to a 91-75 win in front of 4,102 at the BOK Center Tuesday. The defense was backed by an improved shooting night for the Shock, led by Riquna Williams (5'7''-PG-90, college: Miami, FL) career-high 27 points.

Tulsas defensive intensity pushed the limits Johnson picked up a flagrant 1 and a technical foul in the third quarter but the Shock kept the Sparks from finding an offensive rhythm.

I like that feistiness, Tulsa coach Gary Kloppenburg (agency: Warren Sports International ) said. You want your team to not back down on anybody. ... Its a sign that hey, were not backing down on anybody.

From the tip, Johnson made it her duty to body Parker and push her out of her game.

When Johnson forced the jump ball near halfcourt, Tulsa already led 16-10, and Parker was scoreless.

Parker bit her tongue after she got up, looking up and walking away from the play.

In the second quarter, with the Shock leading by 15, Tulsas team defensive effort disrupted Parker once more. As the shot clock wound down, Parker tried to score inside, but was blocked going up by Tulsa guard Ivory Latta (5'6''-PG-84, college: N.Carolina). The shot clock buzzer went off a second later.

Parker backed into her defensive position and shot a sour glance toward the courtside seats, where her husband, Brooklyn Nets forward Shelden Williams, was a spectator.

Williams made hand motions, trying to do what he could to assist her.

Nothing could help. Tulsa limited Los Angeles to 25 first-half points. The Shock led by 23 at the break.

Like my dad said, you cut the head off the snake, you got the body just moving around, Latta said.

With the Shock leading 48-25 early in the third quarter, Johnson got up right on a Los Angeles inbounds pass in the backcourt. Sparks guard Alana Beard appeared to flick an elbow at Johnson, hitting the rookie as she went up the court.

Kloppenburg screamed at an official and clapped his hands together in anger.

Johnson let the emotion get to her, shoving Nneka Ogwumike to the ground a possession later and getting called for the flagrant 1. And 97 seconds later, Johnson was called for a technical when she appeared to push the ball toward Ogwumike after getting fouled while attempting a layup.

She plays off emotion, Latta said. To be honest, when she did get that tech, I felt like the team, we kept rising to the occasion.

Los Angeles whittled Tulsas lead to 56-43, but never got closer. Riquna Williams scored seven points in a 16-4 run to close the third quarter, giving Tulsa a 72-47 lead. Parker sat the whole fourth quarter. And Tulsa maintained its lead, giving Kloppenburg, its first-year head coach, a signature win to mark his teams progress.

After some of those tough losses that weve gone through, Kloppenburg said, its really rewarding.

Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com


McCoughtry leads Dream to win over Fever - by Eurobasket News

A sore left knee is keeping Atlanta's Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) from playing at full capacity.

Even though the WNBA's scoring leader is still the focal point of the Dream, McCoughtry wonders if her knee will hurt for the rest of the season.

"It takes a little time to recover, but it's getting there," she said. "I just want to get my explosiveness back and things like that so I can get up and down the floor. I look like grandma out there a little bit."

McCoughtry scored 22 points, Sancho Lyttle (6'4''-C-83, college: Houston) added 17 and the Atlanta Dream won consecutive games for the first time this season with a 70-58 victory over the Fever on Tuesday.

Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) missed her first six shots from the field and finished with a season-low eight points for the Fever. Indiana did not have anyone score in double figures. Katie Douglas and Jessica Davenport each also finished with eight points.

McCoughtry was held without a point in the first quarter, but was able to find her rhythm and scored 18 over a stretch during the second and third quarters. The game's early 11 a.m. tipoff caught players on both teams off guard.

"Once we got the blood pumping," McCoughtry said, "we were a little bit better."

The Fever took their biggest lead at eight in the final minute of the first quarter, but their offense all but disappeared going 1-for-15 from the field in the second.

Cathrine Kraayeveld (6'4''-F-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Oregon) 's lane runner ended a 19-1 Atlanta run at the 4:37 mark of the second that put the Dream up 29-19.

Indiana, which won the first two series matchups with Atlanta this year, dropped to 0-4 when trailing at halftime.

"It was noon, and we didn't come with the energy and focus you need to play," Douglas said. "I think we handled the first quarter well, but we know the game of basketball is runs and lulls and we had way too many lulls."

Dream guard Lindsey Harding (5'8''-G-84, college: Duke) finished with six points and did not start for the second straight game as Keita Swanier took her place in the lineup.

Catchings, the 2011 league MVP, dropped to 2-for-9 from the field when she missed an 18-footer late in the third.

Lyttle followed on the next possession with a long jumper that gave the Dream a 55-40 lead.

"I felt like we got a lot of good shots," Catchings said. "We just weren't hitting them today, and we would take the ball to the basket and not be able to finish. It was very bad for us."

Indiana coach Lin Dunn, whose team lost in the Eastern Conference finals to Atlanta last year, held her starters out for most of the fourth quarter.

The Fever (7-5) had won two straight and three of four. They were out-rebounded 41-29.

"We need work on having other players get hot and if our shots aren't falling, we've got to do a better job defensively, with transition, rebounds, taking care of the ball," Douglas said. "If the offense isn't flowing, we've got to find a way to improve on other areas of the game."

Atlanta (6-7) plays its next seven games on the road and with the Olympic break coming next month, the Dream's next home game is Aug. 22 against Chicago.

But stopping an opponent as potentially difficult as Catchings, who ranks fifth on the WNBA's career list with 74 double-doubles, should give Atlanta some confidence. When they last faced Catchings on May 27, she scored 25 points and pulled down a season-high 12 rebounds in a 16-point Indiana victory.

"We basically know what she wants to do with the ball when she catches it," Atlanta rookie center Aneika Henry said. "She wants to penetrate and go hard to the basket, so we just doubled down on her and helped out with Sancho on her and stuff like that."

The Dream built a big enough lead in the fourth that McCoughtry, the league's No. 1 overall draft pick three years ago, only had to play 4:28 of the final period. She needs all the rest she can get.

"I'm just getting old," she said jokingly while standing in a postgame hot tub. "I'm not 18, 19 like I used to be, so things at 25 are a little different now."

Notes: Pat Summitt, Tennessee's head coach emeritus, attended the game. Former Lady Volunteers assistant Mickie DeMoss is currently a Fever assistant coach and Tamika Catchings was a Tennessee All-American. Summitt disclosed she had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia, Alzheimer's type, last August. Catchings became emotional after the game when asked about Summitt sitting courtside, only saying "it's always great to see Coach" before walking away in tears.

Courtesy of www.nwitimes.com


Storm beat Mystics 79-71 for 5th straight win - by Eurobasket News

After losing seven of their first eight games, the Seattle Storm decided to stop thinking too much and just let their instincts take over. Now, they're on an unbeatable roll.

Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) scored 25 points and Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 14 as the Storm completed a home-and-home sweep of the Washington Mystics with a 79-71 win on Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory.

Seattle (6-7) never trailed and held a 30-17 advantage at the free throw line in the opener of a four-game road swing. The Storm moved into a tie with San Antonio for third place in the Western Conference.

''When you're in a comfort zone as a team, you're able to play instinctively, not think too much,'' said Bird, who scored 18 points in the second half. ''Early in the season we were a new group, a think there was a lot of thought going on. Now, we're just out there playing.''

Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86, college: Maryland) led the Mystics (2-9) with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

The Storm led by 14 points in the first half, though their edge was only 32-26 at halftime. With a second-half lineup featuring Langhorne and four reserves, the Mystics knocked down 7 of 10 shots opening the third quarter and tied the score at 36.

Seattle only made five 3-point field goals, but three came in the subsequent stretch. After 3s from Bird and Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) countered Mystics scores, Wauters' shot from beyond the arc put the Storm ahead for good at 45-42 and sparked an 11-2 run.

''You can feel when a team is making a run and in those moments, you really need to bear down and focus even more then you were,'' Bird said. ''We're veterans. We've been in this league. We know that you have to answer.''

The Storm's lead didn't dip below five points in the fourth quarter, and Bird ended any hopes of a Mystics comeback with consecutive jump shots for a 70-62 lead. The Storm made 9 of 10 free throws inside the final 2 minutes.

Washington, returning home following a winless road trip has lost four straight and eight of nine overall. Monique Currie scored 15 points and Natasha Lacy 11 for the Mystics.

''We didn't start off well,'' Mystics Coach Trudi Lacey said. ''Anytime a team scores 30 points off the free throw line, that's tough.''

The WNBA's two lowest scoring teams played to form early on, scoring a combined 11 points over the opening 7 minutes before Seattle found its range late in the first quarter. Ewelina Kobryn scored Seattle's final seven points in the opening quarter and the Storm pulled away with a 16-4 run bridging the first two quarters for a 26-12 lead.

''We weren't really scoring there for a while and she just kind of came in and got us some buckets,'' Bird said.

The Storm improved to 2-6 on the road. By the time their current trip is completed, they will have played 10 of 15 games away from KeyArena.

''Our team has gotten better over the last three weeks,'' Storm coach Brian Agler said. ''We better get some road wins because we have so many of them over the first half of the season.''

Earlier in the day, the Storm waived second-year forward Victoria Dunlap. Drafted in the first round by the Mystics last year, Dunlap was sent to Seattle in a trade in the offseason. Agler expects the team to add a veteran to the roster on Friday and said the team is ''talking a lot'' with veteran free agent Svetlana Abrosimova.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com


Maya Moore to bring winning ways to China - by Eurobasket News

The Lynx star received a lucrative offer from a team in an emerging market for women's basketball.

Maya Moore (182-F-89, college: Connecticut) has two teams right now and both mean a lot to her.

There is the Lynx, of course, and then there is her business team, led by another Lindsay -- Kagawa, not Whalen -- of the Wasserman Media Group in Los Angeles.

Kagawa is Moore's agent who recently helped Moore land a lucrative offseason job.

On Sunday night, Moore announced on Twitter she will play for the Shangxu Xing Rui Flame in Taiyuan, China, this winter.

"China was a great opportunity, a new frontier," Moore said after Tuesday's practice. "They are starting to develop more and more teams that will bring in some foreigners -- we are foreigners now -- over there. I think I can take advantage of a lot of things on the court and off the court."

She will be the only American on the Flame. Only a handful of WNBA players have played in China before. Most play in Europe.

But the Flame offered Moore a nice contract. Moore said is was "significantly more than double her rookie contract," which was just under $47,000 last year.

"China is an amazing place," said Lynx guard Seimone Augustus, who played for the U.S. women's basketball team in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. "It is going to be a joy to see a great talent like Maya go over there and really open up the market there for women's basketball."

Her goal in China, as always, will be to lead her team to a championship. That seems to happen everywhere Moore goes. In college at Connecticut (two NCAA titles). On U.S. national teams (four gold medals since 2006). With the Lynx last year. And with Ros Casares in Valencia, Spain.

Ros Casares won two titles earlier this year; it was the best team in Spain and the EuroLeague, but ceased operations a month ago.

"It hurts but it happens," Moore said. "Some teams fold and then new ones come. I am not taking it as a decline of women's basketball. A lot of overseas teams are based off clubs and owners who put a lot of money into their teams and try to win. So if you can't afford to do it, sometimes times are tough."

With the Lynx, times have never been better. The defending WNBA champions are 12-1 and face Phoenix at Target Center on Wednesday.

Moore's statistics are solid -- 13.6 points per game, 4.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists -- but not the kind to garner any player of the week or month honors or put her in the spotlight she was under at UConn. The Lynx share the ball too much; four players average in double figures.

Moore has no problem with that. "I am definitely here to win championships and be a good teammate first," she said.

Her drive to improve remains, too. She knows she can get better and she is always setting goals.

Moore wants to shoot more free throws "[and there's] getting my shooting percentage just a little bit higher or cutting down on my turnovers, just different things like that."

She should quickly build a following among the hard-working Chinese just as she has with the Lynx.

Courtesy of www.startribune.com